Week 7: w/e 11th October 2026

HI Folks, good to see many of you continue to tune in to these updates, thank you. 

This week has been much more settled, which makes a big difference! The head ‘swimming’ lessened notably, but I have been dealing with a dry throat all week, which is ‘new’ and affecting my voice again; it did lessen towards the end of the week. Sandra and I had physio on Monday afternoon and for me, not many muscular issues at the moment. If you recall back to the late-summer months, before the chemo started, I was having multiple issues at the same time. This current situation is the least amount of ‘work’ he has had to do, for many, many months. I do not think this is chemo related, as that is designed to attack the bones, not muscular aspects, but maybe it helps? 

The other main issue is the pain at the top of my leg and into my lower right stomach. It is notable and is also causing me issues, when sitting in certain positions. If you ask me right now, the chemo has not kicked in on that area yet, and maybe it will not at all; we shall see. The hair has continued to thin out and it is also impacting the need to have a daily shave, with facial hair growth slowing too. This is the same as the first time around, so expected. The sleep pattern continues with its early phase of 04:30 - 05:00 waking times for most of the week, which then makes me more tired for some of the evenings. Not much I can do, so just working through that. 

On Tuesday, Sandra sprained her ankle, which then gave her issues for the rest of the week. It was therefore my turn to look after her, and thankfully, it was her left leg so it allowed her to drive. We joked that the timing was good, as if it had been the previous week, that would have presented multiple issues for both of us! 

The rest of the week followed in that variable pattern and the taste buds settled down too, which again, is welcomed! We took advantage of that and Sandra and I went out for a meal at the nearby Nepalese that we have been to a few times recently. Consistent and very enjoyable food, and a nice (almost) end to the week for us both. 

Sandra has been working a different pattern this week, due to her boss being on holiday, so I forged ahead with the writing. After the recent intensity of reaching 60+ biographies on the ‘117’ project, I decided to side step and begin to lay down the first part of the main text for the opening of the book. That was a very nice shift in mindset and a part I always enjoy. I have already reached a very nice foundation, which will be built out further, once the remaining biographies have been completed. Alongside that, I completed another two chapters of Hazel’s book, with me now at 60% of that manuscript. Last, but not least, the proof reading for the Munkemer project is well and truly underway with 50% of that completed (thanks Alanna!). We rounded off the week with a couple of hours visiting the grandkids, before getting Sandra back home, as her tiredness levels are higher this week. 

In summary, a much more manageable week and one where the various book projects moved forwards with key stages. 

I hope your coming week is a good and productive one. Regards

Peter