Following on from the fairly normal end to last week, pleased to say that that has remained the situation for this week. I even took to driving myself to and from work this week, something I have not done for many weeks, due to the various impacts experienced over the preceding updates.

Overall, a good week with minimal side effects and an improvement in the appetite too - certainly not back to normal, with many things still having an odd taste, but able to eat more, which is always welcomed! The feet appear to be a bit more sensitive than normal and towards the end of the week, was getting more tired, by the time the end of each work day was arriving. One other side effect that comes from the chemo, impacts the finger nails (and to a lesser degree, the toe nails). They can become detached and loose. For me, the old nails are still there, but new nails are growing underneath them. As the old nails grow upwards (currently around 50% of the old nails remain on each finger), I cut them, and there is a notable ridge between the old and new nails. To date, nothing has become detached, but they are sensitive and also make opening things difficult. Against the backdrop of much more impactful side effects, this ‘lesser’ side effect has not been top of the list. Certainly a world away from the previous week, which both Sandra and I regard as arguably the low point. The difference in the space of one week is insane, but welcomed.

I had confirmation that my PIP application was approved, with varying levels of award, based on my current mobility and overall health situation. If any of you are in the same, or a similar, health situation, I would recommend applying for that, if you have not done already. It is a small aspect, in the grand scheme of things, but an important one for people suffering impactful illnesses.

I had an invite from a long-time friend who is a well known collector of military vehicles and has arguably one of the world’s best collections. It was a risk to travel that far - the furthest I have travelled since the Belgian trip in April - and psychologically challenging for myself, but also Sandra! I travelled my good friend Colin, who was getting to see part of the collection for the first time. Pleased to say that the day went without issue and a very enjoyable day it was. I got to catch up with that long-term friend, as well as meeting his partner for the first time, which was great. The day itself, meant much more than being able to see new items in the collection / catch up with him; it was a very uplifting day, as it felt ‘normal’ and being able to do it was very beneficial. When I got back home (much to the relief of Sandra), she commented on how buoyed up I was.  

The end of the week had us plan a day out to the east Kent area to cover various tasks. That second ‘normal’ day this week, allowed us to forget about the health situation, which was very nice. Neither Sandra, nor I, have been able to have two days like this in one week, since the chemo treatments began.

We are certainly not being complacent and know that my situation can change rapidly, but for now, we are making the most of this week and what It has allowed us to do.

Thanks for the continued interest, support and personal comments, very welcomed and helpful.