I've sussed it.

"Those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad." That old proverb was apparently once attributed in error to Euripides, a Greek playwright who lived 2,000+ years ago. Whoever it was who first coined the phrase is immaterial but I have realised that the gods are currently intent on destroying the English and probably half the rest of the world's population. I base my proposition on the fact that we as a nation are becoming madder by the day, usually in the name of the dreaded Health and Safety. The latest example left me so incensed that I failed to note which organisation was responsible and where this occurrence took place. Whoever it was, they ordered an old lavender hedge to be uprooted on the grounds of H&S. The thinking was that lavender attracts bees. People can be stung by bees. Some people, when stung by a bee, can suffer a prophylactic shock and may die. Relatives could sue the organisation...

We are quite obviously doomed.

Meanwhile, I spent yesterday morning at the hospital, first to have another x-ray and afterwards to see the chest specialist. I went along quite happily expecting to be told thanks for the memory, but we really don't want to see you again. Instead, I was seen by the head of the team, a step up from the last doctor I saw. She expressed some concern that although I have been suffering from some form of infection as yet unidentified but which is apparently clearing, this might be covering up cancer and, indeed, might have been caused by cancer. I was sent away with the promise that my case would be discussed at a team meeting at which a decision would be taken on the next step. All a bit disheartening.

Later I received a phone call. It now seems they are leaning towards no cancer and want to do another CT scan in a couple of weeks or so before I see the head consultant again.