31. Paper

30th May 2020

Papyrus is a plant that in ancient Egypt was used for many purposes – the most recognised as a material on which to write. Over 5000 years ago it was used to document the comings and goings of life. Recently, the Diary of Merer was discovered, the papyrus records of a few months detailing the transportation of stone from Giza to build the Great Pyramid.

Papyrus continued to be used until around the period BC changed to AD (or choose your politically correct version). At that time parchment (stretched animal skin) began to appear which didn’t need to be rolled like papyrus, could be folded, and lent itself to the creation of books.

In Europe, paper started to replace parchment in the 12th century, after Muslims learnt of it from connections with China – China had been producing paper since the 2nd century AD. Printing presses in Europe started to appear in the late 15th century.

I take a slight detour for the next 500 years, as in every new media milestone pornography has been one of the quickest industries to take advantage, often driving the technology forward. In 17th century Japan, colour woodblock printing allowed the easy manufacture and circulation of erotic prints. Within a few decades the volume of material was so large that the government began clamping down. In Europe the 18th century Enlightenment and printing advances allowed the mass production and distribution of pornography.  In the 19th century the inventions of photography and later of motion pictures were quickly put to use in the production of pornography, and pornographic films were widely available by the 1920s. When we come to the more modern age it is easier to remember that during the 1980s pornographic films boosted the introduction of the video cassette, then the DVD in the 90s, and at one stage there were more pornographic films to be found on the internet than traditional films.

So given that so many intimate details have been circulating in digital form for decades now, it is quite a shock that many medical referrals are still sent via paper. That was me recently – for some back end complications – no cure, just some ointment.

Prior to my recent visit it has been strict lock down. Not too different for me – I was only going into the office about 2 or 3 times a month anyway – nasty germ laden place – plus uncomfortable seating. However, the weather has been good, I’ve got a gym, a pool and a garden – so it could be worse. In fact I did my local charitable bit and opened the pool up for a few neighbouring families to use.

This corona stuff has meant a few changes though. There’s a regular weekly routine of wiping all shopping down with medical alcohol. for my hospital visits, I’ve adapted a DIY facemask, adding medical filters. It’s the twin filter kind – and the chemo nurses reaction ranges from admiration to laughter – most often both at the same time.

Pain – lots of it coming from many places. There’s the back end – the worst. Then there’s pains not yet attributable to anything. Most common is pain like having completed 500 sit ups the day before – all across the stomach. That happens from chemo infusion day for about 5-6 days. I’d like to think it’s the chemo attacking the peritoneal cancer.

Exercise – there’s about 4-5 days every 2 weeks when I feel well enough to exercise. However sometimes I’m a wimp and pain prevents that and bed feels so much better. I did manage my isolation super sprint triathlon – I’m quite pleased with myself for that – I’ll try and do some more – but I do hate running.

Trials – are all stopped. I’m back in contact with the PIPAC one – they seem great guys. But I still need to be stable for 6 months before being eligible. Next scans set for 9 June. So soon after that I hope to get 6 months of scans over to the team for them to access. They can still do the assessment – just not the procedures at the moment.

Bathroom – my favourite room – probably 2-3 hours a day on average in there. So far I’m up to 5 conference calls held there. I’ve had to 3d print a camera cover in case I hit the wrong button……

It’s now a year since my operation. I can’t say time has flown or I’ve enjoyed it. But I’m still here – one year on and that makes it my paper anniversary. Looking forward to the history of cotton one year from now.