Little big dog

I wrote about Themba's story earlier in the year. This brave little dog has overcome so many challenges, and now it seems that his aortic stenosis is getting worse. The recent hot weather has made him more susceptible, and I have been horrified to see him collapse, lose continence, fit and froth, and at one point I even thought he had stopped breathing. I rubbed his chest with my knuckles and shouted 'Themba, can you hear me?' There was no response. I ran inside and brought the ice tray out to the garden where he had collapsed. I pushed ice cubes under his lips and started chest compressions, a la Vinnie Jones in 'Hard and Fast' hands-only CPR. He came round with a start, his tongue rolling about, his eyes wild. I know now that he wasn't in cardiac arrest, he had fainted and stopped breathing. It took him over an hour to recover so we lay together in the garden, with Brin, until he was OK to walk back to the house. He's just too heavy for me carry.

The irony is that MrB is a cardiologist. He sees this kind of condition in human patients all the time. He runs the cardiac resuscitation program, but he wasn't as home when Themba collapsed, and he couldn't be contacted by phone either, as he was dealing with an emergency at the hospital. We are used to that, and we cope very well.

Themba has a referral for a canine cardiologist. She will measure the gradient across the aortic stenosis. This will give us an indication of the severity of condition. We hope that beta-blockers will help to control his heart rate, and that this may prevent further collapses. We are restricting his exercise at the moment, although he is actually a very fit boy. I'll keep you posted.

And in the meantime, have a fantastic Diamond Jubilee weekend. You can catch up with the Greensand Way runners, running 108miles for charity, or pop along to the Godalming Jubilee Run and fun day* on Monday 4th June. I will be marshalling the run at the intersection outside The Charterhouse pub.

*Message from the organisers: The Fun run is now full. To prevent over crowding, the entry to the Fun Run is capped at 275. Please do not attempt to enter this event on the day if you have not already registered.

5k and 10k run: Online registration will close Sunday 20:00. There's absolutely no entry allowed on the day. So please enter before Sunday 20:00.

With almost 720 registered across the runs and family fun run it is important to arrive in good time and read this website or the emails you receive. Details of parking are below and the race day itinerary will be released soon.

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Another survey?

Really, do we need another survey to tell us that doctors are so out of touch? Following on from the Royal College of Physicians Health and Social Care Bill survey in March, and the British Medical Association strike ballot over pension changes, I was quite cross (to put it mildly) that a GP was last night suggesting a survey of their patients to find out what real people think about the strike action scheduled for 21 June.

Firstly, I think we know what real people think. Secondly, the proposed survey would be an online survey, and how would that be representative of the GP's patients, many of whom are elderly and not that computer literate. And even if they were able to log on to the internet, how would you promote such a survey? At the surgery, on the website, through Twitter, or by sending out a mail shot?

The problem with surveys and ballots and voting in general is that only the most motivated will participate, unless you put the voting form in front of them, and give them a pen, and insist they do it right there and then. Otherwise, it goes to the bottom of the pile and everyone accepts the majority verdict. 

Well, I hate to tell you this, but the majority almost never vote.  Recent surveys of the medical profession show a distinct lack of interest by most doctors in what the politicians are saying. Most doctors are getting on with their jobs, helping people every day, sometimes in difficult situations, using their years of training to make life or death decisions. I know this because I have been married to a consultant cardiologist for twenty years. On 21 June, he will not be on strike. He did not vote for industrial action. He did not vote at all. He is not a member of the doctors' union.  Cardiology is an acute medical speciality. That means that consultant cover is provided 24hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. There will be no consultant strike in cardiology.

So, who will be striking. The Junior Doctors' group voted overwhelmingly for industrial action (92% of those who voted). The most vocal about the strike appear to be the GP group, but the voting numbers don't back this up (78% of those who voted). Even so, it will be a lot easier to close GP surgeries than hospitals on 21 June so I suspect patients needing a GP will be most affected. I haven't yet seen any numbers related to cancelled elective surgery.

I looked at the numbers of hospital consultants who voted in the BMA ballot, because this is the group I am most familiar with. I know these men and women, we've talked about these issues many times. The old-fashioned Professor consultant dinosaurs have long since taken their gold-plated pensions and are enjoying their (well-earned) retirement. The senior doctors left in post are (by and large; there are always exceptions) a new generation of consultants, exceptionally well-trained, hard-working and dedicated to providing excellent care in the NHS.

There are 37,752 consultants working in the NHS (March 2011). Of these, 18,721 voted in the BMA ballot. Of these, 84% (15,733) voted in favour of industrial action to protect their pension rights, and 73% (13,637) voted in favour of a full strike. Is that a true mandate for industrial or strike action, where fewer than half of all hospital consultants voted in favour? Now, I know that on the day of the action, some doctors may prefer to play a round of golf, rather than treat patients; I hope that won't be the case, but let's be realistic. And there will be some who re-consider and decide to work anyway. 

Just to touch on the other survey carried out in March this year. The Royal College of Physicians asked fellows and members their views on the Health and Social Care Bill proposed reforms. Just fewer than 9,000 members responded and of these 6% accepted the bill, 69% rejected the bill, 22% neither accepted nor rejected the bill and 3% declined to give an opinion! Interestingly, almost on a 50/50 split, the respondents 'urged the RCP to continue to engage critically on further improving the bill' - and that was the last we heard of that. Underwhelming, or what?

And just to finish off, perhaps doctors might want to take a look at their payslips - your pension contributions have been increased 2.4% since April. You are already paying 13.5% of your salary into pension, so if you think that ballots and surveys and strikes will change anything - its' already too late. The change is underway. Best get on with improving patient care, working smarter and enjoying the vocational career you chose and studied long and hard for. You will be rewarded, and what's more, patients and their families value you.

No more surveys!

British Medical Association

Royal College of Physicians

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Monday mood board #7

It's still feeling hot, hot, hot. Warm sunshine encourages healing, and growth. The wet April and early May left the ground moist and ready for the new growth. If Spring represents hope, then a glimpse of Summer must represent life. So my mood board today is all about life, and living.

Life, photo collage, May 2012, Lesley Beeton

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You're Beautiful - South Africa

This is absolutely the last mention of our holiday in South Africa, I promise. I met some inspirational people, saw some stunning scenery, and ate mouthwatering food. And now it's time to move on to new adventures, so just one last look at some of the photos from beautiful South Africa.

Photo collage, South Africa, May 2012, Lesley Beeton

You can see a full photo story board here, and read about two educational projects we support here.

Thank you, Cheetahs in my Shoes, for hosting You're Beautiful. Here's the link to this week's post.

You're Beautiful

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Saturday Pet Blogger Hop

I found this great blog hop through a comment left on my blog by the magnificent Rumpy Dog.

Saturday Pet Blogger Hop

I haven't had a chance to get round the new pet blogs, but they do look like a lot of fun! (I'm really sorry that I couldn't leave a comment on your blog.  I'm not on Facebook, but I have tweeted a link to your blog hop. Hope that counts!)

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Things my mother never taught me

My mother was a fine woman. She was strong and jolly and independent. She was not a stay at home mom. She worked full time and I went to pre-school when I was just two years old. I loved it, I could do my letters and numbers before I was four. And consequently, the time for learning at my mother's side was gone long before either of us ever thought about it. In fact, we only talked about when I was well into my 30s and discussing stay at home moms versus career women. My mom never quite understood my reasons for not having children, I don't suppose I fully do either. When I was younger, it was because babies and research didn't mix, then it was because my husband works such long hours that I didn't want to be a 'single mum' bringing up babies on my own and being resentful. Now, life is a lot less complicated, with two lovely Boxer dogs and a widower Dad to look after.

I wish Mom had stayed at home with us. We would have learnt about things like baking and gardening, played word games, and gone to tennis parties. Oh, we did all those things, but not with Mom. We always had loads of friends, cousins and grand-parents on hand. In fact, the joke was that Mom never learned to cook because Granny never taught her - but she taught me. Granny taught me in the old-fashioned ways, a little of this, a pinch of that, stir it up with passion, and it will taste good. Nothing with any great finesse, but food from the soul.

Photo credit

Mom and I did discover a couple of things in common - our love for words and our love for gardening. Funny that, because Mom always considered herself to be far superior to me in both subjects. And she probably was, but I'm catching up. Mom would have loved to have blogged about her garden. I started my blog when Mom was ill and she never saw the tribute it has become. 

It's good to have a tribute to a loved one. It helps to remember the good times, and it's an evolving place to express your feelings. People who are interested will come to your blog. 

Oh, and one more thing - Mom had a clear sense right and wrong. Don't make promises you can't keep, do keep appointments, and always write a thank you note. On second thoughts, perhaps Mom taught me all the important things in life.

I've submitted this post for 'Celebrating Womanhood. Because Women Are Amazing'.

Celebrating Womanhood

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Educating Africa

I am joining Salt and Caramel's blog hop today. Lynn is in Kenya, exploring the issues of life, health and education in Africa. Please do read Lynn's blog to find out more.


I wrote the post below after my holiday in South Africa in May this year. I was struck by how far the country had come since we left seventeen years ago. Then, it would have been almost unheard of for a young Zulu woman to go to school, have a career and decide for herself when and with whom to start a family. Now, we were heartened by the efforts of the recently elected politicians, to educate young people about contraception, having healthy babies, and the prospect of an HIV-free generation. This is good news for South Africa.


Two more brief anecdotes from my life in Africa in the early 1990's. My husband was training to be a doctor, and had to do an obstetrics block in a rural hospital. He said it was gruesome, sometimes delivering three babies at a time. No pain relief, episiotomies performed by experienced but extremely busy midwives. During his training, he delivered one hundred babies naturally and performed thirty Caesarian births. Today, he is a Cardiologist.


I went to discuss contraception with my GP just before we got married. As Dr B was still in training, we didn't need the added pressure of a baby! Her comment still rings in my ears: do you know what they call people who use condoms? Parents! I have been using the contraceptive pill ever since, but I do wonder whether that was the most balanced advice she could have give me.


Please read on, a story about a small part of Educating Africa.

The Cavern escarpment

My story begins with Sthoko, a young South African woman who gave my feet a wonderful pedicure after walking in the Drakensberg mountains in South Africa last week. Sthoko is one of the new generation South Africans, proud of her heritage and looking forward to a happy and successful economic future. Sthoko is educated and has a good job in a resort spa. She hopes to find a good and decent man to marry and start a family. But for now, she lives in a remote region of South Africa where three provinces meet at the escarpment. Mobile phones are plentiful in South Africa, but outside of the metropolitan areas, coverage is sparse and internet access is patchy to say the least. Satellite TV provides most of the news, but it’s expensive. Sthoko is lucky – she can read so will be able to find out about current affairs for herself. She wonders, for example, why the Zimbabwean people are not rising up en masse against Robert Mugabe. But there are many others who are not so fortunate, who are unable to read or write.

Travel conditions in rural South Africa

Royal Drakensberg Primary School

Which is why education is so important for South Africa’s next generation. In the eight years since we were last there, infrastructure has deteriorated. Roads in particular are most badly affected. If children are unable to get to school, or are unable to communicate with a teacher via the internet, using Skype for example, how on earth can they be educated? We spent some time with Megan Bedingham at The Cavern Resort. Megan and her family have set-up and built a school, The Royal Drakensberg Primary School, for local children. This local school means that the parents of little children no longer have to find the money to travel an hour by taxi to school. No money means no school for many children. The South African government provides no financial support for the school, so it must find funding for teachers and supplies from other sources. Parents are, however, expected to pay R400.00 (about £30.00) a month for each child at the school, and that is a huge sum of money for most of these parents whose main employment is at The Cavern Resort or the neighbouring hotels. The remainder of the school fee is generated by tireless fundraising.

A homemade school in South Africa

The problem for the education of girls is even more desperate. In this area of South Africa, Zulu tribal traditions are very strong, which means that boys are born with more advantages than girls. Girls are still growing up and working in domestic service. Of course, this will always happen, but it is said that the education of children is only as good as that of their mother. So, unless we can educate the mothers of tomorrow, children in South Africa will never rise above the basic level. I believe very strongly that there needs to be more focus and commitment on educating girls, empowering them through education, to healthier, happier lives as confident women in South Africa’s future.

The newly appointed health minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has declared his aim of an HIV-free generation. The recent public awareness ads are hard hitting and make it clear that responsible sexual practice will be a major contributor to halting the spread of the infection. South Africa cannot afford the widespread use of anti-retroviral drugs forever.

While in South Africa, I listened to a debate on broad-based black economic empowerment, which the local people refer to as BBEE. Eighteen years after Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress came to power, this is still the main concern amongst young black South Africans. May is Africa month, a celebration of all things African. But everyone is wondering if this generation will enjoy true economic freedom and independence, that which previous generations have fought for.

African sunrise

Oprah Winfrey has started a girls’ school in Johannesburg to address just this issue. I have previously written about Thandulwazi, a maths and science academy in Johannesburg. And now, I’m asking you to consider the Northern Drakensberg Khanyisela project. Khanyisela means to enlighten. Thandulwazi is the love of knowledge. Two more projects inspiring brighter futures for South Africa and its children.


For a photo story board of our trip and experiences in South Africa, please pop over to Christmas Pie Crafts, where I am guest blogging today.


Photo credits

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Hot dogs

Whilst the humans are (mostly) enjoying the lovely warm weather, my doggie companions are not so sure. Boxers have a very short nose and they find it a bit tricky to thermoregulate in the hot weather. Their panting becomes quite laboured. We change our walk times when it's hot; sticking to early mornings and around dusk. The little big dog in particular feels quite lethargic in the heat, and this could be due to his aortic stenosis. We don't encourage the usual mad Boxer behaviour, favouring instead a lot of lying around. This also has the added benefit of keeping the house clean!

The usual warnings apply too about not leaving dogs in cars in the hot weather and always having lots of fresh water for them to drink. In the past, before the hosepipe ban, my Boxers enjoyed a frolic or three in the spray from the hose. They still prefer to drink straight from the hosepipe, so I hope Thames Water are OK about that.

We have found another way of keeping cool. I have noticed that if the Boxers flop down somewhere they are not inclined to move for sometime. This means that they don't drink as much. So I ply them with ice cubes, which they can lick wherever they are. A simple solution.

Stay cool, cats.

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So sad today

There are almost no words, but I feel I must pay tribute to the brave people, and their friends and families, who have lost their fight against cancer in the last few days. Donna Summer, Robin Gibb, and Ellie Jeffery. Donna Summer and Robin Gibb gave me the soundtrack to my teenage years. Ellie's story has dominated my conscience since Mom died in August last year. 

I discovered Ellie's blog quite by chance and I was immediately struck by the honesty of her writing. Ellie died on Friday. She was just 29 years old. This is Ellie's blog, with a final entry written by Tom, who she was going marry in June.

RIP.

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Stranger things have happened

Something strange is going on. First, I found a live mouse, happily eating away at the poison in the mouse bait box. When I went back the next day to clear out the body, it was gone! Now, who or what moved the body? Then, I heard a strange knocking on the kitchen door. The Boxers were fast asleep, but soon became curious at the noise. I peered out of the bedroom window and saw a fox trying to get in through the cat flap! I shoo'ed it away and let the dogs out. They were on its scent straight away, but it was through the hedge and gone. I did find it left a deposit on the lawn though. And, any idea what this little chap is up to? 

I watched with interest as the squirrel jumped down from the fir tree and ran across the terrace. I've seen it a few times and each time it goes to the same place to nibble at the mortar. Suggestions on a post card, please!

But it's not just the animals behaving strangely. Mr B used the new mulching lawn mower last weekend. It was the first opportunity since getting back from holiday, and although I had given him the safety demonstration, he still managed to injure himself. I was away with the weeds, having a field day, pulling up two foot weeds from the driveway (note to self: must go round with wheelbarrow and pick up weeds). Now, the garden is large and Mr B was pootling about in the woodland meadow (that's euphemism for not mowing that bit under the trees). I didn't hear a thing until he wandered through the house, applying pressure to his wrist. In a very calm voice, he said 'I've ruptured my radial artery, please could you find the tourniquet?' I didn't panic, although I was imagining the worst. I found the tourniquet and applied it, then sent him to lie down while the blood stopped. It was a strange injury though - there was no blood! The artery had ruptured under the skin, but the skin wasn't broken. Apparently, he stabbed himself with some bit on the mower that he was fiddling with. It flew up and hit him on the wrist. He felt the pain and saw his artery 'blow up'. I was concerned about nerve damage to his hand from any loss of circulation, but thankfully, it's all OK.

  

The next day, the Boxers were having a bit of rough and tumble in the garden, and the next thing, the little big dog, did his best collapse ever. Now, this isn't something to be laughed. It's neither strange nor funny. The little one has aortic stenosis, a condition affecting the major artery in his body. He's mostly OK, but can collapse when he's over-excited. His breathing was very laboured, but he still wagged his tail as he lay there. Adorable boy x.

My sister in law was in Shackleford for one day this week. She lives in Perth, Australia and has been in London and Antwerp on business (pink diamonds you know). Anyway, my brother asked for a mac in a sac. A red one in XL. Of course, Secretts had every other colour but not red! So I spent a happy half hour or so juggling macs in sacs of various colours, waiting for brother dearest to text back which alternate colour he preferred. Eventually, his choice was made - malibu blue. Done. Sold to the lady juggling macs in sacs.

And finally, I've been busy guest blogging about Shackleford at Smitten by Britain and writing about A Homemade School in South Africa for Jump! magazine this week. Please do pop over to these wonderful sites and have a look.

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Art @ Baker Tilly

I previously blogged about the forth coming exhibition by Guildford Arts, at the offices of Baker Tilly in Guildford. The private viewing took place on 10 May and I went along to meet the artists and gain some insight into the life of some local artists.

Guildford Arts

I was particularly interested to meet Angela Shaw, who creates woodland installations at Alice Holt Forest. Angela uses photography to bring her installations out of the forest and I found her use of 'framing' very engaging.

I was also drawn to the ceramicist Jitka Schacherlova, who will be graduating this year. Her work is designed, and made, to be touched; ceramic balls within structures, a playful feeling. I have Jitka's email if you would like to contact her directly.

The exhibition continues until 21 July 2012.

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Art House Meath

A new shop has opened in Godalming High Street. Its shopfront is bright, colourful and fun. I stepped inside and found a group of artists, gathered round a huge table, drawing and painting to their hearts' content. Their original work is made into prints on bags, t-shirts, cards and posters, and is on sale in the shop. What a great idea!

Art House Meath

But this isn't just any old art shop. This is a social enterprise project; the artists are all adults living with epilepsy and learning difficulties. One hundred percent of the profits from the Art House project go the Meath Epilepsy Trust in Godalming.

Please pop in and say hello the next time you are in Godalming.

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Dying Matters Awareness Week

The support we had when Mom was dying was second to none. The group of people who rallied round and made sure that Mom's wishes were met, were angels to her and to us. Mom found it difficult to accept that she was terminally ill, until the last eight weeks or so of her life. She was helped by hypnotherapy, to come to terms with her situation and to face her options for the end of her life.

Woodland glade, May 2012, Lesley Beeton

Once Mom had confronted these choices, the remainder of her life had real purpose and meaning. We all knew our roles and how to deal with questions from friends and family. We found a new openness and honesty between us. No subject was too difficult to talk about. Mom decided she wanted to die at home, with no medical intervention, other than pain relief as required. Her GP helped Mom to sign a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation order, which meant that if for some reason either Mom or Dad panicked in the night and called an ambulance, the crew would not be obliged to take her to hospital.

Mom's last weeks were spent downstairs on a profile bed on oxygen, the summer days drifting in from the garden, her glorious flowers all around her. We had help with her care, to make sure she was always clean and comfortable. We had weekly meetings to ensure everyone in the team understood Mom's wishes.

During this period of calm and insight, Mom wrote beautiful letters to all her nearest and dearest. It must have been very difficult for her to do this. I imagine her shedding tears over the words she wrote.

On Mom's last day, her breathing became laboured. She struggled with the oxygen tube, she was restless. Although she wasn't in pain, I do think she was distressed, knowing that the end was very near. The community nurse told us that changes were taking place in Mom's body, which meant that she was very close to death. The nursing team wanted to increase Mom's pain relief using a syringe driver. Mom had decided she didn't want that intervention to prolong her life. She declined and died peacefully an hour later. 

It was a private matter, just Dad and I, then the nurses helped us to prepare Mom for the undertaker. We picked some flowers from her garden and placed them with her. It was a special time for us, a bonding time for Dad and I, cementing our new relationship for a future without Mom.

This week is Dying Matters Awareness Week. Please don't be afraid to talk about it.

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Don’t touch the grumpy dog!

We were delighted to meet the Mastiffs, crazy Daisy and bonkers Lulu while on holiday in South Africa. Mastiffs are similar to Boxers. Boxers were originally bred from the German Mastiff breed. These perfectly placid dogs belonged to the Resort and were equally at home in the dining room, in reception or sitting on my foot at tea. Honestly, I loved it. I missed the Boxers terribly and enjoyed a bit of doggy company. A third dog, an old black Labrador, was less engaging, a bit grumpy with a bad reputation. We understand that she has a cyst or a tumour in her mouth, so that’s understandable. She stayed in a sunny spot on the lawn, watching the comings and goings, from underneath a sign warning ‘Don’t touch the grumpy dog’!

Daisy and Lulu, however, were very keen on the short walks up the mountains, especially going to waterfalls and pools; standing in the water, gulping in the fresh, cool stuff. When she had had enough, Daisy’s bark signalled that we were to move on. They could follow the scent of the baboons, bounding up and down the hillside, barking excitedly, barging past us on the narrow path. Watch out, dog coming through! It wasn’t difficult to see the evidence of baboons. They are pretty indiscriminate about where they leave their deposits.

One evening, after dinner, we were enjoying a quiet time in the lounge, strictly ‘no children or dogs’. Lulu, in true Boxer style, sloped into the room and gently sat on my foot. Another time, the ‘grumpy dog’ was lying next to me in the quiet lounge, but I didn’t touch her.

Back home in Surrey, the Boxers were enjoying the hospitality of the boarding kennels and the company of the dog walker. They were absolutely fine when we collected them on Sunday. What a relief to have found an excellent dog care solution so that we can enjoy our holidays again.

The only downside is that the burglary rate has increased in the Village again. Two more properties were broken into while we were away. It does make us rather nervous. At least, having the dogs around provides an early warning system for intruders.

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I Heart My Snap: Unfurling fern

Unfurling fern, May 2012, Lesley Beeton

At this time of year, the nature all around us is full of inspiration. I took my Canon 350D out on the dog walk at the weekend and was fascinated by the ferns, just waiting to unfurl their splendour in the woods. I don't have a macro lens (yet) but I love the depth of focus in this shot. I used PicMonkey to create the watermark (thanks to This is me Sarah mum of 3). I'm linking up with I Heart My Snap.

I Heart My Snap

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You're Beautiful - African sunrise

African sunrise, May 2012, Lesley Beeton

I woke early on the last morning of our holiday in South Africa, made myself a cup of tea and waited for this stunning sunrise to unfold. There's nothing quite like feeling the warm African sun on your face to make you feel beautiful.


So, I'm linking up with Jenny at Cheetahs In My Shoes and You're Beautiful. Pop over there to see what Jenny and the Cheetah Keeper have been up to this week. And have a look at the other blogs linked up too.

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Be clear on cancer: what the NHS ads don't say

Let me first be clear - I whole-heartedly support the NHS lung cancer campaign to know the signs and go to your doctor if you have a persistent cough. But ours won't be the first you've read, or the last, to say that our GP dismissed our concerns*. In Mom's case, the GP diagnosed gastro-oesohpageal reflux and prescribed omeprazole. 

Hibiscus, April 2012, Lesley Beeton

I first remember hearing Mom's cough early in October 2010. I suggested she see her GP and ask for a chest x-ray. When she saw her GP at the end of October, both she and the GP agreed it was 'just reflux' and if it should persist she would have an x-ray in January after her holiday to Australia. Mom had by this time had the cough for a couple of months, but had not said anything to us. She had been a heavy smoker, quitting in her fifties due to ill health. These two facts alone should have been enough to persuade the GP to refer her for x-ray. She did not. 

In November, Mom was concerned that she was retaining fluid and feeling a bit puffy. This we now know is a sign of lung cancer too, when it occurs with a syndrome like SIADH (a technical term which means that the body is unable to control the amount of sodium in the blood). The GP prescribed the diuretic furosemide. A blood test at this stage (recommended when starting this drug) would have shown that Mom's sodium levels were dropping.

It wasn't until three days before she left for Australia that Mom's struggle became clear. She had three nasty falls. The GP checked her out for stroke, and gave her the all clear to travel. A locum GP thought to request a blood test, which showed the decreased sodium, and the diuretics were stopped, but nobody wanted to take the decision to stop Mom from travelling.

I only found out about this after Mom became seriously ill. She and Dad decided not to tell me, so that I didn't worry. I wish they had told me. I know that in Mom's case, the outcome would probably have been the same, but if Mom's diagnosis had been made in November 2010, she would never have undertaken the long trip to Australia.

Mom collapsed two days into her holiday in December 2010. The horror of it was unspeakable. My Dad didn't understand what was happening. The doctors in Australia did an amazing job to save her life and stabilise her for travel back to the UK. They made the diagnosis of small cell lung cancer and sent Mom home for treatment. Her disease was already extensive, that is, it had spread. We were told that Mom's chemotherapy would only be palliative, to extend her life for a few precious months. Mom died in August 2011.

Please don't ignore the signs. Please insist on a referral for investigation. Not all lung cancers are the same. The ads on TV don't tell you this. They don't tell you that GPs don't think of lung cancer first. It's up to you.


*This post is not intended as a complaint or a rant against our, or any other GP. I have had my say, and been listened to, so I am satisfied that others will be referred more quickly. This post reflects my own opinion on the sequence of events in Mom's treatment. Following Mom's diagnosis, the treatment she received from her GP surgery was outstanding in every way, and this was acknowledged in a letter of thanks which I wrote to the local newspaper.

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Smitten by Britain

OK, so you know I've been away, but that's not to say I haven't been busy. Have a look at the guest post I wrote for Smitten by Britain. It's a great website for all things Britophile. Many thanks, Melissa. I hope to do more guest blogging now that I am back in civilisation!

Smitten by Britain

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