Cancer and Leg Ulcers Index

A series of articles chronicling my personal experience with cancer and leg ulcers from 2022 onwards. The intention is mainly to inform and help fellow sufferers know what to expect and help deal with the various aspects of their own journeys through such experioences. I must stress that leg ulcers are by no means a necessary side effect of cancer and nor might they only appear after a cancer diagnosis, so it may be be best tp treat them as two totally seperate things.

Each article can be accessed by clicking / tapping the photographs below. A link at the end of each article with bring you back here.

Helping and Being Helped

Saturday, 28 June 2025. Yesterday was a dozy sort of day. I was awoken early for tests and meds and was taken down to the breakfast club by 6.30. Our friend from Bay D was there but no one else and breakfast wasn't until 8.00 by which time we were clagging for a brew (transalation: rather thirsty).

A very harassed nursing assistant finally arrived, searching with only limited success for cereal bowls, saucers (we had our China cups slithering about on plates in the end) and butter for the toast.

Already a bit short of nurses, two more were on escort duty - accompanying patients in ambulances who were being transferred to the main hospital in Blackpool.

My little old lady friend joined us for breakfast along with another old lady: "I don't like her..." I was told. She seemed OK though and joined in the chat so I'm not sure what the problem was. My little old lady friend went home later. I'll miss her mischievous banter.

It went very quiet after breakfast. We were left with just three of us most of the day. Two of us had our photos taken for posters advertising Breakfast Club. I did wonder whether to smear marmalade around my mouth for effect, but a cheery smile was all that was required.

Miss Franny came to visit then later in the day my friend with early stage Parkinsons was talking to the Staff Nurse about his release which would involve relocation to a different part of the country. He was in tears poor chap. Having sat next to him over the weeks, looking after him, wiping up if he dribbled, feeding him etc I was concerned and a bit upset myself as the nurse hugged him through his sobs

"Well you have friends don't you?" she said. I heard him say my name and the nurse briefly glanced at me and said, "yes, he's lovely isn't he?" and suddenly I was wiping my own tears.

Afterwards I asked her to wheel my chair close and held his hands and talked to him. He still has a chance of recovery and I told him to hold on to that and believe in it and that if ever he needed me I would be there always in his mind. The nurse said "oh what a lovely thing to say," so then we were all blooming crying...

Hopefully today will be dryer... Apparently there is to be some sort of concert and party in the garden. I'm not sure the weather forecast helps much with that. Perhaps it is the Grand Gargling Championship...

Yesterday's sketch was inspired by - but not of - Limone on Lake Garda.

Cancer and Leg Ulcers Index
Family Memories: Personal Index