Where to start? Yesterday was a long day. We left home at 10.00 am and returned at 10.30 pm (we being Chloe and I) Chloe was a star all day keeping me entertained and occupied.

We arrived at Churchill Hospital Oxford just in time for my appointment. It was interesting to travel through the hospital to get to the renal department. Lots of the hospital is new and looks lovely. I am sure their cancer department is sparkling. But the renal department is not. They are in the old part of the hospital down dingy forgotten corridors. The consulting room was the size of a cupboard. However we saw a lovely Dr who explained again how complicated I am!!! First plan was to use my right arm for the fistula when I had finished chemo but following an ultrasound scan (which involved a lot of waiting) that plan was scrapped. So the (hopefully) final plan is to use my upper left arm.

Any squeamish look away now

- on 6th September they will join an artery and vein in my upper arm. This will be done under a local anaesthetic and will take about an hour. Then about 3 weeks later I will have an operation under a general anaesthetic to move the vein in my upper arm to the top of my arm to make it accessible for dialysis. Any more details are available from Chloe! That was as much as I took in.

We were at the hospital until 2pm. We were very grateful for our patient driver who spent a long time in the coffee shop. Thank you Matthew!

We then went onto RBH for dialysis arriving about 3 all ready to get going. But no! My blood count had dropped further and it was decided that I needed another transfusion. This involves cross matching blood and checking for antibodies which apparently takes 2 hours! So eventually at 5.30 I started dialysis which included 3 units of blood. I was so grateful for Chloe's patient, cheerful presence as the day was very long. I also so appreciated Fiona's patience in being asked to pick us up early evening which ended up being 9.30. It was really lovely to see her and catch up with her summer. Thank you Fiona!

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Despite the day being long we remained cheerful throughout. It was lovely to hear the Dr say as she entered the room ' OK we have a plan' almost as if she knew my need for plans!

Unfortunately Paul has been diagnosed with labyrinthitis - an infection of the inner ear.This means he can't drive at the moment which is slightly hampering life! He was pleased to have his own label and his own tablets!

I am weary today but glad we do have a plan. Also glad the plan is in the creators hands.