Hair today...

....Gone tomorrow!

So, I’ve been a little frugal with passing information, not having talked to you all for the best part of three weeks. Not an altogether extreme time for me, but stuff has happened and considering this is a blog I should have passed it on. Otherwise I become rather too editorial in my output. Talking of which, does anyone want to use the “comment” on the blog site? It would give me the impression that someone is actually out there.

The ten days of radiotherapy went well. That would be my definition of “well” in as much as I had no problem commuting to the Marsden every day with no side effects of tiredness whatsoever. My thanks to all of you who wished to make sure that I wasn’t going to have a hard time with the travelling. Those closer to me will know that there was reason in their concern and typically I discounted some of these attentions, I hope graciously. Three days into the treatment I got out of my bed in the middle of the night and crashed through a table causing a few facial disfigurements and a significant pool of blood (on a cream carpet!). This evidently was a result of the radiotherapy causing inflammation and was always a possibility. I guess that’s why they advised I didn’t drive!! Anyhow, 4am at the local A&E on effectively a Saturday night and I looked like I had been in a good punch up. Both eyes blacked up eventually together with assorted grazes, oh and 12 stitches to the top lip below the nose. The table I had crashed through was made of steel and wire racking. Now that was a different look! So you can see the concern from those around me. Shored up by more steroids I was fine afterwards. All the time to the end of treatment was uneventful as I said…until… the fateful day I swept my hair back…

At first it was one or two little bits of hair that caught my attention, mostly because they were in my hand as opposed to being on my head. However a light tug or two soon convinced me that there was absolutely no hope of keeping it and by the end of the evening it had been trimmed back to a practically invisible 3mm white crop… with the texture of a kiwi fruit! Thankfully the black eyes have now reduced to a rather “sleepless” dark tone and the plastic surgery under my nose is remarkable in its invisibility. Unsurprisingly, I’m told by friends it is a look that suits me. Lets face it, they would hardly tell me that I look like a piece of c**p who shouldn’t go out in public! Now that my face has recovered I offer little objection to the comment seeing that the baldness wasn’t exactly by choice. I still catch reflections of myself and have to take a double look. It’s not the me I know but I choose just to let the baldness be part of who I am for now…the 2009 Autumn look.

Any ideas as to what colour and type it will return? I reckon I'll look like Caesar Augustus...white and curly given the chance. I don't think so somehow!

Richard

Cruising on...

There is a bit of a conflict with writing this instalment of my life. On the one hand I have just had a brilliant holiday around the Mediterranean on a wonderful ship, on the other I have had to change procedures for my cancer. Should I mix up the good and the bad? If I had written the holiday blog sooner it would have no sour taste to leave you with. So before I launch you head first into the blog I will say firstly that I am in great health, apart from the obvious, and as happy and contented as I have ever been. With that said…let’s go.

When I last blogged you it was late July and I was looking forward to the holidays having done lots of silly charity events. It was time to chill and have fun with the family. For a pilot involved with the holiday industry for many years a “holiday” has always meant a week or ten days because of leave restrictions in this, the most manic of times. Now I have the luxury of indefinite leave! At which point may I wish those of you doing such work a more relaxed roster from October, I fully remember the pain and fatigue! But for now I am a mere punter buying my seat and staring out of the window at Heathrow as I identify every whine, click and judder of the A321 as we take off on route to Frankfurt. Even Frankfurt itself has memories of when I used to pilot a small turboprop out of Southend, usually at very short notice, less then 30 minutes, negotiating with the air traffic control as we flew, in order to pick up motor parts for General Motors. Seems like a thousand years ago, just entries in the log book and dusty photos in the loft. Now, sat in my comfortable Lufthansa seat I am content to ask myself the question when I will get a cup of tea and muse over the endlessly new ways of presenting a snack and lessening a cabin service, but I am surprisingly content with not being in control.

It was only a few weeks ago we had grabbed the holiday bull by the horns and booked a Mediterranean Cruise. This was a perfect holiday solution, but I’m not going to write you a travel log to bore you, for that you would have to go to richardsholidays.com! No, it doesn’t exist! However I may post a few photos here for your interest and envy. Suffice to say that we spent two days in Rome before the 12 night cruise with visits to Monte Carlo, Florence, Athens, Pompeii, Vesuvius and many Greek islands finally ending up in a hotel in Venice. 15 days away. How’s that for an itinerary?

Those of you who have packed for a cruise know the nightmare of the “formal night”. For the guys it is a DJ but the girls of course have to take a selection of posh frocks to cover the holiday. The bulk and weight just goes up and up and to find that a scheduled carrier such as Lufthansa only allow 20kg per passenger as opposed to the Holiday Charter 23kg adds further to this logistical nightmare. Just don't mention the shoes!

Oh go on, lets get back to making you envious. Rome…hot…empty and beautiful. The hotel overlooked St. Peters and the sight filled our open window. The Basilica and museum are not to be missed. Normally the word “museum” does as much for me as watching chess. But the Vatican have been er “acquiring” stuff for various Popes for hundreds of years and their collection is quite something. Add to that the thousands of pieces of artwork and lavishly painted ceilings everywhere and you will not be disappointed. Please wear trainers however as a good grip on the floor is required when the torrent of Korean tourists cascade over you whilst you inhale the beauty of a Rafeal or deVinci. The Trevi fountain…spectacular and crowded. Colleseum… boiling but fascinating due to our guide. And that was just Rome in two days. Try the photos:

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Copleyphotos/MediterraneanCruise#

The ship was the Ruby Princess and I will simply say that it was perfect. Here is the link to the web if you want to see more:

http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/ru/

Now, you know how you can travel the world and always meet someone connected to your life? A personal invitation to the bridge for a look lead to a long conversation with the Captain because we had a common past. Would you believe he has a Commercial Pilots Licence and we had common friends as a result. The whole of the visit was probably organised by the ships Doctor who obviously let on about my past, I’m not complaining, but heck, those guys have a crazy amount of space up there and in truth a thumb joystick to steer by when the automatics aren’t engaged. I’m actually envious of the uniform “whites”. The whole concept of 4 hour watches, a beautiful new ship, 1200 staff and needless to say 24 hours gourmet food with sunshine all year round and I’m sold on the idea…is it too late to change career? As we get older those of us who fly aeroplanes in the dead of night for 12 hours at a time feeling like a dogs dinner both before you start and again 12 hours later will no doubt agree, at least they will tonight whilst turning around late in Sharm El Sheikh! But hey, we get to actually play hands on with a very expensive toy, man and machine against the elements and Flight Operations…none more pure a combat of skill and skulduggery.



Ok, so I hear you say, enough of the holidays and whimsical flying anecdotes, what of the Copley health?

Mmm, well that started in Turkey and continues at the Marsden.

It would appear that I have a number of very small brain tumours smaller than the size of a pea. Not the best news to pass on I give you but I am in the very best of hands at the Marsden and they are seeing to the next course of treatment which will be a Whole Head Radiotherapy. The radiation is evidently x rays. They only destroy cancer and have no effect on healthy tissue. The treatment is over 10 sessions, the first of which was last Friday and actually only takes about 20 seconds of exposure but the pre amble is somewhat longer. My thirst for knowledge and fascination for the whole of my illness has no bounds and I have even managed to get some photos of me having my mask, my “shell” made up. This is to completely immobilise me whilst treatment is given and believe me it works! Not unpleasant for some odd reason because it is one hundred percent your shape…perhaps I’m just secretly into bondage! Anyhow here are the photos:

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Copleyphotos/Radiotherapy#

As I said earlier I am absolutely fine with the treatment. You may have noticed the white hair in the previous photos due to my chemotherapy, well, that may go soon for a while as I progress through the sessions. Hey, I’m nearly 49 and I had a full head of dark hair 2 years ago, it will be a different look for a couple of months…not too sure about the eyebrows though! The biggest bind with the whole thing is that I have to give up driving for a while!!!!!! Now forget the cancer, that is such an inconvenient pain in the arse! Just pure unadulterated personal and social trauma. But not forever and I can see why. In response to being told by a lovely, petite Asian Doctor who I’m sure is a sixth former at the local school, to once again take it easy and rest, don’t have a bath and lock the door, cover corners to tables and remove objects from my every surroundings in case I should have an accident (the radiation enlarges the tumours for a short time before sterilising them) I have decided to train to trigger as many speed cameras locally as possible. Now that has you confused doesn’t it?

Inspired by my recent riding activity I have purchased myself a beautiful super lightweight racing bike which had cost mega bucks a few years ago and was on Ebay as a “has been”. Not any more will it languish amongst the many other toys from the previous owner it is going to get Copley powering around these camera infested Southend streets at speeds in excess of 30 and I hope 40mph having a wail of time without legal repercussion. I have to say the available speed ratios is quite something (effort = SPEED). In fact I am so inspired I’ll add a photo or two here:

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Copleyphotos/RacingBike#

Shame about the fat lump who has to sit on the saddle and ruin its pedigree.

Now about this effort thing?

Richards Charity Madness

Previous blogs can be found here:
http://docs.google.com/?tab=qo#all

I’ll just focus on this keyboard a little better before I launch you into the world of lycra and sweat. (Ok, so I’m still a little fatigued).

Firstly may I thank each of you who has been so generous in supporting my "Charity Week". It has been a great success and on behalf of The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign I applaud you.



Whose idea was it to do both the London 10k and the London to Southend Cycle Ride in the same week? I’m not too sure what the Southend Hospital Doctors would say, having advised me to become a couch potato because of my thyroid problems, but you have to give life a little push every now and then to explore the envelope. No worries, I’m still here. Mental note: Must take in the photos and medals to frighten the nice Doctor when I see him in September). I think that is the difference between the Oncology staff at the Royal Marsden and other medical practitioners, Professor Gore at the Marsden may raise both an eyebrow and a smile before quietly endorsing a dumb idea if he sees you are determined to achieve it, with the caveat of course that if I break myself I may have to come off his drugs. Just an insignificant piece of small print then! Fitness and otherwise good health will inevitably give a better platform for him to work from, at least that is what I believe.
So let’s give you the run down (no pun intended) of what has been happening in sunny Essex and London these last few days.

Sunday 12 July 2009

Daniel, my eldest at 16, and I catch a silly O hour train to Charring Cross station to compete in the British London 10k Run. I’ve equipped Dan with a smart tag to record his time and get him photographed loads. Once again we cheated the system and find ourselves just a few from the front of the 26,000 runners. This time Dan is just to go and achieve his best, which he does admirably. Myself? I started well, too well. I find myself running down Piccadilly from the start at Hyde Park Corner being a sociable fraud. Let me explain. Everyone sets off like scalded cats for the first mile or so and I’m no exception. With a fake spring in my stride, stomach sucked in and shoulders back I did my very best to look like this was a Sunday morning stroll. On my right is the queue of 25,000 others patiently waiting for the start line. I don’t know who started it but a hand went up to “high five” me and I thought “cool” why not? Then another, and another until there were a sea of palms reaching out. It was as close to being famous as I have ever been (sad oh). This ridiculous spectacle finally stopped when I turned the corner into Pall Mall and finally let myself slouch and scuff my way onwards as usual. I have to say it was harder this year than last. I had not been able to train as hard because of the damage I could do to my feet and I was 13 pounds heavier because of all those doughnuts (don’t I wish). I kept up with most, was faster than some, but got passed by many, who I naturally cursed for their talent. I cheated and stopped for a couple of minutes to take a photo of Dan as he passed me with the lead pack going the other way down the Embankment. That was a great excuse for a breather (poor old sod). Yes, I took my camera around the course for you all to have a laugh. Anyhow, I made it to the finish with all my faculties, no need for the medics, although the section on the reverse of my shirt competitor number did list just a few ailments to consider in the event that I had! Phase one complete.
I’ve got the T shirt and the medal!

See the photos of the Run:

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Copleyphotos/BritishLondon10kRun2009#


Sunday 19 July 2009

Once again Dan and I were up at 5am to meet with a friend, Martin to catch a train to Stratford in London. This time it was to be the London to Southend Bike Ride. 59 miles of nice flat Essex countryside…NOT!!! Who the heck described Essex as a flat county?
We started in Town and wound our way up through Chigwell into North Essex and admittedly some beautiful scenic countryside. The atmosphere was great, people get to talk more when they are cycling and the occasional exclamation from me needing a new bum always went down well. The hills though, who the hell knew there were so many hills in Essex? Not funny…but very satisfying getting up them, until that is I stood up on the pedals at around the 40 miles point to make the last part of a climb and bang! …both quadriceps (muscles between the top of the leg and knee) seized in a joint cramp. I just shouted sorry to those behind me as I jumped off the saddle and stood statue like in the middle of the road astride the bike. I couldn’t even move a leg over the frame to dismount. So here I am beating my thighs to get the blood flowing and feeling highly embarrassed that I caused others to stop half way up a hill. Fortunately I was able to get movement back after only a minute or two and jumped back onto the pedals to complete the incline satisfied that I had not walked any of the course. I had already been conscious of keeping my fluid levels up but now I was drinking Daniels as well, what a great Dad! My hat goes off to both Dan and Martin for not powering their way to the finish in as best time as they could get, they let me catch up. In fact, I would see them having a quick breather by the side of the road and pass them. To that end I worked out that at some point I didn’t get off my saddle for over 3 hours. New bum please! The photos don't however do justice to the energy sapping headwind and rain showers. At times my head goes down and thoughts of exposure are not of the photographic kind. So, after 5 or so hours in the saddle we finally arrive home, with friends and family surprising us noisily at the finish line it made a great day even better.
Now I have two medals and two T shirts, Oh, and £1000 in sponsorship from you fine people to go toward Cancer research and treatment. Worth every second of our effort.

See the photos of the Ride:

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Copleyphotos/LondonSouthendBikeRide2009#


Now I’m going on holiday to prove I can still chill, as if I were at work! Did I say that aloud?

Richard

N.B. Anyone wanting to support me can go to www.justgiving.com/richardcopley

In The Dog House...Again

Photo: Portrait

So let’s get it over and done with, it’s been three months since my last blog and I’ve had a few calls asking after me because it’s gone so quiet. I apologise for my writers apathy but I really expected you all to have better things to do with your time than read about my life. Anyhow, here goes the last 100 days or so…er…umm! See how interesting I have become? Life has become predictable. No more aircraft failures, nightmare weather or toxic beer. Sleep is ever available. Suntans are planned and not considered an occupational hazard, and no more phone calls in the middle of the night pleading with me to come to work. Alright, so the last was more tedious than exciting. Now I have a diary for the first time in my life. I have a new list of contacts in my phone which reads like the cast list of ER, and I can talk strange medical languages where before I could only talk in Boeing or Airbus. I know the needle sizes they stick in various parts of me to deliver or extract, can categorically advise the phlebotomists that I won’t bleed everywhere and more recently just how far I should be from a respectable toilet if I were to eat…just about anything! For the first time in my life I can advise Michelle what the boys are doing, I know when to put the washing out (with the benefit of meteorological training) and what to cook for dinner. I can judge the cost of trips to the supermarket to within a few pounds, multi task around the kitchen and iron a karate suit in under five minutes on maximum steam. It is my proud boast to have never turned on the TV during the day (unless ironing, but you can’t hear it over the steam anyway) and not taken to drink.

“Does he sound bored” I hear you ask. Well, sometimes it drags on…endless seemingly pointless days with little variety. But in truth I know when I am better off, let’s face it, look at the option!!! The day is still mine to decide how to spend it but I am a cruel task master who is perhaps my own worst enemy. In practice of course I have limitations. My hands and feet remain in cautiously good condition but only because I am careful not to abuse them. Karate has taken a back seat whilst I concentrate on other aerobic physical activity to build my stamina up after my Thyroid went wild last autumn. Add to that a positive result from a full body bone scan at The Royal Brompton Hospital to check for tumours recently and you can see why I have been careful to avoid trauma with my inability to repair as quickly due to my chemotherapy. Scans I always find interesting. They all differ and the bone scan was by no means as restrictive as the MRI. I was fortunate enough to have a great technician who was able to advise me on how to obtain a copy for this blog…and there it is at the head of this letter in full naked glory! You can tell it’s me by the missing kidney, and of course the smile on my face!

Now the positives. I remain relatively fit and healthy as you will find out in a minute. My last scan a few weeks ago was greeted by my oncologist with about as much enthusiasm as a cautious man in his position can muster. My tumours had all visibly reduced in size and activity which is obviously good news, the drugs are doing their work. My back pain is occasional but my IBS is more common. I take care of my hands and feet to avoid the repetition of past months but my hair pigment is disappearing…I’m going grey...actually more like white! Why does that bug me so?

Right, here’s the pitch. Despite a degree of discomfort etc. I made a promise last year, having run the London 10km race, to repeat it annually as long as there was breath in my body. Guess what I’m doing on 12 July? However, I’m not convinced that alone is enough pain and discomfort, so I am doing the London to Southend bike ride the following week, a mere 59 miles! You guys were so supportive last year that I hope to tap you for the odd spare copper if finances allow. It’s only three weeks away so don’t hang around please. You can find the link to the Justgiving donation site here: www.justgiving.com/richardcopley .

Ok, so I’m nuts. Give me something to aim for and I’ll give you my blood, sweat and probably tears!

Richard