50 is the new...

.. 30 is the lowest I've heard so I'm going for that. I've seen lots of cards (none sent to me) that do that "oh no, five-oh" type of thing. Bemoaning the ageing process. Well, as many a wise person before me has said, it sure beats the alternative.

I had a wonderful birthday party, brought forward a week to add to the confusion about when my birthday actually was (really to fit in with chemo dates) and I was very well and fit and had a great time. I had asked for no gifts but one my of my oldest friends (by duration) Peter had gone and bought me a wig. I've made out I don't care about losing my hair, brows, lashes, but I have to admit it is aay-maaazing what they can do now with wigs and I wore it most of the evening. As you can see from the picture on the blog, you'd never know I was wearing a wig, although oddly the DJ played Jackson Five songs non-stop!

Health-wise, I had chemo cycle 5 two weeks ago and took it well but have been very lethargic all through week 2. Not enough to go back in to hospital so that's a win. However, the interim blood tests showed that I was anaemic, and so I am going in tomorrow to receive a red cells transfusion to perk me up ready for chemo cycle 6 (of 6!) starting next Monday 1 October.

In lieu of presents, I had suggested people might like to donate to a charity that provides wonderful information and support for cancer-havers (there has to be something better than "patients", and certainly "victims"). To my astonishment and delight, over £750 has been given through me or direct to www.cancerbackup.org . No less gratifying are the eight people who have told me they have started or resumed giving blood. Thanks you all, I am humbled by your generosity.

In fact, in my speech at the party - you knew I'd be making a speech, didn't you - I remarked on how great it was to know of tributes from those dear to me and those who are not so close but our paths had crossed and an impression made. At funerals, I had often thought when hearing eulogies that I bet the deceased did not know how much he or she was appreciated and I resolved to tell more people how they have impacted on me and how prized was our relationship. I have said before here that the warmth of fellow-feeling I have received since being diagnosed is more heartening that can be described. The empathy, the small touches, the "hi, how are ya" are part of the essence of our co-existence, our humanity, that I feel so much more now that I'm not running around in the daily routine that is normal life.

I haven't actually done it a lot (habits of a lifetime?) but I do resolve to be openly more appreciative - and encourage you to do the same!

Carpe,

Paul