The Bard's Hall Contest

My first CT scan is a fact. They again had trouble putting a needle into my vein, but the second place was okay. In and out in 45 minutes.

I had a coffee and a bun when leaving the hospital.

Bus ride back home, shopping for toilet paper (where does it go these days) and now behind the computer. Sprout is sleeping on the ground to my right.


I made an appointment with the hairdresser later today. I still got all my hair so better take care of it.

The day after the verdict!
I am a bit restless. It's extremely sunny and hot so it's a bit too warm in the house. I am sitting on my balcony with my new parasol. There is a whiff of wind which is lovely.

Yesterday, after the Dutch soccer team lost their game I heard a noise of breaking glass! Kids had smashed my bedroom window with a ball before they fled the scene. Luckily the housing agency sent someone who took care of the window and covered it with wood—cleaned the mess too. Next week there will be a new window in place.

I have to repeat a few times: I have cancer! I have cancer!

I still cannot look beyond that. It's too early to make a plan. Tomorrow the CT scan, they won't tell me what they find, that's for the appointment next week.

I am leaving in an hour to do some groceries. And there are the dirty dishes. I have to clean.

I am still in pain, and my energy level is very low. But today is a very sunny day. Lovely!!!

Had my colonoscopy today. Everything went well. Laxation was okay, keyhole surgery was no biggie. I was convinced I had chronic bowel inflammation.

At the end of the procedure, the doctor told me: It's bad, I have to talk to you later.

I still was clueless.

When she arrived she said: It's not good, it's cancer. You have a tumor.

Honestly, it never crossed my mind.

I think it still has to sink in.

This Thursday I have a CT scan to look for the spreading of cancer cells, if that's the case. Next week on Friday I have an appointment to talk about procedures and possibilities.

I think I am still a bit in shock!!

Today is the day before! I have to take two tablets within 2 hours to soften the poop in my bowls. At 6 I start with the first laxation, and during the night at 5 the second one.

I just had my last lunch, one rusk with egg spread. And a cup of tea. I cannot eat anything anymore till after the operation.

The weather is great, lots of sun. The first day of me using my new parasol on my balcony. I want to do my dishes before the laxation starts.

Wish me luck!

Still in pain every day. Next week on Tuesday I have to go to the hospital for a colonoscopy. My best friend is driving me since there has to be somebody with me going back home.

On Monday it starts with medication to soften the poop, followed by a laxative schedule in the evening. The next morning at 5 o'clock another laxation and I have to be at the hospital at 8.30 am.

Everybody I know who has done this procedure says it's no biggie. But I am a little bit anxious. If something goes wrong I have stated that I don't want to be resurrected. Too scared to end up like a vegetable. Anyway...let's hope for the best!

I watch EURO2024, the soccer games every day. 2-3 matches per day. Tomorrow The Dutch against The French.

In the coming weeks my GP has referred me to a specialist so my bowl problems will be addressed. It's about time! I have to wait again.

I'm still in pain, still nauseous.

Yesterday our national soccer team played the last of the two friendly matches before the European Competition 2024 that is about to begin this coming Friday. We won 4-0 from Iceland and 4-0 from Canada. Lovely games.

Hopefully, they will go far! They have a very interesting team.

Yay, I collected feces as early as 9 am and brought it to the nurse. I have to wait for the results. And next week I have another appointment to test my blood and urine. For the second time! The results were negative, insofar, as there was not much wrong. But I am still in pain so I keep going. I have to know what's bugging me.

Tonight one of my friends has tickets for a classical concert by Sokolov, a Russian pianist. The friend he was going with was in hospital so he asked me. It's free since he already had the tickets. And they cost 57 euros a piece, way too much for my wallet.

It's an unknown musician to me. It will be a surprise I am looking forward to.

It will be good to get out of the house. Last Sunday I canceled a movie with another friend since I wasn't feeling very well. Tonight I am forcing myself to go out!