As time progressed then the Covid-19 Pandemic started to ramp up, business that we do meant our operation more than doubled in sales and output in matter of weeks, so far more extra pressure etc was taking its toll a little, through these weeks I again was finding my patience was less than normal, but suppose given the challenges all key workers had it was no surprise, as most key workers were working harder than ever, while it seemed 70% of the population were getting fully paid extra holidays.
As I had mentioned I am type 2 Diabetic, so I was given option to be off on full pay, until further notice, I continued to work, as I did not want to let my team down, especially at a time when we were under extreme pressure to do our bit, to keep the country going, I just agreed to be more careful and ensure I followed extra measures like using Mask etc.
On the weekend of around 25th April, I discovered a lump in my neck under my skin, on the right hand side, about 1/2 inch from throat and jawline, although this was not visible from looking at me. I only discovered it while shaving and stroking my neck for any small hairs still needing shaved. I asked a few people if they have felt similar things in their necks at times? No was the only reply. Did the usual and looked at other possibilities, although there was many other potential reasons, I sort of knew at that point that this was not going to be good news. ( I had a little understanding of Lymph-nodes and cancer as wife’s cousin had a long battle with lymphoma).
27th April I called the GP surgery, telephone call as during Covid, after explaining lump etc, he suggest to call him back next week, as these types of lumps can be for other reasons.
5th May I called GP again, after brief call, he asked me to pop down, did all the usual tests Blood Pressure , Heart rate etc, he had a good feel of neck and lump. His initial thoughts due to me having no sore throat etc were that it might be nothing to worry about, but was going to send me to get an ultrasound to double check. I continued to work.
13th May attend Arbroath hospital, as procedures being pushed to other places to protect Ninewells. My daughter came with me, as some support, although she had to stay in the car. Family were starting to get a little nervous now.
Lots of regulations in place for to prevent spread of Covid. I attended appointments, two lovely young nurses seen to me and did my ultrasound, which was actually quite soothing and relaxing. After they finished, I tried to add a bit of humour, and ask well is it a boy or a girl. Fair play they said no, its twins. They were open and honest, said they had seen abnormalities in both sets of Lymph nodes on either side of my neck, but could not say why they were abnormal etc, and confirmed to speak to GP for further advice.
14th May, I didn’t hang about, I called GP, as I know NHS has everything online, so GP should be able to view ultrasounds etc. He called back and agreed that there seems to be “something nasty” going on which is making Lymph-nodes being abnormal, especially with the main one at about 2-3 cm in length. He stated he will send me to ENT specialist at Ninewells.
After the confirmation I have something else wrong in my body, other than Diabetes, I then decided to reach out to work, and seek the relevant time off for Covid, given my potential health risk. Think the time was to put myself and my health first. In Fairness helped having a very decent guy as a Boss, and a job share Mgr who was more than capable of keeping the business going/growing.
So in summary I sort of knew at that point I had some form of cancer, but suppose hoping for a small miracle.
This is suppose when your mind starts to run away with yourself.
Pics above prior to starting treatment.
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