I have been meaning to write an update for a while now, and for some reason have found it difficult to make a start on this one. I think the main reason is that we have been really quite busy recently. I will give you a run down of our activities a bit later in the blog, but will start with a brief health update.
As you will know from reading previous bulletins we normally have an oncologist appointment every three months which are mostly focussed on how the PSA level is doing and how I am feeling. When I was first diagnosed in 2016 the PSA was at a high point of 27. Since then, with the effect of the chemotherapy, ongoing hormone therapy and the trial drug, Metformin, it went as low as 0.4 in September 2017. Even though we try not to worry before my blood test, it is impossible not to get a little apprehensive about the results. I had my blood test a few weeks ago and the PSA level this time was 3.48. This figure is actually still really low, but as it had risen from 2.87 at the last test I did have a bit of a downer for a few days afterwards. Having gone through this three monthly cycle several times now we do know that our emotions are going to be a little erratic around this time and it can take a day or two to come to terms with the latest results. On this occasion we did not see the oncologist, just a telephone conversation with the trials nurse confirming that we will carry on with the current treatment. So, for the time being life carries on as normal.
I mentioned earlier that we have been busy recently. I continue to work two days a week at a few different businesses locally, which I find fun and rewarding. I know it’s cliche, but I really don’t know how I was ever able to work full time, there is so much else you can spend your time doing!
We are very happy that Bim has now been able to drop a day at work and is working four days a week. It’s great to have the extra day together.
What have we been up to since our last blog? Well, holidays of course!
We had the most amazing time in the Maldives in April. This time visiting Amari Havodda at the southern tip of the islands. It was simply stunning. As words can’t really explain just how beautiful the island is I have added a few photos below. I think seeing so many dolphins and snorkeling with turtles were the high points for us both.
We were not home for long before we were packing our holiday bags again. This time for the North West Coast of Scotland, which is somewhere we have wanted to visit for a long time. We booked The Net Store, which is an excellent cottage right on the shores of Loch Beag on the Applecross Peninsula. We were pleased to be joined by good friends Maurice and Gary for most of the week. For anyone who remembers the film Local Hero, the area we stayed in had the same sort of feel. Very remote, stunning scenery and everyone seems to know everyone else. We really enjoyed the trip and may return next year if we can fit it in. Again, I have added a few photos below.
That’s all for the moment. We have our next oncology appointment at the end of August. We will let you know how it goes. In the meantime, we are following the principal of ‘work less, laugh more’. I thoroughly recommend it!
