Having undergone another blood test at the Ambulatory Care Unit or
the Walking Wounded ! They telephoned to say that the test showed An improvement in the Platelets count; the daily injections seem to be working.
However, received phone call this morning from Heartlands Hospital, part of the same Trust as Good Hope.
From the Physiology Dept, informing me that they had a request from my Urologist, to run a Fitness test on me – needed for what would be a lengthy anaesthetic prior to surgery in June – they had a free slot this PM.
Too good to be true, so knowing it was going to be exercise, I put on my Wolves’ Kit, only joking!
Got there and was received very punctually at 1pm.
However, when I informed the physiologist that a week ago I had been diagnosed with a PE in my right lung,he said he needed to consult with his Registrar, as this was problematic.
After ascertaining that I had been on injections for blood thinning over the last week, he informed me that it was too risky to proceed!
There had been no communication between the two hospitals on this.
He was very apologetic, but he was doing the right thing.
Meanwhile, I await a call for my ” fitness” test in the near future.
Not much to report from the Pelegrinos, apart from the unlikely phenomena of some rainfall.
I had a positive report from the hospital, after today’s blood test, that the Platelets were on the up; so just keep self- injecting …..left side tomorrow!
Caceres is one of those Spanish ” Secrets ” – we were there not many years ago- wonderful Square , where the Tapas still came free with a glass of wine .
Wednesday 21st May
E-mail from Derm:-
Attached photo Roger enjoying free tapas with vino blanco.
I asked the waiter if he knew you and he said, “Si señor! I remembre Señor Twort very well. He eat MANY tapas here!”
Thanks for your help in making this trip possible John.
Hasta luego,
Derm
And on Facebook, Dermot wrote:-
“Another town; another girlfriend” . Two photos –
They have to take the train from Caceres to Madrid’s Atocha Station, then Metro to the Airport – Quite a tiring journey in prospect.
Hope it goes smoothly.
I am sure that in retrospect, both will empathise with the poster, below.
Ps from Roger:-
In Spain the rain mainly falls upon the plain!
Hola John!
We landed safely at Stansted.
Long queue through Border (No) Control.
Alison met us
I’m on my way to see Joe and Larissa in Epping
Will be in touch
Just wanted to say thanks for everything
Derm
( So pleased that everything worked out as well as it did- blisters apart – time now to reflect upon the Caminho and , of course, regale everyone with the stories… )
Further E-mail from Dermot, this time from Epping.
Caceres Police !
“The one on the right is a possible psychopath.
The one on the left is violent and extremely dangerous.
Both individuals have been overheard shouting “One way! One way!” in Spanish at unsuspecting coach drivers.
[De ida! De ida!]”
Featuring Danny & The Champions of the World @ Cropredy.
Sunday 18 th May
When you see the photos, you will know why I felt inspired to choose Simon & Garfunkel’s Song,” Bookends”
Hope you don’t find it ” stultifying” !!
E-Mail, from Dermot:-
Roger and I read your update re GH and blood thinners. Hope the treatment is effective very soon.
At the moment we are both reading our respective Kindle apps in our Hotel in Merida.
Merida is an interesting place, full of Roman artefacts and museums.
But sadly not many supermercados.
Nevertheless, as scout, I managed to find a small one for essential supplies of cheese, fruit, bread and wine.
I was told that it will be closed manana but that there is another one which will be open.
Opposite the museum. Naturally. Where else?
Roger’s foot blisters are still in recovery.
We watched much of Barcelona v Atletico Madrid match.
Roger enjoys the description of soccer that I once heard:
“the stultifying opiate of the unthinking classes”
This, of course, does not apply to the Twort household! [Roger told me to say that!]
Attached photos of bookends
Cheers
Derm
Us Opiate viewers enjoyed the Cup Final, but not the result!
PS from Derm! After I told him about my self-administered injections –
You should “shoot up” in Birmingham city centre. Your street cred would go up by leaps and bounds. Tell them you got the habit from Will Self.
Monday , 19th May
Some photos from Dermot on Facebook:-
Derm would never forgive me if I forgot to include the the ubiquitous
St. Eulalia of Merida.
Again, from Facebook, brother-in-law,Roger in stride,before the blisters got too much!
Tuesday, 20 th May
The end of the road?
Jackson Browne ,singing “All Good Things Got To Come To An End….”
Went for scheduled , post chemo scan on Thursday evening, 15 th May at 5pm.
Having arrived home and about to eat dinner, at 7.30 pm, phone call from Dr at Good a Hope Hospital, to say the radiologist had picked up an Embolism in the top of the right lung, quite small, but could I come back to,the hospital.
( nervous of ” quite small”; that was the initial, but wrong diagnosis of the Tumours in the Bladder! )
Saw A Jnr Dr, and after a blood test and a lot of hanging about was given an injection to the gut of the equivalent of Rat Poison – warfarin? – to thin the blood. Am anaemic, apparently, side effect of Chemo?
Returned, today at 09.00, for further blood test.
Long, boring, frustrating day in the Ambulatory Care a Unit, or ” Walking Wounded” unit.
Had to,wait for results of the blood test.
Saw a couple of Drs , plus consultant.
Eventually, 7 hours later, given Demo, how to inject myself, everyday for next month, with the a Thinning fluid, alternate sided of gut.
Painless, a little sting like feeling afterwards.
Delay due to….. Contacting other professionals etc, because my platelets were low.
So, we cancelled the trip,to North Yorks.
Hope to have a couple of days in the Cotwolds, instead ; that’s if I don ‘t get another phone call!
Back at G H on Tuesday, for blood test- have been promised I can go home straight afterwards – they will ring home if needed.
Having booked both a Music Festival at the end of the month, followed by A break in Spain from June 3rd, I now realise that with is illness, book nothing!
Take each day as it comes.
PS no blame attached to the Hospital; I appreciate the constraints they are under.
“Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, — a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.”
Today’s Caminho Song ” Walking on Sunshine”, Katrina & The Waves….
E-Mail from Dermot Thursday, 15 th May.En Route to Villafranca…
After a long walk to town outskirts I met this dear old lady. I asked her for directions.
She showed me – but only after handing me one then another of her shopping bags to carry. Oh Lord my load is great enough already!
( Could only happen to you, Derm! )
Song from 1970, “HEAVY LOAD” by FREE – give it a minute to get thru’ Intro!
E-Mail from Roger
A hard 14.99 miles this morning which I completed in four and a half hours. I didn’t stop once (apart for a nature call). I am not sure whether it was the support of St Jimmy or Dermot’s votive offerings at last night’s mass that got me through. Smethwick John opines that pain is just weakness coming out! (twat). I put down this morning’s achievement to Roy Orbison. I had “Walk On” on repeat and I found that I could march and shout and knock out a steady three and a half mile an hour rhythm. And that isn’t even soul!
Now for some calories and cervesa.
LY
Rog
That could be Pretty scary spectacle, Rog! Well done to you..
Despite Dr D’s efforts the blisters are now quite sore, so I think the odd couple will take a somewhat quicker route to the next stop.
E-Mail from Dermot:-
Hola!
Roger left Zafra c 7am arrived here c 11.30am
We met in a bar (surprised?)
Last few hundred yards into Centro Ciudad with my new girlfriend.
Age approx 87.
But fit!
Roger & I now off for something to eat.
Cheers
Derm
Derm, outside Nostra Señora de Valle Church.
Friday, 16th May
Arrival in Merida
Facebook photos:-
Aptly named Bar; The Four Ways – Hope they took the right one.
Bridge over which you traverse into the city.
Here, Roger is getting his euros before the £1.00 falls!
They have a rest day , here in Merida, if they stick to the schedule.
Received the following from the two Pilgrims, commencing 7 th May.
1. Hola John
Excellent flight to Seville and we have just checked in to our hotel.
We shall begin exploring shortly.
Regards
Roger
Sent from my IPad
2. From Dermot in Seville, where hesitated that he was unaware of the amorous activity taking place behind him!
3.First stage completed -By E- Mail, from Roger
On Facebook, Dermot described the walk as A Calavary, which is a highly appropriate description,hot sun and a dusty trail.
I hope he fares better, tomorrow.
Here is Derm undergoing running repairs on the morning of his first Camino.
Now nicely beered-up in the Hostel Frances after 15.75 miles (by my satnav) of the first stage. It is hot and sunny and very Catholic which is suiting Dermot, but making me feel nervous and expecting the ghost of Father Harrison to appear from behind every olive tree urging me to confess my sins!
More beer Father!
I am sure Dermot will get his own back!
Caminho Songs:- “One More Cup of Coffee” – Roger McGuinn & Calexico
” To Be A Pilgrim” – Maddy Prior
Next Day, “E” from Dermot:- Hola!
Another interesting day. Left Guillena approx 8am. Roger in great stride. My legs and hips complaining. Very slow progress for me. Didn’t want to hold Roger back so on outskirts of Guillena I decided to follow main road into Burguillos and thence to Catilloblanco. I didn’t want to become incapacitated on the track to Castilloblanco. When we met at about noon at the hotel Roger said I’d made a wise decision as it was a particularly challenging stretch for him let alone me. I was a bit exhausted from heat. My legs were beginning to get a bit painful. Roger strained a ligament (?) behind his knee on today’s camino. I’m looking at some options for tomorrow to Almaden de la Plata. It’s 29km ….
I think packing 12kg has made my progress more challenging. Next time (if I manage this!) I’ll pack lighter.
Hope all is well in Brum. My best to Barbara and Hannah.
Thanks again for encouraging me and planning so much of my Camino.
Today’s Caminho Song :-
Ron SEXSMITH ‘s “Gold In Them Hills”
“Give a The Day A Chance To Start…..”
“If you walk down the street and smile at someone,that will get passed on to someone else, and that has the power to change someone’s day”.
Juliana Marguiles
More News is Good News :-
Thanks John!
Glad to hear the news from Camino is being given a positive spin in the social media.
Am now googling Jarod Kintz to find out more about his book. Sounds good.
Parted company with Roger again earlier today. I’ve just arrived in Almaden de la Plata.
Hotel is quaint and very comfortable.
Almaden de la Plata is a very small village. But very charming.
Looks as it must have looked 50 or more years ago.
Mas noticias mas tarde.
Derm
Update 13.18pm local 12.18 Brum
Roger arrived safely about one hour ago – almost as quick as I was !
We met on a bar for una cerveza and are now relaxing before a stroll round town and a meal.
Photo attached of Roger in fine fettle along his route earlier today.
I secretly think he’s catching a taxi each time we separate then pretending he’s walked the route! (I’m just jealous of his stamina)
Derm
Almaden de la Plata
On Facebook, Dermot describes it as a” sleepy, picturesque, little town”.
Barbara, my wife and Roger’s sister, is also taking a keen interest in the
Pilgrims’ Progress…..in reply to her text, asking how Roger was enjoying the
Caminho, so far , eg The sun, the food etc, Roger sent a text stating:-
“Wonderful, thanks apart from sore tendons in my right knee.Better walking than still. Had a tomato & garlic salad for lunch with half a dozen raw cloves!
My factor of 30 isn’t letting much of the 35 degree sun through!
R xx ”
Sunday 11 th May
Today’ s Caminho Song:-
Peter Frampton “Show Me The Way”
( Especially in the dark before they
Dawn! )
Facebook message from Dermot:-
At Real de la Jara ” – ” Lovely little town nestled in a valley. Now concerned about having to climb to leave it tomorrow. Worrie. Worries”.
From Roger on E – Mail :-
Hola John
Safely arrived at the Alburgue about 10.15 this morning to find Derm had scored us a prime spot. Had a start in the dark but was disappointed that my Poundland torch failed to locate the yellow fletchas. Fortunately a couple of young French lads with powerful luminaries came to the rescue.
Wonderful early morning walk through the natural park with steep inclines made tolerable with the Iberian pigs in the woods and the uplifting early morning birdsong.
On arrival at the hostel, I met again my friend, the Berlin Birder, who had snapped a wonderful shot of a Golden Oriel. Sadly, this creature isn’t listed in my British Birds app!
Derm has made friends with a Smethwick gent of his generation who is performing the role of Derm’s freelance pharmacist: (“It’s medication time boys”)
This guy (also a John) is recovering from your present affliction and is using his Camino as a convalescent.
Derm’s prowess with his Portuguese/Spanish is proving a big hit with the locals and he has just scored us a delightful lettuce and fruit salad with a litre of vino blanca plus coffee for €12.
So, now it’s siesta time.
Buenas tardas.
Rog
What follows are two views- one of lunch and one from the Albergue.
Monday 12th May
Early morning snap of the two walkers, about 6.30 am.
Two x E-Mail from Dermot:- “Hola John!
Thanks for organising such great accommodation.
Everywhere that Roger and I have stayed has provided a first class night’s sleep.
A wonderful experience all round. My leg cramps have dissipated. Feet are not blistered (have been following advice re plenty of vaseline on soles & toes.
If only I’d been more careful about weight.
Tomorrow is Monesterio.
Roger walked whole of this morning’s section. To be honest after the Seville – Guillena experience I’m apprehensive about having problems off the beaten track.
I’m hopeful I’ll get better with time.
Cheers,
Arrived Hotel Leo in Monesterio about 11am local (10am Brum) .
Phoned Roger, he about 4 Km from here.
I’ll send photos this evening.
Hasta luego
Derm
Two Cornish Tourists Derm got friendly with -Cornish Tartan, apparently!
”
Just look at those Hams – The ones hanging up,I mean!
Some photos Roger took on today’s stretch.
Today’ s Caminho Song ” I Like to Rise When The Sun She Rises”
Tuesday 13 th May
( on a personal note, booked flight to Gibraltar, 3rd June – 12 th June; have to get some of that sunshine that Dermot & Roger are enjoying! )
Today ‘ song has to be “Maybe I’m A Winner” by the greatly undervalued, but much loved GRAND DRIVE.
E-Mails and photos from today’s Caminho.
May have to view Video on Facebook!
Glad to see that they are very much in the “Ensuitepilgrim” tradition!
Hola John!
Arrived safely in Fuerte de Cantos.
My feet and legs are OK but unfortunately my hips are now giving me jip.
Roger arrived here fresh and cheerful after 4.5 hours walking.
He looked like he could jog back to Monesterio if he so wished.
He had a brisk swim to cool off and we’re now going to get something to eat.
And drink!
This apartment is remarkable. Two bedrooms including a “matrimonial” bedroom, fully fitted kitchen, lounge. The furnishings have echoes of the court of Louis XIV. Photographs will not do it justice so I’ve taken video which I’ll show later.
More later. Mas noticias mas tarde.
Derm
Wednesday,14 th May. UEFA CUP FINAL DAY
Between Seville and Benfica – two of my favourite cities, but given the context, I have to go for the underdogs, Seville!
So, today’s Caminho tune should get those legs moving…. http://youtu.be/VAny1bIApcA
“Seville” by Luis Bonfa, 1967; shades of the Ventures’ “Walk Don’t Run”.
( Hope not, Derm! )
MZafra is larger than I anticipated.
Many plazas / squares conjoined by small side streets.
Beautiful architecture – none of which has been demolished by “city planners” unlike the vandals that got to work on Brum and other UK cities post WW2.
Anyway, here are some photos of Zafra:-
Just in from Roger -A classic in the making!
Doctor Derm can’t speak just now, he’s in surgery, please try later.
Yes, ambiguity; my final Chemo session and the first day of the Caminho for Dermot & Roger, in whose journey I am inextricably linked, as they arrive in Seville, to begin the walk along the Via de la Plata.
A day of mixed emotions, too:-
“We are all just walking each other home -” Ram Dass
Predicted temperatures in Seville are quite high- 30* – hope they both stay cool and hydrated – and that their rucksacks do not become unbearable – I hope to relay their experiences via this Blog, over the next fortnight.
As for today’s routine? Hooked up at 08.45, Rinse, Hydration, Pre-Med of anti-sickness and steroids.Egg Mayonnaise sandwich! Then some Chemo.
Time, exactly Noon.
Have just started reading PATIENT:THE TRUE STORY OF A RARE ILLNESS by Ben Watt, the under – recognised composer and singer husband of Tracey Thorn, known for many years as the duo,”Everything But The Girl”.
Gripping account of his experiences in the early 90s , after becoming seriously ill, in hospital, in London.
Impressive recount of symptoms, suffering and near desperation – no one could come up with a diagnosis – told without any qualms and complete objectivity.
At least I know what’s wrong with me !
Over the last couple of weeks, I have felt more tired and lacking in energy.
Also, more irritable, though apart from the odd half silent curse, I try to keep even-tempered.
This was to be expected,although until you actually experience this lack of physical energy, as an “active” person, normally, it is still quite debilitating and takes a toll .
This is not meant as a moan as such, just trying to come to terms with what I hope will be a temporary Modus Operandii.
An example, working still the allotment, yesterday,I passed 2 1/2 hours, on my knees, contentedly weeding! But I confess to putting off digging trenches for potatoes that should be in the ground, around now.
Gardening….where optimism has to overcome reality!
An aphorism for Life?
In the immediate future, I have a CT Scan in a week or so, an appointment
with the Consultant on 2nd June.
For distraction, there is the possibility of a jaunt in the Motor Home, to North Yorkshire, next week.
Followed by a week of a Birthdays:- Tom, Vickee and Grandson, Jude, to celebrate!
Then the Acoustic Music Festival in Uttoxeter – A three day Bash with Dermot, in the Motorhome…Oh Yes , still ” Ensuite” in all matters!
Then, depending on the Consultancy, we hope to take up the offer of our friends’ apartment, in Sabinillas, nr Gibraltar, early June.
Any surgery should take place in the third week of June,which is anticipated to need a fortnight ,here in Good Hope Hospital.
So, a Cocktail of The countryside, Live music, Birthdays , Sea and Spanish sunshine is a consoling prospect and I am so fortunate to have family and friends to make this possible. And such a contrast to the Toxic elements that have been circulating my system, over the past two months.
Not forgetting the tremendous care from which I have benefitted, here in the Sheldon Unit, Good Hope Hospital.
“Our destiny is to run to the edge of the world and beyond, off into the darkness; sure for all our blindness, secure for all our helplessness, strong for all our weakness”
(St Thomas)
PS 4pm E from Roger:-
Hola John
Excellent flight to Seville and we have just checked in to our hotel.
We shall begin exploring shortly.
Regards
Last week, during a break in Llangollen, Wales, I experienced the “Tiredness” that is a predicted side-effect of Chemotherapy. During a less than arduous 5 Mile walk along the Llangollen Canal, towards the Aqueduct. http://www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk/en-gb/
Mainly in my legs , which are normally my strong point!
We walked across and back in pouring rain, still a breathtaking experience.
We caught the local bus back, none the worse for the only rain we had during the break.
As a result, I have changed my daily routine to jobs, etc; in the morning and taking it easy in the afternoons, usually with the IPL on ITV 4 , in the background. As much as I love Cricket, I have the remote handy and the mute button well used to nullify the frequent adverts , inane cheerleaders who make Pan’s People look like the Royal Ballet, the ” Universal Moronism” captured by cameras panning over the crowds and finally….the commentary and studio team…..Indian Eye-Candy and boorish antipodeans…thank goodness Sky have got it from next year!
Why watching then? Well, International Cricketers from different nations playing in the same teams, whose names are as ludicrous as their kits”
Come on “Calcutta Chapatti Munchers!”
As for treatment number 5 – as painless as always.Hooked up by 08.30 and out by 14.00.
Tip from senior nurse re. The 3 x a day Steroid tablets- take them in one go after breakfast – will do.
Mac came by for a couple of hours, always a welcome visitor and having watched the acorn Bros Classic”Fargo”, the Hannah downloaded for me, the time flew by.( Wanted to see the film that is the basis for the TV series that I have just started watching on Sunday evenings )
Now that the Kitchen refit is completed , except for painting – numerous paint samples dotted all around – to be done next week, there are less visits to the Tip!
Being early summer – ” Hal-En-Tow…to welcome in the Summer to welcome in the May-O” – Sees YouTube for great versions of the Folk Classic by by The Oysterband and also, The Watersons – loads to plant up and out in the greenhouse and the allotment.
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