I’ve had a great week three! I didn’t pick up any infections and the side-effects had all subsided; I genuinely feel fairly normal, although my energy levels are only about 70-80% of my pre-cancer levels. Even better news, I had my three-weekly consultant appointment, I got to meet the head of the consultation team. I have read a number of her papers. And, I was told that my PSA level was down to 16, considering I was at 257 when diagnosed, this is great news. The goal will be to get it below 1- if at all possible.
We had an important family event on Sunday, it was Shirley’s Mum wake. I knew Elaine very well, she visited from South Africa and stayed with us many times when Cassidy was young. Elaine had been poorly and frail for a long time and her passing, albeit very sad for three daughters and her brothers and sisters, was a blessing in the end. The wake was in South Africa, of course, and hosted by Shirley’s older sister Linnie, helped by their younger sister Shae. We joined via Zoom and Shirley led the proceedings from our front room. It was a sad, beautiful and reflective event. Elaine, for all her foibles, will be dearly missed.
On Monday I had a visit from my old mate Ron, his wife Bubbles and their son Tim. They are pretty much family, I’ve known Tim since he was 8 or 9 and he lived with us for a number of years whilst pursuing his acting career, consequently he and my daughter regard themselves as brother and sister. Ron and I worked together closely at the University of Surrey for more than a decade and we all travelled around East Africa on a number of projects. Ron and Bubbles are in excellent nick considering they are both well into the 80s, it was great to see them all.
Tuesday I led my ukulele club, You Ukes, always a fun evening and then my mate Bubz came over for the England game. It was a little disappointing after the Croation match, but a point will do. There has been some great footy in the tournament so far, my need to rest has facilitated the watching of many matches.
Wednesday was a family treat evening. Shirley, Cassidy and I travelled up to London for dinner at Roe, a sister restaurant to Fallow, and recently featured in BBC’s Masterchef. Despite the ridiculously hot weather, we had a lovely time and fantastic food; they have good sourcing credentials, so Shirley and I indulged in a little lamb for the first time in a couple of years.
So, now it’s Thursday evening, I’ve just taken my Dexa for tomorrow’s chemo session and I’m watching Equador vs Germany, quite an exciting match. It’s been another exceptionally hot day, mid-30s for most of the afternoon and the same is forecast for tomorrow. It’s going to be hot in the chemo ward, but my daughter has sourced a hand-held fan for me to use. I’ll also have cold capping which, as far as tomorrow goes, seem very appealing. Fingers crossed for a similar outcome through cycle three as for cycle two.
