So as some of you might guess from the post title, I have started my second course of brain radiotherapy (the first course being back in May).
It’s much the same deal as last time, five treatments spaced over five consecutive days – number two was today, so I finish Friday.
This was all requested by the team at St. George’s in Tooting, but the treatment is carried out in Canterbury to save us travelling to London each day. We owe a massive thank you to the team at Canterbury for organising the treatment at such short notice.
So far the radiotherapy has had no ill effects. In fact I had probably the best nights sleep last night that I’ve had in months. I don’t know if it’s related, but long may it continue! Tiredness is listed as a side effect I think (I’m not very thorough at checking side effects these days, I just sign consent forms like they’re going out of fashion!).
Other than that I don’t have much exciting news. Legs are getting even weaker, and stairs present a major obstacle. We have been referred to an Occupational Therapist who can hopefully help with that and a few other problems. Also once the radiotherapy kicks in I should be able to reduce my steroids, which should lessen the muscle wastage in the legs.
I’m also going to get a stick. It’s not unknown for me to get stuck in low chairs nowadays, without the strength in my legs to get up. Also with my pathetic legs my walking isn’t that stable. So I figure a stick might be helpful. I’m going to get a cool mountaineering stick though – not an old man wooden stick with a duck’s head on the top.
It will also be useful for prodding things, for example distinguishing between rocks and hedgehogs – an awkward situation I often come across.
Yep, that’s about it for news. Except for flu jab on Saturday and clinic and chemo next week, so all in all it’s a very busy time.
Will hopefully write again at the weekend.
Me & My Unwelcome Visitors: A blog about living with melanoma 
Wishing you the best over this busy time! Thanks for keeping us informed. Your strength as always shines. We are sending positive wishes your way!
Glad the treatment is going well, hope it continues to do so. I think you have the panache to pull off a duck head stick! Considered teaming it with a bowler hat? Big hug xxxx
Hi Ben, great to have just opened your blog and found your message. It’s obviously a very busy time for you, treatment-wise! So good that you can receive your radiotherapy in Canterbury. Love to you, Sal and Saskia –
Ange and John x x x
Hi Ben, so glad you’ve started this treatment again and that you don’t have to travel to London! Hope you carry on getting some sleep – you have a lot to catch up on!! Really looking forward to seeing you all soon, Lots of love xxxx
Hi Ben, just catching up and good to hear that the treatment has gone ahead, guess by now you are on the chemo too.
A cool mountaineering stick sounds perfect – you can teach Sas how to run it against railings and make sure that all the notes sound the same…..never could master that. Looking forward to my own stick so can have another go. We can have a competition!! Big Hug xxx
Hang in there Ben and Sally, we’re all behind you! Wishing you both and Saskia a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hope to see you soon, Matt & Shelley Edge. đŸ˜‰
Ben, we never had that competition but every time I walk past railings I try and beat you – though have a notion you are beating time with some ‘crazy’ music and not concentrating!!!