A Little Medical Update

I thought it was probably time that I gave you a little medical update and now seemed like a good time. If you read the blog fairly regularly, you will know that I build little plastic models during the long, dreary winter days. Today, after lunch, I went to do a bit more work on the latest project. I’d been thinking what I was going to do. There were three steps. Unfortunately I attempted them all together and, luckily, stopped before I made a complete mess. I then did stage one and walked away. This is a major achievement for me as usually I just carry on and end up with a mess of plastic and glue!

So, to continue.

Latest PSA

I had my latest PSA blood test on the 8th. The level had increased again, but not as much as the previous time. It’s currently at 5.76. This was followed up by an actual face to face consultation at The Rosemere Cancer Centre at Preston. The increased PSA was entirely expected, and, currently, the medication will remain the same. We discussed what happens when the current drugs cease to be effective and several things were suggested, some less palatable than others. The current thinking is that, by the end of 2026, we may need to start looking at something different, but really no one knows. As everyone has told me, “Everyone’s cancer is different, Mr. Draper.”

I should say that the medics at The Rosemere are great.

Something Different Deal With

On November 7th I got a follow-up phone call from my GP practice to let me know that my latest routine blood tests showed that I am now diabetic. I’ve been pre-diabetic for ages, so this wasn’t a huge surprise! Also my blood sugar is raised by 3 of the cocktail of drugs I am currently on. Anyway, I was told I needed to have an hour long appointment with the diabetes nurse who would put me on the right track. Knowing what my GP surgery are like trying to organise a 10 minute appointment I thought it might be a while before the appointment came about.

We have a copy of the late Michael Moseley’s Blood Sugar Diet, so Heather and I decided to have a go and see what could be achieved before the appointment came round. I started at 96kg exactly on the morning of the 8th. On the 11th I got my appointment date for December 16th, so I would be in the sixth week of an eight week course.

On the morning of the appointment I was 91.2kg, but, by then, the appointment had been postponed to January 8th. As of this morning (Dec. 19th) I am 90.8kg. In the six weeks since starting this we have cut out potatoes, bread, pasta and rice and my alcohol consumption has plumetted. The trick will be to remove the weight I put on over Christmas before the re-arranged appointment in January. Wish me luck!

The Political Situation

I used to be obsessed with the news but, honestly, the political situation in Great Britain and indeed the world is so unremittingly gloomy that I’ve stopped. I watch TV news 2 or 3 times a week and browse a newspaper on line and then swap to Facebook. Presumably because I never, ever click on anything right wing politically, I only get posts that agree with me.

Also I am currently getting posts from loads of people who take photos in the Lake District and Scotland, so every morning is filled with beautiful pictures. My current favourite is Mark Littlejohn Photography. He’s a superb photographer and his text posts are great too.

And of course, as ever, there is the rather wonderful Gary Larson

Have a great Christmas everyone and just in case I don’t post till next year, Happy New Year!