Cancer 132

I am writing this from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. I don’t think I am meant to be abroad between rounds of chemotherapy so don’t tell anyone.

I had my chemo bottle removed around 3pm on Thursday, then we immediately set off in the car to Harwich, staying in a Premier Inn at Colchester before getting the ferry to the Hook of Holland yesterday. It was delayed due to the Microsoft failure, but we got here eventually. At the hotel the wife donated half of her large Wienershnitzel to join my Wienershnitzel on my plate. Given the nature of my stoma that may not have been the best idea but it was delicious.

This morning I was frightened. I was venturing into a busy city with tubes hanging out of my chest, a stoma bag attached to my belly, and an elastic support for my hernia. This is very unlike my first experience of Amsterdam, lying outside the station with scruffy long hair, a backpack, and listening to live music.

I was frightened because I don’t want people crashing into me, yanking the tube out of position, or being caught with a rapidly filling or leaking stoma. I hadn’t been on a train for at least five years, but not only did I use the train, we also went on the tram.

The Rijksmuseum is still impressive. I spent all morning walking around it. Very tired now, but I hope to walk a little through Amsterdam.

No accidents so far.

I am really not used to so many people being around. I don’t like it. It has taken a real effort of will to get myself into the city. I am looking forward to getting out safely.