15 years on (continued)

User

Posted 02 Jul 2014 at 22:48

Hi TG,

Makes sense to have everything in order and for your wishes to be known. Having done that, I feel you will not dwell on it but make the most of your time as per your signing off line.

Barbara and I hope that you enjoy your forthcoming visit to Dublin and whatever else you and Karen decide you would like to do.

Barry

User

Posted 03 Jul 2014 at 02:44

Barry, all I can say is what a good and caring GP you have. You may recall in one of my posts towards the end of Mick's fight I mentioned his very long and difficult chat with the palliative care consultant at the hospice. This included the treatments Mick was prepared to have towards the end game and those he did not want. It also covered where he wanted to be. I sat with him through the whole discussion so that I was a) aware of his preferences and b) could help if difficult decisions had to be made. It was extremely hard for me trying to hold back on emotions that had been held inside for such a long time. Having said that it was an experience that Mick said he found very helpful he said it made him feel at peace with himself and gave him confidence that his wishes would all be respected. The most difficult part is probably deciding when and if you want to have that discussion. It is not the start of the end by any means at all but I think you would agree it is far better to plan and give yourself total control.

You also have to remember though that Mick was unable to do many things following his spinal cord compression, you still have the ability to do many things, setting your goals and targets is a vital part of all this. Listen to your body and if lying in your hammock in the sunshine is as much as you want to do so be it.

You have shown how brave you are countless times so I am sure that the challenges ahead hold no fear for you. If anyone can defy the odds you can, especially with Karen and your wonderful family there to support you.

I think of you all every single day you know how much we all love and respect you so make sure you rest mentally as well as physically so that you can enjoy your trip to Dublin with Karen.

xxxx

User

Posted 04 Jul 2014 at 12:03

Hi, Veronica here - can't sign into the forum under my own name at present.

Mo. What a beautiful post. It shows the depth of your loving and caring nature and also speaks volumes for all of us on how we feel about Barry.❤️

Barry. I'm so pleased to hear that your GP has discussed the 'end game' with you; what an excellent GP you must have.

I personally think discussions like this can be very helpful, and dare I say positive. We have always been open and honest about these things for many years and we know in principle what each would wish when the time comes. It, as others have said, sorts things out and puts the mind to rest so it doesn't have to dwell on things and therefore allows us to get on with what we are here for. As you so rightly say 'life is for living' and that is what we should do.

So dear Barry, embrace and enjoy the quiet restful times in order that you can continue to also fill your life with the things you and Karen enjoy so much.

I don't have to say enjoy your trip to Dublin cos I know you will. 😉

Trust that you and Karen are never far from both Kim and my thoughts and that we wish you all the very best and hope that you can continue to defy the odds for a fair good time to come. We know you'll give it your utmost efforts. 😌

Take care and very best wishes to you both.

Veronica and of course Kim

User

Posted 04 Jul 2014 at 16:13

Barry - I've not been on for some time as it took me weeks to access the new set-up and finding my way around. Needless to say I am deeply moved by recent postings from Karen and yourself convincing me that you each are true 'Bravehearts' yet remain the same Top-Gun as ever.

Much like Brian2, my periodic visits help sustain me in my personal battle with this pestersome lodger but I feel a bit of a fraud in comparison to your situation. I am now into my tenth year, still on HT with six monthly checks on a slowly rising PSA and getting regular reminders that the lodger is intent on seeing me off. Eviction notices just seem to be ignored!!

Along with all your supportive team I want to be included in every good wish and prayer for some improvement and relief from the pain you have been coping with so you can get on with LIVING.

I was not in Leicester but did think about the whole group. Last weekend I was in Scarborough again for Armed Forces Day and what a fitting celebration the whole programme of events became; in favourable weather too. I joined an ex-shipmate in the veterans march at the close and I was near to it! It tested me but I enjoyed completing, it was a boost of confidence. It was a different story on Sunday after Joyce had to take over the driving when cramps set in both legs and walking was difficult until Tuesday.

User

Posted 06 Jul 2014 at 07:46

Hi all (especially John B who we, co-incidentally met in Cyprus )

A bad day yesterday, in a lot of pain right across my groin spreading down my left leg and as usual in my bum. My temperature rising to 38.8. and a complete blockage both bowels and urine. Felt really out of it. On call doctor was phoned who diagnosed a urine infection, Karen picked up some antibiotics ( more blo*dy tablets ).

Finally managed to have a wee after inserting 2 catheters and this morning my temperature is normal at 36.6. I hope to be seeing my Gurkha friend at Andover this afternoon, will let Karen drive whilst I will lie down in back. That will be the last of any travelling until Monday week when we go to Dublin .

Troublesome days but it is a case of keeping on going because...

Life is for living

Barry (alias Barrington )

User

Posted 06 Jul 2014 at 09:27

Barry, I hope the antibiotics work quickly, the infections can be so debilitating. And after today's trip out hope your weather is warm enough to rest in the hammock. Love to you both, Janet

User

Posted 06 Jul 2014 at 09:36

Hi Barry,

I was getting a little concerned when you hadn't posted for a few days, lets hope the Aunty Bs start working quickly for you. Trevor is also on them for a chest infection along with the good old steroids and yes he said the same , more bl*dy tablets.

Take it easy this afternoon. Not to much chatting.http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif

Lots of love

BFN

Julie X

NEVER LAUGH AT A LIVE DRAGON

User

Posted 06 Jul 2014 at 10:59

Hi Barry,

Good to see your post this morning, but sorry to hear you've been through more pain.

I hope those antibiotics are strong ones. Yes, it's hammock time for you, so let the sun shine on the righteous of Dorset.

It's a murky, dull and damp day up here in the grim North East.

That's a sure sign that the Sunderland Air Show must be about due to hit us.http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif

Rest up and take it easy.

Love from us all to Karen too,

George, Lynn & Kat

B2PCa

User

Posted 06 Jul 2014 at 13:00

Hope the antibiotics kick in Barry, you can do without the infections on top of everything else. Recuperate well, rest up and then you can enjoy Dublin. Thinking of you!

User

Posted 06 Jul 2014 at 13:34

Hi Barry

sorry to hear about your pain and infection but as always you never give up hope you and Karen have a good day keep resting for your trip to Dublin.

Best Wishes to you both.

Carol Eric

User

Posted 06 Jul 2014 at 22:35

Not been on for a few days Barry as we have visitors from foreign parts eating and drinking us out of house and home plus numerous excursions to go on. Loving it really, talking a huge leaf out of your book and just getting on with living.

However, that doesn't mean that you are far from our thoughts and let's see off that blasted infection, come on me old china, you can do it.

There's hammocks to be resting on and Ghurkas to be seen.

Big love

Allison xxx

Edited by member 06 Jul 2014 at 22:36 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 06 Jul 2014 at 23:08

Hope all went well with your Ghurka friend TG. Make sure you are rested now though, there's a few jars of the black stuff with your name on them

Bri

User

Posted 07 Jul 2014 at 09:43

Well the fight goes on and what a fight it is becoming. Total blockage on the urine front leading to severe pain in chest right side just below rib cage. The pain really was severe and I cancelled seeing my Gurkha friend and he fully understood. At about 6pm the pain was such that we had to call the on call doctor (weekend). He was very good and inserted a catheter with bag and nearly 2 Ltrs came pouring out. The pain slowly subsided and after a very disturbed night during which Karen, bless her, reached over to see if I was still in the land of the living I am in fact still here to tell the tale. I am going to my own surgery later this morning although my own GP is on holiday. We will have to discuss this catheter business and if I have the chance I would like to go back into the Hospice. Being a realist I can't see us making Dublin but I'm not cancelling it yet, perhaps I will have to set daily targets........after all....

Life is for living.....each and every day

Barry (alias Barrington )

User

Posted 07 Jul 2014 at 11:30

Barry, I am so sorry to hear about this.

A blockage like that leads to the most terrible pain.

Anyone of us who have had that will know the absolute agony you suffered.

Stay strong me old mate and yes, set daily targets, the main one being 'to have a better day tomorrow'.

Thinking of you all the time,

Love to Karen from us,

George, Lynn & Kat

B2PCa

User

Posted 07 Jul 2014 at 18:39

Sorry to read Barry, but I agree the hospice is probably the best place to get comfortable, rested and the pain under control. And Dublin can be sorted nearer the time, no need to worry now or put yourself under pressure, just take a day at a time, love to you both , Janet

User

Posted 07 Jul 2014 at 18:49

Hi once again,

Back into the Hospice tomorrow morning and I am really pleased as it will give Karen a well deserved break and you never know they might have another stab at getting the pain control right.

User

Posted 07 Jul 2014 at 19:51

Good luck Barry. I know what a pain a full bladder can bring. When my catheter breached they had to pump water into my bladder until it nearly burst before clearing the tube. To have that for some hours must be so excrutiating. hospice will sort that then you can enjoy the five star treatment there. One day at a time! Good luck, Barry and you are right Karen will get a break!

User

Posted 07 Jul 2014 at 19:57

Sounds like the right decision Barry. Hopefully they will sort it pronto. I still believe there's some black stuff with your name on it but as you say take each day as it comes and keep achieving those daily targets

Bri

User

Posted 07 Jul 2014 at 20:44

Good decision Barry the. pain gets unbareable sometimes as I know with Eric but that will be the first thing that hospice will deal with .

Please take care your body is telling you it needs a.wee rest,you have done yourself proud with all your goals that you have set and completed with Karen.

Take each day as it comes but please rest before Dublin

Best Wishes to you and Karen

Carol Eric

User

Posted 07 Jul 2014 at 21:21

Suprapubic catheter ?

Bypasses the plumbing & potential blockages.

Join the online community now.

Click through to become a member and gain access to support, information and real time replies.

Notification

Join the online community now.