Off to Scotland again

Off to Scotland again (view larger image in Flickr).

If you've strayed in here, thank you for dropping in, and you kind of deserve a quick word of explanation. Amongst other things, I blog my journeys to keep my family and friends updated on my progress. Hence the rather boring entries at times simply documenting where I've got to.

Right now, things are a bit all over the place. A few years ago, my mother was diagnosed as having pancreatic cancer. She was nonetheless incredibly lucky in that it was found much earlier than that particular cancer is generally diagnosed, it hadn't spread to any other organs, and it was possible for it to be removed through surgery - something only possible in about 20% of cases. She was also lucky in that she was referred to one of the most experienced, respected and successful surgeons specialising in this type of cancer, Professor Imrie in Glasgow. The operation was successful, and she has been one of the 10% of people who have this procedure and survive more than 2 years beyond the operation. That extra time with her was given to us as a result of Professor Imrie's expertise and the excellent care she received while she was in hospital, and we will always be grateful for that, as is my mother.

Last year however, the cancer reappeared, and she underwent several courses of chemotherapy. While that had an initially positive effect, it didn't get rid of the cancer. Things seemed to have stabilised, but then about a month ago, my mother started to lose weight rapidly. Last week, I travelled up to scotland to spend some time with her and talk to her doctor. And what we had begun to suspect was confirmed - the cancer has spread to her liver and is not responsive to treatment. We might have a year. Or less. Or more. We simply have to make the most of whatever time is given to us. And them my mother was taken into hospital on Monday, just after I left, though we're expecting her to be home again in a few days. So I'm on the way back up with my sister Lynn for a brief visit.