Hello Folks and welcome to the latest health Blog update and its a notable one!

If you are regular readers, you will know that we had the latest face to face meeting with Dr Rahmen on Friday late-afternoon. That was to get the results of the scans done around 6-weeks ago; those results have shown 2 main things. The first is that the medication and treatment regime over the past 3-years has resulted in some of the initial bone cancer being removed, which is great to hear! The second is what is pushing up the PSA and also causing my discomfort. That is a new growth on the right pelvic bone area, which is jutting out, pressing on my bladder and prostate area. Whilst it is good to know what is going on, it is not ideal that a new growth has appeared. After discussing this with the consultant, he confirmed that the reduction in the old lesions is not uncommon, as is the new appearance. As it is localised to one spot, the treatment plan is straight forward. He plans to zap it with targeted radiotherapy, either through 3 sessions of higher dosage, or 10 sessions of lower dosage. They will be done in a short duration, rather than drawn out. The expected outcome is a shrinking of that new growth, with the corresponding reduction in the PSA level. He will hold discussions with other experts in the coming couple of weeks, to determine the best treatment, then he will contact me to get that booked in.

As I have detailed over the past while, the psychological impact of knowing something was changing and the thought processes of trying to work out what it could be, then how that would impact me, has been tough. The strain it has placed upon me has been notable, as it has for my immediate family. It has particularly impacted Sandra, Alanna and Karl, more than at any point in this journey through the AD world to date. I have taken a pragmatic approach, as I am very conscious that whatever was at play, I could do little about it. Whilst the past while has been far from easy, what has made it harder is watching the almost subliminal, but visual impact on my family. That has extended into the wider close circle of family and friends. Many of us a breathing a sigh of relief for the time being. My personal journey through this disease continues, with this next development providing clarity and a plan to improve the health situation a little. We will absolutely take this ‘win’, if that is the appropriate terminology. There were countless alternative outcomes swimming around my brain, and those of the people closest to me. This is a manageable development, according to Dr Rahman, so now we wait and see what unfolds. I do not know what the impact of what is coming will mean to my short term health, but the fact that we are discussing a treatment plan, can only be viewed as a positive part of this overall journey. I am certainly feeling much more buoyant  about the short to mid-term future. Both Sandra and I took time to relax over the weekend and indulge ourselves with nothing strenuous, just enjoyable music and letting our heads clear somewhat.

You may also recall my references to Game of Thrones recently and the aforementioned God of Death. That has really resonated with me of late, since starting to rewatch that epic fictional work. I consider those fictional words very apt for my thought process at this point in the journey. Whilst doing my walks, I even took the time to embellish the words from the book / series. That ‘God of Death’, it is factual to state, cares not for which faith we may choose to follow, what type of house we live in, what mode of transport we have picked for ourselves, how much money we may possess, nor how our physical appearance is. If we are lucky, we do get to say to that ‘God of Death’, “Not today!”. For me, as this past week came to a close, I felt I could say that, with a degree of mid-term confidence.

Other health related aspects this week were; physio on Monday, where he done a lot of muscle work. I managed 3 walks this week, with slightly improved times of 13:09, 13:12 and 13:14. I also done my first bike ride in many months and that was nice to do; I hope that becomes a regular occurrence in the coming months - but let’s see what the weather does!

The rest of the week was busy with Sandra and I meeting up with Martin (our former work colleague) on Tuesday evening. Great to see him after so many months and the catch up was good. I went to London with Alanna on Wednesday, where we indulged ourselves by visiting a wide variety of bookshops, viewing everything from the brand new, to the antique classics. The weather improved during the past week and that allowed Karl and I to get out for a bike ride along the coastal promenade near us. I had done one of my walks just before lunch that day, then the bike ride after lunch, then went home and done the first grass cut of the season. That evening, I met up with Howard and Matt, where we all discussed our latest respective situations. A lot of health related conversations, which was to be expected, but cathartic for us all, I think. The grandkids visited us on Saturday, with Dan and Alanna, which was welcomed; Time with Howard, Matt, Martin, my children and grandchildren  is always welcome. Not just for the free time they give up, but for the positive impact it has on the mindset.

Alongside all of the above, I also managed to complete Volume 7, with a small list of important adjustments undertaken. I wanted this done prior to having the consultant meeting, as I was unsure where my head would be after that. I have also begun the base work on preparing a book title to be printed by my publishing brand, for another author - the first of someone else’s books I have done for a number of years.

In summary, a busy week and one that was mostly filled with apprehension, but one that finished well.

Thanks to all of you who also give up your own precious time to read these and comment on them, you provide a key part of my battle and I sincerely appreciate it.

Regards

Peter