Colin's mobility is not good and I think being made worse by the risk averse nature of the targets on the ward - that is, whilst we all know he's a falls risk, the staff are making sure he moves nowhere - which means to me that they don't want a falls statistic on their ward! The consequences of staying immobile don't bear thinking about and is not really cheering him up either I don't suppose!
Another brain MRI was done on Tuesday and Colin had an ophthalmology appointment on Wednesday - I have no idea what the results were of either. On my way into the hospital on Tuesday I dropped by Rowan, where Colin has had his haematology appointments with his consultant, to make sure the consultant knew Colin was an inpatient. On Wednesday, when I turned up in the ward, the consultant's registrar was pouring over the notes and came to speak with us, not least to apologise that no one had told them that Colin had been admitted - this despite the fact I'd made it known at A&E, MAU and Avon that he was under haematology! We were promised a treatment plan and on Friday we were visited by Colin's consultant.
The consultant had been in contact with the oncologist at Cheltenham and between them they have decided that no further treatment can be given, other than the steroids which is a short-term palliative approach. I guess we had known this all along - it is something which we had said to the many who had asked about Colin's condition time and again. However the medics have offered to seek a second opinion, which we have accepted.
None of this cheers me up and I've no doubt makes Colin's feelings of woe even more acute.
Colin finds it difficult to concentrate on anything - I've suggested radio, magazines, puzzles, newspapers - all without success. So he just stares into space, thinking negative thoughts and getting irritated by all the comings and goings in the ward. He desperately needs different visitors (well certainly other than me!) to cheer him up and to take his mind off the inevitable. So I would say to anyone who has been even mildly thinking about visiting (or waiting until he's 'better' before doing so), to visit now and not leave it until it maybe too late!
Jane.