Roller Coaster

What a few days it’s been!

We are both very positive people, but we do have our down times, which is expected in these circumstances.

Thoughts of: – Potentially kids not having a dad to support them growing up
– Ali being left on her own
– why me, when I hear there are only 2500 cases in the UK alone, and only a handful of them are my age. I have a better chance of winning the lottery!

But we take so much strength and support from all our friends and family. We have gifts of flowers, concert tickets, match tickets for UNICEF game, and tea being prepared for us. Texts offering all support, (we will be taking you up on them), being taken out for lunch, hugs at school gates, calls to check we are okay, It really does mean a lot.

Today Ali received an email from her Manager and the Global HR Exec, offering continued full support with anything she needs, from time away, to access to global experts in Cancer. One of whom (Global Chief Medical officer for QIAGEN) happened to be in Manchester today (Ali’s first day back onsite) , and his first visit to Manchester in 2 years. He said ” ali when I got the email, I just had to meet you, it’s more than co-incidence”. (Some would say God is at work). He cancelled important meetings to meet with Ali and has offered so much advice, and is looking and researching into all the various trials in the UK and recommending ones for us. He will help & advise every step of the way. One bit of advice from him – i can now go back to the full fat stuff, as I need to ensure I don’t loose weight- winner…..

I had Asbestos Victim support charity visit us today, and Jeff was fantastic. Giving us advice on what benefits we can claim for (I maybe able to get the next room in the house done if ali lets me!!!!) and how we can pursue a Civil claim through a panel of solicitors. It turns out a school friend of ours works for one of these solicitors and he has agreed to help us. We prefer to use people we know and I can do it over a pint (I have a good excuse for a pass out these days….). Jeff also advised the work they do, and I offered to share my blog, and in the new year will attend support groups and help where I can to support others.

Also today we had a lovely visit from the couple we swapped houses with. I text them, and they wanted to come and see me, as they have had a similar experience, it was very encouraging.

We now look forward to a few drinks at the school disco tomorrow night, with great friends and football activities on Saturday.

Next week consists of CT scan and pre/op in Leicester on Tuesday, followed by an appointment at the Alex with Professor Woodcock for his advice. Then let Birthday celebrations commence….

Thank you all very much. Enjoy the weekend…..

Dave & Ali xxxx

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” –Francis of Assisi