The long and winding road. Blessings along the way.

I learnt a lot on my first ever visit to the Breast Care Unit at King's College Hospital.  We started in Bloods.  They didn't have the piece of paper.  It mattered not.  Ultimately.  But there were moments of panic, as it looked like this might throw things.  Someone's oversight, probably indicative more of overload than any lack of care, had the potential to push back Charlotte's fifth round of chemo.  We prioritised breakfast and waited for the Chemo Day Unit to open its doors, and for the mishap to be rectified.  The paper drawer in the printer was empty.  It was replenished, and Charlotte given the form she needed before she could get bloods.  The queue in Bloods was now too long, and she had a date far too important to be even fashionably late for. 

We waited to be seen by the oncologist who, running only a little behind schedule, was able to share with us the good news.  Charlotte is responding to treatment.  The alien has been disarmed and is standing still.  Chemo will continue as planned and the rest of the game plan will be reviewed in due course.  I was over the moon.  Barely able to contain myself.  Our relief was palpable.  His tone was unchanging.  Reading from the screen, it wasn't a lack of knowledge.  He knew what it was that he was reading.  It all made sense.  He's read similar countless times.  But there was a lack of emphasis where emphasis was most required.  And his intonation didn't fluctuate where even the slightest differentiation would have been most welcome.  The news is good.  The delivery wasn't perfect but what the hell...  In the grand scheme of things I was again awestruck by the NHS.  God bless each and every person that works within this unwieldy machine of gargantuan proportions that is much maligned and, I believe, given unduly bad press.  In spite of minor admin errors, systemic hiccups and distinctly uncharismatic presentation of immeasurably significant information today I couldn't feel anything but reassured.  She is in good hands.  The best hands.  And for that I am hugely grateful. 

The road ahead is doubtless a long one.  The destination unspecified just yet.  But recovery is possible.  Watch out alien!  The chemo cocktail will now undergo some modification.  The weapons are changing but the fighting spirit is stronger than ever.