Times are dark, Dougie.
But there's a lot of love, hope and admiration in here flowing your way.

You are not alone.

Hey, Dougie. You're in our thoughts and I hope you have a better and more comfortable weekend.

 

 

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So sorry to hear your news Dougie, like everyone on here I`m still thinking about (and worrying about)you.

I think hospice care would be a good idea, you shouldn`t have to manage this terrible disease on your own.

 

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Hello Dougie,

I hope the weekend brings brighter prospects for you and you can get out and about  

Thinking of you and wishing good health your way.

Hi Dougie, just checking in for the weekend, I hope you are doing as well as you can and you managed to get some food inside you and keep it down? Still thinking of you every single day xx

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Hey, Dougie. You might not be able to post comfortably, but I hope you're logging on OK to read still.

Hope there's some lighter moments.

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Hi Dougie.

Sorry to hear about your condition. I hope you are comfortable and getting some sort of quality of life.

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Well, not surprisingly from my point of view, I have been admitted back into Guy,s, and have been here for a couple of days. Since I have been here, I have been connected to a drip for fluids and nutrients as it seems I am unable to take them any other way right now.

Further x-rays and scans reveal a number of other problems to add to the list. Firstly, with cancer spreading to my liver, this is making me Jaundiced. I may have mentioned earlier there are abnormalities in my kidney functions, and I now have a stomach infection requiring massive amounts of antibiotics. I have also managed to fracture a second rib, so all in all a vary miserable time for me, from which I can now reveal there is no coming back.

I may have won a few battles over the last year, but ultimately, Cancer has won the war. I did try to beat this thing but it has systematically attacked every major organ in my body, and is slowly closing it down. It may be days, even weeks perhaps, but my time here is very limited now.

Sorry to bring you the bad news, you have all be so kind, so thank you to each and every one of you.

 

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Oh Dougie I am so sorry to hear of this news  I think deep down we all knew a post like this was coming from you. So many of us are impacted with this awful disease through ourselves or close relatives, we know too well of the damage it does to the body.

I hope you can surround yourself with your friends and family in the days and weeks ahead. We are with you here, too.

Really sorry that things have deteriorated so quickly.  At least you're in the right place in terms of getting support and specialist care.

There's a point when your quality of life and being as comfortable as possible is all that matters.  I hope that you've got family or some close friends close by.

Take care and post again if you feel up to it. You will remain in my thoughts.

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Not wishing to hear the news but the inevitable is approaching. We shall miss your daily start up of the daily weather conditions and all your posts of late .We shall be thinking of you Dougie. You are in the best place now and being looked after. You will be remembered and missed.

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Sorry to hear about this Dougie.

Your life may be drawing to a close here but the journey goes on. 

May all your summers be comfortably cool and sunny in your new place mate.

Ps...In the future when I am sweating in heat and humidity and getting annoyed I will always think...Dougie was right 

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Dougie, I'm so very sorry to read this.

I know it must be horrendously difficult for you just now, but please continue to post here as long as you still feel able to. You are one of the stalwarts of this place and one of the most respected members we've been fortunate enough to have here over the years.

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I've not posted on the thread until now, as having seen my dad battle the same illness last year there wasn't much I could add. I'm very sorry to read of the battle and its approaching end, cancer is a horrible illness and it's incredible that as yet we still have no way of reliably reversing it.

My thoughts are with you and I hope Guy's does everything they can to make what time you have left as comfortable as possible.

My old man did say one thing, and I'll leave the thought here: he said he'd go out on a high, literally, as the diamorphine they use is effectively the same as heroin!

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Oh Dougie,

Don't really know what to say.

Really upset to hear this news and to hear that the cancer is advancing so rapidly.

You haven't just won a "few" battles you have fought an amazing fight against this Beast and if it must take you down in the end at least you will know you have been a true warrior and have been defeated by a truly exceptional adversary.

This may be the final time we speak (hopefully not) so I want you to know you have been a true inspiration to all of us here.

Ultimately many of us may tread the same path you have walked and fight the same fight you have fought and if we can do it with even half of the courage you have done it with I'm sure we'll all be relieved.

You really have set the example to all of us.

I hope they will be able to keep you comfortable in these final days and weeks and I will of course be keeping you in my thoughts now and always my friend.

Until we speak again...

Gavin

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I am really sorry to hear how things are going now Dougie. Keep checking in and reading. The weather is still a talking point at times. Today, it's a lot fresher out than any day so far this month.

We're thinking of you.

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Hear hear, Gavin.

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So sorry to read your post Dougie, it brought tears to my eyes. At least you are in the right place and getting the best care in your final battle with cancer. 

Try to post again if you can.

You will remain in my thoughts.

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I really can't add any more to what has been said, except to say, Dougie, you're the bravest man I've ever known in all my life. 

Cancer. F**k you.



 

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Dougie your honesty and strength of character are an inspiration. I hope you are as comfortable as is possible and you are still very much in my thoughts.

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I have been struggling all morning to find the right words, but Doc you sum it up. 

Dougie - you are an inspiration to all of us.

This thread just puts everything into perspective, and makes you realise what actually matters, and what is actually important in life. 

Thinking about you all the time. 

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This sums it up for me.

You stood tall and proud against an overwhelming enemy, mate; been an inspiration to us all. You've earned your rest.

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Dougie, your strength like has already been said has been amirable through the whole ordeal and if it ever gets me or my family I will draw on these conversations to remind me of what inner strength can do. I'm sure the reason you are still battling now is because you refused to give in. Hold on for as long as you can! I don't want you to go so I hope we've got few more words from you yet but if not, we will have to make a date for that hot chocolate and cream somewhere else. I've lost nearly 2 stone now and will keep going to improve my health if not for anything else, that's another thing that you've inspired me to do!
You are going to be missed that's for sure around here, lamp post watch will never be the same again but every time I look I hope you'll be waiting for those snowflakes too. I know this sounds like goodbye but it isn't, I'm going to be here everyday still seeing if you're around so don't worry. I just wanted you to know that's all, while you still can.
I hope you are comfortable and a bit of strength left to get through whatever comes next. Sending love to you and waiting for that hot chocolate xx

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Not much I can add to what others have already said. You're fighting a brave fight Dougie, and whatever happens from now you are an inspiration to us all.

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My step-Grandad is undergoing treatment for bowel cancer at the moment and, long-term, the prognosis isn't likely to be great. He's relatively comfortable at the moment at home and has responded well to his treatment plan 

What you have shown me Dougie is the amazing strength people have fighting such a debilitating disease. As Gavin put, you have set the example to all of us.

My step-Grandad has his other half and close family to help him through it - I fear he is only at the start of a long battle. He's a gruff sod at the best of times but I've been surprised at the fight and dignity he has shown through all of it and I have been drawing parallels with your battle throughout this 

It seems a little odd saying this but in times like this we can see the best of people - as much as we think others see us at our worst when suffering through a disease like this - the people on the sidelines going through it with them can see the fight, determination and resolve that they haven't seen the likes of before. I am seeing that from my side and it is inspiring.