This week began with the bi-monthly blood test, followed by the medication renewal two days later. As highlighted previously, this is the main ‘check-in’ now, with regards to developments with the disease. So, although routine, there is a degree of trepidation ahead of each test. This is the second of the new location tests and medication collections and it certainly frees up so much time. Virtually no waiting and a pleasant and friendly team, who man the mobile unit. Thankfully, everything was normal and went smoothly.

The main symptoms continue, as expected, but with one or two new additions. Over the past couple fo weeks, my head / brain is becoming ‘tired’, which results in a type of light fuzziness, which is the best way I can describe it. I do not know if it is connected to my attempts to lose weight, with less fuel intake, but I am not certain it is. We had a nice relaxed couple of evenings, over the weekend, watching movies and the like, but also indulging in the consumption of far more calories than were required; I still had the same feeling the following morning. I will raise the issue with Dr. Rahman in a couple of weeks, when we have our 3-monthly check-in conversation. My back pain increased during the week, but it was technically self-inflicted; see the non-medical updates below.  

The focus on the consultancy work was more prominent last week, as we are working through some critical aspects, as well as me taking on responsibility for new tasks. Mid-week was an out-and-about day, with me dropping the recently acquired car off to the dealership for them to conduct some residual tasks they did not have time to cover before we picked up the vehicle. I used the opportunity of being in that area, to conduct one last test drive of a car. It was one of the same models that we had driven previously, and was top of the list, until we discovered the car I ended up buying. Karl was on his day off, so he joined me for the morning. The niggle with that previous vehicle, was whether the seats were too hard and would cause me back discomfort. We requested a model that had different seats and unfortunately, they turned out to be worse! Having driven my new car for a few weeks now, it has been enjoyable and a very comfortable vehicle to be in. Switching to this previous contender was a real dividing line. I was only in the car for around 10 minutes, with Karl also driving it too (most of his jobs have been within the automotive industry and he is very familiar with cars and their workings). The conclusion was a definite no and it was also a reaffirmation that the recent choice was the correct one for me and my needs. The unfortunate downside, is that it left me with increased back pain for the rest of the week, so adjustments had to be made. An unexpected outcome from something fairly simple, but a reminder of how much thought and effort has to go into relatively straight forward choices now, as a result of dealing with the disease.

Alanna has completed the proof reading tasks on Volume 6 of the multi-volume book project, which resulted in me shifting over to that project and beginning the job of actioning the corrections needed. This is a significant milestone and I anticipate having conversations with potential printers within the next two weeks. Great to see it almost done and looking forward to completing my aspects. Other related work was undertaking, around my history hobbies and ventures, which are always interesting and feeding the passion is great.

Less out and about for Sandra and I this week, with only one afternoon trip out, over the weekend. We enjoyed the weather and scenery in a town not too far away, but one that we have not frequented much; more to explore there. For me, I had a very nice meet up with Howard and Matt, two of my former bosses, but people who also became friends. Always challenging to align diaries, but we managed that mid-week and it was great to catch up on family life and changes to careers, etc. I have known both men for more than 20-years and they have both made the effort to stay in touch and make the time to meet up and chat about ‘life’; I am appreciative of their time, as I am with others who do the same. An enjoyable and fun evening.

During the increasing activities between Howard and myself, part of his updates included an insight into his own personal and very sad family health situation. His daughter, Evie, was diagnosed with a brain tumour and sadly lost her own battle with cancer, aged just 13-years old, in March 2022. Howard and his family established The Evie Dove Foundation, which is dedicated to the funding the training of paediatric health care professionals and widening the positive impact from these professionals, on the sick children they care for. A noble legacy, in the memory of Evie, focused on helping others; Matt is one of the foundation’s trustees. If you find this of interest, have a look at their website, which is https://theeviedovefoundation.org/

For me, many related aspects come to the fore, when pondering the above. The vast impact of this disease called cancer, its many tentacles and variants and the devastating impact on every person affected; plus their families. I know the impact upon myself and my family to date, and you continue to read about it in these Blogs. I have chosen to fight the fight, with varying results. For me, it has been life changing, but it has also allowed me to make different choices and change my life, with a view to making the most of my remaining time. For many, that fight is a short and debilitating one; Evie had less than one-year for her cancer battle. During this last week, I was made aware of another friend, from my history hobbies, Liam, who had a very short battle and sadly passed away. Sad situations and deep impacts on the families concerned.

I will round off by asking you to consider: enjoy today, enjoy what you have, enjoy time with the people you have around you. Make sensible choices and make the most of the time you have. None of us know when it will come to an end, or how, but let’s enjoy whatever the journey brings; isn’t it fascinating!

Thanks for the continued enthusiasm for my ramblings, appreciated.

Regards
Peter