Saturday 28th August

Tomorrow we shall celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary - we're just not sure how yet! Yesterday we went to see a consultant at the orthopaedic department. To be honest, we were not sure why he had asked to see Jane and her oncologist was equally mystified. During the course of our brief meeting he casually referred to the fact that Jane had fractured her spine some months ago (!!!) and then proceeded to show us the scan showing how it had affected the middle of her back - no wonder she was in pain. We both remember a small sort of whiplash event when we were driving down to Kent back in April and so we think that must have been it. However, a little good news at the conclusion of the meeting - no need for further treatment to Jane's spine at this stage.

You are all still sending cards, messages, emails for which we are very grateful - of course, we would ask you to continue to pray for Jane.

The picture was taken in Prague (a previous wedding anniversary trip)

God bless you all.

Thursday 26th August

Well, we made it to see the oncologist today. The number of tumours in Jane's liver has increased and she also has a few small nodules in one lung. We agreed that Jane would start on a new (to her) form of chemo on 20 September - why the wait? Jane still doesn't feel brilliant from her stay in hospital and she is still taking antibiotics. She wants a couple of weeks to feel a bit more stable before taking more treatment.

The oncologist plans to start Jane on relatively low doses of chemo delivered once a week by infusion. She thinks that this will prevent Jane from losing her hair. If Jane has had enough at any stage she can stop the treatment. We all feel very strongly about preserving quality of life.

So, here we are again. Disappointing news about the growth of tumours but not really a huge surprise. There is some good news - Jane's pain really seems to be under control and she has regained her appetite. I think we'll try and get away for a day or two in the next week or so.

Thank you for your continuing prayers, love and support.

God bless you.

Monday 23rd August

It has been a difficult few days but Jane seems a lot better now. When she came out of hospital last Wednesday she didn't seem much better than when she went in. So much so, that I called her GP on Friday and she spent an hour with Jane on Saturday morning. Since then Jane has gradually perked up. She spent a little time downstairs yesterday and quite a lot of time down today. That said, we didn't make it to see the oncologist today and will try again on Thursday.

Some of Jane's symptoms are caused by the calcium leaving her bones and entering her bloodstream. And, of course, she has only just overcome a severe chest infection. So, may be we shouldn't be surprised that she has been so low. I suppose she has also got used to the security of hospital routine and coming out left her feeling rather insecure.

Well, there is not a lot else to tell. Lydia and Leo have both been here to spend time with her and quite a few friends have come by to say hello. If you do plan to pop in it's probably best to give us a call first - if Jane keeps improving we might just take off somewhere.

God bless you and thank you for all your prayers and good wishes

Wednesday 18th August

Lynn brought Jane home this afternoon at about 4pm. She is exhausted and so she and I haven't really had a chance to chat but I know she is happy to be home. We'll blog again but probably after seeing the oncologist next Monday.

God bless you

Tuesday 17th August

A very quick note to say that Jane no longer has the syringe driver and we hope she will be home tomorrow afternoon. We suspect she will now need more treatment but we will be able to say more after we see the oncologist next Monday.

God bless you for all your kindnesses to us both over this very long 10 days.

Monday 16th August

Jane seems pretty good. her ankles are swollen as a result of the steroids she is taking in order to ensure that her arm copes with the syringe driver. Every thing that fixes one thing seems to cause a problem elsewhere. She's still in isolation but is bright and hopes to be out on Wednesday. I think they want to take out the syringe driver tomorrow and then wait 24 hours to make sure everything is OK. We'll keep you posted.

Can't say enough how much we appreciate your support in all the forms it takes.

God bless you.

Sunday 15th August

Well, Jane has been diagnosed as having campilobacter and is currently in isolation -that means gloves and plastic aprons when we visit. She can have visitors but they just have to be aware of the risk and gown up. Sadly, Jane's mum and brother were half way to visit her and had to turn around and go back because of Jake's danger of picking up viruses.

Jane also has very swollen ankles at the moment - we're not sure why. Apart from all that she is in good spirits and seems quite well - ironic isn't it?

She has a lot of visitors that have done a lot for morale and I should say thank you too, to all those who ask about me (I'm fine). I know I can be taciturn and graceless - it's not intentional!

Thank you for your continuing prayers, best wishes, flowers, cards, messages and love.

God Bless you.