Musical Interlude

I made a piece of music inspired by this last visit to the Oncologist Available here All Field Recordings made on a trip across town to visit my Oncologist on November 18 2011. Bass and Drums and little riff added in winter 2013. My third piece made from Field Recordings. This time with Ableton and a rhythmic structure.

Good News

Last week I had another PET/CT scan at Alliance Medical and saw Guri Sandhu to get the results.  There was no sign of the tumour that was previously visible, so I got my first "all clear".  Obviously we will be keeping an eye on things for some time to come - but good news from the first proper check up!

Returned from Holidays

We had 3 (!) amazing and recuperative holidays.  We went to a Health Spa in the UK for 5 days that was very relaxing, and then we travelled by train to the Austrian Alps, for 2 weeks  in the village of Lech.   Lots of  great walking.  After a few days in London we went to Coverack in Cornwall (where I spent many happy holidays as a child) for a week in a lovely cottage. Also walking everyday. 

I will post some pictures and videos soon.

Small update

Last week my throat was VERY sore, but 2 or 3 days ago I noticed things starting to improve - I could eat better and eat more solid food too.  So I think things are on the mend.  Still no taste, but a hint of taste sensation returning, a glimmer of light!

Today I had the rig tube out and that was another mini-milestone.  My body was glad to see it go.  I have lost a bit more weight, but I am still a very healthy weight - in fact I wouldn't mind to stay at this weight.

Started up my gym membership again - tomorrow I go for a gentle workout.  Going hiking in September so must get in shape.

Hollywood Movies

Saw 2 movies this weekend:

The Black Knight  - I found it uninvolving and a bit tedious. Obviously the Batmobile is cool.

WALL.E -  Genius! Loved it.

A small piece of Bach

Made with the Virus TI

Small (128) mp3:




Large (320) mp3:

Last Treatment completed!

A psychologically important moment.  I know that my throat may get a little worse over the next week or so, but the bombardment by the healing rays has stopped.  I celebrate with a visit to The Listening Rooms, and an Acupuncture session, and lunch at Carluccio's with my wife, Nicki.

Also spend the afternoon playing with my Access Virus TI Desktop

and working on a Gliss mix 

:-)

One more Radiotherapy treatment go

That makes me happy!

The next day

.......... I felt a lot better - massively rejuvenated in fact.  I "enjoyed" (managed to eat!) Sausage and Mash at The Wells, and generally had a very busy day, including a useful Alexander Lesson in the evening with Harvey.   And I finished this book:

though I can't claim to understand it.  :-) 

Blood Transfusion

John was my nurse for blood transfusion day, 

Leodivine had already put a line into my arm before I arrived in my room, where I spent the next 6 hours having 500 cc  of blood dripped/pumped into me.  I finished this book:

Anaemic again.

I had my usual Monday meting with Simon yesterday - he is generally pleased with my progress, but declined to do a video summing up :-)  It is now my last week of radiotherapy.  My weight is continuing to drop, but I am still a healthy weight (not using the rig tube yet), so he and I are not over concerned.  Simon indicated that my hearing would recover - which made me happy! Indeed, there was a noticeable improvement yesterday and today better still.

However I am anaemic again so I have to go into hospital today for 2 more units of blood.  A six or seven  hour process. Thanks, whoever donated this blood.  

My radiotherapy has been moved to 09:00 to allow time for the transfusion in the rest of the day.

A beautiful plant

Saw this lovely plant on our Sunday Hampstead walk.

Hearing Issues

After the last dose of chemo I seem to have lost some high frequency from my hearing, which is upsetting, although I think it is improving as the week goes on.  I am also getting occasional high pitched whines in either ear.  This tinnitus doesn't last long and isn't very loud, but still......

Obviously I will be quizzing Dr Stewart on Monday.

No appetite :-(

I can't really face much solid food, but I am drinking fresh Juices and Fruit shakes with Food Supplements and Soups so looking after my body as best I can, with gratitude and compassion for all that it has gone through.

Tuesday was a busy day

Woke up on Tuesday morning to find the rig tube was half out, and then when I tried deflating the balloon there was no fluid in it.  I called Simon for advice and he had me come straight down to the ENT clinic at Charing Cross, where I waited a bit nervously until the very capable Isabella took the old one out and shoved a new one in.  It was a bit of a push too as the stomach wall had already started to close up.  But went off quickly and painlessly.

I had already called the Radiographers and arranged to see them later, so everything worked out fine.  

Very tired - got home at 19:00, watched The WIRE series 5 episode 1 which I had recorded the night before, and then slept for 12 hours.