Tuesday 24 April 2018
Sunday 22 April 2018
Marathon day! 22/04/18
With temperatures rising this week and everyone enjoying the sudden welcome sunshine, we were all aware that it may not be ideal conditions in which to run a marathon...
In fact it's been the hottest marathon since it began in 1981, so I feel especially proud of both the girls in getting over the finish line in one piece.
Steph has raised £4,067 so far .... That's for Ovacome and Baz ( Daniels girlfriend has raised £3,399 for Alzheimer's... Two incredible girls, raising money for two excellent charities close to both their hearts.
Changing the subject .
This week I met up with one of the top consultants at the Marsden who was over in Jersey for a few days.
The meeting was set up with my consultant Dr KG and my oncologist Dr NB, it was great to actually have three people who have played such an important role in my Cancer diagnosis to date, all being together in the same room. Dr JB did my second operation that resulted sadly in a lengthy spell of lymph fluid retention ...something he remembers only too well ! ( as do I )
We all spoke about where I was at regarding ongoing treatment. They were all pleased that I had responded well to the chemotherapy , and it seemed to have held the cancer at bay, at least for a short while without too many side effects.
They looked at my last scan and Dr JB examined me, we spoke about possible treatments in the future including more chemo , possibly more radiotherapy. This is a little more complicated as if I did require radiation in my groin it could severely affect the formation of blood cells, as the pelvic area is where they are formed .
It was also suggested that they could remove the troublesome lymph nodes ( small tumours ), with a small operation, I did mention my concerns with that idea!
However all of these are just speculations, we have to bizarrely go into "watch and wait" mode, and see how the disease progresses.
It was good to know that they had all seen me, I feel ok, and I look well, so at the moment there is no need for me to have any further treatment.
Fortnightly blood tests, clinic appointment in about 6 weeks and then a scan.
As I am writing this latest post on my iPad I can't post any photos of today's amazing marathon. So expect a full gallery when we arrive back in the island.
I do have one small anecdote to tell you about regarding today .
We ( hubby, Bex and I ) had all left the apartment and we were on the tube heading towards Tower Bridge. The circle line is a nice train line that does have stations "outside ", and some of these have little areas of garden. We pulled up at one of them and hubby looked across the platform and remarked " look that lady over there is doing the gardening". She was indeed kneeling over the flower bed, wearing a pretty flowered dress and had her rucksack next to her.
Both Bex and I turned to look and after a long moment I said carefully " I think you'll find she's actually vomiting"... An easy mistake to make...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
In fact it's been the hottest marathon since it began in 1981, so I feel especially proud of both the girls in getting over the finish line in one piece.
Steph has raised £4,067 so far .... That's for Ovacome and Baz ( Daniels girlfriend has raised £3,399 for Alzheimer's... Two incredible girls, raising money for two excellent charities close to both their hearts.
Changing the subject .
This week I met up with one of the top consultants at the Marsden who was over in Jersey for a few days.
The meeting was set up with my consultant Dr KG and my oncologist Dr NB, it was great to actually have three people who have played such an important role in my Cancer diagnosis to date, all being together in the same room. Dr JB did my second operation that resulted sadly in a lengthy spell of lymph fluid retention ...something he remembers only too well ! ( as do I )
We all spoke about where I was at regarding ongoing treatment. They were all pleased that I had responded well to the chemotherapy , and it seemed to have held the cancer at bay, at least for a short while without too many side effects.
They looked at my last scan and Dr JB examined me, we spoke about possible treatments in the future including more chemo , possibly more radiotherapy. This is a little more complicated as if I did require radiation in my groin it could severely affect the formation of blood cells, as the pelvic area is where they are formed .
It was also suggested that they could remove the troublesome lymph nodes ( small tumours ), with a small operation, I did mention my concerns with that idea!
However all of these are just speculations, we have to bizarrely go into "watch and wait" mode, and see how the disease progresses.
It was good to know that they had all seen me, I feel ok, and I look well, so at the moment there is no need for me to have any further treatment.
Fortnightly blood tests, clinic appointment in about 6 weeks and then a scan.
As I am writing this latest post on my iPad I can't post any photos of today's amazing marathon. So expect a full gallery when we arrive back in the island.
I do have one small anecdote to tell you about regarding today .
We ( hubby, Bex and I ) had all left the apartment and we were on the tube heading towards Tower Bridge. The circle line is a nice train line that does have stations "outside ", and some of these have little areas of garden. We pulled up at one of them and hubby looked across the platform and remarked " look that lady over there is doing the gardening". She was indeed kneeling over the flower bed, wearing a pretty flowered dress and had her rucksack next to her.
Both Bex and I turned to look and after a long moment I said carefully " I think you'll find she's actually vomiting"... An easy mistake to make...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday 15 April 2018
Sunday 15th April
No week can pass by without a few high's and low's, and last week was no exception.
Last Sunday my nephew and family arrived for a week, staying out at Les Ormes in the holiday accommodation and hiring a car.
They arrived home for supper, only eleven of us squeezed around the kitchen table, but it was lovely. Well, it started out ok....
I'll start at the beginning. Bex had seen the consultant at the hospital the previous week, and in order to try and help her small stomach deal with the larger amount of food she has been trying to consume, decided that as well as her being on two anti acid medication, she could try a new liquid that would help ease her discomfort.
Sounded like a good plan, however what with her being an anxious soul at the best of times trying anything new is always challenging. She didn't want to try the new stuff until the weekend, so last Saturday she took her first dose and of course it was fine, just like we told her it would be.
She had her three doses during the day, all was fine, and repeated the doses on Sunday, half an hour before meals.
Bex had complained of backache that afternoon, but I dismissed it, saying she might have just been sitting awkwardly.
We had not been more than ten minutes or so eating, but as I looked across the table I could see her wriggling around in her seat and looking pained.
Steve motioned for her to leave the room with him, and they went into the sitting room, reappearing twenty seconds later and saying urgently he was taking her to A and E!
I then looked at her and quickly realised her back was in spasm and she was in considerable pain and crying.
We then had an almost comical farce, with Steve, I and the boys all arguing about who was going to take her to hospital.
The matter sorted, Steve and her arrived at A & E with Bex unable to stop her head being twisted and pulled backwards and finding it very uncomfortable to breath.
No time was wasted in taking her straight through and giving her an antispasmodic drug in her thigh, inserting a cannula and hooking her up onto a drip.
It seems she had had a reaction to the drug Metoclopramide, more common in young girls, and as we later found out her aunt wears a medic bracelet for that same drug..
Fortunately two hours later she was home, albeit a bit wobbly and sore, but otherwise ok.
Despite the weather not being too wonderful the UK lot made the most of their time in the Island, of course dog walking was on the agenda.
Sand dunes at St Ouen
Brunch at El Tico in the sunshine!
Thursday I went for my weekly blood test and then had a clinic appointment. Although my Hb level has dropped below 11.1 ( which is where it was from the blood transfusion) to 10.5,that is still good for me. Finally the white cells and neutrophils are just beginning to slowly climb up, sadly so is my CA125 inflammation Cancer marker...
Not what I wanted to hear, and so soon from stopping the chemo. Of course we (the doctor, nurse and I) were all matter of fact about it. Like you might be discussing the weather or something similar , and whilst I was asking all the right questions and displaying the "I'm very calm" personna inwardly I was far from it.
Was I upset? Pretty much, but gradually you (or maybe just me?) process the information, gathering up all the strands of positivity , and self confidence you can muster and just GET ON WITH IT.
That's not to say I didn't burst into tears a few times and need some rather large hugs, but hey I've got a lot happening in the next few months.
The London Marathon next weekend, which will be very exciting, and then a lovely weekend with my UK family in May and a week touring around The Cotswolds with Bex and Steve.
Can't finish the blog without saying how exceptionally pleased I am to see the England win the Gold in Netball , what with that amazing game and our interinsulars this weekend, I have been on a high all day!! ( Or is that the CBD??)
Trying out the new bench Tom made....
A brief visit from a goddaughter...
Last Sunday my nephew and family arrived for a week, staying out at Les Ormes in the holiday accommodation and hiring a car.
They arrived home for supper, only eleven of us squeezed around the kitchen table, but it was lovely. Well, it started out ok....
I'll start at the beginning. Bex had seen the consultant at the hospital the previous week, and in order to try and help her small stomach deal with the larger amount of food she has been trying to consume, decided that as well as her being on two anti acid medication, she could try a new liquid that would help ease her discomfort.
Sounded like a good plan, however what with her being an anxious soul at the best of times trying anything new is always challenging. She didn't want to try the new stuff until the weekend, so last Saturday she took her first dose and of course it was fine, just like we told her it would be.
She had her three doses during the day, all was fine, and repeated the doses on Sunday, half an hour before meals.
Bex had complained of backache that afternoon, but I dismissed it, saying she might have just been sitting awkwardly.
We had not been more than ten minutes or so eating, but as I looked across the table I could see her wriggling around in her seat and looking pained.
Steve motioned for her to leave the room with him, and they went into the sitting room, reappearing twenty seconds later and saying urgently he was taking her to A and E!
I then looked at her and quickly realised her back was in spasm and she was in considerable pain and crying.
We then had an almost comical farce, with Steve, I and the boys all arguing about who was going to take her to hospital.
The matter sorted, Steve and her arrived at A & E with Bex unable to stop her head being twisted and pulled backwards and finding it very uncomfortable to breath.
No time was wasted in taking her straight through and giving her an antispasmodic drug in her thigh, inserting a cannula and hooking her up onto a drip.
It seems she had had a reaction to the drug Metoclopramide, more common in young girls, and as we later found out her aunt wears a medic bracelet for that same drug..
Fortunately two hours later she was home, albeit a bit wobbly and sore, but otherwise ok.
Despite the weather not being too wonderful the UK lot made the most of their time in the Island, of course dog walking was on the agenda.
Not what I wanted to hear, and so soon from stopping the chemo. Of course we (the doctor, nurse and I) were all matter of fact about it. Like you might be discussing the weather or something similar , and whilst I was asking all the right questions and displaying the "I'm very calm" personna inwardly I was far from it.
Was I upset? Pretty much, but gradually you (or maybe just me?) process the information, gathering up all the strands of positivity , and self confidence you can muster and just GET ON WITH IT.
That's not to say I didn't burst into tears a few times and need some rather large hugs, but hey I've got a lot happening in the next few months.
The London Marathon next weekend, which will be very exciting, and then a lovely weekend with my UK family in May and a week touring around The Cotswolds with Bex and Steve.
Can't finish the blog without saying how exceptionally pleased I am to see the England win the Gold in Netball , what with that amazing game and our interinsulars this weekend, I have been on a high all day!! ( Or is that the CBD??)
Saturday 7 April 2018
April 7th ...2018
April? April? How did that happen, goodness what with being away in Dublin, ( need to add a few photos) and then last weekend in Guernsey, having a bit of a "hen party" celebrating with my daughter-in-law and a few friends, time has just flown by.
Dublin Trinity College
My Sister-in -law
HUGE maple tree!
The Library
We had to visit the Guinness factory, and of course If in Rome.......
Well deserved drink after all that walking, and its good for you??!!
The colour of the sky! So beautiful....
Pepperpot tower!Pepperpot Tower which was modelled on a pepperpot from Lord Powerscourt’s dining table! It is from this that Tower Valley received its distinctive name.
Enough of the history lesson and Dublin, so moving swiftly on. That's of course if you're still with me and haven't got bored yet? Oh, one last picture.... recognise this staircase? Its in a prison and was used in an film....
It was The Italian Job...
Back from Ireland and into a short week, Good Friday and we had some of the family over for lunch, and on Saturday six 'ladies' of indeterminate ages flew out to Guernsey.
In between all this I have been on weekly blood tests. I'm glad I had the blood transfusion it has really helped, I should have called up the hospital and asked the results this week but haven't done so yet. I am hoping that my bone marrow has being doing its best to produce better quality white cells....
I have another blood test this week on Thursday followed by a clinic appointment, it'll be five weeks since the last chemo, fingers crossed all is well.
I have been flat out again this week, out every evening and lots of activities in the day, the very best night being Thursday when we held a Pub Quiz Fundraiser.
Fortunately through lots of family, friends and work colleagues we had a full house of ninety people, 17 teams and managed to raise £1,451.50. !!!!!
Half of the money has gone towards Alzheimer's, Dan's girlfriend Baz is running in the London Marathon, and half towards Steph also running, but for Ovacome.
Ovacome
We were founded by women with ovarian cancer themselves and are therefore especially sensitive to the needs of women with this devastating diagnosis. We have been supporting women affected by ovarian cancer and their families since 1996. Our specialist support team give expert guidance, personalised clinical and research information, emotional support and resources for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer or worried they might be at risk. We run the only ovarian cancer online forum which is accessible, informal and patient led; where women with ovarian cancer, and their family, can discuss their experiences with other women suffering from the disease. They offer each other encouragement, knowledge, understanding and friendship creating a much needed support community.
The Main Helpers/raffle sellers/fundraising Team!
Dublin Trinity College
The Bank (Restaurant) Fabulous ceiling!!The exterior is Franco-Scottish in inspiration and is unique in that it is one of Dublin’s rare examples of Scottish sandstone. The interior, which was once the main banking hall, is a stunning example of merchant power and patronage displaying an extraordinary ornate setting, stained glass ceiling, mosaic tiled floors and spectacular hand carved plasterwork and cornicing.
Powerscourt.
Welcome to Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow, one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland! Powerscourt Gardens were recently voted No.3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic.The Gardens stretch over 47 acres and offer visitors a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling walks. Managed by Head Gardener, Alex Slazenger and a team of four gardeners, Powerscourt Gardens were designed from 1731 onwards, with the desire to create a garden which was part of the wider surrounding landscape. Powerscourt Gardens include The Walled Gardens, The Italian Garden, The Dolphin Pond, The Japanese Gardens, Pets Cemetery and Pepperpot Tower, among other features and attractions.
Back from Ireland and into a short week, Good Friday and we had some of the family over for lunch, and on Saturday six 'ladies' of indeterminate ages flew out to Guernsey.
In between all this I have been on weekly blood tests. I'm glad I had the blood transfusion it has really helped, I should have called up the hospital and asked the results this week but haven't done so yet. I am hoping that my bone marrow has being doing its best to produce better quality white cells....
I have another blood test this week on Thursday followed by a clinic appointment, it'll be five weeks since the last chemo, fingers crossed all is well.
I have been flat out again this week, out every evening and lots of activities in the day, the very best night being Thursday when we held a Pub Quiz Fundraiser.
Fortunately through lots of family, friends and work colleagues we had a full house of ninety people, 17 teams and managed to raise £1,451.50. !!!!!
Half of the money has gone towards Alzheimer's, Dan's girlfriend Baz is running in the London Marathon, and half towards Steph also running, but for Ovacome.
Ovacome
We were founded by women with ovarian cancer themselves and are therefore especially sensitive to the needs of women with this devastating diagnosis. We have been supporting women affected by ovarian cancer and their families since 1996. Our specialist support team give expert guidance, personalised clinical and research information, emotional support and resources for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer or worried they might be at risk. We run the only ovarian cancer online forum which is accessible, informal and patient led; where women with ovarian cancer, and their family, can discuss their experiences with other women suffering from the disease. They offer each other encouragement, knowledge, understanding and friendship creating a much needed support community.
Lastly... a few of the more sensible photos from the w/e in Guernsey!!
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