A deep breath

‘ Just take a deep breath ( it won’t cause pain?) ‘ . Now where have I heard that before , and do I believe it ?; especially when uttered by a nurse . I was somewhat perplexed as she was taking the needle out !  I suppose to part with some of my precious red stuff there has to be some discomfort . The reason for this , was the results from an earlier blood screening offered at a discounted price at our local pharmacy ; well actually one of three in our local shopping centre , so I suppose this was competition ‘  in practice’ …This had come back with slightly elevated CA 19 -9 , a cancer screening test . Following an internet search of the Mayo’s clinic , with their opening phrase   “Healing starts here ... Effective treatment depends on getting the right diagnosis. Our experts diagnose and treat the toughest medical challenges.  “ …it was off to see a proper doctor; although not at this point to the USA.

I should explain that this is Kuala Lumpur and not the UK . The 20 minute taxi ride ( Grab , their Uber) cost 3 euro , and at the hospital the taxi door was opened by a concierge . The receptionist was instantly available , and apologised that that hospital’s cancer expert was not also instantly available . It must be the looks that count , as I was offered a geriatric expert instead . (  Cheek ! )  . So straight to see him , though not without registration ; a compute number is indispensable ; and confirmation on the method of payment : you don't get this level of response free!  Having recounted my myriad of supplements , my understanding doctor suggested that these be ceased for a week , and the blood test repeated . 

 So back to that deep breath , a blood sample and a discussion 1.5 hours later with my very nice Doctor . The result was still elevated , so for safety , he recommended a CT scan . That would have taken place straight away , but for the fact that I had just eaten ; so now I had to wait 4 hours. After payment , the  preparation for the scan first involved redressing in a hospital gown .This must have been one of those millions rejected by the NHS, as even with printed instructions , re robing  was almost impossible …for me . It must be that geriatric bit ! After all sorts of dubious looking fluids were passed into my various orifices and blood stream ; the scan passed without incident . They apologised that as they were very busy , could I wait for the results until the next morning ; no problem , I would prefer that they not do a  rush  job , especially as this was a Friday afternoon , and that in a Muslim country .

On my early morning walk , the air was crystal clear ; and the only sound being bird song . Taking a deep breath , I just enjoyed the moment . Both my parents had lived to their mid 90’s ; so if I can follow them I had about 7000 more days left . Reflecting on that , I ascend a (Steep?) incline with a fair bit of puffing and panting . Well you have inflict a bit of discomfort for proper exercise so that  this ageing body gets through all those days . A near miss from  an on coming car got me thinking of the wider picture . 

 In January we are currently planning to fly by Dubai on route to Madrid and Quito. But perhaps that will depend on what is yet another war zone ; although instead of calling it a «  special military operation »; this one is ‘ allowable self defence ‘ . At some point even the Arabs will say that’s enough collateral damage ; a convenient  euphemism for dead women and children . Perhaps for health reasons we will have have to take an alternative route .

Halfway through breakfast , my nice Doctor rang me ! …. Now that’s enough by itself to change the breathing pattern . …and the results from  the Scan :  I still have potentially what is now 6999 days to go .  

PS . The total hospital bill was only € 380 !