A nice surprise ..(?)

I was going to save this till later but I might as well tell you now.

As you have (hopefully!) identified, since Christmas 2011, I have sought to keep the blog focused only on P & her situation and less so on my personal grievances - though I admit I have occasionally ‘drifted’ on to matters affecting myself (e.g. the car) and which I thought you may have found interesting). So what?

Well, what I haven’t told you is that the ‘cleaner’ & ‘more professional’ approach has attracted a much greater number of (repeat) visitors in particular from, it appears, students  and other cancer related charitable organisations. Having included my email address on the blog I have, since I declared my intent to ‘close down’ received quite a number of requests to keep the blog ‘going’. With regret, sadly, I do not want to do this (and I have informed those that have contacted me).

As an alternative I have been asked if I would provide a regular ‘limited first paragraph’  update on P – her situation / response to treatment and so on. It’s now become my understanding, as part of their studies, students are researching cancer patient support and the situation of P & myself is being closely followed. So, what to do? 

For various reasons I have agreed to accept the ‘limited first paragraph’ proposal until, at least March (though I wouldn’t be surprised if I am not asked to continue until the end of the academic year (August)). After all, there’s now not such an urgency for me to ‘move on’. Apart from the ‘limited first paragraph’, the remainder of the blog (the single background page) itself will (strictly) not be updated. My email address will continue to be displayed and I will continue (I hope!) to receive the enquiries / mail & messages I receive from students (and anyone else). Any enquiry will be responded to via e-mail.  The blog will not accept comments.

In summary,

• The (continuing) of the blog is principally aimed at students & others with a special interest in cancer patients & cancer patient support.
• Any other reader is, of course, most welcome.
• The blog will continue – in a fashion, with a (new – presently being developed) single permanent ‘background’ page’ (or ‘home page’) the general content of which will not be updated.
• The ‘background page’ is simply background information aimed, specifically, at new readers – in time including this background information may cease.
• There will, however, (always) be a ‘limited first paragraph’, on the background page, that will contain limited information about P’s current situation.
• Only this ‘limited first paragraph’ will be updated ‘as & when’.
• The (SEH) Twitter account will remain though only to advise ‘followers’ that the ‘limited first paragraph’ has been updated and to receive any followers DM (Direct Message).
• My email address will continue to be displayed and I will promptly respond to e-mail enquiries (about P  and / or myself) made by students (or anyone else).
• The blog’s (leaving a) comment option will not be available (email on any subject is welcome & encouraged).

So, what have I saved until last?:

• (I have evidence that) P is actively looking for a property – though I am not putting her under any pressure (until, at least, she gets some form of ‘all clear’).  I have, however, insisted that I want our youngest daughter to move out – as soon as possible.
• With respect to my house, I have sought the advice of local estate agents / real estate agents and, because of its position, style and other factors, I have been informed that it will quickly sell – and I ought to limit improvements & repairs to the minimum which will attract a wider customer group including builders (the house is actually in the best part of town).
• Friends & colleagues are trying to play ‘matchmaker', however I am resisting. Truth is that I am struggling to get over the ending of a previous relationship and, consequently,  my confidence etc. has been significantly affected.

More later – next posting will be in the new format..

(The blog author reserves the right to close the blog without Notice)