“Hi to everyone who is reading this. I’m Jim, a 60 year old fisherman, beachcomber, seafood specialist, gardener - and most importantly, family man. This is the story of these past 3 months of my life, told through a mix of my journal entries and reflections on what has been a whirwind. Most of all though, it’s the story of our amazing NHS and my message of THANK YOU to everyone who has been taking care of me."
ADMISSION TO THE VICTORIA HOSPITAL, KIRKCALDY
Almost 3 months ago today, I was rushed into hospital after I arrived at my doctor's surgery for the second time in a week, complaining about persistent headaches, balance issues, and confusion. Looking back, there had been other signs that something was amiss.
Back in October, when I was on holiday at a beach house up north with extended family, I’d had a couple of frights while driving due to vision issues and spatial awareness. Before that, people had been commenting on how unwell I looked. I’d lost a lot of weight and struggled to work due to lack of energy. The sore heads had been coming and going and had started keeping me awake at night.This wasn’t the version of me people were used to seeing and it was impacting everything about my work and family life.
“We love beach combing, hill walking, growing our own fruit and vegetables, as we are part of an allotment group which is behind our house on council ground, which we rent from them. Before this diagnosis we earned enough to have a great time with family and friends. I was self employed and my job at the fishing means you are paid a share fisherman. I would see my daughter going away to school because when I was on the boat we only go out when its daylight.”
Within 24 hours of arriving at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, I’d received a CT and MRI scan, which confirmed a brain tumour was growing and I was told I’d need surgery. I also received medication to help reduce inflammation and the headaches. For the first time in a while, I felt more myself and enjoyed getting to know the NHS team, other people in the ward, and of course, a highlight was the many visits from friends and family.
“I spoke to one of the patients on the ward, who just happened to have worked in Pittenweem when he was an apprentice sparky. He suggested I make a Will. Lots of different thoughts are going through my head. Working together with my ex-partner and a lawyer friend, we get a Will in place - just incase.”
TRANSFER TO THE ROYAL INFIRMARY, EDINBURGH
A few days later, after receiving incredible care from the nurses and oncology team, I was transferred to the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh for surgery to remove as much of the brain tumour as possible.
"I thank the great staff at The Vic for making my time comfortable and, for me, enjoyable. As I head in the ambulance to Edinburgh, the paramedic driver shares that he follows the same football team as myself.”
"My daughter sent me up one of her favourite teddies so that I had somebody to cuddle. I’m not strong enough to pick her up but she is not small anymore. It’s just so good to get a cuddle. She knows that her daddy has been ill but has been so good. She drew and wrote me special cards.
Getting back to full recovery through time gives me much to be happy about. We did so much together, it’s going to be tough on her. She is a bright young girl, so we are going to do different things in and around our home, when I get home, which will be fun.”
SURGERY
Monday 20th November was the day of my surgery.
“While getting ready to go I was overcome by a wave of tearful emotions. As the nurse settled me down, he said ‘Jim, you have been an absolute joy to look after. Remember you are in great hands here.' True professionals.
For me, the surgery was a bit of a mystery. We went to meet the team and I felt a nice cool breeze as the windows were open. I recognised some of the doctors and surgeons. Now the last thing I remember here was something sharp going into me. I woke up after what i thought was about 20 mins later with a nurse asking if I would like a coffee and toast. To my surprise she told me that the surgeon had performed the surgery. I was stoked to go in and come out to find the surgery has been done.
Again, thanks to all the doctors and nurses and staff for a great and professional operation and care.
After getting back to my room I decided to facetime friends who have been right there for me all the way. They were a bit surprised to hear and see me after such an operation.
Vicky (my ex and good friend) came to see me when I woke up. The surgeon and some doctors from his team came in for a chat to see how I was doing and he informed me that the surgery had been a success.
Now my sole focus at the moment is to get better so I can watch and play with my 7 year old."
HOME FOR MY BIRTHDAY
After a few days of monitoring and a bit of occupational therapy, I was told I could return home, as long as my rehab remained slow and focused. I share a home with Vicky and our daughter, and we have an amazing network of friends in our community, so I knew I wouldn’t be going it alone.
The next 18 days at home were challenging. An infection in my elbow, due to an earlier fall, resulted in daily trips to The Vic in Kirkcaldy for intravenous antibiotics.
“This infection in my elbow caused more pain in my arm than getting something taken out of my brain - weird! Once again the doctors have been great.”
Thankfully, local friends were also on hand to drive me back and forth to Kirkcaldy for more than a week. During this time, I also learned in a follow-up meeting with my doctor that biopsy results showed my brain tumour was called a Glioblastoma. I was told this Stage 4 brain tumour wouldn’t be curable but the doctors would do their best to manage the tumour and its symptoms, and hopefully give me back many precious aspects of my everyday life. The next step in this plan would be to begin radiotherapy.
“the future looks uncertain but we will persevere and get on with our lives"
Luckily, I was able to celebrate my 60th birthday at home with loved ones!
RADIOTHERAPY
However, I was also struggling with confusion and sleeplessness which got progressively worse, so I was readmitted to hospital on Monday 11th December, a few days ahead of my radiotherapy starting. Due to my condition, the doctors decided to give me radiotherapy as an in-patient at Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.
“It’s been another restless night on the ward but I’ve had a lovely tea and the staff are truly amazing.”
FESTIVE SEASON IN THE PENTHOUSE SUITE
I stayed in hospital for a month during Christmas and New Year but again, the incredible NHS team helped me to make the most of it. They stabilised my medication so that I was able to get more sleep, calm some of my more challenging tumour symptoms and alleviate side-effects of treatment.
Along with so many visits from loved ones, the NHS team also helped me navigate the tricky festive period. Santa visited while my daughter was here on Christmas Day. Also, on Hogmanay, I was lucky to have possibly the best views of the Edinburgh skyline and fireworks over the castle at midnight. I called home and talked to my family who were watching the same fireworks from the other side of the Firth of Forth. The nurses also bought me a delicious feast of Chinese food and joined me in my room for the celebrations. Oh and I also wore my tartan suit - still fits 30 years after I first wore it in Ibiza. Party at Jim’s!
After my radiotherapy finished, I began my journey home, across the Forth Road Bridge, via short stays in The Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy and Cameron Hospital, Leven. On 22nd January, my family and NHS team were sure that I was well enough to begin enjoying life at home again...
So I was released from hospital a few days before my daughter’s birthday. Best of all, I was able to bake her a cake!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
"If you are reading this, then I am still here and loving my life again. Let’s be clear, if it wasn’t for the NHS staff I may not be here writing this so they have my utmost respect for saving my life.
“If you're ill and you go to hospital, in my experience so far, this is the place to get well. It may seem like I am banging on a bit but this is pretty much the only time I’ve been in hospital, so I wanted to share. I still have a long way to go on my road but I’ve also got so much of my everyday life back. I’m travelling solo on the bus, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and hopefully I’ll be back in the polytunnel and allotment again this spring."
“So one last time, my hat goes off to all the staff at the Vic, The Royal, The Western General, and Cameron Hospital. Thanks for looking after me and treating me so well. Amazing work.
Thank you NHS from JIM!
And last but not least, THANK YOU to my incredible friends and community. I couldn't have done it without you."
