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.
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
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
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
Monday, 9 December 2013
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
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
Sunday, 8 December 2013
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
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
Saturday, 7 December 2013
Friday, 6 December 2013
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
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
Thursday, 5 December 2013
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
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
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
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
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Monday, 2 December 2013
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
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, 1 December 2013
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
Saturday, 30 November 2013
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
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
Friday, 29 November 2013
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
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
Thursday, 28 November 2013
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
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
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
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
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
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
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
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
Monday, 25 November 2013
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
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
Sunday, 24 November 2013
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