Day One Hundred & Twenty-One

Substitute blog writer on hand tonight ..... we are not able to access internet regularly at the moment so just a brief update to let you know things are OK.

Sharon has had a husky voice the past couple of days, and a bit of a cough. However, this evening she seems to be doing a lot better. Probably also due to the fact that we welcomed a visit from Claire who is here with us for a couple of days. She has been a great lift for Sharon and they have had a lot of fun today. They are also both recovering from a lot of laughter after meeting up with Ann at lunchtime.

Thank you too to Charis, Sandra & Claire's Mum for all the goodies you sent with Claire :)

Day One Hundred & Nineteen

It's been lovely to catch up with people today by phone, email, skpye etc & it was great to see Sue this afternoon. I've been feeling a bit better today - my throat is still sore & I've been coughing a bit but the flu pains are much better now. We got to go out for a walk this afternoon and it was amazing to see daffodils everywhere....Spring is such a lovely time of year.

Claire is coming over to visit for a couple of days tomorrow & I can't wait to see her and catch up on the last few months!! I'm sorry Charis can't make it this time but look forward to seeing you another time.

Sandra & Julie - we are thinking of you both and hope you recover well & feel much better soon :)

Day One Hundred & Seventeen

Congratulations to my cousin Jonathan and Edel who got married today!! We're so sorry we couldn't be there to share the day with you & all the family. Thank You SO much for the huge surprise of the beautiful flowers you sent :)

Thankfully, I slept much better last night but I'm still feeling achy today and have a sore throat so have been dosing on lemsip & throat sweets for day!

Day One Hundred & Sixteen

Just a quick update to let you all know that I'm doing ok. I am starting to feel a little fluey this evening but that's all part of the reaction to the medication and should pass in a couple of days. I'm also quite tired as I've been waking up in the middle of the night the last couple of nights and not able to sleep properly. This evening I've had a bit of a down time - the first time in months that I've really felt like that but I'm sure the tiredness doesn't help :( Looking forward to hopefully having a good night's sleep & feeling better in the morning.

Day One Hundred & Fifteen

Deputy Blog writer on duty tonight.

My poor wife has been working on some paperwork on my behalf today and now she is completely shattered. She is doing well healthwise today following all of yesterday's activities down in London. She didn't have the greatest night sleep, which was most likely due to the effects of the steroid they gave her during the pre-meds yesterday. Sharon also had a booster injection for her white blood cells here in Swindon today (same again tomorrow).

Thank you again for all your messages, phone call enquiries and above all your prayers. With one session to go, we are coming close to the end of this part of the journey. From the meeting we had with the surgeon yesterday, we will face some decisions going forward and also pending on further test results. Quite daunting in the cold light of day, but thankfully we have a dependable God who has proved Himself time and time again over these past few months and beyond.

Day One Hundred & Fourteen (Chemotherapy 7)

7 down - 1 to go!!

It feels fantastic to be finished today and only have one chemotherapy cycle left!! Today went much better than expected - it is much less busy in the hospital on Wednesdays so I had lots of attention and I got a really nice reclining chair by the window. The sun was shining in this afternoon and it was really lovely - I even slept for an hour!!

The ice cap wasn't too painful but I only found out when I took it off that it was put on too far forward & it was lying on my forehead rather than all the way to the back of my head. So I am concerned that I'll loose hair from the back of my head this time.

We went to see the surgeon after chemo and he was really pleased with the progress so far. He's suggested dates for surgery as either Saturday the 1st or the 8th of May - to be confirmed.

It was a long day but Dave & Marilyn both came with me and it was great to have company for the day, especially as it's such a long day :) Poor Dave had to drive as well...while I slept all the way home! I came home to lovely cards and was so surprised to see one from the nurse who was with me when I was first diagnosed in Cork. What an amazing person she is and it's incredible to meet someone like that who really cares about their patients!

Thank you to everyone for your comments, texts, messages, cards & prayers - I can't tell you what an amazing support that is to both of us and is a huge help in getting through days like today :)

Day One Hundred & Thirteen

I'm back in the UK now and all set for the next chemotherapy session tomorrow! It will be a long day as we need to leave early to get into London - blood test at 10:30am and then have to wait around for results before starting chemo. It should be finished by 7pm and I then have an appointment with the surgeon to discuss surgery & get an idea of dates. Then the drive back to Swindon (thankfully Dave will be driving!).

Thankfully, my stomach upset seems to have cleared up today and I've been feeling much better. Still don't relish the thought of 5 hours under the ice cap tomorrow :(

Day One Hundred & Twelve

I've had an amazing few days catching up with family and friends in Cork. I'm so delighted that I got to go to work on Friday, church this morning, visit friends yesterday & go for Sunday lunch with my family today.

I've been reminded again how blessed we are to have so many people supporting us through this time & I feel really overwhelmed by the love and support of everyone. It's amazing to hear of so many people who read this blog and I so appreciate you taking the time to read it - I know a lot of people can't leave comments or prefer not to but it's such an encouragement to know that you are thinking of us & praying for us.

A real bonus was getting to see our friends Linda & Alex who just had a baby girl on Tuesday and to meet their adorable little daughter, Liana :)

Congratulations Linda & Alex!

Healthwise, I've had a dodgy stomach the last 24 hours - it is probably due to an accumulation of all the medication I've been taking as most have this as a side effect. I'm just hoping that it will be gone quickly and I'll be ready for the next chemo on Wednesday. I'm flying back to the UK tomorrow - it will be tough to say goodbye to everyone here but I'm so glad I've had this time back in Cork & I'm really looking forward to seeing my hubby tomorrow evening :)

Day One Hundred & Ten

It was fantastic to get to work today and see everyone :) I hadn't been there since November and it was a real encouragement to see all my friends and catch up with what's been happening over the last few months. Thank you so much to everyone at RCI & ICE for all your concern and support - it means so much to me. And Thank you for taking the time to keep up to date with my progress on the blog. I look forward to seeing you all again soon :)

Day One Hundred & Nine

It's been a fabulous two days catching up with my family. Dad was very surprised to see me on Tuesday & as yesterday was St Patrick's Day, everyone was off for the day so I got to spend time with all my family :) I haven't been here since November so it's great to be back and see everyone. I'm just sorry I won't get around to seeing all my friends on this trip but I'm hoping to come back again once chemo is over when I'll hopefully have more time & energy.

Day One Hundred & Seven

Deputy blog-writer called into action for today's entry.......don't worry though, it's not because Sharon is feeling unwell, but rather the fact that she has just travelled all the way home to Ireland this afternoon for a short (surprise) visit. This is the first time since November she has been home.

I have just spoken to Sharon on the phone, and she assures me that other than feeling tired, she is feeling well and had a good trip.

For those reading in Ireland, please bear with us as I am sure you will understand that Sharon will get around to visiting our amazing friends and family, God-willing, once the treatment is over and she is fully on the road to recovery......being a paranoid husband, I have asked Sharon to take it easy and continue to rest while she is there.

Depending on whether she gets internet access next time, you may be stuck with my updates! As always, thank you for your continued love and support.

Day One Hundred & Six

It's been another lovely day here, although I didn't manage to get out for a walk today! I didn't sleep much last night - I was wide awake in the middle of the night but I'm still feeling really well today. It seems that with the new chemotherapy drug, it's tough for the first week but the second week I'm feeling back to normal again. It's good to know what to expect & it's great that is comes around more quickly now....this day 3 weeks time I'll be preparing for my last session!!

Day One Hundred & Five

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers reading this - hope you had a lovely day and that you were spoiled! I just want to take this opportunity to say a huge Thank You to Marilyn for everything that she's done for us over the last few months and especially since we've been staying here the last two weeks.

I've been feeling well today and we went out for another long walk this afternoon. This weather is amazing and it's so good to see the sun and get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air :)

Day One Hundred & Four

I've been feeling much better today and it was lovely to get out for a long walk with Dave this afternoon. The sunshine was fabulous and it was amazing to see so many snowdrops and feel that spring really is here at last!! It's such a lovely time of year & always brings so much brightness & hope :)

Day One Hundred & Three

Thank You once again to everyone for your texts, messages & cards.

I've been feeling very tired the last two days & I even went for an afternoon sleep yesterday for the first time since I can remember! One of the main side effects of the new drug I'm taking is bone pain and I have been feeling quite fluey since yesterday, especially at night. I can take painkillers if it gets worse but judging by the last time, it should last for a couple of days and then clear up by Sunday or Monday.

Also want to wish Dad a very special Happy Birthday today.

Day One Hundred & One

Yesterday's photo of my giant thumb was taken just as they switched the ice machine off and I had finished more than 5 hours under the ice cap...I can't tell you what a relief that was :-) Having said that, yesterday wasn't nearly as bad as I had expected and the cap was tolerable. The dose of piriton they gave didn't seem as strong as the previous time so I wasn't wiped out this time and was actually able to communicate!!

I feel really well today & haven't had any sickness but I have been taking it very easy relaxing on the sofa & didn't get dressed until lunchtime!! I'm off out to get the injection to boost my white blood count this evening. I think my blood count may have been low as I didn't need an injection the last time and this time they have given me two to make up for it - one tonight and one tomorrow night :-)

I can't believe it's already 101 days since I started treatment. The time has gone really quickly and there's always something happening. It has really helped me to have so many friends and family visiting from Ireland as well as from other parts of the UK & now that we're in Swindon it will be really nice to have more people close by to call in on. The best bit it that in 4 weeks time I will be finished chemotherapy altogether!!

My next treatment will be on Wednesday 24th March rather than on the Tuesday to tie in with an appointment with the surgeon. The consultant was really happy with my progress yesterday and said that they are likely to operate 3 weeks after my chemo is finished (around the end of April) but the surgeon will confirm when I see him. Then the next step will be radiotherapy. It's still a way to go but I'm so glad that the end of chemo is in sight now - only 2 to go :-)

Day One Hundred (Chemotherapy 6)

If a picture paints a thousand words......

6 down, 2 to go :)

Thank You SO much to everyone who has prayed for Sharon today, sent text messages, blog messages, sent cards, called. We are humbled by such kindness.

God-willing, Sharon will update you herself tomorrow.

Day Ninety Nine

Just getting ready for my next chemotherapy tomorrow - I'm pleased it's come round so quickly this time and looking forward to ticking another one off the list! It's good to know what to expect this time and I know that I will be pretty knocked out during the and treatment (thanks to a big dose of Piriton to prevent allergies) and very tired afterwards.

I really don't mind getting the chemotherapy drugs but I'm not looking forward 5 hours under the ice cap :( However, it has worked really well so far and although my hair has thinned out a lot, it's still there & I'm very thankful for that. It just needs to last another 6 weeks!

It was great to get to church yesterday and to hear that so many people are praying for us. Not just here in Swindon but also in Cork and many other places around the world. It means so much to us and as you can see from the progress so far - your prayers are making a huge difference. Thank you!!

Day Ninety Seven

It's been a while since I've posted photos on the blog but today was a great opportunity! We all went down to the south coast for the day and had a great day walking along the promenade in Bournemouth. It was lovely to have a change of scenery and the sea air was so refreshing. It was nice when we started out but freezing by the time we walked back...as you can see from the hoodies!!

Healthwise, it's been a really good week and it's been great to get out and be more active. We walked about 2 or 3 miles today so I'm sure we'll sleep well tonight :)

Day Ninety Five

Not a lot to update at the moment - just to let you know I've been continuing to feel well the last couple of days. I've had a lot more energy & have been able to get out for walks and enjoy this cold, dry weather. It feels good to get some exercise and feel physically tired :)

Day Ninety Three

Thank you for all your comments and messages and thank you to everyone for taking the time to read my blog.....93 days in! We can't tell you how much your support means to us :)

Thankfully, the bone pains have disappeared now and I've been feeling really well the last two days. I spent yesterday doing all the paperwork around moving; sorting out bills, changing address etc. Marilyn came with me to Bicester today to clean the house from top to bottom and hand the keys back to the landlord - so we're now fully moved out.

It's made such a difference already for Dave to be in Swindon; an extra hour in bed in the morning, an extra hour free time in the evenings and less tiredness!

This day week I'll be back from my next chemotherapy - the sessions are coming round really quickly now they're only 2 weeks apart.....which means they'll all be over quickly too :) Roll on April!!