Family Matters

[Big Kev]

In our thoughts, Stanley. Words can't express...

[Stanley]

Thanks to all of you. Kev is right, words are inadequate but keep them coming, you help me by reinforcing my will to hold things together and do all I can. You wouldn't believe the mails that are coming in.....
Cathy, thanks for that but Janet has the best surgeons possible and she accepts what they say. The limit of her hopes now is that they can devise a treatment that gives her as long as possible with her kids so she can leave them as strong as possible to face their future. It's working as well, they are quite astounding.
In the middle of all this I meet Janet Geldard again this morning to tie up loose ends in the LPAs..... Ironic huh?

[Stanley]

I think I've worked out how come I am functioning so well. It's because Janet has taken ownership of the tumour and its inevitable consequences and is managing us all, making sure we are engaged, busy on tasks she has set us and, it has to be said, wielding iron control over all aspects of the project. There is a lesson for us all here.....
I am so proud of her.

[Stanley]

We learn more.... The tumour is wrapped round her brain stem and is 9cm long at its greatest length. The game plan at the moment is to remove as much of it as possible because if left it will kill in weeks. Of course there are risks but Janet is taking the gamble. She calls it her 'squid'. A brave woman.....

[Cathy]

Goodness, it sounds very hopeful Stanley, very heartening.
Praying for the best outcome. Good luck Janet.

[PanBiker]

It's good news that it is operable Stanley, cyber hugs from us to Janet.

[Nolic]

Please pass on my best wishes to Janet. Nolic

[Stanley]

Will do Comrade. Thanks to all of you for the support, it's helping me no end.
For those of you who are into the tech bit. The procedure's full title is "stealth guided right sided temporal craneotomy debulking of brain tumour". The stealth bit refers to the fact that the software used to control the laser scalpel is derived directly from stealth bomber technology. Janet has renamed the tumour 'Bertie' and given it notice to quit.
Cathy is right, this is an advance on the first diagnosis of 'inoperable' but we aren't clapping hands yet. The bottom line is that while the procedure itself has a 99% survival rate what they don't know is how she will emerge from it. She could be well enough to fly to the UK, on the other hand she could be a vegetable. It's a gamble but Janet has chosen to risk it because it gives her the hope of more time with her Kids. She knows the risks and is very brave..... We will know more early next week and I will update you. The long term prognosis is bad, she has already tasked one of her friends with arranging the funeral....
The other effect on me is that I am getting up earlier so as to have more time in synch with Oz time. The messages pour in until noon, I got up to 25 this morning. I am not complaining, just think what it would be like when you had to book a telephone call 24 hours in advance. I remember those days and now on Whatsapp I am in the room with them, it's immediate. I am so grateful to all who have got me connected particularly Pluggy whose life I made a misery yesterday when the phone went dead! (All his fault of course.....) If I'm coping it's because of you lot. By the way, we are still remembering people who must be told. I am sending some very sad mails out but this is the role Janet has given me.....
I think I can say that this is a very significant time in my life and I am so glad I am here to participate.

[LizG]

Janet sounds remarkable Stanley, a very strong determined individual. I wonder who she gets that from?

[Stanley]

I daren't think about that Liz. It has been pointed out to her by others that genes will out but she is protesting against this!
I've spent five hours this morning on comms.... It's a miracle and so helpful to talk to Janet as lies in bed listening to Madame Butterfly.....

[Sue]

Stanley, I keep my fingers crossed for you both and will do a little praying too.

[Stanley]

Thoughts and messages like that are keeping me going. Hold my hand, when Susan flies out at noon I am home alone.... I have asked for an update but as far as I know Janet is in pre-op as I write and they start excavating today.... I shall be trying to keep myself busy..... Whatsapp is a miracle. I think I am holding it together at the moment but we're in for a rough ride....

[LizG]

Hang in there my friend. There are some prayers happening for Janet on this side of the world too.

[Stanley]

This just in from Yiota.... I am crying....

From Yiota : The surgery is all done. They are happy how everything went, they did another catscan and everything is looking good. Mum is already stirring and is now in intensive care and they're letting her come around naturally. Holly and Robert are going in to see her soon and they'll let me know how she's doing. We won't have the results for a few days but everything went smoothly today and we're all relieved and happy, Yiota

[Wendyf]

I don't know what to say that is adequate. Thinking of you all and keeping everything crossed.

[Stanley]

Thanks Love, that's the first hurdle and that brave woman has cleared it. Now we wait...... First time I have cried properly.
Later, people are wonderful. Support flooding in and I am going to have plenty of visitors.....

[chinatyke]

Wonderful news. Like you say, the first hurdle safely cleared. We'll all keep our fingers crossed for such a brave woman. Best wishes for her speedy and complete recovery.

[Cathy]

Excellent news Stanley. Wow. Looking forward to hearing more.

[PanBiker]

Good positive news Stanley, surgical techniques are improving all the time. The biggest battle is keeping a positive attitude, it's hard but is the best advice for both Janet and all those that are supporting her. It's good that Susan can get out there, our thoughts are with all of you.

[Stanley]

The miracles of modern technology inform me she is stirring in her sleep. It's looking like a normal recovery up to now....
Thanks to all of you for taking an interest, I shall never forget it.... I've just been on the town and was stopped a couple of times, people are simply marvellous!

[Sue]

Deep breath, keep thinking positive thoughts. We are all with you Stanley,and withJanet

[Moh]

Our thoughts are with you and your family, as you know we have gone through it, thoughts of friends are a great comforter.

[LizG]

I can only reiterate what everyone has already said. Keep positive. xx

[Stanley]

his came in at 04:00 our time this morning from one of my wonderful Ladies, Sarah..
"She just woke up about an hour ago. She's sitting up with both eyes open talking to Holly now. She has all her feeling in her left side as that was what they were worried about. Holly has been pinching her to test her reactions.
It looks as though when Susan gets there today she could find her little sister in full attack mode!
A word of caution, I am not clapping hands yet. My understanding is that this could give respite but not a cure. Remember there are at least two secondaries and this was not a complete removal of Bertie. But, having said that, this is the best news we could hope for at the moment.... That brave woman has jumped the second hurdle on a long course....
I am OK, visitors yesterday to hold my hand. You lot are part of my support system, keep it coming..... Love to all of you.

[Cathy]

Great news. Enjoy this time everyone and stay positive.