A scar heals, as a Star departs...

On Monday 11th, Tony drove Brian over to ASDA to look at the DVD's and CD's. Whilst Brian was relaxing, I rang to tell him that Dame Joan Sutherland had died - we were all fans and felt sad, but delighted that we have every recording, including (thanks to Paul) many live and rare recordings.

From my performance in Cardiff on Friday 8th, I drove back to Geoffrey's flat the following day to help him prepare for the move, and encourage him to sort out his papers. I was there till Monday evening, but we dumped lots of rubbish and sorted through his clothes and cupboards. He is very stressed by all of this, and Brian is stressing for him! One great piece of news is that Geoffrey got his money from the holiday insurance - Brian, as yet, has not!! (As one of our doctors said, "they are arseholes"!)

This Saturday 16th was an important milestone - Geoffrey celebrated his 60th birthday! Notice the hat in the photo! We are going to have a proper celebration once he is settled in the new flat and Brian finishes his chemo. I hope that part of this celebration can be my 40th birthday as 31st December is not an easy date, and Brian will still be on chemo at that stage.

Nicki called in for lunch on Thursday 14th, and Brian and she raised a glass to David (M&S), as it was his birthday.

Brian is enjoying reading the latest section of Paul O'Grady's autobiography (The Devil Rides Out). He can be heard chuckling away to himself, and sometimes reads out snippets. It's nice to hear him laugh. The chemo has been tougher this time. He refuses to dwell on these bad times. It's nothing he can't cope with. He was deeply touched by Nermin and Ali sending their message by photo via Graham. He is very focused on getting away next year, with all this cancer business behind him.

Thinking ahead about his holiday, he is pleased with how well the scars are healing - he's wondering what he'll look like in six months when he is mincing along the beach in a thong or mankini! He's had a few suggestions that he could incorporate the scar as part of a tattoo or piercing, perhaps, or have some sort of decorations around it? Ideas on a postcard, please!

Glitter and be gay?...

Brian says: "How come I get the chemo treatment which causes some patients to put on weight?!?" Yesterday, we went to the Royal Marsden and saw the lovely Dr. Axel, who was delighted with Brian's tolerance of the drugs, and says if you have a positive attitude and follow instructions you can make it! So, today Brian started the second of his eight chemo treatments, 2 weeks on pills, then a week off.

"Strictly Come Dancing" is back on the TV - "HURRAY!" (That's Brian, not ME!) - Bare chested tanned men swinging and twitching their hips, yards of chiffon, glittery sequins... Brian's high temperature and moist moments have nothing to do with his cancer treatment!

Pat, Jack and Peter arrived on Monday, loaded with Iced Tea. They visited Geoffrey's proposed new flat , which was much admired. Please God it completes soon whilst we all retain some sanity! (see photo above)

Tuesday and Brian was cheered up by a visit from Nicki and Carol from M&S, recalling the lunch boxes they saw in Majorca, and believe me, they were not talking sandwiches! They all agreed that it is amazing how much you can get in a thong these days!

David from M&S Menswear called in after work this afternoon, which pleased Brian to connect with another staff member from his department. He is determined to get the treatments done and dusted, so that he can get back to normal life - well, what constitutes Brian's version of normal, that is!

Off to the South East Cancer Health Centre in Purley tomorrow morning for our second massages, which we are very much looking forward to.

Ian x