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
