Fly Me High

Dear Friends & Bloggers,
I am writing to say a huge thank you to you all. I am off tomorrow to catch some sunshine in the Canary Islands and I’m in the midst of deciding what or more importantly, what not to take with me. So I have been trying stuff on and parading in front of the mirror (checking on whether the bum sticks out too much) and I have to say I look the epitome of good heath. I am simply oozing and spilling over with good thoughts and radiance. Now a lot of this has to do with the fact that I had a spray tan this morning. I am very fair so I usually look whiter than paper and here I am, simply glowing (and the bum looks just right too!) You would never guess that there is anything in the world wrong with me. And, you know what, I feel like that on the inside too! When I started this Blog just a short time ago, I was newly diagnosed and in a state of despair. I felt so cut off from the world, so different from everybody else in the street and tainted – as if I was a leper. I was also very angry. I simply could not comprehend why something like this should have happened to me. Why a straight forward operation, some 23 years ago, should land me in this mess. I really did struggle to come to terms with it. At first, absolutely refusing point blank to even hear about the toxic treatment that was on offer. I could not even bring myself to read the articles on the internet that were being pointed out to me by Andrew – I would start to read them and then feel terrified at what I was seeing. Andrew phoned the HepC Support group, not me. I went about my normal life in total denial – I even continued to drink wine with dinner. Slowly, the truth began to dawn and I took control of my virus which included changing my diet and giving up alcohol. I spent hours on the internet and it helped me so much. I knew the questions to ask my local Consultant – basic stuff really, like “what type do I have” and “what is my viral load”. I was totally disheartened by the local NHS team – I don’t suppose I can fully blame them as they are not so exposed to this kind of thing and it’s all only just starting to happen here. Anyway, they could not answer my questions and were quite happy to send me off across the Irish Sea to Liverpool for both treatment and support which I thought was abysmal. I'm now being looked after by a wonderful Liver specialist in London who treats me like a human being. It was during this turmoil that I started my Blog and this is why I have to thank you all. From that moment on, I was no longer alone. All my silly little questions were answered, my niggly concerns quashed and best of all, it generated a feeling of genuine warmth and caring. I start my treatment in 11 days time and I know I have the best team in the world looking out for me. I would not be standing here oozing radiance inside and out today if it were not for you. Thank you all so very much!

Dad has been appointed chief cook and cat dish washer. Friends are moving in to keep a watchful eye over ‘things’ so I can happily wave goodbye to you all and spend the next week soaking up the sunshine without a care in the world (well, hardly……)
love
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