William's lodgings

27/8/2013 In the afternoon Chris and myself went for a drive to Witcombe Wood, parked the car and walked the short distance to sit by a gate overlooking Hazel Hanger Wood. The ground had just been ploughed and was very dry.

26/8/2013 We all popped down to Bath to see the house in readiness for next term. The builders were in and repairing items that needed putting right before the lads move in.  Chris did fantastically well to come with us but is now exhausted. Chris wants to do everything she can for her boy and said 'I must see his flat I'm his mum'

Trek fest

24/8/2013 In the evening William, Chris and me drove up to Leckhampton Hill to watch the sun set as we sat in the car together and talked about what was happening.

23/8/2013  Jerry joined the Turtinos for an all Trek bike ride over Leckhampton. A very enjoyable and much needed break.  Cycling when you are exhausted is hard but exercise is needed to recharge the mind and body.  Thanks to Jerry and Will. 

19/8/2013 My first day of sick leave.

From April 2013 to October 2013 it was relentless, with visits to Oncology, our Doctors Surgery, home visits by Doctors and District Nurses, meeting oncology specialist key workers and counsellors.  All these people were here to help Chris and gave their time freely and were always patient and understanding and desperately tried to make Christine's journey a easy as possible.

Christine's mental health declined steadily over the months as Chemo stripped Chris of her ability to read - incredibly hard for Chris to bear.  I tried to be with Chris as much as I could and spent very little time at work. The pressure on us increased daily and I reached breaking point in mid August - another week at work and I would have been of no use to Christine.  Thankfully this was recognised and I was signed off work.  I would have done anything to make Chris's life easier but was beginning to loose my self control and asked for help from my doctor - she was great and started a programme of mental and physical support for Christine and myself.  Our doctors never left our side and supported us both all the way.

Lecky

The Turtino boys had a quick spin over Lecky on the bikes. On the way back dad tried to shake off his son but Turtino the younger overtook Turtino senior 300 yards from home.

Cycle ride

Yesterday had a spin on the bike with Jerry - up through Cranham Woods to Coberley and back home. A great afternoon.  William stayed with his mum.

Early morning Westward Ho!

27/7/2013  Trying to catch the tide on the push we were up at 4.00 am on the road at 4.45 am for a session at the Ho!  Luke and Georgia joined the Turtino boys for a great morning session. A bit patchy but great waves were had by all.  A much needed break.

I'd ring Chris through the day and got back home in the afternoon and got fish and chips for us all.

In July Loz took Chris to the Butterfly Gardens at Dundry Nursery. I think Chris was very tired Chemo really knocks her for six physically.  During July Chris became increasingly more anxious and it became quite difficult for me to leave her alone - Anita and John came down regularly to give me a break. On 19/7/2013 Chris missed her 4th Chemo treatment due to worry - the first after the operation. We spent the month in and out of hospital as Chris was struggling with the pain in her tum following surgery. Her tummy looked like it was swelling again - this was put down to constipation.  I tried to spend as much time as possible with Chris but unfortunately I was still at work - thankfully I could leave work anytime I liked, colleagues have been great.

Ouch!

Will and Tim were joined by Ed for a spin around the FOD trails. All was going well until the the seat clamp on Will's bike broke - no problem, Tim swapped seats and used the broken one.  This still didn't stop William who with the bit between his teeth came a cropper on the down hill and finished with serious gravel rash and a cracked helmet.  Chris was quite worried when we returned but understood why we needed to get William checked out at A and E to get the all clear.

FOD trail

8/7/2013  Jerry joined the Turtinos for a very quick evening spin around the forest trail.  First outing for Jerry on his new bike. William picked up the only puncture of the day - a blast, thanks chaps.  I rang Chris every half hour to check she was OK.

4/7/2013 Loz went for a walk with Chris around the park - Chris thinks she overdid it.  Christine's anxiety really began to take over our lives after the surgery.  I was getting phone calls all day at work - I left work early many times and went home every lunch time.

2/7/2013 Came home after what we believed was successful surgery.  Christine was very positive on her return but very anxious and unsettled.  Full of energy and couldn't keep still.

27/6/2013 Christine was admitted to Cheltenham General for surgery.  I went in with her and held her hand in the anti room to the theatre right up to going into having the operation. Chris was very worried - the Doctors were fantastically kind and caring. I cried and prayed when I got home.