Operation update
OK, after a kerfuffle getting there, I was admitted into hospital Sunday night and had my operation early the next day. The kerfuffle came about because the hospital is far away from me, over an hour's drive, and by 3pm they still couldn't guarantee a bed for me. Against advice, I set off on the off chance, figuring it would be better to be there and waste my time if no bed, rather than be told late and not be able to get there (which was possible the later it got).
The op was scheduled first thing Monday, and I recall the first thing I did after the op was to see if I could see and move bits, having been made aware I might not be able to. It was only when I was in ICU I realised the op had not lasted as long as expected and I figured something had gone wrong.
Turns out I was right because while doing it the surgeon realised that the tumour was not as expected, and to proceed would have put me at risk. He was expecting something soft, and this was hard and bone like. So full marks to him for stopping when he did.
Anyway he took some tissue for analysis, the results of which will be known in a few weeks, but apparently it is not cancerous. I don't know yet whether it is still growing or what they'll suggest instead if it is. That said if it IS still growing, they'll probably have to try conventional surgery.
So after ICU I was put back on the ward for observation, and this morning I was told I could go home. After a long day (woken at six) I was discharged about half past three and am now back home knackered.
I have decided to ask that treatment now be either local (Northampton area) or in London because both are easier for me (and others) transport wise. The John Radcliffe in Oxford is a very nice hospital but getting there is difficult and expensive - I've only been there and back 3 times but it has cost a small fortune and I can't keep doing that.
Doubt I'll say more tonight cos I am tired and have a bit of a headache (expected, they gave me meds) so I need a rest.
Ta for all the good wishes.