My much loved cousin passed away Wednesday 15, 64 yrs of age and retired only 6 weeks ago. His last moments on this earth were sat on his surf board, his last words were I’m ok, just tired, very tired, I’ll make my way in shore in a moment, you take this break; he said this to a stranger who worriedly asked him if he was ok. She took the break and returned only to find him face down in the water. Many surfers rallied round and tried CPR without success. They got him to shore. To say I am in shock after this last dreadful 4 weeks is inadequate. My heart breaks for my family, I feel for this poor woman and other surfers who tried to assist him. They could do no more than what they did. A reminder, live for the moment, tomorrow may never come.

Pam, words are inadequate but I just want to say that I am desperately sorry for both you and your cousin.

As ever, my thoughts are with you.

And learned on Monday my brother has got thyroid cancer. Will know more next week. Had surgery on Tuesday to remove the thyroid, hopefully they got it all. The first op was for a parathyroidectomy 2 weeks ago (on the day my cousin died) and that’s when they discovered the tumour. His vocal chords were damaged in the first op, he has very little voice now and apparently it’s unlikely to recover. A shout comes over as a husky whisper. I believe we will tell mum this weekend. Dr Google says this type of cancer, depending on what stage and if spread can have a good outcome. Saying my prayers.

Pam,

Thoughts & lots of prayers are with you and your family.


Gerry

Pam, I can relate; one of my brothers-in-law had thyroid cancer. That was ten years ago and he is well.

I hope the same will be true for your brother.

Haven’t posted much, been out of the loop with so much family stuff. Work Contract has been extended for a further 4 weeks while they go through the Consultant phase. I just wish they would get on with it, I wouldn’t mind going back to my old part time role to be totally honest. I am very very tired. Since returning from UK I have struggled to get motivated in work and I’ve had 2 days sick along it’s the days off for the funerals etc.

Good news on my brother. Surgery got it all, just needs MRI scans every 3 months- which I find a little odd, but there you go. His vocal chords however are damaged for life

That is good news about your brother apart from his vocal cords.

I hope that your work stuff gets sorted soon and that you stop feeling so tired.

So my brothers cancer is so rare, there have only been 8 of its kind in the last 35 years. Thank goodness they believe they got it all. The 3 monthly MRI’s are concerning (I think it strange) but he seems ok with it all. He flew over last weekend, his vocal chords are permanently damaged and all he can muster is a whisper. But I’ll take that any day over the alternative!