Martha and Katy go back to school
Here they are, ready to go at 8.35 am. Martha has wet hair because I have had to do another nit check, to make sure she is not passing them on to her classmates. She didn't want me to dry her hair.
No morning walk
I have to rethink my walking times. I won't be able to go out in the morning, because I will be helping Martha and Katy get ready for school. I can go on Wednesday because I have an afternoon appointment at Christies, but all the other days, I have to get to Christies by 10am. If I don't manage to walk properly until the end of my treatment, it isn't that long until I can drop the girls off at school, and walk immediately afterwards.
Radiotherapy on the tram
Another good trip. I am very tired now, but my fitness is good. I cannot explain very well how I feel. I have good cardio vascular fitness, but I feel very tired. I want to lie down and sleep. My eyes are dry.
I also look like a cancer patient. I don't like to see my reflection at all. I am steroid puffy. I have a bald patch. I am wearing a scarf. (At school today, a parent from Martha's class came and asked me if I was alright. I am always amazed when I find someone who has not heard my news. I share what has happened. She says that my face looks different, and that I am wearing a scarf - this made her come and talk to me.)
All this aside, my appointment is early (hooray!). I collect a prescription, which I don't understand at all. All my tablets have changed in quantities and times. I have to organise this tomorrow. I will not make the mistake of mixing up the bottles again!!!
I have a blood sample taken. I still hate it! This time it did not hurt.
An afternoon sleep
I sleep for two hours. Dave arrives to take me to Beechwood Cancer Care Centre for what I think is the start of counselling. However, it turns out to be admin and preparation for sessions that start late October. I can only go, if I can get a lift there and back. The centre is in a small estate in Stockport, and public transport is not an option. If I make it, I get a series of treatments eg aromatherapy, reflexology, reiki; I also get weekly counselling and the opportunity to be part of a group. There are six weeks of sessions. I am not sure if I want to be part of a group; for now, I don't want to know about other people's thoughts and fears. Also, I am hopeful that I may be returning to work at half term, although this could be organised around the weekly sessions. Let's wait and see.
I have an evening lie down too.
Martha's shoes don't fit!
Martha has D width feet. On the way to school, her E width shoes lift off at the heel, and she is struggling to walk in them. On the way home from Beechwood, Dave pops into Clarks to get some insoles. Fortunately, these help Martha fill the space, and her shoes are fitting her much better.
Evening reading
We get back into old routine of evening reading. I am struggling, but doing my best to listen and read to them separately.
My mum arrives, which is good because I will have more help again.
Loads of love to you all
Sarah XXXX
