Hell in a handcart

[theoldboiler]

Possibly paranoid post and definitely not cheerful. Start with a humbling positive, have been called for a follow up endoscopy on a Sunday! The "stomach team" are helping out to clear an endoscopy back log at my local hospital (Stoke Mandeville of regrettably Jimmy Saville fame) Am very grateful and assume they see the same things others see on that endoscope as of course being cirrhotic my problems are elsewhere, varices and can be fatal. The "hell in a handcart" title is that I am already dealing with a 90 year old father who needs a lot of care and time which I struggle to cope with as he has multiple health issues and like so many of us my energy levels are very limited. BUT just this week in the space of two days have one friend whose husband has been belatedly diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia AND belatedly diabetes too. Prognosis shit. Second friend who has just lost her husband to a rapid and very distressing brain cancer has now discovered she has inoperable lung cancer, Prognosis shit. Added to this my brother already diagnosed with metastatic and terminal prostate cancer. Prognosis shit

Is this the pandemic talking (belated tests etc) that so many people seem so ill or am I paranoid?

Before anyone tells me to "take care of myself" I am trying but VERY hard when although I am terminal within a hopefully extended time frame that I am working to extend, these friends and family did nothing wrong and have no hope.

Sorry to be so downbeat but I have NEVER experienced this level of serious illness in my relatively small family and friend group before. I am 60 which maybe has a bearing

Are others seeing this or is it random chance?

[Hidden]

Hi,

We are sorry to read what a tough time you and your friends and family are going through.

If you are UK based and ever need a supportive chat, our nurse helpline is open 10am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330

[Positive001]

Unfortunately we are at the age where our health deteriorates and serious illnesses do tend to set in by the time we reach 60. Just in our close 2 next door neighbours both in their early 60s have been diagnosed with cancer, talking to them, they can name others going through the same and it seems everyone has it but it is actually more prevalent once we reach our 60s. When you think though 1 in 2 people will get cancer of some sort, it's almost a case of "not if, but when and which one? " But we need to hang on to the positives that medical science moves on very quickly and more of us will be treated sucessfully and go on to live for many more years to come. So sorry to read about your families illnesses and struggles, you certainly aren't alone and life is what it is and we all only have limited time so we have to make the most of every day and accept the inevitable but smile and spend each day doing things you enjoy, fill your home with flowers, play happy music, avoid watching tv every day and the media to help lift your mood, as hard as that may seem at times.

Best wishes

Laura

[LorraineLouise]

I’m so sorry about your difficulties and struggles. I too have heard of and know others who have been diagnosed recently. With awful and aggressive cancers. I’m thinking the same. People getting to the drs too late due to the pandemic. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🙏🙏

[Roy1955]

Getting olders not all its cracked up to be!

Many move and go to live in seaside towns.

My sister did that and quickly realised why her new town is known as "God's waiting room"!

Book yourself a holiday at Warners, it will make you look young and healthy compared with the other inmates😜