Saturday, April 18, 2009

State of play...

I thought it was time I put occasional updates on my current state of health on here. For those who don't know, I have a brain tumour, which is no picnic.

I am no better than when I had half of it removed last September. The recent scan clearly showed that, despite lots of chemotherapy and radiotherapy since, things are deteriorating. But without said treatment, I would be probably dead already!

Yesterday, I was told the ongoing chemotherapy was "not working". So will be moving on the different (older) one. Disappointing, but life must go on.

In my case, the tumour is on the left hand side, which affects mathematical ability, literacy, and speech - I really search for some words. Sometimes, after a seizure (fit, they used to call them), I cannot read, write or speak for a couple of days. And my right hand is almost paralysed.

This sounds bad, but fortunately I am left handed. And if the other side of brain was affected, apparently, my personality would be affected, as might memory. I don't think it is, thank goodness!

Now, talking of personality - where is my beer?

21 comments:

Nick said...

Sorry to hear that the news is not good, but as you say, at least it seems to be leaving your personality and memory intact. It's a shame about the mathematical and verbal ability - especially for a maths teacher setting out to write a blog. Are you going to tell us what Milvus Milvus means?

SBS said...

Thanks Nick

You've proved the blog works! Made my day.

Nick said...

Glad to be of service

Anonymous said...

Stick with it Sam, you will go on

Anonymous said...

Actually i am not Anoymous, I am Chris from Finland

Anonymous said...

Sam,

Your the man! Parital to a couple of beers? You got keiran and myself constantly drunk....we will return the favour and take you out!

Thinking of you and I know if anyone is bloodyminded enough to beat this, it is you!

Love

Mike

Anonymous said...

Are you online Sam, I just came back from playing snooker, a stupid thing I do these days. I lost anyway.
Chris

Chris Cowley said...

well anyway, too many beers Sam, at 60 almost 61 I go to bed gracefully.
Hope your ok Sam

IJ said...

SBS, we met at a Politicalbetting get together a couple of years back. Sorry to hear that the news is not good. Hope you can pull through.

And keep posting on PBC. We need some sane posters like you!

Al Bolton said...

Best wishes to you from the Boltons. Fancy a ride on my Triumph Bonneville m/bike one day?

Diggers said...

First time I'm reading your Blog - *almost* makes me want to set one up for myself.

Glad to see that you still get to enjoy your beer. I was "gifted" a case of Abbott Ale the other week, which is a real treat. Tried to save some but drinked it all up.

JCRP said...

Not much to add; only to take note and keep you in mind. Beer may not help, but at least it stays true to its principles - unlike the Lib Dems!

Phil said...

Found your blog - sorry the scan wasn't what you hoped for. Trust the Mrs got you your beer.

Simon said...

What a good idea - & good to hear from you, Sam, and to hear your thoughts.
(Hello Nick, Hello Phil also?)

Rob said...

Yes, this is a good idea. Please do tell what Milvus Milvus means.

Andrew said...

Interesting to read your thoughts.
We are thinking about you and family.

Google reveals that Milvus Milvus is the Latin name of the Red Kite.

Chris Cowley said...

I remember going to Wales in the 1970's I remember seeing lots of kites then. Quite magnicifent birds. We were shooting rabbits, I remember one of our group said that the local farmers often shoot the kites, they said they take the lambs. I don't know if they were protected then or not.

Julie said...

Keep this up Sam, I like it. I'm always glad to hear from you and will pass your news to Arlen, Kathy and my mom. Kudos to Andrew, the guy who looked up the definition!

Rob said...

Oh yes, google revealed the red kites to me too... google does just fine in place if a classical education.

Unknown said...

As I always say, I believe in beer and beer can do miracles in curing! I believe that love for beer and life helps one overcome even the unthinkable.
I am actually taking a week!!! of beer... way tooooo much in the last month...or year?:)
Look forward to reading new post updates!
Love
Martina

David Rundle said...

Thanks, Sam, for e-mailing round to introduce this site to us. It's good to see it and hear what's happening, even though it's presently grim for you. You're often in my mind and if friends' thoughts can help will you on to good health, there's a lot in your favour! In the meantime, stick to the beer -- but what about tea?! Oh, and it's good that you're teaching people the Latin for Red Kite...