After several completely pain free months and generally outstanding health, I have become increasingly aware of various levels of soreness, mostly in my lower right torso. It is actually very mild, and now that I’ve written about it, It may seem even less! I have not yet felt that pain killers are called for but psychologically it has at times been quite difficult for me to deal with.
The soreness comes and goes a little but it seems clear to me that this is now again a persistent area of discomfort more or less in the area of my original pathological fracture in my 12th rib and it is a concern that it may signify that the cancer could be active in this area having perhaps been less active for some months. On the other hand it is only 3 weeks or so since I had a CT scan report that said that there was no change in this area.
Watch and wait for the moment and try and get on with my program. This week I consulted my complementary medicine GP and had an ultrasound of the area without shedding too much light on the matter.
It took me the best part of an hour to complete a valid Senate ticket yesterday. I spoilt two papers before successfully numbering all candidates more-or-less in order of my preference from 1 to 79.
I spent some time handing out how-to-votes at RozellePublic School before retiring to my chamber to watch the early results come in. Once the likelihood of a Labor victory increased to an almost overwhelming degree, I decided to go out and attend the Greens NSW election party in Alexandria. The mood here was very happy indeed. Massive tv screens set up in large outdoor areas displayed the ABC’s coverage. Lots of booze and riotous cheering at significant moments in the evening’s events. Loudspeakers had been thoughtfully placed in the toilets so that those needing to relieve themselves need not miss any essential moment. Indeed it was much easier to hear the tv commentary in the loo than out amongst the Green rabble. I returned home before midnight after witnessing the concession and victory speeches on the big screen.
Today, all over the country, there are leftists choking on large servings of Schadenfreude. The apparently imminent loss of the Prime Minister’s own seat adds a special piquance to the dish.
Australia, after spending ten years in what Hugh McKay has called “The Dreamy Period” has woken from its slumber of denial. A slumber that allowed Howard to promote racial vilification for his own political advantage and reduce standards of democracy, accountability; civil and human rights.
It was extremely difficult to comprehend that this toxic person had become Prime Minister 11 years ago and that incredulity has remained with me until his political demise yesterday evening.
Could it be only 2 weeks until the end of the Howard era? I do not wish to count chickens before they hatch but there does seem to be a pervasive mood abroad that this might be the case.
I found this inspiring anthem preemptively marking the end of the Howard era via typing is not activism. “It’s time to go John Howard, it’s time to go“…
A big day yesterday with a CT scan followed by a consultation with the oncologist.
I reported to the onc. that my health seemed very good and I have been feeling very strong. My weight is very stable at about 69 kg.I also mentioned some recent very minor discomfort in the back.
The CT scan seems to suggest there may have been some very slight tumor growth, but not to an immediately alarming extent.
The status of the kidneys remains unclear. Opinion seems to wax and wane as to whether the mass on the right kidney is a tumor and we are currently in a phase where is seems more likely than not that this is so. Despite the comments in the radiologist’s report (see below), the opinion of the oncologist is that further investigation at this stage is not warranted as a positive cancer diagnosis of this mass would not alter the current treatment recommendations.
The onc. recommended no further intervention at this time, given my general level of good health and lack of very significant growth revealed in the scan. If the cancer started progressing significantly, it is likely that further chemotherapy options would be considered.
The next check-up with x-ray only is now scheduled for mid-December, presuming no deterioration of health in the meantime.
The full text of the CT scan follows and selected CT scan images below.
