Saturday, 26 September 2009

Sad News

I have just heard the sad news of Mary Travers death. She was one third of the 60s folk group-Peter,Paul and Mary. I have very fond memories of them including the classic Leaving On A Jet Plane

Andy

Thursday, 24 September 2009

Happy Birthday

Today was Gerry of Gerry and the Pacemakers fame 67th birthday. It just shows that old age catches up with us all. They were probably best remembered for the somg Ferry Across the Mersey.

On a sadder note today would also of been Linda McCartneys birthday.

Andy

Thursday, 17 September 2009

The River Thames is missing!

Not literally of course but the powers to be at Transport for London have removed it from the latest tube map! However the esteemed Mayor of London has ordered them to put it back on the next print.

People have been making a fuss because the London tube map is a brilliant piece of publicity and of course information. It was first introduced in 1933 and was based on an electrical circuit and is a masterpiece of simplicity.

It is slightly incorrect to call it a tube map however. The term tube only refers to the deep level lines which were built using a boring machine. The rest of the system is known as the Underground and was built on the cut and cover system where a deep trench was dug, the railway was than built and covered over.

Andy

Tuesday, 15 September 2009

Another week in hospital

Yes I spent last week in hospital with a blood and urine infection.

2009 in the words of the Queen has become 'Anas Horribilus' and I can not wait to see the back of it. I still try and be positive but there are frequent 'dark' moments.

Having a scan on October 5th and see the consultant the following day. Good news hopefully but time will tell......

Andy

Thursday, 3 September 2009

Seven down-one to go!

Yes only one more treatment with the trial drug Ofatumumab to go!

Apart from the e coli infection (which I can not attribute to the drug or treatment) there have been no side effects at all. In fact I feel very well in myself apart from a severe case of boredom.

Still I suppose I should not complain, back in June a 'horrible' consultant at a London hospital told me that I only had a couple of months to live. By horrible I really mean HORRIBLE.

I have been reading bits about the health reforms in the USA and all I can say is thank god we have the NHS in this country and do not have to pay up front for treatment. Apart from the person mentioned above I have no complaint at all either about the treatment or the staff-in fact the staff have been exceptional.

Andy

Sunday, 23 August 2009

Have you missed me?

Well I have missed you!

Thanks to those who e mailed me but my absence was caused by serious computer problems, £110 worth to be precise. Sadly I have lost all my music and photos as well as some documents.

Think I am getting accident prone as I am getting older, I managed to trip over a sheet of chipboard the other day and managed to badly cut and bruise my toes forcing one of the nails back.

Andy

Tuesday, 4 August 2009

I nearly died

Rather a dramatic title I know but sadly its true.

As you know we had our family get together on Saturday 25th July and I felt fine and enjoyed myself. I will post some pictures later.

Anyway woke up on Sunday morning still feeling ok but by the afternoon was begining to feel breathless but put it down to the heat and having to much to eat the day before. Went to bed about 11 on Sunday and dosed off but woke up about 2.30 shivering violently enough to shake the bed! This was followed by a period of profuse sweating. I rang the chemotherapy help line at the hospital and was told that it was sun stroke and to take a couple of paracetamol.

I was no better in the morning so I took myself to hospital and they discovered that my blood pressure had dropped to 70/42 and my body was slowly closing itself down and risking chronic kidney failure as I was suffering from an e coli infection. They admitted me to Intensive Care where I stayed until Saturday night when I was transferred to an ordinary ward coming home this evening.

I can not praise the staff in Intensive Care and Lord North Ward at Maidstone Hospital enough but suffice to say that it was an experience I do not wish to repeat and its thanks to there efforts that I am still here.

Andy