Day Sixty Two

Poor Dave has been working all day today & is still at his desk now...he's exhausted : (

I'm continuing to feel well today & have been doing bits around the house like catching up on ironing. We did get out for a short walk this afternoon but it was freezing so we didn't go too far!! It's probably not as cold as poor Rachel in Canada but we've been thinking of Leslie & Evelyn and Howard & Esther enjoying temperatures in the 30's in South Africa...so wish we were there too :)

It was lovely to speak to Lauren, Isabel & Roger on Skype this evening - its great to be able to see them and chat face to face....and see their lovely haircuts! It's such a great invention!

Day Sixty One

John & Sharon came all the way from Peterborough to see me this afternoon and I really enjoyed catching up with them :) Thank you so much for coming over & I hope you didn't get caught in the snow on the way home!

I've felt much better today and looking forward to a few days of good health before Tuesday. Dave has had quite a stressful time over the past few days and has also got a busy weekend ahead.

Day Sixty

I had a lovely day with Carolyn & Jonothan today. We went to Birmingham at midday and had a couple of hours to have lunch and look around before I dropped them to the airport. I was tired when I got home but other than that have been feeling much better today.

Carolyn, thank you so much for coming over to see us and thank you to Bryce, Nathan & Abi for allowing them to come & visit - it was such a lovely time :)

I so appreciate my friends & family giving up their time to come and see me and I'm already looking forward to Peta's visit next week :)

Day Fifty Nine

It's been so lovely to have Carolyn & Jonothan here the last two days. Jononthan is such a little bundle of joy, he's always smiling, laughing & chatting and he really brightens the place up. It's been so good to catch up with Carolyn as well as we don't get to see each other very often and we've had lots of time chatting over coffee and lunch - a big change for her as she normally has 3 children to run around after all day :) She's been an amazing help, cooking dinners & cleaning up.

I'm still a little bit stiff & tender from the operation but I've been doing really well. Just need to focus on resting and getting myself better for the next chemo session on Tuesday. It's amazing how quickly they come around!

Day Fifty Seven

I've been feeling better today and not as stiff so I've been up and around a lot more. I slept in until 8:30 this morning which was really nice :)

I had another lovely surprise today - thank you so much to Uncle Leslie & Aunt Evelyn for the fabulous flowers you sent :)

It was great to have Huggy over for tea this evening. We met Huggy on my first ever ski trip in 2006 and he was my unofficial instructor, giving lessons in the afternoon & helping me to get down the slopes without injuring myself too much! We've just discovered recently that he's living in Bicester as well so we were really pleased to be able to meet again 4 years later!

Day Fifty Six

I had a good sleep last night, tired from yesterday's events but woke up at 6am and I've been on the sofa all day since then! I'm feeling quite stiff whenever I move but I'm very thankful that I haven't been sore. I've spent the day resting, reading, watching TV and being waited on hand and foot by my husband :)

Another day of rest tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to Carolyn and baby Jonothan coming from Cork to visit on Tuesday!

Day Fifty Five

It's been a very long but successful day today. The operation went really well - there were no complications and the surgeon was very happy with it. I went into theatre just before 9am and woke up just after 10. Everything went well with the anesthetic and I had no side effects....although I was quite groggy for quite a few hours afterwards.

The hospital was amazing - more like a 5 star hotel! All the staff were fantastic and couldn't do enough for me. Unfortunately, I didn't get home at lunchtime as we hoped as the surgeon wanted to see me before I left and he was in theatre until 6pm. We eventually got home about 8:30pm this evening so we're both looking forward to a really good sleep tonight. Poor Dave had to wait around in the hospital for 12 hours and then drive home (he's just fallen asleep on the sofa!).

I'm feeling really well now and not in any pain but I'm very thankful that it's all over :) Thank you so much to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, cards and messages - we appreciate them so much.

Day Fifty Three

I went to the hospital in London today for some blood tests ahead of the operation on Saturday. A long trip there and back just to give some blood but thankfully they had no problems finding a vein this time :) Hopefully my blood count will be ok to go ahead with the surgery.

We're planning to go straight to London when Dave is finished work tomorrow and stay there overnight in order to be at the hospital for 7am. I'm not sure if they'll need an anesthetic - I'll still be asleep at that time!! It is the first time I've ever had a general anesthetic so I'm a little aprehensive about that but I know it will all be fine and will be over very quickly.

I won't get a chance to update the blog tomorrow but we will make sure to update it on Saturday to let everyone know how the surgery went.

Day Fifty Two

It's been a day of lovely surprises today - Thank you so much Uncle Leslie & Auntie Grace for the fabulous flowers which arrived today and to Suzanne & everyone at Egencia for the chocolates and wine :)

I am so touched by the kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity of so many people over the past three months. It is very humbling to receive flowers, gifts, cards, emails & messages and to know that so many friends are thinking of me and taking time to do these things. It's a huge encouragement to both of us to have so much incredible support at this time and we're very aware how fortunate we are. Thank you so much to every one of you :)

Day FiftyOne

Today has been a really good day - I've been feeling very well and back to full health after the last treatment. I had a very restful morning and stayed in bed late and then went out for a walk down town and back this afternoon.

The operation to fit the portacath has been scheduled for this Saturday morning so we will travel to London on Friday night and stay overnight to be at the hospital for 7am! It should be all over quickly and they will let home by lunchtime.

Day Fifty

It's day 50 already - a milestone in my treatment. It's also the 18th January which is exactly 6 months since our wedding day... it feels like much longer (in a nice way) :-)

We had a really lovely evening with Alasdair, Mark, Lynne & Hannah and it was very special to be able to spend time with them.

Healthwise, I've been feeling really well today, and had a very large (delicious) meal tonight. I am also ready for bed right now which is where I am going to head.

Thank you so much to Alasdair & Irene for the lovely flowers :-)

Day Forty Nine

We travelled back from Swindon yesterday morning and came home to an almost snow free home. There were still little bits of snow and ice on the driveway and garden but they have finally melted away today.

It was lovely to come home to a beautiful bunch of flowers all the way from Canada - Thank you SO much Rachel :)

This time round the nausea from the medication has hit me a bit more than before and my appetite hasn't been very good so I have been taking things very easy, reading and resting. We did get to spend some time in Oxford yesterday afternoon and it felt really good to be out and about for a short while.

Day Forty Seven

Yesterday I felt quite queasy and had very little appetite for the first time since I started chemotherapy but I was able to eat enough to take my cocktail of drugs. The medication also kept me awake a lot over the past two nights, but I am aware that my side effects are very mild compared to most and I am very thankful for that.

Andrea travelled to London with me yesterday afternoon to meet with the surgeon, Mr Gui, about fitting the 'portacath'. His first words to me were "You look too well!". He said it was hard to believe I had only had chemo two days ago, which was a real encouragement coming from someone who sees patients like me every day. More importantly, he was really pleased with the progress of the tumor shrinking.

Mr Gui was the first consultant we saw in London back in November to discuss surgery to remove the tumor. He strongly recommended that I had chemotherpy prior to surgery, to allow them to monitor the effects of the drugs on the tumor and to ensure that the surgery would be less involved. Although, I didn't like the suggestion at the time, I can see now that his recommendation was the right option for me. Each time I go for chemotherapy it's very encouraging to hear that it's being so effective and that the tumor is shrinking.

Yesterday evening, he talked me through the procedure of fitting a portacath, which is essentially a central line hidden under the skin in my chest. I really don't like the idea of it but it's the best option as I have 5 chemotherapy sessions left to go and the last two times the nurses have had difficulty finding veins. He will fit it 10 days to a week before my next cycle on Feb 2nd.

We got back late last night so I have had a very lazy day on the sofa today and have been feeling a bit better but still a little queasy & not quite with it!

Day Forty Five

I've been feeling quite well today - a bit tired and dizzy after all the medication but really thankful that I haven't been feeling sick or nauseous. All the anti-sickness drugs they're giving me are doing an amazing job so far!

I've spent all day lying on the sofa and being realy well looked after by Dave's Mum. I've just been down to the medical centre to get my follow up injection so feel a bit like a pin cushion at the moment. But it's all worth it given the results we had yesterday!

Thank you to everyone for all your comments, texts and emails - we so appreciate them all.

Day Forty Four (Chemotherapy 3)

We have just returned from London having completed my third chemo session. We went to London yesterday and stayed overnight as I had an ultrasound appointment in the afternoon. The good news is that the scan has confirmed that the tumour has shrunk and is heading in the right direction. We also saw my consultant this morning and his words were "this just gets better and better".... the sort of words my ears were burning to hear!

The chemo session got off to a slow start with there being a problem trying to find a suitable vein to insert the canula - 4 attempts were made by 3 nurses as I asked to use my other arm today instead of my left arm. I have found it quite painful since my last chemo, so wanted to switch arms. In the end, they had to use my hand. However, it did highlight an issue that I will probably need a small operation very soon to have a "portacath" inserted into me which will allow easy access for the nurses in the remaining sessions.

The actual chemo was as always overshadowed by the cool cap which to be honest, didn't seem quite as painful as it did previously. Maybe I am just getting more used to it? I was relieved to get it off my head and leave the chair where I had been sat for most of the day. This time, one of the nurses arranged for me to have a chair by a window so at least there was a bit more of a view.

View From My Chair

My Old Adversary

Once all finished, we left a fresh but snow-free London and returned to a snow-swept Swindon where we will stay overnight and see how things go over the next day or so. So the next couple of days will be spent taking a cocktail of anti-sickness pills and trying to get through without any issues. I have been so blessed in the past every time I have had chemo, so just hope this will be the same.

That is all for now - thank you to everyone who has added a comment and sent text messages. Sorry I haven't replied to all of them, but just want you to know how much I appreciate them.

Last Night In London

Day Forty Two

First of all, apologies to everyone who has been checking my blog for updates. I'm sorry I haven't updated it in the last couple of days. I do try to keep it updated as regularly as possible as I know you are anxious to find out how I've been doing.

I'm feeling much better the last couple of days and my cough has all but cleared up. It's been difficult to stay indoors and not do very much over the last week or ten days but it has definitely helped to clear up my cold in time for Tuesday. I don't normally get colds but when I do they usually last for a day or two so it's been tough to realise that my body can't fight things in the same way it normally does.

We travelled home from Swindon on Friday evening and the roads were quite bad - the main roads were passable but dual carriageways only had one lane in operation. Once we got to Bicester it got worse! The snowfall was heavier here and the roads didn't seem to be treated at all. Getting into the housing estate was a challenge as it was very icy and slippy. When we got home there was so much snow that we couldn't get into the driveway and poor Dave had to shovel it all away with the lid of a dustbin! before he could drive the car in.

He did venture out to the shops yesterday but got stuck in the snow four times. We eventually got to take down all the Christmas decorations yesterday and it was good to sort out lots of things in the house.

Here are some photos of the snow in our back garden. We're hoping that it doesn't snow too heavily tonight and that the roads are safe to travel to London tomorrow. I have an ultrasound scan tomorrow afternoon and then chemotherapy on Tuesday. We're planning to set out early tomorrow morning to make sure we can get there and we'll stay in London tomorrow night.

It's already my third chemotherapy session out of eight. It's amazing how quickly they come around and I'm really looking forward to ticking another one off the list! Once the first four are over, the next four are planned for every two weeks instead of every three.

Day Thirty Nine

I've been feeling better today - the cough and cold seem to be improving at last. We're still in Swindon and really glad that Dave doesn't have to attempt the 2 hour journey to and from work in this weather.

It was lovely to see Elaine this morning & I also got out for a walk with Andrea in the afternoon. It was really good to be outdoors and see the snow - everywhere looks so picturesque covered in white....I'll try to get take some photos & post them on the blog in the next couple of days.

Day Thirty Eight

Everywhere is covered in a blanket of white today! There's almost a foot of snow outside at the moment - it snowed a lot overnight and only stopped snowing at lunchtime today. It looks beautiful.... but not so good if you're trying to get out and about.

I was due to go to London for a scan this morning but decided not to travel as everyone was advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. I have rerranged for Monday instead so hopefully the snow will be cleared by then.

Yesterday was a down day - I'm still coughing and sniffling a bit & had a headache last night so I'm concerned that my cold won't be cleared up in time for my next chemotherapy on Tuesday. And struggling with having to stay in and do very little all the time....it's difficult to get used to the slower pace of life but I know it's necessary!

Being cheered up at the moment by watching a neighbour shovelling the snow off his pathway...in his shorts!!

Day Thirty Six

It's VERY cold here at the moment - minus 6 when Dave went to work this morning! My cold seems to be getting better but I still have a cough and hope it doesn't go to my chest.

The highlight of my day was getting to meet up with Charis and Sandra who are over from Cork for a few days. It was great to see them and catch up over lunch :)

Day Thirty Five

My cold definitely seems to be getting better today - at last. Not using as many tissues, lemsips and throat sweets as I have the last few days :)

We travelled home to Bicester this morning and to a doormat full of cards and get well wishes. Dave is back to work tomorrow morning....like a lot of others he's not looking forward to getting back to early mornings (and long commutes)! Hopefully, the roads won't be too icy this week as it's forecast to snow and stay below zero for most of the week.

I'm going to London on Wednesday for an ultrasound scan. The aim of this is to measure the size of the tumour prior to my next chemo session (next week). We are hoping that the consultant's evaluation before Christmas is backed up by the findings of whatever this scan reveals.

Thank you again for your love and support.

Day Thirty Four

Happy New Year!! I hope you enjoyed new year celebrations and look forward to 2010. I managed to stay up until 11pm on New Year's Eve but had to give in and go to bed....I was so tired I even slept through the fireworks in the neighbours garden!

My cold has wiped me out for almost a week now and I'm still sniffling and get really blocked up at night. It's a bit of a shock to my system as I haven't had a bad cold for years but it does seem to be improving.

It's been really nice to get out and about a bit more the last couple of days. We've been in Swindon at Dave's Mums house since New Year's Eve and have been able to wrap up well and get out for walks. We had a lovely evening at Steve and Ruth's house last night and looking forward to Ashley and Nicky coming here for a Christmas dinner this evening.