Sunshine & Sadness

Just for the record I just wanted to let everyone know that despite the horrible photographs that Phil posted last week with my grumpy boat face, I DID enjoy our holiday in Tenerife, very much so. I had some reservations because it was a 'free' holiday from a scratchcard but these concerns were unfounded. The apartment in Albatros resort of Golf Del Sur was brilliant; I am unaccustomed to having so much space so a separate bedroom and fully equipped kitchen plus a large balcony was pure luxury. Aside from the accommodation, the resort was clean and well maintained and of course we had the weather. With temperatures in the early 20's it wasn't boiling but hot enough to walk round in shorts and a t-shirt.

We didn't spend a great deal of time sunbathing so I haven't come back with a dirty tan but I am bronzed and it was a nice top up to my tan from India. The added bonus was that it didn't cost us a fortune, in fact it was probably one of the cheapest holidays we've had in a long time. The flights were 100 quid each which included 15kg of luggage; the car hire a week was 80 quid and it only cost £26 for the long term parking just off Luton airport. Food and drink were cheaper than most of the places we've been to in Europe and so we didn't spend a lot. I think it did Phil good to get away and not think about his prostrate for a week and it was just what the doctor ordered.

Unfortunately, as is always the case, life returns back to normal and yesterday morning after a relaxing day on Sunday, we were at the MRI unit at MK Hospital at 8am so Phil could have his fully body scan. We were there for an hour and I think he was the first patient of the day. That was fine by us because it meant there were no delays so Phil wouldn't be too late for work. Phil said the MRI felt very weird and slightly claustrophobic. I think they had to squeeze him into the tunnel scanner and no space to spare. Still, lets hope the scan doesn't show up anything too serious and that the cancer is contained in the prostrate. All we can do now is wait for the results which we get on the 2nd of February.

I phoned Sue on Sunday evening just to check how Alan was and was very sad to hear that Alan was admitted to Willen Hospice last Sunday. This was a shock because I thought the Sutent would shrink the tumour and the secondaries but alas, tests showed that the cancer has spread. I felt gutted on hearing this news and god only knows how Sue is coping, she has had to be strong now for so long that I'm not sure how much more she can take. Words seem so shallow at a time like this, but I told her just call me if you need someone to talk to and I can only hope that she shouts if she needs some support. This f**king disease has a lot to answer for and its scary when it comes into your life. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemies.