Preparing for a crucial step tomorrow

There has been precious little to report since my last contribution. The cannula was mercifully taken out and substituted by a place-holder which is much more comfortable, although I'll only have it until tomorrow.

Ah yes, tomorrow - a very important day. At some stage in the late afternoon, I shall be wheeled down to the main building and the gastroenterology department where the place-holder I've just mentioned as well as a stent will be removed. Then a swallowing channel will be opened up and the final stoma should be fitted. It sounds highly complex, but in fact it's said to be a simple little operation under full anaesthetic. It should take a maximum of 15 minutes.

There's bound to be some more soreness for a while, but theoretically, as from tomorrow evening, I should be able to start swallowing, albeit very cautiously. After all these months, it will be great if I really can start swallowing again. My son Pete and I have already agreed that we'll go directly from the hospital to a bar somewhere in town for a celebratory drink on the day I'm released.

There are laughs to be had, even in adversity. Linda said that in view of the news I announced about the cancer returning, I might as well have a drink and a smoke once I'm out of here. I pointed out to her that I have to breathe through a stoma in the throat, and that will be forever. Now how am I supposed to smoke? Just imagine me walking down the Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's main shopping thoroughfare, puffing at a fag through the stoma in my throat!!!! I bet that would cause a few heads to turn.... The best I can hope for is a nice Cuban cigar from time to time because there's no inhaling involved.

Anyway, tomorrow should be a major step in the right direction. The op is scheduled for late afternoon, so I don't suppose I'll be able to report on the results until Wednesday or Thursday.

In all other respects, I feel fine. Practically certain that I'll be out of here next week unless there are any more setbacks.