Christmas Eve 2017

Business end of the blog first.

Last weeks chemo,  despite a small hiccup went ok, I did have concerns that the newly placed port wouldn't work. We started off really well, the needle went into the port easily and relatively painlessly(!) The saline was delivered smoothly, but when the Oncology nurse tried to extract some blood out, it just didn't work.

It's ok, we tried again, removed the needle, put a fresh one in and tried again, still not working. Confirmation was given that it would be fine to use the port for the chemo, regardless if we could get a blood sample or not.

Another new needle in and tried a third time, still no way was I giving up any blood, and so it had to be taken the usual way, in the other arm, fair to say by this time I was once again feeling a little queasy!

One of my many 'angel' friends had arrived at the ward and was an excellent distraction, the nurses carried on with the job of hooking me up to my saline/steroid/fluid bags, in preparation for the chemo.

I did have the foolish notion that post chemo I would nip into town to do some Christmas shopping, forgetting that I am usually wiped out! SW wasted no time in taking charge of my shopping list ( and credit card!) and disappearing for an hour into town, returning with a completed list and fortunately my card. She said she enjoyed spending other people's money!!

Jack came into hospital to take me home, a little later than normal 2:45pm, from start to finish seems to take about four to five hours. Amazingingly my bloods seem to be holding their own, quietly pleased that haemoglobin is still a reasonably healthy 10.5, white cell count dropped to 3.2 and platelets a little low at 149 and of course the neutrophils are down to 2.48.

Arriving home to a delivery of a very large homemade lasagna prepared by another 'angel' friend was a real bonus, certainly appreciated by the rest of the family as I often come home and sleep!

As I type the Christmas table is laid in readiness for tomorrow, the turkey is in the fridge and there are presents under the tree.. I am so lucky to have such good friends and family around me, we all know that Christmas can be a sad and lonely time for many.

A few photos from this week's dog walks.

Finally, the dogs are so excited for Christmas, they asked me if they could wear their headbands....

See their happy faces? Or maybe not.......
 

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas! xxxx