As the majority of our friends and readers will now know, I was rushed into hospital last week in a very bad way. I would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has sent good wishes through all the various social media platforms, through the comments, by email, snail mail, text and phone. And to the friends wh have kept me company across the miles with tales of normality and laughter.
I am sorry if it has taken a while to respond to everyone individually, I am really rather unwell and my energy levels are a tad variable.
At a time when the Covid restrictions mean that even close family cannot visit, it has meant a very great deal to be touched by so much love, friendship and kindness. Trying to process the changes that serious illness has and will impose upon us as individuals and as families is always difficult. Just now, when we cannot even see our nearest and dearest, cannot give each other a hug, hold a hand… or even discuss the practicalities face to face, it is particularly harrowing. The feeling of utter isolation is terrible, and the care shown by family and friends, albeit remotely, matters more than ever.
This week has been a journey from looking death right in the eye as I failed to breathe at all, through relief as litres of fluid were drained from around my heart, to a sliver of hope. I have had a series of tests and procedures, and some exceedingly unpleasant biopsies, for which I still await the definitive results. One thing that is clear, however, is that I do have a lung collapsed by cancer.
They let me come home last night, until the results are in. The dog thinks it is hilarious as I too am now being kept on a short leash, attached by tubes to the oxygen extractor occupying way too much of my living room and not letting me out the front door.
I am being well looked after, the small dog seems glad to have me home. I am being well fed and cared for now I am home… and all I need right now are answers.
Thank you to everyone who has held my hand through this first rather shocking stage of the journey. Especially my friend, Mary Smith, with whom I have a date in spring at Cairn Holy when hopefully both of us will be in a rather better state than we are now.
Reblogged this on Sue Vincent's Daily Echo.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am praying for you today, Sue. For your healing, peace, and restoration, in the name of Jesus. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead as I remember you. I am glad you have plans for this adventure with your dear friend and it will be nice to read about it in the future posts on your blog. ❤
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Lynda. I am very much looking forward to meeting up with Mary in spring ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sue, I’ve tears in my eyes reading this. You are a fighter, and fight this, you will.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers daily 🙏🏽💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ritu. That means a great deal ❤
LikeLike
🙏🏽💜🙏🏽
LikeLiked by 1 person
My prayers are with you. Sending healing vibes & love ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for this update. So glad you are home, as is the small dog I’m sure. Not a good time to be ill but then I guess it’s never a good time to be sick. I’ve been thinking about you a lot, with lots of love and hope in my heart. 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keep that hope there, Darlene… that’s where I’m heading 😉 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
♥ Wishing you well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
Your inner strength, your openness and your ability to confront reality face to face is inspirational. Take care, Sue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jeff. No point in hiding or running away from the facts 🙂
LikeLike
Nope. There isn’t. But there’s an awful lot of it done, as you must know. I once knew – very well, actually – a lady who, on that account, I used to call the ostrich. What was that line by Eliot – ‘Human kind cannot stand very much reality’?
LikeLike
Well, I intend to embrace the reality while I still have access to it.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Campbells World and commented:
Please help me send Healing Energies to my Dear Friend Sue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Patty x
LikeLike
I read Mary Smith’s blog, and that is where I first heard about your similar dilemma’s.
Prayers to both Mary and you that y’all emerge from your struggles and enjoy life with your families for many more years.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Joelle… I can go with that for both of us 😉
LikeLike
I bet Ani was ecstatic to have you home. Cairn Holy in the spring it is, then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A tad subdued, but quite wiggly, she was.
Hopefully she can join us in spring 🙂
LikeLike
Great to detect the strength and hope in your words and attitude, Sue. I’m rooting for you all the way. Curses on these horrid cancers. (Husband and I both,luckily, beat them…) Thinking positive thoughts. Love Joy xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Joy. There is so much more hope these days than a few years ago. xx
LikeLike
Rooting for you Sue. Keep fighting. Hugs by the ton, positive energy by the galaxy, you are constantly in my thoughts. So glad you are being well cared for. ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are in my thoughts and in my prayers. You are needed here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Pamela.
I think thats mutual 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you are back home. Good food and the company and unconditional love from your canine companion, will do you the world of good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a warm dog at my feet and am already well fed 🙂
LikeLike
I’m glad to hear you are doing better and hoping for good test results.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Bob. The tests will only show the extent of the problem and let us target the treatment appropriately lately.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now that you’re more relaxed and in a familiar place hopefully you can concentrate on getting better.🙂❤💐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sleep, food and loving company… that’s what is needed 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂👍❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure the small dog was extremely pleased her two-legs was home, tubes and all. And I am also sure that the two-legs enjoyed some good, non-hospital food! I’m glad they were able to relieve the worst of it. I hope you enjoy time at home as you await the treatments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
t will be a long road, I think, but we have made a start and all journeys are adventures. Some darker than others, but then… who knows where they lead 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
It will most likely be a long road, but hopefully those brighter days will help you through the darker ones.
LikeLike
A long journey is usually towards a destination worth reaching 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sorry to hear about your health issues, and I hope the tests help to figure out the best course of treatment. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Jim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am relieved to hear you are at least home for the moment. Continuing to send my love and prayers for better health. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Alethea…just nice to touch base with normality for a while 🙂
LikeLike
Thank God that you are back home and you are improving .I am sure you will be healed completely for a greater purpose.Prayers assured.Take care.🌹👍🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Francis.
LikeLike
Most welcome.🌹👍🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sue, I didn’t know the depth of any of this until today. Prayers for healing and well being. And for your meet up! Like the Small Dog I am glad you are home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Colleen.Like the small dog, so am I 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The good thing about four-legs is they tend to be awake at times when two legs aren’t and mine are on thinking duty to you and Mary during the wee small hours when life seems bleakest. We’re sending you all our strength and hugs to help you through.
xxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah…that’s where our-legses alwayshave the advantage 😉 Thanks, Jemima xx
LikeLike
Happy to hear you are at home.Ani will be a grand nursemaid. Keep getting stronger and don’t let them try to pull the wool over your eyes! See yourself as happy, healthy, and whole, for this is the way we ALL see you! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m doing just fine at the moment ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Sue’s health problems.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing 🙂
LikeLike
I’m going to continue to keep you in my prayers, Sue. Take care. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Suzanne. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re more than welcome. X —- Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thinking good thoughts for your recovery. Hope you feel better soon. Having your dog nearby should be comforting, especially when you can’t have many human visitors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It feels much better just being at home with the dog 🙂
LikeLike
For all the gifts you have given us, Sue, what we can give in return is so little!
LikeLiked by 2 people
❤
LikeLike
Look at the live here Sue it says it all. I love you, keep fighting sending you all healthy vibes love and hope 💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bless you, Willow, you have been so supportive xxx
LikeLike
💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so glad to know you are at least home, Sue. I am sure Ani is happy and I assume there is someone there assisting you from what you’ve said. Not the easiest time to be sick and that’s a fact. I am glad that Mary and you have set a goal. I look forward to reading about your journey to Cairn Holy and also seeing pictures of Mary’s flowers that she is planting.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Cairn Holy is waiting for us in spring. Third time lucky, we can hope ,
LikeLike
Hi Sue, so sorry that you are going through it at the moment. You say , “all journeys are adventures”- I admire your spirit👏🏽🙏 You are in my thoughts and sending healing . Love, Dean 🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dean. I appreciate that xxx
LikeLike
I’m so glad you are home with Ani and the help you need. Thanks for keeping us updated, and sending, as always, healing wishes. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kerfe. being home for now makes all the difference 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry to hear about this Sue. Both you and Mary. Sending you both love and light and the strength to cope with it all. And prayers for the Spring, and hope for your trip away, that you will both be stronger by then, much love, Marje x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marje. We’ll be glad of all the help we canget by then, I think 😉 xx
LikeLike
Yes, let’s hope that there is some good news by then. Take care. x
LikeLike
Indeed ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you are home again! Thanks so much for letting us know how you are doing. Give Ani a scritch behind the ears and enjoy some real food for a change! I will continue to pray for you and the rough road ahead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Alexander, I am expecting a long and rocky trek… but it will still be an adventure …
LikeLiked by 1 person
So pleased to read u got home and can get some decent food, your own bed, the dog and Stu and the so on – in that order too probably 🙂 Much love as always…
LikeLiked by 1 person
The dog bounced in first on that list, and I slept a solid ten hours last night, well fed. A world of difference x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dogs are pure love so I am not surprised….
LikeLike
She has become a very close guard dog x
LikeLike
So sorry to hear what you’re going through, Sue. Good to read that you’re now back home. Sending healing and positive thoughts to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much , Wendy x
LikeLike
Glad you are home where you are getting decent food (yes!) and resting in your own bed with Ani by your side. I think of you often during the day, and send a beacon of loving, healing thoughts out to you. Like Mary, you’re going to kick this thing’s butt! 😉 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Eliza. It makes such a huge difference to know people care enough to do that. Especially at the moment, when so many parts of the community are still quiet and isolated, all support genuinely helps xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heavens to Murgatriod!!! I go away for ten days and cancer nearly kills you!!! I’m never going away again!!! .. we only got home late this afternoon ( Sunday) and I read Ani’s update with great consternation, so this extra update is welcome indeed.
I’m going to go and unpack a few more things with a much lighter heart. All my love and a gazillion hugs, dear friend.
I’m very, very, very glad you didn’t die … as are you, I’m sure. : )
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a tad extreme. Not the best start to the week… and I wasn’t sure I’d see another at the time. Don’t feel too bad at the moment. As long as I don’t move much or escape the oxygen leash 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess the big question now is, can you still throw tennis balls? : )
LikeLike
Apparently, I can. and serve treats 😉 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heheheheheh : )
LikeLike
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Sue. I’m so glad you’re back home, and I’m sure Ani is too. I’m so very sorry to hear your news though and am sending lots of love and light and good healing wishes. You’ll be walking the mountains again soon! (and I hope I can join you at some point) xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m really glad to be home too… much easier here. It may be a bit of a long trek, but I have my sights set on heather next year… I missed it again this year xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet you did. It will be a bit of a trek but we will all be here with you. Let me know if there’s anything I can do xx
LikeLike
Thanks, Helen. I will. All good at the moment xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m following the journey you and Mary are going through with love, sadness, faith, and many, many prayers for both of you. You have such a deep soul, Sue, that I know this will help you get through the path you need to follow to health. Thanks for blogging to us and letting us be your cheering section – always. With a huge hug, Pam
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Pam, it makes an enormous difference to know there is such strength and affection to draw upon xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Globally, my friend. Spiritually and globally. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Sun in Gemini and commented:
From Sue…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Stevex
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Sue, you are in my thoughts. Sending you healing vibes and hugs. Keep your thoughts positive, as half the battle is won through willpower. Wishing you fast recovery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Balroop x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sue, I just learned via willowdot21. My thoughts are with you. I will keep you in my prayers.
LikeLike
Thank you, Robert. I am grateful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sue, I have just discovered your news via your blog.
Please know you are in my thoughts. Sending you all the positive energy and encouragement I can muster. Be blessed.
LikeLike
Thank you 🙏
LikeLike
You are in my thoughts and prayers Sue. Hope and positive vibes are your focus Sue. I await good news of treatment! ❤ xx
LikeLike
Dreading treatment, but I’ll be glad to start xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Please keep us abreast when you’re feeling up to it. ❤
LikeLike
Will do, Debby ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Warm feet courtesy of Ani, good food and a trip to Cairn Holy in the spring.. enough time for you and Mary to get those kick-ass boots on and I’ll kick ass with my trusty flip flops just to make sure…I look forward to reading both your posts on your shenanigans…Buddhas healing coming your way 🙂 xx
LikeLike
Ani is moving no more that a touch away… and I’ll dance in the stones barefootcome spring 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the spirit, Sue and as for Ani she knows where she likes it best 🙂 xx
LikeLike
Ani just likes having me on a leash too, I think 😉 xx
LikeLike
😂😂😂.. as they do xx
LikeLike
😀 😀 xx
LikeLike
Oh my goodness, what a shock for you both. Thinking of you and Ani at this difficult time, and hoping you get your answers and start treatment soonest. ❤
LikeLike
More answers next week with luck xx
LikeLiked by 1 person