For family - web link to watch Jess graduate.

For family - here is the web link from Jess.  You can watch her graduate in speech therapy on Thursday. 

http://www.port.ac.uk/departments/services/graduation/

Despicable me 2 and visit from Chorlton HIgh School pals

My morning activity was to take Katy on a trip.  She has earned a trip to see Despicable Me 2 at the cinema.  We decide to take the tram.  The main reason for the tram trip was for me to prove that I am able to go to Herm.  Mum drops us off at the tram stop and picks us up on return.  Despicable Me 2 was good film; we both enjoyed it.

When we get home, I have a little sleep.  Then, maths friends from Chorlton High School came over.  Gill Maxwell (who has been appointed as head of department), and Vanessa Wahed (now second in department).  Both are excellent promotions.  Jim and Laura have been promoted to assistant head (also good promotions, although I can never square up how excellent teachers get promoted and teach less as a result.)  I have learned that Anna is pregnant - congratulations - you will be excellent parents.  Nafeesa has been off sick sadly, but is bouncing back.  There was loads of other news.  They brought these beautiful flowers from the maths department.  Thank you all so much.  I expect that I will see Vanessa over the summer because she lives very close to Christies, and has kindly offered to look after Martha and Katy, occasionally, when I am at the hospital for radio therapy.

 Gill on good form :)

 

 Vanessa and Natasha.  Natasha was a new born baby the last time I saw her.  She is now growing close to being two years old.

Daniel, who starts school in September. 

 

love you all,  Sarah xxx



Well Done Chris Froome - winner of Le Tour de France

How fantastic - we have a British winner of Le Tour de France! 
Chris Froome wins the 100th tour.  I am so proud.

Let's win the Ashes next.

Shame about the women's football ...

Daily routine

Good Morning :)

While I am going through radiotherapy and chemotherapy it is going to be important for me to have a daily routine.  What follows is my first attempt at this.  As I work through the next few days, I will amend the routine.  The aim is that when I am exhausted, I will continue to have some direction that will help me stay focused and active.

There are blank times throughout the day for now, because I do not know the time of my daily appointment at Christies.  Also, there will be some spells where Martha and Katy are staying with family, or friends.

For Martha and Katy, the greatest thing that they crave is our boring routine.  This becomes a big part of the day – for me to make sure I can perform our routine.

0600                            Toilet/teeth
0615                            drugs:  omerazole 
0615                            activity: meditation
0630                            meal:  breakfast
0700                            drugs:  Steroid
0700                            activity:  BLOG
0715                                       Martha and Katy morning routine

·         make breakfast

·         watch TV

0830                                       activity:  exercise

0900                               shower
                                    meal:  snack
                                        M and K:  children go to friend/activity
                                        meal:  lunch
                                    radiotherapy
                                    activity:  walk

meal:  snack

activity:  sleep

M and K:  children return from friend/activity

M and K:  1:1 time - their choice of activity

1700                               Martha and Katy evening routine

·         evening meal, drink and dessert

·         read a book

·         or watch part of a film

·         Talk about the day

·         Kiss/cuddle

·         Sleep

2030                                      Meal:  Evening meal

 

 

Notes:  Activities available for me to enjoy

 

·         watch film

·         read book

·         audio book

·         write BLOG

·         prepare food

·         make juice

·         write cards to friends and family

·         research volcano trip

Any comments or suggestions are welcome:  this is work in progress.
Thanks :)

Goodish day

Hi there,
My day was nice and gentle today.  Up at 6am, porridge for breakfast, and a potter.  I have a lay down, read, watch part of  "the motorbike diaries".  Most of the morning passes calmly. 

I am following my new diet and starting to get better at it.  I remain unsure of what I am taking, but my mum is feeding me raw food, juice from the juicer, and supplements at various times of the day.  We are trying to get a rhythm that I can follow, and anyone helping me can lead.  I will put the plan on the BLOG when we have it finished.  It remains work in progress.

Martha and Katy came home from their camps.  Katy was full of beans, and Martha looked exhausted.  Katy has been doing a drawing of camp that she is going to paint in oils - she is working on a canvas.  Her picture is of the big swing. 

Martha has watched TV only.  At bedtime, Martha has been very tearful.  She is grieving year 5 - she says she does not want to leave year 5, and does not want to be in year 6.  Martha wants to stay at her school too at the end of year 6.  Strangely, Martha wants to go to school tomorrow.  We have been through this process of change every year - Martha never wants to change class. 

Louise came over, which was great.  We have chatted about many things.  I did not know that Louise swam at Salford Quays yesterday - the water measured 22 degrees.

I have been packing for Herm.  We are nearly ready.  I have to weigh all the bags tomorrow, and bring one down for Grace's bedding and any bits of food.

love you all

Sarah xxx
PS remembered at tea time that I did not take my steroid at breakfast.  I have taken the steroid but will have to call the hospital tomorrow to find out what to do with the next one.  I am very surprised that I forgot to take the steroid, and I am annoyed about this. 

Hmmm... one the mums will understand

When you have had brain surgery, the last thing you would choose to do is check your hair for nits.  I have not done this since before surgery, and yes, I have fallen into hosting a nice farm of nits.  Disgusting! 

I have washed my hair, and had to comb it, comb my numb scar and chase out a load of big buggers!  Very glad Martha and Katy aren't here, but I will have to comb them again tonight to check that I have not re-infected them. 

Come on Chris!

My next British Champion will be Chris Frome. 
We are watching!  A second British winner of Le Tour de France ...

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

A good day :)

I have a good day today.  I take Martha and Katy to school and spend some time in the playground.  We have another trip to unicorn, as we build up my stocks of organic food.  Mum is becoming an expert in this, but I simply eat what I am given.  Over the next couple of days, I will share my diet with you.  Right now, I have no idea what I am eating, except that it tastes good.

Later, I walk to Vicky's house (Katy's friend Ella's mum).  This is part of my exercise programme.  I walk a little further day after day.  I dearly want to rekindle the shape of my legs and arms - I want my muscle back!  We have a good chat about all sorts.

I go out for lunch with my mum.  We eat at Beech Road café, and the quality of the food was outstanding.  I had blue cheese and pear salad; my mum a veggie burger.  We follow our dinner with a quick trip to the fabric shop, so that I can buy some elastic for Martha's sleeping bag.  Mum buys some fabric to make a skirt.

The school day is over.  Dave brings Katy home, and we finish her packing.  She is going camping with Vicky and Ella for the weekend, with Year 4.   Martha has gone shopping with Dave to buy a pair of trainers.  She returns a size 5.  I can't believe it!  Lily also arrives (Martha's friend from school).  Martha and Lily are going to guide camp.  Martha decides that she would like her kit in the "embarrassing rucksack", so we move all her clothes and equipment across.  Both girls can hardly stand up when they are wearing their packs.

So we end the day with both girls going to camp.  This means that I have a quiet weekend at home.  I plan to go to Marks and Spencer's tomorrow at opening time, to get some swimwear, using a voucher from Belinda Cashin.  

Have a good night.  Love you all. 
Sarah xxx 

The electric bike pump is potatoes and thankyou for gifts

My Dad just called to tell me that he sent  me Pembrokeshire potatoes in a bike pump box.  When I went to Milford Haven, where he lives, last year, we ate and loved these potatoes.  I think it is a hilarious mistake to not notice!

Thank you for the potatoes.  I will have some this evening.  I love you.  Sarah xxx

Katy has a friend called Rosy ("Rosy with a y").  Her mum, Tanya came round today and shared information that she gained from a course on sprouting.  I now have a list of different seeds and what the sprouts are good for.    As a gift, they left me with some vegan flapjack, and very nice it is.  Dave and I have eaten far too much already!

Left eye slightly swollen

As part of my progress, I am very aware that my left eye is swollen.  When I look upward, my eye lid is pulling heavily down on my eye.  I do not like the sensation at all, and I like less "the look".  I know it will pass. 

 

I feel slightly wobbly today.  A big improvement compared to yesterday.  :)

 

 

A Bad - Good Day

 

I start my day feeling very unwell.  I have been up in the night and taken 2 paracetemol;  I rise in the morning and take 2 more.  My head feels like the insides are trying to burst out.  I am tired, I need to sleep and snooze for most of the morning.  I look at a list of side effects from the dye from the scan, and conclude that it is not from the dye.  Mum phones the radiologist at Christies for help with this and to find a contact for nutrition, at the hospital.  The radiologist is not available.

 

When she calls back, I tell her how I am feeling.  She checks if I am nauseous (I am not). 

 

What has happened is that I was told to stop taking steroids, and I have followed this guidance.  My radiologist concludes that they have reduced my steroid dose too quickly, and that I must continue to take 2mg of steroids for the next week.  I feel relieved to know this.  I am worried also, because I clearly need the help of the steroids.

 

I then completely muck up my steroid diet.  I am meant to take the omorazole before food to protect my gut from steroids.  The steroids have to be taken with food.  What happens is that I go upstairs and take a steroid (with joy).  I come down to eat my food, and then my mum reminds me of the omorazole and to take steroid with food.  Urgh, I have already taken it.  We puzzle over what to do next and I decide to take the omorazole and live with the outcome.

 

The outcome is that I do start to feel better.  By 4pm I am able to go out with my family and friend Helen, for a pizza. 



 



 

Here is Helen with a cupboard that she has reorganised. 



 

 

Helen is a very good friend of mine and is Martha's guardian (godparent).  She has come up to see me from London for the afternoon, and to help as much as she can.  Helen was able to help with things that my mum simply can't tackle.  This cupboard used to be my storage cupboard for dishes, and it now my organic cupboard.  Helen took all the dishes that I rarely used and stored them in my cellar.  I have not made it into my cellar since Whit half term.  (I remain shocked that I flew to Jersey during half term).  Helen took my mum to Unicorn and returned to feed me organic cherries (delicious).  When my Mum went out, and I slept (in the afternoon), Helen took herself to school to pick up Martha and Katy (and really enjoyed it).  No doubt that Helen did other things too, but I am afraid I was asleep.

 

When Helen gets back from school, I am perking up.  It was a delight to go to Croma, a local pizzeria, and have a meal out.  Martha and Katy love Croma - we eat healthy pizza, and play little games at the table, like hang man and squares.  This we repeated today, alongside enjoyable and engaging conversation. 

 

I loved seeing you Helen.  Thanks for your help.  Helen is walking to Everest basecamp in October, and is training for this event.  She will walk up Snowden over the weekend.  I know you will enjoy it.

 

Martha gets an A for her homework

 

Martha has been completing a homework about the Rio Olympics over the last half term at school.  She has consistently applied herself to every homework, and has tried her best all the way through.  I am so proud of her.  She has achieved an A grade, whilst I have been causing her lots of distractions through being ill.  Martha, you are a wonderful young woman, and I love you.