PARKSIDE: VISITING INFO

Update

So then, had the first session of 'Stem Cell Harvesting' at the London Clinic on Mon - biggest metal needle I've ever had inserted into my person went into right arm, but fortunately they stuck a bendy one into my left arm so I could still do Codewords, Sudoku and get my fill of the Daily Telegraph. 4 hours later and a nice bag of stem cells and some gluey-urine-looking plasma were hanging in the breeze on the IV stand – TA DA!

Big thanks to Claire White (well, you'll always be Claire Smith to me) – for coming, folding my newspaper with a nice sharp Scotty-like straight crease and taking my mind off needing a wee after three hours until I was finally de-attached…

So – I have to go back tomorrow and poss Wed too to get more stem cells out, but it means the lovely Stem Cell Transplant is 99% likely next week, so here's what's happening each day and therefore my suggestion for good/bad days for anyone fancying visiting me:

Mon 12 Jan: See Prof in morning, get admitted in afternoon. General hospital fadffing, see dietician, physio and get told a bit more about it all. Blog will be updated frequently if things change from what's below!

Tues 13 Jan: General anaesthetic, portal inserted into my neck (no Frankenstein quips) then Chemo drug goes in – boo, hiss, sizzle, bleurgh (come and take my mind off it!)

Wed 14 Jan: Stem cells get dripped back in, welcome back little fellas

Thurs 15-cThurs 22 Jan: Lots of slobbing in bed and walking up and down the 2 corridors I am allowed onto, pretending to take exercise (NB Thurs 15th v popular for visitors for some reason – avoid!)

Fri 23-Mon 26 Jan: Likely to go 'neutropenic' roughly around these days, though it might be a day or two earlier, later, be shorter or longer, depending on how my blood behaves. Basically, its when the chemo has had its wicked way with my white cells and made me the most vulnerable to infection. So, confined to my room's four walls (stir crazy Scotty!!) during this time and with minimal visitors (though this doesn't mean none!!)

Wed 28/Thurs 29 Jan: Hopefully escape Parkside some time around here - will have missed kittens desperately as small destructive furballs not allowed to visit.

Feb/Mar: Six weeks or so of recuperating at home. Dietwise, have to eat like I'm pregnant (in terms of food types not twice as much as usual!) No shellfish, soft cheese, runny eggs, unwashed fruit/salad etc and ideally no takeaways, frozen food, high fat/sugar foods. I am a cabbage.

So – in terms of visiting: Best days are anytime except Mon 12th Jan, fewer people will be allowed when I'm neutropenic but still some can come (or they'll be carting me off in a strait jacket from lonely lavender-walls insanity).

What To Do If You Want To Visit:

– Check the blog in case things change – I'll update it when I know anything else (especially when I have gone neutropenic)

– Text me (07867 554137) when you'd like to come – its okay to come in twos or poss threes if you want. If no response, try Hawksey on 07971 975678. Or email – will be checking it but poss slightly less often. (And please don't be offended if I say 'no ta' for that occasion, I'll be in there for 16 days at least so plenty of time to come, or afterwards at home)

– Come!

How Parkside Works

Address: Parkside Hospital, Parkside, Wimbledon. Come off Tibbetts Corner roundabout towards Wimbledon. Parkside Hosp is 3/4 of the way towards Wimbledon Village on left, by a pedestrian crossing.

Visiting hours: Pretty much anytime between 9am and 9pm, the joys of private hospitals. No kids allowed.

Car Park: Can be busy but do try even when it says Full – often not and people go every 5 mins so you can always get a space after a few mins. It's free.

Room: Not sure which one yet (will update when know) – go through ground floor reception of the Main building to lifts on left, up to 3rd Floor. Check in at 3rd Floor Reception desk if anyone there, if not, come straight to my room.

Hygiene: Use dispenser on wall outside room to clean hands – no need for water. (When I am neutropenic, you'll need a plastic gown and gloves too, will make me feel better that you look odd too!). Use the loo on Ground Floor as you can't use mine and you can't kiss or touch (or poke or slap) me. I am an island. Please don't come if you have cold/flu or have been exposed to anything else nasty.

Garlic: If the room smells of garlic, apparently its the stem cell fluid or something – not me!

Bringing stuff: Honestly no need, kind people – just be great to see you.  

Any other questions, give me a shout – hope to see you soon x x x x