Cancer 178

It was agony last night. I couldn’t lie down properly. I couldn’t turn onto my right side. This morning, the wife made me take my temperature because she thought it might be pneumonia again. The first reading was 38.5, and I am supposed to ring the hospital if it is over 37.5. Fortunately, two further readings indicated 37.0, so I haven’t phoned the hospital. I am in tomorrow anyway, so I will mention my problem to them. The first thing I thought when I was ordered to take my temperature was what would I take with me if I had to go into hospital? I would take my computer, my Kindle, the draft printout of my cancer book, my Wingfield Manor book, pens and a notebook, and charging materials. I didn’t think I would have to take clothes or a toothbrush.

I really do not want to become an inpatient again. It was awful last time. I know I nearly died and all that, but I didn’t enjoy myself. I don’t like being with other ill people. I won’t say what I thought of some of them or you might not be too impressed, but let’s say I would prefer a room of my own, like I had many years ago when I was in hospital with pneumonia and pleurisy. I got my own room because I threatened to a) smash a television if they didn’t turn it off, and b) kill someone. I think they thought I meant it. I did mean it. Hospital brings out some extreme emotions and thoughts.

Anyway, I am not in hospital; I am in Ikea, which some might argue is worse. I am sitting in the cafe, drinking tea while the wife roams around buying things for her partially new kitchen. I am happily reading and writing. It is odd that while I generally like peace and quiet and avoiding crowds (I will not normally catch a train or spend time in a busy city), I can work quite effectively in a busy cafe, even an Ikea cafe. I ate a small breakfast for £2.75, and get free tea with an Ikea Family Card. I am even in Nottinghamshire.

My pain is now managed temporarily with drugs, so I am fine. I suspect that I might be sleeping in my chair tonight if it doesn’t get any better. We will see. At least I am not in hospital.