It’s been another tough week with three visits to the hospital and countless phone conversations with MacMillan nurses and GPs. Despite pills, potions and creams Jane hasn’t been comfortable and her food intake remains very low due to lack of appetite.
One thing that consistently causes emotional instability is the unprovoked kindness of strangers from our distant neighbours delivering flowers, to the district nurse who we’ve never met ringing on a Saturday morning to check that Jane is OK. And of course the warmth, encouragement and genuine care Jane has received from her oncologist. Our lives are difficult at the moment but they would have been so much worse without the humanity all around us.
We had another blow this evening when the oncologist rang to say the CT scan indicates the tumour in the pancreas has grown therefore on Wednesday Jane will start a new course of chemo that she will need every week. Just when we thought we could expect some improvement we are knocked down again…
Hi S&J
We are in cafe on the Russian border in the Caucasus and got our first wifi
We’re stunned by your news that Jane is facing another battle. It must be very difficult for you both having yet more hurdles. We don’t know what to say only that we are thinking about you both.
All our love
Susie and Jon
Xx
Hi Susie and Jon – blimey the Russian border l hope you’re on the right side of the border. Yes it is a difficult time but we’ re getting a lot of support and as you might imagine Jane is very determined. If we get into a stable state it would be good to meet up again. Thanks for keeping in contact – Steve xx
Our love and thoughts are with you x
Hi Steve and Jane
You are so good at keeping everyone up to date. I’ve read your blog for several years now, but lately just to keep up to date on Jane. Although we still exchange Whatsapp pictures! No words will ever encompass what we want to say but just know you are in our thoughts.
As Jane says…Love and hugs! Shell xxx
Dear Jane and Steve,
So sorry to hear this latest news, we are thinking of you both and hoping all goes well the chemo.
Love and hugs Kay and Phil xx
Dear Jane and Steve
So sorry and sad to hear your latest news.
Love and hugs
Ceri xx
Dear Jane & Steve
You both very much deserve the kindness given the time and kindness you show to others. Like Liz says when Helene & I visited you and when Caitlin & Tessa did recently, we all thought Jane was doing better and on the mend. I think that is because Jane was not only as bubbly as ever but also full of hope and being very brave.
All we can say is that we are numb to hear the latest news, definitely not what anyone wanted to hear, not least you two. Just do not given up the hope you had for some better news eventually.
Look after each other.
Love, Paul, Helene, Caitlin and TessaX
Thank you Paul. Always hopeful of better news. Steve xx
Dear Steve and Jane,
Thank you for sharing all of this news with us. Steve, I do not really know you and have had very little contact with Jane since school. However, one of the many things that shone from Jane as school was her kindness and love of life. It is good to know that Jane and you are indeed receiving kindness from others.
Jane is a brave and wonderful lady and you are a very supportive husband.
We send you both our love. I still find it incredible that in the spring of last year we met at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and jane looked the picture of health!!!
With love Liz
And if you see her now volunteering at Lincoln Castle on a Sunday morning you wouldn’t know there was anything wrong. She meets and greets the visitors with her big, open smile and enjoys the business of helping others. Thanks for all your supportive comments. Steve xx