MEDICAL MATTERS

[Cathy]

Hope you feel much better asap Stanley

[Stanley]

Thanks Love, we've just had another short walk and I shall have half a bowl of dinner then more sleep.... Things are nowhere near as uncomfortable as yesterday.....

[PanBiker]

Take it easy Stanley. I suppose in effect with your lay off from the treatment this will be like starting all over again. Did you have your blood checked recently? Precursor to treatment?

[Marilyn]

Can't ask about blood checks Panbiker, without being put in your place

[plaques]

Of course you can ask about blood tests (vampires) but the normal checks after surgery are urine samples and a blood test once a year. I know we are all concerned and wish Stanley a speedy recovery but sometimes it helps by keeping our bloody mouths shut.

[Marilyn]

( see what I mean)

[Stanley]

Stop worrying about me and how I'll react to questions. No, I haven't had a recent blood test and yes, this first BCG after the lay-off was almost guaranteed to be a bit rough. After all I got a massive infection yesterday and my immune system has had to go into overdrive from scratch. Think of it as a grenade tossed into your bladder!
The discomfort phase is over and now I am into lassitude so I have been having as much sleep as possible. Just got up now after another 4 hours of good sleep. Jack has never left my side! Sleep works for me and as long as I am dropping off as soon as I get under the covers I know I'm giving myself the best chance.
The good thing is that it is this reaction which attacks the cancer cells so I can be sure the treatment is working as it should and giving me the best chance. Always look on the bright side!
I shall go out in the sunshine now and have a leisurely stroll with Jack on the Green and perhaps a sit on the forms and watch the world go by for ten minutes..... (It's what Old People do!)

[Stanley]

Happy to report strategy of resting is working, almost back to normal this morning. Good sleep and we shall do our usual morning walk!

[Stanley]

Up and down a bit. Today is a 'Tired day'. Conclusion is obvious, do as little as possible and rest.....

[Tizer]

A couple of good medical developments...
`Bladder cancer 'attacked and killed by common cold virus'' LINK

`'Rewiring nerves' reverses hand and arm paralysis' LINK

[Stanley]

I heard reports on both. It struck me that the use of Common Cold Virus in cases of bladder cancer is the same principle as my BCG bacteria used as immunotherapy. I looked BCG up.... The first part of THIS describes my treatment exactly.
Then I found this: "BCG stands for Bacille Calmette Guerin. BCG is a weakened (attenuated) version of a bacteria called Mycobacterium bovis which is closely related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the agent responsible for tuberculosis." I wonder how close this is to the Common Cold virus.....?

[Tizer]

I wonder how close this is to the Common Cold virus.....?

Not close at all, but these treatments have the same basis - using something that triggers an immune response, preferably strong carefully targeted and not harming normal human cells.

[Stanley]

[I knew that either you or Sue would have an answer.....]

[Stanley]

Next treatment is tomorrow.... I am hoping for a less savage reaction! I think it should be better after the initial shock last week. My immune system is ready and waiting!

[PanBiker]

Good luck with that Stanley.

I'm going to have my eyes tested today. I got a reminder as it's two years since my last test. Recommended anyway as I have had major cranium surgery, especially for eye pressure. My brain has now got more room and has expanded back to where it should be according to my MRI which could have a knock on effect. I know my norm is on the high side which can be a pre indicator to glaucoma problems so best to get checked. I wonder if that was a symptom of my tumour as well? Today's tests maybe revealing.

[PanBiker]

Back from my eye test, normal distance vision is OK, eye pressure within normal levels, optic nerve, retina and back of both eyes healthy, 20 minute peripheral vision test good. So, no permanent glasses required. My near sight vision requires stronger lenses on my readers so I have gone for the two for one deal they do at Specsavers with anti-glare treatment. I could have had one pair as sunglasses for reading but I already have some on my last prescription which will be fine for the amount of reading I do in bright sunshine. They will be ready to pick up next Monday. Another bit of me that I don't have to worry about.

[Stanley]

Good! Eyes need looking after! Bit of a shock to wake up and find out one eye is blind..... I remember it well but thank god they did a passable fix.
Everything in line for this morning!

[Stanley]

Heavy reaction to the BCG again. Helen tells me this is normal. I had 5 hours of peeing blood and broken glass but that's easing now and I had a good sleep. It won't be long before Jack and I have an early walk, a very light breakfast and go back to bed.

[Marilyn]

Keep up the fluids Stanley!

[Stanley]

I am Maz and it's working. Just had another two hours good sleep. Now a short interval, another short walk and back in bed again. It's doing me good!

[Tizer]

Onwards and upwards!

[Stanley]

Thank you Tiz. Another 3 hours good sleep. I am improving rapidly. Marvellous how your body tells you what is needed if you listen to it!

[Stanley]

Much improved... good job as well, I have had early morning tasks!

[Stanley]

Appetite has returned and I am sleeping well. All good!

[Cathy]

Very good to hear Stanley