Sandra Carey-Boggans
Sorting out the future
Just a quick update to let
you all know what we've
been up to.
I have spent pretty much the
last few weeks in hospital, on
and off.
I had my treatment for bone
cancer and my calcium levels
were low but not critical.
Then, when I got home, I had
an emergency call from the doctor
at the hospital saying that
there were problems with my
liver function tests. In all honesty
I am amazed that it has
lasted this long.
To cut a long story short, I
ended up being readmitted into
Worthing Hospital for lots of
tests and we discovered that
although there were a few
problems, in fact there was no
cancer in the liver.
Talk about excited. I was so
elated to hear the news that
when we got home we cracked
open a bottle of champagne.
I'm quite sure it was the last
thing I should have been doing
but you know I just indulge
myself and I made the most of
enjoying every glass and not
worrying about any of the consequences.
The boys have been on their
half-term school holidays. We
weren't off to a brilliant start
with both managing to damage
their computer screens but the
upside to it was they spent more
time out and about on their
bikes and I have even managed
a little ride myself, which was
fab.
We managed a night out to
the wrestling and had an
absolutely wonderful time. We
also had our arranged trip to
Thorpe Park with friends which
was great and I didn't mind one
bit when the oncologist suggested
I didn't tackle the rides.
On a sadder note, the
Ombudsman has virtually
given up on our case against the
insurance company over my
life insurance policy.
Yet my milk bottle is always
half full and an independent
financial adviser who reads The
Argus made contact with us
and has met Tom and me offering
support and to take our case
on.
Naturally we are delighted
and as I told him, at least if all
else fails he has given me hope.
A massive part of me wants to
expose the insurance company
and cries out for justice but in
all honesty I feel so tired and
unable to fight. I can't bear any
bad feeling. I really don't think
I would be strong enough to put
myself through all that.
Anyway, my poor brain was
never that great so I sure don't
think it's up to all this now.
Lewis has a bit of an issue at
the moment.
He wants me to be buried so
that he has a place to go where
he can talk to me.
I have reminded him about
the memorial tree outside our
house and that I hope for a
bench to be placed next to it in
my memory.
I would so love to get inside
Lewis's head sometimes. He
comes out with the most bizarre
things and obviously thinks a
lot about losing me, yet still we
manage to argue along with the
rest of them.
I know I spoil the boys terribly
but I feel no shame there.
While I was in hospital, I
spent quite some time researching
and thinking about how all
their needs will be met after I
pass away.
I feel pleased. Although I will
never be convinced and don't
wish to be replaced, I have
drawn up a pretty impressive
care plan.
I have also made a more
detailed list for my funeral
arrangements and have met
one of the ministers who will be
taking my family service.
Much to my father's horror I
have purchased a Victorian
nightie to be laid to rest in. I
think I may have watched and
been influenced by too many
old movies.
I have also written all sorts of
notes and letters. Actually, I am
in danger of being too organised
as I think Tom needs things to
keep his mind occupied after
my death.
I want to do more exciting
things with Tom and the boys
and to have another holiday but
health and finance are not permitting.
Hopefully I can start losing a
bit of weight. There is a rumour
that I am pregnant. Fortunately
for me that would take a miracle.
While I blame the steroids
there is definitely an element
that I just reap so much pleasure
from food - and why
shouldn't I?
Pleasingly, I am going to be
cutting down on my steroids so
hopefully that will help.
I have seen my oncologist
who advised me I am mildly diabetic.
I have the most insatiable
thirst all the time.
My speech is also getting progressively
worse.
He has decided to keep me off
the chemo and put me on a new
hormone treatment and some
new tablets for my dizzy
moments, which are more often
than not.
Tom spoilt me for Valentine's
day with huge heart-shaped balloons,
roses, champagne, an
enormous card and a mug. Both
boys received cards and I wrote
Tom a romantic poem and
cooked him a meal. Lewis was
our waiter.
The past two Valentine's
days I have spent in hospital
and we really thought I was
heading in the same direction
this year.
My aim is to get a bit more
active - well at least mobile
would suit - and to think up
more fab and fun things to do
while we still can. My beautiful
car is for sale, which I guess is
an acceptance of sorts.
3:06pm Tuesday 4th March 2008
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