Photo by Carol Studden edited by myself

Happy Christmas world

Here I am, somewhat edited but still ignoring my so called problems My Prostate is stable from what I was last told, I also have OAP... Old age, Arthritis and Poverty. Recently Lumbago has been added, now there's a word I have not heard for a very long time Oh the joys of ageing, Still, I must not complain, there are this who would be very happy to change places with me. I have recently returned from a 14 night cruise around the Western Mediterranean, I will not bore any viewers with holiday photos, plus the fact, there are too many to edit for viewing. They might turn up in my Picasa account one day when all is forgotten.

1st December was MOT day, I was expecting problems, I had not had to renew my brake pads ever since I have had the car which was some 4 years ago I think. This time, they needed looking at, along with discs, rear suspension and the biggest job of the lot, engine issues. Emissions can not be brought down due to some problem with either piston rings or valve stems, plus, the catalytic converter is shot. Long story shortened I need a replacement car. I have been offered a Volvo V70 SE 2.4 Auto estate. So, Saturday 6th December "Goodbye Mondeo and hello Volvo" It works out cheaper than forking out for all that work wit all the inevitable delays, so hand over the cash and keys then drive off.

I am going to Haddon Hall tomorrow for luncheon. It could be an interesting day out, I am taking my camera, and hopefully let rip with it

We had a great evening with the Facebook Photographic Group 29th November, a 3 course meal £10 can't argue with that. Needless to say cameras were everywhere, and being used. You could not wish to meet a nicer set of people, always ready for a laugh and will give advice on our interest freely

On that happy note, I will say goodbye.

A bit on the late side I know but Carol and myself celebrated our 43rd Wedding anniversary Thursday 25th September. Perhaps celebrated is not quite the word to use. I made up a 'Thank you' image and posted it to my Facebook account. Later in the morning, I took Carol to her friend for her lift to her crafting session, I then went to help out at the Macmillan Coffee morning in Swadlincote, I was asked to take my camera for Rosliston's records. The afternoon was spent doing not a lot other than following our own interests. I prepared dinner on the evening, nothing special, just the usual bog standard type of meal for us. This was followed by an evening of watching TV or using our laptops until bed time

You can be forgiven by thinking 'BORING' but we will celebrate in style in October on a cruise, a 14 night around the Western Mediterranean. This will be our home for the duration.

A pretty good way of doing things I reckon.

An attempt on creating a video from one photo

Free at last

After my marathon doing the Birmingham run for the past 7 weeks +, I celebrated my freedom with a good walk. Meeting the gang at Gresleydale surgery for the regular Wednesday Walking for Health session, sorely missed over the past weeks of radiotherapy. 1 hour of hard slog (for me) and I enjoyed every single step. I used my walking poles which are a Godsend, without them, I may not have completed the walk over mixed terrain. After the walk, I sat in my back garden with my camera and a cuppa (or two) for well earned rest. The pictures may not mean much to you, but to me, a treasure.

The last days.

Week 7
● Day 32 Monday 9th June Collected by Alan 08;45? I was sleeping at the time, I’ve been up since 05:30 and done all my catch-ups with emails etc.. I was 2nd passenger again . Arrived Q E foe 10:00. After the enema thing, I was asked to be ready for 11:20. Out after 20 minutes, Alan was waiting for me. I was 2nd passenger again, we took the lady home first after missing her turn at Alrewas so a plan to get off at the next junction which was no plan at all as it was a no through road. Why does he not listen ? Anyway, after faffing about and a detour, I was back at home by 13:15.
● Day 33 Tuesday 10th June Collected by Alan 08:30 solo passenger today. Arrive at Q E 09:30, After the enema thing I was asked to be ready for 11:00, a general service was being performed on all equipment and all appointments were affected I discovered that I was the first patient in the day long queue. I then had to wait until 14:00 before I was collected by Alan to go home arrived 15:00. A long day indeed.
● Day 34 Wednesday 11th June Ambulance called 09:55 I was solo passenger  arrive Q E 11:10 I was asked to drink straight after the enema thing. Called in after 20 minutes for the scan, seems everyone has been picked up late this morning, scan completed I was told my transport was waiting for me. Almost… I did have a 10 minute wait. Back home for 13:15 same vehicle & driver, I was told that I may be travelling with him tomorrow.

● Day 35 Thursday 12th June Collected by Alan 08:35 as first passenger , we then went to Yoxall for the 2nd . Nice area quite photogenic, I’ll have to take a trip sometime with the camera. Arrive Q E for 10:10 after enema thing asked to drink straight away. Good, I should be done for 11:30 at the latest. Transport with Alan again, off to Erdington followed by Yoxall then me. Home for 13:15 There is one thing about my radiotherapy, the operators always look happy to see me and always look happier when I leave as if to say “That’s another out of the way” The nearest thing to banter I ever had was when one of the ladies moved me, her hands were like ice, as per normal. I asked if she had been in the freezer again , and the reply was “Yes, just for you” friendly but with minimum interaction. OK, no problem just 3 to go now then I get my life back for a while.
● Day 36 Friday 13th June 09:35 phone call from transport control, my driver will not be collecting me for at least an hour, he has gone elsewhere. 11:05 collected by Alan. He had two conflicting running sheets, I was not on either. Alan called to Coventry for his passenger who was not in. He phoned control asking for advice, and was asked where he was phoning from. Then a difference of opinion ensued over the phone call. Without going into detail. I was now a PM patient. We arrived at Q E by 11:55 and as the Dr’s clinic finished shortly after my arrival, I was told to go see him before radiotherapy. The following visit went well, I confirmed our next meeting is for 10th  July. I started to drink for the scanner after seeing the Dr and was in the scanner for 12:55. Transport home was one of the best drives I have had, the driver was a post graduate and in driving terms far older than his years, he missed nothing one of the most observant people I have ever travelled with. After driving through the dark depths of Birmingham, we arrived  home for 15:15. All in all, a pretty good day under the circumstances.
● Day 37 Monday 16th June 09:30 I have just made 3 calls to Birmingham. Transport control, Transport bookings & room 6, Radiotherapy dept. I am not on any listing for collection as far as control are concerned. I was given the bookings number and also the switchboard number. Bookings can not do anything regarding collecting me, as they need notification from room 6, they do however still have my details, so things perhaps will be straightforward. Room 6 is now emailing bookings to sort out my transport, so I should be collected sometime today. It sounds like room 6 did not allow for these last 2 days. 11:30 Alan collected me and got me to Q E for 12:25. I did my enema thing and was then told to start drinking for a 13:30 session. It was nearer to 13:45 before I was seen, nothing unusual about that, get a time then add 10-15 minutes. I was out in reception for 14:00 to sign out. Some 1-1½ hours later, I was awakened by the ambulance driver asking if I was all right. After a very lengthy tour around Birmingham, we finally hit the M42, homeward bound at last. Somewhere around 16:45 I was back et home. Strewth, what a day.
● Day 38 Tuesday 17th June  Today is the last day of radiotherapy, it took long enough to get here, what with break downs, cancellations and Bank holidays, also, I do not want a repeat of yesterday's farce. Alan collected me 08:35 his sat-nav was frozen, I suggested he turn it off for a minute or two. As per usual, he did not listen. We spent the next 10 minutes or so driving (if that is what it is called) trying to sort out his problem, eventually pulling into a lay-by near to the M42, where for the next 5 minutes, problem solving was the issue. After much playing around he did switch off (accidentally, I hasten to add). He thought he had broken it, wondering how he was going to get to his next pick-up he inadvertently switched it back on again. Shock and delight, it was working. He told me he did not know what he had done, I did not have the heart to tell him. After collecting out two passengers from Walmley, we made our way to Q E for 10:05. After my enema thing I was asked to drink, and to be ready for 11:00. I had just drunk my first beaker of water when a voice called my name, it was my driver ready to take me home, that’s one for the book. I explained I would not be ready until 11:45 at best, so he went off looking for his other passenger(s). Having drunk my last beaker, I was called in to see Liz for a debriefing. It seems my treatment has gone well, all were satisfied with me, as I was an easy patient to deal with, no bowel or bladder issues. Also, good news, I do not have the RAPPER gene. Don’t ask, all I know, is that if needed, I can take a much larger dose of radiotherapy with little or no side effects. After treatment, I was given a sheet to read and keep for future reference,and a ‘phone number in case of further enquiries. I said my goodbyes to the staff and thanking them, I went to look for my ride. WE collected the couple from Walmley, we were off, job done. A record day, I was back at home for 12:30. Now I play the waiting game. Zoladex implant on Friday, blood test 8th July, see my Oncologist 10th July. Here my saga ends.

The Saga continues

Week 6
Day 27 Monday 2nd June Collected by Alan 08:35, I was second pick up. Arrive Q E 09:30, did the enema thing then asked to wait for notice to drink, a small child was being scanned and also, room 4 had yet another breakdown creating more delays. Later told to start drinking 11:30 which will now make me a PM patient. 12:15 treatment done for today. I reported to reception to have transport, then waited, and waited. I had all but given up the will to live when my name was called somewhere around 14:30-45. After a long drive around I was eventually back at home, tired (boredom I think) thirsty, and hungry. I ‘phoned Charter Healthcare asking when I would expect delivery of my catheters as I only had two days maximum left. A Wednesday would not do as I would be in Birmingham with no catheters to use. NOT A GOOD PLAN. Long story short Paula has tried to arrange an emergency delivery for Tuesday, as my order was being picked as we spoke. I now have to wait and see.

● Day 28 Tuesday 3rd June Collected by Alan 08:35, I was second passenger onwards to Tamworth to collect a new passenger, one street away from Peter & Sue. I understand today is Peter’s last session, and he is on the afternoon shift. I hope all goes well for them both. Arrive Q E 10:05. After the enema thing asked to be ready for 11:20. 11:30 into the scanner for the usual 15 minute nap. 12:00 as I was waiting for reception to clear, I saw Nick, he acknowledged me & told me I was on his list, so I went outside to stand in the air for a while. We had 4 drops to make before my turn, Birmingham, Erdington & Aldridge. For some strange reason instead of bypassing Lichfield, we went through, a detour I could have done without, but we arrived at home for 14:00. Having had lunch I went to Swad’ on an errand for Her indoors, I needed the trip as something to do, as I had been sitting far too long. Not so tired as yesterday, but I put that down to not waiting so long for transport.
● Day 29 Wednesday 4th June. 08:10 ambulance today, second passenger. Call into Tamworth and collect Peter & Chris. Today is Peter’s last day. Big hold-ups on M6 and Bristol Rd. but managed to get to Q E for 10:05 despite a few close calls in traffic. Enema thing done for 10:25 asked to be ready for 11:00. Out by 11:15 sign in at reception for transport home. Peter & Chris joined my waiting for their transport , Chris thought that Nick was going to be our driver. It appears tat there have been whispers of Alan handing in his notice. Could it be he was advised to go? Tales of passengers fears whist he is driving are going around. Another reason could well be he is very worried about the forthcoming results of a recent scan . Either way I do feel a lot safer without him, I did not like his driving style. Nick did pick us up by 12:00 we had 3 drop offs . It was decided we would go the ‘pretty way’ due to Bristol Rd traffic & road works, we made good time, and I was home by 14:00.
● Day 30 Thursday 5th June 08:10 collected by ambulance car, again 2nd passenger call to Tamworth for 09:00 detour due to traffic on M42 Arrive Q E 09:50, Enema thing done by 10:15 asked to start drinking for 10:45 start. 10:55 into scanner and out by 11:15 it took a little longer today.. Transport back home 12:00 -13:45. Still feeling good , tomorrow I see the Dr. Will I still feel as good then? Why not.

● Day 28 Tuesday 3rd June Collected by Alan 08:35, I was second passenger onwards to Tamworth to collect a new passenger, one street away from Peter & Sue. I understand today is Peter’s last session, and he is on the afternoon shift. I hope all goes well for them both. Arrive Q E 10:05. After the enema thing asked to be ready for 11:20. 11:30 into the scanner for the usual 15 minute nap. 12:00 as I was waiting for reception to clear, I saw Nick, he acknowledged me & told me I was on his list, so I went outside to stand in the air for a while. We had 4 drops to make before my turn, Birmingham, Erdington & Aldridge. For some strange reason instead of bypassing Lichfield, we went through, a detour I could have done without, but we arrived at home for 14:00. Having had lunch I went to Swad’ on an errand for Her indoors, I needed the trip as something to do, as I had been sitting far too long. Not so tired as yesterday, but I put that down to not waiting so long for transport.
● Day 29 Wednesday 4th June. 08:10 ambulance today, second passenger. Call into Tamworth and collect Peter & Chris. Today is Peter’s last day. Big hold-ups on M6 and Bristol Rd. but managed to get to Q E for 10:05 despite a few close calls in traffic. Enema thing done for 10:25 asked to be ready for 11:00. Out by 11:15 sign in at reception for transport home. Peter & Chris joined my waiting for their transport , Chris thought that Nick was going to be our driver. It appears tat there have been whispers of Alan handing in his notice. Could it be he was advised to go? Tales of passengers fears whist he is driving are going around. Another reason could well be he is very worried about the forthcoming results of a recent scan . Either way I do feel a lot safer without him, I did not like his driving style. Nick did pick us up by 12:00 we had 3 drop offs . It was decided we would go the ‘pretty way’ due to Bristol Rd traffic & road works, we made good time, and I was home by 14:00.
● Day 30 Thursday 5th June 08:10 collected by ambulance car, again 2nd passenger call to Tamworth for 09:00 detour due to traffic on M42 Arrive Q E 09:50, Enema thing done by 10:15 asked to start drinking for 10:45 start. 10:55 into scanner and out by 11:15 it took a little longer today.. Transport back home 12:00 -13:45. Still feeling good , tomorrow I see the Dr. Will I still feel as good then? Why not.

● Day 31 Friday 6th June 08:35 collected by Alan, I thought he had left listening to rumours. He had been driving all over Wales but he is back now. We arrived at Q E by 09:45 I was asked to be ready for 10:30. No problem. The usual get to business attitude nothing wrong in that, the seem to have no time for pleasantries though, Oh well I am after treatment. I have miscalculated my dates somehow, I was convinced I was to end my treatment Thursday of next week, WRONG, I end on 17th June DIPSTICK! I had an interview with my oncologist to see how things were shaping up and was I getting diarrhoea? I mentioned I was having extra activity on my return home for the past few days. I was told that this is quite normal later in the course of treatment. Oh the price we pay. Today is the second full week of going to Q E I was back home for 13:00, time for a big lunch and a good weekend ahead.

No treatment today....

So I'm having  long weekend away in Fairbourne

Radiotherapy week 5

                                                                               Week 5
● Day 19 Monday 19th May. Again, collected 08:35 by Alan then to Tamworth for Chris & Peter. Q E by 10:05. Enema thing completed by 10:25 told to start drink for an 11:30 start so a long read was in order. Treatment commenced on time the usual cat nap in the scanner. A useful tool if you can do it. Chris,Peter & myself were in the car by 11:50 I arrived back home for 13:00 I even stayed awake the whole trip. I have recently noticed that body hair from the belt area is all but gone, what there is of it looks more like 'Bum fluff' and as smooth as a baby's bottom. Also I am getting a 'Pot Belly Pig' look in my middle. When did this start? It just goes to show just how observant we are about ourselves, we just go through the motions. Hair will perhaps come back, or not, either way not a problem 'Pot Belly Pig' will have to go, I think it's down to the drugs (as I have read) & no doubt lack of my usual exercises, but I can only do so much. A note about yesterday (Sunday) There is an old Norse (Viking) saying, “If you want to make your God laugh, make plans for the future.” I think mine had a good chuckle. Before taking Carol and her friend to their beading session, I had to sit on the throne at least 3 times before I considered it safe to go out. My morning’s plan had to be abandoned. After my early lunch I dropped off to sleep, my son was making a sardine on toast lunch for himself and dropped the grill pan. I heard nothing at all for all the noise created, I might just as well have been dead, but to his relief I did grunt once. Determined to go out with my camera I went to Barton Marina for a few hours, just down the road from where Carol was. I had a very enjoyable time which was the important thing.

● Day 20 Tuesday 20th May Collected for 08:35 then off to Tamworth again. Noticed that the road works have been finished, so we can get back to the original route. Arrive at Q E 09:55 told to drink at 10:40 after the enema thing 11:30 treatment finished who's gonna take me home then? Alan is off on 2 long distance runs. Tomorrow could find us running late the other scanner has broken down so the operators might have to be working Saturday to help out with the backlog, we shall see.. Back home 13:00 after an ambulance runaround all’s well so far . I have noticed that the hot flushes are more common nowadays, if that is all I have to worry about, I’m not complaining.

● Day 21 Wednesday 21st May 08:35 collected by Alan and off to Tamworth to pick up Peter, no Chris today. Where has all the traffic gone to? We arrive at Q E 09:45. Room 4 machine still out of commission we (room 6) are running late by around 25 minutes, after the enema thing I was asked to delay drinking until 10:40 so I will be ready for 11:15. Another doze in the scanner and out by 11: 35. The ladies do not understand how I can drop off in such an environment. I tell them “It’s easy” I go to main reception to sign out, Peter is sitting there alone so I go to join him. As I go to sit beside him the driver takes the brakes off his chair, as I was about to say my good-byes I was asked if I was ready to go home. You bet I was, that was an unexpected bonus, treatment & straight out for home Back home for 12:50.

● Day 22 Thursday 22nd May. Collected by ambulance 09:05, called to Kings Bromley, then Tamworth. Arrive QE 10:55 room 6 running late by up to 25 minutes. After the enema thing, I was told to drink as of ‘now’ started treatment 11:40. Seems that room 4 is up and running now but there is quite a backlog. The ladies are having to work Saturday morning to reduce the backlog. Had a solo return home with Alan, Peter & Chris need to see the Dr. Before going home so had to be left behind. Back home for 14:15. I had a phone call from room 6 this afternoon. “Fridays treatment is cancelled”. So, 4 days off, no treatment, how does this affect me regarding the cancer? With 4 days off, does this mean the cancer is going to start a recovery? I'm not worried, there is no point. So end of week 5 and only one complete week of treatment. 7 weeks now become 8 weeks  Not the best news I could be having.

The prostate saga continues

Week 4

● Day 14 Monday 12th May. Small bonus this morning, did the enema thing at home, without the enema.  Problems on M42 from J8-J5 Called into Tamworth for Peter & Chris then took a long circuitous route to M6. On the whole, we did pretty good, just about 30 minutes later than normal. The enema thing went well so treatment was over by 11:30. A new driver took me home via Stretton, but I was back for 13:25. I thought there might be problems as I waited in the adjacent waiting room, an engineer turned up as I was about to disrobe for the scanner, but it was no big thing, he had a look and reckoned I could go ahead for treatment, he could sort things out when I had finished. I had a new driver to take me back home. I did have two short naps on the way back to Stretton, which is around 7 miles past my home. Back home for 13:25. I felt good this afternoon, could it be I am getting used to the radiotherapy?

● Day 15 Tuesday 15th May Alan collected me 08:35. We picked up Chris & Pete from Tamworth the found long delays on M42. As per normal all traffic jams seem to have no reason for their existence, and this was no exception neither the one that followed. We arrived at Q E 10:10 by 10:30 I had done the enema thing, despite having dropped a load before leaving home crude? Yes, but that is how I am at times. Room 6 was running late by 30 minutes so I was asked to delay my drinking for 30 minutes. I was ready for home by 12:00 Alan collected me, I had no other driver to take me home, so a 2+ hour journey home via Coleshill and Coventry, in the back seat of the car. No fun I can tell you back home around 14:00

● Day 16 Wednesday 16th May collected 08:35 & off to Tamworth for Chris & Peter arrive Q E 10:10. Enema thing done & dusted by 10:25, room 6 running late by 20-30 minutes asked to drink 11:10. 11:50 finished dressed and signing out. Had a shock, picked up by Alan 12:00 and home by 12:50. Stayed awake for the whole journey but the need for sleep caught up around 16:00 on the whole I’m still feeling good, no sore spots in the treatment area, skin seems to be fine. It’s just the slight discomfort in the hips when walking which diminishes after a short rest. As long as I can keep moving, I can live with that.

● Day 17 Thursday 17th May Collected 08:35 & off to Tamworth for Chris & Peter arrive Q E 10:10. Enema thing done & dusted by 10:25 after ea big detour from M6 to Great Barr to pick up A34. The traffic was horrendous.. Treatment went well as per normal, the let down was the 2hr wait for transport. I could have perhaps travelled with Chris & Peter to Tamworth then onwards, but it was not to be, I did fall asleep during the trip back home, I think it was down to boredom more than anything else. Tomorrow will see the first full week of treatment.

● Day 18 Friday 16th May Collected 08:35 & off to Tamworth, it going to be a warm one today. Collect Chris & Peter then off to Q E. We arrived at 09:40 despite heavy traffic warnings . I did my enema thing and then was told to delay drinking until 10:15 so I will be ready for 10:50. I am getting along nicely with a good book, but today not so easy. The waiting area is not a quiet place by any means, people are talking  and laughing. With waiting for treatment in the waiting area, it feels more like waiting for your holiday flight, there is not that hospital feeling there at all. I think I’m a tad different, I am a loner, as men are accompanied by their wives or lady partners. There are 10 treatment rooms that I am aware of, and that make for a lot of people. I was called into room 6 at 10:45 and out again by 11:05 after my usual cat nap in the scanner. I saw Alan walking across the waiting room, looking for his next passenger. I then went to the main reception area where I saw Peter & Chris waiting to go home, so I called over for a chat, Alan followed me and called out a name three times, no response. After a short delay, Alan called for us to go home, he had sorted things out great stuff, I was back home for 12:20 with an enema free weekend ahead of me.

HMRC e-mails???

Rubbish, when will these idiots realise I do not answer to so called mails from HMRC? THEY DO NOT SEND THEM!!!! A brown envelope with a window, with your name and address is what you get. I have had at least 7 of these 'mails' in the last 5 days some with 2 messages in the file, so that makes about 10 then. In the past fortnight, I have had mails from banks I use & don't use telling me my account will be or has been suspended, followed with the usual link to provide details. Try to report scams/phishing to banks does no good, so I do not bother, just delete without opening messages.

Just to cheer me up a bit

Just walking and looking around with a camera, what more could I ask for?

Week 3 of prostate treatment

Week 3

●  Day 10 Monday 5th May Bank holiday so no treatment. So, camera packed I went to Calke village & walked to the Abbey taking photo’s as I went around, the weather was great and the waking, although hard work was enjoyable.
● Day 10 Tuesday 6th May Alan called for me 08:25, we have a second passenger to collect in Coleshill, would I sit in the back? We went to Burton to pick up A38, & at the Branston junction we saw the road was full of stationary traffic in both lanes.. We headed for Rangemore to pick up a road to Lichfield…along with a lot of other drivers. An incident as the police would have it had taken place with 7 vehicles in collision somewhere between Alrewas & Lichfield. After several detours and holdups we arrived in Lichfield 2 hours later. Alan phoned, Oops, I phoned his base as his phone was not working correctly, he reported the problem. Later he was told to just take me in as other arrangements were being made for the second passenger. Another 50 odd minutes went by before we arrived at Q E. I did the enema thing, only to find out that room 6 was delayed by 45-60 minutes. I was eventually seen at 12:45 “Please make haste as we are behind and others are waiting” was my greeting which suited me as I had had enough. 13:15, I was met by Alan at reception, was I ready to go? Yes but toilet visit first please, I could feel a gas build-up, I was not prepared to let that one out in a car. We left the Q E 13:25, we had a lady to take to King’s Standing first, then go find the Tamworth road for M42. Once on the motorway, my eyes felt like lead, I just blacked out until we reached home. 14:55, a long and very tiring half day out.
● Day 11 Wednesday 7th May 08:25 Alan called ,we're of to Tamworth for a second passenger, collected 09:05 man & wife he is the patient. Arrive Q E 09:50. 10:15 enema thing etc. done, just wait, and wait. 12:45 called into scanning room, I asked about the delay the answer I was given should have been expected as an ambulance patient, I am A M or P M, with no specified time, so I have to be fitted in as and when, just do the enema thing, and knock on the door to say hello, I will then be told at some time later when to drink. The card in the holder now is not good enough. Theses are the new rules now, I have been lucky in the past. 13:30(Ish) Collected by Alan, I’m a back seat job, we are to pick up a chair-bound passenger from the other side of the hospital. I arrive back home 14:55 feeling somewhat jaded boredom I think .Lunch then to the shops, I felt life coming back after too much sitting doing nothing. It’s another day tomorrow.
● Day 12 Thursday 8th May 08:25 Alan picked me up, off to Tamworth again for the same people. Arrive  at Q E  09:50 I did the enema thing & went to tell the operatives ‘I was here’ promptly ushered out,as I was in a restricted area Seems I just can’t win for trying to do the right thing. All seemed well at the scan. There seems to be no time as such for pleasantries, it’s all business and very polite. I do try to make light of the formalities, joking about bad memories, having a tattoo on my head so they can red the information needed. Lead balloons come to mind. Oh well, as long as the job is done I can live with it.  I was told to start drinking at 10:25, as this would give the required amount of liquid in my bladder The scan took place 10:55, yet again I drifted off which is no bad thing really. It is surprising how comfortable a hard slab can be. Alan was due back in around 12:00 returning from Telford (these guys do get around), I travelled back home with the same folk on the inward trip. I arrived home for lunch 13:00. I did drop off for a short nap top end of M42 but that was no surprise to us. Apart from the general tiredness there are no side effects that I can feel.

● Day 13  Friday 9th May Collected by Alan then off to Lichfield again. Arrive Q E 09:50 did the enema thing. I was going to call to the ‘office’ to say hello when I was called for, I was told to hang on for a good half hour to have a drink as I would be seen at 11:15. I said I was thirsty, so I could have a beaker of water now, and have the other 3 as required. It was agreed, then about 3 minutes later I was called again and told to empty my bladder again at 10:35, then have the 4 beakers within the 5 minutes. I remarked that it was a good job I had spare catheters with me, otherwise I would not be able to comply. I explained that I was down to my last 3 days supply, and by Monday morning I would be out should delivery fail. It made no difference, in not so many words, the reply was ‘Just do it’ . So, I just did it, emptying the bladder so soon after the enema thing I hardly produced a cup full, a complete waste of a catheter. The scan was the usual thing but for a pair of very,  very cold hands, grabbing me here ,there and everywhere I was put through the treatment, no problem slept through it mostly. I was ready to go home by 11:40 but had to wait until 13:10. We were going to Lichfield to drop off 2 passengers, this we did then coming back home Alan decided he knew better than his sat-nav, after a long circuitous trip around Lichfield  a drive into Burton (instead of the shortcut I recommended) I got home by 15:00. I can now look forward to a weekend off

I gotta new Camera

A bit late in the day, but I treated myself to a new camera, a Canon EOS600D I brought it on Good Friday.

With EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lll and EF 75-300mm f4-5.6lll lenses. One of the features that I liked and was a deciding factor in the purchase is the screen swivels to all sorts of positions. Ideal for shooting ground level subjects. Have you ever tried to lay on the grass and compose your shot through a viewfinder? Not easily done. I have managed to shoot some images of which I am quite satisfied for a beginner on this model of camera. I have been shooting with a Fuji Finepix S2800HD bridge for a few years now, and I felt the need to expand. I shall use both cameras as they both have their specific merits, and as I see it, they can both work together. Carol has her own point-&-shoot Canon which still takes some very good images despite the automatic lens cover falling off some time ago. She has use the Fuji a few times, so it is not completely new to her, more like a big point-&-shoot. When I get the opportunity I will be taking the Canon for walks and getting to know it's limitations (mine as well) apart from weekends when I get time off for good behavior from my radiotherapy, I will have to be patient for at least another 6 weeks or more. Below is a selection of my first attempts, straight from the camera just reduced the file size, with no post editing. They'll do me for now.

Radiotherapy update

● Day 1: Tuesday 22nd April. An uneventful trip to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. We left home at 08:30 and took the M42, M6 & A38(M) as our route. We arrived early, somewhere around 09:35, my appointment was for 11:05, but I have to be at the hospital 1hr before to allow for the use of the enema to do it’s job and also to empty the bladder, then to drink 4 beakers of water in 5 minutes, then wait. I was invited a few weeks ago to join the RAPPER research program. Radiogenomics Assessment of Polymorphisms for Predicting the Effects of Radiotherapy (Do they actually employ people to think up these titles?) I met Liz , the lady researcher who invited me to join the program today. We chatted a bit, then went through the formalities of joining RAPPER… consent form & blood samples done, I was in. Liz informed me that she would be keeping an eye on me, as I had refused the TURP operation some weeks ago (in my ignorance). It seems that had I accepted the op’, the radiotherapy would perhaps be a smoother  job for all concerned. I get the feeling that some doctors do not tell the patients all that is needed to help themselves. I have an enlarged Prostate which could close the urethra, which would not be a good thing to happen. TURP before Rt would have been better. There is thought that  radiotherapy could well shrink the prostate during the course of my treatment. Thanks Liz, I really did need that. I am beginning to think that I should have requested, or even demanded prostate removal. What’s done is done, or not, as the case may be. The radiotherapy bit was just another CT scan in my point of view,  I did doze off for a while, it’s what I do when doing nothing. On my return home, we called into Swad for me to do some shopping. Gareth dropped me off at Sainsburys, we arranged to meet in Morrisons car park. It was as I was walking into the Sainsburys store that the first wet fart blew, there was nothing I could do about it except to follow some chap into the toilet, hoping he did not want the cubical, there is only one in there, Having cleaned myself up, I was able to continue my shopping.Then as I was waiting to pay (self service) another wet one struck. Back to the bog, clean up & start all over again. Two more on my way to Morrisons, & one big one on my return home, cleaned myself up, changed  & got on with lunch. I spent most of the afternoon sleeping. I was expecting the tiredness, but not so soon in the treatment. Oh well, day one done and dusted, one down 36 to go.
● Day 2 Wednesday 23rd April. 03:00 woke up with throat on fire, ‘Old meat ‘ taste in the back of my throat & a lot of heavy coughing. Hot flushes just to add to the fun. I phoned the Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy emergency number for advice, the lady on the other end was having difficulty in hearing/understanding me. I eventually managed to make some sense to her, and was put on hold for a few minutes. The reply from the Dr was that I might have a throat infection, & to see my GP in the morning. 04:00 I managed to get back to bed. 08:00 up & dressed, took my morning tablets & went to see the receptionist at the surgery. I eventually got through to her I was not pratting about showing her my emergency card I have an appointment to see the Dr. 10:20. No problem as far as the Dr. is concerned,. Another uneventful trip to QE arrived in good time, 12:30 I went to post my card in the slot then did the enema thing. It worked within less than 5 minutes, soggy pants again, good job I have a spare pair with me. Called in to the room at 13:45, & dozed off again under the scanner. Treatment seems to be split into two sessions I have a ride into the scanner and stay for however long, then come out partially, then go in again some minutes later for a second go.. Back again tomorrow. We took a slightly different route to the motorway, hoping it would be quicker.... BIG MISTAKE, we will not be doing that again. Home for a late lunch of cheese & biscuits just for a change, then slept for most of the afternoon and some of the evening.
● Day 3 Thursday 24th April. Good journey to B’ham arrived at QE for 14:00 I did the enema thing and just sat in the bog for a good 10 minutes before anything happened. Good move on my part, a clean job all around, clean pants going home☺ fell asleep top end of M42, did not sleep much back at home but went to bed very early 23:30.
● Day 4 Friday 25th April Left home 07:00 . M42 was busy, but we still covered the journey in an hour. The enema trick I did yesterday seems to work. No problems under the scanner just dozed off. I will remember to ask sometime why I seem to have two goes at the scan, I ride in then out after some minutes, wait, then go in again for another session? I was given my appointments for next week , Mon’ 08:30 (hospital does not open until 07:30 I have to be there 60 minutes beforehand) Tues’ 13:50, Wed 11:35 Thurs/Fri’ 10:55. I was told “Being the ‘new boy’ I have to fit in with other patients, but if I do have an appointment somewhere sometime,I am to tell Liz, & make arrangements.

Week Two

● Day 5 Monday 28th April. Leave home 06:30  for  07:30 prep. I enquired about Hospital Transport, as I felt that under present circumstances I could not guarantee a lift to the hospital owing to the fact Carol is due shortly to be admitted to Burton Hospital, unless she has been forgotten, it has been 10 weeks since her pre-op, all she has had was a phone call asking if she was available for a cancellation call out. Since then, nothing. Although Gareth is available for the foreseeable future , he will be having to see a specialist for his current status, extended sciatica with muscular complications, Also he has to go to work Tuesday to meet his management regarding his future at work. The news is good in my case, as I am receiving Radiotherapy, Hospital transport is free of charge. The remainder of this weeks timed appointments have been cancelled. Tuesday I have to be ready to be picked up by ambulance or ambulance-car for 11:00. The rest of the week will be morning sessions, so I have to be ready for my lift by 08:00. This will be the arrangement until treatment has ended, either morning or afternoon sessions, no specific times have been stipulated. Now for the not so good news, My enema, although completed by my treatment time, got me back at home  around 10:15 the wet fart, not a lot, but too much for my taste. Being at home I was able to sort things out with no fuss, I thought I had cracked that one, oh well keep going, let’s see what tomorrow brings..
● Day 6   Tuesday 29th April. 11:00 phone rings as car arrives. Scanner broke down, do not get into car. Smart move lady, I don’t see the point if nothing will be happening. I tell Alan the driver of the breakdown, I go indoors & tell Carol, “I’ll take you to town”, where we spent the next few hours. A nice sunny day. Quite enjoyable really.
● Day 7 (or should that be 6?)  Wednesday 30th April. 07;30 ambi’car arrived, we have to go via Lichfield & Aldridge. Arrive at Q E 09:35. I did the enema thing filled with water and waited  for just over an hour. It seemed storage not having Gareth there to talk to, however just looking around was quite interesting. Scan over I then had to check out at the reception desk, called into the gents as a just in case, as I had an unknown ride ahead of me. I arrived at home 11:35 after a sleepy drive. Oops, nearly forgot  on my arrival at Q E I was told by the driver that the building on the R was where radiotherapy & chemotherapy could stay for a week  if they wished depending on room availability. He thought that even the food might well be free. I think I’ll just stick with the transport, I would sooner be at home thank you. But I can see where the offer could be very attractive.
● Day 8 Thursday 1st May  Car called for me 08:30 there was one more passenger to collect in some Brum' suburb. What a place, even the sat-nav had to have two goes at getting it right (It didn’t ), a ‘phone call  got us there, eventually, a block of flats with just a name, I reckon warden controlled, Alan had to go looking for our passenger, and came back by himself, the appointment had been cancelled. A few choice words  to his control, and we were off again. It is surprising how many ways there are to get to (and from) the Q E  I have picked up at least 5 since joining the Hospital transport. We arrived at 10:00 so I was able to drop my appointment card into the holder & get on with the enema thing. To digress a little here, Yesterday My Good Lady asked why I had put some mince in the pan to thaw. I told her I was doing a Spaghetti Bolognese for tomorrows (today’s) dinner. She told me that she had words with our son & between them came up with another choice, I ended up with 2 German pork burgers, home made wedges and a good portion of baked beans. I will say no more. Suffice to say, the enema experience was quite an eye opener. But strangely enough, no after effects some hour or so later. So all was well. I asked the scanner operator how things were going for me, and was told “Fine, no problems.” I then asked id the bank holiday Monday was a day off, Yes it is! Ah well, hope I do not need further treatment in future bank holidays in the UK, it’s not a good idea to be unwell during these times. My driver was waiting for me so it was back home post haste In for 12:00 Tomorrow???
● Day 9 Friday 2nd May Leave home with Alan my driver 08:30, call to Coleshill for a second passenger before going on. It was a quite interesting trip, Alan & Harry both worked for Dunlop years ago & I worked at Pirelli, I used to go to Dunlop several times a year, so in some ways, we all had something in common. Harry was well into his late 80’s, if not older, and to listen to him talk, it was like listening to Dad in many ways, trying to bring back faded memories. I arrived at the clinic 10:10 dropped my appointment card in the holder, sort of clocking in really. I did my enema-bladder thing, then had my 4 beakers of water. I dug my e-book reader out of my bag only to discover I had brought the wrong glasses with me. So I repositioned myself, relaxed & promptly ‘switched off’ sort of meditation if you will. It was not too long before I was asked how long ago I had my drink. Then a few minutes later I was in the scanning room on my back. Pushed & pulled into position then into the tunnel for the initial scan. I have noticed in the past that there is a noise like several pieces of metal falling in a controlled way before re-entering the scanner, I think that these are the ‘leaves’ falling into place to shape the pattern required for the X-rays to do the job. I hear them fall, I then do a count down 5, 4, 3 and so on & on zero, I go back in again, I start to drift off again, and before I know it, I’m on my way out again. I was told that May day bank holiday there will be no treatment, so a 3 day enema holiday. When I go back on Tuesday, I am an AM (morning) patient, which suites me as I can then have the rest of the day to myself.

Radiotherapy delay

Just a quick one to say I have been put back a week for my treatment, something to with the Easter weekend, and possibly a major overhaul of the equipment used. Not to worry.
This evening we are off to the American Diner to celebrate Dad's 92 birthday, What an age, what a guy. What a meal, I had the Gammon, where do I start? The plate was that full I could not move a chip without losing food from my plate. I must be getting old I had to leave some chips & salad, mind you though, I did have extra gammon from Carol's plate, so perhaps not as old then. I had limitless coffees. Dad asked for a wine , he was told no alcohol can be served as they have no licence, so he asked for a beer instead  Don't change Dad, you are great

Last day of the month...

.... and the start of a new bug invasion, I have been blowing like a walrus Catarrh seems to have set in, big time. Carol has recently shrugged off her viral infection after a prolonged week of suffering, is it my turn now? It started Saturday evening whilst at an 80th birthday party at the Mill Wheel at Hartshorne, the room was like an oven, I don't do well in heat. Food, drink & company were good so no complaints, I think I would have started a cold or whatever it is anyway, Carol likes to share things.
April sees the start of my treatment in Birmingham, I have an appointment Tuesday next week at my local surgery for a blood sample to be taken, followed by another in Burton with my Oncologist 08:30 on Thursday. I wonder what will happen 6 weeks later? Perhaps my planned visit to Burton may be cancelled as I should be in Birmingham.
I had a very pleasant couple of hours with Carol at a local garden centre yesterday, the weather was first class. It is a few years since I was there last. The whole place has been done up and the water side of gardening has been greatly improved, I have come away with a few new ideas, the problem then is, will I have the money to convert ideas into fact... or, will I have the stamina to do the job? Time will tell.

I have just announced that I am closing the U3A 2nd Photo group. I am not getting the interest from members, people join, then leave with no explanation, emails go unanswered. I have taken the hint, I did get two replies wishing me well, better than expected. I doubt anyone will wish to take over my role as coordinator but the offer is there.

Carol has had a 'phone call from the hospital asking her if she still wants the operation the reply was a resounding yes, She was then asked if any holidays had been planned, the answer was a resounding no. The next question was could you be available for short notice call in should a cancellation arise.Yet another resounding YES!

BroadBand Speed, or lack of, & searching for a new ISP

It is several months since I last checked my Broadband speed. It's one of those little jobs that are often put on the back burner until a reminder pops up as in say, my Which? magazine, I then check, & things are about the same, average speed is 2.24Mbps. This is slower than the average speed for E Midlands (UK)

 I have cropped out nearly almost all of the prt sc as I use two screens when working. My contract with SKY ends very shortly,so I shall be looking elsewhere for a better speed/deal. Which? has put SKY  in 10th position out of 12 ISP's, not what I would call a glowing report. Some 12 +/- months ago, I was SOLD to SKY by O2 I was not asked by O2 if I would accept the terms etc. I was constantly bombarded with emails from SKY to join early, which I ignored. Each offer was better than the last, then one day, out of the Blue, I had an offer through the letterbox. Free SKY TV, Free internet with no restrictions on usage, Free router, dish, SKY+ box & set-up. Later, a free wireless connector was delivered for the + box. All this free for 12 months, all I had to pay was line rental and 'phone calls (Free at weekends). I was notified at some stage that when my 12 months were up, I would be paying £55 per month for my SKY TV. I have never been enthralled with SKY TV, there seem to be more repeats than a cucumber eating contest. Apart from the usual 'free' channels, BBC ITV etc plus Freeview/Freesat there are a couple of channels I do look at from time to time. (My son who has been off work with mobility problems since 23rd December has taken over the TV when he comes for dinner every evening, has been watching a fair few channels, I have a slight interest in some of them, but not enough to pay the cost SKY are asking)  It will be cheaper in the long run than to pay £660 for 12 month of viewing a few select channels. I have the feeling that as SKY have their own system of telephony, I could well end up paying reconnection costs to my new provider. A lot depends on what SKY will do to keep me on their 'phone package, but as far as TV is concerned it will be gone. I understand that SKY have been charging for services not used. I do know that to use the +box there is a £10 per month to record programs, there are other charges which I forget what, are also added. If SKY want my money, they will have to work for it. My pension cannot cover their costs...NO WAY!

THE HUNT IS ON....

CT Scan

Monday  17th March was my 'D Day'. I have had scans in the past to confirm my prostate cancer, MRI, CT, Bone, and now THE CT to do the planning for future treatment. It was not the most pleasurable experience I have had. First the talk, the why's and wherefores. Then the self administered micro-enema, Moisten the end with a small amount of the contents for lubrication, insert and squeeze, still squeezing the tube remove it and dispose of. Wait up to 20 minutes then back to the toilet & do what will come naturally (It will, of that you can be certain), empty bladder, then drink 4 cups of water. Wait to be called into the scanning room meanwhile you will be subjected to a needle insertion* that will accept further liquid insertion later in the process (It is called a cannula). Move to scanning room & remove shoes & trousers lay on the prepared bed, neck in a molded receptacle, feet in restraints to stop sideways movement. Lay 'Heavy' you will be manouvered into the correct position. Clasp hands to the chest, and away we go. I was actually drifting off when I was disturbed. I had to hold a tube which had been inserted to the holder* as mentioned earlier. I was warned that I will feel heat, & if too unbearable, waggle my toes to warn the operatives. Oh boy it was a hot heat for a second or so between the testes & anus, then it spread very quickly to the whole body, it felt like laying under the hot sun, very nice, but lasted only a second or so. I cant remember if I had my tattoos before or after the injection on the bed, either way the tat's on the hips were not very noticeable, but the one in the pubic area was a short but sharp pain, nothing to whinge about though. A second session in the scanner and all was done. Dress and pick up my bag of goodies, 48 micro-enemas. I have 35 sessions of radiotherapy to look forward to, what do I do with the remaining 13? Christmas or birthday presents come to mind for certain people I know I was taken to room 6 where I will be treated as of April 14th. Shown what to do with my appointment card, various toilets were pointed out to me, then I was left to go home.

On my return to Swadlincote, we went to 'The Tall Chimney' for a belated lunch. It was here I discovered that the effects of the enema had not worn off yet. I needed 'to go' & quickly. I had just got into the cubicle when one of the biggest farts I have ever done let rip ! My pants were soaked. I dropped my joggers only to find they were clean, my pants were soaked but it was a clear semi liquid which wiped away quite easily. several feet of toilet paper later, I was able to return for my meal. Later at home I was blowing gales like there was no tomorrow, fortunately all dry ones. Tuesday I was back to normal, well almost, I still had the gas attacks, loud, but clean with no odour. Today things have settled down. Next time around, I will be prepared.

More as and when. Have a nice day