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Wednesday, 25 February 2009
3 month check
Mood:
 bright
Topic: Cancer
Hi all, Just to follow up on my last post in this topic, about two weeks ago I had my first bladder check after the operation. The procedure was carried out in an operation theater and involved a small camera being pushed through the urethra and into the bladder. Thankfully everything is ok and there is no sign of any re-occurrence. So that gives me a 3 month break from hospitals until the whole thing is repeated again sometime in May. Regards Neil
Posted by Neil Bartlett DHyp M.A.E.P.H
at 11:50 AM GMT
Updated: Wednesday, 25 February 2009 12:01 PM GMT
Saturday, 13 December 2008
Good News
Mood:
 a-ok
Topic: Cancer
Just a quick update! Yesterday I had my follow up appointment with my consultant and received the news we were hoping for. The histology report showed there was no spread of cancer and nothing had penetrated the muscle wall so no further treatment is needed. I will be checked in February to make sure nothing has returned but all in all it's the best news I could of hoped for. Once again, thank you to Mr Lane, Stella, Helen and all friends and family for their help and support over the past few months 
Posted by Neil Bartlett DHyp M.A.E.P.H
at 10:27 AM GMT
Saturday, 6 December 2008
A little sore
Mood:
 happy
Topic: Cancer
Well I had my operation on Tuesday evening and come home midday on Thursday. The first night was pretty uncomfortable with a 3 way catheter in my bladder which had the job of dispersing blood clots as well collecting urine. It seemed that I was a little unusual in the sense that I didn't bleed after the operation and the nurse in recovery took great delight in showing me the bag to prove the point. At the time I had only been conscious a matter of minutes so was not fully aware as to what was going on although I assumed it was a good sign. I had the operation in a private hospital called Pinehill in Hitchin Hertfordshire. All I can say is that the quality of service and the staff were nothing short of amazing. The nurses, doctors and all the staff were kind, cheerful and caring. Nothing was too much trouble and they made you feel secure in the knowledge that they were always there ready to help. According to my consultant everything went very well and I've just got to wait for the lab results to ascertain if any further treatment is required. I'm going to leave it at that for now as I'm still a little sore and tired but all I can say is a very big thank you to Mr Lane, Helen, Stella and all the staff at Pinehill and Hertford County Hospital
Posted by Neil Bartlett DHyp M.A.E.P.H
at 7:35 PM GMT
Sunday, 23 November 2008
What a week!
Mood:
bright
Topic: Cancer
It's been quite a week with both ups and downs. Wednesday dinner time and I'm in town with my wife. We don't normally, but considering all that we're going through at present we decided to have a little drink in our local Wetherspoons. I'm at the bar and my mobile starts ringing, upon answering I'm bluntly told that my hospital appointment tomorrow for a pre-opp assessment has been canceled. I'm then told that my operation (to remove cancer) on December 4th has also been canceled and I'll have to wait for another appointment through the post.
To say I was annoyed was an understatement. But I said F##k it and went back to the bar and ordered our drinks anyway. On Thursday was my wifes birthday, I won't tell you her age but what I can say is that she gets more gorgeous with every passing year. The day was a little emotional but enjoyable and although the good days must come to an end I've learned to live in the moment and not worry about tomorrow. Friday brought good news from my consultant. He came to the rescue and managed to get me an operating slot at a private hospital and slightly sooner then my original one, if the man drank then I'd buy him a big drink but he will have to settle for the psychedelic socks instead (it's a long story). 
Posted by Neil Bartlett DHyp M.A.E.P.H
at 4:08 PM GMT
Updated: Sunday, 23 November 2008 4:36 PM GMT
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
22nd October 2008
Mood:
 sad
Topic: Cancer
Life can throw things in your direction sometimes which really knock the crap out of you. I suppose writing this will help me come to terms and accept things a little more but it isn't easy.
Friday just gone I was informed that I have cancer. I have a tumour in my bladder which obviously needs to be removed in the next couple of weeks. My consultant is confident that the thing is superficial and once removed no further treatment will be required (there's always nagging doubts though) apart from regular scoping and scans to make sure all is well.
Despite changing attitudes towards cancer and the short time in which I have been diagnosed it's amazing how some people (thankfully not many) can still make you feel unclean, it's almost as if they think they might catch it from you. But at the same time I've also been overwhelmed with such sincere offers of support and love which has really restored my faith in human nature. Thank you so much to my family, friends and the amazing staff (Mr Lane, Helen, Denise to name a few) at Hertford County Hospital.
Anyway I have a wife and kids who mean the world to me so what more incentive do I need to make sure I'm around for years to come.
At present I won't be travelling about taking photo's but I still have a few updates in hand to keep things fresh for a month or two.
For the moment though, look after yourself and make the most of every day.
Best Wishes
Neil
Posted by Neil Bartlett DHyp M.A.E.P.H
at 11:42 AM BST
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