Good Christmas!

Good evening all!
Recalling all the events from our Christmas, so far, will be a challenge. 
Christmas morning, Katy is up early and comes to bed with me.  The four of us open presents together.  Dave, cooks a giant English breakfast.  The day that follows feels like about five days!  From my house, to Joan's (Dave's mum) - tea here and toast; from Joan's to Dave's brother's for dinner, gifts and games; from here, back to Joan's.  We stay at Joan's overnight, and the girls have stockings on boxing day morning.   We all have an amazing time  - Martha, Katy and Grace (cousin) all have a ball.

My health has been improving gradually over time. Regular sleeps remain part of my daily routine.  On Christmas day, I had to have a few!  No-one seemed to mind at all.  I opted in and out of the day, as best I could, with a bed to use as, and when, it suited me.   I am struggling to eat.  Tasty as it was, my Christmas dinner was minute, compared to last year's; and, I was unable to finish it. 

Other bits of health - my hair is steadily growing back.  My monk-look has diminished from 12cm diameter, to about 7cm diameter.  Steadily growing, it is starting to return to a normal head of hair.  I have half a new fringe creeping down my forehead.    I am also starting to look like myself again.  Since finishing the steroids, my face has been recovering; when I look in the mirror, I feel like I am looking at myself, not a cancer victim.  Hooray!

I currently have two girls on a sleepover.  I keep being reminded of my duties.  It is not as simple as having two extra girls for dinner and bed.  Martha and Katy tidied their rooms; we have made two extra beds; we have made rules about sleep time, and the consequences of not being asleep on time.  The girls have made a Strictly Come Dancing video (to Bang Bang, I am told), and are currently watching Despicable Me 2. I am reminded that I must make a midnight feast.   Wish me luck ...

Happy Christmas!

That's it!  Enjoy the festivities.

loads of love

Sarah xxxx

Ok today

I had to sleep this afternoon, but on the whole I have had another good day.  Christmas shopping is finished - Martha and Katy bought each other presents this morning.  Dave's present is organised.  Next job is to wrap them.

I have taken a form to my new doctor to complete, that is medical evidence that I am ill; and collected a leaflet for Martha from old doctor.

Katy earned a reward by collecting 15 stickers, over time, for getting herself up, dressed and full of breakfast in the morning.  We went to see Saving Mr Banks.  I was worried that it was a bit adult for her, but she really enjoyed it. The title is correct, however, I keep wanting to call it Saving Private Ryan (also Tom Hanks).  Both Katy and I can't wait to watch Mary Poppins, because we now have the history behind the characters.

Christmas Eve tomorrow - have a brilliant day. 
lots of love
Sarah xxxx

Feeling much better

No sleep for me today!  This is a first in a long time.  I got up feeling fine.  Breakfast, one nit check and I am persuaded by Martha that I should join them, and visit Joan, with Dave.   I spend a few hours at Joan's, and I am feeling OK.  It was only around 3pm that I realised that I had not had a sleep, and that I did not have the overpowering drowsiness that I experience every day.  Who knows if this is a breakthrough, but for it to happen once is surely a good sign.

I have had to accept that I will not be able to finish my Christmas cards in time.  They are going to be New Year cards now! 

Good night!
Have a great Christmas week
lots of love
Sarah xxx

On the recovery

It is only one week a month, so most of the time I am relatively well.  I am coming out of my chemo-sick week, which has been compounded by a heavy cold.  My immune system has been attached by chemotherapy through the whole of the summer, and during my current programme, and I have been recovering from a major operation.  Again, I can only celebrate - this is the first illness that I have picked up since I was diagnosed in June.

Panto
I am not sure I can remember what has happened this week!  My mum has been here helping us out.  I made it to the pantomime with Martha and Katy, on a school trip.  In this one, a "Chris Biddle" was playing ratty rat - we were watching Dick Whittington.  Panto was good - I love it!  I always feel very British at the panto.  We are so lucky to have pantomime. 

Carol Concert
The next day, I was in really bad shape.  I have barely eaten all week.  I made it to the school Carol Concert in the evening.  Martha - steel pans (white Christmas) and guitar (jingle bells); Katy in the choir and trumpet (Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer).  Again, I am a wreck the next day.

Piano evening
The piano evening, takes place at Ella's house.  Somehow, I manage to get there (I have been in bed all afternoon).  I know the parents very well, and they were relaxed about me lying on the settee in the "quiet room".  So, I lay and listened to all the music from the other room.  There were McCaffers, McCallwards, Robinson-Carmichaels and Mia's family from school.  These families have the same piano teacher, Sarah Wright.  Each child had a Christmas piece to play.  In addition to this, most children play other instruments, so Katy added trumpet duet, Martha played guitar, Alfie played the sax (he is a talented boy).    

I didn't make it to Chorlton CE Christmas dinner.  I would have arrived in tears - it was just too much.

New Doctor
I have a new doctor.  From now on, I am with Dr Cooke.  I don't know the name and address of surgery yet!  I can walk there.  He seemed very nice, and comes with good recommendation.

Tax Credits
I have to send my 8 page tax credit letter to all the benefit providers, using original copy only.  As part of benefits process, I called tax credits to give salary changes, and the copy that arrived showed that I was receiving working tax credits.  If you receive working tax credit you do not qualify for any benefits.  I wait until Monday to call Macmillan for advice, and I am told that I have to be specific that I have lost by statutory sick pay.  I call tax credits, and they withdraw the working tax credit and tell me I will be in debt (any tax credit user will understand this is the norm).  I have not yet received my written notification, so I can't send off my benefit applications. 

Martha
Has had to have blood tests. The first showed one result that doc wants to investigate further.  We went for second blood test on Friday morning, with Martha on an empty stomach.  Martha is so cool about it.  We went for breakfast after the blood test, in Battery Park.  She loved it!  "I can't believe I had hot chocolate for breakfast", she smiled at me,   "Can I tell Katy?".  It was one of those experiences that will stay with me for ever.   She had a bagel and cream cheese, was really relaxed and had no worries about being late for school because they were watching a film that she knows well.

Christmas
It is Christmas on Wednesday.  I have written a few cards for school, but have not written most of them, or bought/organised presents!  I am going to see what I can do today, and then just try and forget and enjoy it.  Expect a card in the new year!!!

Have a good weekend
lots of love
Sarah xxx

Internet working :)

I have been doing well, but I have now slipped into my "not well" week.  I have a heavy cold on top of my reaction to chemotherapy.  I was vomiting sick in the night, which was unpleasant, but also relatively good, because I managed myself out of it using drink and drugs!!

My phone is not working properly either, so I have been a bit stumped on communication!  I have to take it to the shop to get it mended, at some point.

I will write more later.

Love you loads

Sarah xxx

Charlie and Choc factory - pictures

 

 

chemo day 2

I took Martha to have her blood test this morning.  An amazing growing girl, lay back on the bed and allowed the nurse to take blood.  The nurse covered the pin prick with cotton wool, and then gave Martha a plaster.  Later in the day, I had my MRI scan and I had cotton wool on my canula wound.  We removed our plaster/micropore tape and cotton wool together tonight.  The experience opened up genuine conversation about my treatment, and that I have blood tests every time I go to the hospital.

My MRI scan was fascinating, because I had forgotten all the protocol.  No metal is allowed into the scanning room:  earrings, belt, watch, money...  The scan was just the same - this is the one with all the whirring, buzzing and even shaking, this time.  I have a cold, and I had to cough in the middle of it.  I tried for ages to overcome it, but in the end it came on its own.  I don't know how long it took - about half an hour in the scanning room.   Canula insertion and removal took place before and after.

Katy decorated the tree tonight.  Hooray - we are getting Christmassy!  Christmas cards tomorrow, I hope.

 



Have a good weekend
loads of love
Sarah xxx

PS. Martha has no homework this weekend.  I am so happy!

Antibiotics ...

I took Martha to the doctors' today.  She had an MOT and has to go back tomorrow for blood tests.  I agreed to the blood tests, because I am hoping that they find nothing at all, which will free Martha to recover.  Our appointment was an hour late. 
While we are waiting, I have become shivery and chilled.  With the doctor, I ask if I can borrow the thermometer, and the doc says no!  I add that I only want to take my temperature, and she laughed because she thought I wanted to take it home.  Temperature taken, and I have a fever over 38 degrees.  She then gives me an MOT, and prescribes antibiotics, that I am instructed not to take until she has called me to confirm that this is the best option. 
On the way home, I drink paracetamol and then wonder if I should call Christies.  I decide not to, however, I had not realised that the doctor was phoning Christies, so they call me.  The person who rings me goes to check with my consultant what we should do next, and fortunately, they decide that I should take the antibiotics and continue the chemotherapy.

I go back to the docs tomorrow for Martha's blood test.  I am booked in for an MRI scan, in the afternoon.  I am thinking that I may have to postpone it.

My mum has arrived today, and has gone to watch Charlie, tonight.  I am very relieved that I went last night.  If I hadn't, I would not have been able to see it at all.

That's it for now.
loads of love
Sarah xxx

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory :)

I have had a busy day.  I took a kindly offered lift to The Christie Hospital, for an appointment with my consultant.  In summary, a long wait for a blood test followed by a long wait to see consultant, followed by a long wait to get drugs.  Unknowingly to me, my chemo drugs were increased last time, which explains why I wasn't ill the first time.  My consultant recommends that I must continue on the higher level, and take anti-sickness drugs.  Watch this space.  I am hoping to have a good spell :)

While I am waiting for my drugs, Chorlton CE get in touch to ask me to collect Martha, because she was ill.  After calling three local mum friends to see if they could help, and getting no answer, I remember that Ewa (wonder cleaner) is at my house.  She kindly agreed to go an collect Martha.  When I got home, Ewa was leaving because she had received a call saying her son was ill, too.  It has been one of those days...

I set Martha up watching a Studio Ghibli film, about beavers in Japan, a cartoon.  I have to go to bed.  What a pair!  Martha is comfortable to go back to school to perform as Grandpa Joe, on the condition that I was there.  I think that I can still go tomorrow night, with my Mum.  I wouldn't let Martha go in her onesie, even though she said that everyone was doing it.  Hmmm, she was correct, but good spirited about it.  I think I am forgiven.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - great production!  Martha performs very well, looking old and putting emotion into her lines.  Katy performed perfectly as an oompa loompa, and said her line about Veruca Salt.  Fantastic! I really enjoyed it.

I am now late to bed.  Martha will not be going to school tomorrow because she remains sick.  Her teacher has told her tonight that it is best if she rests tomorrow and comes back to school in the evening.  She has a doctor's appointment too. 

Good night!
lots of love
Sarah xxxx

PS.  Our Christmas tree remains undecorated.  Maybe Martha will help me tomorrow.

Tree still standing :)

My walk was beautiful this morning.  A clear Autumn morning, with a low sun peeking through the trees.  I took a picture of the apple tree, full of ripe looking apples.

Dave's mum came over for the morning.  We completed a few chores.  Despite my best efforts, I had to go to sleep. and Joan cooked me lunch.  We met Dave in the local café, and then they went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  I am told it is really good.  I will go on Thursday with my Mum.

The evening has been moving Martha and Katy around to clubs.  Martha and Anya went to drama, and Katy went swimming. 

I have a sore throat.  I go to see my consultant tomorrow at The Christie Hospital. 

Our Christmas tree is still standing.  We have not decorated it yet.  Katy's observation was interesting to me - she said "The tree isn't getting smaller; I am getting bigger".

Sleep time for me
lots of love
Sarah xxx

New Christmas tree :)

Christmas tree drama
I couldn't bear it.  Our Christmas tree was propped up on bits of wood, and I felt serious stress every time I looked at it, thinking it would fall over again.  Decorations were still on the floor.  I called the shop it was bought from, and they were excellent - I now have a new tree.  I had to take off two sets of lights, but it wasn't too bad.  I feel much happier now!  I will decorate it tomorrow with Martha and Katy (again).

Drain drama
My outside drain (kitchen and bath) was blocked by leaves.  I had to move a big pile of leaves to clear it.  Martha and Katy will have to help me with this at the weekend - my back garden is full of leaves.

Vacuum Cleaner - new belt - massive drama!
It has taken a few weeks, but I have finally got a new belt for my vacuum cleaner.  It was ordered three times - third time was lucky!  Vacuum cleaners are never designed to give you clues about how to mend them.  I got there in the end.  Of course, I had to go to bed after that!

Charlie and Chocolate Factory
The show starts tomorrow.  Joan (Dave's mum) is coming over for the morning, and then going to watch with Dave.  I will go with my mum, on Thursday.  Martha started panic rehearsing before bed, but was easily persuaded that sleep was more important.  Katy is simply proud of herself for having a line.   Dave and Joan came over tonight to see Martha and Katy.  I have just seen some of the London CCF, in the Royal Variety Performance - I have recorded it to watch in the morning before school.

My health
I still have one swollen eye.  I think I missed this off yesterday's review, I think - My eye sight has deteriorated.  I cannot read my phone without reading glasses.  I have to have my glasses when reading books with the girls.  The problem that I have, is that it is impossible to know if this is because of the tumour, or because of my age.  Either way, I don't like it at all.  I am going to have to buy some more glasses - I only have one pair, and I keep mislaying them.

Benefit claims
Someone woke me from my sleep with a phone call and I was instantly dying for a wee!  I asked if they could ring my back, and she declined, asked me a couple of questions and then asked me to send in the application.  I don't know what application she means!  I know she was from the Department of Work and Pensions.   I made it to the loo, just in time.  I am going to have to look at this tomorrow.

Have a good day tomorrow.
lots of love to you
Sarah xxx

Christmas Tree falls over

Christmas Tree
When you want everything to be simple, it rarely is!  Our Christmas Tree fell over and came out of the stand.  It has now been re-erected, but remains skewy!  The decorations are mostly on the floor!  Another job for us tomorrow.

In bed mostly
Yesterday, I spent most of my day in bed, apart from a little jaunt into the bath.  I did have a walk to the post office.  Martha and Katy had a busy day out with Dave.  They were home in time for Strictly :).

Homework
Today, we spent all morning completing their homework.  Martha was reviewing Nelson Mandela's life and, for numeracy, problem solving.  Katy completed a numeracy test and wrote rules for surviving school.  Katy had additional web-based homework, which I think must have been set by accident.  She completed median, and mode questions.  She skipped the histograms!

The tree keeled over during the homework.

Steel Pans
A giant cooked breakfast for lunch, with perfect eggs!  Martha played the steel pans in church, this afternoon.  I took Martha and Katy there, but had to come home again, feeling very poorly.  Back to bed ,,,  Friends brought them home, and gave us all a lift to swimming club.


My health
I think I am on day 5 of no steroids.  My left eye is swollen, but is not uncomfortable.  Half my hair loss is growing back; I am now half a monk!  My head remains painful to touch - it is usually uncomfortable when I am trying to go to sleep.  I am not taking many painkillers, which is good.

Got to go back to bed!
Have a good week
love Sarah xxx

All Ok - will write tomorrow

Continued benefits applications

Big Comedy Club
At 8.05 am, the three of us met Sasha at the end of the road, to head into school for 8.15 am start.  It was Big Comedy Club performance at 9.15am.  Sasha and Martha went in early to practice.  The performance was amazing.  They were all brilliant performances. 

Free School Meals application
I spent until 1 pm completing this form. 

Sick note
I phoned up for a sick note, and collected it today.  This was remarkable efficiency for my old GP.  I can't remember who I have to send it to - but will work this out when I am feeling awake and alert.

Steroids
I am on day three of taking no steroids.  I am tired this evening, and my mood is very low.  I have started falling into tears for no real reason.  I know it will pass.  I have just got to come through it.  My answer to, "What do you want for Christmas?" is "A pill free holiday!".

Christmas Disco
Martha and Katy have been to the school disco tonight.  I turned up with a vague plan to go and help.  I took a father Christmas hat to wear.  When I got there, I couldn't stay.  Too busy and fussy for me, today.  All I wanted to do was sit down and watch.  I snuck away! 

Martha and Katy both really enjoyed it.  Katy won a bright green bag in the raffle, and showed me other prizes that she picked up. 

Have a good weekend
loads of love
Sarah xxx

Strong winds

My morning walk was blown off by the strong winds.  I made it to the meadows, fighting hard against the wind; I had watched bins blown over, and got leaves in my eyes.  Simple thought - is this the best time to be walking near trees?  I walked home again.

Strictly Chorlton Dancing:  Martha represented Chorlton CE by dancing in a local school.  This is rare, but I couldn't organise lifts that enabled me to go and watch.  I collected Katy from guitar, and Martha was brought back by another parent.  Martha thinks they danced well.  I am told that I can watch it on St Johns RC primary web site tomorrow.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Katy is excited that she has a line in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  She is rightly proud of herself - few year five pupils get this opportunity.

Nelson Mandela: I have just heard on the radio that Nelson Mandela has died.  I am sad and proud - he was an amazing man.  We are all very lucky to have had him in our lives.
lots of love to you all
Sarah xxx

Christmas Tree up!

Martha gets up on her own:  Following a long conversation with Martha, in her bedroom, I discovered that I had been talking to a douvet.  Martha had got up by herself, and was writing a letter to her pen friend in Australia (Jo Myer's daughter, Jess).  A fantastic start to my day!

 

Morning Walk:  Here is the morning sun reflected in the River Mersey.  Yes, my eyes were stinging!  A photo does not do the brightness justice.

 

 

 

 

New GP (nearly):  I have started the registration process with another doctor's practice.  The registration appointment is next week.

 

My current GP:  I am walking away.  I couldn't attend the meeting with the practice manager because I was afraid that I would not be well enough to have the conversation that I would like.  Projecting forward, I could only see that I would end up feeling worse, not better.  In summary, I have said what I want to say.  My current priority is to stock up on drugs for me and the girls over Christmas, for the transition.

 

Steroids:  For now I am no longer taking them.  I was taking an eighth of a milligram.  Let's see how I get on with none.  I have talked this through with my Macmillan nurse. 

 

Hair:  I am growing hair on half my head.  My eye brow is thickening up nicely too.

 

Christmas Tree is up:  Our Christmas tree experience tonight tells me how little energy I have.  The box of decorations is unachievably large!  How we put them all up last year, I don't know!  We will have minimal decorations this year.  Dave bought us our tree - how I love the Christmas fragrance it brings.  Here are the girls, celebrating finishing.

 



 

 

Have a good day
lots of love
Sarah xxxx

All ok - will write tomorrow :)

Christmas is coming!

We are not ready at all for Christmas, but no doubt we will pull it together in time.  I have lots of little jobs that I have not got round to, but I guess it has been one of those years!

I still have one swollen eye.  I can't stop taking the steroids until my body has this phase in order.  My problem is that I would really like to be steroid free over Christmas - NO TABLETS.  The advice that I have been given is to listen to my body.  I think I will still be taking steroids through Christmas.  I will discuss this with my Macmillan nurse, on Wednesday.

My hair has started growing on half of my head.  I have baby hair - fine hairs that are growing closely together.  The other half remains bald!

I went for my walk with Anna.  I slept.  I pottered.  I went to collect Martha.  Katy was brought home by Tanya and Rosy, after football.  I have cleaned my kitchen, and generally I have been feeling quite well.

Bed now
lots of love
Sarah xxxx

Sunday in the Park

Hi there!  Martha, Katy and I had a lovely time in the park this morning.  They love this tree.  It has a nest about two thirds the way up.  Katy and Martha climbed above the nest today.  They both swung off the branch that Katy is lying on, as their form of dismount!

 

We had a cheerful lunch, and then we started playing in our "band".  Martha playing chords on the guitar, Katy on the trumpet and I was playing the piano.  I still need to practice!!  Between us, we can all play Jingle Bells together.  We tried Good King Wensceslas (spelling?) - guitar and piano.  I need to speed up.  We are having a little Christmas piano night with our other friends who are learning the piano:  Martha, Katy, Ella, Hattie and Alfie.  Throw in a few mums, dads and the piano teacher, and I think we will have a good night together.

Dave has taken the girls swimming.  Strictly Come Dancing later, then bed :)

Have a good week
love
Sarah xxxx

Steel Pans

Today, Katy and I went to watch Martha perform in the steel pans, at the Church Christmas Fayre.  She played very well.  We also stayed to watch Ella dance ballet - she was very elegant.

I come home to sleep.  Katy stays at the church and comes home later.  Martha has an hour or so in front of the TV.

We then have an unjoyful afternoon of completing homework.  I hate it!  We stop to watch celebrity pointless at 6.15 pm.  Martha has not finished yet.  Katy has cut a few corners!

Martha and Katy tell me that my hair is starting to grow back.  I cannot see any evidence of this, but I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.  Maybe I will be hatless next time I see you.

I have a puffy eye.  This is my reduction in steroids kicking into action already.  I look like I have been punched (again).  Gonna have to improve my footwork!

Have a relaxing Sunday
lots of love
Sarah xxxx

Philomena

I am not sure if I have spelt the name Philomena correctly, but my night out was cancelled by two of my pals.  Katy was already on a sleepover, and Martha was in the middle of handover.  I decided to make the most of it, and went to see Philomena at the cinema.  It was a very good film - I recommend it.

I went for my walk this morning.  It rained really hard a couple of times, but generally I was happy to be out and pushing myself.

A shower, and a visit by my community nurse.  I am now taking one eighth of a milligram of steroid each day.  I realised that I can bite the half tablets into quarters.  I know it sounds like I am sharing out sand, but I am hoping I can be steroid free over Christmas.  My community nurse wisely advises me that I must follow my body, and it would be no good to be ill over Christmas.  Let's wait and see ...

Old hockey pals, Kate Walton and Lizzie Symonds (with baby Martha the second) came to visit.  It was great catching up with them.  I am still struggling with my memory.  They could both remember things we did together, that I have no recollection of.  I don't know if this is from the operation, or if it is simply my age.  Either way, I have to live with it.

Sleep and collect Martha from school.  She is playing the steel pans tomorrow at the Church Christmas Fayre.  I have never seen her play.  She will go in the morning, with her friend that she is staying with tonight.  I will meet them there.

Good night
lots of love
Sarah xxx

World Book Day

Where's Wally, came home looking the same as when "he" went to school.  I made it to the e-safety talk, for a while, but had to leave.  I have a limited amount of time that I can focus, and it ran out.  I was chaperoned home by Mr Gillon, which was a good opportunity for us to catch up a bit.

I haven't done very much today.   E-safety, soup and sleep, wash up, pick up girls from school, two nit checks, read, bed.  Martha still has her rash. 

Bodie died from The Professionals.  I still fancy him now!  Very sad.  I used to watch the Professionals every week with my good friend Lin.  She fancied Doyle. 

I started taking steroids on alternate days today.  I did not take any this morning.  Tomorrow, I will take a quarter milligram.  MRI scan is on 13th December. 

Have a good Friday
lots of love
Sarah xxx

Ready for world book day

"Where's Wally?" and Pippi Longstocking are both ready for school tomorrow.  Katy has painted stripes onto a white shirt, using poster paint.  She will look great at the start of the day; I wonder what she will look like at the end of the day?

Readathon has started.  Martha is reading the Hunger Games (2), and Katy is reading Willy Wonka.  I don't know if Martha is going to stay in the level 6 literacy group.  I don't mind either way, as long as Martha understands the reasons for her decision.  We are going to talk about it over the weekend.  She is still covered in a rash, and on antibiotics, sleeping eleven to twelve hours a night.

I have worked out when to give up steroids.  For the next four days, I will take a quarter milligram on alternate days.  I will then stop taking any.  This statement fills me with fear, but, if I am to be steroid free over Christmas, it has to be now.  I am likely to be steroid ill before my next chemo appointment on 11/12.  If I am sick like last time, Chemo ill comes during the end of term, and I become well as term ends.  Let's wait and see ...

I had a go at working out my gas bill and getting a better deal.  I have got to a point where I am stuck in a corner.  Money Saving Expert recommends dual fuel, except I think I have this already.  I will have another go at it tomorrow. 

Gotta to sleep now.

Have a good Thursday
love
Sarah xxx

A bit better today :)

We have the usual fussy morning.  Martha has not completed her literacy homework, because she is not sure she is in the group.  It turns out it is a level 6 group and she is part of it.  I am not sure where we are up to with this.  I will talk with her again tomorrow.  I think she is worried because she is not a fast reader.

I am feeling a bit better today.  I went for a short walk with Anna, down the meadows.  Home for a snack and bed.  I do nothing all day.  I have not worked out when the best time is to give up the steroids.  I will have to look at this tomorrow.  I have lost the date for my next MRI scan!  Something else to chase up tomorrow.

We have school book dress up day on Thursday.  I can't keep up with all these special dates!  Katy wants to go as Where's Wally and Martha wants to be Professor from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.  We don't have a red stripey shirt ... Katy is going to colour one in!

I have been asked if I can go in to school and help pupils learn their lines for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  I am trying to find a way to give a small amount of time, without compromising my rest and other priorities (eg finding a new GP).

Gotta sleep

Lots of love
Sarah xxx

Macmillan meeting

We made it to school in reasonably good shape, this morning.  Martha and I gave her antibiotics to her teacher.  She was feeling tired, but was in good spirits. 

I went to the chemist to collect the rest of her prescription.  It was split into two separate amounts, because it has to be kept in the fridge for less than a week.  I usually get given two bottles and instruction on how to make the second bottle.

I went into Quality Save to buy a birthday card, but couldn't remember why I was in the shop.  I had to walk around until I remembered the purpose of my visit.  I have to say, that this is very frightening.  I was very relieved when I saw the display of cards, and recalled what I was doing there.

I talked to my Macmillan nurse about this, because I have noticed a decline in my memory.  I hope he is correct when he says that it will be partly caused by chemotherapy, and that my memory will improve again.

I have learned that chemotherapy is not a breeze!  We talked through my preparation for the next phase.  Over the next couple of weeks, I have to rebuild my fitness.  I am likely to be ill again after each five day course.  I am not looking forward to this at all!  My next phase begins on 11th December (11/12/13 - an excellent date!  This can never happen again) . 

 I started chemo on 14/11 and I become ill on 16/11.   I stop taking chemo on 18th.  I start to recover on 21/11,

Next month (if it is the same pattern):  start chemo on 12/12, become ill on 14/12.  Stop taking chemo on 16th.  Recover on 19/12. 

Steroids - I am so nearly there!  I am not quite through my "dip"; my left eye remains swollen.  In a few days, I hope to start taking one quarter milligram on alternate days.  The next step after that will be to stop completely.  I have to plan this into my chemo programme, so that I don't get a clash of steroid and chemotherapy side effects.

I can't get my head around integrating steroid reduction with chemo programme - I will continue this tomorrow.  I would dearly love to be free of steroids through the Christmas holiday.  Also, if I follow the same pattern, I will be ill through the end of term.

Have a good week
loads of love
Sarah xxxx

All OK - I will write tomorrow

Gotta sleep now. 

Have a good week
love
Sarah xxx

War Horse

I sleep through most of the morning.  I have to get up to check Martha and Katy are both safe - they decided to make a cake that is gooey in the middle.  Their objective was to make it for Louise, however, when they finished, they decided to eat it themselves!  Their technical skills were excellent - they created the pudding and it did ooze "sauce".

Louise came to go to see War Horse.  It is an amazing production.  Yes, we were crying ...

We watched Strictly when we got home, and then the 50th anniversary Dr Who.  All in bed now.

Love you
Sarah xxx

Martha's trip

I made it to school with Martha, armed with her antibiotics and note for teacher.  We bump into Anna, and had a hug.  Martha realised that she had forgotten that she was going on a trip.  She didn't have a packed lunch ...  Once again, I take a tearful girl into class.  We couldn't find the school cook, so I gave her money to buy lunch at the Imperial War Museum, and talked it all through with teaching assistant.

I then momentarily accept a lift to Decathalon, and instantly realise that I was not fit to go shopping anywhere!  Back to bed for me.

My nurse comes to check on me, and is delighted with the change in my face.  I still have one swollen eye, but nothing like I was; looking like a boxing match loser!

My practice manager phoned me and has invited me into the surgery for a meeting.  I am going to contact my Macmillan nurse to let him know, because I will be with him the day before, and we may be able to discuss it. 

Martha and Katy are downstairs making gooey chocolate puddings - they have taken the recipe of Junior Bake off.  Gotta go and check how they are getting on.  So far so good :)

Wishing you a good weekend
love
Sarah xxx

Turning a corner - hooray!!!!

Very tired, so this will be short.  I am hoping I will be able to walk to school tomorrow.

Katy did her school assembly.  I will add photos tomorrow.  I wasn't well enough to go.  It is a shame it wasn't a day later.

Dave took Martha to the doctors, and we have another prescription of antibiotics.  She has a rash up her belly, top of arms and legs.  This is her third set of antibiotics.  She likes the sweet banana flavour - she says they taste like the moulded banana shaped sweets.  I don't feel tempted to test it!

Dave brought girls home for a shower, and I end up doing three nit checks!  He is abroad again tomorrow.

I have slept loads, started eating a little more, and bit by bit, I am feeling my energy returning.

lots of love to you all
I will try to reply to texts tomorrow, thank you all.
Sarah xxxx

 

Bed all day except watching the end of the Poseidon Adventure

I am still poorly.  Martha and Katy are looking after themselves very well.  Katy is prompt and organised; Martha is learning how to manage her time a little better in the morning. 

I have seen Macmillan Nurse, who will return on Monday next week.  He thinks this spell is caused by the chemotherapy.  This is not news that I want to hear!

I am to take anti-sickness tablets to help my stomach to settle.  I am finding food tasteless and it gives me nausea.  I have lost a little weight, I think.  Not a bad thing!

He is concerned about how I feel like I have been in a punch up.  I remain stiff and find it difficult to move.

Puffy eyes - steroid reduction.

I can't remember the rest of it.  I will fill it in another time.

Katy is performing in class assembly tomorrow.  Fortunately, she doesn't mind that I can't make it, because she has Dave's full attention.

Gotta sleep

love you all
Sarah xxx

Still poorly

I got up with Katy, who was already dressed.  I lasted only one descent of my stairs, and one ascent, and had to go straight back to bed.  I have been in bed all day.

Martha and Katy took themselves to school.  Katy made me breakfast and Martha made me some tea.

My community nurse came to visit; I called yesterday to ask for help.  She is observing the swelling in my eyes, and recommends that I follow what my body is saying.  I stay in bed.

Tomorrow, my Macmillan nurse will visit, and my community nurse will talk with him so that he can be part of the monitoring of my health.

Lisa and Iona brought the girls home from school (thanks).  Tanya brought round a back of groceries last night, too - Martha and Katy have felt very spoilt :) :)

I did have a chat on the phone with in-law Margi.

Wishing you all a good week
love
Sarah xxx

Lytham St Anne's Beach Hut trip

My mum took us to our Beach Hut.  Martha won this trip in the school fair, in June.  I have no idea how much it costs, if you choose to hire a Beach Hut.

We had lunch in the Toby Inn (Roast Dinner). Martha and Katy had a great time digging sandcastles on the beach, with perfect weight of sand.  They enjoyed running up and down the beach chasing dogs too.  Mum cooked us tea in the beach hut.

I was not well.  I had to leave my lunch to go and take anti-sickness tablets, and then had to take my lunch away in a doggy bag.  I slept in the beach hut, which I had not prepared for; my blanket was my Mum's stripy jumper. 

At the end of it, I am glad that Martha and Katy had a good time. 

Doing Ok for now

I will write more tomorrow.  I have spent a lot of today asleep.  I feel like I am moving about in soup.  Everything is harder work than it should be.

May this phase pass soon ...

Have a good week
love
Sarah xxx

Third day of chemo and 6th day of steroid reduction

Saturday:

These don't look too bad.  I feel like I have lost a big fight with Muhammad Ali.  My left eye is really puffed up and swollen.  I think this is the worst it has been, except directly after the operation in June.

 

First and second days of chemo

I have stuck to the timetabled regime.  I am too tired to write now.  All is good.  I will catch up tomorrow.
Good night :)
love
Sarah x

Friday:  Too-tired developed into too-ill.  I have had a bad day today.  I woke up feeling like I was about to vomit, and had to take an anti-sickness pill at the start of the day.  I couldn't take Martha and Katy to school.  Katy walked to school on her own, and Martha accepted a lift from my Mum.  I slept until about 11am, I think.  I watched TV for the afternoon.  My left eye is very puffy again.  I have an on going headache.

Martha and Katy had Children in Need day at school.  Martha was part of a group running a "fete" in the school hall. 

I have to go back to sleep.  Tomorrow we have a beach hut booked at Lytham St Annes.  Martha won it in the school fair.  We couldn't make use of it through the summer, so we are going to see what it is like on an Autumn day instead.  We are taking a pack of cards with us :)  I am hoping to be well enough to travel.

lots of love
Sarah xxx

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory weekend

 

 

This was our big holiday to London.  Martha's mouth was full of ulcers, that were starting to recede.  Dave gave us a lift to the station, and we met Gee and Diane at Euston Station.  We left the station by taxi and arrived at Helen's as an excited group.  Helen's family arrived moments later.  The picture below, is Martha and Katy with Joseph, Samuel and Theo, at the end of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

 

Katy went to see the Lord Mayor's parade with Helen's family, who have recently moved back to England from America.  Martha and I went to bed for an hour.  I wake to an egg Florentine - this is always my favourite!  Thanks Helen.  We travelled by taxi with Helen's Dad to meet up with the Bunches at the theatre.

 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was great fun.  Willy Wonka was played expertly by a Chris Biddle doppleganga!  The oompa loompas were great fun, and very creative.  They were formed in different ways in different scenes - the best version was two people forming a midget by standing one behind the other.  The person at the back gave the arms, and the person at the front gave the feet.  Add tap dancing shoes, and it was hilarious.

Katy was disappointed because all the songs, except Pure Imagination, were different to those used in the original film.  She wanted to sing along with Augustus Gloop!  Martha laughed her way through the whole performance.

 

In the evening we had dinner with all the Bunches. I was very tired by now, and had to slump on the settee for a while.   We had a toast to Helen, to congratulate her on her success in climbing to Everest Base Camp, and managing to get home again, in difficult weather conditions.  I saw some photos from the trip, one which I was stunned by, and think of all the time.  Thanks so much, Helen.

 

Sunday was simple from my point of view.  I got up with Katy, and made her breakfast.  Martha slept until 9 ish.  I went back to bed and slept a little longer, had a bath and then eggs Florentine again.  I was so incredibly spoilt.  We then all head out to the Princess Diana playground.

 

 

 I think Helen thinks she is being Sherpa-ed by this sheep!

 

 Here is Katy on one of the climbing frames.

 

 At the end of the weekend, Katy is captured by the Bunch's American Accent.  "Can I have a fruit box?"  We meet Chris Biddle in Euston Station for a burger lunch. 

Love to all of you
Sarah xxx

 

Letter to Primary Care Manager delivered

Business
I have collected my travel insurance medical certificate from my doctors' surgery, and delivered my response to the letter that I received from Dr Black.  I have said everything that I need to say, and resolved to walk away from it if I don't like the response.  My next task is to send my travel insurance claim.  My ambition is to be able to watch a film without feeling like I should be doing something more serious!

Martha in good spirits
Before school, we played Martha's Children in Need fundraising game, so that she was confident about how the game works.  Martha's ulcers have cleared up, so she ate properly.  She was smiling when she went into school.  I was so relieved.

Beautiful walk
It was a beautiful morning, for an Autumn walk around the meadows.  Anna and her brother joined me.  The sun was low and sharp.

Sleep
I had a lunchtime sleep, and later a good chat with Martine.  Our laugh, was that she came and told me that Izzy has got a place in Guides.  I haven't told anyone that I have withdrawn Martha, and I had to tell her that Izzy probably has Martha's place. Martha is going to lend her a uniform, until she goes back to Guides after Christmas. 

Drama club
In the evening, I went to watch Martha at her drama club.  I have not been there since February, I think!  I joined in, but there came a time when I had to give in, and sit out for a rest.  Katy went swimming with Dave. 

Vacuum Cleaner belt
My vacuum cleaner's belt has snapped, and the belt in my cupboard is not the right size.  Grrrr!  Ewa, my cleaner arrives in the morning at 8am, and I don't have a working vacuum cleaner.  All my fault for not reading the package properly.  I go to see my consultant tomorrow, so won't be able to get a belt until I come home.

Chemo starts again tomorrow. 
I don't know if I have mentioned this already or not.  I have cut down my steroids to one quarter of a milligram.  Tomorrow is day three.

My mood, on the whole has been very anxious today.  I don't know if it is the steroids, or just a bad mood!  Going to sleep now.

love to you all
Sarah xxx

Letter to Primary Care Manager finished.

Charlie BLOG coming soon!
I will do a page about our weekend in London, over the next couple of days.  We had a great time, and the show was exciting and fun.  We are all very proud of Helen, too, who has completed her journey to Everest base camp.

Mum is here :)
My mum has come to stay.  She has driven up to Manchester, so we were able to do some chores using the car today.

Incentive scheme
Katy has responded really well to a sticker incentive scheme - she has to get up, get dressed, make her own breakfast.  For this, she gets a sticker.  If she gets 15 stickers, I will get her a DVD copy of Monsters University.  Martha is not interested in any incentive scheme - she does not want to get up!

Martha gets up early, which is good.  Unfortunately, she gets very upset about her Children in Need fundraising project.  She has got very confused about how to run the stall.  I end up taking her to school in tears, again.  I go for my walk (in the rain) after dropping girls at school.

Letter to Primary Care Manager
My letter is finished.  I will post it tomorrow.  I also collect my travel insurance medical questionnaire tomorrow.  New doctors' next ...

I am very tired today.  I sleep through lunchtime, and I am settling into bed now. 

I will write a longer BLOG tomorrow.

Have a good week
love
Sarah xxx

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I helped Martha use mouthwash on her ulcers today, and left her in school.  She had a yoghurt for breakfast.

I went for my walk, and during the walk took a call from Helen.  We are going to stay at Helen's, in London, and to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  I come home and have a bite to eat, and then I have to go to sleep again by 11.00 am.  I am woken by my alarm at 1.30 pm, and I can't wake up.  In the end I make myself get up, and I draft my letter to the Primary Care Manager at my doctors' surgery.  I have sent it to a friend for comment.

I collect Martha and Katy from school.  Martha is crying on the way home.  I make her favourite soup - carrot and coriander - so that she can eat something nutritious and soft.  I didn't make Katy anything. thinking that she was going out.  Katy solved this, and made pasta carbonara.

Martha has improved a little through the evening, but she still has ulcers in her mouth.  Some have gone down, so hopefully it will pass soon.  I feel bad that I am taking them both to London tomorrow, but I would feel worse if we missed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

I managed one nit check.  I will have to do the other at Helen's.

Good Night
Have a good weekend - I won't be BLOGging over the weekend.
lots of love
Sarah xxx

Into the football finals :)

In short, my day is:

• breakfast with old uni friend Gavin;
• walk with Gavin, in the sun :)
• long sleep
• potter (only 30 mins available)
• collect Martha from school

Martha runs out to me with a smile - her proposal for fundraising for Children in Need has been chosen.  She is delighted with this (I am quietly less-so because I want a break from encouraging her to do her homework!).

We head home and she nearly finishes her Chorlton Challenge world awareness project.  She names every country and capital in Europe; names on another map all the key rivers in the world; she names all the counties in England, Wales, Ireland.  The only bit left is to name the counties of Scotland - she will finish this in the morning.

Her ulcers are agony.  She has eaten lasagne - this is good.  However, the teeth clean - mouth wash process has her crying in pain.  I feel so sorry for her.  I hope the ulcers start to recede over night. 

Katy comes home from football, so excited that they made it into the finals.  They have been unbeaten over three football tournaments: some draws.  Her other big news is that she has been given a place in the trumpet group.  I am pleased for her.  I am not sure what the practicing will sound like!

Katy decides to enter the swimming club gala.  Martha declines - she has missed so much swimming through illness, that she wants to build herself back up again. 

Bed now.  I had a good day with Gavin.  It is always a joy to see him.  I plan every year to go down and see him in Brighton.  Maybe we will make it this year.  Let's hope!

I am starting to feel a lot better, I am glad to say.  My mood is definitely lifting. 

Have a good Friday
loads of love
Sarah xxx

Flu jab

Martha is poorly this morning, slow to get up, has a big ulcer on her tongue.  She doesn't eat her breakfast.  I take her into school in tears.  By the end of the day, she has a mouth full of ulcers - her tongue, in her cheeks, in the front of her mouth.  Bonjela - Martha hates it!  She can't stop salivating while she puts the gel in her mouth.

Dave comes over for a cuppa. I then have my lunchtime sleep.  I have an appointment for a flu jab, and I am anxious about this.  We are going to London at the weekend to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  I was worried that the jab could make me ill at the weekend.  I was reassured by the medic that I would only have a stiff arm, and that this would pass by the weekend.  I agree to the jab.

I collect my prescription for soluble paracetamol, and it has been made incorrectly - for tablets.  I walk back to surgery and ask for the revised prescription to be sent to my local pharmacy.  Grrr!

I collect Martha from school, and then return to collect Katy from choir.  Both girls have a good piano lesson.  Despite being under the weather, they are both showing great progress.

Sleep time
lots of love to you all

Sarah xxx

Fireworks tonight

I walked around the meadows this morning.  Generally, it was raining.  I was wearing my welly boots, so the puddles were no problem to me.

At home, I have a cup of tea and watch TV until my Macmillan nurse arrives.

We talk through my situation with my GP, and agree that my goal is to find out what the surgery has learned from my case, and what they will do differently in the future.  I will write to the Practice Manager; he will look at letter before I send it.  I will ask what the outcome of the significant event review was.  I think he thinks that I should give up soon, because I am finding it all so upsetting.   I am going to change practice, as soon as I can.  I am feeling tired of being upset.

Katy and Martha took me to the fireworks at the Horse and Jockey.  They were much better than the football club display. 

Bedtime :)
lots of love
Sarah xxx

Wasted trip to the docs - grrrr!

I have been very tired today.  I took the girls to school, and organised Katy's penicillin with her teacher.  No football club for Katy tonight, or cubs - our objective is that she is well enough to play in the football tournament on Thursday.  Martha remembered another piece of homework, and read the first chapter of "The boy in the striped pyjamas", before we left.  They are studying World War 2.

I watched a little of "The Wright Stuff" and then went back to bed. 

When I get up, I get the information that I need for my travel insurance claim.  The medical form is at the doctors', and they have asked me to find out when I took out my travel insurance, and the dates of the flights that have been cancelled.  This takes a call to my insurance company (the people that we are sending the medical form to), and I check my flight bookings with the airline company.

I walk to the doctors' on the way to pick up Martha and Katy from school.  I am also planning to collect a paracetamol prescription.  However, at the surgery they do not have my prescription ready, and they cannot find the medical form.  I am asked if I can come back another day, which I am disgruntled by. 

I have not resolved the review of my case yet. I remain upset by the letter that I have received.  I bump into Tanya on the way to school, and end up in tears.  Basically, I end up in tears in the playground, which can only feel embarrassing (even though I know you will tell me not to worry about it).  I do have a good chat with another friend, and I am starting to feel much clearer about my way forwards. 
In short,

• change to another doctors' surgery;
• there has been a review of my case with a group of doctors - it has been a "significant event".  I doubt that I will be allowed to see the minutes of the meeting, but I am going to ask if I can see the outcome of the discussion.  What have they learned from examining my case?  This is the fundamental question that I want to know the answer to.  My goal has always been to ensure that someone else would not have the same experience that I have had.

The only thing that I remain unsure about is how to deal with my GP's attitude towards me.  My current thought is that I arrange to meet the primary care manager and describe my last visit to the surgery before I was diagnosed.  I guess that I will not achieve anything, but I may feel better if I have had the opportunity to share it. 

Back to sleep for me.
My eye remains swollen.  This is always a sign of how I am feeling; as my spirits increase, the puffiness decreases (negative correlation).

Helen has made it home from Everest.  I have just received an email saying that she is in the bath!  Hooray!

Have a good day tomorrow
love
Sarah xxxx

PS Thanks to everyone in the playground.  Your support is really special to me :)

Pyjama Day

Very little has happened today.  We have had a pyjama day.  Martha got dressed at 4.30 pm to go to a party at 5.0 pm.  Katy is still poorly, but definitely on the mend.  She will go to school tomorrow.

The big news is that Martha has finished her homework.  Phew!  She has finished her news journal. 

I have spent most of the day either asleep, helping with homework, or watching Strictly Come Dancing recording.

Sleep again for me, as soon as Martha is in bed.

Have a good week
loads of love
Sarah xx

Bonfire night in torrential rain

I have been very tired today, and very weepy.  After breakfast and nit checks, I slept through lunch.  Edwina catered for the three girls.  Ed helped me clear some junk out of the cellar, and took it to the tip.  She also helped out with a number of big and small odd jobs.  I am very grateful for her  help.  Ed and Mary went home late afternoon, and we got ready to go to bonfire party at the local football club.  There was torrential rain, and the fireworks were mostly damp and disappointing.  There was a short spell of fireworks with big bangs and good visual explosions.  The fire was beautiful, but difficult to enjoy in the weather.  The wind would whip up burning ash and blow it through the crowd.

Izzy and sparkler

 Katy in front of the bonfire

 Martha and Izzy having a hug

Katy is doing well.  She had ear ache tonight, but I think she would probably have had ear ache because of the weather.  I have a headache. 

Have a good day tomorrow
love
Sarah xxx

Grayson Perry

Our activity today has been to take the tram to the City Art Gallery to see a modern and contemporary art exhibition, that was recommended to us by Anna.  The exhibition is the life story of Tim, from his birth to his death, using tapestry.  The artist is Grayson Perry.  We are still discussing elements of the story. 

Katy is doing ok.  She ended the day with a fever, but on the whole has been reasonably well.

Edwina has helped me with a couple of "technical jobs".  She has got my DVD player to show films through my TV.  This is fantastic news!  My HMI cable was round the wrong way.  Also, she has helped me get help from BT to get BT Sport to show on my TV.  Thank you so much!

Gotta get some sleep now.
lots of love
Sarah xxx

Happy Halloween

We didn't make it to London because of Katy's tonsillitis. She is on the mend, but very up and down with it. 

My long-time friend Edwina and her daughter Mary have come to Manchester to see us.  This is great news because we have not seen each other for about 14 months.  Our ice-skating trip became trick or treating.  This is not my favourite activity, but a big hit with the girls, of course.

Here they are ready to go out...

 and on their return.

 

 

Ed and I have been catching up.

 

Gotta go

Have a good day

love

Sarah xxx

Tonsillitus cancels trip to London

Pyjama Day
We have had another pyjama day.  Katy has not got dressed at all.  Martha has been out with Dave, but Katy has had to stay home.  Martha has a new denim jacket that really suits her.

Katy was very poorly all through the night.  She was delirious several times.  She believed she could hear someone, and was very frightened.  She drank loads of water, and alternated paracetemol and ibuprofen through the night. 

Tonight, her fever is under 38 degrees and much more normal.  Her neck remains swollen, and her throat is still sore.  She remains off her food.  I have had to make the decision that we cannot go to London.  My friend Edwina, and daughter Mary, is going to come and visit us here, which is great news. 

An old friend of mine, Dave H came over to visit.  We had a good chat, until I started to keel over with tiredness. 

Letter from Doctors' surgery
I have received a letter from my GP, Dr Black.  I am upset by it, but should not be surprised by its contents.  The letter gives the appearance that my GP behaved perfectly well.  I need to digest it before deciding what to do next.  I will share more once I get my head around it.

Got to get some sleep
lots of love
Sarah xxx

Penicillin

Katy is poorly this morning.  I have the usual painful discussion with my doctors' surgery (because I do not want to see Dr Black), and in the end accept an appointment tomorrow with a locum.  We discuss whether or not we will go to cinema or not.  I agree to make the decision at 10 am.  Martha and Katy have invited three friends to join us, on cheapy tickets that I downloaded from the internet.  By 10 am, she is looking much better, so I decide to stick to the trip. 

Izzy Jones, Ella and Rosy all head off to the Printworks, on the tram, with Martha and Katy.  We go to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.  I am happy to sleep through most of it!  Katy comes to sit with me saying she doesn't feel well.  She is alright on the way home. Vicky (Ella's mum) helps me look in her throat, and we can see pussy tonsils.  When we are settled, she is showing a temperature of 39+.  Fortunately, my friend Louise has come to catch up (she is Martha's guardian), and she takes us to a NHS drop in centre, in Boots, in town.  Katy is diagnosed with tonsillitis and given penicillin.  Martha finishes her second course of antibiotics today, and Katy starts a new one.  I am exhausted!

My other news is that I have contacted my doctors' surgery, by email, to ask for my travel insurance form.  They have had it for a month, which I think is far too slow.  I receive an email from someone with poor punctuation and grammar ( eg she wrote "i" a number of times, rather than "I"; her sentence structure was illogical too).  I forward it to the Primary Care Manager, who replies to say that the form is being completed.  Basically, I am losing my temper about all of this.  When I get chance, next week, I will move to Chorlton Medical Practice. 

Bed time for me!
lots of love
Sarah xxx

Pyjama Day

We have no plans for today.  We spend most of the day dressed in our pyjamas and don't do anything of any note at all.

In the afternoon, Martha goes to Anna's (Sasha's mum) for a short knitting lesson.  She has learned how to cast on, today.  She has updated her powerpoint presentation.  She walks home from Anna's on her own.

Katy was not well, and we decided she should stay at home with biscuits, a drink and a good dose of ibuprofen.  She has a fever. 

We have fish fingers and mummy chips for tea.

And now we are all back in bed.

Enjoy tomorrow
loads of love
Sarah xxx

Quiet day

Forgotten extra hour
At the beginning of the day, I am totally confused by the fact that the wrong programme is on the TV for the time.  I am trying to find Andrew Marr and the TV is showing MOTD.  It takes a while for me to remember that it is clock changing day.  Katy is happily watching Match of the Day.

Piano Lesson
Martha and Katy have their piano lesson this morning.  They are both sounding very confident on the piano.  We have a cheap and cheerful lunch - cheese and ham toasties.  I have aubergine pasta, made by Gee, yesterday.  Beautiful flavours.

I head up to bed, and I am delighted that Martha and Katy have learned to stay quiet while I rest.  Katy wakes me at the right time, which I am grateful for.

Homework
Revived, I turn off the TV and the computer games, and we tackle homework.  I am very short tempered, and have to calm down a bit.  Martha spent the whole afternoon on Chorlton Challenge - writing her news journal, and preparing a powerpoint presentation about how to knit.  She also has a fundraising event to plan and cost out - for Children in Need; she has a book review to write, plus numeracy, spellings, researching words with given suffixes, and multiplication tables.  I am worn out already!  Katy spent the afternoon making a leaflet about The River Nile.  She has done a good job of this.  Her next task is to practice spellings. 

Magazine Group
Katy has been given a place on the school magazine group.  She wrote an application in the style of a newsletter, and is delighted to get onto the group.

Katy goes paintballing
and Martha and I have a fish dish of Gee's.  Delightful, thank you.

Have a good week :)
love
Sarah xxx

At the Halloween Party - Gee and Sarah

Helen has made it to Everest Base Camp!

Well done Helen!  We are all sooooo proud of you :) :)   Have a good journey down again.

Halloween Part 2 - some photos

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-9RKbiSVDY&feature=youtu.be

Video of girls all (spontaneously) singing "Eye of the Tiger", after the thunderstorm.

 

 

Chris - party host

Gee - party host

 

Apple Bobbing

 

 

 

 

 

Polo mints in flour (the favourite game of the party)