From Rob

" To All

Following a visit to the Western
on Friday 13th to get my cyst aspirated
I asked to see the surgeon.
The reason for this was to discuss
the need to get the cyst aspirated every few days.
He came and talked to Morag and myself.
I had a MRI scan about 2 weeks ago
Unfortunately Prof W.
was on compassionate leave
and did not have a chance
to view the results at that time.
He did look at them before he came to see me.
He said that the cyst could not be drained fully
because it had divided into 2 parts.
There was very little change in the tumour itself.
From previous meetings when he said
it would be to dangerous to operate,
now he told us that he thought
he could remove most of the cyst area.
If successful it could lengthen my time on the planet.
He did, however, explain about the downside too.
We should to be prepared for -

1. Death
2. Risk of infection
3. Partial success,
4. Full recovery probably with a weakness
down my left hand side (I live with this anyway).

He suggested that we take time to think about it
but two minutes later I gave the go ahead
We have great confidence in the Prof's expertise.
I am going in on Monday, op on Tuesday am
All being well, I'll be back home within a week.
We are both in agreement about our decision.
If the worst happens, so be it.
Fingers crossed.

This was the most unusual Friday 13th
we have ever experienced !

I'll write again.

Rob "

Mags says -

" Fingers crossed " - typical understatement

from the big man ! By special request

Pat and Stanley are on stand-by

to pipe him out of the operating theatre in style

while the rest of us will be crossing

more than fingers I suspect.