Having a good day

I had a better night's sleep last night.  I have done a little housework - emptied the bins, put most of Martha's washing away.  The worst job of all was waiting for me, and I have done it; I changed my douvet cover and sheet.  I am loving clean sheets and feel very spoilt.

I had a shower and washed my hair.  Last night I removed the remaining blood that was glued to my scar.  It is all gone.  I can run my fingers through my hair without finding a huge scab.

Mum then took me to Marks and Spencer's, where I bought a swimming costume with voucher.  I like the geometric pattern too -  spot the maths teacher on the beach!  I also bought a scarf (thank you Flixton Girls' High School); I am beginning to prepare for hair loss.  I have no idea how to tie it, and will be booking to meet with Christie hospital experts.  My sister, Max will come with me - this should be fun.  The scarf is decorated with butterflies.

I also called Aurigny airlines and rearranged the flights.  Martha and Katy will come home on 8 August with my mum.  My mum will come back to Manchester, rather than Bristol.  I will come home on 29th at 7am because this flight is £100 cheaper than the 5pm flight (£11 more than original flight cost).  I will stay with Guernsey friend Ali, the night before, and leave a day before Dave.  Dave and I think this is a good strategy for Martha and Katy, so that we don't both leave them at the same time.  Dave will come home at 5pm on 29th and take cousin Grace back to Parkgate. 

The other Herm news is that my brother is going for the second week with Martha and Katy's cousin, Megan.  Megan is born exactly in between them both.  Martha is Jan 03, Megan Dec 03 and Katy August 04.  Both my girls are very excited that she will be there.  It has changed their view of their holiday - they want to stay in Herm without me, which I am pleased about.

I phoned the Herm office, but they weren't open, and then forgot to do it for the rest of the day.  This, I will do tomorrow.  I have to change our leave date from 12th August to 8th August, and ask if I would be able to get any transport up to the camp site.  There is a steep hill - it is steep when you are fit,  so it is going to be a challenge with mildly jelly legs.

Of course, I may not go - we will make that decision nearer the time.

I had a chat with Edwina (uni friend) on the phone.  I read a booklet that arrived today, about how to talk to children about cancer.  I feel so lucky that I have the support of my friend Anna.  Her advice has helped Martha and Katy learn about my illness and respond to it.  With the booklet to me, there are guidance books for Martha and Katy that are written like magazines.  I have removed the booklet about going to hospital.  The other booklets I will give to them and see what comes out of it.  These are :  "Life at Home", "What does it mean" and an "activity book" which has lots of puzzles in it.

In the afternoon, my friends Chris Biddle, and Sally Bailey arrive (friends from uni).  They have come up to Manchester to watch Michael (long time ex-boyfriend of mine) perform.  We have a lovely few hours, including a trip to unicorn, lush cheesecake, and Chris helping me with some jobs that my mum would find tricky.  Sally told me that she has ordered me a book about using exercise to help combat cancer - I look forward to its arrival, because my next job is to build a clear routine that I can follow when I am tiring from the radio therapy. Thank you both for your help and contributions to my nutritious diet.  I really enjoyed seeing you.

At the end of the day, mum and I have typed out a nutritious plan for a day.  I will put it on the blog when we are finished.  It spells out what I must eat and different times. 

love you all

Sarah xxx

Katy having fun at Year 4 camp

Here are a couple of snaps of Katy at Year 4 camp.  She has texted me a couple of times too, and made a call.  She is definitely having a great time.

Martha is clearly 100% engaged in guide camp.  I have heard nothing, and don't mind at all.

Next appointment at Christies is Wed 28th at 2.30 pm

For information only.
A final planning meeting eg what time my radiotherapy appointments will be and chemotherapy planning (I think).

Helen at the top of Snowden

Well done Helen!  You will be ready for Everest in October. 

Thanks for the swim suit

Thanks so much for the giant voucher, Belinda.  I bought this swim suit today in Marks and Spencers.  I usually wear a bikini, but this year, my current shape demands a one piece.  I look good in this, and will be laying out on a beach (I hope).  Hope you are feeling well after your first week at work.  Well done - it is always a HUGE challenge to go back to work after having a baby.  love you lots   Sarah xxx

Emotional connection with music ...

I have just listening to the radio.  I have been balling my eyes out to TOTO - Africa and to The Weather Girls - It's Raining Men.  I cannot explain how I feel.  Before the operation music had no impact on me.  Now, I have to turn the radio OFF.  I can't cope with my reaction ...

The Sprouting Times - info from Tanya

The Sprouting Times

Alfalfa – means “father of all foods” in Arabic, has a lovely mild taste – ready in 7 days

Mustard – this tiny sprout is hot! Use the black seed as it’s easier to grow – ready in 6 days

Radish – another hot sprout, rinse well – ready in 6 days

Adzuki – cousin of the mung bean, fresh and crispy, use in salads – ready in 5 days

Chickpea – use in salads also makes good sprouted humus – ready in 4 days

Lentil – very easy to grow, steam or eat with salads – ready in 5 days

Mung – the famous Chinese Sprout – ready in 5 days but you can grow longer

Sunflower – sweet nutty taste – grow for 2 days – then eat!

 

Great sprouting books:

Sprouter’s handbook by Edward Cairney

Publisher:  Argyll Publishing (3 Jan 1998)  ISBN-10: 1874640483

The Sprouting Book by Ann Wigmore Publisher:  Avery Publishing Group Inc., U.S. (22 Oct 1987)

-10:08959467