I never realised how much a dog can impact your life. Having grown up with a family dog I was familiar but it’s different when you have direct responsibility for their care. My folks used to care for the family pet and I wasn’t around that much either during those years either.

This is different and something very special. I never thought I would really bond with a dog and having been single for some time it was not really an option for me to have one. Enter Bentley. Now here is a character, handsome, loving, lush, playful, loyal and above all, he knows something is not right with me. Bentley knows.

This past week I spent a lot of time with Bentley, taking him out in the Bentleymobile, then for walks, playing ball, but he was also keeping me company!  Nathan was busy working and I feel like I hardly saw Nathan this past week, but then that is the normal routine, it’s me who is out of routine. I was also trying to get some work done. I am very lucky to have the support I have at work and that I can still keep on top of things without being in the office regularly. I do miss the team though. Work keeps you focused and sane.  How I long for normality.

I have been feeling quite rough for the past couple of days, actually since last Friday.  I was really hoping to feel good again as I have after the past chemo sessions. I guess the more of that shit they pump into you, the more your body is affected in different ways. It wears you down, fatigues you. Bless Nathan, he really does look after me and puts up with my situation. It’s not an easy one to be around a sick person all the time. I should have been back at the work and the gym today but I just can’t shake this bloody stomach bug! Constantly running to the loo lol, enough already! Nathan told me if I shit the bed it’s game over haha!

The other night Nathan and I were on the sofa watching movies and it was so strange, Bentley just came up on the sofa and layed down on me, over my stomach and legs. It’s as if he was feeling my discomfort and he was trying to heal me. He stayed there for ages and I thought to myself animals do feel on another level and know when some extra attention is needed. It was so special I have to say. It just goes to prove what you give, you get back. We love Bentley ❤

Finally gave in to being the tough guy today and called the LOC for some advice on my stomach bug. You see you don’t do anything without clearing it first. Get some Immodium haha! Pascale you were right! lol Eat bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. No fever, good, no chest infection, good! Call us again if it doesn’t clear up.

Whilst on my BRAT food shopping spree this morning I bumbed into the lovely Mel Edwards in the COOP of all places. Blast from the past and nothing changes, was lovely to catch up. Mel is a mummy now and I know that her little girl means the world to her. We all go through trials and changes but ultimately we are the same people.

Had some lovely messages from Kate S, Maxine and Lucy J in the past few days along with everyone who is supporting me in this fight. I am truly blessed to know all of you.

I look forward to being that guy I was when Nathan and I both met. How we take our health for granted sometimes. We abuse our bodies all the time (drink and the rest!) and when something like this happens you just want to be well, nothing less, nothing more.  Great words of wisdom today from my friend Diane, I need to focus on the finish line and I have every intention of doing that.

Until next time. X