It wasn’t all that bad …

Thanks for your well wishes last week.

Last Monday saw a series of tests that confirmed the secondary cancer diagnosis followed by the prostate cleanout operation on Tuesday afternoon. I was off the drip on Wednesday morning and the catheter was removed on Thursday morning.

I left the Mercy Private Hospital on Friday morning, stayed over at a friend’s place and arrived back in the King Valley on Saturday afternoon. It is so good to be home.

The TURP (rebore) operation turned out to be a piece of cake. Done under a spinal anesthetic, it is off-putting to have the procedure carried out whilst you are still (semi) conscious. Some years back, I had some teeth removed under a general anesthetic and that knocked me around more than this operation.

I want to reassure others who may eventually need this procedure that it is no big deal. Of course there is the discomfort of the catheter and the eventual passing of water, but physically you are fine.

We are now awaiting the result of the biopsy of the matter removed and have to wait til Monday week to get the final verdict to be able to plan The End Game.

I find a need to ‘project plan’ the ride of my life establishing the milestones and the available options. Only when that job is complete, can I start living again.

The most promising news is that they have started me on the girly pills (hormone therapy) and I have been told they have an effective life of about two years. The side effects are kicking in with tiredness, disturbed sleep, excessive farting and a flushed feeling around the ears. Once they establish I can cope with the treatment, they will change over to injections applied every couple of months.

It is good to be back and I want you to know I have not felt this alive for such a long time.

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, today congratulated sporting clubs in the Benalla Electorate on their success in gaining funding from the 2007/08 VicHealth Active Clubs Grants Program.

Dr Sykes said one practical way to increase participation is to provide small grants for equipment and training, because we know that a lack of these resources can stop clubs from offering their activities to as many people as they would like.

“This year there were approximately 1,180 applications received from sporting clubs across Victoria, and the VicHealth program will provide $1.2 million in grants this year to 622 sporting clubs and community organisations.

“It is pleasing to see that 21 sporting clubs in the Benalla Electorate were successful in securing a total of $39,107 in funding.

Avenel Bowling Club $2,439
Euroa Football Netball Club $90
Tabilk Junior Football Club $2,460
Nagambie Tennis Club Inc $1,850
Benalla Rovers Soccer Club $1,630
Benalla Netball Association $2,050
Benalla Little Athletics $1,565
Benalla Lawn Tennis $960
Benalla Gardens Tennis Club $2,150
Alexandra Football & Netball Club $947
Eildon District Pistol Club $600
Eildon Amateur Swimming Club $2,000
Mount Beauty Cricket Club $2,500
Alpine U3A Inc $2,430
Myrtleford Football Club $1,500
Myrtleford Pony Club Inc $2,450
Delatite Cricket Club $2,500
Guides Victoria Mansfield $2,500
Mansfield Bowls Club Inc $2,500
MACE – Mansfield, Seniors Table Tennis $1,731
Mansfield Swimming Club $2,255

Dr Sykes concluded, “I congratulate these clubs on their applications for funding and I encourage all sporting organisations to watch the VicHealth website www.vichealth.vic.gov.au for further funding opportunities”.