I didn't post before because I didn't want to burst your bubble, but I had an awful feeling you were going to be disappointed, Ron.

So often our young dreams are ruined by other people's realities.

Had a similar experience Ron when I saw the thatched cottage that my grandparents and then my parents lived in. When I left it to get married the gardens were beautiful, the house symmetrical - now -extended, roses removed from walls, porch and jasmine dismantled - gardens -barren lawn, cherry orchard -cut down, yew tree with dove cote - cut down. YUCK! Still thatched but thats all.

Before leaving North Wales today, I made two sentimental journeys.
Firstly, to the lake on top of the Llandegla moors. This is where my brother and I sailed our home-made raft from bank to bank, pretending to be pirates. We even flew the 'Jolly Roger' However, our spirites were dampened one day, when the whole raft disitergrated. We had a long swim ashore in freezing water!.
My seco0nd visit, was to 'our stream' in the valley. Here, I did something rather silly, but it is what I have wanted to do for years.
With the help of my wife, I donned a wet suit and entered the water just below the 3ft high waterfall.Behind the fall, is a cavaty worn out through backfloes during heavy rain. As a young lad, I discovered this cavaty and left two lead soldiers and a small celulloid boat there. Today, I felt like Carter discovering the tomb. Alas, I was not as successful. No boat or saldiers. I reckon another little boy has found them, so an old question over the years has been answered. I didn't linger, even with a wet suit, it was very cold mountain water. Apart from which, the stream is also a ford with a road going through it. Several cars passed with the occupants giving me strange glances

Ron.

When informed by the NHS that no treatment was available for me, I was faced with two choices. Accept defeat and await the 'Great Reaper' That is not my way. I therefore chose other avenues, one of which was to consult French doctors who have at theit disposal treatments that their British counterparts are depdrived of because of government policies.
I leave for France tomorrow to return Friday.
Shall be in touch then.

Ron.

Good luck Ron. Here's hoping you come back with better news!

Good luck, Ron!

I look forward to better news from the other side of the Channel Ron.

Best wishes Ron...

Lyn.

Been away with thirty others on Retreat -convent with spectatcular views, wild life -foxes, deer, rabbits, woodpeckers, herons --- three meals a day, congenial company, lots of input to think on....no papers, television off, radio off.

Therefore what a shock when we emerged yesterday to find all the terrorism that has been taking place...from peace to chaos!

However, on reflection, could be worse. Yesyereday was the anniversary of the Somme begining!

My thanks to everyone for their kind wishes.

It was not my intention to relate the past two weeks medical experience, as I am sure, the subject must be getting rather tedious.
However, to relate some of the information, may be beneficial to someone in similar circumstances. I truly hope so.
Having just spent 8 days as a day patient in a French hospital, I must say that I have been treated with the greatest kindness and courtesy and unlike the ‘Lairage’ atmosphere in some British hospitals, I was treated as an individual. Not the 10minute allotted slot on the conveyor death belt which I am all too familiar with.
Tests have included;- X-Ray, Scanner, breathing test, lung capacity test, lung volume test, blood and urine test, blood pressure tests, sputum tests and various other machines that baffle me.
All this information is fed into a computer, which then re-produces my lungs in outline. Every operation or method of killing the diseased is tried. This is followed by treatment by drugs, most of which are unavailable in England.
They discovered that I am suffering from ‘Parsimona Cancer of the lung. It is incurable, but drugs may extend my life expectancy. At present, it is around 12 months. After that, it’s hell for leather down route 66!
All these arrangements have been made for me by my magnificent GP. He has also requested a Peps scanner test in England. This machine will determine precisely the severity or not of the cancer I have. However, it is age rationed giving preference to the very young. If my request is refused, it will cost me £1,000 to use the machine.
For academic interest, the cost of my two week examination in France, was no more than a two week package holiday in Spain.

Ron.

quote:

Originally posted by RonW:
the cost of my two week examination in France, was no more than a two week package holiday in Spain.Ron.

And money much better spent for settling your own mind, Ron. It's a dreadful shame that you've had to go to any expense or effort because the NHS isn't there for you.

I'm very sorry that the results weren't more optimistic but you now have the advantage of knowing all the facts and can ensure that you and your loved ones can make the utmost of the time to come.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

That goes for me too Ron!

quote:

That goes for me too Ron!

Keep positive Ron - nothing in this life is certain 12 months could be 24 -it happens.

A variation on the disease, I know, but I always look at Jane Tomlinson as proof of what can be done.

Jane Tomlinson, A lady of great courage who has inspired so many. They read her the death sentence in the year 2,000. and she's still going strong. If I can emulate her, I shall. It wan't be for the lack of trying.

And now, something differant. Some good news, some embarrassing news and some historic news.
All my life, I have been an ardent swimmer. Every day when possible. Alas, this ha been cancelled due to my breathlessness. Problem overcome. This morning, using a snorkel, I swam forty lengths breast stroke,when out of breath, stopping until normal,just floating then recomence.

This afternoon, I had to visit hospital once more, but this occassion, checking my knee cap that I fractured in January.
I wore a pair of trousers that my wife bought for me. I foung them rather slack around the waist last time that I wore them. Since then, I have lost half a stone. Unfortunatly, they have no belt loops and are obviously made for braces, which I do not wear.
Both the main corridors have a series of cross corridors, at the corner of each is a waiting area with reception desk. Whilst walking towards the desk with my papers, those damned idiotic trousers decided to fall down!. It was all so quick, no warning So I dropped the papers on the desk,pulled my trousers up. gave a giggle and hastily departed. The throsers have now been binned.

This weeks "Wirral News" states that there is now no hope of finding a new site for the Historic Warships Museum. However, a sight has been found for the U-Boat=U534 and the full sized replica of the "Resurgent" the worlds first submarine. Both will be situated at Woodside Ferry, Birkenhead.

Ron. The hospital flasher!.

quote:

Ron. The hospital flasher!.

Oooooh Ron - you are awful!

I'm surprised they didn't evict you for abusing the staff! Hope you'd heeded your mother's advice and worn your best underpants in case of an accident!

Hope you'd heeded your mother's advice and worn your best underpants in case of an accident!
Quote;-Jenni.

'Underpants'?

Ron.

Not going commando Ron?

Why am I not surprised...

How come it's okay and brave for a chap to "go commando" but a woman would only be called a tart for going about with her undercarriage exposed?

Speaking from experience there Jenni?

This hot,steamy, sexy talk is too much for me.
I shall have to cool down!

Ron.

Does that mean you're going to drop your pants again, Ron?!

Jenni, I had a dreadful thought yesterday.
I remembered that all the hospital corridors are filled with clusters of security camaras, most film and store.
Am I about to see myself next on "You've been framed"???

I saw a sad report on North West TV last night. A man named Tony Wilson, a well known TV presenter, interviewer and Manchester entrepreneur, was diagnosed with kidney cancer 12 months ago.
The health service where he resides, refused to pay for the appropriate drug for him because of cost. According to the report, he has been purchasing it himself since.
Because of this, a group of people in show business have grouped together to organise a weekend of entertainment in Manchester to raise funds for his drugs. How nice of them Yet how in contrast to a government that spends 5 billion on a war no one wants and further millions on suppling housing,family allowances and other benefits on economic immigrants we cannot afford. Far better to spend it on the NHS, education and all the other neccesities that we urgently require.
Sadly, one in three people reading this will contact cancer. How will you feel when the treatment is not available because the money has been fritted away elsewhere?.

Ron.

In Wirral at present, there appears to be more Archaeologists around, than hot cross buns on a Good Friday.
The five local newspapers, all contain lead stories of the massive search and underwater exploration that is due to commence. All are hoping for the discovery of the lost Roman Port of Porus Sentantorium, believed to lie at the entrance to Dove Point on the river Dee, an area I know well through sailing which posesess a treacherous 10 knot tidal current.
They state that a twelve episode half hour film is planned by 'Deeptrek' whilst MacDonald's Marine will supply the marine Archaeologists and divers.
For further information:1st Click here click hereAnd here