We’ve just had a great weekend celebrating our 22nd wedding anniversary on Saturday. Sue and myself had a lovely Turkish meal out in Orpington, whilst the kids had organised there own evenings at various locations. Sue was up with the belly dancing around the restaurant while I was ducking my head hoping the belly dancer wouldn’t try to get me up dancing. Fortunately I got away with not getting up. I have also been getting myself ready for my hospital stay with books and lots of movies loaded onto my iPad to while away my time in hospital BUT!
With 1 day to go I have just had a call this morning at 10.30am from one of the surgeons at Guys to tell me that they need to postpone my operation tomorrow and potentially postponed for 6 weeks. All this has come about after a second CT scan I had last Friday where the scan showed that there is an issue with some of the blood vessels in my neck that aren’t behaving in the way they should, and so they need more time to investigate this issue further. This issue only affects a very small percentage of the population, I am one of them! If they had gone ahead without this knowledge then I would have stood a far great possibility of having a stoke and the surgeon weren’t prepare to take this risk on me.
So although this is a shock as I am totally ready to just get on with it and I have my movies ready! I also grateful that the professionals want to get it right and that they want to be fully prepared and have every issue covered. The next step now is that at some point in the next 2 weeks I will need to go to Kings Hospital to have a stent put in this artery in my neck (A stent is a small mesh tube that’s used to treat narrow or weak arteries). After this they can then decided if they can go ahead or if they need to do further test.
We now need to undo all the plans we have made, for food for the next 2 weeks as friends have put a rota together to feed Sue and the kids for the next 2 weeks and work wise, both Sue’s work and my work have been fantastic about getting this sorted.
Thank you everyone who has been supporting us so far both practically and in your prayers and I will keep you all updating to as and when any tests and new op dates happen.
Thanks Neil
Dad and Dan!
September 16, 2013
Praying for you
September 16, 2013
Indeed, it is a blessing for them to have found something wrong before you were on the operating table. God constantly has his hand guiding over you and whispering in the surgeons ears the best way forward.
Our God is the best surgeon and an almighty healer.
September 16, 2013
Hi Neil, sorry to hear about the postponement and uncertainty, but great to see your faith and the faith of all your friends & family surrounding you.
Just to let you know we’re praying for you too, and do let us know if there’s anything we can do to help.
Much love to you, Sue, Dan, Sophy & Amy.
PS Please let Amy know Hannah hasn’t forgotten her!
September 16, 2013
Don’t know whether it’s good or bad when you are all psyched up to go in, but if they are being extra cautious, it’s got to be a good thing in the long run. Thoughts and prayers with you and yours Neil. Jean xxx
September 16, 2013
Hey Neil, I am so glad to have stumbled across your blog site. I have been praying for you and thinking about you all since I heard about your tumour 2 weeks ago.
I have been wanting to chat to Sue but I know you must all be very busy and stressed.
I knew that you would be taking it as well as can be expected, you are such a positive guy.
Keep me informed – I won’t fast and pray tomorrow now!!!!
Chocolate cake here I come.
Much love to you all and God’s peace and presence. xxxx
September 16, 2013
Hello, Neil,
We had a lovely day with your parents yesterday and a very enjoyable lunch.
Take the respite to relax and prepare yourself. Doreen had a similar situation a few years ago, when her back operation was postponed. We continue to remember you, Sue and the family in our prayers.
Many blessings
Doreen and Cyril
September 16, 2013
Neil.Sorry I had no idea what you’ve been and are still going through. Ive just read your blog in shock really. It must be a complete nightmare for you all.
Be thankful that your doctors are not willing to take any risks and want to get your treatment exactly right.
Yes it might be annoying especially when you have mentally prepared yourself for your operation but you are their priority and they are putting you and your health first.
Stay strong mate
Pete
September 16, 2013
Hi Uncle Neil. Sorry that it’s been postponed. It must be very frustrating, but you’re right the professionals want to get it right. We know God’s hand is in this also. We continue to pray. Lots of love from the three of us. Xxx
September 16, 2013
Hi Neil, Thanks for letting us know so quickly. God is not leaving any stage of your treatment to chance, he has your best interest at heart and clearly told Dad that HE God would be in the theatre guiding the surgeon hands all the way. WHAT A WONDERFUL PROMISE. Just hold on to it, we will continue to pray for you as a family.