Friday, July 25, 2008

Appointments next week

Sorry for the long silence. Life has been getting back to "normal" and very pleasant it has been - except for the bad news that Bill died. I have mentioned him on the blog before. He was diagnosed with kidney cancer three months after Quentin and we had really hoped they would both be lucky ones. For a while Bill and Quentin seemed to be having a very similar experience but then Bill's doctor (Prof Gore) found tumours in his brain and his back. Very sadly, the Sutent (sorafanib), several major operations and his brave fight were not enough to overcome this vicious disease. We think often of Alison and their son.

We are going back up to Manchester next Thursday for a scan, an appointment with the Prof and then an appointment with the surgeon the following day. Can it really be three months since the last scan? Oakley is looking forward to having an ice cream in the hospital shop, Quent is ambivalent and I am slightly nervous. The surgeon reckons the remaining spot is definitely growing whereas the Prof thinks that could just be a variance of measurement. I guess we'll find out next week.

Quent is doing very well, recovering from his last round of IL-2. He is now putting on weight and reckons he has a paunch and a double chin. Hardly, but he is looking less skinny.

I am still working quite hard (for me!) - consulting for an educational foundation - and really enjoying it. I am looking forward to the autumn, when Oakley will be in full time school and Quentin will hopefully be through his treatment.

Oakley is enjoying the summer. Latest funny story:

Man on street: Would you like this chocolate for your son?
Me: That's very kind, but we're fine thank you.
Man on street: I totally understand. It's just that it's melting.
Oakley: What did the man ask?
Me: He wanted to give you some chocolate, but we must never take anything from people we don't know.
Oakley (Quick as a flash): I think I've seen him before.

We'll let you know the outcome of the scan as soon as we have it. Meanwhile, have a great sunny weekend - but don't take any sweets from strangers.