Back in the A & E....

Lea didn't like the way my temperature was shaping up last weekend, so on Monday morning she bundled into the car and took me to hospital. I was sweating and shaking and felt like death warmed up.

They got me into bed, and whisked me off to a room, and the needles started, carrying my blood off to the faceless analysts. The doc was outstanding, and diagnosed that the main trouble was my latest round of chemo, which had knocked out all my white cells...and left me unable to fight whatever virus it was I had picked up. They kept me in, on antibiotics, a drip and hideous hospital food for four days,. Marvellous Lea came to see me twice a day, but otherwise it was pretty lonely. I'm back at home now, recovering some strength and some self-confidence. But I think I shall be changing my oncologist....too many slips-ups.

On a more cheerful note, the first blossom has appeared in the garden....but it's too miserable to photograph it....I will, if the sun comes out later....

Winter Garden

Don't let the daffs fool you....this is a clump of foolhardy types who don't know how cruel February can be in the foothills of the Sierras...

I post this photo not so as to reveal my state of mind....but literally the state of the 'tree triangle'...a series of plantings that replaced my twin ponds, when the children were born, and old enough to move around the garden themselves, and Lea made me remove the ponds....

All trees in view are budding, and the next blog, in a month or so's time , should show some bloom. For we garden lovers, it's the most exciting time....

Update:

The doc got it wrong....the new medicine is not available yet (typical)...fortunately I had persuaded him not only to continue with the present treatment, but to alter the delivery speed...ie a 3-week dose, rather than three weekly doses.

"It won't make much difference," he said.

"Not to you," said I, " But it will to me..."

Little did I know (and he) for apart from being more convenient, the result has been that the PSA has dropped, (690 to 640), and I also feel much better in myself. It may be a 'blip'...but a happy one (hats in the air), and perhaps I can get to stay on these meds a bit longer....always good. I was expecting the PSA to hit the 1K mark this time round...

Just goes to show what doctors know, and why it's good to over-rule them (sometimes!!)...most of the time, he's pretty good, and keeps me cheerful.

Love to All,

George