Sunday, February 21, 2010

Buiochas

Most men when they do housework like to draw attention to it. So, washing the bathroom, mopping the floors, doing the shopping, emptying the washing machine becomes a matter of great macho pride worthy of universal acknowledgement and acclaim.

This Blog has to confess to tilting slightly in that direction. Not as far in that direction as your man but a sneaking regarder nonetheless.

Most women who do housework – just do it. Along with numerous other multi-tasks which they perform on a daily basis. Including child minding and men humouring.

This Blog has been immersed in housework for the last wee while, while the house maker in this family is sick. It’s been an interesting experience for everyone involved.

There’s nothing more sickening, when you’ve just cleaned out the bathroom to discover someone going in to destroy your good work by having a pee in the place.

So too with window cleaning. And food shopping. Some people just don’t appreciate the effort involved in all of this. But anyway it’s a small price to pay. I am glad to report that Colette is doing well and is slightly overwhelmed and considerably boasted by all the messages of support and solidarity. Anyway she’s better telling you that herself.

Apart from anything else I’ve the dishes to rid up. So here’s Colette.

“A month ago the results of tests I had undertaken revealed I had
cancer.

It was a great shock but I was told by my doctor and consultant that my
cancer was treatable and that I would very quickly be taken into hospital
for an operation and to determine what further treatment I might require.

Last week I had major surgery. Afterward I was told by the consultant that he believed the operation to have been a success, although more tests will follow.

The hospital staff was conscientious, kind, and very positive throughout
my time there. I want to thank all of them for their compassion and care.

I also want to thank my family doctor and the staff at his surgery. It was
my doctor’s attention to my concerns that ensured the early detection of
the cancer and the treatment I have just received.

My family and friends who were aware of my condition were hugely
supportive and I want to thank them for all the love and support they give me.

I also want to thank all of the many other people who have in recent days been in contact and who have expressed their support and concern.

This has been a difficult experience for me and those close to me.
Cancer is a frightening disease. To be told you have it is a terrifying and
emotional experience. It is impossible to describe. However I am very
positive and determined to get well again.

The crucial lesson from my experience is the importance of early
detection. No matter what age you are there is an absolute need for men
and women who have any concerns whatever about their health to seek early medical advice. Don’t be embarrassed or concerned about speaking to your doctor. He or she is your friend.

Speak to them without delay. Cancer is treatable and early detection can
ensure a successful outcome.”

14 comments:

Linda Coleman said...

My husband and I wish you all the best, Colette, for a complete recovery. We've known so many people who've recovered from cancer, including my father-in-law, who was treated for lymphoma at the age of 80. He'll be 90 on his next birthday, with no recurrence of cancer.

Follow doctor's orders, Colette, get plenty of rest, meditate on how good you will feel when you're completely restored to health, and try not to think about what's going on with the housework. Gerry's doing the best he can, and there will be plenty of time to put things right when you're well again! :)

Mr Reality said...

Hope all goes well Colette, my prayers are with you. Best wishes.

Maria said...

I'm sorry to hear that your wife is going through a difficult time. I hope it won't be for long and that she soon regains her strength (but you should still help with the housework).

Seán Mór said...

Colette, I don't know you, but I want to extend my best wishes and hope that you have a speedy recovery. My father died from pancreatic cancer almost two years ago, so I understand some of the things you have said here about the shock of finding out you have cancer. You are 100% correct in encouraging people to come forward, because early detection is the most effective way of beating cancer. Gach beannacht ort, I wish you all the best.

Ed Feighan said...

Hi Colette, Thats great news that your feeling better and make sure you take full advantage of having Gerry around to help. I have been telling him since I first met him that he needs to slow down. I can"t wait to see what the DUP has to say about him doing dishes. We are all praying for a full and speedy recovery. Ed F.

Pau Doran said...

Colette.Get well. Strangely I would not know you if you passed me in the street.Gerry yes the woman of Ireland now there is a powerful force, if only more of them could become politicised we would have a different Country.A different World, I remember a few years ago asking for (when I was a member of SF)for a change in the positive affirmation of women within SF.You spoke against it at the Ard Fheis, You were right and I was wrong.Not the first time I may say.I enjoyed the show tonight

claired said...

Colette and Gerry, we wish you the very best. It can be a difficult and frightening time. May you recover promptly and completely Colette. May you feel the positive energy that is being sent to you both from Canada and everywhere.

Micheal said...

Good to hear from you Colette. sounds like you've been through some stuff again lately.

There's been cancer in my family, mainly on my mothers side apparently. Granny Murphy was watched to die from it by my poor wee mother as a bairn of only sixish.

God help us and save us but the way she goes on sometimes I thought it'd be only a matter of time 'till I get it myself.

I don't find the GP's in the NHS here in London to be that good. It's hit and miss really. You can get a good one, or you can get an incompetent bozo.

I could tell you many examples to back up both realities.

The hospitals can be and are usually good. I'm satisfied with that side of it, by enlarge.

I don't know much about the medical scene in the six, or in the twenty six, but, I can report that Castlebar saved my life when I was about one and a half, so I'm glad to be here anyway.

You've faced into it Colette, that's for sure. I don't know how I'd react, really, if I was told I had cancer. I believe I'd take the news with courage. I have to believe in myself or I cannot overcome.

I believe in Gerry too. He was brilliant (as usual) on the channel 4 documentary yesterday called: "The Bible A history" Jesus 5/7.

Red_Maggie said...

Gerry

Congratulations on doing what you should be doing anyway, lol! Quick tip, though; if you know any children under 10 they love to help. They think it's a game and you can sell it to their parents by saying that it's part of their development. Unfortunately after 10 they tend to get wise to it. :)

Seriously, though. I have known many people who have survived cancer. It can happen, especially with modern medicine. I'd just like to know why we have such long waiting lists on the NHS and yet we can find money for illegal wars which serve no purpose but to extend US/UK imperial influence and exploit the local populations. Why can we find money to kill but not to heal?

A message to Colette; you are absolutely right to encourage people to take their health seriously. Early detection is the best way of defeating such a tragic disease. Oh, and make sure he gets under the U bend, that'll make him appreciate you!

Best of luck to all, it's a horrible thing to go through but I'm sure it will work out well.

Timothy Dougherty said...

I what to give Gerry and you Colette my hope for a long life , one for each and every member of you family.
We are all lucky you have both you and Gerry , working for a better Irish life and the medical end of that is very important. Better information and care, for a all Ireland nation no second class care for anyone, is needed. Make Ireland's health care as important as anything and people will understand this , if not anything.
My best Colette

Petrov Dempski said...

Hi,

Words cannot express the admiration I feel for both Colette and yourself at this most difficult time.

I hope that everything goes well for both of you.

Yours Sincerely,

Peter Dempsey

Kate said...

Wishing you a full recovery Colette.
Thank you for taking the time to encourage others re early detection/treatment...and to share your health issues personally with us.
Glad to see yer man is chipping in, rolling up his sleeves aroud the house.
Rubber gloves for Gerry.

Best wishes to you both.

Kate

Anonymous said...

Good to hear you are on the mend Colette. Unfortunately next time I happen to be in the company of the bearded one I feel I'll be in for a lecture on house work.

ó an chomradaithe mór ó Átha Claith,
P.

liam c. devlin said...

collete and gerry, so very sorry to hear of your illness,but with god, and the good man himself beside you ,i am praying for you to come back to health. i lost a lung because of lung cancer,but i survived and have been cancer free for almost fifteen years. i wish you the best. what is this about gerry doing house work? [ BIG SMILE } gerry ,you have been an inspiration to me since i left belfast over thirty years ago, you still do. you are so close to reaching the goal of a united ireland,,i pray for this every night,as well as for you and colette.,,, thank you so much for allyou have done. liam. please, if you could, contact me at tbudd75@yahoo.com... i should very much like to open correspondence with you

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