on course

My apologies to the folk who have been writing for an update. I was waiting for a significant appointment with my radiologist today.

A few days ago I had a blood test and the results were sent to the radiologist prior to this appointment. We are using the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) count to monitor any cancerous activity associated with the original prostate cancer. The aggressive nature of the cancer means it was important to make sure that no stray cancerous cells from the prostate had missed the surgery or the radio therapy. In that I don't now have a prostate, it ought to be zero or pretty close to it. The PSA was too low to be measured which it just the result we all wanted. So we are on course. When we rest in God's care we are never really 'off course' but this is the medical view of things.

The process now is that I have no more treatment or appointments for the next 6 months and then we have another blood check and what is called a telephone appointment; that means that I will talk over the results of the next blood check with my Urologist or one of his specialist nurses. So... no more doctors/hospital appointments for 6 months; that is a pleasant prospect.

On the practical level my strength is slowly improving and my continence management is also 'on course'. So, many, many thanks for all your love and prayer; it, and the fellowship it speaks of, have been a great encouragement over these last 10 months.

Please pray for wisdom in the choices I need to make for writing and preaching in the coming months. I want this to be 'on course' too. Again, many thanks and much love to you all.

a brief catch-up

I have had one or two enquiries as to my ongoing health so I thought I would drop a line.

Things seem to be going well. I have an appointment with the radiologist later this month. It was to have been this last month but a visit to a brother's funeral on the day of the appointment put it back a month. I shall have a PSA test next week in preparation for the appointment.

Health-wise I think I am well, strength-wise has been something of a revelation. I am still very tired and my 'get up and go' has certainly 'got up and gone!' I read an interesting prayer the other day...

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails. Psa 71:9 NKJV

I don't feel at all 'cast off' but I understand the sentiment. The psalmist is sustained my his remembrance of God's faithfulness from childhood, through youth, to 'hoar hairs', as the old version puts it. We do rejoice in our faithful God. I will post again when I have had my appointment.

Thank you for your love and prayer.