Two weeks ago today, I sat with my Dad, and Mam, in Chest Clinic to hear my otherwise fit and well Dad be told he had a large Cancer on his left lung. I was taken aback to say the least by the size of it, though half expected it. My career means I have seen this day in and day out for 25 years. But exposed to it so closely was devastating, insider knowledge making it pretty tough to contemplate. My dad has fallen out of love with professional football, but is the one who got me completely hooked on BFC aged 5. I have been truly overwhelmed by the speed and quality of service and care that I have seen first hand at Barnsley Hospital over the last month. Whilst the journey is far from over, it could have been over before it started. So, in no particular order, could I say a heartfelt "thank you" to X-ray/CT staff, Day Surgery Unit, Outpatient staff - Auxillaries, HCA's, Nurses, Medical Staff, labs/pathology/histology and the MDT team. Also PET-CT scan team at Sheffield who got him in for a crucial test within 48 hours. Despite the size of this cancer, the speed that tests have been done means he has been offered radical surgery (and Chemo) which is the best possible short term outcome for him and offers the longest term survival and potentially a cure. I know from experience on both sides how much pressure there is on the system, on individuals. The NHS exists, in my opinion, in an increasingly overmanaged and policy/procedural driven era. Never forget that those that care do so because it's in their make up to do so, it doesn't come from policy version 12.4. Things go wrong, and will do so, when humans are dealing with humans, all with the same frailties and weaknesses, exacerbated when overstretched. But I'm not writing to make a political point, simply to acknowledge that what I have seen and experienced in the last 5 weeks has been humbling, and pretty much flawless. And has given optimism and hope. He goes under the knife for 4-5 hours on Monday at the Northern General in Sheffield. If you can spare me, and him particularly, even a quick thought, I know it will mean a great deal. I'm dreaming of dragging him back to Oakwell, minus half a lung, sometime next year, for a game. Icing on the cake that would be. Sent from my SM-T710 using Tapatalk
Just shows that amongst the bickering and fighting on here. Such a post should bring everyone down to earth. Good luck Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Your family will be in my thoughts it's a terrible time to go thru we've been in the same situation best wishes to you all
Healing thoughts to your Dad and all the family ...its times like this football takes a back seat...22 players running around kicking a bag of wind folk falling out on message boards..when in reality the real battle is life its self...
The very best to your Dad, Mum and yourself MET. I was in exactly the same position in 2015. Thankfully my treatment was a success and I got the all clear in 2016. Here's hoping for a similar outcome for your Dad. I will think of you all on Monday. Good luck.
My wife went through something very similar at Sheffield's Northen General 5 years ago Metatarsal, and got the all clear this year from Western Park, it takes time mi owd, never give up hope.
Best of luck fella. Awful disease. Went through it with my mum the last 2 years. NHS saved her life. God bless them. Wish your dad every best wishes and pray he beats it!
my hope, heart, prayers and love are with you and your family mate..... sincerely hope the outcome is wonderful for you all. Be brave and strong for them fella.
As a result of my experience I would echo UPT's statement " never give up hope." As Dad embarks upon his treatment try to stay strong for one another and take comfort from the knowledge that the experts dealing with the disease know so much more about it now and are using well established and proven treatments to treat it.