Kay Montgomery - Blog

Kay Montgomery was diagnosed with terminal Pancreatic Cancer – Stage 4 – during a routine ultrasound for gall stones on 21 June 2025. Having been a gardening journalist and magazine editor for decades, Kay’s instinct is to regard this event as just another project upon which to report.

This blog offers observations on entering the strange new world of hospitals and cancer. It aims to be a light-hearted view of a very serious issue. And may it update all the many friends, colleagues and acquaintances – who are genuinely concerned for my wellbeing – on the progression and status of the journey.

Update: Kay sadly passed away on Thursday the 24th July 2025.

Tuesday 24 June 2025 – The Ambulance

Tuesday was ‘Big Wait Day’.  We needed to be allocated a single bed at “The ‘A’ Team Headquarters”. There were simply no beds available. That morning, I lay in bed and reminisced on the three days of my first hospital visit in 25 years. The Admissions Process was a shocker…

Monday 23 June 2025 – Waiting for Transfer

I noticed distinct changes within the staff over the next two days. I remained hooked up to drips and painkillers. Whenever I complained of pain … another drip was put up. Staff were professional and cordial. But there were far fewer staff in my room than before. Was it possible that I was now the […]