About this site

Piers and Lin du Pré bought their new Fleming 55 / 129, Play d'eau, in 2003.

She was berthed in Beaucette Marina, Guernsey in the Channel Islands at N49° 30’.197 W002° 30’.350 until she was sold in October 2021.

This site charts the thrilling adventures they had in her.

You can contact us here.

Where’s Play d’eau?

If the new owners have the AIS on, you can find where Play d'eau is right now.

Click here.

Zoom in and our position will be shown on a map.

Recent Posts

Prostate operation

Princess Elizabeth Hospital
click to enlarge

Many of you will know that almost a decade ago, I was found to have prostate cancer.

Least aggressive

Thankfully, the cancer was ‘micro’ and of the least aggressive type flavour.

The consultant recommended a ‘watch and pounce’ approach with six monthly PSA checks. These checks have stayed constant and have raised no cause for concern.

Benign enlargement

The nuisance was that a few years ago, the prostate began to swell causing difficulty in peeing. Investigation found this to be caused by ‘benign’ swelling (benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH) of the prostate which is reasonably common in men as they age.

Initially, I was put on the drug Tamulosin to relax the prostate. This worked for a period of time, but as its effectiveness declined another drug was prescribed called Finasteride.

This was simply horrid. At first there was intense itching. Then man-boobs started appearing. As the itching worsened, HoLep surgery was recommended.

HoLep

On 27 November 2012, I was admitted to the Circle Hospital, Berkshire, where I had a HoLep operation.

But after a year, peeing became difficult again. Having moved to Guernsey I met with the Island’s Urologist, Mr Owen Cole, of the Medical Specialist Group.

An MRI was conducted which was found to be clear. However, it showed that 30% by volume of the prostate was scar tissue caused by the HoLep.

Princess Elizabeth Hospital

So today I’m off to the Princess Elizabeth Hospital to have a TURP. It’s recommended to stay for three days.

Thankfully my private insurance covers this and provides two main benefits: the urologist’s mobile number, and the Chef.

The Chef

Apparently, Chef will come and take orders for what I’d like to eat. And if it’s not on the à la Carte menu, he’ll secure the ingredients and cook it for me.

Result!

Somehow, I feel masses amounts of scallops to be the order of my stay in hospital.

Piers
Sick Bay
Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Beaucette Marina

4 comments to Prostate operation

  • Pip Flynn

    Best of luck and enjoy having your own “private” chef on hand to cater to your every whim!
    What about Lin? Who will take care of her whilst you’re “lording” it in hospital??
    With our love and best wishes for a quick recovery,
    Pip ‘n’ Pete
    xxxx

  • Hi Pip. Have checked into my room and a lovely nurse has taken me through a huge questionnaire. Now I’m dressed in one of those horrid back to front gowns – hmmm. Thanks for your thoughts.

  • Robbie

    Thinking of you Piers.
    Stay positive and look forward to Chef’s delights.
    Love to you both. xx

  • Dave Birch

    Hi Piers.
    Wow, a 3 day stay!
    Your own chef, and what was it you said the lovely nurse was going to do for you?!!
    All the best,
    Dave

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