Social media and Facebook in particular was a great way to keep in touch with friends and family both local and far away. For me humour has always been important and so I used my Facebook status as a sort of blog to let my chums know I was doing well. There were regular updates such as….
“Old Rectory Ward update: Chief Nurse: Nick, also head of nutrition, logistics, transport, admin & bed availability, when taking the order for supper was able to offer more than either Brussels sprouts or carrots, mash or roast tatties (red cabbage, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes & roast tatties).” This links to the offer on the real ward consisted on either sprouts or carrots but not both
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“Old Rectory Ward update: another amazing breakfast from the CEO of the Stoke Hospital Trust, Nick – yes a promotion! Yesterday patient had a brief outpatient appointment up to the Village, followed by a treatment back on the ward involving the sofa, a movie and having the fire on. A colleague popped in for CQC visit and updated patient on how other Stoke wards are progressing. This morning mental health will be assessed through a visit by Dad and Mum (not sure whose health though) and this afternoon another friend (in financial services) will be discussing the financial viability of continuing adjuvant treatments involving scones, home made jam and cream. ”
“0ld Rectory Ward update: after a breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled egg the patient has started physio (okay, a short walk on the Hoe to a coffee shop) with chief nurse, Nick”. This photo is Mastectomy Day (M-Day) plus 9 – it was cold, a bit dreich and that didn’t matter at all, I was wrapped up well in Geography teacher fleece, gillet (very useful for guarding the wound and a pocket to keep a hand in to help take any strain off the lymph node biopsy site), and big scarf with matching hat. Behind me… Drake’s Island and Plymouth Sound – a coastal inlet, submerged or drowned valley open to the sea – Geography is all around us!
The Impatient Geography Patient 