Earthquake????? and update on Ian

News reports here in the Midlands confirm there was a earthquake this morning at 5.20 am. Loads of people felt it, especially those living in Loughborough, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. I certainly didn't feel the earth move this morning (or the boat rocking) but I suppose that's one of the benefits of living on water. I do remember the Earthquake of February 2008, though. It was very early in the morning and we just happened to be staying in our bungalow instead of on the boat. Suddenly something woke us in the early hours of the morning. Imagine the roar of a high speed train as it rushes past you at a station and that's just how it felt to us. No wonder we woke up terrified. We lay there for a moment, not really understanding what had happened. Ian even jumped out of bed to see it our chimney stack had fallen down. It wasn't until the news reports the next morning that we found out about the earthquake!

So now to my update on Ian.

Yesterday afternoon we had an appointment to see the consultant. After the usual long wait we finally got in to see the man himself instead of his registrar.  After Ian had had the normal weight, pulse and heart checks, the consultant once again confirmed how pleased he was to see that the tumour was shrinking. He went on to say that he wasn't sure how long to continue with the chemotherapy treatment. Ian's liver tests showed things to be almost back to normal in that department and he felt it would be a good idea to have a 'chemo holiday' in a few months time. We would know better after the next MRI but just as I was thinking 'yes we can go cruising again' he dropped the bombshell that this wouldn't be until June!!! Oh well.......... I suppose we are better off where we are for the time being what with this cold snap set to continue. It would have been nice to know exactly which month we could have aimed for, though. Still, one other good bit of news. A new Chemotherapy drug has become available on the market for the sort of rare ( Desmoid ) tumour Ian has. Its one of those drugs that seem to work on the majority of these tumours. It's another option we can explore if this round of chemo stops working. Only trouble is, not all health authorities want to fork out for the drug. Our consultant, though, is not one to sit on his laurels and would keep pushing the authorities for the treatment. He seems to have been successful in other cases so there is hope for us yet. So all in all we had some really great and positive news. Long may it continue.

The snow has just started here in Langley Mill but thankfully it's not as heavy as in the West Midlands at the moment. It seems they are having an awful time of it on the roads even though the gritters have been out. Judging by the weather forecast for this region we should miss the worst of it.

 I will leave you with some more of my birdie pictures.

Wood Pigeon and Blue Tit

Cock Blackbird

Hen Blackbird

Long Tailed Tits