Hospital

9 February 2011

Dear Dad,

Well we missed each other this morning, you had to be in at 8, so there was no time for a coffee in Palmerston today.

I gotta say, I admire your dedication and diligence for getting to appointments and tests, it's shows me and the people looking after you that you're serious about getting better.

We caught up after I'd been and done the groceries, and Mike had taken Cam to the fire station so I didn't have to worry about him galloping around the hospital while I was trying to talk to you.

I was initially shocked with how exhausted you looked, but it all made sense once you told me you'd been sedated for the bone marrow biopsy.  Actually is amazing how SICK someone can look when they're in an oncology ward with a lure in the back of their hand and a hospital bracelet on. Then again, you should have seen some of the other in patients.... by comparison you're still looking decidedly chipper!

You are looking quite swollen around the face though... it must be your lymph nodes, and seeing you in bed with Pajama's on made how swollen you liver is obvious too. You're obviously in the right place, because while you look a long way off dying there's something not right.

So by the time I saw you you'd had the bone marrow biopsy, and were due to have the CT scan at 4pm. I was lucky enough to be there when as the doctor did her rounds. They're still obviously concerned about the way your liver's so enlarged, so they're going to biopsy that too. Wow you're really being put through a barrage of tests, but I'm glad they're being so thorough, it's reassuring. Hopefully after all these tests they'll know everything they need to do for the absolute best treatment possible.

You're in good spirits, and that's fantastic. It must be very daunting and boring being stuck in there by yourself with no TV and no one to talk to.  I've given you that wee cellphone, and I'll call you every night, just to keep in touch (Sorry the only phone I had spare is baby pink...... but my other's one's bright pink.... I'll find you a case LOL). God knows I've done enough short trips to hospital with Cameron to know how dire it is when you're in a room by yourself, but I'm in all week next week for course so I'll be in to visit.

I admire your courage and the fight you're putting into this Dad, and you made me so proud when you said you're going to give this everything you've got because you want to see the grand kids grow up (even if I did nearly cry when you said it.... yeah I've been doing that a lot lately....)

I spoke to Jen on the phone once I got home and gave her your new cell phone number and filled her in on what's happening with you. I'm SO glad Mike and I made the big move down south, it's been so good to have such a great relationship with Jenny, and have her to support me, and hopefully I'm doing the same for her. And of course be here for you and Mum. Everything happens for a reason right? it was definitely the right move coming down here.

I'll be in on Friday (I have a Plunket society meeting.. yeah when exactly did I turn into Mum?? LOL) so I'll be in to visit then. I'll give  you a call before I come, I might be able to bring you a takeaway treat for tea :)

Love you Dad xoxo