24th June 2022
‘We’re not trying to poison you Warren – we’re always trying to balance effectiveness against quality of life’. This was explained to me by my Oncologist, Dr Grant, as I’d finished my second cycle of chemo – totalling six weeks so far.
And as ever, he has it bang on the nail.
I say this because I seem to have tolerated the chemo quite well. Fewer side-effects than I was expecting and overall, felt okay – all things considered.
I have four more cycles of three weeks to do, but this will recommence in August.
The reason for this pause in treatment is that I’ve been passed as ‘fit to travel’ – therefore the trip I haven’t been able to take since all this started in 2020, is allowing me one more visit to see friends and family in Vietnam and Cambodia.
It’s a relatively short trip for me – just a couple of weeks, so I don’t push my luck. Samros and Nisa will be able to stay a week or so longer. But enough time for me to revisit some of my favourite places in both countries.
Among them will be around Ben Thanh Market for excellent street food in downtown Saigon (HCMC) and Kep – a small town on Cambodia’s south coast, which is famed for its amazing seafood.
All places of course offer good and cheap Beerotherapy, so I’ll be suitably 'hydrated' throughout.
All the chemo should be out of my system and infection resistance reasonably okay by the time we fly on 10th July. My PICC line has already been removed and will be reinserted when I’m back, ready to start treatment again.
But between now and then, it definitely feels like freedom for me – no tubes or medication for a few weeks!
And on that happy note, I should start thinking of packing but as ever with me, will just do it on the morning we fly 😊
I’ll be back on here with an update around mid-August.
Until then, take care x
Great news matey, have the best of times. Need to meet at the fleet again when you are home, or possibly up here in Cambridge, and see if we can bribe the Scottish contingent down with gin x
Absolutely mate! Just say when and where 🙂
Well done as we know one life live it. llook forward to hearing your tales on your return. Stay safe and keep well hydrated
Hazelaka Radioactiveraz
Will do, although not all my travel tales are for publication!
x
Great news.
Enjoy!
Gx
Yep, sure will – see you end August xxx
Your picture of the restaurant in Kep brings back unhappy memories of a soft-shell crab! Never mind- you have the antidote with Beverley’s marmalade. Have a great trip !!!
Oh hell, yes I remember now. I’ll stick to the king prawns in pepper sauce.
The marmalade is for even more special occasions!
Have a wonderful time away Wozza, and enjoy! xx
Sure will, Kelly. I’m so ready for this. Pity we can’t do a night out in the ‘Reap xx
Have a phenomenal time and enjoy every moment! Bon Voyage.
You betcha Jayne xx
That’s wonderful news. 😊 You take care have safe, well deserved trip. Hope you feel up to seeing us end August at Gal’s? Love to Samros and Nisa.
Hugs, M. xx (btw Happy Birthday whilst you’re away 🎂🧁🎂🍺🍻🍺)
You think I’m gonna miss eating and drinking, when it’s all on Gazza?
It’ll take more than a bit of the Big C to stop me 🙂
Take care waz. Have fun and forget your troubles. All the best Phil Baker
Mate! I so wish we gould’ve met up there for a few schooners x
Good news so far – now you enjoy your trip mate! Say hello to Samros and Nisa and send some photos!
Jo n Tony
Will do – hope you guys are doing well. Miss y’all x
Oh Warren, am so happy to hear of this trip and have a deep sense of what it means to you. These two destinations have played such a significant part in your life story so you will be on a journey that will nourish you in many ways. Freedom indeed. Take care & happy flying 10 July xox
You’re so correct in what this trip means to me. Lots of fond memories from livinbg there. Unfortunately, many friends have moved away – but of course we’re still in touch and can share xx
Take me with you! Great memories of all those places.
Oh yes indeed, Paul. Wish you could come!
Great post Dad! What a trip it will be 🙂 those prawns in Kep… mmm! Enjoy every moment xxx
Oh yeah 🙂 xxx
I’m insanely jealous! It’ll be a great trip…just make sure you stay hydrated. I know you will. Wish we could meet up over there Woz; we haven’t been back since 2017 – which is a long time to go without an Angkor beer and a Khmer Curry.
Have a fab trip you. Enjoy!
Craig, Chantha & Madeleine (who is now nine)
Yep – excellent advice which I’ll follow… Keep hydrated with Angkor Beer!
Fantastic news – have a great time xxx
Thanks Angela – I will for sure xx