At the Peak - Time to Descend

In the analogy of the beast climbing up the mountain track, I am now at the second peak and it is time to descend and drink from the lake again (which gives me an excuse to use that nice German man's photo again).

I am of course referring to my third cycle of chemotherapy, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

The image references the analogy as descending from the current peak (end of the second cycle) down to the lake to drink before continuing up the path to the next peak.

The beginning of the climb is always gruelling but then a rhythm sets in which masks the discomfort.  Right now, I am in a good place with only mild tinnitus and a slightly irritating cough.  I am in good shape and certainly better than Kitten who has a bad back to add to her list of ailments.

This week I have been a little apprehensive about the next cycle but now I feel good about it again.  It is the last cycle before the operation and my desire to get the best out of it overrides the fear of being uncomfortable again.

I expect this to be the hardest mountain to climb but the reality for me so far is that the treatment has not really been that difficult.  In terms of physical discomfort I would not say that I have suffered at any point in the process.  The chemotherapy does not hold any fears for me whereas the thought of the operation does.

In the last week thoughts of the operation have started to drift in.  That is what lays beyond the third peak and the dragon (tumour) must be slain.  Hopefully, he will will be sufficiently weakened by the four wizards (Bevacizumab, Cisplatin, Epirubcin and Capecitabine). Hopefully the fifth wizard on the journey will have done its bit too.  I refer of course to the wizard that everyone has at their disposal; their mind.

Outside the physical realm the mind is the most important tool that you have at your disposal and all I need for motivation is to look at my children and my family.  The overwhelming support that I have recieved from everyone has been a fantastic aid too.

At every step of the way it has been pointed out to me that I am very young to have this particular cancer and that includes the reaction of the top man oncologist upon enquiry from Mr Thatcher.  When Mr Thatcher asked about me whilst on a recent check up of his own the Professor shook his head and said "he is very young".

Being "very young" it is a "bit inconvenient" to be caught up in this malaise but it is also my best weapon in the process of healing which is absorbing the chemotherapy and in physical recovery from the operation.

I try and look only as far as the next obstacle but when the dragon is slain I think I will take a walk up the mountain that is Cadair Idris stand at the peak and then go for a pint afterwards.  If anyone fancies making the trek with me then you have plenty of time to let me know.

Hopefully the sun will shine on that particular day.