Round 9

5 hours at the hospital today, now back home. Time I did a brief update - Elaine is mowing the lawn - another of my roles that she has had to inherit. Since last writing, have spent one week-end in a caravan on the Gower, and a week-end in Worthing with Stephen. Strange to be on the Gower but only manage 300 yards of walking in four days - most of the time I spent horizontal, but with wonderful views over Oxwich Bay. Elaine did a two hour headland walk one day, but otherwise we just enjoyed the rest, and change of four walls. (Not forgetting the snooker)

Good to spend a couple of days with Steve in Worthing, and meet the NFI church of which he is part. My tiredness still a limiting factor even at the end of week two of the cycle, but I did do some of the driving - I'm not a good passenger although it has become increasingly my role!!

Between the two week-ends, made trip to Bristol Dental Hospital for removal of dead tooth - although it clung on like it was designed to stay there for life! Still downing the paracetemol, and occasionally harder stuff, to deaden the ongoing ache of bones healing - but thankfully no infections despite decision to forego the standard prescription of antibiotics in the interest of bowel security.

Have obtained Doctor's note to release me from work commitments for the next two months until chemo is finished - and today we've booked a week in Austria for early August (good old Tesco points!) - a fly and coach deal that will give us daily trips to scenic heights - no walking envisaged! - just relaxation in beautiful scenery - we drove though the area last year in the minibus. So that catches you up - no deep thoughts this time, just deep thanks.