My Health Diary

During my diving adventures to Egypt and French Polynesia (both in 2018), there were occasions, at some meal times, when I didn't want to eat. I put it down to the heat. However, all became clearer towards the end of January 2019.

Week of 27-Jan-2019

Tuesday: On this day, I left work early that afternoon to see my local doctor, as I was suffering from an excruciating pain in my stomach! The doctor I saw thought it was trapped wind and suggested I drink plenty of water!

Wednesday: I cannot recollect anything about this day! Even to this day of writing this diary (27-Jul-2019), I do not know what I did; it is a TOTAL blank! As far as my memory goes, that day just did not exist! Very strange how the mind and body works!

Thursday: At 00h30, I was woken by severe pains (at about every five minutes) on the right side of my lower abdomen. I though it might have been my appendix. After suffering for about an hour, I dialled the medical service (111), and was asked a series of questions by the on-duty receptionist/nurse. Based on my situation, she said that she would get a doctor to call me.

About an hour later (~02h30), a doctor phoned, and asked me a similar set of questions. He then said that he will arrange an ambulance to visit me. I don't know why, but I got out of bed, took a shower, got dressed, and waited for the ambulance; which arrived at about 03h30.

I did a strange(?) thing during those early hours, while waiting for the ambulance to arrived. I sent an e-mail message to my then work manager, stating that "I shall not be in the office to-day, as I might be taken to hospital. I shall provide an update later".

Inside the ambulance I was asked more questions, and had my temperarture and blood pressure taken. The ambulance crew suggested taking me to Reading Hopsital (from where they had just come from), saying that there was no waiting time. However, I asked if I could be taken to the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, as it was closer and eaier to get to (by car and bus).

Once at the hospital, I was 'checked in' and prepared for a scan of my abdomen. The scan ultimately revealed a 'lump' and at that point, I was admitted to one of the hospital wards!

Friday: Late afternoon, I was prepared and taken from the ward, to an operating theatre, where a tumour, the size of which was between a golf ball and a tennis ball, was removed, along with the large part of my upper (large) bowel! After the operation, I was moved to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a recovery period. My health must have improved quicker than planned, as the following day, I was transferred from the ICU to a normal day ward.

A Morphine drip was later attached to me, to ease the pain. I never want to be given that stuff again, as I started hallucinating; black and white squares and cubes, all at an approximate 45° angle. I also felt very dizzy! Believe me, I found it very scary! I requested the Morphine be disconnected. An alternative pain-killing solution was suggested, but after the experience I had with Morphine, I refused it, and any other similar drug; apart from Paracetamol! Believe it or not, the Paracetamol was sufficient!

February 2019

Sunday, 10-Feb-2019: I remained in hospital until this day, when the doctor said I could go home! That was a great (and emotional) moment; to get back to my own surroundings - and away from moaning and ungrateful patients!

On reflection, the treatment I received was wonderful and first class! Despite the amount of critism that the NHS gets, in my opinion, the staff are absolute angels (particularly the day-to-day nursing community)! They do not deserve the abuse that they get!

March 2019

When I was off my food during my time in French Polynesia, I didn't associate it with any serious health problem. However, I now think I can. At the end of January (four weeks after returning home), I was quickly admitted into hospital (for a period lasting 10 days), where I underwent emergency major surgery for the removal of a bowel cancer growth!

After a little more thought, I also believe that the times when I was off my food (when in Egypt), could have been associated to what I had, growing in my bowel!

April 2019

A chemotherapy course, planned to last twelve weeks, started on 10-Apr-2020, in the Basing Unit (oncology out-patient area, on F floor) of the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital. During the first session, I encountered a rather unusual side effect - if/when I touched cold items (for example, an item in the freezer), or liquids (for example, water from the cold tap), I got pins and needles (Fr: avoir des fourmis (having ants - so true a description!)) in the fingers of my left hand! A most bizarre experience! To help with this effect, I used a leather glove! [I was suffering from Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)].

May 2019

As time went on, the treatment took a hold! I found myself having to wear a glove on each hand for most cold objects; certainly for cold metalic items: door handles, water taps and cooking utensils! The following list shows the major side effects that I experienced:

Pins and needles in my hands and feet
Severe indigestion (I thought it was trapped wind in the chest)
General weakness and tiredness
Loss of appetite

The pins and needles effect became much more intense! So too did my lack of sense of taste; it was "shot to pieces"!

However, I visited the hopsital on Thursday, 27-Jun-2019 and much to my delight, was informed that I need not continue injecting myself twice per day (with (blood-thinning) Clexane). Instead, I was given a course of (Lixiana®/Edoxaban) tablets; one to be taken each day!

July 2019

On 03-Jul-2019 (after 13 weeks), I finished taking the chemotherapy tablets! At the end of my last visit to the Basing Unit, I Rang The Bell - a very emotional moment!

Wow! What a wonderful relief! It's now onward and upward, with only the need to take one Edoxaban tablet per day! Although the side effects were still evident, not needing to inject myself twice per day, and not taking the chemotherapy tablets, gave me a major psychological boost!

As the month progressed, I felt I could do more. However, in doing more, I became more tired! Also, the tips of my fingers were still very pink, and the pins and needles effect showed itself if I spent too long digging around in the freezer, handling frozen items!

At the hospital appointment on Thursday, 25-Jul-20129, I stated that I was working from home, but asked if it would be possible to work from the London office, initially for one or two days per week. The answer was a definite "No"; especially as part of my journey involved using the London Underground - full of bugs and diseases!

I was told that my red blood cell count was virtually back to normal, but my white blood cell count (for immunity) was low! Therefore, there was still a risk of infection. The doctor stated that it takes a minimum of six weeks after the chemotherapy stops, for the body to be back to normal! Six weeks would take me to Wednesday, 14-Aug-2019.

August 2019

My strength was not yet back to normal, but I was still winning! With the six weeks behind me since finishing the chemotherapy, I felt that I could (and would like to) resume working in the London office, initially for one or two days per week. I shall see how tired I get after travelling to/from London. >

I did resume going to the office, but only two days per week, as it turned out to be very tiring! I obviously wasn't ready for it!

After going into London on Friday, 23-Aug-2019 (a week or so outside the aforementioned minimum six-week period), I contracted a flu-like bug from somewhere; perhaps the London Underground (The Tube)! For the next three or so days, I was confined to bed, with a feverishly high temperature (above 38°C), no strength and no appetite! [What is the expression: Feed a cold, and starve a fever!]

September 2019

Because of the period of chemotherapy, my body defenses were naturally low; proven by my low white blood cell count! Thus, I suspect that due to my low immunity, the flu-like illness hit me, and hit me very hard! So hard in fact, I was unable to concentrate on my professional work for two full weeks! That had not happened to me since last century!

I was so poorly that I had to see a doctor on Friday, 06-Sep-2019. She gave me a thorough examination and prescribed a week of Penicillin. Following another blood test on Monday, 09-Sep-2019, she extended the Penicillin, on the following Wednesday, for a second week.

During the week of 09-Sep-2019, I was able to resume work, albeit in a reduced capacity. Even at the weekend of 21-Sep-2019, my body was still somewhat weak, but as the days passed, I felt that I was getting stronger, but very slowly!

My doctor called me on Thursday, 26-Sep-2019, to tell me that the result of the blood test I had four days earlier (Monday). "All is OK". I asked her about my red and white blood cells and she told me that their count was back to normal! That was a huge relief to me!

Friday, 27-Sep-2019 was the World's Biggest Coffee Morning (by MacMillan Cancer Support). I wanted to show my support and managed to go into the office (where £335 was raised). As the day progressed, the muscles in my legs started aching. By the time I got home, the muscles in the top of my legs, and in my hips, were painful! I put that down to a lack of exercise.

October 2019

During the first week of the month, I noticed a gradual improvement in my fitness. I went into the office on Thursday (03-Oct), but by the time I arrived home in the evening (21h10), I was feeling tired. But, my leg and hip muscles did not ache like they did a week earlier!

The reason for arriving home late was due to the start of what was planned to be a monthly after-work office social get-together in a local pub. I thought it would be good to attend. It turned out that it might be the first and last time for me, as I was informed that my contract would not be renewed after 31-Oct-2019.

Oh well, it will give me ample time to fully rest and recover, and to gather my thoughts for the future!

In the mean time, I felt that I was able to do a bit more, as the days passed; my strength was returning! I was still suffering from a rough voice, but that was improving too, as the days passed.

On 19-Oct-2019, I attended Basingstoke Hopsital for a colonoscopy (to obtain a view of the lining of the colon). A polyp was spotted and marked - with a tatoo! - for future identification! I was sedated throughout, so after gaining consciousness, the doctor told me that he decided to postpone its removal, as I was still taking blood-thinning tablets.

November 2019

I took my last blood-thinning tablet on 15-Nov-2019 - Yippee!

According to an office colleague (an ex-General Practioner), my blood should return to its normal consistency in 3 to 5 days.

On 21-Nov-2019, I received a phone call from my local General Practioner. Because of my sandpaper-type voice, she said that she was going to refer me for a CT Scan. [Of all the local GPs I have seen this year, she is one that has provided the best attention (can I say 'service'?), for which I am very grateful!]

December 2019

I received an appointment for a Computerised Tomography (CT) Scan a few days before Christmas, but I had to postpone it because I had a mini-break in Iceland. In the meantime, I developed a painful left upper arm, as well as a painful area in my right lower back.

January 2020

Unfortunately, I began the new year with my finger tips still reddened, as I was still suffering from CIPN. However, I felt the discomfort was slightly less.

The CT scan, requested by my local Doctor/General Practitioner on 21-Nov-2019, eventually took place on 13-Jan-2020; the conclusion being "No concerning features".

At the end of the month (on the first anniversary of the discovery of the bowel tumour), I underwent a second colonoscopy (at Basingstoke Hospital) for the removal of the polyp that was observed on 19-Oct-2019. This time, I chose not to be anaesthetised and so I was able to watch the operation on one of the monitors. I was absolutely amazed at the condition of that internal part of my body - the colon was so clean! The polyp was located (by the tatoo applied to it in October), and subsequently removed, without me feeling any pain. After a brief recovery period, lasting about 20 minutes, I was free to leave the hospital; having no ill effects.

February 2020

I was informed that Ocean Turtle Diving (OTD), my local diving 'shop', was having an evening diving session at a nearby swimming pool, on the same day as my next hospital appointment. As both venues were in the same area, and if I felt fit enough after visiting the hospital, perhaps I could combine both events, in order to possibly resume my interest in SCUBA diving.

On Thursday, 13-Feb-2020: I attended Basingstoke Hospital for another CT Scan, but this time, it was of my Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis, with Contrast. An hour before the actual scan, I was given a bottle containing 800mls of an orange-flavoured drink, containing a contrast medium - to help make the scan clearer. Having taken the drink, I was invited to change into a gown, asked a few question, and then taken into one of the scanner rooms. The final preparation involved inserting a cannula into a vein in my left arm, to which a drip was attached, containing an iodine dye. [This solution gave me a metalic taste in my mouth.] As far as I know, two scans were made; one of my lungs and one of my pelvic area. The whole CT scan process lasted about 2½ hours.

The time for diving arrived (18h45). I felt fine, eager and was looking forward to my first diving experience in fourteen months. I drove to the Lord Wandsworth College, Long Sutton (south of RAF Odiham), where OTD uses the college's swimming pool.

Despite having initial difficulties with buoyancy (I needed more weight), my diving session was a complete success; well, I think so! I used the session to control my buoyancy and to swim around without 'flapping' my arms wildly!

A little over one year and one month after the operation, and thinking I would be fit enough, I booked a Christmas Liveaboard holiday, diving in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. However, events (unknown to many people at the time) caused the travel company to cancel my hoilday four days after the final payment was made!

In connection with the operation last year, followed by my period of chemotherapy (which lowers the body's immune system), and because the Coronavirus (Covid-19) disease became a pandemic (that started in China), I was notified that I was one of the 'million plus' British inhabitants designated as clinically extremely vunerable. Therefore, I had to confine myself (self-isolate) to my home and garden for a period of twelve weeks. I expected, and hoped, this would end in June. Unfortunately, the self-isolation period was relaxed towards the end of July. It was possible that my diving holiday (five months hence) could be back on.

September 2020

Howver, a second lockdown period was declared in September, after a concerning increase in the number of cases that was reported. At least I was able to have my rear garden remodelled during August, but my diving holiday seemed to be beyond reach again, even though there was an easing of restrictions, meaning that the lockdown period may have ended at the beginning of December.

December 2020

However, a third lockdown period was announced, for some places, a week before Christmas! Unfortunately, many people ignored the guidance, and another peak in the number of cases occured. I think it was expected, considering the amount of family gatherings that happened over the shortened Christmas holiday. Needless to say, my diving holiday did not take place; it was cancelled by Blue O Two. I requested my booking be rolled over to next year.

January 2021

I was notified mid-January to attend Basingstoke hospital next month, to have a CT scan. However, I had to arrange a 'renal function' blood test beforehand, otherwise my CT scan appointment would be cancelled.

February 2021

The blood test took place on 03-Feb and the scan took place on 09-Feb. I should know the result towards the end of the month. In addition to that, and being classed as "clinically extremely vulnerable", I received a phone call from my local health centre, inviting me to have a Coronavirus vaccination. My appointment was made for the afternoon of Tuesday, 09-Feb-2021 at Newbury Racecource.

Upon my arrival, I entered the vaccination area, and after having my temperature taken, directed to a table, where I was vaccinated with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. After resting for 15 minutes, I returned to my car and drove home. All-in-all, the process was very efficient and quick.

I had no after effects until the following day or two, where my upper left arm felt slightly painful and tender. However, by the end of the weekend, all discomfort had disappeared.

April 2021

On 28-Apr-2021, I was given my second Oxford/AstraZeneca Coronavirus vaccination, again at Newbury Racecource.

August 2021

Feeling reasonably fit, and with warm weather, I spent a large part of this month preparing and painting the garage woodwork, cleaning the patio doors, and finally installing guttering to both the garage and above the patio doors; the first time since they were constructed in 2001!

September 2021

On 03-Sep-2021, I had an appointment at Basingstoke hospital, this time with Mr. A. K. Venkat (Venkatsubramaniam), the surgeon who performed the original operation. I explained that I still suffer from cold feet and the tips of my fingers are still reddened. Mr. Venkat said that in some instances, the effect can last a couple of years! It will be two years next February!

Mr. Venkat requested that I arrange a blood test next January, as he will arrange my next CT scan for some time in February.

October 2021

Apart from August, where has this summer gone? The weather hasn't been good, but I have looked after the new grass, cutting it on the dry and warm days that we did have.

May 2022

Following a hospital appointment on 12-May-2022 in Basingstoke, I returned to the hospital two weeks later for another blood test. My next appointment is planned for Nov-2022.

December 2024

During a hospital appointment (on the morning of 09-Dec-2024), the doctor told me that I am "officially in remission". I asked what are my chances of the cancer returning? He said that my chances are slightly higher than the rest of the population. He ended the appointment by saying "See you for your next checkup in 2028"!