The End of the Road

The intrepid riders at the finish line with Brighton Beach in the background.

'Do it for Charity' London to Brighton Cycle Ride - 11 September 2011

Dear All,

Many, many thanks for your support. I raised a total of £755 for Brain Tumour UK.

I did the ride with 7 friends and between us we have raised over £2000.

The ride was harder than I expected. It is 54 miles with several nasty hills (most of which I had to walk up part of the way) including 1) How Lane in Chipstead 2) Church Hill past Nutfield Marsh 3) Turners Hill and 4) The Ditchling Beacon. The Beacon is more like a cliff face than an actual road you can drive up but it is a really great feeling when you arrive at the top, see the sea sparkling in the distance and know it is all down hill from here.

We were really lucky with the weather. I spent the night before the ride in a camper van on a camp site in Crystal Palace and as I listened to the rain drumming on the roof I thought about the next day with trepidation. But it was bright and sunny the whole way. Apart from the hills, the traffic and dodging the other cyclists it was a great day.

We are already discussing what to do next year.

Once again, many thanks to you all.

Chris

LONDON TO BRIGHTON CYCLE 2011

Only 5 days to go.


I have kitted out my bike (tools, spares, drinks bottle, new pump etc.) I have sorted out the logistics. I have trained to a peak of fitness. Bring on Ditchling Beacon, I say.


Many thanks to all who have already made a donation. But if you haven't done so and would like to give to brain tumour research, just click on the link.


http://www.doitforcharity.com/ChrisE

6 September 2011 - Neuroscience Outpatient Department, Old QE

Deb on holiday - somewhere on the coastal path between Woolacombe and Mortehoe, North Devon

Since the last post Deb has been really well. Throughout the summer she has continued to lose weight (something which has pleased Deb very much) and has been very active. In fact she has been bored and looking for things to do. Even her dizzy spells have seemed less frequent recently.

Today saw Dr Sanghera to discuss result of latest MRI scan which Deb had on 25 August (her 17th since RT).

The news again was good. The tumour was about the same size as the last scan (30 June). So no discernible tumour growth in 2 months. Dr Sanghera said he had seen this before in some patients. The chemotherapy hits the tumour hard and causes a long term effect on tumour growth which continues even when there is no longer chemotherapy in the body. 

It was agreed that Deb would continue without chemo and the progress of the tumour would be monitored by scanning. The next scan will be in 2 months time. Next appointment to see Dr Sanghera is on 6 December at 10:30. 

We also reviewed the other drugs Deb is taking. It was agreed that Deb could be 'weaned off' phenytoin (this is an anti-convulsant drug. Deb has never fitted but was put on this as a precautionary measure after her debaulking surgery). Deb will also stop taking ranitidine (medication to stop acid reflux - a side effect of steroids). Steroid dose will remain the same (2mg per day).  Because Deb has been on steroids for over 3 years, Dr Sanghera recommended that Deb saw her GP for a review, for instance further bone scans may be appropriate.