Cooperscrusts

Visit to Oncologist

2005-12-19T20:45:00.000+01:00

Today has been really hectic. Anna has been to work for half a day and, with Simon off school for christmas I played "mum" during the morning. He was actually an angel. We did a Tesco shop at 10.30am, went to my first Breathing class at Farleigh Hospice at 11am, then it was lunch and drop Simon off at his friends for the afternoon. I then drove to the chemist to collect more oxygen and supplement drinks. Then it was straight onto the Nursery to collect Anna (1.30pm) and off to the hospital for a 2pm appointment. This went just as I expected. There was no new news to come from him because no new scan has yet taken place. He was more concerned with my recovery from the Radiotherapy and, of course, I could reassure him in this regard. He asked about eating, sleeping, pain etc. I came away with a new interferon prescription for 2 months supply, blood test forms for every 8 weeks, a scan booked for the New Year, a review appointment in 8 weeks time and a new sharps box!

Last night we decided that I would go back upstairs to sleep as my progress has been so good. I was a bit worried because I do cough a lot at night when I wake. However, I got the best sleep in many weeks, waking at 5am when I simply went downstairs and commenced my daily medication routine, emptied the dishwasher and made Anna a cup of tea. My one error was forgetting that Simon had indeed broken up from school, so I put his light on at 7am when he'd been promised a lie-in for a change!

The Carol Service at Church yesterday was so good in every respect. It was a joy to be present at both the 11.15am and the 7pm service and, with the aid of portable oxygen I did manage to sing most of the songs/carols. Congratulations to everyone who took part because the results were tremendous and blessed those of us in the congregation.

Well, my week ahead continues to look busy with lots of visitors so if I say no more until after Christmas, please HAVE A REALLY GOOD TIME AND MAKE SURE YOU TAKE TIME TO REFLECT ON THE TRUE MEANING AND INCLUDE JESUS IN YOUR CELEBRATIONS- HE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE.

Last Weekend!!!

2005-12-13T15:58:00.000+01:00

REASON 256 for not letting your youngest party with his mum ( a techer) and her best friend ( a nursing professional). I place the blame fairly and squarely on Miss Pitstop who egged many church members on with an invite which encouraged fancy dress beginning with "P". I can only be grateful that earlier ideas expressed by both female adults did not come to fruition- otherwise we'd be worshipping at the local Baptists from now on!

My Favorite Photo to date

2005-12-13T15:52:00.000+01:00

This Decmeber 2003 scene from Kilham in Yorkshire has that beautiful winter/snow sky light effect which seemed to suit my simple point and shoot camera very well. Anyway I'm proud of this image and hope it brings you viewers some pleasure.

Nearly Narnia? Kilham, Yorks. in 2003

2005-12-13T15:40:00.000+01:00

We were in Kilham in December 2003 and a week before Christmas had a reasonable overnight snowfall which carried on past breakfastime. The boys were able to get out into a hilly field and use sledges and toboggans for a couple of hours. I walked around the village snapping with our digital camera.

Improvements

2005-12-12T23:22:00.000+01:00

Since getting home from hospital there has been a definate recovery in my general state of health. I did have a serious setback last Tuesday which meant calling the GP to the home and having a radical rethink about medication and nebulising/oxygen issues. But with some new timings for taking things I have been sleeping much better (usually 4-5 solid hours) and my coughing has reduced considerably- it is now mainly productive in getting the rubbish off mylungs which can build up durint the day but mainly at night. I am managing vitually without oxygen whilst at home now although I need it to go walking or if I find I've over exerted myself- an increasing danger. I suppose a measure of my improvement is that a week ago I could do little more than walk short distances downstairs but on Saturday I drove myself and Joel to Tesco, hooked up an oxygen cylinder to the trolley and did a leisurely 1.5 hour grocery shop. Mind you, I was tired on Sunday and my legs ached somewhat. Today I have driven into Moulsham Street and Town plus into Baddow where I have posted parcels, done some banking, popped into the GP Surgery and a chemist to sort out new oxygen supplies, done a bit more grocery shopping and finally, got myslef a headphone extension cable for my stereo from Maplin Electronics. A busy morning but well rewarding. I've spent the rest of the day transferring CDs to the hard drive of my computer in readiness for my Christmas present of an MP3 player. Godwilling, tomorrow, I am going to call in at work just to show my face and see my colleagues- I promise not to do any work- I'm signed off for another 3 weeks anyway so am "forbidden". It was great to be at Church again yesterday and I can even singalong with the aid of oxygen- it would otherwise be impossible for me to enjoy the experience if I was just sat silently. I thought the choir were very professional, Nigel's word was excellent (no notes!), Sarah's team did really well, Alan's reading (as always) was rivetting and Mike pulled it all together seamlessly. I'm really anticipating an exciting Carol service and hope I remain well to attend. I do still have a couple of specific points for prayer- firstly that my Oseophagus will fully recover from the radiotherapy as it is the steroids at the moment that are keeping it open for my food although it is still very narrow and therefore painful to eat anything other than soft or completely crumbled/dissolved food. Secondly, it's a while since the cancer was looked at by scan and I do not know what it's doing. I have faith to believe a healing work has been started and would ask you all to pray as you feel your own faith allows. Well. all my presents for the family which I ordered over the internet have successfully arrived now and are wrapped so, in the end, I feel quite organised. I am going to have a go at icing a Christmas Cake later in the week (to give Anna a break). I'll let you know how it goes..........

Sorry I haven't been around

2005-11-30T17:48:00.000+01:00

Following 10 lots of radiotherapy I knew that my oseophagus problems would worsen before they got better. But when you can't even get liquid down then you have a problem and within a couple of days I now realise that I was severely dehyrated and I had lost a lot of weight (over apx 6 weeks). We were trying to stuggle on with me getting weaker and spending more time in bed. On Monday 21/11/05 Anna made a call to my Oncologist to see if it would be ok for me to stay off the Interferon for another few days whilst I tried to cope with the raadiotherpay side effect. After a short interogation by him over the phone Anna was told that I was to be admitted straightaway by ambulance to Essex County Hospital Oncology Ward (Jefferson) in Colchester. There I remained for 8 days and nights. I was put onto oxygen and nebulizors, anti-biotics in case it was a chest infection, steriods to get the inflammtion of the treated area down plus some other bits and pieces. Within a few hours I had eaten my first full meal for weeks and have basically eaten like a horse ever since- cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner plus in between snacks!! The standard of care was amazing- al the staff were lind, efficient and seemed to get on well wih each other. I was able to look after myself (shower/toilet etc) but didn't sleep well at nights due to fluid build-up on my left lung which would make me wake up with coughing fits. All of my readouts were generally good although my pulse has been very high- 150 bpm on admission, 160 on release and averaging 120/30 in between. Anyway, having come home I have oxygen, nebulizors, a bed downstairs, shower and bath aids, a perching stool, a bed "wedge" and I have portable oxygen, a wheelchair and a reclining chair on order. I slept with the oxygen last night but this afternoon came off it (for 3.5 hrs so far) AND managed to walk up the stairs to the office in order to deal with a backlog of emails and to make this blog. So I'm feeling empowered at the moment and give thanks to God for bringing through this latest episode. I have a general condition review with Dr Tahir on/around 19th December- there will be no new scan so he is likely to remain downbeat in his assessement "inoperable/incurable" but we KNOW that God can do a miracle. I have faith to believe for a miracle. I don't understand how God works but I know this- if my miracle were based on the numbers of people praying for me I'd probably be in training now for next year's Great North Run (there's still time to be healed and get into some sort of shape but we'll see). Anyway, I think that brings you up to date with my activities- take care.

Radiotherapy Progresses

2005-11-15T12:50:00.000+01:00

I've now had six treatments out of ten on my lungs- plus a second one on my shoulder. I cannot begin to tell you the tiredness and breathlessness this has caused. I was worried about how much blood I had also started to cough up and the the persistence of the cough which was making my ribs hurt. We now have a Macmillan Nurse and she has already been brilliant- she has arranged for me to get disability allowance and a car badge so that I can park closer to places that I need to get to. This latter point is quite fundamental now as I can manage the stairs (just) and need half an hour to get my breathing back under control- anywalk of more than about 25 metres is just not on for the time being. A physio from Farleigh Hospice is coming round tomorrow to give me some tips on breath control and making the fullest use of my dodgy lungs. Yesterday I felt quite awful and miserable and saw a Registrar in Colchester who asked a lot of questions and ordered blood tests. From the moment I left that hospital until now I have not coughed up any more blood and had a reasonable night's sleep. Due to a mix-up at Broomfield Pharmacy I have run out of Interferon chemo injections which meant I couldn't inject last night which was wonderful as I got none of the side effects. So today is my 43rd birthday- I'm alive, feel reasonably good and I praise God for my lovely wife and children and for all who are praying for me.

Poor CT Scan

2005-11-02T14:00:00.000+01:00

Unfortunately the CT Scan result was poor and showed "a significant deterioration, especially on the left lung". There is evidence of fluid on the lung ( which I knew anyway as I've been coughing it up ). The net result is that I will now need 10 readiotherapy sessions over 2 weeks rather than 5 over 1- because there is a lot more to deal with. Dr Tahir was very downbeat and went to great pains to point out that this treatment is only a temporaray relief and that the cancer will carry on attcaking my body around the edges of what has been treated. Obviously Anna and I have shared this news with the boys. I still need that miracle from God and am believing for it- though you will understand that it becomes a harder thing to grab hold of as each bit of bad news comes in. So I'm appealing to you all for your continued prayers and words of encouragement. Thanks.

Radiotherapy Plans

2005-10-22T10:38:00.000+01:00

I have had one consultation, followed by a simulation exercise and a CT scan. If we're able to proceed than I shall have another simulator session on 2/11/2005 and then 5 consecutive days of lung treatment from 7th-11th November. I have little tattoo marks on my chest and rib cage plus some messy black dye (which I'm told does come out!). One of the radiologists recognised me from having carried out the radiotherapy on my shoulder- she was delighted with the movement I had in the shoulder and how healthy the area looked. This was encouraging news and she went on to say that it is an indication that my body is "responsive" to this kind of treatment. In the meantime I am still injecting interferon on a Mon/Wed/Fri plus I am taking Codeine coughh medicine 3-4 times a day. I seem to be in a permanent state of drowsiness. I hope to go for a walk this afternoon at my own pace and to enjoy fresh air and hopefully "clear the lungs" quite literally.
On a different note, my eldest sister and her husband and daughter have been down to visit us yesterday and today. As usual it's a bit like Christmas as she unpacks presents of clothes for the boys and a Dr Who Book for me (yippeee- it's full of nostalgia with every broadcast episode given a couple of pages of PICs and text). At the moment Anna and Simon are at the Moulsham Junior School taking part in the Ghana Gold car wash so I think his Aunty and Uncle might take their car over to be cleaned. Well, it's 10.30am and I am finally feeling normal enough to head on downstairs for some breakfast. I stick to cereal as it seems to go down more easily. Will post again in a week's time. Take Care.

More Developments

2005-10-11T17:18:00.000+01:00

Last week was not a good one- my cough seemed to get worse, especially after any evening meal. I ended up at my GP on Friday and he prescribed big doses of Codeine cough medicine which makes me drowsy (as does the interferon) so I'm a bit like a zombie now. The weekend was good. Nigel K visited and I managed to walk into town and back with him. The whole family went to the early morning service at Church on Sunday and then drove off to Aveley for Joel's football match (His team won convincingly). Rest of weekend was lazing in front of DVDs. I saw my oncologist yesterday and mentioned the worsening cough and problems keeping food down. He has now put in motion the means for me to have radiotherapy on my chest during the next month but I'm not sure why this wasn't an option long ago. The church have been really kind to us and are treating us to a four day break in Battle, Sussex. We shall be in a cottage not too far from the sea. Joel is away at a sleepover tonight as he has no school tomorrow. Simon will prbably use this as an excuse to try and get all kinds of priveliges wheedled out of mum and dad tonight. Anyway, I'm dropping off so bye for now.

Feeling more human

2005-10-03T19:17:00.000+01:00

I had a good weekend. Managed to do a Tesco shop, a freezer shop and peg out washing and do a pile of ironing. Also drove to Hullbridge on Sunday morning for Joel's football match which his team won 6-2. Simon also won and drew his mini-rugby games at Hertford. I prepared Sunday dinner and we then went to Elim's Sunday evening service as a family which was really special. My shoulder is slowly getting some movement back and the pain is easing. My cough appears to be about the same overall though I start the double dose of interferon from tonight. Last Thursday 100 people met at Church for a special prayer meeting for me- I wanted to be there but was not very well, having coughed until I was sick just before it started. Still, it's great to know that so many people care and literally every week I'm reminded/informed of more people who are praying regularly for me. Thanks to you all.

2005-10-03T19:16:00.000+01:00

Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's Simon getting into his rugby kit- note the padded shoulders.

2005-10-03T19:12:00.000+01:00

In Rugby gear including gloves and gum shield. Runs the wing and tackles hard!

2005-09-26T19:36:00.000+01:00

This is Simon's new pet, she is a Gecko and lives off live crickets which Simon "farms" separately. At night our landing sounds like a jungle. She relaxes on a heated mat (the black thingmy) and seems to be quite a clean creature. I fear visits from the two grans may have suffered as a result of this recent acquisition.

2005-09-25T14:27:00.000+01:00

One proud son getting ready for his weekend away. He was issue with an awful lot of gear from the stores. Poor Anna had to wash it all and no doubt it'll come back in dire need of a further launder. Still, Joel does his own ironing from time to time -which is good.

2005-09-25T14:24:00.000+01:00

Joel in Air Cadet greens. He hasn't got wild hair but is stood in front of a Himalayan Honeysuckle. He's also learnt, finally, how to polish shoes and boots!

Good Weekend

2005-09-25T14:10:00.000+01:00

We have had a good weekend in the Cooper household. I managed to walk into town and back yesterday which may not see a lot but is actually by far the most exercise I have taken in 2 months. It was a lovely sunny, autumnal day and I ended up at the tennis club in Moulsham Drive where Anna and the boys are members. Simon was playing in the junior doubles final and I watched him lose though he had a good time and enjoyed the barbecue which followed. Joel is away at Air Cadets Basic Training Camp this weekend and had to pack a huge Bergen which was only slightly shorter than himself. He seems to have really taken to Air Cadets which is no bad thing as the discipline is really good and the career opportunities are out there later on. Today, Anna, Simon and I went to the early morning service and then Anna took Simon to his rugby training. At the end of the service I was prayed for by the elders and I am the subject, once again, of a special prayer meeting on Thursday at Church- the third or fourth such occasion over the last 3 years. It really is encouraging to know that so many are willing to pray for so long into a situation which has rarely shown the encouraging signs which would inspire people to continue praying. But this reassures me that these prayers are for real, by people who know that it can be a spiritual battle but that, ultimately, God WILL have the final say.

More Bad News

2005-09-22T19:02:00.000+01:00

My shoulder problem has been caused by a spread of the cancer into my right shoulder blade. It is to be treated with radiotherapy during the next week hopefully. I should notice an immediate easing in the pain once it's done. As for the lesions on the lungs- it was reiterated that these are inoperable and that the hope is the interferon injections will help to reduce and control these somewhat. The dosage will be doubled in a couple of weeks and another review will take place on 31/10/2005. Dr Tahir and Prof Oliver want to see my cough disappear during this period. Will try and think of something more cheerful and humorous to say on my next post.

Great North Run

2005-09-17T10:05:00.000+01:00

Yes, it's this weekend and for the first time in 6 years I won't be going. 2 years ago I travelled up but could only watch following my kidney operation and immunotherapy treatment. Last year I ran (slowly) just 4 months after two major lung ops which was a real boost for me. This year, I'm looking at my race number and feeling a bit sorry for myself as I am currently unable to run up one flight of stairs without having a coughing fit. I also look at all the DIY jobs around the house which I would like to have done this year but they will have to wait for the time being. Still, I've something to aim for and I shall try going for a long walk today at an easy pace in order to get some fresh air and see if I can discipline myself back onto the road of fitness. You chaps from Elim who I know will be running at Newcastle this Sunday- I hope you all have a good run and safe journeyings- but look out, because I intend to be challenging you all next year!

Praise Academy and Cricket

2005-09-13T18:51:00.000+01:00

I went to the Church's Praise Academy last night. A great evening attended by church musicians, video and PA teams as well as lots of new faces. Luke and some of his friends from Southend(?) taught us a new song "See His Love" by Tom Lockley. They had a great arrangement and I felt we were worshipping rather than learning. I was prayed for which is always special. Bill Legend was also prayed for as he is the guest at our forthcoming Guest Night which will be special. Carolyn also taught us a song from the Hillsongs catalogue which I'm sur ewill quickly become a favorite. Yesterday also saw England win back the ashes with a stubborn display of lower order batting and that magnificent 158 by Pieterson. What a pleasure it has been to witness an England team which is ruthless, dogged and full of self-belief. I've enjoyed watching this series develop with all the excitement, the characters and the incredible sportsmanship displayed for all to see. I shall miss Ritchie Benaud's commentary in future, as well as seeing the last of the great Shane Warne but there are some wonderful memories and no doubt the Channel 4 DVD will be an essential item on my letter to Father Christmas this year. I had my first injection of Interferon last night and woke up totally exhausted today. Went back to bed and slept until 3pm this afternoon. I'm about ready to go off again and it's just 7pm!! Anyway catch you later.

SPECIAL DAY??

2005-09-11T16:19:00.000+01:00

Sunday's are always special as they are spent in God's house with brothers and sisters in Christ. We also observe the Holy Communion which is so central to why Christians meet together. I enjoyed playing guitar in the two morning services and it was good to worship God in song, to hear His Word from Pastor Mike and to listen to the testimony of a lovely couple from our church who are shortly to leave for long term missions work in the far east. But the highlight of today for me was to receive one of Anna's friends, Tracey into out home this afternoon. Tracey is one of those special Christians who is sensitive to God's voice and acts upon what He says. She had a word from God for me and wanted to share it and then pray with myself and Anna. The essence of the message was that God will extend my years in the same way as Hezekiah's were (see Isaiah). She reminded me of an earlier word she gave me- being that I would see my children's children. She elaborated on this , saying that the number 63 was impressed upon her and the celebration of Anna's and my 40th Wedding Anniversary (I am 2 months off 43 and shall be 63 when my 40th wedding anniversay is celebrated). This "extension of years" will come at a cost and I will need to consider before God how I use my time. This is fairly specific and I respect Tracey for being bold enough to share it with Anna and myself. It is both encouraging and challenging yet there are other messages I've been given which back this up. I therefore believe this to be from God which is why I am putting it onto my blog site so that you can all share in what happens next. I shall be self-injecting interferon for 3-4 weeks to see if it will relieve my cough. A specific prayer request would be that my cough does clear up in this period. This will be a clear sign that the cancer has regressed somewhat and will mean I continue with the interferon for a further 2 months and then probably be rescanned. A further specific prayer request is for my right shoulder which has restricted and painful movement which may be muscular or something more sinister. My oncologist will review my latest scan in 3 weeks time as there is a question mark over something in by back. If he believes it to be cancerous it may also be what is causing the shoulder problem and then we shall be looking at radiotherapy. Please pray that my shoulder gets better and that the suspect area is actually nothing more than some inflammation. Thanks for reading all of this. You are welcome to leave your comments.

2005-09-10T20:47:00.000+01:00

Joel, Simon and Grandad Cooper at Gloucester Docks- notice the teenage expression on our eldest.

2005-09-10T20:45:00.000+01:00

Last weekend Simon tried Grandads new whirlpool type bath- he went overboard with the bubble bath!!

FOOTBALL!!

2005-09-07T22:46:00.000+01:00

Is it just me or does anyone else think that Sven is showing signs of being overrated? On paper England have the best batch of world class players for decades. Yet something about the way they're put together is producing some incredibly average performances. Of course, they'll probably go on to win the World Cup now and I'll just look silly but I really don't think it possible to excuse a performance like tonight's against Northern Ireland. I'm not passionate enough about football to get really worked up about it but I honestly believe that our cricket team are showing the way at present and I really hope we can win (not draw) the final test.

Briefly

2005-09-07T22:34:00.000+01:00

I saw my Professor in Buckhurst Hill last night and he explained that my chronic cough is due to the main lesion which is sitting across where my windpipe splits into two. Thus intakes of air are "Strangled" if they're more than gentle. Which explains why even walking up the stairs tires me out at the moment. Anyway, I am to cease IPM chemotherapy treatment with immediate effect and go back to injecting myself with interferon for 3 weeks to see if it gets rid of the cough (ie acts on the cancer). If the cough goes then the interferon dosage may be doubled and taken over 3 months after which I shall be scanned again. For those who read my blog and pray for me- please pray that this cough will clear up as it is pretty debilitating and distresses my sons.It also makes it virtually impossible to communicate with customers at work and yet I want to be at work to maintain a semblance of normality. Anna has been fixing daily bible verses to my wardrobe (Romans 8 v 11 was the first). I still firmly believe that I will receive a healing but it is hard to wait on God's timing sometimes. Anyway thanks for listening and take care.

2005-09-01T19:42:00.000+01:00

Another One Bites The Dust!!

2005-09-01T19:41:00.000+01:00

Joel with cousin Sarah

2005-09-01T10:48:00.000+01:00

It's not off of chair and onto concrete but off of concrete and into water but I had to look twice!

2005-09-01T10:45:00.000+01:00

Simon has never been noted for restraint and he's caught in mid-flip! Anna is in background reading a book about the Full Gospel Businessman's Fellowship history- probably better than panicking!

2005-09-01T10:42:00.000+01:00

Joel and Friend in a bottomless dingy- a tricky manoevre.

2005-09-01T10:41:00.000+01:00

Simon at some kind friends' swimming pool. 32 degrees outside but really cool in!

2005-09-01T10:39:00.000+01:00

Joel at a recent church picnic- he's been fed so he's happy!

Latest Scan Result

2005-08-31T10:20:00.000+01:00

Not good, I'm afraid. It shows that there has been some growth in the lesion on my right lung which is disappointing given the 6 all-day sessions of chemo I had undergone. This is what is causing most concern so that I now have an appointment on Tuesday with Prof Oliver, this time in Buckhurst Hill at 7.15pm, in order to find out if a change in chemo is required (I had session 7 yesterday with no. 8 booked for two weeks time). The better news is that whatever showed up on my left lung last time is being referred to as insignificant- although this may be comparatively speaking rather than absolute. Also, my shoulder problem is not cancer related so I can now try and sort out some physiotherapy. I don't know where this leaves me careerwise as the Bank are making sounds as to my "capability" in my role which is perfectly fair and reasonable but it may leave me with some tough, life-changing choices for which I need to be in the right frame of mind to consider. I must say that I feel better today than on just about any previous day following chemo but I'm also aware that often. Thirsday and Friday are worse. ANYWAY, CHANGE OF SUBJECT. FOR FELLOW BLOGGERS WHO READ MY BLOGS AND CAN SEE MY TEMPLATE AND THE "LINKS" FIELD DOWN THE LEFT HAND SIDE- I WANT TO CREATE LINKS TO A NUMBER OF MY FRIENDS BLOG SITES AND NEED A KIND SOUL TO GIVE ME THE LAYMANS EASY VERSION OF HOW I CAN DO THIS. PLEASE TREAT ME AS A COMPLETE NOVICE AND ADD YOUR ADVICE IN THE COMMENTS FIELD. TA MUCHLY.

Cricket IS the new Rock and Roll!

2005-08-28T19:33:00.000+01:00

Yep, I'm fed up of only posting health updates lately so I'm going to give you my less than valued opinion on the grand old game. I have watched test match cricket since I was about 11/12 years of age. I remember watching the likes of John Edrich opening the batting for England. I can also remember waiting for several overs for a single run to be scored. I was so pleased when Ian Botham came onto the scene and played the "no-nonsense" agressive game which has slowly spread through the ranks. This current test series against Australia is by far the most exciting, nail biting and value for money sporting extravanganza that I can recall. I compare this to the recent England football friendly (I stopped watching the games or highlights thereof years ago because the players do not take it seriously and I believe their club managers issue veiled threats that injury sustained whilst playing for country will cause absence from the club's main eleven and threaten first team selection in future) which I gather was extremely painful to watch and with the usual multi-subs at half time which baffle all but Sven. No, just look at the faces of the spectators at test cricket- all ages mixing together amicably and the friendly banter between opposing fans. And as an armchair fan, I get to hear the opinions of Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Mike Atherton and my favorite, Ritchie Benaud. The replays can be shown ball by ball in stunning detail and more often than not, justify the umpire's decision but also shown how spin and swing is produced by bowlers. And to cap it all, there have been more sixes hit in this series than any I can recall.
Well, England won the 4th Test today which gives them a 1-0 lead with one to play. So long as we win or draw the final test, then we win back the ASHES. Yeyyy!!
AM INTERESTED TO SEE IF ANY OF YOU OUT THERE HAVE ALSO ENJOYED THE RECENT CRICKET OR WHETHER IT BORES YOU COMPLETELY. PLEASE ADD YOUR COMMENTS FOR MY ENJOYMENT.

Complications!

2005-08-25T13:07:00.000+01:00

Developed an irritating and painful cough over Monday and Tuesday which became persistent to the point that going to sleep was the only way of controlling it. Went to GP Surgery first thing on Wednesday and my left lung was definately wheezy and probably infected. Twit that I am, I forgot that in my arsenal of "in case of need" drugs given me at my first chemo session, was a reserve course of antibiotics which clearly stated I should start in the event of a "chesty cough". The GP picked this up and suggested gently that I commence this straightaway. However she was also concerned that my "neutraphyl count" (is that how you spell it?) may have dropped right off the scale so ordered an immediate blood test. I rang at the end of the working day for the result and the good news is that it was "fine". However I still need to get the antibiotics working so am off work today- still wheezy and a bit delicate. Still no news on my scan result but I have the usual blood test tomorrow which comes before a chemo session, so I'll ask my chemo nurse if he knows anything. My shoulder continues to be a real issue and I need to go back to my GP to look at cause and treatment, once I can be assured from the scan that it's nothing more sinister. This has got us all a bit down. I would love to feel a bit normal and up to weekend DIY or playing with the boys on the field. I suppose I have to be patient and remind myself that God is in control. Meanwhile I'll just have to watch a bit more test cricket.....

Latest Scan

2005-08-22T18:18:00.000+01:00

I had a new CT Scan on Friday at 9am. Had to drink lots of aniseed flavoured water and then be injected with coloured dye. They were very good with my request to increase the scanned area form the top of my lungs to just above my shoulders. Went back to work afterwards for the first time since Tuesday's Chemo Session 6- it has been knocking me backwards a bit more each time. Saturday I took it fairly easy. I was also informed that my blood count was quite low so please to avoid crowds in enclosed spaces and people with obvious infections. I therefore decided to take Joel to his football game in Harlow on Sunday morning. I was prepared for a chilly day- what we got was a scorcher and we were in a field with no shelter. When I came home I was a shaking, coughing, headachy wreck who has taken 24 hours to recover. So it's wait for news re the scan. I'm thinking it could arrive by phone at any time but, in theory, if it's considered that I need to contine with 6 more courses of treatment then I might only find out the result next Tuesday when provisional Chemo session 7 is booked. Take Care.

Chemo Session 6

2005-08-17T09:11:00.000+01:00

The chemo drugs arrived late yesterday due to a slight hold up in my blood results- a faulty vial meant I had to have another test. Also it was hard to get a cannular in again as some veins don't want to know and my skin has also become tough which resulted in one bent needle. The day had the usual schedule and we finished at 7:50pm. I now have my CT Scan on Friday morning and then await a result/review in the following week. I had a reasonable sleep last night with some periods of lying awake but I got a total of 7 hours which was good. Feeling groggy today as usual. Have eaten muesli and yoghurt for breakfast along with my anti-sickness and steroid tablets. You'd have been proud of me yesterday at the hospital- for lunch I ate tuna sandwiches with side salad and then fruit salad. For dinner I had a roll and pate followed by coronation chicken salad and then fresh strawberries and cream. I drank cranberry juice and water so, all in all, a healthy diet don't you think? My thanks go on record to my friend Alan, who drove me to the hospital so that Anna could be at work in the Church Nursery. I hope to be back at work tomorrow. My boys, Joel and Simon are having a whale of a time going to friends for swimming, bowling, fishing, golf and sleepovers so things are working out ok at present.

Yorkshire Holiday

2005-08-13T20:48:00.000+01:00

Have had a great relaxing time on the East Coast. The boys stayed at Fraisthorpe Elim Family Camp for two days and nights with our friends. They got to go to the morning and evening youth meetings and enjoyed sports, a time at the beach, a huge bonfire, the tuck shops and chippy etc, etc. Anna and I had 3 half day visits to the site and went to the main evening celebration meetings. We caught up with old friends from Driffield, York, Watford, Bishops Stortford, Sawbridgeworth. We heard some great messages from, amongst others, Gordon Neale and the worship band was excellent, being led by Karen Reilly, who our Chelmsford friends will know from last years family weekend away (Karen is Steve Reilly's Wife and they are leaders at the Leeds Church). We learnt from Nigel Tween that this year's Elim Bible College first year intake is the highest for many years and they are very excited about the future. The weather was a bit indifferent this year but still not bad. The facilities at the Camp are so much better than those I knew as a camper/worker 25 years ago. There are something like 8-9 marquees which house a main meeting venue, kitchen/dining venue, diner/coffee house, games tent and three youth venues. We now have flushing loos, electricity and a security perimeter. I would thoroughly recommend Fraistorpe Family Camp to you- there is a web-site where you can find out more info (try a search engine). Anyway, Anna and I just visited this year and were based at Anna's parents home in the village of Kilham. We celebrated Anna's ##rd birthday with a huge family tea for 10 of us. Otherwise we have enjoyed watching the test cricket on TV and shopping for clothes and some Christmas presents. On the health front I have been ok- perhaps a little tired but my main concern has been my shoulder which has gotten worse. It seems that even small movements in a certain way (e.g. brushing teeth) are very painful. I must get this checked out at my scan next Friday. Anyway- enough for now. Will post again after my treatment on Tuesday.

2005-08-06T16:29:00.000+01:00

The beach at Dymchurch

2005-08-06T16:28:00.000+01:00

My family at Dover Castle

2005-08-06T16:27:00.000+01:00

The light railway on Romney Marsh

2005-08-06T16:25:00.000+01:00

One cheeky baby gorilla who teased his elders and performed for the crowds.

Kent Holiday

2005-08-06T16:11:00.000+01:00

Just back from a week in Kent. Must say, it is a lovely county. Visited Howletts Zoo on Sunday. They specialise in conservation of many species including African Elephants and Gorillas. It was great fun to watch the baby creatures at play, showing off to the crowds. On Monday we went to Dover Castle and into the undergound tunnels used in WW2 and previously in Napoleonic times. Tuesday was the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch light railway to the seaside and onto the Marshes (very unusual place). Thursday saw us at Canterbury where we went to a couple of interactive museums including one based around Geoffrey Chaucer's Tales. We stayed in a cottage next to a golf course and, needless to say, the boys enjoyed this, together with snooker, table tennis, tennis, basketball and the indoor swimming pool. I read a book. Anyway, it's off to Yorkshire now and maybe a visit to Elim's Fraisthorpe Youth Camp as well. Meantime, I'll try and post some photos- which will no doubt coem before this blog and confuse matters but never mind. Oh, and I must get my hair cut- it's far too long and unmanageable.

CHEMO SESSION 5

2005-07-27T13:55:00.000+01:00

Arrived at 10am for a 10.30 start. We started at 12.45pm and I left at 8.45pm. A long and tiring day and I came home feeling quite groggy. Slept better than the last few times, though. Woke up feeling quite sick. Some anti-sickness pills were overlooked by the prescribing chemist yesterday so Anna had to call at mid-day today to collect- not before time! However I did strangely find that scrambled egg on toast, of all things, worked wonders and the nausea has eased somewhat. My hair is a problem! What, I hear you say?? Well it definately started to fall out in a big way so I lopped it off. But although it is noticeably thinner it hasn't completely disappeared. Moreover, it is a bit frizzy, erratic in length and a bit soft in texture so that running a shaver over it on No 1 or 2 setting seems to flatten as much at it cuts. It's a small problem and not a worry so please keep the jokes and comments flowing. I'm off on holidaye with the family at the weekend. We're spending one week in a Kentish cottage with attached sports complex, followed by a week with Anna's parents in Yorkshire when we'll go for the odd day to the Elim Family Camp at Fraisthorpe and catch up with old friends. The annoying things for me is that I cannot go into a swimming pool for fear of infection (state of the immune system), nor can I play badminton or tennis with Anna and the boys as I seem to have pulled/torn a tendon in my shoulder and am currently on anti-inflammatory pills for this. Yes, if you shake me I rattle - too much and I may puke as well. So I think I will need a lot of reading material with me- kindly supplied over the last few months by various church members and other associates. Anna has already pre-warned me of the several castles and large stately homes which we can walk around, not my usual cup of tea but I do want us to enjoy the family together and not doing separate things. I've not gone into work today for obvious reasons (one being, couldn't drive safely) but hope to be back tomorrow as I have a deadline of Friday to undertake some renewal training and associated test. Well, this is my news for today- must make a post soon that is not about me but about something else, anything else. Take Care.

Benny Hinn Meeting at Norwich Football Stadium

2005-07-24T17:07:00.000+01:00

Anna and I travelled in a coach arranged by the Meadgate C of E Church. After a 2 hour journey we arrived at the stadium. The choir were rehearsing and a few thousand people had already gathered despite there being another 90 mins to wait. Theveving was very much centred on worship and the songs were mainly older choruses or hymns. The musicans were amazing and the choir reached some very high notes. Although the massed crowds had no words, we all sang along enthusiastically. I felt very blessed to be there and did feel the presence of God in the place. The down side was an overlong time spent on the finance/offering section. Having said this, it is the way of such evangelists and the tickets to the event were free. Given the huge costs of hiring a stadium and sound stage you don't want everyone assuming that an odd £1 coin thrown into an offering box is going to cover costs. I liked his message about "The Blood" and it's power to save and the comparison of the serpent raised by Moses to save the Israelites and the Cross of Christ raised to bring salvation to the world. When the "ministry" time came we were encouraged to call on the name of Jesus for our healing. Then 2 huge queues of hundreds of people fromed on either side of the stage running the full length of the pitch- these were people professing to have been healed. Many were called up onto the stage and their testimonies were amazing. The healings were undeniable- people walked, bent down, danced, exercised who were unable to do so previously. Their wheelchairs were left on stage as they walked back to their groups. I found the claims of cancer healing more challenging- both for obvious reasons- and because these are not so obvious and will need medical concurrance at some point. But, pretty well all of those that I heard testify had come to the meeting in considerable pain which had now departed, so I am happy to accept that they have been healed. It is so easy to be cynical isn't it. We left the meeting at 10.30pm, the queues to testify undiminished, and returned to the coach. I was really interested to see what the Anglicans felt about it all. They were all hugely impressed by the worship and the miracles. They were less comfortable with the showmanship and the "money issues". I would echo their reaction but I would also add that, at the end of the day, Benny Hinn went to great lengths to give the glory to God and no-one else. The miracles were a sign that God is blessing him and these happen wherever he goes. So, I have to set aside my "English Reserve" which wrestles with the American style delivery and conclude that God is using Benny Hinn in a mighty way. As for my healing? Well, I cannot tell you that I felt anything specific happen in my body though I was extremely aware of the closeness of God and His blessing. I believe my healing happened at Calvary 2000 years ago through the stripes Jesus bore for me (and it's amazing just how many different sources have stated that truth to me in the last 6 months). Since I have felt no pain from my cancer, detecting my healing is not so tangible, but I will be scanned probably towards the end of August and this will show what has happened to me since April.
Joel and Simon were looked after by Carolyn yesterday and she took them to a Church Discoverers BBQ in Little Waltham where some friends open their large home, gardens and outdoor swimming pool. We are told they and the other kids present had the times of their lives. When swimming was officially over Simon led a protest chant at the side of the pool which apparantly worked (sorry parents). He then walked over the the Discoverers Leader Paul and poured a bucket of water over him fully dressed. Paul chased him to the pool and they both jumped in much to the delight of everyone. A free for all ensued and I'm sure that Anna and I will restore relations with our Christian Brothers and Sisters shortly.
Anyway, nuff said for now. Bye.

2005-07-18T20:54:00.000+01:00

Simon the pieman- at least I think that's what he said to the Elizabethan staff at Kentwell Hall.

2005-07-18T20:53:00.000+01:00

Face of an angel in the clothes of an Elizabethan- now there's a hat for me!

2005-07-18T20:49:00.000+01:00

Different clothes but same old story in the Cooper household

2005-07-18T20:48:00.000+01:00

Simon only asked his mum for a 5 minute break from his chores

Hot Weekend

2005-07-17T19:16:00.000+01:00

Too hot to do much this weekend. I needed sleep on Saturday and snored for 2 hours in the afternoon, then woke up feeling groggy and worse than before. Didn't slepp well Saturday night and woke at 5am so was down at Church in good time for the worship team rehearsal. 2 great morning services. Then it was to John and Joy Wilson's home for the annual Worship team BBQ- appx 60 people attended and we enjoyed loads of food and fun. I'm glad it will be a little cooler tomorrow. I have some training to do at work so need a good sleep. Must post some pics of Anna and Simon in Elizabethan dress soon.

Chemo Session 4

2005-07-12T20:40:00.000+01:00

I have just arrived back home at 8pm from today's Session. It was a bit of a long and hot affair but I whiled away the hours by watching England get crushed by Australia in the one day cricket international. Did anyone else catch(excuse the pun) that extraordinary shot by Pieterson, played more like a baseball hit? Anyway after 9 hours sat in one chair I was a bit tired and groggy so was pleased to be collected by Anna and Simon. It was a day of laughing and joking with my chemo nurse, Dave, though. Of late it has become a harder task to find a suitable vein for blood tests or the intravenous drip. The last three times have taken three attempts? But today despite my heckling Dave got the vein first time and was particularly chirpy each time he stopped by with the next lot of medication. I firmly believe he positively bounces into the room to administer the "bee-sting" subcutaneous injection because he knows how painful it is. The Session includes 2 or 3 chemical depending on if we're on an odd or even session number. These have to be separated by lengthy "flush-throughs" and I get a water tablet, anti-sickness tablet, steroids and a brand new, £150-a shot, super anti-sickness injection (it has a 100% sucess rate with Dr Tahirs private patients thus far). As I leave, I am given 3 lots of different anti-nausea/sickness tablets as well as things to stop mouth ulcers, infection, diarrhoea, headaches, temperatures etc etc.
All in all, not a bad day but I now need a decent sleep so here I go off to bed at 8.45pm- please do not disturb until tomorow!!

In God's House

2005-07-03T21:04:00.000+01:00

It was good to be at Church today. I played guitar in the morning services and was blessed by the testimony of "Jim" who cycled 250 miles into the Carpathian Mountains in Romania on a fundraising trip for orphaned children. A sum of £30k was raised but much more was achieved in bringing an expression of love to the helpless. There were some really big miracles achieved regards funding for more shelter for the children and once again I felt immensely proud (sorry - I know it's probably wrong) to be associated with a church which encourages so many of it's members to discover mission and mercy work. Another member had literally just arrived back from Sri Lanka where he was helping to build homes for those affected by the Tsunami. These faithful exploits help me to keep my current position in perspective. I was browsing through Direction Magazine today (July's is an excellent read) and saw the testimony of a cancer healing- what struck me was the scripture ans elder shared with her: "The God of all grace who called you to His eternal life in Christ Jesus, after you haved suffered a while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" (1 Peter 5:10f).

I'd like to get back to work tomorrow but I need to be able to drive safely and my eyesight has been a bit dodgy since treatment began. Please pray that I'll recover during this week and get some strength back generally. Thanks to all who read my posts.

2005-06-30T09:47:00.000+01:00

Joel running the wing in his sides 6-0 win over Fennlands. A great game ot watch with lots of quick, slick passing. Just missed out on the quarter finals having won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1. In the previous week he won a runners-up medal at Chelmsfor City Youth's fun day. Keep it up Olly!!

Thursday 30th June 2005

2005-06-30T09:35:00.000+01:00

I did get some sleep last night (thanks Pat). Woke up at 1.40am for a couple of hours but it made for a good prayer time and then slept through to 7.30am. Not so nauseous today but washed out so not going to work (again!). Will try and enjoy the day as best I can and then hope to be back to normal tomorrow. Am due to play in the Sunday a.m. band for both services and am really looking forward to it so please pray I shall feel suitable recovered. On a different note, I am trying to post a photo of Joel in action at last week's Broomfield football fun day but I have to try and remove the face of the lad that he's outrunning (child protection issues)- if I manage it the picture should find it's way here somewhere.

Bad Night and Day

2005-06-30T06:20:00.000+01:00

I really didn't sleep last night which meant I woke today with a temperature and big feeling of nausea. Took medication with some dry toast and managed some scrambled egg for lunch but really have felt lousy all day. My sense of taste has more or less completely gone for the time being and the thought of anything remotely sweet is disgusting. Obviously I've not been into work. Please pray that I get some sleep tonight because I think it will make a world of difference. On a good note Anna rang me from Wimbledon Centre Court where she saw the matches between Hewitt/Lopez and Grosjean/Roddick. She was having a great time and I'm pleased because it was a good break from work, house chores and my whole illness thing. The boys came home from school and made their own tea tonight which helped me- thanks boys. Well, sounds like Anna has just arrived back so I'll sign off for tonight.

Chemo Session 3

2005-06-29T05:00:00.000+01:00

Just back from latest Session. Must say I'm feeling grotty but that may be due to too late-ish nights on Sunday and Monday and no daytime sleeps during the last week. I'm getting off to bed now in the hope I'll feel better in the morning. Hope to go to work for a while. Anna is at Wimbledon Centre Court for the day so I hope the weather's good and she gets to see some quality tennis. Good Night.

VOTING TIME

2005-06-26T07:17:00.000+01:00

Right- you can see the choices below- please mark them out of 10 under each pic please.

2005-06-25T23:16:00.000+01:00

Do not...repeat, do not vote for this Victor Meldrew special courtesy of my loving sister. Jill- I loved all the others but there is a line I cannot cross and this was it.

2005-06-25T23:14:00.000+01:00

Hmm.... serious over-grinning and suspect red eyes- but a decent black cap.

2005-06-25T23:12:00.000+01:00

I know....bit look at it this way- its protects my head from the sun and looks better than a crusty tied handkerchief.

2005-06-25T23:09:00.000+01:00

Another baseball hat courtesy of sister Jill.

2005-06-25T23:08:00.000+01:00

Joel's idea but i just think I look ridiculous. Is that door frame bowing?

2005-06-25T23:06:00.000+01:00

OK- hat vote and double chin count. I think the red clashes with the t-shirt.

2005-06-25T23:04:00.000+01:00

Yes- me with less hair due to chemotherapy and 2 eager sons who happened across some hair clippers

2005-06-25T23:02:00.000+01:00

Ok- me with at least some hair- mainly on the chin!

No Boys!!

2005-06-25T21:12:00.000+01:00

Yep- not quite sure how we managed to co-ordinate this but both boys were off our hands for the day. Simon is at his third annual cub camp in Hawkwell for the weekend whilst Joel has spent the day at Air Cadets on Weapons Handling Training. Then tonight it was the Chelmsford City Youth Team's presentation evening and so we joined Joel for this special occcasion at St Peter's College. Anna and I spent the day in Coggeshall. After a light lunch at the local coffee shop we did the 3 mile public footpath walk around the outskirts, taking in the fresh air and local scenery. It was nice just to be alone for a while- took me back to "the time before boys" - not that we regret having them in any way. Oh, I bought a hat today. A kind of summer, wear it at the cricket, titvah which gives my head protection from the sun so that I don't look like a strawberry conehead. Must take some pics of me in these hats- not for vanity- but for your marks out of 10 re wearability. Anyway, not much to tell so I'll go quietly.........

Hair Loss- It's Official!

2005-06-20T17:18:00.000+01:00

Yes, after yesterday's blazing heat and time spent outside watching Joel reach the final of the football sixes (Chelmsford City Youth Fun day), it was time for me to sleep for 14 hours. The day started at 8am at Church for setting up and musical rehearsal, then 2 services, then the footy followed by a barbecue and that was enough. Slept well, woke up at 7am today with hair on the pillow. True to my word I "called in the boys". Simon and Joel applied a number one shaver to my head and the rest is history. I see some advantages here- my expensive shampoo will last 4 times as long, dandruff is no longer a concern, I shan't be fighting with the boys over hair gel and wax, and getting dry after a shower will be much quicker. I realise that many of you have been praying that I wouldn't lose my hair and thank you for that. I want you to know that it's not such a big deal for me. My healing is much more important to me than some hair and if the choice were to be bald and healed or hairy and ill then I know which I would rather be. The point is that God may well choose to bring about my healing through this chemo and to suffer a relatively unpainful side effect of hair loss is welcome in the light of the bigger picture. Apart from feeling nauseous and tired, I have so far not really suffered much else and we can praise God for that. I'm taking a day off work today in order to fully recover from the weekend and to save a drive-in during this hot, sticky weather.

Chemo Session Two

2005-06-15T04:15:00.000+01:00

All went well today- started 10.30 am and finished at 7.30 pm. Ate well again. More tired this time. Finished Sedoku in 15mins which at least tells me the brain hasn't slowed too badly under the drugs. Two messages from my boss at work- thinks he's forgotten that I'm not in today. Dr Tahir pleased with the way I got through the first session. He now wants me to have 6 sessions before I am re-scanned to check on progress. Got to see the cricket live on Sky Sports: MCC vs Rest of World which was good fun (no.... really, it was). Anyway I need some rest after all that sitting today so I'll leave you with some pics from our front garden of the current blooms, courtesy of my green-fingered wife, nature and creator-God.

2005-06-14T20:19:00.001+01:00

ZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!

2005-06-14T20:19:00.000+01:00

Yawn!!!

2005-06-14T20:18:00.000+01:00

More roses

2005-06-14T20:17:00.000+01:00

Canterbury Bells (Ooooh-listen to you!)

2005-06-14T20:16:00.000+01:00

Roses and Foxgloves

Great Weekend

2005-06-13T05:31:00.000+01:00

Had my mum and dad staying from Gloucester this weekend which was great. Mum brought her fruit loaf (loved by all) and dad brought his unique sense of humour. We had a barbecue on Saturday evening and all ate far too much. Then it was a dose of Dr Who and family chat. Today (Sunday) was brilliant. We all went to the 9.15am service at Church where Sarra lead the worship and Steve Murray did some mime. Nigel Tween spoke on the characters of Demus, John Mark, Luke and Paul. Communion was special as always. The one hiccup in the day was my leaving Anna at Church when I drove the rest of us home. She had walked to church and I assumed (very wrongly and I have the bruises to prove it) she would also be walking back. Well she DID walk back but it was not part of her plan. Apparently she has made the church leadership aware of this failing of her husband so I can expect a pastoral visit imminently.Can I say publicly that I am sorry, Anna. This evening was a baptismal service with four candidates and i was part of the Penster's worship team. It was another really good service and it is so clear that God is moving in our church as the moment. I can't help wondering that the move to 2 morning services has in some way "opened" the way to great blessing from God. Today I have been mainly eating a blackberry smoothie- about 2 pints. Watch out tomorrow! I've been challenged to make and consume a beetroot smoothie- I'm hesitating because I'm worried about the mess it will leave my poor old Kenwood in. Plus my worst nightmare is spilling it over the kitchen floor- it would take neat bleach to get the stain out. Well, we'll see. On Tuesday I have my next dose of chemo and am told there will be a "cumulative effect" so I may experience worse and more prolonged nausea this time. My hair is due to fall out in the next 7 days but we'll see- it really is a small thing in the overall problem of my illness. And my eldest sister (an Elim Pastor's wife I might add) has parcel posted to me a selection of headgear for the discerning "baldie" including what I can only describe as a Victor Meldrew special. I love my sister. I can only give her a 3 out of 5 score for this solution though I am grateful.
Well, it's 9.30pm and the boys sould be in bed so I'll sign off and enforce curfews,

TAGGED!!

2005-06-07T05:55:00.000+01:00

Doh!! The easy bit's telling you 10 things I like doing. The hard bit's finding 3 other non-tagged people to tag! Anyway first bit first:
1. Reading novels- Robert Goddard, Peter Robinson, Harlan Coban, Gerald Seymour, Frederick Forsyth etc etc. Just escapism really. I can relax after a day's work when TV is just an insult.
2. Running- kept it up ever since cross country at Senior School though it has suffered in recent years due to my cancer and the effects of ops and chemo.
3. Playing Guitar- just a hobby really and I will never have the discipline of some friends who will practise and improve all the time. But I can play and sing for my own enjoyment and am priveliged to be part of some great music teams at church.
4. Visiting Gloucester and Yorkshire where mine and Anna's parents live. There are things called hills and valleys! Some great countryside and friends/family.
5. Helping my boys in their development, be it academic, sporting, spiritual or whatever. The joy of influencing the lives of your children (hopefully for good) is a precious thing.
6. Being with my wife, Anna. It might seem a small thing but our life together is precious and though we have a fairly routine family life, she is my rock and I love her immensely.
7. Creating Order...ie. tidying up and finding homes for things. It probably springs from the Banking career. It DOES annoy the rest of the family when I have a purge on clutter.
8. Listening to music- phases of Christian/Secular preference. Favs include U2, ATF, Coldplay, Keane, Queen, Travis, T-Rex, Larry Norman, Micheal Card, Micheal W Smith, John M Talbot.
9. Praying and reading the Bible which help me to get to know God personally and give me the answers to many of the issues I face and reassure me when the answers are not known to me.
10. Blogging of course! It's a great way of expressing yourself and really doesn't matter if no one but you (and God) notices. But it's even better when others share in the fun.

I now need to check on who I can tag who is currently "untagged" so another short blog will follow.....................

Tagged Part Two

2005-06-07T05:16:00.000+01:00

OK- my nominations for tagging are:-

Dun, dun, dunnnnnnnn!

Pause for a few seconds....

Pause even longer cos it's the hip thing they now do in all the music/dance reality shows....

And a bit more still so you can really hear your own heart beating!!!

1. Mike Sherwood- mikesland.blogspot.com
2. Lisa Pearce- laughinglisa.blogspot.com
3. Nicole- www.blogger.com/profile/7807014

New Week

2005-06-07T04:16:00.000+01:00

Looking back at the weekend I realise that I was rather washed-out and had little energy but today (Monday) I've been back at work for a full day and managed reasonably well. Am eating too much at the moment (seriously) and need to ensure I don't cause other problems down the line. Pains from my operation scars are an added complication but one of the rib/muscle problems is down to me since I would bowl overarm at Joel and Simon in a recent game of cricket, using muscles that have been out of action for a year. Which brings me to the issue of general fitness. Since I'm not running at present I need to get a daily walk into my routine and probably some cycling as well. My cough's back again but I'm seeing the asthma nurse tomorrow so perhaps she'll put me straight. Concentration is a problem so reading/crosswords/long DVDs are not ideal fayre for me at the moment. My eyes get tired quickly as well. But... Praise God these are small things compared to what side effects I could experience and so I'm grateful for God's protection and that He remains with me through all this.

Back at Work Again

2005-06-04T19:20:00.000+01:00

Day 2 was interesting. Woke up feeling unwell and had an argument with Anna as to whether "nausea" was feeling sick or being sick. It was the fromer and she was right! This delayed me taking an anti-nausea pill which would've got me going a bit quicker. Anyway, I did sleep well and got to work at Maldon at about 10.30 am (slacker!). Stayed for an hour to brief my colleague on various cases and then drove back to Chelmsford to pick up a serious anti-nausea pill from the Hospital to take in the early afternoon (they'd run out of stock previously). Then came into Chelmsford Barclays to try and do some work locally but sufered a severe bout of hiccups which lasted most of the day and meant I couldn't really communicate so went home. Had fever in the night but slept through and did a full day's work at Maldon on Thursday. Ditto Friday. Strange thing at the moment is that sometimes I can't tell if I'm feeling sick or incredibly hungry but it seems if I eat what I have a taste for, it does the trick!. I'm reading a very honest book written by a Spring Harvest Co-ordinator who developed severe bowel and lymphatic cancer. When he moved onto the harder chemo he remembers a day when he craved garden peas and actually ate two full cereal bowels together! The closest I can get to this is that Anna has researched that most foods with natural red colouring are "good" for me and so my Saturday lunchtime fayre today will be pickled beetroot sandwiches. I know, I know, you think "disgusting" but anything to me is better than tomatoes. The boys both have football presentations this evening which last from 6pm until 9.30 pm and tomorrow is a double dose of worship band at the morning services (8am start) so I need to conserve my energy this afternoon-yawn....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Chemo Session One

2005-06-01T05:30:00.000+01:00

Arrived at Springfield Medical Centre at 10am (no sign of Homer or Bart!) and after the intial paperwork (Are you Neil Cooper, how did it all start, who's your GP, known allergies, next of kin, side-effects, what do you want to eat) I had the cannula inserted and commenced a saline drip feed followed by a potassium/magnesium/saline mix followed by the three drugs in the following order: mytomycin, irinotecan and cyspatinum. I had saline "drinks" between and various injections to open my system for the drugs and to prevent nausea. I have to say that I felt no sickness during the long session but was staggered to learn that one anti-sickness injection I received cost £450!! I would not have had that on the NHS and yet it works remarkably well. The male chemo nurse who looked after me (name witheld for obvious reasons) was brilliant and kept me fully informed about all that was happening as well as finding time to chat on such issues as the meaningless nature of England football friendlies, the cost of Ferraris, the likelihood of a UK referendum on Europe and the pollution caused by cheap air travel in Europe. See? Hospital needn't be endless boredom but this nurse was sad to have to leave the NHS and go into the private sector to regain the time taken from him (for Govt targets) which he has always used to chat with/reassure his patients. For the record I did not go mad on the food front at my insurers expense. I had tuna mayonnaise sandwiches for lunch with orange juice and tea, with a cheese omelette followed by fruit salad and orange juice for dinner. I even received a going home present- a goodie bag full of drugs to combat sickness, diarrhoea, infection etc etc. If all goes to plan (read as Godwilling) I shall be going into work tomorrow as normal at Maldon branch to brief my colleague who is taking over the reins there, then returning to Springfield MC to collect a vital anti-nausea pill which the suppliers didn't deliver today (to be taken straightaway), then returning to Chelmsford branch for the rest of the day- unless some heartless soul in a Call Centre has booked me an appointment in Burnham-on-Crouch!
So, there you have it, a day in the life of a chemo-patient. So far...so good. My hair, I'm told, WILL fall out between day 14 and 21. Why can't they be more precise? I've told the boys they can shave me bald at the first sign of hair loss as I'm not prepared to look like a barber client of Mr Bean. The upside is that I shan't need to shave for a while I suppose. But, so's you don't become predicatable in your comments to this blog, I already have had the bandana, baseball cap, any cap and wig jokes but if you can come up with an original then I might give you marks out of 5 (5 being laugh at loud funny, 4-brought a smile, 3-ok but try harder, 2- don't try, 1- you didn't try did you?)
If you're praying for me then thanks, I know there's an awful long way to go but I am determined to find fun and positivity in all this (actually it's the faith/trust thing really isn't it- at the moment it's quite easy for me to trust God for healing through the treatment or a miracle. Mainly because your prayers are giving me strength and because I believe God's word to be true- He wants to see me whole, he made me that way, he died so I could be that way and lot's of people tel me they see that end result).

Bank Holiday Weekend

2005-05-31T04:25:00.000+01:00

I think it's time for some pictures and you should see them before or after this post. We travelled to Yorkshire this weekend and what a warm and sunny on it was! We relaxed, read a lot, ate a lot and paid a visit to the RSPB sanctuary at Bempton Cliffs between Bridlington and Scarborough. They are appx 400 feet high and are home to many species of bird but are famous for their puffins-who've just returned from warmer climes during May in order to make homes in the cliffs and lay eggs. I did get a couple of shots but they are a distance from where you may safely stand. Anna's Mum spoilt us with her home made baking and Yorkshire puddings. It was good to see that they both appear quite well and I know Dad Nicholson was particularly relieved to see me looking well (I think worrying about me has affected his health somewhat). Anyway it really was a great time away and we travelled without problem (4 hrs each way). I now have chemo to face tomorrow at Springfield medical centre whilst the boys have the rest of the week off (Half-Term). Anna will come with me tomorrow to see how it goes. Then I hope to be back at work on Weds or Thurs. Bye for now. Thanks for your prayers.

2005-05-30T20:33:00.000+01:00

The rear of White Hall Lodge from the orchard with the paddock to the right.

2005-05-30T20:32:00.000+01:00

A nice rural scene. The paddock lies to the side of White Hall Lodge where Anna's parents have lived during retirement for the last 11 years.

2005-05-30T20:29:00.000+01:00

This is a paddock still owned by the Farm and is one of the last pieces of green land in the centre of the village- which has grown quickly in the last 20 years with lots of new homes springing up. The horses rent the paddock and are quite pleasant tenants.

2005-05-30T20:26:00.000+01:00

Blurred I know, but nonetheless, a Puffin at Bempton and some noisy neighbours downstairs

2005-05-30T20:24:00.000+01:00

Joel and Simon in Yorkshire and please note the weather at the end of May!!

T REX ROCKS

2005-05-25T20:21:00.000+01:00

Hey fellow bloggers, you really must check out the new T-REX DVD entitled Born to Boogie. The music is cool, there is loads of bonus material and, best of all, Bill Legend has a 10 minute interview which is so glorifying to God, it's amazing! And this product is sitting at No 2 in HMV's musical DVD Chart. So think of all those punter's who'll find out what really does make Bill tick (not the tea and biscuits). Bill, my hats off to you- there are few in a position to do what you've done as a witness and still fewer who would take the opportunity even if it was given.

Back to Work!!

2005-05-21T01:15:00.000+01:00

Yes, I return on Monday after one month absense. I never did get to go back in to the office under the qualified sickness certificate but the rest was welcome. I have to get out of the habit of a mid-afternoon nap at 2pm. On the 1st June one of my colleagues will take over at Maldon and I will "assist" him- enabling me to take time out for chemotherapy, hospital appointments etc etc. Barclays have been good throughout this episode in my life which has certainly eased the pressures on us as a family. This weekend we have my youngest sister, Mo visiting with her husband Mark and they are treating us all to a meal out on Sunday which will be great since Anna has had a busy week and I shall be playing at both of the Sunday morning services. Joel is off to air cadets again this evening (he loves it!) and will learn how he did in his first test. Simon has been asked by his old football team if he will help them out in goal on Saturday morning. We have the prospect of a great FA Cup Final to watch and then, of course, there's Doctor Who ( I only watch because the boys do you understand ). On Monday I see Dr Tahir to find out exactly what my new chemo regime will be. This is all back-to-front as I should've mentioned that last Monday I saw the Prof at Barts who said he would do two things- firstly agree a new chemo regime with Dr Tahir which I could take locally and secondly, to negotiate with a European Agency to see if I could go onto the clinical trials of a new drug which has trialled in the US with some success. This "negotiating" process may take a while and not prove to be successful so I'll commence chemo anyway. I have been off the self-injections of chemo for 3 weeks now but still feel tired and lacking energy. I also developed what we think is an asthma-related cough- quite dry and not caused through breathlessness as such. Anyway I'm back on a steroid inhaler (must mention to Dr Tahir) for the time being and will see the asthma nurse in early June. As I'm currently "poisen-free" I have also booked two dentist appointments for routine filling work next week. If you could see my work diary for next week (first week back) I'm off for three half-days!! Well, I'd better go since I need to get some dinner on for the family. Take Care.

House Husband!!

2005-05-06T03:35:00.000+01:00

So, until my employers, their insurers and my GP can agree on what a return to work based on "light duties" actually means, then I have to stay at home- which I've done for the last week and a day. It does mean that I've got back into a washing/ironing, tesco shopping and slow decorating routine again. I also can feel the pressure of work falling away. But this isn't "real life" for me and at some point a return to work will happen- the longer it takes the harder it becomes. My certificate says a month! Last weekend we joined with friends camping near to Waltham Abbey. There were 7 adults and 8 children. We had good weather, got plenty of exercise and even had church on the campsite for one hour on Sunday- complete with communion, thought for the day, Discoverers activity, singing (bongos and guitar) and prayer time. We came back home strangely refreshed and exhausted. Joel and Simon seem to get through three of everything they wear each day of a holiday so the washing bag was fatter than the tent pack. We've been to vote- hope you all did too. I don't think, as Christians, we can "abstain" tactically or apathetically. We need to decide prayerfully who we believe will make the best moral, political and economic choices for our country- or even our town. By the way, did I mention I've been making the evening meals this week? Thoroughly enjoyed it as well- I need to be off work to have the time to do this as we blokes take a bit longer to work it all out and co-ordinate it. Simon invited a friend around and tonight we enjoyed (you will enjoy!) Roast potatoes, parsnips, cauliflour cheese, a beef joint, carrots, brocolli, whole baby sweetcorn cobs and a beef gravy. Anna had all the veg and a tuna & pasta bake.
Well, as you can see, I've no news to report whatsoever. On the health front, my appointment at Barts has been rearranged for 16th May due to lack of rooms in which to see patients. I seem to be well, apart from a dry cough. I feel more alert with not taking the 3 times a week chemo-injections. I still have hundreds of people praying for me and thank you all.

Bad News Again

2005-04-15T01:35:00.000+01:00

On Monday at Barts my disk of images from Broomfield could not be read and the Professor said that he would call me later that day with the results. Well it's now Thursday and despite several chasers I've heard nothing so Anna has gone to our GP Surgery and Dr Dilley has obtained a report from Broomfield Radiotherapy which basically says that the cancer appears to have spread in the lung area, the lymphs and at the site of the old removed left kidney. This is a dreadful and unexpected shock. I am asking anyone who reads thses blogs to pray for a complete miracle. Also please pray for Anna and our boys, Joel and Simon. It is hard breaking news to them. We have been open and honest. We've all had a good cry together. Simon's teacher lost her battle with breast cancer which spread to the brain just 3/4 weeks ago and so this has hit home to him quite badly. We need to know what the plans are for ongoing treatment/operations. We may look at alternative/complemetary treatment. I am going to go into fruit and veg in a big way- it can't harm!! Anyway- please, please pray for that complete miracle which I now need and thanks.

Little to Report

2005-04-10T05:48:00.000+01:00

Not a lot has happened in this last week. I had my scans on Monday and was handed the results on a cd rom which I shall take with me to Barts on this coming Monday. I've been to work which has been fairly routine. I have taken to praying in the car on the way to work- it seems to keep me alert and focussed and is a great start to any day. The A414 through Danbury now closes for 12 weeks so I suppose I'll join others on the dreaded A12 (just have to get up earlier). I've stripped the kitchen wallpaper and hope to begin decorating next weekend. Our house is quiet at the moment with Simon at a party over the road and Joel at a sleepover next door. I'm not due to play guitar at church tomorrow and Joel doesn't have a football match so we can enjoy a morning service as part of the congregation. Anyway, this is just boring you all so I'll sign off.

Not a good week

2005-04-02T05:06:00.000+01:00

I developed a headache on Sunday evening last and it only subsided during Thursday night by which time I had been off work for three days, was been driven mad slowly and had to visit my GP- ruled out sinuses but she felt we ought ot add a brain scan to the full body scan being carried out on Monday- which is another thing to get worried about. I did visit the dentist as well since I've had a problem with one of my teeth and wondered about infection and if that might cause the headache. In the event- there is no infection- though I do need a couple of fillings at some point!! I'll just carry on taking it easy this weekend I think....

He is Risen!!!

2005-03-28T02:26:00.000+01:00

Received a cartoon from a friend and felt it very apt for today of all days. It will either come right before or after this short post.

2005-03-27T17:27:00.000+01:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

2005-03-23T20:11:00.000+01:00

Prisoner No 12345678 (also an improving artist)

2005-03-23T20:10:00.000+01:00

I drew this!!!!!

2005-03-23T20:09:00.000+01:00

The eldest is also known to do homework on the odd occasion- he's just finished a week of exams so looks a bit tired.

2005-03-23T20:07:00.000+01:00

Proof that our youngest will stay still long enough to wor at times- note the unimpressed look at being filmed at work

2005-03-23T19:55:00.000+01:00

Strange how just two weeks make a difference between a chilly winter climate and a sunny spring one isn't it

Easter

2005-03-23T15:52:00.000+01:00

Well, my boss says I can have a long weekend in view of my hard work... hmmm, not sure it's as generous as it sounds. My wife, Anna, announced that she's not about to be ripped off by Easter Eggs prices and has bought plain bars of chocolate- yep, all makes sense but takes something away from the occasion. The good news is that the reason for this season remains unchanged- Jesus took on so much for us at Calvary. Even if we believe we could take on similar physical suffering, dare I say that this was the easier part for Jesus to endure. By far the harder part was the spiritual and mental anguish of all the guilt that we have ever had or will have, from the secret sinners to the most vile and infamous criminals. Jesus took it all on his shoulders so that we don't have to any more. Easter is a great time for Christians. It remains a special time for the Coopers because Simon so nearly died in his first year on Good Friday, yet made his first signs of real improvement at Great Ormond Street on Easter Sunday once a Doctor with experience in Africa recognised the combination of symptoms and prescribed the right combination of medication. Thanks God for experts in the medical field. I am pleased to report I am in good health at present and enjoyed an 8 mile run last Saturday. I am looking forward to the new Dr Who series this weekend (sad old boy!) and shall enjoy a rest from ferrying and watching boys play football.

Spring is Here!!

2005-03-18T07:05:00.000+01:00

I and some colleagues from the bank went down to the Essex Wildlife Trust Farm site on the marshes in Tollesbury today. We spent the afternoon hedge clearing and then replanting over a 50 foot length on the side of the track. The weather was glorious and we had views across to West Mersea and to Bradwell Power Station over the estuary. Anyway you had to be there but I have got some pics which I'll try to publish.