An eventful start to my Dublin visit, it began shortly after we arrived in our hotel and my husband ( shortly to be ex husband ...... Ok, joke) discovered he hadn't (despite my prompt) packed his daily blood pressure tablets.
He went off to his meeting and I began my quest. Called home trying to find someone who could access the kitchen cupboard and take a photo of the tablets so I knew what to ask for at the chemist. Daughter in law to the rescue. I went down to receptionist to explain my (?) predicament. She checked the chemist opening times, closed. Discussion. Daughter then took photo of a newly written prescription and emailed it to me. Receptionist meanwhile tried to find a chemist that was open, it's now 7 pm.
Email was sent to second chemist to see if they had the drug, short wait , and eventually answered that no they didn't but another chemist might have them.
Few more phone calls, emails and waiting, and success, the third chemist had them, and could give us five day supply, but they were quite busy.
As it was a car journey away a taxi was called, I jumped in ( now 8:10pm) and noted fairly quickly that the taxi driver was hugely upset. Asking me if I was alright, I replied that I'd been having a few issues, and asked how he was to find that I had unwittingly unleashed the poor mans last few hours of domestic upheaval . Divorced from his wife , not an amicable separation, a 13 year old son that was off on his first trip away from from home and to Euro Disney at 8:30am tomorrow morning.
At 6:30 pm his son had called in tears to say he couldn't go as he didn't have the €200 he needed for spending money. The taxi driver had already paid €900 for passport and trip with the above mentioned ex wife contributing to the lads spending money, supposedly.
I think you get the gist of the conversation, the taxi driver had already been on the phone to the head master. It seems as if the spending money was needed for the daily rides, so pretty pointless for the lad ( and the poor teacher that would have to sit with him) whilst his friends had a good time.
I pretty much had the full story in the time it took to get to the chemist, the pharmacists were so kind and didn't charge me too many euros. The taxi driver waited and I arrived back to the hotel by 8:45. ( of course I paid over double the amount and if I was scammed it was extremely good acting, but I felt one good turn deserves another, and anyway he called me a lovely lady lots of times and blessed me, so that's all that matters!)
Meanwhile back at the hotel.... The same kind receptionist had taken my room service food order, so when I wearily returned to the room I had supper ready . The husband arrives back much later after his relatively stressed free evening and saw the pills, exclaiming "oh, how did you manage that". My half asleep reply was "just as well I love you, and I'll tell you in the morning!"
And so endeth the first day.....
All I can say is, it's a jolly good job I had my blood transfusion on Monday, it was well worth the 5 hour hospital visit for two units of blood, my energy level has increased ten fold. Weekly blood tests now, and clinic appointment in a month.
The sun is shining! What a difference it makes to your mood and indeed in viewing the town of Dublin!
We arrived on Thursday late afternoon and fly back to Jersey Sunday morning, so a bit of a whistle stop tour. The other half had to work Thursday night and yesterday so it left my sister-in-law and myself to do some exploring /shopping... Or should that be shopping/exploring?
I still can't post photos from my iPad so that'll have to wait but we did have a good day. Trinity college and the book of Kells, well worth a visit. A short tour conducted by an undergraduate , was informative and amusing.
We happened upon a restaurant called The Bank, a truly beautiful building , and a very nice lunch was consumed. We knew potatoes were high on the list of favourite (?) food for the Irish, and mash seems to be very popular . Actually so do potato pancakes, wedges and fries!!
Lots more walking after lunch to burn off the calories, and onto the Guinness factory ... To put more calories on!
Finishing the day with a meal in Temple Bar, a very busy hubbub of night life. Fortunate to be able to catch up with my elder brother, and we all got to spend today together.
A taxi ride towards the Wicklow mountains and a stately home Powerscourt, which had incredible gardens and an equally impressive checkered history.
As I mentioned before the receptionist at this hotel has been amazing, and once again she has come out tops. As we learnt when we arrived it's very difficult to get tickets for Kilmainham gaol, and I had tried yesterday but without success, so all we could hope for was some cancellations.
However we were looking around Powerscourt gardens, and nowhere near the gaol, so this lady made a few phone calls on our behalf and then managed to secure us two tickets for this afternoons late tour. ( as a way of thanks, chocolates yesterday, wine today!).
All in all its been a good few days and I think everyone has managed very well at home without us, looking forward to next weekend and Guernsey ........ Girls only.... More info to follow😊
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, 24 March 2018
Friday, 16 March 2018
March 16th 2018
Thought I'd start tonights Post with a few pictures, once again it's been a bit of a tough week emotionally.
Not just for me, but for my Godson, who has been very poorly these last few weeks, my love and prayers go out to his family.
My bloods have been very slow to pick up, so just as well we stopped the chemo when we did, I had another blood test this week too. Despite my best efforts to cough almost continually and frantically wave my right arm about , the port refused to let the blood flow, so had to resort to the arm veins instead.
Whilst this was going on the nurse looked at my cheek and seeing a sore, and red angry graze suggested that I get it checked out.... £40 lighter from the doctors surgery today, I now have antibiotics and cream.....probably the start of impetigo due to my weakened immune system.
I also had a call today from Oncology to say they can book me in for a blood transfusion on Monday, and so two units for me will really help the cardio side. Maybe I'll even be able to 'run' on the Netball court as opposed to last weeks efforts when I felt more spectator than player!
We have started to advertise the Fun Quiz night on April 5th at the Posthorn Pub, please contact me if you think you can get a team together. Its fundraising for Steph and Baz and the London Marathon.
Teams of 4-6 people, £12.50 a ticket includes meal, and quiz. Good raffle prizes too!
A final shout out to my dear friend PE, who is having a tough time at the minute, my love to her and to all those folks who are living with life limiting diseases.
Friday, 9 March 2018
Friday 9th March 2018
Oh my, I've just registered the date... 12th March 2012 was the date of my first operation. The time when nobody was able to confirm the 13 cm tumour on my left ovary was cancerous or not, but really expecting it was, the desperate waiting to have surgery. Wanting to know, wanting to be clear of whatever it was, wanting it out, but at the same time dreading to hear the news.
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Six years later, two major operations, two cycles of chemo, two bouts of radiotherapy and now more chemo, and I am lucky. Having just come back from a weekend in London at the Ovacome conference and listening to one of the three lectures we had about how long it takes to trial new drugs, and how expensive the whole process is, I feel fortunate to have been offered treatment.
It's been an emotional week, the weekend was excellent, we had Dr Marcia Hall a consultant medical oncologist at Mount Vernon cancer centre. She is really in the front line and trying to keep as many clinical trials opportunities as possible open to patients.
Dr Rebecca Kristeleit is a clinical Senior Lecturer and Consultant Medical Oncologist, doing research work at the UCLH, she has a specialist interest in cancer drug development.
It was good to be able to put faces to names, and meet other ladies that also use the online chat forum. This is Lee the fundraising manager who reminds me of a blonde version of my lovely friend V.
On Sunday we took a walk along the Thames and then caught a train out to Weybridge and met up with my eldest brother/sister-in-law. Having lunch bought for us was a bonus!
I had a busy start to the week, walking dogs, playing tennis, and badminton, felt fine.
Since the second operation where I think, unsurprisingly, I've been left with lots of scar tissue and from time to time ( I haven't found a trigger) I suffer from chronic stomach cramps, coupled with back spasms. It is excruciating. Heard of the vagus nerve?
Tuesday therefore was a bit of a write off, doubly sad as I missed Yoga and then netball in the evening.
Everything back to 'normal' by Wednesday, so I made up for lost time, taking out frustrations on racquetball and badminton!
Lots of events happening in the next few weeks, next Wednesday 14th my consultant KG is holding a talk on the Menopause at the local hospital. She is doing it for free as a fundraiser for Steph's London Marathon charity, Ovacome.
I've tried to share the poster and I can't, sorry, but please contact me if you wish to attend and I'll give you more details.
On Thursday April 5th we are holding a fun pub Quiz at the Post Horn in town, teams between 4-6 people, food included £12.50 a ticket, all proceeds going towards Steph and Baz's charities, Ovacome and Alzheimer's. Again contact me for more info!
Without wanting to say too much, I have two very dear friends who are really struggling this week, it's at times like this that I feel so helpless, unable to find real words of comfort and support that I would desperately like to give.To those friends and all the others I know that are dealing with this terrible disease, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lastly, I had a blood test this week, no results as yet, just fortnightly check ups, I think , although things change. I have a CT scan next Tuesday, no letter as yet about a blood transfusion. That again was pointed out to me that if I could play badminton, maybe I didn't need a transfusion?.
Took this picture today at our parish Lent lunch, was trying to get Dan to smile without realising Jack was trying to look equally sullen, what a pair. They also tried to tell me that my paying for lunch was an early Mother's day 'gift'. So how does that work? BOYS
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Six years later, two major operations, two cycles of chemo, two bouts of radiotherapy and now more chemo, and I am lucky. Having just come back from a weekend in London at the Ovacome conference and listening to one of the three lectures we had about how long it takes to trial new drugs, and how expensive the whole process is, I feel fortunate to have been offered treatment.
It's been an emotional week, the weekend was excellent, we had Dr Marcia Hall a consultant medical oncologist at Mount Vernon cancer centre. She is really in the front line and trying to keep as many clinical trials opportunities as possible open to patients.
Dr Rebecca Kristeleit is a clinical Senior Lecturer and Consultant Medical Oncologist, doing research work at the UCLH, she has a specialist interest in cancer drug development.
It was good to be able to put faces to names, and meet other ladies that also use the online chat forum. This is Lee the fundraising manager who reminds me of a blonde version of my lovely friend V.
On Sunday we took a walk along the Thames and then caught a train out to Weybridge and met up with my eldest brother/sister-in-law. Having lunch bought for us was a bonus!
I had a busy start to the week, walking dogs, playing tennis, and badminton, felt fine.
Since the second operation where I think, unsurprisingly, I've been left with lots of scar tissue and from time to time ( I haven't found a trigger) I suffer from chronic stomach cramps, coupled with back spasms. It is excruciating. Heard of the vagus nerve?
What Is The Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body. It not only regulates the gut but also affects the cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, and endocrine systems. The vagus nerve innervates the liver, lung, spleen, kidneys and gut.
Here are some quick facts:
- Vagus is latin for wandering because the nerve has a long and circuitous path in the body.
- Vagus nerve dysfunction causes gastrointestinal symptoms. The vagus nerve increases stomach acidity, gut motility and digestive juices.
Underactive vs Overactive Vagus Nerve
Both overactive and underactive vagus nerve activity can contribute to disease and cause vagus nerve symptoms.
For example, an underactive vagus nerve can lead to gasteroparesis or delayed gastric emptying. Normally, peristalsis - a rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the intestinal muscles pushes food into the small intestine for additional digestion. These contractions are under the control of the vagus nerve; damage to the vagus nerve impairs peristalsis.
An overactive vagus nerve can result in an abnormally low heart rate (bradycardia), fainting (syncope), and a range of other symptoms.
The vagus nerve helps counterbalance the sympathetic innervation of the heart. The sympathetic arm of the nervous system is what mediates the fight-or-flight response.
Everything back to 'normal' by Wednesday, so I made up for lost time, taking out frustrations on racquetball and badminton!
Lots of events happening in the next few weeks, next Wednesday 14th my consultant KG is holding a talk on the Menopause at the local hospital. She is doing it for free as a fundraiser for Steph's London Marathon charity, Ovacome.
I've tried to share the poster and I can't, sorry, but please contact me if you wish to attend and I'll give you more details.
On Thursday April 5th we are holding a fun pub Quiz at the Post Horn in town, teams between 4-6 people, food included £12.50 a ticket, all proceeds going towards Steph and Baz's charities, Ovacome and Alzheimer's. Again contact me for more info!
Without wanting to say too much, I have two very dear friends who are really struggling this week, it's at times like this that I feel so helpless, unable to find real words of comfort and support that I would desperately like to give.To those friends and all the others I know that are dealing with this terrible disease, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lastly, I had a blood test this week, no results as yet, just fortnightly check ups, I think , although things change. I have a CT scan next Tuesday, no letter as yet about a blood transfusion. That again was pointed out to me that if I could play badminton, maybe I didn't need a transfusion?.
Took this picture today at our parish Lent lunch, was trying to get Dan to smile without realising Jack was trying to look equally sullen, what a pair. They also tried to tell me that my paying for lunch was an early Mother's day 'gift'. So how does that work? BOYS
Tuesday, 6 March 2018
Tuesday 6th March 2018
I know it's about time I updated the blog, what with being away at the weekend and all, but I've not been too well today, and I'm sat here at the computer with much to tell you, but no words flowing.
I will however write more later this week and fill in the gaps- the weekend was very busy but very good.
And I am feeling much better this evening, if a little tired.
I will however write more later this week and fill in the gaps- the weekend was very busy but very good.
And I am feeling much better this evening, if a little tired.
Sunday, 25 February 2018
Sunday 26th February
Progress Report
Papa : B+ Has improved greatly over this last week, still has slight discomfort, but appears to rectify with painkillers. (A* for initiative).
Bex : A- We have seen a significant improvement in weight gain over the last ten days, this has also contributed to a positive change in personality. (A*for effort).
Jill : D- Sadly despite Jill's enthusiasm for the subject she has been unable to maintain her progress, we have therefore decided that as she finds the syllabus too demanding, that it be curtailed for the foreseeable future. However we wish her well and hope to see her back on the course shortly. (B for "bother").
It's been a busy week this week, but I love it! Monday saw me playing tennis, walking the girls and playing badminton in the evening. Tuesday was my tough (!) but mentally rewarding yoga class, and I even managed to play three quarters of a game of Netball Tuesday night, yeah.
Wednesday had a cheeky game of racquetball with the lovely AB ( thats the Scottish/Jersey one NOT the mad aunt), and more badminton in the evening. Flitted into hospital for a blood test, fortunately the port worked beautifully.
Thursday was plumber/aga man morning, then I was lucky enough to get hold of two 'carers', who walked with me and the dogs through the lanes for a five mile stroll and even took me to lunch..... Clinic meeting at the hospital with my Oncologist. Steve came too as its helpful to have another pair of ears. We talked about my recent blood counts- pretty rubbish!
Last week HB 9.5, this week 8.9. White cells dropped from 2.2 to 2.0, neutrophils dropped from 1.46 down to 1.29 and platelets about the same 91 to 90. That's all without any chemo last week.
No more chemo, and in order to help my HB and give me more oxygen/energy a blood transfusion in the next few weeks, plus a CT scan just to see whats been happening to those tumours. The best news is that my CA125 has dropped again from 62 to 47... whoooppeee.
I am being as careful as I can with general hygiene, trying to wash my hands loads, not hug/kiss friends with colds etc, and sadly keep away from small children with chicken pox... :-(
Followed hospital appointment with yoga at Macmillan and a little tennis in the evening . It was absolutely freezing, and I couldn't wait to get home and run a bath, however upon my arrival back at the house lo and behold my lovely daughter had already sorted out a hot bath! How did she know? She had sneakily tracked my phone and saw when I had left the club, so knew I'd be ten minutes......
Friday was fab, played tennis with friends and the lovely, lovely AH had made me not one but two fish pies, so supper was sorted! Be jealous. Whizzed into town to the 'pub'. (more of that later!) , then a little food shopping, dog walking (very cold, not that they mind, splashing in the sea!) and then a visit to the nail parlour. I should really have had a facial, I do realise there is no hope but my sun damaged skin seems to have taken a bit of a battering with the chemo, and all the basal cell carcinoma ( Basal-cell carcinoma (BCC), also known as basal-cell cancer, is the most common type of skin cancer. It often appears as a painless raised area of skin, that may be shiny with small blood vessels running over it or it may present as a raised area with ulceration.) are far worse. I am visiting the doc on Monday to see if I can get a referral to the skin specialist.
Dates for your diary....
On Wednesday the 14th March 5:30pm to 6:30pm is a lecture at the hospital Halliwell theatre on the "Menopause". Its been given by my lovely consultant, free of charge , but there will be a an Ovacome bucket for donations towards helping my daughter in law Steph reach her target for the London Marathon in April. I am going to try and add attachment poster.
If you like to take part in a quiz, keep Thursday April the 5th free, I have booked the Posthorn pub in town to hold a meal and quiz, once again hoping to raise money not only to help Steph with Ovacome, but also my other son's girlfriend Baz with Alzheimer's....It's all happening!
Finally, Steve and I are off to London on Friday for the w/e to attend the Ovacome conference on Saturday. Will be nice to put faces to names, and bring back more donation buckets!
Papa : B+ Has improved greatly over this last week, still has slight discomfort, but appears to rectify with painkillers. (A* for initiative).
Bex : A- We have seen a significant improvement in weight gain over the last ten days, this has also contributed to a positive change in personality. (A*for effort).
Jill : D- Sadly despite Jill's enthusiasm for the subject she has been unable to maintain her progress, we have therefore decided that as she finds the syllabus too demanding, that it be curtailed for the foreseeable future. However we wish her well and hope to see her back on the course shortly. (B for "bother").
It's been a busy week this week, but I love it! Monday saw me playing tennis, walking the girls and playing badminton in the evening. Tuesday was my tough (!) but mentally rewarding yoga class, and I even managed to play three quarters of a game of Netball Tuesday night, yeah.
Wednesday had a cheeky game of racquetball with the lovely AB ( thats the Scottish/Jersey one NOT the mad aunt), and more badminton in the evening. Flitted into hospital for a blood test, fortunately the port worked beautifully.
Thursday was plumber/aga man morning, then I was lucky enough to get hold of two 'carers', who walked with me and the dogs through the lanes for a five mile stroll and even took me to lunch..... Clinic meeting at the hospital with my Oncologist. Steve came too as its helpful to have another pair of ears. We talked about my recent blood counts- pretty rubbish!
Last week HB 9.5, this week 8.9. White cells dropped from 2.2 to 2.0, neutrophils dropped from 1.46 down to 1.29 and platelets about the same 91 to 90. That's all without any chemo last week.
No more chemo, and in order to help my HB and give me more oxygen/energy a blood transfusion in the next few weeks, plus a CT scan just to see whats been happening to those tumours. The best news is that my CA125 has dropped again from 62 to 47... whoooppeee.
I am being as careful as I can with general hygiene, trying to wash my hands loads, not hug/kiss friends with colds etc, and sadly keep away from small children with chicken pox... :-(
Followed hospital appointment with yoga at Macmillan and a little tennis in the evening . It was absolutely freezing, and I couldn't wait to get home and run a bath, however upon my arrival back at the house lo and behold my lovely daughter had already sorted out a hot bath! How did she know? She had sneakily tracked my phone and saw when I had left the club, so knew I'd be ten minutes......
Friday was fab, played tennis with friends and the lovely, lovely AH had made me not one but two fish pies, so supper was sorted! Be jealous. Whizzed into town to the 'pub'. (more of that later!) , then a little food shopping, dog walking (very cold, not that they mind, splashing in the sea!) and then a visit to the nail parlour. I should really have had a facial, I do realise there is no hope but my sun damaged skin seems to have taken a bit of a battering with the chemo, and all the basal cell carcinoma ( Basal-cell carcinoma (BCC), also known as basal-cell cancer, is the most common type of skin cancer. It often appears as a painless raised area of skin, that may be shiny with small blood vessels running over it or it may present as a raised area with ulceration.) are far worse. I am visiting the doc on Monday to see if I can get a referral to the skin specialist.
Dates for your diary....
On Wednesday the 14th March 5:30pm to 6:30pm is a lecture at the hospital Halliwell theatre on the "Menopause". Its been given by my lovely consultant, free of charge , but there will be a an Ovacome bucket for donations towards helping my daughter in law Steph reach her target for the London Marathon in April. I am going to try and add attachment poster.
If you like to take part in a quiz, keep Thursday April the 5th free, I have booked the Posthorn pub in town to hold a meal and quiz, once again hoping to raise money not only to help Steph with Ovacome, but also my other son's girlfriend Baz with Alzheimer's....It's all happening!
Finally, Steve and I are off to London on Friday for the w/e to attend the Ovacome conference on Saturday. Will be nice to put faces to names, and bring back more donation buckets!
Friday, 16 February 2018
ITS FRIIIIIDDDDAAAYY
A very short update tonight, as I've had a fun filled day and now I need to go to bed early!
Felt bit yucky all week, takes me until Wednesday for energy levels to start picking up, and the sickness to abate. Never mind though, a small price to pay. As long as I can walk my girls, play a bit of sport and see my friends, all is well with the world.
Had a blood test on Wednesday and have recently discovered there is a new technique to make the port 'work'. I've tried the chicken wing dance (thanks Steph!), I would do the star jumps but I know I'd end up knocking the very expensive equipment over, let alone disturbing all the other 'inmates'. I have also 'run' up the four flights of stairs in the vain attempt to get the blood flowing.
Far more simple solution, and it is...... cough, not just the once though, I have had to cough myself through two phials of blood samples, bizarre but it works!
Of course nothing about me is normal, family and friends will agree wholeheartedly, and so I shouldn't have been surprised when I queried the small black 'mark' in my scar above the port. I thought it was possibly the end of a stitch that hadn't quite been removed.
Needless to say the staff had never seen anything quite like it, don't worry they've all had a good look.....we have eventually worked out that it is in fact the top of the screw that fixes the tubing into the port. It was supposed to be buried, but as there is not a lot of adipose tissue ( ok, FAT) it appears to be making a break for freedom.
In finding out my fellow inpatient had a port fitted too, I cheekily asked her If i could see it, I was amazed, there was hardly a bump in the skin, whilst mine looks like a mini Mount Everest on my chest, yes i can hear my brothers (and others) guffawing, and I shall get the usual derogatory comments about the size of my chest, but I am not blaming the surgeon, he did the best that he could with the materials he had.
We are monitoring the situation weekly.
Back to the blood test, I had a call on Thursday to say whilst three of the tests were ok (ish) my platelets were very low at 91, and so no chemo this week. That was a bit of a hurrah, hmmm, oh right, moment. Not entirely sure if I'm pleased or a bit disappointed.
Jolly glad to not be feeling sick though, and got to play tennis with friends, walk my girls in the sun and drink tea with other friends, full on day but gorgeous.
Then come home to a homemade Shepherds pie, large enough to feed a small platoon ( and a special dairy free one for me I hasten to add) thank you SH, truly feeling blessed today.
St Julian
Felt bit yucky all week, takes me until Wednesday for energy levels to start picking up, and the sickness to abate. Never mind though, a small price to pay. As long as I can walk my girls, play a bit of sport and see my friends, all is well with the world.
Had a blood test on Wednesday and have recently discovered there is a new technique to make the port 'work'. I've tried the chicken wing dance (thanks Steph!), I would do the star jumps but I know I'd end up knocking the very expensive equipment over, let alone disturbing all the other 'inmates'. I have also 'run' up the four flights of stairs in the vain attempt to get the blood flowing.
Far more simple solution, and it is...... cough, not just the once though, I have had to cough myself through two phials of blood samples, bizarre but it works!
Of course nothing about me is normal, family and friends will agree wholeheartedly, and so I shouldn't have been surprised when I queried the small black 'mark' in my scar above the port. I thought it was possibly the end of a stitch that hadn't quite been removed.
Needless to say the staff had never seen anything quite like it, don't worry they've all had a good look.....we have eventually worked out that it is in fact the top of the screw that fixes the tubing into the port. It was supposed to be buried, but as there is not a lot of adipose tissue ( ok, FAT) it appears to be making a break for freedom.
In finding out my fellow inpatient had a port fitted too, I cheekily asked her If i could see it, I was amazed, there was hardly a bump in the skin, whilst mine looks like a mini Mount Everest on my chest, yes i can hear my brothers (and others) guffawing, and I shall get the usual derogatory comments about the size of my chest, but I am not blaming the surgeon, he did the best that he could with the materials he had.
We are monitoring the situation weekly.
Back to the blood test, I had a call on Thursday to say whilst three of the tests were ok (ish) my platelets were very low at 91, and so no chemo this week. That was a bit of a hurrah, hmmm, oh right, moment. Not entirely sure if I'm pleased or a bit disappointed.
Jolly glad to not be feeling sick though, and got to play tennis with friends, walk my girls in the sun and drink tea with other friends, full on day but gorgeous.
Then come home to a homemade Shepherds pie, large enough to feed a small platoon ( and a special dairy free one for me I hasten to add) thank you SH, truly feeling blessed today.
St Julian
And so our good Lord answered to all the questions and doubts which I could raise, saying most comfortingly: I may make all things well, and I shall make all things well, and I will make all things well; and you will see yourself that every kind of thing will be well.
– The Thirty-first Chapter
Saturday, 10 February 2018
Saturday Night In the house...
Another week, another chemo, and so far my blood results are just about holding their own, which of course is good news.
I am still managing to play tennis, badminton and racquetball, with the odd class of yoga and aerobics, my netball has suffered a bit, understandably as it's such a cardio workout, plus in case you hadn't noticed I'm actually quite old, and running around after 15/16year olds is really tiring!
Side effects are still minimal all things considered, feeling sick is the main one, tiredness and general aches and pains (or is that the sport?). I go to hospice every couple of weeks and get a lymph massage, as there is still some swelling in my leg/groin area, and the lovely nurse then usually straps me up with kiensesology tape which really does help.
Last night the family enjoyed a delicious chicken casserole cooked by AH, (plus some ginger biscuits just for me), and I had SW running around town doing my shopping whilst I sat down in Oncology for most of the day. A big thank you to them both.
Changing the subject completely, I have just started reading a book called The Cancer Whisperer, written by Sophie Sabbage. On the blurb at the back it states..." I have cancer, it does not have me".
I have only read a few chapters, but there is plenty of information and certainly a lot I can relate to, without wanting to be accused of plagiarism, I would like to share some of the most poignant pieces in this blog.
As with Sophie there is a myriad of emotions after being given a cancer diagnosis, "Denial is a deeply disempowering force, it rips you from the truth of things and paralyses your capacity to respond. It is a temporary shock absorber, a way to keep your horror and sorrow at arms length while you try to compute the mortality cancer makes you face."
So accepting the fact that you have cancer is a big step, "This is the passage from no to yes, darkness to light, victim to author, paralysis to creativity, passivity to power."
It states on the front of the book.. Finding courage, direction and the unlikely gifts of cancer.
I shall let you know how I get on.
This week has been busier than normal, as we have the kitchen being painted, and as with most houses the kitchen is the hub of the home. Fortunately It should be finished by Tuesday next week, so not much of an inconvenience, it looks better already.
We also had another trip to the vet with Beanie, she managed to rip a hole in her 'armpit', probably when she was chasing pheasants in thick undergrowth. (honestly if its not one dog its the other). So now she has stitches and is restricted to lead walks for ten to fourteen days and to keep her 'calm'.
Oh, that's easy then. She is actually a model patient, takes her pills and doesn't lick the wound too much, Its Jess I feel sorry for as she has enforced lead walks too!! You can see her thinking, "that sister of mine is nothing but trouble", strangely I feel the same way about my sister! Jokes.
Talking about overseas, I had a lovely afternoon walk with a friend (who now lives in Cornwall, but popped over to the island for a few days), on the one day it was sunny and reasonably warm this week, just like old times.
Ending tonight with a few photos.
A chilly walk on a Saturday morning with Bex...
St Ouens bay
Le Saie
Le Saie in the sunshine!
Gorey castle with plastic over the Jersey Royals.
We walked from home to Gorey....
I am still managing to play tennis, badminton and racquetball, with the odd class of yoga and aerobics, my netball has suffered a bit, understandably as it's such a cardio workout, plus in case you hadn't noticed I'm actually quite old, and running around after 15/16year olds is really tiring!
Side effects are still minimal all things considered, feeling sick is the main one, tiredness and general aches and pains (or is that the sport?). I go to hospice every couple of weeks and get a lymph massage, as there is still some swelling in my leg/groin area, and the lovely nurse then usually straps me up with kiensesology tape which really does help.
Last night the family enjoyed a delicious chicken casserole cooked by AH, (plus some ginger biscuits just for me), and I had SW running around town doing my shopping whilst I sat down in Oncology for most of the day. A big thank you to them both.
Changing the subject completely, I have just started reading a book called The Cancer Whisperer, written by Sophie Sabbage. On the blurb at the back it states..." I have cancer, it does not have me".
I have only read a few chapters, but there is plenty of information and certainly a lot I can relate to, without wanting to be accused of plagiarism, I would like to share some of the most poignant pieces in this blog.
As with Sophie there is a myriad of emotions after being given a cancer diagnosis, "Denial is a deeply disempowering force, it rips you from the truth of things and paralyses your capacity to respond. It is a temporary shock absorber, a way to keep your horror and sorrow at arms length while you try to compute the mortality cancer makes you face."
So accepting the fact that you have cancer is a big step, "This is the passage from no to yes, darkness to light, victim to author, paralysis to creativity, passivity to power."
It states on the front of the book.. Finding courage, direction and the unlikely gifts of cancer.
I shall let you know how I get on.
This week has been busier than normal, as we have the kitchen being painted, and as with most houses the kitchen is the hub of the home. Fortunately It should be finished by Tuesday next week, so not much of an inconvenience, it looks better already.
We also had another trip to the vet with Beanie, she managed to rip a hole in her 'armpit', probably when she was chasing pheasants in thick undergrowth. (honestly if its not one dog its the other). So now she has stitches and is restricted to lead walks for ten to fourteen days and to keep her 'calm'.
Oh, that's easy then. She is actually a model patient, takes her pills and doesn't lick the wound too much, Its Jess I feel sorry for as she has enforced lead walks too!! You can see her thinking, "that sister of mine is nothing but trouble", strangely I feel the same way about my sister! Jokes.
Talking about overseas, I had a lovely afternoon walk with a friend (who now lives in Cornwall, but popped over to the island for a few days), on the one day it was sunny and reasonably warm this week, just like old times.
Ending tonight with a few photos.
St Ouens bay
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