Chrissy and update

[Guest guest]

Hi Chrissy,

First, your appointment. I am SO SORRY about the mess and expense,

especially if two trips should prove to be necessary. However, it

does show that Dr is sure about you, doesn't it? And after

all, he's the one who's actually looked at your pancreas. It looks

as though he's convinced Dr Mathews to take the TP/ICT seriously. At

least something positive is happening. I've been wondering about you

every day.

BTW, I've also been so concerned for everyone affected by the storms

and hurricanes. I can only offer my prayers and kind thoughts to you

all. My son and his wife were due to go to Cuba last Sunday for a

holiday. They were able to call it off, of course, but those whose

lives and homes are gone cannot.

My ERCP now! No. I haven't had a date. I expect to hear before long.

Because it isn't ordinary treatment as such, but part of a research

programme, it may take a bit longer than usual to set up. I also

indicated to Prof that I'd like to help the Europac project in some

way and he says there are certainly things I could do related to

patient support (hereditary pancreatitis) once I've retired. He

seemed quite pleased.

I'm back in the hurly-burly of school life. I take each day as a

blessing as it comes but I know it could all change in the twinkling

of an eye. I get through the bad days with the support of the Head

and my fellow Deputy Head. They are very kind. They know I give

hours extra on my good days and in the hols so if I'm a bit tired on

those bad days, they don't mind. They're protective of me, I

suppose. Overall I try to work harder than anyone except the Head

himself because I don't want anyone to think I'm shirking!!

BTW, everyone! Jim and I met Tony Crispin and his wife the other

day. He's the UK PAI rep. He suggested we should meet and we chose a

spot about halfway between our homes, at Chatsworth in Derbyshire.

It's a magnificent stately home, seat of the Duke and Duchess of

Devonshire. We had lunch in the restaurant and then looked round the

house and shop. It rained later on (so what's new??!!) so we

couldn't really appreciate the superb gardens. It was WONDERFUL to

meet them and so interesting to share experiences. Tony has been

fantastically supportive of me. He's e-mailed me a few times a week

since my diagnosis and is always there for me. He's a retired nurse

and has had CP for years. His story can be read on this board.

Well, that's my news. Still feeling fairly OK, still worried sick

about the future (TP or not?) and still managing to work. I thank

God for every moment I have pain-free or only mildly painful and

hope the very worst times don't return. I have to be ready to face

what comes. I haven't developed diabetes yet.

Lots of love and good wishes,

Fliss (UK)