CONFUSION ..CONT'D

As Les pointed out, even when a scientist makes a truly great discovery, it is often two or three decades before the Orthodox lobby accepts the breakthrough. From Galileo to Pasteur along with countless other scientists have all been pilloried by the Establishment, not unlike so many artists who have died penniless when not long after death their paintings are selling for sums they could only dream of.
The other aspect of treatments is the tendency to use euphemisms. There is something cosy about a nurse who asks you to 'take a wee seat' or offers you 'a wee cup of tea' or 'we'll give you a nice freshen up with a wee bed bath'. The wee makes it less imperious than the rather English 'take a seat'. However when undergoing treatments of pills (I have lost count) and radio therapy it is not all that helpful to be told, 'you might have a wee touch of diahorrea/constipation/stomach pain' whatever. Or metastasis (the spread of cancer to the bones) 'might make you a wee bit low in energy'. I know this is all well intended but take bone cancer for example. This causes decalcification of the bones, the calcium enters the blood stream pollouting the blood and reducing the oxygen content. The result is absolute exhaustion at the expenditure of almost any energy. Bernice and I went to another bullfight yesterday (she is now an incurable fan) we had to walk up the terraced seats -15 rows only - and at the top I was so utterly breathless I simply collapsed. Apart from the panic and pain, I felt such a prick, unable to climb some steps. The chivalrous Spanish - bless them- gathered round in numbers to help.
The O medical world is also remarkably circumspect in addressing the issue of what happens after all the treatments have been tried. As my pal Les points out, the world of oncology is devoted to extending the life of the cancer patient. None of them seem to be into the business of cure. When one reaches the end of the wire it is only reasonable to ask 'what next'. So far I haven't had a concrete answer. It may be my Spanish. However Bean and I are back in the UK for another wedding (we had to skip the last one for Bean's mother's funeral). I propose to confront either my GP there or the Oncologist/Urologist at the WGH.
Many thanks from so many well-wishers. Will aim for some cheerier stuff next blog.