Appointments

Morning Guys

I'll tell you this it makes a big difference to me in waking up feeling refreshed. Since I stopped caning and watched my sugar intake I feel so much better.

I honestly thought that the tiredness was due to the chemo however; some of it may well have been due to diabetes.

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/

I don't intend returning to examine the issue but will as always look to the future, and be thankful for who and where I am now!

Yesterday (Wednesday) was a day of appointments, and ended up quite busy,

My first was with the PMO in Fleetlands. I was chauffeured by Tom Money (VMT Tom) and was able to meet a few of the guys whilst I was there - Fantastic!

From there I had to hot foot it to Gregson Surgery for my date with the Diabetic Nursie.

http://www.bridgemarymedicalcentre.co.uk/

She was lovely and gave me lots of info (and a free testing kit). I am being treated for Type 2 Diabetes with tablets for now (Metformin).

http://www.nhs.uk/Pathways/diabetes/Pages/Diagnosis.aspx

As I said earlier, my wife Maria is fully swept up on this subject, and although I have every confidence in her stewardship of me, its nice to know as much as possible.

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/FAQ/FAQ_1/

I have a lot to learn from her and others as I've never needed to know much about this subject before.

Maria left for the forest in the afternoon for a hair appointment so I was left to my own devices for a while.

My good friend Tim and his Daughter Phoebe came for a visit and it was lovely to see them.

Phoebe has just returned from a visit to Australia with her Nan and regaled me with her news and photos etc - Fantastic. why we all stay in the UK is beyond me.

I was too young for the £10 pommie scheme in the late 60's and early 70's otherwise who knows?

Maria returned late evening with a freshly sharpened and laundered head, and clutching a rake of diabetic cookbooks.

food for thought then

ciao bloggers

see you in the kitchen

The Milk of Human Kindness

Origin
From Shakespeare's Macbeth, 1623:
"Yet doe I feare thy Nature, It is too full o' th' Milke of humane kindnesse."

I cannot let this blog proceed with mentioning a heartfelt thankyou for the glorious bouquet my wife and I received from my colleagues in the Trades Union at Fleetlands.

http://www.unitetheunion.com/Default.aspx?page=3136

They were beautiful and we feel deeply touched and humble, and thank you so much. They were unsolicited which made them all the more special. God Bless You!

Steve and Maria

Dai Beeeties

Hi Guys

This post is all about the celebrated Welsh Sugar Magnate Dai Beeties and his role in my life. As I said in the last post (No not THE Last Post, hopefully that's some way off), a chance remark to the nurse about drinking and peeing for England prior to chemo, set off all sorts of consternation.

In no time at all my consultant was at my bedside.

What's going on?

My blood sugar levels, which should be between 4 and 7 were off the scale.

I must admit that I couldn't see what the fuss was about as I had never made any secret of the fact and regarded my drinking and peeing as "normal". (How wrong can you be?) and dropped off to sleep as I was tired.

Well apparently a lot of the tiredness would be due to diabetes rather than Chemo possibly, which would explain a lot. If you look at the symptoms via the link some are uncannily similar to those for cancer.

http://www.nhs.uk/Pathways/diabetes/Pages/Symptoms.aspx


http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Individualdrugs/Docetaxel#1844


I was admitted to St Mary's Hospital as an emergency after having had the chemo session.

This was for the medicos to try and stabilise my blood sugar, and I was connected to an insulin drip. my "score" by this time was 29, which as those in the know appreciate is way too high.


Most people know that too low a blood sugar level can cause a coma which can be offset by eating a sweet or sugary biscuit, but what if it is too high?

The risk is greater for stroke, heart atttack etc, along with other complications. The list is scary!

I had used up the third of my nine lives, without realising it.

So an enforced stay in Hospital whilst they tried to stabilise my sugar levels. during this time I noticed a direct correlation between my steroid use and rising levels each day which prompted another question as to why I am on them?. Medical Mysteries Huh?

I escaped on Monday night albeit still not "right but better than i was the previous Thursday.

I was placed into the care of my wife who is all about on the condition as she is a type 2 diabetic herself. i have an appointment with the diabetic nurse at my local surgery fixed up (how cool is that? The system works!) on Wednesday 29th. So until then its watch what I eat and keep a note of my sugar levels, which are coming down albeit very slowly.

More later guys when I've read up on this a bit more.

ciao

Update on Chemo

Hi Blogsters I'm back.

and like the proverbial cat I have used up another of my nine lives, for reasons explained below: (Check this cat out - two faced!)

I'll begin by talking about the new Chemo regime, as a lot of of people have rung me confused as to my prognosis, thinking "That's It It's all over!"

Well let me state here and now that it is NOT!.

In my last post I stated that the chemo hasn't worked and this is true.

HOWEVER: all is not doom and gloom as I have embarked on a new treatment cycle with a different chemical, Docetaxel (Taxotere®) which has had good results. Some things work for you and some things work for others.

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Individualdrugs/Docetaxel

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Individualdrugs/Docetaxel#1844

So wait and see. The Fat Lady isn't singing yet, as she has decided to change the music, and there's still a long way to go to the auditorium!

I had chemo as normal on Thursday 23rd afternoon but something occurred which will explain my absence from you all.

A chance remark to the nurse about thirst etc prompted her to check my blood sugar levels.

They were off the scale, and all sorts of consternation broke loose.

More in the next post

ciao

Visiting wednesday

Hi Guys
It would be remiss of me here not to mention the visitors who came on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday.

Tuesday afternoon was Kevin, Lisa and Family. thanks for mowing the Lawn Carolanne.

Wednesday morning saw the arrival of Charlotte and Jack followed by Richard from Sussex. Then at lunchtime Tom from Fleetlands came (I could talk to him all day - lovely bloke) followed by Maggie. Mid-afternoon saw our good friends Barry and Anne. Anne has Emphysema and knows how I feel.
Early evening saw the return of Maggie followed by Richard {again} and his partner Caroline, who had been on a training course in portsmouth.

A very busy but enjoyable day.

See you after Chemo!
Stevie T

Resulting Consulting

Hi Guys

We saw, as I said earlier, the consultant this Tuesday morning and received a mixed bag of results.
So here goes:

I felt that I had improved as my constant cough had gone and my breathing was a bit easier. My weight has stabilised as I have only lost 0.1 of a kilo over the last 3 weeks.

However the CT scan showed otherwise.

The chemotherapy has not worked.

My tumours have grown, including the small ones in my right lung.

I also have some appearing in my lymph system. (body drains)


However things are not painted as black as they first seem. I still have options, and they are:

1. Do nothing and let the condition take its course. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION FOR ME AT THIS TIME!

2. Radiotherapy - useful for my Starboard Lung but preferred by the consultant to be kept in reserve for later. Promising (when reading between the lines?)

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Radiotherapy/Generalinformation

3 More chemotherapy but with a different chemical and dosage rate.


I have signed up for option 3, (you knew I would didn't you?), and receive my first dose this afternoon (Thursday)

Again, like before, it consists of four x three week modules which are constructed as follows:

Week One:

Day one - Heavy duty Steroids. Day two - Chemotherapy

Weeks Two and Three - Respite


I have gleaned rightly or wrongly the following information from all of this:

1. He still expects me to be alive at the end of the chemotherapy treatment (Hooray!) (Imagination plays on your mind something terrible at times)

2. The chemo is much stronger than previously and will have greater side effects, for which i will wait and see.

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Sideeffects/General


So there you have it as I do - Chapter and Verse.

A friend put it into a perspective by saying that as the treatment is NHS you get the cheap stuff first. Now this may work for Eight out of ten patients but for the two for whom it does not you need the more expensive stuff!

This theory works for me!

Toodle Pip!

Consulting the Oracle

Morning Bloggers

Sorry about the delay but i have had a lot to take in recently.

Tuesday saw the preparations for seeing the consultant, and involved getting a blood test and Chest x ray to add to the results of the CT Scan taken on Easter Monday.

Maria and I arrived at the phlebotomists before opening time (0830) and were amazed at the queue that was already there. Germans and sunbeds came to mind.

As the doors opened it was like a mad rush at the sales for the ticket machine. apparently the machine was out side the section at one time but people were coming down in the evening to obtain an advantaged ticket, so hey moved it inside. It does sound like zer German zunbed action ya?

Any how we got in to find the number in progress was 93 and my ticket was.....

I've kept it as I believe it to be an omen for all you ex naval chappies B13. At last as an ex tiff I've finally got one - Ha - Ha!

Off for the chest x-ray in the meantime - straight in and out - much better

We saw the consultant who gave a mixed bag of news so I think its best for the sake of clarity and to reduce confusion, to deal with that in a new Post.

See you soon

Steve

Catching up after being away

Hi guys
Just a short one to keep you up to speed.

We spent Friday and Saturday in Swindon with Tina and Simon.
We returned to Hythe Saturday evening, with our niece Kira who had spent the week at Tina's with her cousins after our wedding. As it was getting late we stopped at Maria's flat.

We spent the next day (Sunday) touring the Garden centres for hanging basket plants etc, in the forest as it was a beautiful day. We had lunch out and called in at my aunt and uncle's in Hedge End on the way home. A wonderful day!

Monday saw the utilising of our purchases by Maria, I'm pleased as she gets such joy (and therapeutic value?) from gardening, and again it was a beautiful day!

big day tomorrow (Tuesday) as I see the consultant

More later Bloggers

Le Day Trip

Morning bloggers and bloggerettes

Were off to maria's sisters in Swindon for the day. Its nearly 8 o'clock and the sun is shining so we should have a lovely time.

It's about sixty five miles away so is close to hand should anything untoward happen. Not that I'm expecting any thing, although it may be prudent here to remind you and my self of my condition.

My weight: 14stone 7lb

Arms and legs: Still skinny

My breathing: I've developed a wheeze although coughing is minimal

Strength: Generally tired and weak with a need to pace myself, as i get out of breath quickly.

Bloods: OK

Hair Loss: No more than normal, although the growing of has been restricted.

Sense of humour: Still bad assed!

Lust for Life: ENORMOUS!

Laters bloggers

love you all.

"In an english country garden"

Yo Bloggers!

Yesterday saw a rather lazy day with not to great an exertion on my part.

Maria and I ventured down to Roys, in Brockhurst, to obtain some plants for Hanging Baskets (yes it's that time again). A deal was struck and we returned home in time for a visit from the twins, Megan and Georgia.

In the afternoon Maria went out the back garden and setup and planted the baskets., amongst other gardening tasks. After a brief nap I also made my way out there to assist in the green house and set it up for the arrival of tomatoes etc.


Joy was to be found when on inspecting my seemingly dead pelargoniums (like geraniums but with more striking flowers) they were found to have sprouted new growth from the base - wonderful!


Please don't get me wrong , I'm not a gardener but I do like to sit in the garden in summer, and lets not lose sight of the fact that this may be my last' so it has to be good.

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Resourcessupport/Cancerbackupsservices/CancerInformationService


Maria and I came back into the house tuckered out but very pleased with progress (hers more then mine).

We decided to eat out as a treat for our labours so it was off to the Hong Kong Tea Bar for a slap up meal; and it didn't disappoint.

Then home for a lazy evening watching telly and so to bed.

Perfect!

Happy Daze

Hi Guys

Many guys have asked me about KEW, (including where is it?), especially as it was featured on "The Apprentice" that evening. So to revisit please follow the link below:

http://www.kew.org/


It's a wonderful place to visit so try and make the effort to go once in your life. However should you prefer a taster nearer to home, then a visit to Leigh Park Gardens, situated in Staunton Country Park, near Havant, is the order of the day.


http://www.culture24.org.uk/am18442

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/staunton


It has everything that Kew has albeit on a smaller scale, including a spectacular greenhouse and ornamental lake and landscaped gardens. However some of the trees at Staunton beat the ones at Kew; they're massive!


It also houses a rare breeds collection that the kids can go touchy-feely with. Take a picnic! it's one of our local hidden treasures!

see you there!

Bye Bye Barium

Hi bloggers

This morning saw the release into the wild of the last vestiges of my barium meal from Monday.

Just as Coco Pops turn the milk chocolaty so the Barium turns something else whitey. 'Nuff Said!

I feel a little tired frrom yesterdays exertions (as i felt i would ) so will take it easy for a bit. However I do feel OK, with no Chemo today, and I know that that's sometimes tempting fate - but there you are!

Laters

No Queues at Kew

Hi Guys

and may I begin by wishing a special hi to two new followers, Mags and Anoushka, along with Bora da To Taff Thomas (yes i am the one) - Welcome Guys.

Well an exciting day (Wednesday) for us as we decided to go to KEW Gardens as I was feeling OK and up for it. So it was in to the Jaguar and away.

We both got concessionary tickets which saved a couple of bob, and we were in (with no queues geddit?), via the Brentford gate next to the R Thames.

The weather was sunny with a cool breeze and suited me just fine. The grounds particularly around the Palm House were impeccable and looked amazing!

It was fantastic and although we only made it half way round as I wilted after lunch, and had to have a nap.

Even so - it was still wonderful. It also leaves us the southern part with the Temperate House to visit next time.

We were home by 6 o'clock to a supper of mince and tatties - a wonderful day!

Early to bed is the order of the day i think.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

"watch out for the cough"

Hi Guys

I had the doctor out today (Tueday) as I've been coughing up the claret again although not on the same scale as a month or so ago. I produced smaller clots and, what do you know after arranging for a visit they stopped .

However the doctor came and gave me a good going over and put my, and more importantly Maria's minds at ease. The bleeding was capillary rather than venal and was due to coughing, and the rest of the day passed without any show, which was nice.

VISITORS:

Charlotte came round with her son Jack and her niece Olivia, always nice to see them.

I understand from my little birdie at the wedding "Do" in the evening that a lot of you are reading the blog but are shying away from visiting as you feel a bit awkward or don't know what to say to me .

Well that's easy - "Hi Steve. Hows it going today?" should do for an opener, and we can take it from there. I may have Lung Cancer but my brain is working perfectly and conversation is a good stimulant (especially if it's gossip). What I've got is not contagious; although the warmth of mine and Maria's sincerity and humour is!

So put your shyness to one side and call round!

The kettle is on and the biscuit barrel is full!

see you soon

Stevie T

Photo Finish

Hi Guys
Just a quick note to ask all of you "amateur photographers" who were there on Saturday, and were snapping away out there, if you could forward your efforts on to me at:

steviet@setinkler.co.uk

If you have a gem of a photo we would like to see it.

Personally I prefer the informal as opposed to the formal, so don't be shy guys. If you just want to drop me a line the e mail is there.

My other contact details are:

Steve Tinkler
68 Keyes Road (behind the shops in Nobes Avenue)
07725 216913 mobile

We are open for visitors but please ring first

love and peace

Steve

The Magic Doughnut

Hi Blogstars and Connoisseurs of fine wit.

Today was CT Scan day at St Marys Hospital. (somebody was on some good rates of overtime eh?)

My appointment was for 1045 where I was greeted with a barium meal. It's actually a white milky liquid that tasted vile . You have to drink it over half an hour and it helps to show up the various bits when they scan.


The process itself involves lying still on a "bed" or table that moves in and out through a ring.

The ring rotates quite fast and has transmitters and receivers that take electrical images as they spin.


These are collected and enhanced by a computer to provide a X section of your body, and obviously as the table moves in and out it gives a picture of your body as a whole or collection of slices.

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Search/search_results_page_view?SearchableText=ct+scanner

Space age stuff!

We were out of there by lunchtime and met up with friends in Gunwharf.

http://www.gunwharf-quays.com/


Unfortunately there were too many people there for me and we had to retire (hurt) back to Casa Tinkler.

To be honest we still haven't recovered our sleep and rest from Saturday. So the rest of the day was spent dozing in front of the telly.

Toodle pip!

Party Party

Hi Guys
The evening party was just as good as the rest of the day. everything went swimmingly - the DJ was good - the cake was lovely - and the food was excellent!

Everything went without a hitch apart from me forgetting to take my dirk to cut the cake with - many thanks to Scott who retrieved the same. Everybody had a good time which was what Maria and I wanted. The only fly in the ointment was everyone kept patting me on the back to congratulate me, or when they were leaving - unfortunately right on the tumour ouch!

http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=9819

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Cancertype/Lung

Obviously they weren't to know so it was grin and bear it.

I was tired and ready for my bed by 2200 but determination saw me through to the finish, although i will pay for it later - but there you are! Home juust after midnight to a nice cup of tea - you can't beat it can you?

All that remained was to go up to bed and I was asleep before my head hit the pillow

Sunday was a very lazy affair involving lots of zzzzzzs.

Tina, Simon and the girls left at lunchtime to go back to Swindon.

We took our good friends Wally and Liz for their dinner over to the Coach House as a thank you for her efforts on the buffet - incidentally my wife Maria and I lost count of the number of people commenting on how wonderful the food was!

Other than that it was back home to fall asleep in front of the telly.

Richard and Caroline popped in on their way back to Angmering (Love em!), after which It was more of the same in front of the telly followed by an early night.

Big day tomorrow - CT Scan at St Mary's

talk soon

The Wedding Special

Hi Bloggers

Well what do you know the wedding went without a hitch. we were ready when the car came and the rain held off just enough for the photos.

The service was lovely and included all of the the grandchildren. The two grandsons were ring boys. and the 7 girls were in attendance for Maria, who looked stunning by the way!.

They got to stand right at the front with us and got a ringside view of it all.

I re-wrote/worked and then delivered a Registry Office poem for the reading which we both felt appropriate. It was well received so i've reproduced it here for your delictation.

Our Love

Our Love puts the music in laughter
And enhances the beauty in song
It gives warmth to the shoulder you lean on
And makes gentle reside within strong

Our Love puts the magic in memories
Making sunshine that shines in our skies
The goodness when sharing and giving
Whilst brightening the light in our eyes

Yes our Love puts the fun in together
And the sadness that lies in apart
The hope resting in each tomorrow
The bountiful joy in our hearts

So before you stand Steve and Maria
On our wedding day here before all
When we’re asked why is it we’re stood here
We’re marrying for love above all

Not a bad effort eh? it made a couple of guys a bit misty, and its how we feel.

Here''s a selection of photos courtesy of Samantha (David Bailey) (aren't they good?) - for your perusal.





We then went to the Seahorse in Gomer for lunch which was wonderful (as we knew it would be)

After which it was home for a nap prior to the evening party.


zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Its all in the Preparation

Morning Bloggers

and welcome to the wedding edition of my blog.

The time is now 0830 and the panic level is low in fact most are still asleep. I think I'll disappear for a shower whilst the bathroom's free.No beaten to it!

A knock at the door signals the postman with lots of cards etc.

Its now 1000 and the panic and stress level has risen in several areas. the telephone is ringing with well wishers and people who cant read their invitations etc.

I'm still in the bunker, keeping my head down though doubtless some blame and responsibility will come my way.

I'll keep you posted.

Hi guys didn't have time for the the 1100 posting till now, but it all seemed to work like clockwork. If there was any panicking there was no outward appearance of it. nice one! Maria's dress was fantastic! and I scrubbed up reasonably well.

The wedding went without a hitch ( more in a later post) and we're just about to leave for the evening do having had a nap. More later bloggers - dancing shoes are on - or at least out of the shoe cupboard.

let's dance!

Stevie T Astaire

Good friday

hi bloggers
Single steve here on his last day of freedom.

A very busy Good Friday for us as we have visitors stopping, and no doubt there will be other visitors in the grand scheme of things.

Our first set of visitors was my sister and her family down from N Yorks (They arrived last night) and it was lovely to see them.

They were followed by my old friend Mike whom I haven't seen for yonks.

Early afternoon saw our guests arrive: Maria's sister Tina, and her family arrive. followed shortly after by Maria's daughters who were delivering the cake for tomorrow.

I then got the shaguar delivered to my pal Brian who's going to chaffeur us around.

Simon and Tina brought a W Indian dinner with them prepared by Simon's mum, and all we had to do was put it in the oven. Wow! Was it lush! Fantastic. It was just what the doctor ordered.

The rest of the day was taken up trying to watch telly in between the conversation of the girlies who had now discovered the wine etc. (nuff said guys). I went to bed early as its a big day tomorrow - let everyone else do the worrying.

see you soon bloggers

single stevie

Home alone

Morning guys

I got a phone call from the medicos yesterday rescheduling my chemo, which was very kind of them.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Chemotherapy/Pages/Sideeffects.aspx?url=Pages/what-is-it.aspx

This will help my stance for Saturday. Its all coming together!

However for Maria, It looks like the wedding gremlin is flexing his muscles.

Maria left very early this morning to go to her dentist (in Romsey) as one of her fillings is broken (possible extraction?).

She'll be away for most of the day as she has a later appointment at the; I'll say beauty parlour but it's probably called something else now.

Her children lashed her up to a sizable voucher for Mother's Day so she's getting her nails done etc., for Saturday. Good show!


However this means I am left to my own devices which i'm sure has pros and cons going for it. Mind you i'm still trying to work out what they are? Any suggestions?

Best i sleep on it

Smart as a guardsvan (supposed to be guardsman but there you go)

Busy day today (Wednesday) campers,

My very good friend John picked me up so that I was able go and get my head sharpened as a precursor for Saturday. You know the routine times may change but standards must never, along with neat and natty but never gaudy! (and other such ex-naval cliches - love 'em!)

We pitched up at Ians in Forton / Brockhurst Road where I was attend upon by the great man himself. He was very sensitive to my condition and boy did he do me proud!

http://www.ianchase.co.uk/

I had a super cut and beard trim and left feeling a million dollars as they say. It goes without saying I can thoroughly recommend it.

Post haircut we journeyed to the Harbour Cancer Support Centre to drop of a money box from and saved by Maria. Again we received a lovely welcome and support, they are such lovely people.

http://www.harbourcancer.org.uk/

They are there for anyone who's lives are affected by the condition, not just those who are suffering, and the level of involvement is led by you.

It's situated down at the Gosport Ferry above the bus station -its a very laudable cause please check it out!

We then took the slow route home as it was a beatiful day, which involved an ice cream at the Penguin cafe in Lee on the Solent.

http://www.city-visitor.com/leeonthesolent/cafes.html

John and I talked of cabbages and kings (sh**e), and it was a magic moment.


Once home it was time for a nap (no change there then)

later guys

Addendum to the last post

Hi Guys

Tuesday night saw me attend the regular meeting of my lodge. I was picked up and chauffeured by my brethren, and a good evening was had by all.

As I shuffled into the temple (the spring in my step has now sprung) - lo and behold there were four of our American brothers from the visiting carrier, USS Roosevelt attending the meeting as well - wonderful.

http://www.ugle.org.uk/

Such is the universal fraternity of the brotherhood, and it is priceless!

dib dib dib!

Hi Guys

it would seem that with all of these celebrities popping off with you know what, it seems I need to redouble my efforts to attain the media spotlight .



So to this end I decided to purchase a web cam.

The day began early for Maria and I as we went to Stokes bay to go goofing at the USS Franklin D Roosevelt. What a beauty- God bless America and the free world - wow!



It took me back to my time in the Royal Navy in "A" Boiler room, aboard HMS Ark Royal (yes the old one!) where I first came in contact with asbestos. Happy days!

http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/asbindex.htm


We then hightailed it to Novatech, to effect a web cam purchase.

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/

Here excitement over took me and I purchased my web cam only to find when i got it home that it wouldn't work. Closer inspection revealed that it was XP compatible and not Vista (why didn't I check?). All was not lost however, as it suited Maria's Laptop, who graciously accepted it as a present.

So for myself, it was back to Novatech where, after advice coupled with suppressed chuckles from the sales assistant, I managed to purchase the right one - a Microsoft Lifecam VX 3000.

It says on the box that it is simple to use and is tailored with MSN and blogging in mind (and hopefully computer dinosaurs like me). It has flashed up quite nicely with no problems, and once I get the hang of it. I shall talk with guys on MSN and hopefully include a short video or two of me, on here.

I bet the Bolly and Hollywood Moghuls and Moguls are quaking in their boots eh? Ah well perhaps not.

Catch you later bloggers as I'm desperately trying to master my new toy.


and Action

High Stakes

Hi Bloggers

A steak (from Old Norse steik, "roast") is a slice of meat, typically beef. Most steaks are cut perpendicular to the muscle fibres, improving the perceived tenderness of the meat.

In North America, steaks are typically served grilled, though they are also often pan-fried.

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2403731739437614436

A quick look at the link showing some of their steaks involved, I think might be in order. There are, to name but a few:

Chateaubriand, Chuck, , Fillet, Rib, Rump, Sirloin, and T Bone and Porterhouse

http://www.donaldrussell.com/c/PrimaryCategory_Steaks.htm

There are more of these which essentially are variations on a theme however they all come from differing parts of the animal and as such require differing methods of cooking obviously.


As I said on previous posts my personal favourite is a rib eye steak as I find them the most tender and juicy of all.

They are easily cooked either grilled or flash fried. I like them rare but at the moment must have them well done as to avoid any risk of infection.

That's a small price to pay though, as I cant wait for my next one!

Flash up the stove Mother!

Steve

Sleepy Weekend

Hi Bloggers

I'm back and normal service hopefully will be resumed.

I've spent the best part of the weekend sleeping, part of which was possibly a response to over doing it last week.

My breathing is reasonable but the rest of me feels so tired. As I've said in earlier posts, climbing the stairs means an hour's lie down. My shin bones are "fizzing away" as normal and the various commando raids of "Hot Flushes"around my body.


My bloods this week showed the following: Platelets OK, White Cells OK, Haemoglobin's low - Hence the tiredness (though not low enough for a transfusion). isn't that weird eh?

You would think that they would all be attacked equally wouldn't you?

I asked the question and was told it's like that sometimes, so there you are!

However I can assist in the restoration process by eating red meat.

Hooray steaks-r-us, here we come! Make mine a Rib - Eye!

Toodle Pip

tired out

Hi Bloggers

All as expected, not far wrong and sleep needed by all. I feel so weak and tired I'm afraid.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Chemotherapy/Pages/Sideeffects.aspx?url=Pages/what-is-it.aspx

I'm getting back to the small cycle of kip, pee, drink/eat, kip.

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Sideeffects/General

I'm off for a kip, but the rest will follow. Please check out the links above!

Catch you later special lovers.
Steve

It begins again

Hi Guys

I woke up this morning feeling quite good. The swelling on my ankles has diminished quite noticablyand I feel stronger than of late. When you think about it this is the best that I should and could feel as its the longest since any Chemo, for the cycle begins again today.

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Home

My breakfast consisted of two bacon rolls, various pills and potions and some grapes. the Sun is shining and Maria is out walking Daisy the dog. Life is good!

My day today will consist of a chest x-ray prior to my appointment with my consultant in the morning; while this afternoon will be taken up by Chemo - Gemcitabine and Carboplatin again followed by a trip home and sleep.

http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=177


I'll log on again tonight Bloggers to see if my predictions ring true!

TTFN

Renewing the cycle

Hi Bloggers

Sorry about the delay as I said earlier I've just been pooped. I have felt a little more alive yesterday and today and so will regale you of my news.

Wednesday morning saw me feeling reasonable so with Maria as chauffeur it was down to Haslar for a blood test.

Our turnaround time for this was the best yet having waited only 40 minutes.

On our return we were told by Maria's daughter Amanda that she was on her way from Hythe to visit, this was welcomed by all, for she is good for her mother's soul. Nice one!

Wayne and Charmaine turned up at 1230 to take me to lunch. We went to the Seahorse at Gomer and very nice it was too.

We then arrived at the Halifax for our 1430 appointment to change signatories as trustees for the grandchildren's accounts.

Crikey what a palaver (it doesn't work like that, or computer says "no" sprang to mind regularly throughout.)

However all was sorted after an hour and the job's now right!

On the way home Charmaine informed me that my grandson Chris's bike was knackered.

This had an impact on her day as she had to collect and deliver him to school.

'Nuff said! Maria and I picked him up early evening and hightailed it to Halfords where the situation was rectified.

He becomes the proud new owner of a BMX on Saturday Lunchtime (hooray!)

Home via The Manor Fish Bar in Grange Lane ( Nice food!)

Although the day had been busy, i hadn't walked so much.

I could not have achieved this on Monday that's for sure, and it seems quite fitting that the day should end with a focus on a cycle as my own treatment cycle renews and begins again tomorrow, with a visit to the consultant followed by a large bout of chemo again.

Early to bed bloggers