2007-10-13 — Newsletter

Dear All,

Well radiation is over — the last session was yesterday. Of course then last night a new crop of assorted ulcers and assorted nasties sprung up to celebrate! It will likely take a week or so for the last effects of radiation to filter through and then things will definitely improve. You can imagine how much I'm looking forward to that!

Seem to be losing hair — close inspection (which I try to avoid doing much) reveals some bald patches but they are at the moment hidden by hair from higher up falling over them. A sort of 'fall-over' rather than a 'comb-over' and with a little more success in concealment (he tries to persuade himself).

But of good news there is still plenty... if my red blood cell count improves by Wednesday (which they seem to think it will and of course tests will prove) then I will go home on Thursday. Even if I can't eat properly — I will do the tube feeding at home. It will be nice to have a comfy chair and all my old familiar things! And I've lost a few kilos (guessing about 7) which still leaves a comfortable reserve for winter and the operations but is a much more comfortable weight.

The tumour itself has shrunk considerably and encapsulated itself — at least that's what I understand (my medical German improves in leaps and bounds but still has a way to go) — but whatever, the doctors are always extremely pleased with its progress (regress?)

Am surrounded by love and friendship from family and friends and this has helped me much and although there are periods of discomfort still there is nothing that I can't handle at the moment and, as I said before, it will all improve soon.

Much love to all of you, my good friends

David