We saw Dr P on Wednesday, as normal before my chemo infusion later that day. The results from the most recent blood test were in line with those from the last few. Liver, kidney functions and blood glucose were all OK, and (or “but”) the PSA continued to rise. The quantum of this increase isn’t important; what matters is the doubling rate — the time period after which the current result would be double the previous one. If my PSA were doubling after four to six weeks, that would be cause for alarm. At the present rate, however, it would take about six months. The doubling rate, therefore, in Dr P’s words, “hasn’t really moved”. So — situation normal. (I’ll leave you to supply the rest of the acronym.)

The infusion was also unexceptionable. As usual I took along an e-book reader, my mobile phone, and a pair of noise cancelling headphones to help pass the time. A few days afterwards, the side effects are also as per — mostly classifiable under “chemo brain”. This syndrome mostly manifests itself as fatigue, some sleep disturbances, poor short term memory, and general woolly-headedness. (I seem to be a bit more tottery on my legs as well — not badly enough to use a stick — just to walk with extra caution.) The infusions’ being three weeks apart (give or take) seems just enough time for me to get over these side effects, and start feeling quite normal. The next lot of CB then ambushes me afresh: deja vu all over again! Fortunately my beloved reminds me that this is not my first rodeo, and I’m not losing my marbles just yet.

I had some treatment for the ankle sprain from a physio, who strapped it up and gave me some exercises. Further to this, my beloved and I went to to a local gym earlier today, where I had a gentle excursion on an elliptical machine and (briefly) a recumbent bike. This exertion seems to have not caused any pain or discomfort.