Wednesday 13 October 2010

Madder than Spit


“In the back of my mind I'm thinking the cancer might have spread to your ribs,” the doctor said chattily, as if we were discussing the weather. “But I think it's more likely it's pleurisy.”

These comments came on a house visit on Monday, when I'd had about 2 hours sleep the night before, had to drive to Truro to do an interview, then raced home to be in time for the doctor. As you can imagine, his words didn't exactly provide the wisdom and comfort I had hoped and provoked a wonderful email from my sister in law entitled "Madder than Spit".

(The another picture above is of Lerryn, designed to calm all troubled thoughts, particularly Shelagh's.)

It's been a bit of a week for poor Himself who has suffered high fevers and then thought he'd broken a rib he was in such agony (this could be the pleurisy). But at least the antibiotics have kicked in and so have the heavy duty painkillers. When Himself woke up yesterday looking and sounding a bit better, I was so relieved I burst into tears over my toast. And last night I had the best night's sleep for a long while.

On the day that the Chilean miners were released, my husband decided he might get out of bed later. For someone who has never gone to bed when ill, a week in bed is quite something, but he's still too weak to do much more than doze. I think it could be another week in bed actually, but at least he looks much better and is no longer in pain so fingers crossed.

The last week has been hell, but has shown me several things. Firstly, how much my husband means to me. We don't actually have much in common but we do share a sense of humour and we have a steady companionship which means so much. In the dark hours of the night, when I thought this was the beginning of the end, it was the companionship that I realised I would miss the most.

Secondly, I have the most amazing friends. You know who you are so thank you so much for your love and support. It means the world.

Thirdly (the list could go on but I won't bore you), thank god for my job and for lovely Holly Young, milliner and great talent, who unwittingly kept me from turning into a weeping, terrified wreck on Monday because of our interview.

Lastly, I think we'd both forgotten what a lousy cook I am.

28 comments:

Elaine Denning said...

That doctor needs a disciplinary. His comment was not only insensitive and unnecessary, but completely bloody unprofessional. I bet you were seething. I'd be taking matters further....

So glad he seems to be getting better, FP. Bed rest is crucial but I think a liitle bit of fresh air (only if he is well enough) will work wonders for him.

Best of luck. x

Flowerpot said...

Another friend yesterday suggested I should write to him about that. I quite agree - but Himself was quite happy and said he'd rather know.....
Thanks for that x

Lane Mathias said...

What a horrible time for Himself - and for you.

I'm so glad he's feeling a bit better.

Chris Stovell said...

Sorry to hear that you're both having such a very tough time, FP. Sounds as if you're both handling it remarkably well. I hope there are easier times ahead very soon.

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Chris - I do feel a lot better now he;'s improved a bit. My fab friends have helped hugely.

Vermont Designs said...

I heartily agree, Elaine. Most unprofessional thing I have ever heard!! Off the cuff opinions not warranted - EVER.

I didn't want to ask about the cooking....VBG. much love, SIL.

Flowerpot said...

Shelagh - well you know how I feel about Those comments. as for the cooking - well he's got very little appetite. I'm hoping that's not just my cooking. He'd better hurry up and get better or we'll both fade away!

Jenny Beattie said...

Crumbs. His bedside manner didn't come to work with him that morning, did it?

Big hugs to you Flowerpot. I hope Himself continues to mend.

Talli Roland said...

That's terrible, that doctor, and totally inexcusable.

I'm so happy Himself is feeling better! And yay for having good friends to get you through.

Flowerpot said...

Thanks JJ - and hope you're OK.

Amanda said...

That's unbelievable, FP. What an insensitive thing to say! So glad you can see the positives in life - this will keep you strong x

Flowerpot said...

Mandy - is amazing isn't it? Positives fluctuate I have to say depending on the amount of sleep I've had! Last night not much so feeling v odd right now!

Philipa said...

So sorry to hear your husband's so poorly, FP. Sincere best wishes for a speedy recovery x

Remember to look after yourself too xx I'm glad to hear he's showing signs of improvement. Hopefully good things are on their way :-)

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Phil - yes I can't afford to be ill!

Colette McCormick said...

iN my experience doctors can be brutal but this one was just plain stupid.
Fingers crossed that HImself is feeling even better soon.

Flowerpot said...

Colette - you're right he was stupid! Thanks for your thoughts.

Akelamalu said...

How bloody insensitive and totally unprofessional of that doctor to make such remarks! A complaint about him is in order I think.

I'm so sorry to hear Himself has been so poorly but glad to hear he's getting better.

I'll send Reiki and positive thoughts.

You take care of yourself too. x

Flowerpot said...

Thanks for that Ak - Reiki and positive thoughts much appreciated. Yes I'd thought about writing a letter of complaint..... and I'm OK. Could do with a bit more sleep but that will settle soon.

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Talk about lacking in bedside manner! Poor you and Himself, but I'm glad he's feeling a bit better now.

Flowerpot said...

Debs - yes, literally bedside manner!

Anonymous said...

I came to your blog last night as I was thinking about you whilst watching Countryfile, they were in Falmouth.

A bedside manner goes a long way. And I totally agree with you, the companionship is the thing I would miss most too.

CJ xx

Flowerpot said...

Thanks CJ - yes I saw that bit about Falmouth too. Take care.

Maggie Christie said...

That's a quite breathtakingly insensitive quote from the doctor. I hope Himself will get better soon.

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Mags - glad to report he is well on the mend!

Grump said...

Hope the improvement continues. Do you have receipt for a tasty broth. Can't beat a tasty broth to pick up the spirits.
Woof to Molls from Tilly and a big hug and Kiss from me to you. XOX

Flowerpot said...

Many thanks Grump - patient recovering well despite not liking broth (I do though!). Hugs to you and Tilly too x

Ellee Seymour said...

I was shocked to read this too, and am glad to learn Himself is on the mend. I wish we lived closer so we could share a walk or two and a good natter.

Flowerpot said...

Ellee - that would be lovely. If ever you come down here do get in touch and we can do that!