Progress at last

15th September- The day after Lynn had spoken to the consultant I received a telephone call, could I be in Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital for the next day. Too right I could, so off we went to Birmingham on 16th. There I met a very thorough and professional team, who were very keen to move my case on. I had another stand up Xray, an ECG, a blood test ( almost fainted - I told you I hate needles) and a series of clinical photographs taken . The consultant was very thorough in telling me precisely what he intended to do and told me that he would repeat himself every time we met so that I had every chance to ask questions, and we certainly did ask questions. The cunning plan is to remove this tumour, BUT as it has already got hold of both sides of my lower jaw and infected at least four teeth, most of the jaw will have to go to. That leaves a big hole. That will be replaced by a section from my fibia ( leg bone) or shoulder or a bit of both. In a couple of years time, when all is healed,I could have some teeth inserted in my new jaw. Questions ? How long before the op? How long in hospital after the Op? What is the recovery time ?, Will I be restricted in movement? What will I be able to do after the op ? Can I ski /play golf/umpire again  ?

21st September - back to QE- another consultation, but we have had time to think of more questions. We had been told that it is going to be a long operation and , as part of it, I will be cut from ear to ear to enable access to the jaw. I will be fed via a tube through my nose and will have a tracheostomy ( tube in my throat to breathe through ). This is all starting to sound a bit grim but there aren't many choices. Had another CT scan , but without the injection this time ( Hooray )

28th September- its my birthday and,    as a special birthday treat, I'm going to QE for an MRI scan to see if the blood vessels in my left leg is good enough to be joined up to form a replacement jawbone. Another consultation, this is really impressive and more questions, but we now know what is to be done and we have a date. SUNDAY 16th October . 7.30 a.m start - they might have to start without me, I'm not too good at getting up in the mornings and especialy not on a sunday.

4th October - an impromptu send off organised by Norman and Peter. Really surprised to see so many people coming to my 'retirement party ?', Ian from Knaresborough, Frances and Barry from Bedford, Ian from Surbiton and over 80 other friends and colleagues, all coming to Lincoln for a last drink. I had prepared something ( just in case ) and finished with one of my trademark blockbuster speeches - i really enjoy doing those when I've preparerd properly. It is really humbling to receive so many cards, e-mails, letters and messages of support from so many people. i decided at an early stage to go public with this , but there are still some people who dont know what to say to me. I cant handle sympathy so I tell the full story in a matter of fact manner as though it was someone elses cancer. Most people react well to that approach, but there are a few who overdue ( to my mind ) the sympathetic side.