Saturday 23^rd March, 2019 1500

I went to hospital this morning fully expecting to be conked out and then awaken to find they had snipped the growths off, end of story.

But this is my story and it could never be that uncomplicated.

More blood tests and then up to gastroenterology. In theatre there was a chap still being done while they prepared me on another trolley beside him. I would love to know how they put you to sleep because instead of the usual “count backwards from ten” I simply lay there, a needle went into the back of my hand and while I was waiting for a sensation of losing consciousness, nothing happened.

Twenty minutes later I was in a recovery bay! Didn't recall going out at all!Sadly no cutting had taken place because this time instead of encountering the three black dots I had seen before, they met Big Brother.

There is a sizeable growth down there and as I take daily aspirin they didn't dare attempt removal because I would have bled too much. And despite a battery of tests today they still can't decide if it is cancerous or not, albeit the general consensus is that it probably is. The truth will only be revealed when it is removed and sent to the laboratory for inspection. They have though taken cheer from the fact that I sought help early on, hence it is not well-established yet. Nor will it be with luck, for a week from Tuesday it's for the chop.

I am assured I shall be able to teach my classes the day after so I won't be taking time off. It's just that every time I turn my head more money is required! And now I have a load of extra medicines to take, some to inhibit cell growth and others for indigestion which I don't have.

Alice and I both ate a hearty lunch once we escaped and it feels good to have a decent appetite once again.