Week 15: w/e 16th August 2026

Morning Folks, and a little later than normal. 

The increasing health issues dominated the week, with me moving to bike rides instead of walking, following last week’s notable impact. I managed 2 of them and I focused on pushing myself, instead of just taking a leisurely cycle. I went for pace and using my leg muscles constantly. I also continued with the usual exercise regime, but the shoulder issue from a few weeks ago is still there and intermittent, which is confusing, as I am not doing anything really physical, on the days preceding the flare ups. I am increasingly of the opinion that the issue is connected to the Zometa infusion, or the spread of the disease. 

I also had physio on Monday and he focused on the lower back. I also had chat with him about using resistance bands to exercise with, following what Dr. Rahman suggested. I did print off some exercise sets to learn but the rest of the week was very ‘variable’, so nothing started there yet. 

Tuesday felt very ‘flat’, with me being directionless and unmotivated. However, I got my head down and spent the day in front of the laptop. I done a lot on the Münkemer project and also finished the notes for one of the Military Odyssey presentations - therefore, a productive day in the end; albeit a mundane one. 

Wednesday - Sandra was off, so we started the day by the sea. Sandra relaxed on a bench, as I undertook the second bike ride, where I pushed myself into the stronger winds by the coast. We then had an hour at the Battle of Britain memorial that is minutes from our home, where we soaked up the sun and had a walk around. 

Thursday was an odd day where I woke up, but did not feel awake. I got dressed and sorted, ready to go, but instead dozed on the sofa for a number of hours. It was our granddaughter’s birthday and we had arranged to go there for a couple of hours, for lunch and to help her celebrate that. I roused myself just after midday, threw on some footwear, then Sandra drove us over to be part of the birthday celebrations. We returned home and the rest of the day was more of the same - sitting around and resting, as I felt a bit wiped out. Sandra was of the opinion that the previous day’s bike ride may have been the cause, but I am unsure. 

Friday was another mostly chilled day, as was Sunday, for both of us. The mental impact is affecting the physical side of things and we just fancied a day of ‘nothing’ (both of us mainly researching various projects). 

Saturday seen us take a trip to the farm to complete some group related tasks, joined by some of the other group members. Following that, we had tentatively made plans to go out and visit one of the stately homes, but decided not to and went home. Once there, I focused on some small DIY tasks, which were necessary and by the end of all of that, I was done, so the sofa and I once again got acquainted. 

Overall, on the health front, the past week has been very variable in how I am feeling. I am therefore not really making many plans, but more seeing how we are in the morning, then deciding whether to do anything. Most of what we have done is local, which allows us to go home if we feel tired, or not on form. The appetite is all over the place, but very subdued. Sandra is doing an excellent job of making suggestions each evening, that are not only helpful, but are ensuring I am eating something every day. There are still no confirmed dates for the start of the chemo, but we had to remind ourselves that we only seen Dr. Rahman two weeks ago; will see what the coming week brings. 

Besides the health impact, we did manage some normality. On Wednesday evening, like millions of others, we met up on the cliffs near us, to watch the partial eclipse. We joined Alanna, Dan and the grandkids there, then Karl and Rachel came along too. A nice family hour of witnessing something unusual and interesting for the kids. Spending time with the family is always ‘good medicine’. I also collected a new display banner for use at the stall at shows, with the Military Odyssey coming up at the end of the month. Along with that, I designed some new posters that showcase the full range of the 23 publications I have written / published to date. 

Your time is appreciated by myself and Sandra. 

Regards

Peter