Keeping you abreast of things

Glad That’s Over With…

Two weeks of sleepless nights, wondering “what if?”—finally done.

It all started when I noticed a strange-looking growth near my nipple. Like most men, I brushed it off at first—“It can’t be anything serious, I’m a man. That’s a women’s issue, right?” But something didn’t sit right, so I gathered the courage to see my doctor.

Next thing I knew, I was being referred to the breast cancer unit at Oldham Hospital. It was surreal sitting in the waiting room—most people probably assumed it was my wife who was there for tests, not me. But the nurses assured me that male patients are more common than you might think.

First up was a consultation with a lovely Polish doctor. She asked the usual questions and even threw in, “Do you take steroids?” Maybe she was impressed when I took my top off—though, let’s be honest, probably not.

Win #1: After a thorough examination, she found no other lumps or signs of concern—what a relief.

Next was the ultrasound scan. Warm gel, quick scan, and more good news: no signs of cancer. Massive weight off my shoulders.

Then things took an unexpected turn. The consultant hadn’t seen a growth quite like mine before, so I was sent to medical illustrations for photos—apparently, I’m now part of a future case study. Another chapter in “Medical Mysteries of Andy.”

Back to the clinic, and time for a biopsy. Not gonna lie—I was not looking forward to this part. I signed the paperwork and immediately thought, “What have I just agreed to?”

Cue the arrival of instruments that looked like props from a horror film. As I lay there listening to them debate needle sizes, I piped up, “Smallest, please.”

The biopsy involved inserting a large needle into three sides of the nipple. Not exactly a party. Once it was numb, they removed a sample for testing. There was quite a bit of blood, and I ended up needing stitches. Didn’t faint, though I did go a bit pale.

Now I wait two weeks for the biopsy results and to have the stitches removed. Thankfully, we already know it’s not cancer, which is the biggest relief of all. The results will hopefully explain what’s causing the growth.

So, all is good.

Sorry if I didn’t mention any of this sooner—I wanted to wait until I knew the “C word” had been ruled out.

Thanks for reading.

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You Stole the Sun!

Why do us British have such a love of the weather? It doesn't really effect us like it does in places such as Russia, Alaska etc... Yet we are obsessed by the weather. As long as i can remember, mine like most parents always were more interested in the weather than the news at times. Why?

Everyone knows how the weather works, its nice and sunny when your stuck in work but then it decides to rain just at weekend as your planning trips. We don't have much sun here in the North West so maybe that's why we sit with bated breath waiting to see if Mr Sun will show his face.
When your young the weather takes on a different meaning like:
Rain = God is watching the dishes, or hes crying because you've been naughty.
Snow = God is brushing his Dandruff away.
Thunder = God is very angry with you.
Windy = God is drying his hair.
There are loads more gems like this that you are told as a kid.
It doesn't stop there, the weather presenter is a main feature. When i was a kid John Kettley was the main man, his classic jumpers and terrible tops were a joy to behold. Fred the Weather Man here in the North West is still on the TV, I've even got his autograph. He is a bit eccentric with even crazier jumpers. I also remember some guy on itv in the morning who always looked scruffy and like he had just got in from a long night out.

I think Ulrika Jonsson really kick started the love for weather in England. At times she couldn't get through the weather without giggling or messing something up, but that's what we all loved about her. Back then you would of never thought The England manager would be impressed on how she could handle balls better than most England Keepers!
Recently a few of the older weather people have moved along to allow fresh young talent through, like the lovely Lucy Verasamy. who brings back not only the fun and personalty into the weather reports but also something to look at too.

I've come to the conclusion that we love the weather presenters because they brighten up our dull weather in England.

Today in Oldham it's Cold, Windy and looks like rain.