Yes Vicar. Some of us are fortunate to have choices. Thank you very much for your kind words. I really appreciate the kindness I find here

Soubs,
I know we all feel for you and soubriquette. We also all hope we don't have to go through this sort of thing.

Please, keep us in the loop, and pass our very best wishes to herself. Whilst she may not know us (nor we know her) she is a real part of our community and we all wish her well.

Thanks JA. She's optimistic, and without doubt the bravest person I've ever met. Leaving aside the obvious and direct problems, I'm 56 and not looking forward to have to build a new life again. Very selfish I know. Age is decreasing my ability to handle stress, and that makes me ratty. We'll know more on Friday, and subsequently.

Soubs, {{generic stem vibes for you to use]]

Luck! ... in bucket loads!

Soubs, I don't think it's selfish to wonder your own future at all. It's completely natural.
Stay strong. A positive attitude sometimes seems to be more effective at beating the odds than medical technology.

I have to echo MJ's sentiments there.

Papabear has a habit of kicking on at the pub without letting me know...and of course I worry when he is not home as expected and not contactable. Many times I have pondered how I would put one foot in front of the other should he be gone. It is totally human. The reality is that you find some way - but don't ever beat yourself up for feeling/thinking it!! Most of us do.

Stay positive and love her well right now, tomorrow will take care of itself - if ever there was a time to live each day as it is - now is it.

Mamabear and jane have said it much more eloquently than I could, but be assured that we all feel for you. Dammit! Be selfish! No one sensible would blame you one jot!

The operation was a technical success. She's had a lump the size of a hazelnut cut out of her neck, and it's healing nicely. My role is to change the dressings, not that I'm much good at it. We'll have the biopsy results next week.

Depending on the results the next move will either be radiotherapy, or on to the next shadow. Unfortunately, No2 is a lot deeper. And so on.

As for optimism, the memsahib is planning a Bali trip for November. This time we will be three, travelling with one of her cake ladies, appropriately named Yumi.

Thanks

Get the girl back into that kitchen. We need more cakes for the next party. Ahhhh Sorry, I did actually steal an extra cake as I wanted one immediately and one for the next day with a cup of tea mmmmmmm. I just had to get that off my chest.
Chin up Soubs. She'll be right mate. Live life and another trip to Bali sounds like a good idea. A very calming atmosphere.

I always thought Yumi was a really good name.
Glad to hear the operation went well.
Stay strong!

Good news on the operations and positive vibes for the results coming in Soubs.

She's a trooper your Better Half - planning a holiday to Bali for November - there could be no better medicine in the world than a loving and supportive partner and something very fun to look forward to!

All our best!

Let's all hope the biopsy results are good!

Best Wishes

I missed all of this.
Best wishes to you both!

The follow up from Operation 1 is that it was successful. Operation 2 will be on the 29th. This time the surgeon will be going much deeper, so it's scheduled to be 5 days at the Hotel Murayama.

Hope everything goes well. BTW, did you find out what the biopsy results from the first operation were?

Did they show you the tumor they removed? Its quite common practice in Japan. An hour or so after my father-in-law had part of his intensine removed, the surgeon called us in to have a look at it. He pointed out the tumor and we all said arigato. It was quite bizarre.

Good to hear soubs.

She's recovering now. Three tumours removed. She's purple and green from neck to navel and elbow to elbow. Another technical success, and the stitching is beautiful. Hopefully home by Wednesday.

Great news Soubs!
Bit of natural arnica might help with the bruising.
Thinking of you both.