Post From Carols Facebook14th Jan 2019

Carol Garratt is with Maria Merridan and 8 others.
14 January · 

I thought hard before writing this. This isn’t a sob story just some statements of fact and gratitude to some important people to whom I have said these things to and this maybe a bit public so scroll on if you want. I make no apology for what I am writing. 

A year ago today my life changed forever. I went to the Royal Free hospital thinking I was going to have a major but routine operation called a Whipple (google it, it’s amazing). Little did I know that 12 hours later I would be without a pancreas and type 1 diabetic, without a spleen and dependent on penicillin for the rest of my life and a digestive system which has proven to be toxic at the best of times!

Since then it’s been a bit challenging and we’ve had to deal with some major misinformation in the past few months, like you’ve got 3 - 5 months to live, oh no it was scar tissue you could be clear in a year back to no you have incurable cancer. They then tried to kill me by pumping glucose into me for 5 hours during my first chemo session. How we laughed! 

Since starting as you’ve seen my hair has been falling out and Mark shaved the rest off. I am considering a wig for special occasions after all you don’t want to ‘frighten the horses’, but I’ve embraced it.
Anyway the point is a year on from having the most aggressive type of cancer, I’m here. 
If what they say is true (I still have trust issues), I will never be clear of it but if this chemo works and possibly more, with luck I’ll keep it at bay, after all, bloody hell I’m 60 next year and that’s a party I don’t want to miss! 

Most importantly have been the my people whom I love with all my heart (one organ they didn’t touch) 
Mark Garratt you have been my absolute rock. I couldn’t have got through it without you and I’m sure there’s still a few challenges ahead, but with you by my side there’s nothing I can’t deal with. (Did you know he gives me all my injections?) and thank you for letting me have Loki in my life.
Louise Hatfield-Pike you always pick me up when I am down or just basically tell me not to be a twat. (We really must address your bedside manner)
Linz Grant and Pip Grace my gorgeous sister in laws you have helped me with your unconditional love prayers and constant care. 

I also have a wonderful nephew James, who is a consultant Plastic Surgeon who has helped me understand what has been happening and of course my brother Alan always there for me. 
To all my friends new and old thank you for your love and support and the laughs because that’s the most important thing, to see the humour in life and whatever the fuck it throws at you. 
See you at my 60th

You are all awesome! 
Baldy Bob out 🎤