An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
#1
An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
A very unique story for my moving back to the but goes to show that life doesn't always go to plan.
I thought I would update you guys about my situation as I see a lot of the same people still active on the website. I am happy to see people have settled back into life in the UK and even better, have babies on the way. lol.
You may remember me, I actually surprised my family by returning to the UK a lot earlier than anticipated, brought a car from a friend's garage under a false name and surprised him when I picked up the car and then returned back to Canada after 5 months in order to get my spine surgery done (3rd op) as I wasn't getting anyway in the UK both private & nhs health care.
I went back in Canada late Jan and was lucky to be seen by my Spine Specialist mid Feb, my op was going to be done as soon as he could get an operating room organized for the 6 1/2 hr op. Whilst in the UK, I was seen by numerous doctors regarding another health issue that developed in the UK. I was told I had food poisoning and then acid reflux, I knew it was neither but continue to get fogged off with prescriptions. I finally got a family doc in Canada at the beginning of March, however I collapsed 2 days later. After having an emergency surgeon on my stomach, it was established I had 2 cancer tumours. I was told I had cancer (Neuroendocrine) a very rare cancer ( Steve Jobs - Apple had the same cancer). Its like 1 percent of cancers and to be in my early 40's as well its super unique. Maybe its the reason behind my 2 failed spine surgeries.
In July, I had my spine op, it was delayed due to the cancer and I am happy to report, I am doing very well. No more walking with a stick or limping Yeahhh. In June, i was given the news that my cancer had spread to my liver and now I am waiting for the next major op on my liver, gall bladder and lymph nodes etc. That is a total of 3 op's in just over 6 months.
I do miss the UK, however I am very happy with the care that I have received in Canada. I do believe in fate and I do believe I was meant to return. Do I see myself back to the UK, I am really not sure now. My family/friends were heartbroken when I returned back to Canada but fully understood that I had to return to get my spine sorted. It was such a shock to tell them that I then had cancer. I have no children but a Canadian dog who came back to the UK with us and returned with a EU pet passport.
I think the moral of this story is to go with your heart and do what is right for you at the time and have no regrets. I don't regret what we did and thoroughly enjoyed our time in the UK and we have settled back into life in Canada, however I do miss West Sussex.
I thought I would update you guys about my situation as I see a lot of the same people still active on the website. I am happy to see people have settled back into life in the UK and even better, have babies on the way. lol.
You may remember me, I actually surprised my family by returning to the UK a lot earlier than anticipated, brought a car from a friend's garage under a false name and surprised him when I picked up the car and then returned back to Canada after 5 months in order to get my spine surgery done (3rd op) as I wasn't getting anyway in the UK both private & nhs health care.
I went back in Canada late Jan and was lucky to be seen by my Spine Specialist mid Feb, my op was going to be done as soon as he could get an operating room organized for the 6 1/2 hr op. Whilst in the UK, I was seen by numerous doctors regarding another health issue that developed in the UK. I was told I had food poisoning and then acid reflux, I knew it was neither but continue to get fogged off with prescriptions. I finally got a family doc in Canada at the beginning of March, however I collapsed 2 days later. After having an emergency surgeon on my stomach, it was established I had 2 cancer tumours. I was told I had cancer (Neuroendocrine) a very rare cancer ( Steve Jobs - Apple had the same cancer). Its like 1 percent of cancers and to be in my early 40's as well its super unique. Maybe its the reason behind my 2 failed spine surgeries.
In July, I had my spine op, it was delayed due to the cancer and I am happy to report, I am doing very well. No more walking with a stick or limping Yeahhh. In June, i was given the news that my cancer had spread to my liver and now I am waiting for the next major op on my liver, gall bladder and lymph nodes etc. That is a total of 3 op's in just over 6 months.
I do miss the UK, however I am very happy with the care that I have received in Canada. I do believe in fate and I do believe I was meant to return. Do I see myself back to the UK, I am really not sure now. My family/friends were heartbroken when I returned back to Canada but fully understood that I had to return to get my spine sorted. It was such a shock to tell them that I then had cancer. I have no children but a Canadian dog who came back to the UK with us and returned with a EU pet passport.
I think the moral of this story is to go with your heart and do what is right for you at the time and have no regrets. I don't regret what we did and thoroughly enjoyed our time in the UK and we have settled back into life in Canada, however I do miss West Sussex.
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 603
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
Back2UK,
I'm so sorry that you have been dealing with these health issues, hard enough to have to have a third surgery on your spine but to discover you have cancer too must have been such a horrible shock.
Very glad that you sound to be receiving very good medical treatment although I know it must be so hard going through all these surgeries. Hope that you will soon be cancer free and in good health again. Wishing you the very best and please do keep us updated.
I'm so sorry that you have been dealing with these health issues, hard enough to have to have a third surgery on your spine but to discover you have cancer too must have been such a horrible shock.
Very glad that you sound to be receiving very good medical treatment although I know it must be so hard going through all these surgeries. Hope that you will soon be cancer free and in good health again. Wishing you the very best and please do keep us updated.
#3
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
Back2UK,
I'm so sorry that you have been dealing with these health issues, hard enough to have to have a third surgery on your spine but to discover you have cancer too must have been such a horrible shock.
Very glad that you sound to be receiving very good medical treatment although I know it must be so hard going through all these surgeries. Hope that you will soon be cancer free and in good health again. Wishing you the very best and please do keep us updated.
I'm so sorry that you have been dealing with these health issues, hard enough to have to have a third surgery on your spine but to discover you have cancer too must have been such a horrible shock.
Very glad that you sound to be receiving very good medical treatment although I know it must be so hard going through all these surgeries. Hope that you will soon be cancer free and in good health again. Wishing you the very best and please do keep us updated.
#4
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
What a terrible series of events I'm and hoping everything can go well enough for you and the dog to return to UK and enjoy yourself with the family.
#5
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
I'm sorry to hear you have been unwell and things didn't go to plan.
It does sound like you are receiving very good care though and I'm sure all will be well before long.
It does sound like you are receiving very good care though and I'm sure all will be well before long.
#6
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
Oh what a rocky road health wise! As you say, you can only make the best decision armed with the information you have at the time so I'm glad you've found the right place for you for now! All the best with the next op!!
#7
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
Thanks, are you back in the UK now, I remember talking to you back in 2012.
#8
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
Thank you and yes I am receiving good care, which is a bonus.
#9
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
Yep it certainly has been a rocky road and thank you for the good wishes.
#10
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 800
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
So sorry to hear what you have gone through with your health but so glad to hear that you are getting the treatment you need. I agree with you that you end up in a place for a reason. A few years ago I was diagnosed with a brain tumor that I need to have removed. Fortunately living in Boston I was able to have my surgery done by the chief of neurosurgery at mass general one of the best hospitals in the world. My surgery was a success and I have been left with no deficits at all which is amazing. I truly believe that being where I am saved my life. Now that I'm back to full health hoping to get back to my family in the UK. The experience has definitely made me re-evaluate my priorities. Best of luck to you wherever you end up!
#11
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,477
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
I looked after my brother while he battled cancer for nearly 4 years. May I sincerely say I wish you all the best and things do happen for a reason. It's good to know you are getting good care.
#12
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
Stay strong and hope you are well soon.
#13
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
So sorry to hear what you have gone through with your health but so glad to hear that you are getting the treatment you need. I agree with you that you end up in a place for a reason. A few years ago I was diagnosed with a brain tumor that I need to have removed. Fortunately living in Boston I was able to have my surgery done by the chief of neurosurgery at mass general one of the best hospitals in the world. My surgery was a success and I have been left with no deficits at all which is amazing. I truly believe that being where I am saved my life. Now that I'm back to full health hoping to get back to my family in the UK. The experience has definitely made me re-evaluate my priorities. Best of luck to you wherever you end up!
#14
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
I am sorry to hear about your brother, its a heartbreaking illness. I have been a cancer carer(my mother) and now I am a patient so I understand both sides of the coin. My cancer is incurable but manageable, i actually don't know what is worse. My heart goes out to you and I hope time is really a healer.
#15
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,477
Re: An update for my UK Friends - Life doesn't always go to plan
Thanks for your kind words. When I said things happen for a reason I meant about you being in Canada and not UK. Many of us on this board will be thinking and worrying about you.