The ethics of diagnosis

Mild air and cloudy sky, but not overcast this morning. I went to bed too late last night, pursuing a line of thought to conclusion in writing a reflection. I woke up feeling clear and sharp from an average night's sleep, but was light headed after breakfast, and before taking all my meds. Serves me right for lacking discipline about stopping work and relaxing late in the evening when it's nearly bed time. I felt lethargic and didn't do much all morning apart from writing Sara a long email, and reading the first fifty pages of the book, evaluating the impact modern medical diagnosis, which Ann sent me.

Clare has developed a cold and didn't go to here study group in Penarth this morning. After cooking fish pie for lunch, she went to bed and slept for a couple of hours. I walked in Llandaff and Pontcanna Fields in the afternoon. One of the chestnut trees which doesn't bear conkers in the autumn is in full bloom with red flowers, a striking difference to all the others with their white 'candle' blossoms. The horse paddock behind the stables that stretches all the way down to the river bank is covered in a carpet of buttercups and daisies at the moment, a spectacular sight in the sunshine.

Much to my surprise, this evening's episode of 'The Archers' was about DNA testing that can reveal if a person carrying it is likely to develop cancer. This was what I was reading about this morning, with reference to diagnosing Huntington's Disease, and the ethical question of whether or not to inform family members about the findings, whether or not it's necessary to know, and what impact knowing will have of quality of life. Such a coincidence! Is this Art imitating Life? As Ann said when I told her. We chatted with Owain on WhatsApp after supper. He's got a gig in Cardiff next weekend. Such a pity we'll be in Tenby and won't be able to enjoy his company.

My memory and concentration has been particularly sluggish today. It's most frustrating. I've not been able to do much. I think, I hope it's just accumulated brain fatigue.