ensuitepilgrim's Blog

Cancer is a journey, but you walk the road alone. There are many places to stop along the way and get nourishment – you just have to be willing to take it. ~Emily Hollenberg

Having been diagnosed with type F 2 invasive bladder cancer,I recently had to acknowledge that I should not be making my next Caminho, planned for May.
Initially, I decided to close the Blog until I might be able to take another walk towards S de C. However, a chance remark from a friend about travelling a different kind of “Caminho” made me decide to Blog my cancer journey.
One other way of recognising and taking on the challenge of accepting treatment and, hopefully, recovery over the next few months.

“Man performs and engenders so much more than he can or should have to bear. That’s how he finds that he can bear anything”. ~William Faulkner

So, after a number of interviews with consultants at Good Hope Hospital,we decided to proceed with an initial course of Chemotherapy, over the next three months.
That commenced yesterday, a five hour session during which I was given Saline solutions rinses, intravenously and painlessly followed by an hour’s infusion of the drugs.
This takes place in a room with comfortable arm chairs for about twelve patients; a cheerful atmosphere is maintained by the highly experienced , nursing staff and with frequent offers of tea , biscuits and sandwiches, it was a reassuring start.

Two prescriptions:- for alleviating any nausea and steroids, to be taken for three and four days, respectively.
I was previously given a thermometer to record my temperature, each morning because infection is the most dangerous of possible side effects, of which there are many.

Today 20th March, I feel fine and have had a busy morning taking debris from our kitchen refurbishment to the local tip and some gardening.
However, I am taking the advice from my specialist nurse, that as the Chemo accumulates, so I shall become more easily tired and am trying to moderate my physical activity accordingly.

A blood test is scheduled for next Tuesday and on 26 th March, session two of the this round of Chemo, followed by a fortnight’s break.
I am anticipating 3-4 rounds altogether , with similar breaks in between.
I meet with my consultant,early April.

Surgery of some kind will follow the Chemotherapy.The nature of the surgery is yet to be decided, but could be destruction of tumours by Radiation treatment ,or Bladder removal ,or replacement.

This whole process will take upto and beyond mid- summer.

“One must not forget that recovery is brought about not by the physician, but by the sick man himself. He heals himself, by his own power, exactly as he walks by means of his own power, or eats, or thinks, breathes or sleeps. ” ~Georg Groddeck, The Book of the It, 1923

A real reason to be cheerful!
Baby Jake.

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I almost forgot to mention that my two, fellow walkers,brother- in- law,Roger and school friend of many years,Dermot, are both still leaving Seville as planned;I am really pleased as we put a lot of planning and….some training into the preparations, plus a lot of expectation.I shall be with them in spirit.

“Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk
beside me and be my friend.”
Albert Camus.

Wednesday 26 th March

Second Chemo session, today, after blood test yesterday.
Not much of a delay, this time, underway by 09.15, after 08.30 arrival.

Changed my armchair this time, so I could unplug the trolley more easily
when I needed to use the Loo.Quick learner!

I did the Guardian crossword and, determined to cut down on possible eye strain by reading for too long, plugged in to my current Audiobook “Who Am I?”, by Pete Townshend, of The Who- searingly honest , if Narcissistic,tortured account of his life, upto 1971, at this point – a loner , genius, but most importantly, great RocknRoll songwriter:-
“There once was a note, pure and easy….”

Nothing easy in his creative processes; not short of blind alleys followed by “success” he felt hard to deal with because he was always thinking “What next?”
Any Who Fan will know the title of the Album……
“Who’s Next”
Musical Album by The Who
Who’s Next is the fifth studio album by English rock band The Who, released in August 1971. The album had origins in a rock opera conceived by Pete Townshend called Lifehouse as an attempt to follow Tommy. Wikipedia
Release date: August 14, 1971
Artist: The Who
Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame Award
Labels: Track Record, Polydor Records, Polydor K.K.
Songs
1 Baba O’Riley 4:57
2 Bargain 5:34
3 Love Ain’t for Keeping 2:10
4 My Wife 3:35
5 The Song Is Over 6:15
6 Getting in Tune 4:49
7 Going Mobile 3:43
8 Behind Blue Eyes 3:37
9 Won’t Get Fooled Again.

Thanks to Wikipedia!

Will always be in my otherwise ,constantly fluctuating ,Top Ten Albums….

Back to treatment; the routine was the same intravenously fed range of saline drips and rinses,followed by two Chemo bags.

Fed and watered by two of Good Hope’s band of volunteers,dispensing tea, biscuits and a lunchtime,Turkey sandwich, throughout the day – lovely ladies.

My regimen enjoyed a welcome interruption in the form of a visit from my good friend Mac.
We passed a couple of hours discussing the usual – Football and Cricket – the not so obvious, EG “The Trojan Horse”,Muslim extremist attack on Birmingham school head teachers. I have a close, if indirect link ,with one of the schools, discussed in a recent “Telegraph” Whistleblower article and Mac knew of a former colleague, who had suffered at the hands of these extremists.

Eventually, Hannah came in and around 3.30pm, we were free to,leave with the same 3-day prescription and dates for next blood test and Chemo sessions.

I feel better than at the same time, last week; probably by not reading so much and less strain knowing the routine

Have got eye-test tomorrow..Yes he is going to Specsavers!
Just to eliminate that from reasons for this occasional , muzzy feeling in my head,which actually started before last week’s Chemotherapy.

We’ll see….

PS Staff at Good Hope, unfailingly competent and caring, in an unfussy way.

s

Due to impending treatments for health reasons, I shall not be Blogging for a while.
I shall not be participating in
The Via de la Plata Caminho, planned for May.

Hopefully ,I can make it in the near future.

After returning from Uplifting, Provençal skies over Marseille….to gale damaged allotment ( yesterday was taken up with repairs there and in the rear garden ),another walk was needed.

So, under blue skies I set off with I-pod in place, to ramble around Sutton Park, entering by Boldmere Gate, upto the Jamboree Stone and from there by the side of the golf course, before cutting across to the left, where I found myself on an unfamiliar path.
Bonus? No dogs !
Eventually came to Bracebridge Pool, then upwards until I found myself looking at familiar territory.
Back to Wyndley Gate and then home.
A shade under 9 miles.

( About 86 miles done, now, including Marseille )

Soundtrack, today, again revealed songs I had not heard either before or for a long time!

Worst track? ” Besame Mucho” by Andrea Bocelli- great voice wasted on such a corny tune…still, there are only so many great Arias.

Best track? “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up ” by Tom Waits- witty and lively tune.

Saddest? ” Now You’re Gone” by Jeff Lynne- the fifth Beatle with a great arrangement underlying simple but affecting lyrics.

Marseille Reminder? ” The Game Pieces” by Fairport Convention.Sea and fishermen recalled the Vieux Port.Never heard it before.Great Lead voice.

Friday, 21 st February 2014

Bright, breezy morning.
Walk planned to be able to call in at Tesco’ s for some Fish Stew ingredients on the way back home!

Down to Town Gate,Sutton Park, longer route up to the Jamboree Stone.

Severn – Trent Sewer Repair Works still taking place over by the Chester Road, therefore detour through woodlands to Banners Gate.
Up Chester Road, into Tesco’s, no fresh mussels so had to settle for a frozen box.
Last stretch down Jockey Road homewards.

A couple of stand-out tracks stayed in the mind:-

” Go Out On The Road” by “Hurray For the Riff Raff”, very appropriate title.
Hurray for the Riff Raff is an American folk-blues and southern gothic Americana band from New Orleans, Louisiana.

“Tu Vas M’Accompagner” by Kate & Anna McGarrigle

“Bottom of the World” by Alejandro Escovedo.

8 1/2 miles today

Round it off to 95 aggregate!

Sunday 23rd February

Blustery conditions as we made our way towards the Post Office and Anchorage Rd,exploring Mulroy Rd, which led into a muddy lane , parallel with the railway.
Eventually bringing us out near Four Oaks Gate.
Down Blackroot Rd to Lichfield Rd and through the Town Centre, home.

6 miles approx.

101 mile aggregate ( not counting 3 miles yesterday, pushing grandson Jude to Sutton and back!)

Thursday 27th February 2014

A walk ,with Hannah along the Newhall Valley, up Penns Lane to Wylde Green with coffee at the Virdoo Lounge – thank you Hannah.
Hannah went on to a class and I continued along Chester Rd, through Pype Hayes Park and back along the Newhall Valley, returning home, via Wylde Green Road.
Bright sunshine, increasing signs of Spring and 7 miles.A pleasant stroll.

108 mile aggregate.

Saturday 1st March 2014. St David’s Day

Pity we are not playing Wales at rugby today.

After a morning at Kings Heath Park, first session of 5 week gardening course, home to greet grandson Jude and take him , in his buggy, for a walk in Sutton Park, whilst his dad, Tom, helped strip the wall paper in the kitchen. A no- brainier for choice!

So Hannah and Inset off, bright sunshine, Jude wrapped up in a leather jacket!
We walked to Boldmere Gate and then up to the Jamboree Stone.
Exit via Wyndley Pool and home,
Jude asleep for over an hour.
5 1/2.miles and pushing the buggy all the way, despite Hannah’s offers of help…

Aggregate 113 miles plus.

Having arrived in the afternoon, airport bus and taxi to the apartment.
Some shopping in Super U, round the corner, then a walk down towards the Vieux Port.A beer in “O’Malley’s” , during Happy Hour – which lasts from 5 – 9 pm – then a Tunisien Meal, where we started with a Brik ( not enjoyed since our Honeymoon in Tunisia, 41 years ago! Followed by Couscous in a variety of forms, accompanied by a carafe of North African Red. Tres Bon, Merci….
Walked about 5 miles in all

Friday 14 th February 2014

After breakfast, we set off, intending to walk two tours recommended by the Tourist Office.
I set my Pedometer on as we walked towards the Pharos monument in bright sunshine and giddy temperature of 17degrees?

By the time we returned to the Apartment, we had walked 11 miles, or so.
Having lunch outside, a Pastis by the Old Port en route home and having taken and/or visited all the major sights .
An excellent day, helped by the weather a great map from the T.O and an App. I had downloaded, previously.

Eating in this evening – nibbles, dips, chicken, salad and wonderful ,local bread.Possibly accompanied by a glass or two.

Saturday 15 th February 2014

Walked up to La Plaine Market.
Popular but relatively uninteresting, definitely local not tourist orientated!

But the areas and square nearby were fascinating – bohemian, arty if rather spoilt in places with an excess of graffiti .
After coffee, a walk th around the Arab quarter and the Nouailles market.
Picnic lunch on the quayside, always lively.

Purchased 72 hour bus and metro pass.
Took number 83 out along the Corniche, stopping off at a quaint little Vallon fishing village, then on to the Prado beach, which was artificially constructed a few years ago, using the earthworks from the Newly excavated Metro lines.
Very much a locals’ beach, with Wind surfing and kayaking schools.
Quite blustery walk along the little bays.
Then bus back to apartment.
Feet up for a while after 10 mile plus walking ( not including bus rides! )

Sunday 16th February 2014

Walked 1/2 way to the Port.
Arrived just in time to take the ferry across the Vieux Port – free, good fun.

Walked to the MCE M, but, being Sunday, loads of day trippers, abandoned the visit to this Museum, understandably popular.Maybe tomorrow,

So, coffee in a lovely square and after a diversion, Bus no 60 all the way to the most famous of Marseille’s sites, overlooking the city and venerated for centuries by the city’s fishermen :-
Everywhere you go in Marseille, you see the opulent, domed 19th-century Romano-Byzantine basilica occupying Marseille’s highest point, La Garde (162m). Built between 1853 and 1864, it is ornamented with coloured marble, murals depicting the safe passage of sailing vessels and superbly restored mosaics. The hilltop gives 360-degree panoramas of the city’s sea of terracotta roofs below
A really interesting church ….

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/provence/marseille/sights/religious/basilique-notre-dame-de-la-garde#ixzz2tWcueoJo

Also, 60 minutes real sunshine as we enjoyed a picnic lunch, outside the Basillica.
Then a walk down towards the city.
Took the Metro from Castellane to the Vieux Port.

Went to O’Malleys for the Match….bad news Liverpool lost.
Back to the Appt, cooked dinner – always a challenge, using different kit.

We survived Pork with mushrooms, cooked in a sauce of Vin rose and creme fraiche.

11 miles today – au pied.

Time to cast aside all prevarication…the weather, the cold, the mud, the dullness of the light, the ill health issues… And walk.

Thursday 30 th January, 2014.

With only just over three months until the next Caminho, which begins in Seville, in May, it is time for some training walks.

So, wearing relatively new boots and my I-pod ( no I am not the Naked  rambler ) , I won’t list other clothing, I set off for Sutton
Park, in light snow ; the first of the year, if not the Winter.

There was the cheering sight of Snowdrops and some precocious crocuses, in front gardens, as I made my way past rows of gardens.

However, the snow began to thicken and Boldmere golf course had a deserted look about it as a white dusting covered the Greens.
My plan was to cover six miles in a couple of hours.
As I reached Banners’ Gate, My usual pathway was closed because of some extensive works being carried out by Severn Trent Water.
Rather like the Caminho, I had to modify my route slightly and tramp through some boggy ground, roughly following my preferred route.
Two chocolates and a Satsuma later I was walking past the Sentinels ( a 1st World War Firing Range) and back on familiar ground.

The snow had abated by this point and I decided to head for Boldmere Gate as an exit for home.

My back ached slightly and I was reminded that unlike the Caminho, where everyday began with painkillers at breakfast, I had not taken anything prior to my walk today.

Home after 2 1/2 hours and about 7.5. Miles.

I should like to walk at least three times a week from now on, plus some light gym work.
In about three weeks, I shall begin walking with my rucksack , loaded with 10 KG.

“The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made. And the activity of making them changes both the maker and their destination.”
John Schaer

Friday 31 st January 2014

Another walk in the park, different route via Wyndley Gate, up to Hartopp around Blackroot ( resisted a visit to the Bistro ),then back home via Boldmere Gate.Drizzle as forecast for the last couple of miles.

Seven miles and no aches as yet

Hannah made some wonderful soup of Chorizo, Lentils and Bacon which was gratefully consumed for lunch.

Tuesday, 4th February 2014

A walk around Walmley, Along part of the Birmingham – Fazeley Canal and then home via Pype Hayes Park; 7 1/2 miles altogether, in the company of my daughter, Hannah.

We enjoyed blue skies and sunshine.A pity we couldn’t find somewhere for coffee on the way!

Thursday 6th February 2014

Six and a half miles before driving down to Berkhamsted, with a car load of baby gear,to my son Daniel’s house; he and Ellie expecting their second baby next month.

I walked along Wylde a Green Road, across Walmley, on to Minworth, then along the canal, before cutting back through Pype Hayes Park and along Chester Road.
I-Pod on ” Shuffle” and I still continue to hear songs I forgot that I had!

Sunday 9th February 2014

Six miles this morning, mainly along the Newhall Valley and through Pype Hayes Park.Breezy but dry and considering the recent wet weather, the footpaths were in good order.http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?sa=X&biw=768&bih=928&tbm=isch&tbnid=0rMciItNAgxGeM:&imgrefurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2007/01/17/bobs_winter_walk_sutton_feature.shtml&docid=PJTG8v6S2JbdYM&imgurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/images/2007/01/17/walks_map_sutton_470_470x283.jpg&w=470&h=283&ei=Uqv3UqmMH46RhQeKqYG4Dg&zoom=1&ved=0CDwQhBwwAg

Monday 10th February 2014

Seven miles this morning, taking in a little shopping in Sutton Town Centre,
Up the hill and slope along Lichfield Rd, past Four Oaks Station, to Mere Green.
Found a Wetherspoons – new one- alongside the car park.

Have to give it a try,see if they keep the Ale as well as The a Bottle of Sack!
Some showers on return route, down Anchorage Rd and up past Wyndley Pool.

Went for a seven mile walk along the Birmingham – Wolverhampton Canal,setting out from Brindley Place, after coffee at our amazing, new Reference Library.
The route took in a couple of Aqueducts, Industrial history as in the Galton Valley,Smethwick,several sightings of Grey Herons.
This would not appeal to everyone; at times you are close to the railway and later the canal is straddled by columns supporting the M6Motorway,however, names like Brindley, Watt and Avery remind you of the pioneering and revolutionary industrial enterprise for which the Midlands is not always accredited.

Took the Train back from Galton Bridge to Moor St Station.
Longest Walk I have done since the last Caminho – hugely enjoyable.No after effects, either!

Last Thursday,28th November,I underwent a shoulder manipulation,under General Anaesthetic and received a Cortisone injection.
This took,place at Good Hope Hospital and the care and treatment received, was second to none.
I was given exercises by the Physio, to undertake at home and expect an appt. with him soon.
There have been few painful after effects, but the long term benefits will take time, I think; keyhole surgery is a possibility if this recent treatment does not work.
Now, have only the Hernia operation to look forward to on Friday,13th December ( I’m not superstitious!),hopefully 2014 will be hospital free and I shall begin planning a fitness programme towards the end of January.
I have worked out that given my current weight, a 10% Pack weight would be 7 KG.
That is simply not feasible, but some other advice I read was to add 20% of that! which would give me an additional 1.4 KG.
8.5 KG would be a lot lighter than I am used to,however, it remains the ideal.
My training weight will be at least 10kg, maybe heavier.

Hola,

Flights booked for myself, Dermot, an old school friend and Roger, my brother-in- law.
I am hosting a planning meeting,shortly, where we can hopefully make decisions about stops en route and the nature of our accommodation ~ Ensuite of course!
Also to decide is our trip to Madrid from Caceres as we fly back from the Capital.

Which Caminho in 2014?

At present, it would seem to rest between a section of the Salabres or a lesser known option, the Route of the Sea of Arousa and the River Ulla.I discovered the latter whilst browsing in the library in the Redondela Albergue. It is described in a booklet, produced by the Xunta de Galicia in 2010. It begins in the far west of Padron.
Unfortunately,I have never seen a reference to it anywhere else!
Therefore, some more research will be needed; a perfect task for Winter days to come.

There are two other issues to resolve:- First an operation on my right shoulder which is scheduled for next month and second, a niggling, little Hernia which has just announced itself.
Growing Old ain’t for wimps! However, it just makes me more determined.

Time of year needs to be determined as well.I am considering May or June and even the outside chance of a second Caminho in September.

Tuesday 15thOctober.

For me there is only the traveling on paths that have heart, on any path that may have heart, and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse its full length–and there I travel looking, looking breathlessly.”
Not my creation but a perspicacious summary.
Am moving towards walking a section of the De Plata, beginning in Seville.

Just downloaded ” Walking Guide to the Via de la Plata and the Caminho Sanabres” by Gerald Kelly to my Kindle App. ( 75% cheaper than paperback on Amazon )
It looks very useful , on my first, brief look.
Will compare it with Info. On other sites like Mundicaminho.

Would need to work out where to finish the first stage and be able to get a flight back to the UK.
Possibly a bus or train to Madrid.