This week started fine and woke up feeling okay. However, covered off a couple of simple tasks, sat in the sofa and fell fast asleep for 2 hours, again ‘switch-flicking’ effect. May be an impact from the physicality of Sunday’s outdoor activities?

Tuesday and back to work, which was thankfully mostly desk-bound. By the afternoon, tiredness was evident each morning, as was light-headedness. Still not 100% and adding to the frustration.

Tuesday and Wednesday evenings gave some high notes, which were a visit from Erin, a former work colleague who became a good and close friend. This is the first time we have met up face to face since she moved up north a few years back. Nice evening and good to reconnect.

That was followed on Wednesday, by being able to meet up with Howard, my former boss who also became a good and trusted friend. We met up for some food and a reconnect conversation. Again, have not seen Howard since pre-Covid days. A lot to catch up on and we ran out out time, so more catch up sessions will be planned. Those ‘normal’ activities have certainly been highlights in an otherwise low 3-week period and it was great to be able to do them.

Thursday was when I had my pre-chemo bloods. As part of that, had a catch up with the nurse, which is routine. I informed her of the previous couple of weeks, what took place and the impact, alongside the high temperature of the previous weekend. That was met with stern facial expressions and a request to repeat the temperature level. The nurse then talked me through the risks of that high temperature, which are:

Sepsis

Organ failure

Fatality

They are all potential risks when running a temperature higher than 37.5, when undergoing the treatment regime I am and having a much reduced immune system; and they can develop very quickly! That was a bit more of a shock to me, than I expected, and left me feeling annoyed at myself, at the risk I had taken, plus what I had put Sandra through the previous weekend. This is another key learning lesson and one that I will not repeat; the ‘rollercoaster’ of dealing with and adjusting to having cancer is zero fun and constantly messes with my mindset. The ‘old rules’ are gone and I am rapidly having to adjust to this frequently changing situation.

The main point of this blog is to raise awareness to get tested, alongside sharing my experiences. So, with that in mind, let me give you advice, based on what I have just gone through:

• If you are suffering from cancer and are running a temperature above 37.5, get to your nearest A&E department at your earliest opportunity
• Inform them of your medical situation and treatment, plus you current temperature
• They should be able to administer antibiotics that are aimed at quickly getting your temperature back under control
• This can be fatal, so unlike the path I chose last weekend, do not take the risk, despite any perceived inconvenience.
• If like me, you are already on a limited timeframe / prognosis, do not lessen that timeframe through making the incorrect decision
  

One high note, during my ‘telling off’, was confirmation that my PSA level has dropped to 2.1. Therefore, my transformation / pseudo-sex change appears to be almost complete! I will discuss this further with the Oncologist at the end of the month, to determine what that means overall; what an amazing drop in 4 months.

That was followed on Thursday evening with a low note, when I was informed that my blood results had showed an anomaly and, as a result, they would be pushing my chemo back 1 week. That requires me to go back this coming week to have my pre-chemo bloods taken, with the hope that things have rectified and I can carry on the second half of the planned treatment regime.

Connected to that, will have to say that I am a little bit pleased, as I do not feel ready to start another session straight away. This 3-week block has been the most challenging yet, both physically and, as a result, mentally. I have had zero respite and receiving a ‘week’s break’ is something that I am hoping allows me to reset somewhat, then plough on through the second half of this treatment plan.

I will sign off with one last high point, which is the fact that my older sister is visiting today and staying with us for the majority of this coming week. She was in London over the weekend and has extended her trip to allow her to come that extra 70 miles to us and see me in person. I am looking forward to this, as we have built up a deep relationship, nurtured through many shared experiences and challenges, plus incalculable great experiences that we have had together. Sandra and my older sister forged a close relationship many, many years ago and they are like sisters, so we are looking forward to catching up, against the backdrop of a less active visit.

Thanks for the ongoing interest and taking the time to read my ongoing experiences; appreciated.

Regards

Peter