Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Yesterday, whilst sitting with my old man in his hospital room, thoughts of the old comic farce movies like Carry On Matron and Doctor At Large made an unscheduled visit along my neurological corridors. I'm not sure why this epiphany arrived unannounced; perhaps it was the fact my dad was moved last week and he is now nearer to the women's wards.... Continue Reading →
My dad underwent a lengthy operation on Wednesday. For confidentially reasons, I’m not going to elaborate on the actual procedure undertaken; unless you’re prepared to buy me a pint, in which case my discretion can go bollocks. He’s been a real trooper throughout this challenging stay, in particular with his attempts at suppressing his occasionally... Continue Reading →
An elderly close family member is due to undergo surgery today, a lengthy procedure that will leave him bed bound for a number of days. It’s surgery that’s not without risk at his age, however it's a necessity to remove a highly aggressive malignancy. Despite the pain he is experiencing from this abnormal tissue growth, there has been... Continue Reading →
As I commence this yarn, I’m sitting in the bowels of the Clarendon Wing, at the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI). Perched beside me are two family members; dynasty heads, positive of demeanour and caring of character. One is reading an article on cholesterol, during a rare venture from the sports pages of the newspaper, the Daily Propaganda.... Continue Reading →
I’m starting this narrative sitting in a waiting room at the oncology unit St James’ Hospital. An unexpected attendance at the Leeds Teaching Hospital, after a family member was earlier given an emergency referral by his GP. A cautionary move seeking an oncologist opinion about the tumour complications he was experiencing. I assume it’s his tumour the female GP wants a second opinion about... Continue Reading →
It's Tuesday 28th March and I’m currently sitting with my missus at a Leeds oncology unit, awaiting her four weekly treatment. As I perch uncomfortable on a blue fake leather sofa, my eyes are drawn to three doors opposite. Adjacent to the matt grey doorways, signage kindly informs anyone who’s interested that this trio of portals lead to... Continue Reading →
After a pain free car journey in rush hour traffic on the Leeds inner ring road, followed by breakfast muffin sustenance in the Bexley Wing Costa coffee, I'm now invigorated and ready for the day ahead. Getting out of bed for Karen’s early appointment with her oncologist required some effort today. In fact, it took... Continue Reading →
I’m currently sat with two family members in situ of a Radiology department waiting room. Treatment requirements presently dictate that our residence in this area of the oncology unit are frequent of late. I pass my time jotting down notes for a future narrative to incorporate as content to my website writesaidfred.org . As I... Continue Reading →
An over cautious approach by a family member, meant arriving considerably earlier than necessary for their hospital appointment this morning. I’m a big advocate of punctuality, organisation and planning; however arriving an hour early for your scheduled treatment is slight overkill in my book. Despite this though, my family member, who for the purposes of anonymity... Continue Reading →