2007-10-08 — Newsletter

Dear All,

Sorry to do this bulk mail to you all instead of individual emails, but I am a bit low on energy and there are so many of you good friends.

The good news is that I'm now in the last week of radiation. Just four more sessions to go. More good news is that the Professor peered into my mouth this morning and said the tumour was "fast weg" ("almost gone").

Not quite such good news is that although the ulcers etc (technical name mucositis) are less and less painful eating is still not possible so I remain on the feeding through nose tube method. My blood counts keep giving them problems too — first T-cells and white cells were low but now those have straightened out and the red cell count is too low. They are deciding in the next day whether I need transfusions or such like. None of this is dangerous but it might well delay my release from hospital. I am expecting to be in next week at least but it all depends

I now get very tired and lose concentration (so sleep a lot) — this is likely due to the red cells. But I'm in a safe place

Nothing is as bad as the time two weeks ago and all this I can handle without problem even though it is not pleasant.

I have had so many phone calls, emails and visits — it is so encouraging to me and really does help in keeping my spirits up. There are so many good people and I do so appreciate them all.

That's more words than the new slowed down David (whose beard has stopped growing and seems to be losing hair — though not yet noticeable except on my pillow) can normally manage in a day, so...

I'll end up with thanking you all again for your love and affection

David