In the four and bit months since I was diagnosed with cancer, I have been tested, advised on what was to happen, operated on and sent home from hospital.
I won’t say that my feet didn’t touch the ground but it was a roller coaster of activity which now just awaits the results to see if it has spread and review the options.
All of us deal with the news and the subsequent period of adjustment in different ways.
We chose to tell just the family and close friends, not out of any shame or desire to be secret but just because that fitted how I felt.
That said I was not averse to friends telling friends, and reflected that at some point I would write about it.
Of course what I would say remained to be carefully worked out.
There are some very moving and illuminating contributions about experiencing cancer, from blogs to Radio Four conversations and in that well tried practice, that if someone has done it and done it well I see no reason to repeat the process.
Instead, I am reflecting on the care and the continued care I am receiving from the NHS, which is not to depreciate other health services in other places.
I have family and friends who have and continue to receive the most excellent care from Italian and French hospitals but I was here in Manchester and it was the NHS who looked after me.
The speed with which I was fast tracked by my GP to the series of tests, the preliminary conversation with the specialist, and the eventual operation and after care cannot be faulted and underlines that basic principle that at a time when the individual is in crisis, the principle of free medical care at the point of need remains paramount and the measure of a civilized and just country.
We all know that the NHS creeks at times and in places, but to anyone faced with an illness it is there.
At which point I could start singling out people to thank, but to do so would be a very long list and not fair, because while I know the name of my consultant, and Macmillan nurses, the remaining team of doctors, nurses, technicians and cleaners along with kitchen staff, are pretty much unknown to me.
The important thing was that they were there, did their bit and for that Tina, my family and friends will be thankful.
So ....... less the historical account of the NHS, or a detailed personal description of my cancer, and instead just that simple observation, that 70 years after its inception the NHS continues to offer first rate care, continuing to deliver its three core principles to meet the needs of everyone, to be free at the point of delivery, and based on clinical need, not ability to pay.
And that must continue to be defended against all who would look at the cost, or try to promote an increase in the scale of a private medical service.
Pictures; logos from the NHS, and for once I have not sought copyright
All of us deal with the news and the subsequent period of adjustment in different ways.
We chose to tell just the family and close friends, not out of any shame or desire to be secret but just because that fitted how I felt.
That said I was not averse to friends telling friends, and reflected that at some point I would write about it.
Of course what I would say remained to be carefully worked out.
There are some very moving and illuminating contributions about experiencing cancer, from blogs to Radio Four conversations and in that well tried practice, that if someone has done it and done it well I see no reason to repeat the process.
I have family and friends who have and continue to receive the most excellent care from Italian and French hospitals but I was here in Manchester and it was the NHS who looked after me.
We all know that the NHS creeks at times and in places, but to anyone faced with an illness it is there.
The important thing was that they were there, did their bit and for that Tina, my family and friends will be thankful.
And that must continue to be defended against all who would look at the cost, or try to promote an increase in the scale of a private medical service.
Pictures; logos from the NHS, and for once I have not sought copyright
Fingers crossed for you Andrew. Totally agree with your comments on NHS. A little slow at times with appointments but there when you need them. Had a couple of operations over the last few years and all the staff were brilliant. Good luck for the future.
ReplyDeleteMy good wishes for your continued recovery, Andrew.
ReplyDeleteWell Done Andrew, our thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the very very best Andrew. As you know, cancer has touched my family as well. Remaining positive is a must, however difficult that can be sometimes. You are such a strong person - you've got this kiddo!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more. I have always found that the NHS excels when you need them most. I once worked in a hospital in Liverpool with THE most fantastic people. Despite the slings and arrows their service faced, they never lost sight of the vital importance of their work, or of the kindness and compassion they shared with patients and colleagues every single day. This selfless post is typical of you, Andrew. I wish you lots of luck and know you'll come through this. x
ReplyDelete