Cancer 206

I have been ill. A week ago I spent 24 hours throwing up and having stoma problems. Throwing up is not good when you have an abdomenal hernia that feels like it s going to explode every time you retch. Neither is it particularly pleasant emptying a stoma just after the contents of your stomach decided to plaster the bathroom. I think it was the first time I had thrown up since the nasty time while in hospital after my surgery, where I really did powerful retching that plastered the walls and people of the CT scan waiting room.

Recovery was quite slow. I think it was one of those 24 hour bug/food poisoning experiences, but it took me several days to recover – thanks immune system. It left me weak and unable to drink tea. Thankfully my eating and drinking systems are now fully restored. I started with a simple fried halloumi and egg sandwich, and then did an over-a-mile walk around Castleton, following by ham, egg and chips and a good third of the wife’s pork and gravy cob. In the evening we went to Cromford and sat by the pond eating fish, chips and mushy peas. At home I finished with fruit and yoghurt. That looks like a health food sandwich to me.

Did you notice? I went for a walk. I have been too wealk and pathetic to go for a walk recently. Halfway through I was thinking about extending it but by the time I was at the end I just wanted to sit down and not walk any further. I did feel that if I walked more I might get a llittle fitter so I am going to work on it. Perhaps walk every other day to give my hopeless body time to recover.

My blood results are ok. Some measures are outside the normal range but that is to be expected. The cancer marker is slightly down. I have been clear for treatment next week. Number 42, the answer to life, the universe and everything. Perhaps I will get a miracle and be cured. Fortunately, I never think like that. I am a rational being, or so I like to think.

I have got an interview for my MA in History. That should be fun. The topic is my thesis (focusing on Alethia Howard and her scientific contribution at a time when early modern science was separating from alchemy, herbal knowledge, and all that). Should be fun. If I get in I have to survive a year to get the thesis finished. I am thinking to finish it more quickly than that. After all, I did my PhD in 3 years part-time. They didn’t want to accept it because it was shorter than the minimum time required for a PhD but they did. I also managed to finish my last book after my cancer operation and while on chemo, so it should be a doddle – unless I die of course, then I won’t finish it. See, I am a rational being.