Tuesday, 9th August, 2011
Block of the day - Inner City Blocks
We arrived at the hospital on time to find that 'our' machine, V10-4, is still not working and we were directed round to the other one. We had to wait quite a while as there were lots of patients waiting to use this one. Richard's appointment was 12.05 but he went through at around 1.00 p.m. No news of the machine and no instructions to ring tomorrow to check on its progress, so presumably tomorrow things will be fine.
We stopped off at the M & S in the Colisseum Retail Park, but they didn't seem to have much of what we needed (no oranges, for instance). So we went across to the other side of Cheshire Oaks to Sainsbury's. We had more luck there, but we made the mistake of using the self-scanning till. The first two items through were bottles of wine which we needed a supervisor to put through - obviously we were underage! From then on, every damn thing bleeped. We told the machine we were using our own bags but when we put them on the side of the machine it bleeped! Weighing fruit and veg. proved beyond us, and the supervisor was to and fro putting things right. Half way through all this, we gave in, dumped everything back in the trolley and walked out. We drove home without any groceries, and dived into the deep freeze to see if we could find something for tea.
Let's hope tomorrow proves better. We start off at the doctor's at 8.30 a.m. - Richard is to have some blood taken.
Christine
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Monday, 8 August 2011
Thirteenth Appointment
Monday, 8th August, 2011
Block of the day - Eight-pointed star
After attending Richard's cousin's funeral in Winsford, we travelled up to Clatterbridge, arriving at around 1.30 p.m. We had time for a sausage and bacon sandwich (yummy) and a coffee, and then we booked in. After a week of the machine working perfectly, it is now out of action and we were directed to the other machine, V10-6. Despite this machine having to deal with both lots of patients, we didn't have to wait too long and managed to be away by 3.00 p.m., and straight home.
Normal day tomorrow - we hope!
Christine
Block of the day - Eight-pointed star
After attending Richard's cousin's funeral in Winsford, we travelled up to Clatterbridge, arriving at around 1.30 p.m. We had time for a sausage and bacon sandwich (yummy) and a coffee, and then we booked in. After a week of the machine working perfectly, it is now out of action and we were directed to the other machine, V10-6. Despite this machine having to deal with both lots of patients, we didn't have to wait too long and managed to be away by 3.00 p.m., and straight home.
Normal day tomorrow - we hope!
Christine
Sunday, 7 August 2011
If you're interested..........
Saturday, 7th August, 2011
you can take a virtual tour of the department and the actual machine where Richard has his treatment every day - go to http://www.ccotrust.nhs.uk/virtualtours/video.aspx?swfid=rts This is part of the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology's website.
you can take a virtual tour of the department and the actual machine where Richard has his treatment every day - go to http://www.ccotrust.nhs.uk/virtualtours/video.aspx?swfid=rts This is part of the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology's website.
Friday, 5 August 2011
Eleventh and Twelfth Appointments
Friday, 5th August, 2011
Blocks of the day - Spider's Web and Hawiian Applique
We got up early - a rarity these days - and set off at around 8.30 a.m., arriving at the hospital at around 9.00 a.m. We thought there'd be lots of traffic on the motorways but we went straight through and so were early. Richard went in for the treatment at around 10.00 a.m., the time we should have been there, so we didn't gain anything.
We were planning on a trip up to Wallasey or West Kirby, but we stayed in Heswall, visiting the shops, and then having lunch at 107, a restaurant we've visited before. We then thought we'd have a cup of tea at Thornton Hough - surely there's a tea room in Thornton Hough - but no! So we went to find a lovely pub called the Wheatsheaf at Raby, which looks lovely and worth a visit again.
Back to the hospital for 3.45 p.m., as directed, but Richard had to wait until 5.15 before he went in for this second dose. We left the hospital at 5.30 or so, set off for home, only to hit a traffic jam on the M56! We were dawdling along in the outside lane, looked to our left and saw Prince Philip waving at us! And the Queen, and Prince Charles. What was going on? But it was just a mad group of scousers off to the airport for their holiday and wearing daft masks. Made us laugh, anyway!
We're both shattered but we have two days off now. Back again on Monday.
Christine
Blocks of the day - Spider's Web and Hawiian Applique
We got up early - a rarity these days - and set off at around 8.30 a.m., arriving at the hospital at around 9.00 a.m. We thought there'd be lots of traffic on the motorways but we went straight through and so were early. Richard went in for the treatment at around 10.00 a.m., the time we should have been there, so we didn't gain anything.
We were planning on a trip up to Wallasey or West Kirby, but we stayed in Heswall, visiting the shops, and then having lunch at 107, a restaurant we've visited before. We then thought we'd have a cup of tea at Thornton Hough - surely there's a tea room in Thornton Hough - but no! So we went to find a lovely pub called the Wheatsheaf at Raby, which looks lovely and worth a visit again.
Back to the hospital for 3.45 p.m., as directed, but Richard had to wait until 5.15 before he went in for this second dose. We left the hospital at 5.30 or so, set off for home, only to hit a traffic jam on the M56! We were dawdling along in the outside lane, looked to our left and saw Prince Philip waving at us! And the Queen, and Prince Charles. What was going on? But it was just a mad group of scousers off to the airport for their holiday and wearing daft masks. Made us laugh, anyway!
We're both shattered but we have two days off now. Back again on Monday.
Christine
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Tenth Appointment
Thursday, 4th August, 2011
Block of the day - The Reel
Another relatively easy day. Richard was about 45 minutes late going in, and out again in 10 minutes. I asked if I could go in to see this machine and they said I could. Wow! Some machine! It is enormous, and the technology surrounding it is amazing. Looks like something out of Star Trek. I'm glad I've seen it though - it gives me an idea of what is happening.
We stopped off at Warrington Hospital Audiology Dept. and made Richard an appointment for 18th August - it's three years since he had his ears checked and the hearing aids made. He is having a bit of bother with them at the moment, so they can check it all out for him. We couldn't get into the car park at this hospital - it's always hopeless and, even if you do get in, it costs a fortune - so we parked in a nearby street. We were just hurrying back to the car - it was raining - when we spotted a traffic warden taking the number of the car down! We quickly jumped in and sped away. We then stopped in the village to pick up yet another prescription and something for lunch. Looking at the prescription slip, we can see that Richard needs to see the doctor before the next lot of pills is handed out. Yet another appointment to make.
Home now and having a cuppa.
Another posting tomorrow
Christine
Block of the day - The Reel
Another relatively easy day. Richard was about 45 minutes late going in, and out again in 10 minutes. I asked if I could go in to see this machine and they said I could. Wow! Some machine! It is enormous, and the technology surrounding it is amazing. Looks like something out of Star Trek. I'm glad I've seen it though - it gives me an idea of what is happening.
We stopped off at Warrington Hospital Audiology Dept. and made Richard an appointment for 18th August - it's three years since he had his ears checked and the hearing aids made. He is having a bit of bother with them at the moment, so they can check it all out for him. We couldn't get into the car park at this hospital - it's always hopeless and, even if you do get in, it costs a fortune - so we parked in a nearby street. We were just hurrying back to the car - it was raining - when we spotted a traffic warden taking the number of the car down! We quickly jumped in and sped away. We then stopped in the village to pick up yet another prescription and something for lunch. Looking at the prescription slip, we can see that Richard needs to see the doctor before the next lot of pills is handed out. Yet another appointment to make.
Home now and having a cuppa.
Another posting tomorrow
Christine
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Ninth Appointment
Wednesday, 3rd August, 2011
Block of the day - Grandmother's Fan
Nothing much to report today! We left home at 10.30 a.m., arriving at 11.15, usual performance, and then in to the machine - which is working perfectly, touch wood - at 12.10 p.m. Straight home!
We have problems with both computers - they are so slow setting up and processing email takes forever. AOL is sending us a new router and cables to see if that solves the problem.
Back tomorrow, Clatterbridge, computers and cables willing.
Christine
Block of the day - Grandmother's Fan
Nothing much to report today! We left home at 10.30 a.m., arriving at 11.15, usual performance, and then in to the machine - which is working perfectly, touch wood - at 12.10 p.m. Straight home!
We have problems with both computers - they are so slow setting up and processing email takes forever. AOL is sending us a new router and cables to see if that solves the problem.
Back tomorrow, Clatterbridge, computers and cables willing.
Christine
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
Eighth Appointment
Tuesday, 2nd August, 2011
Block of the day - tumbling blocks
After another visit to Costco and two of their delicious fruit sundaes, we arrived at the cancer centre to find that our beloved V10-4 was working again. We proceeded to the waiting area, and Richard went through the usual enema and drinking three cups of water. His appointment was for 6.00 p.m. but it was around 6.30 that he went through. We left the hospital at 7.00 p.m., just in time to listen to the Archers. Home, tea, telly, bed!
More of the same tomorrow
Christine
Block of the day - tumbling blocks
After another visit to Costco and two of their delicious fruit sundaes, we arrived at the cancer centre to find that our beloved V10-4 was working again. We proceeded to the waiting area, and Richard went through the usual enema and drinking three cups of water. His appointment was for 6.00 p.m. but it was around 6.30 that he went through. We left the hospital at 7.00 p.m., just in time to listen to the Archers. Home, tea, telly, bed!
More of the same tomorrow
Christine
Monday, 1 August 2011
Finally, the seventh appointment
Monday, 1st August, 2011
Block of the day - Twisted Star
We travelled over to the hospital this afternoon, arriving at around 6.30 p.m. We were directed to the 'other' machine, V10-6, and Richard had his usual enema and drinks of water. After a short wait, he went in for the radiotherapy, and we left the hospital at around 7.45 p.m. We stopped off at the chippy for an easy meal when we arrived home. As we travelled to the Wirral, there was the most amazing sky - looked as though we were heading into a tornado! And then we got an enormous downpour. At least it felt fresher afterwards.
Before we set off this afternoon, the hospital rang to ask if we would change the appointment tomorrow from 12.15 to 6.00 p.m. - this because the machine Richard is booked in on is still out of action. Hey ho!
Miles travelled so far - 540+.
Back tomorrow
Christine
Block of the day - Twisted Star
We travelled over to the hospital this afternoon, arriving at around 6.30 p.m. We were directed to the 'other' machine, V10-6, and Richard had his usual enema and drinks of water. After a short wait, he went in for the radiotherapy, and we left the hospital at around 7.45 p.m. We stopped off at the chippy for an easy meal when we arrived home. As we travelled to the Wirral, there was the most amazing sky - looked as though we were heading into a tornado! And then we got an enormous downpour. At least it felt fresher afterwards.
Before we set off this afternoon, the hospital rang to ask if we would change the appointment tomorrow from 12.15 to 6.00 p.m. - this because the machine Richard is booked in on is still out of action. Hey ho!
Miles travelled so far - 540+.
Back tomorrow
Christine
Friday, 29 July 2011
Almost our seventh appointment
Friday, 29th July, 2011
Block of the day - Dresden Plate
We travelled over to Clatterbridge this morning. I met up with Deryn to collect some flyers for the Stitch and Creative Crafts Show at the beginning of December - thanks Deryn! And then we went in to the hospital and - guess what! We were told there was at least an hour's delay for the treatment, so we sat in one of the cafes and had a snack and coffee. We wandered back to the waiting area for the machine, and settled in the for the wait. After half an hour or so, we realised that no-one was actually going through for any treatments, so queried what was happening. Shortly afterwards, a lady came and sat down to talk to us. We knew straight away that this was serious! She explained that the machine still wasn't working and that, even if we waited, it would be after 6.00 p.m. before Richard would be seen and it would be better if we forgot it for the day and went home. We were really cross - 60 mile round trip for nothing - and told her so. Not that it was her fault but two appointments cancelled and we've only be going just over a week. Maddening! So they've given Richard another double appointment day at the end of August. We already have one of these next Friday when we have to be there by 9.00 a.m. for the treatment and then we hang around all day for another one at 6.00 p.m. There has to be at least a six-hour gap between treatments. He can have a place on a day ward for these hours, or we can go out of the hospital if we wish. Perhaps a walk on the beach at Thurstaston is the thing.
So, we departed and went to Costco at Ellesmere Port and then home. Back again on Monday.
Christine
POSTSCRIPT - We've just had a telephone call from Sarah Jane (?) to ask if we could please come along at 7.00 p.m. on Monday. Richard has been temporarily transferred to the other machine (V10-6) but of course there is already a packed list of patients for this machine for the day, hence the time of the appointment. What next?
Block of the day - Dresden Plate
We travelled over to Clatterbridge this morning. I met up with Deryn to collect some flyers for the Stitch and Creative Crafts Show at the beginning of December - thanks Deryn! And then we went in to the hospital and - guess what! We were told there was at least an hour's delay for the treatment, so we sat in one of the cafes and had a snack and coffee. We wandered back to the waiting area for the machine, and settled in the for the wait. After half an hour or so, we realised that no-one was actually going through for any treatments, so queried what was happening. Shortly afterwards, a lady came and sat down to talk to us. We knew straight away that this was serious! She explained that the machine still wasn't working and that, even if we waited, it would be after 6.00 p.m. before Richard would be seen and it would be better if we forgot it for the day and went home. We were really cross - 60 mile round trip for nothing - and told her so. Not that it was her fault but two appointments cancelled and we've only be going just over a week. Maddening! So they've given Richard another double appointment day at the end of August. We already have one of these next Friday when we have to be there by 9.00 a.m. for the treatment and then we hang around all day for another one at 6.00 p.m. There has to be at least a six-hour gap between treatments. He can have a place on a day ward for these hours, or we can go out of the hospital if we wish. Perhaps a walk on the beach at Thurstaston is the thing.
So, we departed and went to Costco at Ellesmere Port and then home. Back again on Monday.
Christine
POSTSCRIPT - We've just had a telephone call from Sarah Jane (?) to ask if we could please come along at 7.00 p.m. on Monday. Richard has been temporarily transferred to the other machine (V10-6) but of course there is already a packed list of patients for this machine for the day, hence the time of the appointment. What next?
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Sixth Appointment
Thursday, 28th July,2011
Block of the day - Trip around the world
Another easy day. A quick trip into Chester first thing to do some urgent fabric shopping at Abakhan, and then on to the Oncology Centre at Clatterbridge. The usual procedure, a weekly weigh-in, and then Richard was about half an hour late going in. Afterwards, straight home for some home-made soup.
More of the same tomorrow
Christine
Block of the day - Trip around the world
Another easy day. A quick trip into Chester first thing to do some urgent fabric shopping at Abakhan, and then on to the Oncology Centre at Clatterbridge. The usual procedure, a weekly weigh-in, and then Richard was about half an hour late going in. Afterwards, straight home for some home-made soup.
More of the same tomorrow
Christine
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Fifth appointment
Wednesday, 27th July, 2011
Block of the day - Bargello
Usual day - early appointment, enema and drink lots of water, and then wait. Richard finally got in to the machine around 12.00, and we were away. Stopped off at Marks & Spencer to buy a few basics and then home.
Richard is feeling quite well and fit. A member of staff at the hospital said that tiredness and feeling rotten might kick in about half way through the programme, but we'll see. So far, so good
More tomorrow.
Christine
Block of the day - Bargello
Usual day - early appointment, enema and drink lots of water, and then wait. Richard finally got in to the machine around 12.00, and we were away. Stopped off at Marks & Spencer to buy a few basics and then home.
Richard is feeling quite well and fit. A member of staff at the hospital said that tiredness and feeling rotten might kick in about half way through the programme, but we'll see. So far, so good
More tomorrow.
Christine
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Fourth Appointment
Tuesday, 26th July, 2011
Block of the day - Attic Window
Our fourth appointment. We got there early, no problems, but for some reason Richard had to wait an hour to go in to have his radiotherapy. Never mind! Straight home and put the kettle on.
So far, there don't appear to be any side effects from this treatment. Richard is well and fit. Hooray!
More tomorrow.
Christine
Block of the day - Attic Window
Our fourth appointment. We got there early, no problems, but for some reason Richard had to wait an hour to go in to have his radiotherapy. Never mind! Straight home and put the kettle on.
So far, there don't appear to be any side effects from this treatment. Richard is well and fit. Hooray!
More tomorrow.
Christine
Monday, 25 July 2011
Third Appointment
Monday, 25th July, 2011
Block of the day - Machine-pieced flower
The day started off strangely - a complete power-cut at home. Rang the electric co. who said they were dealing with it, and it all came back on in about half-an-hour.
Set off for Clatterbridge half-an-hour early, booked in and Richard started the usual system of enema and then drinking lots of water. After a short wait, a young lady came and took us to the other machine, V10-6. The whole place seemed quiet and orderly, everything working properly, so I think this change of machine was only because it wasn't busy. The treatment was done and we left the hospital very quickly. If every day is like this one, we'll breeze through it all.
We drove into Heswall and visited the famous Oxfam store and the even more famous Christopher's, which is still going strong. Then coffee at Lingard's book shop and a bit of shopping at Tesco. Back to Lymm to pick up some prescriptions and home. No Tour de France now, so the afternoons seem strange!
Back tomorrow
Christine
Block of the day - Machine-pieced flower
The day started off strangely - a complete power-cut at home. Rang the electric co. who said they were dealing with it, and it all came back on in about half-an-hour.
Set off for Clatterbridge half-an-hour early, booked in and Richard started the usual system of enema and then drinking lots of water. After a short wait, a young lady came and took us to the other machine, V10-6. The whole place seemed quiet and orderly, everything working properly, so I think this change of machine was only because it wasn't busy. The treatment was done and we left the hospital very quickly. If every day is like this one, we'll breeze through it all.
We drove into Heswall and visited the famous Oxfam store and the even more famous Christopher's, which is still going strong. Then coffee at Lingard's book shop and a bit of shopping at Tesco. Back to Lymm to pick up some prescriptions and home. No Tour de France now, so the afternoons seem strange!
Back tomorrow
Christine
Friday, 22 July 2011
Second appointment
Friday, 22nd July 2011
Block of the day - Log Cabin
We started the day with a telephone call to say that 'our' machine was once again not working! Ring back in an hour! Here we go again, we thought.
We rang back and - good news - the machine was still not working but they could fit Richard in on to the other machine's schedule, but to wait another hour before coming in. We set off at 11.30 a.m., and were told on arrival that the first machine had just started working again, but - of course, there was a bit of a wait. Go away for an hour and come back at 1.20 p.m. We repaired to the WRVS cafe and had coffee and bacon sandwiches, which were excellent.
Back to the machine. The usual enema and drinking three cups of water, and then wait. Richard finally got in to the machine at around 2.15 p.m., the procedure took about ten minutes, and then we were away. Straight home - well, via the library to pick up some books to alleviate the boredom of waiting, waiting.
Two days off - Tour de France and the German Grand Prix, not to mention England v. India with the lovely Geoffrey Boycott commentating! Oh joy!
More on Monday.
Christine
Block of the day - Log Cabin
We started the day with a telephone call to say that 'our' machine was once again not working! Ring back in an hour! Here we go again, we thought.
We rang back and - good news - the machine was still not working but they could fit Richard in on to the other machine's schedule, but to wait another hour before coming in. We set off at 11.30 a.m., and were told on arrival that the first machine had just started working again, but - of course, there was a bit of a wait. Go away for an hour and come back at 1.20 p.m. We repaired to the WRVS cafe and had coffee and bacon sandwiches, which were excellent.
Back to the machine. The usual enema and drinking three cups of water, and then wait. Richard finally got in to the machine at around 2.15 p.m., the procedure took about ten minutes, and then we were away. Straight home - well, via the library to pick up some books to alleviate the boredom of waiting, waiting.
Two days off - Tour de France and the German Grand Prix, not to mention England v. India with the lovely Geoffrey Boycott commentating! Oh joy!
More on Monday.
Christine
Thursday, 21 July 2011
First session
Thursday, 21st July 2011
Block of the day - Strip Rail
Well, we made it - first session done. We arrived around 3.15 p.m. and found our way through to the reception desk, not an easy task in this hospital. Richard was directed to machine V10-6. I had in mind that we were down for V10-4, so queried this. But just for today Richard was to use V10-6 which, of course, was in a completely different location. A kind lady took us through, and we 'signed' in. For these radiotherapy sessions to work, one has to have an empty bowel and a full bladder! So, quick enema and then three cups of water. We didn't wait too long, and Richard was ushered in. He had to lay on a bed, the machine was lined up with his tattoos etc., and then it rotated and sashayed around him for 10 minutes. And that was that. No after-effects that we can see, so so far so good. We had a cup of coffee in one of the WRVS cafes and then left.
Clatterbridge Hospital is on the Wirral, so is very handy for the Brimstage Craft Centre, some rather nice towns and for Cheshire Oaks/Colliseum retail park - very difficult to pass by these places without calling in. Today, we stopped in the Colliseum retail park at the M & S food shop and bought something nice for tea. Now to catch up with the Tour de France and those mountains.
More tomorrow!
Block of the day - Strip Rail
Well, we made it - first session done. We arrived around 3.15 p.m. and found our way through to the reception desk, not an easy task in this hospital. Richard was directed to machine V10-6. I had in mind that we were down for V10-4, so queried this. But just for today Richard was to use V10-6 which, of course, was in a completely different location. A kind lady took us through, and we 'signed' in. For these radiotherapy sessions to work, one has to have an empty bowel and a full bladder! So, quick enema and then three cups of water. We didn't wait too long, and Richard was ushered in. He had to lay on a bed, the machine was lined up with his tattoos etc., and then it rotated and sashayed around him for 10 minutes. And that was that. No after-effects that we can see, so so far so good. We had a cup of coffee in one of the WRVS cafes and then left.
Clatterbridge Hospital is on the Wirral, so is very handy for the Brimstage Craft Centre, some rather nice towns and for Cheshire Oaks/Colliseum retail park - very difficult to pass by these places without calling in. Today, we stopped in the Colliseum retail park at the M & S food shop and bought something nice for tea. Now to catch up with the Tour de France and those mountains.
More tomorrow!
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