31.7.14
What no visitors?
That gives me time to finishing sanding the garden bench, wipe it down and undercoat it.
Tomorrow i can paint it properly, and i need to sort my pots out too. I don't know if its cos of the weather, but all my flowers seem to have gone to seed. Maybe not enough dead heading?
Dead heading means chopping of the dead flower head which then promotes new growth and more flowers.
If we chopped the head off a dead body, would they come back to life and 're-flower' again? Wouldn't that be nice? If they aren't nice people, you just don't chop off the dead head. But if they're a good person, we could have them return to us just by decapitating them at death. I would definitely dead head my mum and my brother Chris. My uncle Walt and uncle Stan, Mikki. Im just thinking of people i know personally, not celebs and people in the public eye otherwise id need some really good secateurs, and a larger garden recycling bin.
Ahh i could bring pets back too. Lily, Cookie, Biggles, Taffy, Trixie, Crystal and Frankie.
On that note, I'm gonna go to sleep and dream about my pets, here as well as in heaven.
Thursday 31 July 2014
Wednesday 30 July 2014
30.7.14
Slimming World!!!
I have been trying to be good for a week so I've lost a little bit of ugly fat already. Hoping to lose a whole lot more! I have paid for 6 sessions in the hope that i go back! I doubt very much i will be staying for the whole session. I shall weigh and go. I find it terribly boring hearing how much everyones put on or lost.
I have a fair bit of literature to wade through this evening. Its gonna be a fun evening.
I am armed with recipes and a pile of motivation.
Hahaha. Went out for lunch with Joan, my sister in law!
I had a toastie and salad and refused the crisps. So i was fairly well behaved.
Lovely to see her. We swapped chemo tales. She finished about 5 years ago and she's looking really good. Her hair is better now than it was before, and she doesn't need to dye it! She's about 10 years older than me and her hair isn't grey its blonde ish. She was on a chemo trial which went on for 18 months. There were 3 different parts to the trial and she lost her hair twice in that time. The first time it grew back it was a dirty grey and when she lost it when she started part 3, it grew back a light brown and then it turned blonde of its own accord! How weird is that?
I nipped round to see Linda and as my hair's grown back white, she dyed it for me. I think it looks nice, she says it does. It will take me a while to get used to it after being Snow White for so long now. As I'm not Snow White anymore, i must be one of the dwarfs. Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy and Dopey. Which one am i? At the moment I'm 3 of them. Happy, Sleepy and Dopey!
Did you know Walt Disney first produced the animated film in 1937 but it was based on a story by the Brothers Grimm in 1912. The dwarfs names were Blick, Flick, Glick, Plick, Quee, Snick and Whick. Not very imaginative.
http://www.playbuzz.com/janetk11/which-of-the-seven-dwarfs-are-you
Ive just done this quiz to be sure which dwarf i really am...........HAPPY. Im happy with that!
So as I've had my hair dyed, and as Linda pointed out the fur thats grown on my face (that makes 2 cos Chris pointed it out too), i decided to do a little depilatory on my fizzhog.
I am now smooth as silk, although a little sticky!
Slimming World!!!
I have been trying to be good for a week so I've lost a little bit of ugly fat already. Hoping to lose a whole lot more! I have paid for 6 sessions in the hope that i go back! I doubt very much i will be staying for the whole session. I shall weigh and go. I find it terribly boring hearing how much everyones put on or lost.
I have a fair bit of literature to wade through this evening. Its gonna be a fun evening.
I am armed with recipes and a pile of motivation.
Hahaha. Went out for lunch with Joan, my sister in law!
I had a toastie and salad and refused the crisps. So i was fairly well behaved.
Lovely to see her. We swapped chemo tales. She finished about 5 years ago and she's looking really good. Her hair is better now than it was before, and she doesn't need to dye it! She's about 10 years older than me and her hair isn't grey its blonde ish. She was on a chemo trial which went on for 18 months. There were 3 different parts to the trial and she lost her hair twice in that time. The first time it grew back it was a dirty grey and when she lost it when she started part 3, it grew back a light brown and then it turned blonde of its own accord! How weird is that?
I nipped round to see Linda and as my hair's grown back white, she dyed it for me. I think it looks nice, she says it does. It will take me a while to get used to it after being Snow White for so long now. As I'm not Snow White anymore, i must be one of the dwarfs. Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy and Dopey. Which one am i? At the moment I'm 3 of them. Happy, Sleepy and Dopey!
Did you know Walt Disney first produced the animated film in 1937 but it was based on a story by the Brothers Grimm in 1912. The dwarfs names were Blick, Flick, Glick, Plick, Quee, Snick and Whick. Not very imaginative.
http://www.playbuzz.com/janetk11/which-of-the-seven-dwarfs-are-you
Ive just done this quiz to be sure which dwarf i really am...........HAPPY. Im happy with that!
So as I've had my hair dyed, and as Linda pointed out the fur thats grown on my face (that makes 2 cos Chris pointed it out too), i decided to do a little depilatory on my fizzhog.
I am now smooth as silk, although a little sticky!
Tuesday 29 July 2014
29.7.14
Theres a cockerel around here somewhere. I think he's a fairly new resident cos i haven't heard him until recently. I know theres some chickens somewhere, maybe he's moved in with them. Luckily i wake up before him. Im thinking revenge! For all those people who complain of noisy cocks in the morning, I'm very tempted to go to the bottom of my garden and wake him with a loud scream!
The trouble is, if i go down the bottom of the garden, i get carried away with pulling up the invasive bindweed, which is ok, but 5 in the morning its still damp with the morning dew. My garden gloves are getting filthier and filthier and my OCD can't cope with it.
Nice lunch at the Fox and Hounds with Sharon and a cuppa in the summerhouse, but far too hot. Nice to see her and put the world to rights.
Now deposited myself in front of the fan in the living room, and I'm not going anywhere!
A trip to a garden centre to buy some new lavender plants. Someone, not naming names (me) over watered the ones in the chimney pots and they are close to death. Im hoping they will pick up and i can put them in various positions round the garden. So 6 new ones, smaller but still alive! A fuchsia in a salmon pink colour and some miracle grow to try to resuscitate the dying lavenders and my pots which are looking distinctly sick too. Plants not doing well this year. Im very disappointed with my attempts this year.
Then the gorgeous Jenni visited me.
Theres a cockerel around here somewhere. I think he's a fairly new resident cos i haven't heard him until recently. I know theres some chickens somewhere, maybe he's moved in with them. Luckily i wake up before him. Im thinking revenge! For all those people who complain of noisy cocks in the morning, I'm very tempted to go to the bottom of my garden and wake him with a loud scream!
The trouble is, if i go down the bottom of the garden, i get carried away with pulling up the invasive bindweed, which is ok, but 5 in the morning its still damp with the morning dew. My garden gloves are getting filthier and filthier and my OCD can't cope with it.
Nice lunch at the Fox and Hounds with Sharon and a cuppa in the summerhouse, but far too hot. Nice to see her and put the world to rights.
Now deposited myself in front of the fan in the living room, and I'm not going anywhere!
A trip to a garden centre to buy some new lavender plants. Someone, not naming names (me) over watered the ones in the chimney pots and they are close to death. Im hoping they will pick up and i can put them in various positions round the garden. So 6 new ones, smaller but still alive! A fuchsia in a salmon pink colour and some miracle grow to try to resuscitate the dying lavenders and my pots which are looking distinctly sick too. Plants not doing well this year. Im very disappointed with my attempts this year.
Then the gorgeous Jenni visited me.
Beautiful inside and out!!! She ate my food, drank my drink, blew her nose on my tissues, watched Eastenders, and then left me..........in peace!
Plants fed and watered, tomatoes picked, and thats me done for the day.
Roll on tomorrow. Another busy day. Another day of feeling good.
Monday 28 July 2014
28.7.14
Life is getting back to normal.
Today i took the dogs to the groomers. Came home and did washing, washing up, tidying etc etc etc.
Then i did some other chores. Took a claim form to the vets before collecting the dogs. Then home for some lunch (well behaved food too!!) and then a little rest.
Im waiting for me Linda to come round (not to take me for a blood test either!) for a cuppa.
Then tonight I'm out with the girls for a drinkie poo down the pub. Probably diet coke.
The rest of the week, so far, is full of lunches, dinners, coffees and all manor of good fun things. Im so excited. And no where is there anything in my diary remotely related to chemo or doctors or hospitals. OMG its amazing.
Ive paid the balance for my mini cruise for october, so I'm all giddy about that too. I feel like dancing!
However, i did shut my finger in the car door. Luckily i must have my reflexes back cos i pulled it out quickly and it only smarted for a short while, and no bruised nail.
And when getting back out of the car, and letting the girls out, i hit my next finger on the same hand and broke a nail, badly.
And, as Chris pointed out yesterday, my facial hair is growing back - rapidly! I have a thin covering of fluff on my mush! I can see me doing a bit of personal sugaring before the weeks out.
But i still feel like dancing!
Lindas been round for a cuppa in the summerhouse. She's all bronzed and beautiful. It rained whilst she was here! Whats all that about? We've had lovely weather, she comes home and bang! Rain!
We talked fifty to the dozen cos we didn't have much time, and we still have loads more to talk about. Have to wait till i see her again.
She got me this lovely shell from her holiday. I love it.
On the floor, in the pub, in front of everyone. She wants to tighten up her inner thighs. I have suggested a cushion between the thighs and grip it for the count of 5. Then it was suggested to place an orange there and she may get a nice glass of freshly squeezed orange juice! Either way, a little random. She's always been a bit mental, but in a lovely way.
Anyway. Way past my bedtime. Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite.
Life is getting back to normal.
Today i took the dogs to the groomers. Came home and did washing, washing up, tidying etc etc etc.
Then i did some other chores. Took a claim form to the vets before collecting the dogs. Then home for some lunch (well behaved food too!!) and then a little rest.
Im waiting for me Linda to come round (not to take me for a blood test either!) for a cuppa.
Then tonight I'm out with the girls for a drinkie poo down the pub. Probably diet coke.
The rest of the week, so far, is full of lunches, dinners, coffees and all manor of good fun things. Im so excited. And no where is there anything in my diary remotely related to chemo or doctors or hospitals. OMG its amazing.
Ive paid the balance for my mini cruise for october, so I'm all giddy about that too. I feel like dancing!
However, i did shut my finger in the car door. Luckily i must have my reflexes back cos i pulled it out quickly and it only smarted for a short while, and no bruised nail.
And when getting back out of the car, and letting the girls out, i hit my next finger on the same hand and broke a nail, badly.
And, as Chris pointed out yesterday, my facial hair is growing back - rapidly! I have a thin covering of fluff on my mush! I can see me doing a bit of personal sugaring before the weeks out.
But i still feel like dancing!
Lindas been round for a cuppa in the summerhouse. She's all bronzed and beautiful. It rained whilst she was here! Whats all that about? We've had lovely weather, she comes home and bang! Rain!
We talked fifty to the dozen cos we didn't have much time, and we still have loads more to talk about. Have to wait till i see her again.
She got me this lovely shell from her holiday. I love it.
I love shells. I look forward to the time she and I go to the beach shell hunting again.
A nice evening down the pub with the Rock Choir girls. We were very loud - it wasn't me!!!
Claire showed us a few of her exercises!
Anyway. Way past my bedtime. Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite.
Sunday 27 July 2014
27.7.14
Early start. Up and enjoying a coffee from a mutant ninja turtle mug on the veranda at 7, overlooking a field with bunnies and birdies, butterflies and bees.
Then half an hour or so in the barn trying my best to capture a photo of the mummy and daddy swallow feeding their babies. I have approximately 350 photos on my iPhone of which about 30 have a swallow in them, of which 3 i am able to make out is a bird! This is 2 of the best of the bunch!! Scraping the barrel tho!!
I am being fed today by the lovely Chloe. Roast pork and crackling, potatoes, swede, cabbage, carrots, parsnips. Im starving at the moment with all the lovely aromas in the kitchen. Thank goodness we're not having chicken with sage and onion stuffing!!!
But it was wonderful.
To get out of the washing up, i said i had to leave soon to miss the traffic. So I'm home now (3pm ish) and without my hands being prune like!
A relaxing evening with my girls.
Fell into a coma about 7pm - if nothing else, I'm consistent.
Tomorrow starts a busy week. 2 lunch dates, a dinner date and an evening visitor so far booked in. Normally Linda and i would be going for bloods tomorrow and chemo on tuesday. It feels so weird not doing that! Weird, but good.
Anyway i need to fall back into that earlier coma ready for tomorrow.
Good night all.
Early start. Up and enjoying a coffee from a mutant ninja turtle mug on the veranda at 7, overlooking a field with bunnies and birdies, butterflies and bees.
Then half an hour or so in the barn trying my best to capture a photo of the mummy and daddy swallow feeding their babies. I have approximately 350 photos on my iPhone of which about 30 have a swallow in them, of which 3 i am able to make out is a bird! This is 2 of the best of the bunch!! Scraping the barrel tho!!
And heres the promised photo of Sage and Onion. Yes i got my way. The names i chose suit the 2 little darlings. I even got to stroke them, despite them being nervous little chicks.
But it was wonderful.
To get out of the washing up, i said i had to leave soon to miss the traffic. So I'm home now (3pm ish) and without my hands being prune like!
A relaxing evening with my girls.
Fell into a coma about 7pm - if nothing else, I'm consistent.
Tomorrow starts a busy week. 2 lunch dates, a dinner date and an evening visitor so far booked in. Normally Linda and i would be going for bloods tomorrow and chemo on tuesday. It feels so weird not doing that! Weird, but good.
Anyway i need to fall back into that earlier coma ready for tomorrow.
Good night all.
Saturday 26 July 2014
26.7.14
Look!!! I got lashes. One minute they were thin and sparse, next minute theres a lot more of them. Not very good condition, but hey ho, I've got lashes.
I have treated myself to a new mascara. And I've made sure its a water soluble one so i don't have to 'scrub' them to get the waterproof mascara off.
Ive also tinted my eyebrows, altho not in the photo above. They're pencilled in here. During the last 4 months or so they've lost their colour. They were quite dark before i started treatment and now they have no colour at all, not even grey! So I've tinted them.
Do you think they look better? Hahaha. I can't stand it when young girls (and some old ones) draw their eyebrows on looking like this. They don't know how ridiculous they look.
Look!!! I got lashes. One minute they were thin and sparse, next minute theres a lot more of them. Not very good condition, but hey ho, I've got lashes.
I have treated myself to a new mascara. And I've made sure its a water soluble one so i don't have to 'scrub' them to get the waterproof mascara off.
Do you think they look better? Hahaha. I can't stand it when young girls (and some old ones) draw their eyebrows on looking like this. They don't know how ridiculous they look.
Thats a bit better. Sorry about the photo. I didn't realise i was looking so patchy!! Id just moved some furniture from my summer house and was really hot and bothered. Sat down with a coffee and thought id play a little game with you all.
Anyway. id better get myself sorted. Im off to stay at Chris's house for the night, and to meet his 2 new chickens. I wanna call them Sage and Onion. Gonna have to work hard on him. He wants to call them Kiwi and Mango????
Deal done! Sage and onion it is. I have a photo but will post it tomorrow cos it won't send from my iPhone. Wiltshire just doesn't have the skills!
Had a lovely day at Chris's house and staying the night too. Tomorrow i have a photo of a swallow flying to the nest to feed the babies, and surprisingly, its not too bad going on my recent ability to take photos of birds.
So i shall retire to my room, actually its Chris's room and i am surrounded by 9 dogs!!!
Friday 25 July 2014
25.7.14
Nooooo. I don't believe it. I heard a rat last night. Or was i dreaming?
I heard scratching. I lay there listening and it went quiet. I thought maybe id been dreaming. But then i heard it again.
Was i dreaming? I was convinced at the time it was real, but now I'm not so sure.
Oh joy.
Lyn collected the dogs for walkies this morning and i decided, as it was probably the coolest it would be all day, to do a bit of pruning.
I did about 45 mins. A bit out of breath, but happy with what i did.
And then an hour later i transformed into the garden fairy and picked up all the stuff i pruned.
Tomorrow i may get the hedge trimmer out and do a bit more. Im liking this 'doing stuff'. Im starting to feel useful again, just a little bit!
The funny thing is, i watched Russell Grant on This Morning - the astrologer. For Virgo, and thats me, he used the words, restore, recharge your batteries and recover until 15th august and then its 'you time'. I don't overly believe in horoscopes, but when you hear these things it makes you take notice. Thats exactly what i should be doing, recovering, but I'm sure that means getting back to normal, and to do that i need to get off my ar*e and do things, now I'm allowed to.
A trip to the garden centre for some rose feed. My roses have very few leaves and even less roses! In fact its a crime to call it a rose bush. It should be just 'bush' or 'branch'! Just got in and watered the rose garden. Sprinkled the rose feed. Now its peeing down. Never saw that coming. I feel duty bound as an adult to say, 'The garden needs it!' Hopefully it will feel cooler after it stops.
Thursday 24 July 2014
24.7.14
Thats more like it!! Stuff to write about.
Mr Rat visited this morning with tales of his 38 week pregnant girlfriend who's struggling in this heat. I must say i feel her pain!
The bait has been ignored. They've either not called in this week, or they're on a diet. I think, dare i say it, I'm rat free! How long will this state of abandon last? Lets hope its forever and ever amen.
If not, i will demand a one way valve in my back passage.
Stop making up your own jokes! I meant under my man hole cover in the garden, my drains.
Nextly, (i don't know if thats a word, but i like it all the same) i decided i was gonna do something this morning before it got too hot and i was unable to move away from the fan.
So armed with a hand saw i lopped off about 4 branches, smallish ones, from a conifer whose bottom branches are dead. I have left them in a pile in the hope the garden fairy will come and remove them for me. There was determined talk of me getting the hedge trimmer out and whipping round the garden. I think when that chore is fulfilled, the garden will be a lot bigger! As long as the garden fairy has been round of course.
Needless to say, i stopped at the 4 branches. 1. it was too hot, and 2. i haven't got enough energy at the mo.
Maybe a bit more tomorrow, if the temperature goes down a bit.
How on earth does anyone do anything in this heat?
So back on with my scintillating blog stories!
I heard it coming!!! I grabbed my phone and pumped in the code. The camera was engaged and i ran into the garden. Yes i really did run!
As i scoured the skies looking for the thunderous noise maker.
Thats more like it!! Stuff to write about.
Mr Rat visited this morning with tales of his 38 week pregnant girlfriend who's struggling in this heat. I must say i feel her pain!
The bait has been ignored. They've either not called in this week, or they're on a diet. I think, dare i say it, I'm rat free! How long will this state of abandon last? Lets hope its forever and ever amen.
If not, i will demand a one way valve in my back passage.
Stop making up your own jokes! I meant under my man hole cover in the garden, my drains.
Nextly, (i don't know if thats a word, but i like it all the same) i decided i was gonna do something this morning before it got too hot and i was unable to move away from the fan.
So armed with a hand saw i lopped off about 4 branches, smallish ones, from a conifer whose bottom branches are dead. I have left them in a pile in the hope the garden fairy will come and remove them for me. There was determined talk of me getting the hedge trimmer out and whipping round the garden. I think when that chore is fulfilled, the garden will be a lot bigger! As long as the garden fairy has been round of course.
Needless to say, i stopped at the 4 branches. 1. it was too hot, and 2. i haven't got enough energy at the mo.
Maybe a bit more tomorrow, if the temperature goes down a bit.
How on earth does anyone do anything in this heat?
So back on with my scintillating blog stories!
I heard it coming!!! I grabbed my phone and pumped in the code. The camera was engaged and i ran into the garden. Yes i really did run!
As i scoured the skies looking for the thunderous noise maker.
There it is. A Red Arrow. Performing specially for me. I was there in time, i was ready prepped, i could almost reach up and touch it, it was so close. So how come i can only get a photo of it about 20 miles away? Its marginally better than the photo of the buzzard the other day i suppose.
Second chance a few hours later. You'd think he'd have slowed down for me.
I love living where i do. Seeing airplanes flying over. I can just hear the engines in the morning if the winds in the right direction.
Had the lovely Kerrie round for tea. Salmon, salad and new potatoes. Very enjoyable. Lovely girlie evening.
I am now ready for the now normal cold bath before bed.
Asta la vista baby.
Wednesday 23 July 2014
23.7.14
You don't know how good it is to finish chemo. But, surprisingly there are some negatives!
Not only do i have to lose some ugly fat put on by the steroids, but i have hairs growing in places i don't want them growing!
The fluff you have on your face normally. It is returning. The hairs inside my nose are returning. Leg, underarm, arm, fanjita (my own special name for a lady garden). Its all returning. But worse than that. Far, far worse. Chin hair!
What a busy day I've had.
Marion came round to see me before her holiday to Lake Como on friday. Mr BT called round to try and sort out why the sports channel wasn't working properly. Of course they've told me they won't charge me for the honour of an engineer visiting!!! Good, cos id hate to have to stop paying my monthly bill to them.
I then visited Mr Sainsbury for some ice lollies and cold drinks. Well it gets me out of the house!
It was nice to glide up and down the freezer compartments and not feel like I'm melting.
Dottie and Ruby have also been suffering with the heat. Sam, the resident entrepreneur has invented a cold cap for dogs. A wet flannel left in the freezer for half an hour which is strategically placed on each dog.
You don't know how good it is to finish chemo. But, surprisingly there are some negatives!
Not only do i have to lose some ugly fat put on by the steroids, but i have hairs growing in places i don't want them growing!
The fluff you have on your face normally. It is returning. The hairs inside my nose are returning. Leg, underarm, arm, fanjita (my own special name for a lady garden). Its all returning. But worse than that. Far, far worse. Chin hair!
What a busy day I've had.
Marion came round to see me before her holiday to Lake Como on friday. Mr BT called round to try and sort out why the sports channel wasn't working properly. Of course they've told me they won't charge me for the honour of an engineer visiting!!! Good, cos id hate to have to stop paying my monthly bill to them.
I then visited Mr Sainsbury for some ice lollies and cold drinks. Well it gets me out of the house!
It was nice to glide up and down the freezer compartments and not feel like I'm melting.
Dottie and Ruby have also been suffering with the heat. Sam, the resident entrepreneur has invented a cold cap for dogs. A wet flannel left in the freezer for half an hour which is strategically placed on each dog.
Dottie wasn't too happy about it, but Ruby has got into character. Having seen the Queen visiting Prince George yesterday, she thinks she's a look-a-likey. She keeps saying, 'we are not amused,' and 'orf with her head!'
I knew there was something funny to tell you........
Whilst cold capping the doggies, Sam put the flannel on his head. I asked if he could feel the cold on his head. He said yes he could, and told me to try it and handed me the flannel.
You'll never guess what i said...........
'I don't want to mess my hair up!!!'
I had gone back in time to when i had hair that was blow dried and straightened or curled. How crazy is that??? Will i ever be normal again?
I think there may be good news on the tastebud horizon. Im eating pineapple and its tasting really sweet.
And tomorrow i may paint my nails!
Life is sweet.
Tuesday 22 July 2014
22.7.14
Part 2
I have found something to say!
Part 2
I have found something to say!
Happy birthday George.
I must point out our similarities.
We have very similar (and scant) hair at the mo. Yours has slightly more colour in it than mine.
We have a similar face too. Chubby! Yours is like that cos of baby fat, mine is steroid induced.
We both have expensive tastes. Yours is not obvious as yet, but I'm sure it won't take you long. Mine is unfortunate. Unfortunate cos it cannot be fulfilled.
We both cry at the drop of a hat. Yours is normal cos you're a babba. Mine is a bit pathetic at times. But hopefully we'll both grow out of it.
I love shopping, and I love shopping in Harrods. Your Granny nearly had shares in Harrods!
We both have a nap during the day and I dream of meeting my prince, and you are a prince!
You will live in a castle. I love shopping in Castle Point!
As you get older you will click your fingers and people will come running. The same for me, but they run in the opposite direction.
We both have lots of people that care for us. And we both have a lovely family, although yours is dysfunctional!!!!!!
You may be 1 today. I also am 1.......... a right one, a silly one, a fat one, a happy one.
Monday 21 July 2014
21.7.14
Morning! Are you excited? This blog is gonna be a humdinger today!!!
Exciting storyline number 1.
I walked the dogs. Only for 20 minutes, but as we walked back to the car, a buzzard swooped over head and landed in the trees nearby. By stealth, i crept closer and armed myself with my iPhone, ready to snap the friendly buzzard. And all that preparation and this is all i managed!
Morning! Are you excited? This blog is gonna be a humdinger today!!!
Exciting storyline number 1.
I walked the dogs. Only for 20 minutes, but as we walked back to the car, a buzzard swooped over head and landed in the trees nearby. By stealth, i crept closer and armed myself with my iPhone, ready to snap the friendly buzzard. And all that preparation and this is all i managed!
If you could zoom in, you would see the speedy little devil soaring over the apex of the little bungalow. Im such a disappointment!!!
Exciting storyline number 2.
Now I'm not sure this is actually exciting so i will do my best to make it so.
Im tired! Not just any old tired. Im fatigued again. Suddenly i feel like I've been drugged again. Its weird i can go through 6 months of chemo and its not till the end that i suddenly hit the deck. And i actually feel a bit groggy!
Im bloated and feel like I'm about to give birth. The heat isn't helping. Im thirsty but I'm too full to drink!
This isn't interesting, is it? Epic fail.
But something slightly funny. As I've said on more than one occasion, I've stopped the steroids and they, in the past, have made me emotional. This evening i have cried at Patrick having a stroke, and then turned over to Corrie and cried at Anna and Katie making up, and then next theres Long Lost Family and i don't think i can cope any more!!! I think ill watch 8 out of 10 cats!
I cannot inflict this on you any more. If tomorrow i have nothing exciting to say, I'm gonna miss a day.
See you later alligator, in a while crocodile!
Sunday 20 July 2014
20.7.14
Happiness is the smallest things.
Ive put my super duper thermometer away. Ive washed the 'pill cutter' and put that away (you never know when someone will need one!). The dexamethasone 'leftovers' are ready to be returned to pharmacy. The digestive biscuits that help me when I'm feeling nauseous have been put in the bread bin and aren't next to my bed anymore.
I no longer have a chemo bag/box.
This is ridiculous.
I have nothing to say. What has happened?
I have a degree in talking and spouting rubbish!
I can see this recovery is gonna be no bed of roses. Im gonna have to get out there and push it.
It is monday morning and i still haven't clicked on 'publish' for sundays blog, so i tell you what I'm gonna do......
Im gonna send this one now, with very little data in it and todays blog is gonna be a corker!
And if you believe that, you'll believe anything.
Happiness is the smallest things.
Ive put my super duper thermometer away. Ive washed the 'pill cutter' and put that away (you never know when someone will need one!). The dexamethasone 'leftovers' are ready to be returned to pharmacy. The digestive biscuits that help me when I'm feeling nauseous have been put in the bread bin and aren't next to my bed anymore.
I no longer have a chemo bag/box.
This is ridiculous.
I have nothing to say. What has happened?
I have a degree in talking and spouting rubbish!
I can see this recovery is gonna be no bed of roses. Im gonna have to get out there and push it.
It is monday morning and i still haven't clicked on 'publish' for sundays blog, so i tell you what I'm gonna do......
Im gonna send this one now, with very little data in it and todays blog is gonna be a corker!
And if you believe that, you'll believe anything.
Saturday 19 July 2014
19.7.14
Oh my! Thunderstorms galore.
This is a photo from my bathroom window at about 1am. It was pitch black outside and i took this during a flash of lightening. Its not as exciting as i would like a lightening flash photo to be, but it gives you an idea!
Oh my! Thunderstorms galore.
This is a photo from my bathroom window at about 1am. It was pitch black outside and i took this during a flash of lightening. Its not as exciting as i would like a lightening flash photo to be, but it gives you an idea!
Well it chucked it down. The dogs came up on the bed with me and we all three, nearly jumped out of our skins on a couple of occasions. And was it loud? It must have been overhead for quite a while.
So i didn't get to sleep until late. Needless to say, I'm tired again today. Again, not a problem cos i can relax, again!!!!
Had a doze and ready for action.
Jenni and her mum Linda are coming to get me at 5.15 for a choir rehearsal. I won't be partaking in the concert tomorrow, just the rehearsal for fun. Were singing 'Bring him home' from Les Mis. A beautiful song that we did in a workshop a couple months ago. Back in the day when i had less hair, but less weight. Maybe its the extra hair thats making me heavier????? If only.
Right now i feel soooo uncomfortably bloated. Only half a tablet of dexamethasone left to take tomorrow morning if i feel ok. The sooner i stop them the better. Then thats it............full time recovery. Oh god that makes me feel so emotional all of a sudden.
I shall now attempt to make myself look acceptable to meet people. It could take a while.
Ill be back later to let you know how rehearsal goes.
Oh it was lovely. Such a beautiful song. Just a shame I'm not up to singing it at the concert tomorrow, but i think it would be a long hot day and far too much for me. Ive realised how much my treatment has affected me. I don't remember the words etc as easily as before.
It was flipping lovely seeing Jenni and Linda. Haven't seen them for ages. They both brought me a lovely 'finished your chemo' card with a lovely message. Both lovely cards, but the one from Jenni was amazing. A 3D one. Isn't it smashing - i like that word, smashing! The photo doesn't do it justice, not being a 3D photo and all that!!!
The other nice bit of the evening was seeing lots of people i haven't seen for ages. Steve and Jo amongst others. And of course Ann and Geoff. Had a nice hug.
So I'm home again, had tagliatelle with cheese and onion which was amazing. Im stuffed, but wishing i could eat it all again. But luckily all the cheese and pasta is gone so i can't be tempted.
Thank goodness, last steroid tomorrow morning, and only half a tablet at that.
Friday 18 July 2014
18.7.14
Sposed to be the hottest day today, but living near the coast has kept it a little cloudy today, and therefore cooler, and I'm not complaining about it.
Feeling less energetic today, but not feeling rough, so again, I'm not complaining.
Im bored tho! I am complaining about that! The thing i can do best is talking, and the dogs keep walking off!
Im shocked and dismayed to have nothing to put here!
Not seen anyone, not spoken to anyone other than a foreign gentleman trying to tell me of a car accident I've had in the last 3 years! I put the phone down in the end cos he wouldn't believe me i hadn't had a 'bump'. I forgot i registered with the preference service a couple of weeks ago. I should have thrown that at him and asked his name and company name.
Also I'm complaining of being bored. I should have started up a better conversation with him. With my skill for chatting, i could have kept myself entertained for hours. I missed that trick!
Anyway, i shan't bore you any longer.
Maybe tomorrow will bring something to write about?
Ta ra.
Sposed to be the hottest day today, but living near the coast has kept it a little cloudy today, and therefore cooler, and I'm not complaining about it.
Feeling less energetic today, but not feeling rough, so again, I'm not complaining.
Im bored tho! I am complaining about that! The thing i can do best is talking, and the dogs keep walking off!
Im shocked and dismayed to have nothing to put here!
Not seen anyone, not spoken to anyone other than a foreign gentleman trying to tell me of a car accident I've had in the last 3 years! I put the phone down in the end cos he wouldn't believe me i hadn't had a 'bump'. I forgot i registered with the preference service a couple of weeks ago. I should have thrown that at him and asked his name and company name.
Also I'm complaining of being bored. I should have started up a better conversation with him. With my skill for chatting, i could have kept myself entertained for hours. I missed that trick!
Anyway, i shan't bore you any longer.
Maybe tomorrow will bring something to write about?
Ta ra.
Thursday 17 July 2014
17.7.14
I was woken at 4am by the sound of foxes screaming! I raised my blinds and said very loudly, 'Sssshhh!' and it worked! But could i get back to sleep?
Then half an hour later the seagulls started and then some other birds started to chirp along, so I'm now at 5.30 tempted to go get myself a coffee.
Lyns coming at 6.30 today for the dogs cos she has an early start at work. I did think to myself, 'No worries, you can doze throughout the day if you need to,' but i have a visitor today bringing a large lasagne for lunch. Im sure i'll cope, I've coped with worse, haven't i?
Coffee it is then!
Dogs have vamoosed with Lyn. Time for a doze? Noooooo.
Dogs are walked and fed and should be tired now. Time for a doze? Noooooo.
Rat mans arrived and rebaited. Dogs tore around the garden like lunatics whilst ratty fiddled with my manhole covers!
Chris has visited with Heidi but alack and alas, without a lasagne, he didn't have time to make it. He has just moved house so i'll let him off! So we had fish and chips which was nice, and even nicer if my taste buds had visited too.
He's gone now, taking with him paper work for him to sort out (which normally i do! so thats a bonus), one of my bird tables, a football, and lots of kisses from his mumma. He's a darlin'. Love him to bits, as i do the other 2 reprobates. Im so proud of them all. They've been so lovely since I've been ill. No sympathy, which is good, that just makes me cry and gives me a headache and a blocked nose. Their idea of ridicule me when I'm down works a treat and always makes me laugh.
Having Sam living with me has been a bonus. He's been so good to me. He's cooked me meals, tidied up, done jobs round the house, he's been a support when I'm sad, and he's ALWAYS there for me. And he gives the best hugs.
Chris has been a support. I know he's probably the one who's worried about me most. He's amazing. He's sent me flowers when I'm down. He's skyped me regularly, most days. He's visited me regularly despite moving house and doing a PhD.
Joes a busy bee in London but he sends me messages regularly and visits when he can. He's a sweetheart. He says all the right things.
Im looking forward to having a few BBQ's when I'm feeling better to invite friends round to say thanks for their support. My first one is gonna be for my boys and a few friends. Id love to think of something exciting and special to do for them, but my head isn't in a place where i can think of anything. Anything anyone can think of, please private message me on FB, id be grateful! I can claim it as my own idea!
A relaxing evening doing nothing except melting in the heat, and tomorrow is gonna be hotter! Hows a gal supposed to push her fitness regime in this weather?
Never mind, nothings gonna get me down at the mo.
I was woken at 4am by the sound of foxes screaming! I raised my blinds and said very loudly, 'Sssshhh!' and it worked! But could i get back to sleep?
Then half an hour later the seagulls started and then some other birds started to chirp along, so I'm now at 5.30 tempted to go get myself a coffee.
Lyns coming at 6.30 today for the dogs cos she has an early start at work. I did think to myself, 'No worries, you can doze throughout the day if you need to,' but i have a visitor today bringing a large lasagne for lunch. Im sure i'll cope, I've coped with worse, haven't i?
Coffee it is then!
Dogs have vamoosed with Lyn. Time for a doze? Noooooo.
Dogs are walked and fed and should be tired now. Time for a doze? Noooooo.
Rat mans arrived and rebaited. Dogs tore around the garden like lunatics whilst ratty fiddled with my manhole covers!
Chris has visited with Heidi but alack and alas, without a lasagne, he didn't have time to make it. He has just moved house so i'll let him off! So we had fish and chips which was nice, and even nicer if my taste buds had visited too.
He's gone now, taking with him paper work for him to sort out (which normally i do! so thats a bonus), one of my bird tables, a football, and lots of kisses from his mumma. He's a darlin'. Love him to bits, as i do the other 2 reprobates. Im so proud of them all. They've been so lovely since I've been ill. No sympathy, which is good, that just makes me cry and gives me a headache and a blocked nose. Their idea of ridicule me when I'm down works a treat and always makes me laugh.
Having Sam living with me has been a bonus. He's been so good to me. He's cooked me meals, tidied up, done jobs round the house, he's been a support when I'm sad, and he's ALWAYS there for me. And he gives the best hugs.
Chris has been a support. I know he's probably the one who's worried about me most. He's amazing. He's sent me flowers when I'm down. He's skyped me regularly, most days. He's visited me regularly despite moving house and doing a PhD.
Joes a busy bee in London but he sends me messages regularly and visits when he can. He's a sweetheart. He says all the right things.
Im looking forward to having a few BBQ's when I'm feeling better to invite friends round to say thanks for their support. My first one is gonna be for my boys and a few friends. Id love to think of something exciting and special to do for them, but my head isn't in a place where i can think of anything. Anything anyone can think of, please private message me on FB, id be grateful! I can claim it as my own idea!
A relaxing evening doing nothing except melting in the heat, and tomorrow is gonna be hotter! Hows a gal supposed to push her fitness regime in this weather?
Never mind, nothings gonna get me down at the mo.
Wednesday 16 July 2014
16.7.14
Feel like I've awoken after running a marathon and getting gold for it. In reality thats never gonna happen, but its nice to experience the feeling!
So today is a chill day - no change there then. I have cooked mushroom onion and garlic pasta, which was very nice. I say it was very nice, it filled a hole, a very large steroid induced hole. My taste buds didn't really come back after chemo 11. I would like them to come back by tomorrow cos my oldest boy Chris is round and he's bringing his legendary lasagne. But i can whistle in the wind for that request.
I have telephoned my cardiologists secretary and asked whats the next step. I had a CTPA which was to check if id had pulmonary embolisms which then caused my heart problem, and that was about 2 and a half weeks ago. I was told before that not to do anything strenuous until all tests were done and negative! Apparently he hasn't had the results yet!!! I know the results, it was negative. My haematologist told me! But the heart consultant, who ordered the test doesn't know! Never fails to amaze me how hospitals manage, or don't, to communicate.
Thats my excitement for the day.
The rest of the day will be spent relaxing, maybe a potter round the garden, maybe some sexy half naked man will appear and feed me peeled grapes whilst fanning me with a vine leaf, hopefully not the same one he has strategically placed over his nether regions. Im not up to that much excitement yet.
Dr Jack rang me and apologised for not seeing me yesterday, he was busy!!! Lame excuse. He said he felt awful and i said, so he should! Im seeing him next after my PET scan in august. Im away that weekend so i won't see him till the monday. I will ring him on the friday for my scan results tho and hope to god its clear. Dr Jack seems confident it will be. I told him Dr Carpenter hadn't got the results on the CT scan, so he said he'd send a copy over to him.
Dr Carpenter rang me and apologised for not getting back to me sooner but he hadn't seen the results until Dr Jack emailed them to him this afternoon! He says he wants to wait and see how i am after i recover from the chemo and hope that sorts the shortness of breath out. I may be able to stop all the tablets if I'm a good girl. Another ultra sound of my heart next time i see him, and see how its doing. If i remember rightly, we had a lot of fun during the last ultra sound! So i have no doubt ill see him in a month or so, maybe more. He's gonna look over all the test results and have a think about things, but he's leaning towards the heart damage being due to the chemo.
Either way, its all looking good.
And the lovely Kerrie visited me tonight armed with a bunch of lovely sunflowers and a card with some lovely words. I will put a photo of them on here tomorrow as its getting a bit late.
Now i have a wednesday night dilemma. Do i watch Big Brother or The only way is Essex?
Decisions, decisions.
No doubt ill sleep through whichever i watch, so i shouldn't worry to much about it!
Night night all!
Feel like I've awoken after running a marathon and getting gold for it. In reality thats never gonna happen, but its nice to experience the feeling!
So today is a chill day - no change there then. I have cooked mushroom onion and garlic pasta, which was very nice. I say it was very nice, it filled a hole, a very large steroid induced hole. My taste buds didn't really come back after chemo 11. I would like them to come back by tomorrow cos my oldest boy Chris is round and he's bringing his legendary lasagne. But i can whistle in the wind for that request.
I have telephoned my cardiologists secretary and asked whats the next step. I had a CTPA which was to check if id had pulmonary embolisms which then caused my heart problem, and that was about 2 and a half weeks ago. I was told before that not to do anything strenuous until all tests were done and negative! Apparently he hasn't had the results yet!!! I know the results, it was negative. My haematologist told me! But the heart consultant, who ordered the test doesn't know! Never fails to amaze me how hospitals manage, or don't, to communicate.
Thats my excitement for the day.
The rest of the day will be spent relaxing, maybe a potter round the garden, maybe some sexy half naked man will appear and feed me peeled grapes whilst fanning me with a vine leaf, hopefully not the same one he has strategically placed over his nether regions. Im not up to that much excitement yet.
Dr Jack rang me and apologised for not seeing me yesterday, he was busy!!! Lame excuse. He said he felt awful and i said, so he should! Im seeing him next after my PET scan in august. Im away that weekend so i won't see him till the monday. I will ring him on the friday for my scan results tho and hope to god its clear. Dr Jack seems confident it will be. I told him Dr Carpenter hadn't got the results on the CT scan, so he said he'd send a copy over to him.
Dr Carpenter rang me and apologised for not getting back to me sooner but he hadn't seen the results until Dr Jack emailed them to him this afternoon! He says he wants to wait and see how i am after i recover from the chemo and hope that sorts the shortness of breath out. I may be able to stop all the tablets if I'm a good girl. Another ultra sound of my heart next time i see him, and see how its doing. If i remember rightly, we had a lot of fun during the last ultra sound! So i have no doubt ill see him in a month or so, maybe more. He's gonna look over all the test results and have a think about things, but he's leaning towards the heart damage being due to the chemo.
Either way, its all looking good.
And the lovely Kerrie visited me tonight armed with a bunch of lovely sunflowers and a card with some lovely words. I will put a photo of them on here tomorrow as its getting a bit late.
Now i have a wednesday night dilemma. Do i watch Big Brother or The only way is Essex?
Decisions, decisions.
No doubt ill sleep through whichever i watch, so i shouldn't worry to much about it!
Night night all!
Tuesday 15 July 2014
15.7.14
Part 2
The day I've been waiting for since 7th january. Im cock-a-hoop!
Lyn took me today cos Linda is on holiday. The 6 months was supposed to fit in nicely but Dr Jack cancelled a week and look at the damage he's done!!! Linda missed out on one of Cupcake Janes cupcakes. Don't worry tho Linda...... i will eat it for you! I wouldn't normally, but started steroids again today...... hopefully for the last time.
Lyn was lovely. She did everything i needed. I will give her 10/10. In fact i should be generous and give her 15/10. She deserves it.
We had a giggle, had a chat.
My nurse was Jo today and she was a star as always. The nurses and staff enjoyed the cupcakes, and so did Lyn and I. They were so scrummy.
Jo told me on numerous occasions Dr Jack was 'in da house', but he never came in to see me! What an insult. I think its cos he can't control himself in my presence! I shall have words with him when i do see him. It wasn't a necessity cos i had no questions of any importance to ask him. But last time he said he would be here to watch me ring the bell. Well he missed out on that, and he missed out on a cupcake. Don't worry tho Dr Jack..... i will eat it for you!
Linda gave me a lovely card to open during the Dacarbazine, which has been given a capital letter to show how important its been in the fight of the lymphoma (not flight of the phoenix). I opened it when my little control freak ordered me too, and it was lovely. Lovely words and lovely photos of me and her. She's an angel, I've said it before.
So nearly all done and champing at the bit to escape. It was the quasimodo moment, and i must say I'm starting to look like him!
Ive googled him and found a few things.
'I never realised how ugly i am.... and you are so beautiful'
'I'm as simple as the man in the moon'
'Sanctuary, sanctuary...'
Its all a little close to home!!
I don't feel wonderful about myself at the mo, but that will change, soon.
I do feel simple at the mo, but its the chemo brain! Really, it is!
Sanctuary... i love those products, body scrub and lotion etc!!!!
........and of course the hunchback!
I do have a hunch but its not on my back, its on my tummy!
Part 2
The day I've been waiting for since 7th january. Im cock-a-hoop!
Lyn took me today cos Linda is on holiday. The 6 months was supposed to fit in nicely but Dr Jack cancelled a week and look at the damage he's done!!! Linda missed out on one of Cupcake Janes cupcakes. Don't worry tho Linda...... i will eat it for you! I wouldn't normally, but started steroids again today...... hopefully for the last time.
Lyn was lovely. She did everything i needed. I will give her 10/10. In fact i should be generous and give her 15/10. She deserves it.
We had a giggle, had a chat.
My nurse was Jo today and she was a star as always. The nurses and staff enjoyed the cupcakes, and so did Lyn and I. They were so scrummy.
Jo told me on numerous occasions Dr Jack was 'in da house', but he never came in to see me! What an insult. I think its cos he can't control himself in my presence! I shall have words with him when i do see him. It wasn't a necessity cos i had no questions of any importance to ask him. But last time he said he would be here to watch me ring the bell. Well he missed out on that, and he missed out on a cupcake. Don't worry tho Dr Jack..... i will eat it for you!
Linda gave me a lovely card to open during the Dacarbazine, which has been given a capital letter to show how important its been in the fight of the lymphoma (not flight of the phoenix). I opened it when my little control freak ordered me too, and it was lovely. Lovely words and lovely photos of me and her. She's an angel, I've said it before.
So nearly all done and champing at the bit to escape. It was the quasimodo moment, and i must say I'm starting to look like him!
Ive googled him and found a few things.
'I never realised how ugly i am.... and you are so beautiful'
'I'm as simple as the man in the moon'
'Sanctuary, sanctuary...'
Its all a little close to home!!
I don't feel wonderful about myself at the mo, but that will change, soon.
I do feel simple at the mo, but its the chemo brain! Really, it is!
Sanctuary... i love those products, body scrub and lotion etc!!!!
........and of course the hunchback!
I do have a hunch but its not on my back, its on my tummy!
So heres a picky of Quasi ringing the bell to signify the end of my chemo.
'The bells, the bells!'
I did have a few tears with Jo, Leanne and Lyn, but i kept a fair bit of control. But Lyn and i left there, and i sobbed all the way down the walk through to the carpark. Tears of joy obviously.
So........thats it. All done.
I will have more to say tomorrow, I'm sure. Im a little headachy, and hot and bothered, so i will leave it here and hope tomorrow will see me symptom free.
15.7.14
Part 1
Todays the day!!! Its here. Im so elated I've written a pome! I meant to spell it like that incidentally. Pome is better than poem.
Part 1
Todays the day!!! Its here. Im so elated I've written a pome! I meant to spell it like that incidentally. Pome is better than poem.
RIP Hodgkins Lymphoma - 7.1.14 - 15.7.14
Its here! Its here! Im feeling rather queer
Number 12 has appeared and its made me feel quite weird
I never thought this day would come
At times its made me feel quite glum
Most of the time ive ridden the storm and It has been said ive been on form
Fun and laughter, we’ve had a blast, but always hoping it goes quite fast
There have been times we've laughed and screamed
But this moment, this time, is what we’ve dreamed
Lindas been there all the way through
She's made me sarnies and a brew
She's rubbed my feet, and she's always there
For gods sake, she even removed my hair!
My angel, my rock, my soulmate, my friend
The chemo may finish but our bond won't end
My boys have been good to me with prezzies and wit, they've brightened me up when I'm feeling like sh*t.
I didnt think they'd let me wallow in self pity, ‘so you're feeling rough, tough titty!’
Jenni's been sweet, she cut off her hair, for Cancer Research cos she really does care
To make a wig for a child who's not well, she has a warm heart, i'm sure you can tell
Lyns been a gem walking the dogs each day for me, more cos I'm tired than just plain lazy
And Linzi with chemo gifts, the little poppet, cos the chemos over, i hope she don't ‘stop it’
Theres been others who've supported, you know who you are, for your constant support id like to say ta
But today is the day i say goodbye
And i wont be sorry, i tell you for why
The needles, the drugs, the poisons are all done, i can go back to my life of laughter and fun
The scans and blood tests will still be around, every 3 months, and hope nothings found
But the 12 treatments are done, so sod off out of my pelvis so i can sing and dance again like Elvis!
Ive looked forward to the time when i finish this hell, when number 12 is over and i can ring that bell.
But i must say thanks to all the staff who've made it ‘pleasant’ and who've had a laugh
They are marvellous, each one a gem, and obviously i couldn't do it without them
Dr Jack’s always there on the end of the phone for the moments when i needed a moan
Hes listened and explained and examined and joked, better than being prodded and poked
I really cant tell you how I'm feeling today, elated and emotional will go some way
But just take a moment to think of the plight, of those people who continue to fight
Lets hope theres a cure just around the bend to help all these people to heal and to mendMonday 14 July 2014
14.7.14
Today is last pre chemo bloods. This is Kelly my phlebotomist for the last 6 months. Im sure i'll see her again for my post chemo bloods.
It was strange going for my bloods alone. Lindas always been there with me and we've always gone for lunch after. It seems like only yesterday we sat in my chemo room and made a list of all the restaurants and cafes that we wanted to visit on 'Blood Mondays'. I don't know if we visited all that was on the list, but I'm so happy to know there are no more blood mondays (hopefully, fingers crossed and all that!).
So tomorrow is nearly here. The last chemo. I never thought it would arrive. But its here.
The lovely and talented Cupcake Jane has made me these beauties to take to the hospital tomorrow to say thanks to all the girls. And if Dr Jack smiles nicely, he might get one too.
But back to tonight. Im watching TV, Long Lost Family. One of my Rock Choir friends, Ann, is featured on there tonight.
These type of programmes i always find emotional being that I'm adopted myself. I traced my mother and was in her life for 2 years approx and then the guilt got the better of her and she didn't want to know anymore.
Watching Anns story...... i feel her pain. 41 years of guilt and pain. Colins very lucky to have a birth mother thats so warm and loving, and she's lucky that he seems a well adjusted, warm, family man. I feel quite envious and wish Ann could have been my birth mother.
A birth cousin and aunt are aware that I've been having chemo, I wonder if they ever told my 'mother'? I doubt it. If she knew, she wouldn't want to rush to my side as a normal mother would.
Today is last pre chemo bloods. This is Kelly my phlebotomist for the last 6 months. Im sure i'll see her again for my post chemo bloods.
It was strange going for my bloods alone. Lindas always been there with me and we've always gone for lunch after. It seems like only yesterday we sat in my chemo room and made a list of all the restaurants and cafes that we wanted to visit on 'Blood Mondays'. I don't know if we visited all that was on the list, but I'm so happy to know there are no more blood mondays (hopefully, fingers crossed and all that!).
But back to tonight. Im watching TV, Long Lost Family. One of my Rock Choir friends, Ann, is featured on there tonight.
These type of programmes i always find emotional being that I'm adopted myself. I traced my mother and was in her life for 2 years approx and then the guilt got the better of her and she didn't want to know anymore.
Watching Anns story...... i feel her pain. 41 years of guilt and pain. Colins very lucky to have a birth mother thats so warm and loving, and she's lucky that he seems a well adjusted, warm, family man. I feel quite envious and wish Ann could have been my birth mother.
A birth cousin and aunt are aware that I've been having chemo, I wonder if they ever told my 'mother'? I doubt it. If she knew, she wouldn't want to rush to my side as a normal mother would.
This is a photo of my mother and her sisters, some of them anyway. She was one of 11 children, 4 boys, 7 girls and she was the middle child. She's the 3rd from the right. She made all the bridesmaid dresses, she is a seamstress. A skill i don't have!!! I have a skill she doesn't have, the skill of being a mother. I wonder what other differences we have?
Anyway, an early night for me, after watching Big Brother of course!
See you on Final Chemo Day.
Sunday 13 July 2014
13.7.14
Today is similar to yesterday. Total boredom. Lethargy etc etc etc
So today i am gonna tell you a story.
This is a very sensitive subject and the person concerned needs protecting so no names will be mentioned.
When i was first diagnosed i met online a young girl who was going through her own battle. She had found a breast lump which when biopsied was found to be cancerous. It was removed and I'm not sure if it was then or later that she had radiotherapy.
Another lump was found and she had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Again, I'm not sure about timescales, although that isn't important to the story, she was then diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and her bone marrow cells were slowly developing.
Myself and others on a site were supportive, and in turn we used her for support of sorts. I don't think any of us would have leant on her, but seeing what she was going through gave us strength too.
She was very brave through it all.
She suffered from vomiting and weight loss and was given food through a tube into her stomach.
She was very worried about losing her hair and so she used a cold cap, which i was a little concerned because having a blood cancer we are advised not to use it. But what do i know? Different hospitals, different techniques.
She had a PICC line where her chemo was given through a special tube into her vein.
I would read her comments online as she was going through her infusions and how she felt like poo, and had to get the train home after, alone. I wondered how her mother would let that happen. And she made comments that her stepfather wasn't always very nice to her. Just stroppy with her, not aggressive or anything more sinister. Her mother wasn't listening when she told her. Probably had her own problems and stresses.
She gave me constant updates and was very knowledgable about her chemo, lines, and everything cancer!
She was obviously a very intelligent girl because she got into the uni that she wanted on a scholarship and she was very excited about starting in october, all being well.
I found out about a month or so ago, she didn't have cancer, never had it. It seems it was all for attention.
What a shock, an unbelievable shock.
I didn't feel angry with her, i felt such sadness that she felt the need to invent this whole story. The amount of research she must have done to know about the side effects, the different chemos, the treatments, etc. What went through her mind?
How many people knew about her 'cancer'? Quite a few i believe.
I believe she's getting help with it now, i hope so. I haven't spoken to her since i found out, and i hope she's ok. Im hoping its just a blip and she goes on to enjoy uni and her life.
I think of her often and wonder how she is.
It just shows how fragile we all are, not just physically.
Such a terrible shame.
Today is similar to yesterday. Total boredom. Lethargy etc etc etc
So today i am gonna tell you a story.
This is a very sensitive subject and the person concerned needs protecting so no names will be mentioned.
When i was first diagnosed i met online a young girl who was going through her own battle. She had found a breast lump which when biopsied was found to be cancerous. It was removed and I'm not sure if it was then or later that she had radiotherapy.
Another lump was found and she had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Again, I'm not sure about timescales, although that isn't important to the story, she was then diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and her bone marrow cells were slowly developing.
Myself and others on a site were supportive, and in turn we used her for support of sorts. I don't think any of us would have leant on her, but seeing what she was going through gave us strength too.
She was very brave through it all.
She suffered from vomiting and weight loss and was given food through a tube into her stomach.
She was very worried about losing her hair and so she used a cold cap, which i was a little concerned because having a blood cancer we are advised not to use it. But what do i know? Different hospitals, different techniques.
She had a PICC line where her chemo was given through a special tube into her vein.
I would read her comments online as she was going through her infusions and how she felt like poo, and had to get the train home after, alone. I wondered how her mother would let that happen. And she made comments that her stepfather wasn't always very nice to her. Just stroppy with her, not aggressive or anything more sinister. Her mother wasn't listening when she told her. Probably had her own problems and stresses.
She gave me constant updates and was very knowledgable about her chemo, lines, and everything cancer!
She was obviously a very intelligent girl because she got into the uni that she wanted on a scholarship and she was very excited about starting in october, all being well.
I found out about a month or so ago, she didn't have cancer, never had it. It seems it was all for attention.
What a shock, an unbelievable shock.
I didn't feel angry with her, i felt such sadness that she felt the need to invent this whole story. The amount of research she must have done to know about the side effects, the different chemos, the treatments, etc. What went through her mind?
How many people knew about her 'cancer'? Quite a few i believe.
I believe she's getting help with it now, i hope so. I haven't spoken to her since i found out, and i hope she's ok. Im hoping its just a blip and she goes on to enjoy uni and her life.
I think of her often and wonder how she is.
It just shows how fragile we all are, not just physically.
Such a terrible shame.
Saturday 12 July 2014
12.7.14
Bored, bored, bored.
I have moved my new table and chairs to its forever home, near the summer house. I have swept up some trimmings and weeds into a heap. I am unable to put them into one of my 'weed boxes' cos they're all full.
Yes, Sam has been negligent! He should have done a tip trip by now! I may even do it myself this afternoon as long as the boxes aren't too heavy. I quite like tip tripping. Its like purging! I feel all empty and clean afterwards, then i fill the boxes again!
I have so much pruning to do. My bushes have sprouted monstrously!
I may even need to get some new bedding plants cos everything seems to be going to seed cos we've had such good weather, despite deadheading.
Oh theres so much i wanna do in my garden, not just physical, but stuff i wanna buy (and you can't when you're on sick pay!) to make the place look 'purdy'.
Without wanting to repeat myself.........im so bored.
Ive watched tv, I've done a bit of pottering in the garden, I've eaten and drank, then watched a bit more tv. Thank goodness for Judge Judy.
But more importantly, I've been so bored that I've been on Ebay!!!! Really not a good idea.
However, the day is coming to a close, and I've had nothing exciting to put on here today. How can i expect you all to call in and read my blog when its dull and boring? I shall have to start making it up!
See you tomorrow and lets hope to god something exciting happens, for all our sakes!
Bored, bored, bored.
I have moved my new table and chairs to its forever home, near the summer house. I have swept up some trimmings and weeds into a heap. I am unable to put them into one of my 'weed boxes' cos they're all full.
Yes, Sam has been negligent! He should have done a tip trip by now! I may even do it myself this afternoon as long as the boxes aren't too heavy. I quite like tip tripping. Its like purging! I feel all empty and clean afterwards, then i fill the boxes again!
I have so much pruning to do. My bushes have sprouted monstrously!
I may even need to get some new bedding plants cos everything seems to be going to seed cos we've had such good weather, despite deadheading.
Oh theres so much i wanna do in my garden, not just physical, but stuff i wanna buy (and you can't when you're on sick pay!) to make the place look 'purdy'.
Without wanting to repeat myself.........im so bored.
Ive watched tv, I've done a bit of pottering in the garden, I've eaten and drank, then watched a bit more tv. Thank goodness for Judge Judy.
But more importantly, I've been so bored that I've been on Ebay!!!! Really not a good idea.
However, the day is coming to a close, and I've had nothing exciting to put on here today. How can i expect you all to call in and read my blog when its dull and boring? I shall have to start making it up!
See you tomorrow and lets hope to god something exciting happens, for all our sakes!
Friday 11 July 2014
11.7.14
And she's off.......
7.30am and I'm already wound up.
I found a link on FB saying too much sun can cause skin cancer, but too little can cause Vit D deficiency, and more worrying, suncream has such toxic ingredients that it can be detrimental to your health, if not carcinogenic!
http://wellnessmama.com/2558/homemade-sunscreen/
I then found this link that not only tells you how to make your own sunscreen, but also directs you to a site which tells you about the sunscreens we buy and which have bad chemicals etc.
I put it on the Hodgkins site and asked what others thought.
You always get one smart ass don't you? In fact she's not so smart, cos she commented without reading what was on the link.
Smart Ass - Buy some! Make sure it has 4 or 5 star UV rating on the back of the bottle!
Smart Ass - All those things say "oil"...what do we use oil for...?.....cooking!
Me - I have bought some but I'm concerned about the many claims that they have toxic ingredients which are carcinogenic.
Me - We also use 'oil' as aromatherapy which is beneficial to health and wellbeing, its used in cars and machinery, toiletries, industry, and most aspects of our lives!
Smart Ass - Yes, we use oils in many other things...but we don't put them in direct heat...on our skin!!! I would rather use sun cream. There are a lot of 'scare factors' these days. Everything you use/eat has had a story that it causes cancer.
I've never heard about anyone getting cancer from using sun cream....just from too much exposure to the sun - and not wearing it.
And she's off.......
7.30am and I'm already wound up.
I found a link on FB saying too much sun can cause skin cancer, but too little can cause Vit D deficiency, and more worrying, suncream has such toxic ingredients that it can be detrimental to your health, if not carcinogenic!
http://wellnessmama.com/2558/homemade-sunscreen/
I then found this link that not only tells you how to make your own sunscreen, but also directs you to a site which tells you about the sunscreens we buy and which have bad chemicals etc.
I put it on the Hodgkins site and asked what others thought.
You always get one smart ass don't you? In fact she's not so smart, cos she commented without reading what was on the link.
Smart Ass - Buy some! Make sure it has 4 or 5 star UV rating on the back of the bottle!
Smart Ass - All those things say "oil"...what do we use oil for...?.....cooking!
Me - I have bought some but I'm concerned about the many claims that they have toxic ingredients which are carcinogenic.
Me - We also use 'oil' as aromatherapy which is beneficial to health and wellbeing, its used in cars and machinery, toiletries, industry, and most aspects of our lives!
Smart Ass - Yes, we use oils in many other things...but we don't put them in direct heat...on our skin!!! I would rather use sun cream. There are a lot of 'scare factors' these days. Everything you use/eat has had a story that it causes cancer.
I've never heard about anyone getting cancer from using sun cream....just from too much exposure to the sun - and not wearing it.
Me - Yes there are a lot of scare factors and we don't know if were coming or going most of the time. It makes it very difficult for us lot! But a lot of the chemicals in sunscreen, and cleansers and moisturisers, body lotions etc are derivatives of oil. A lot from paraffin and petrol based products. We put them on our skin all the time. It may well be better that we use sunscreen, i don't know. It was just a question to see if anyone had any advice or knowledge on these links about suncream being carcinogenic. Ive never heard about anyone getting cancer from sun cream, but how would we know? They rarely know for sure what has caused it. I just wish there could be some definite guidelines and not companies flogging their own stuff for gain.
I get her point, and it had been put across by others and myself in the thread, but i felt her first 2 comments were rude, belittling and sarcastic, and i don't think thats necessary on a cancer site!
There was another couple of ladies who had sensible valid points to make. I wasn't suggesting anyone should stop using cream, or should make it themselves.
Rant over!
Anyway the rest of the day has been fine. Although it is very muggy and on occasion I've felt my hair get a little sweaty! I think tonight may be a hot one.
The excitement of the day was picking up my table and chairs that i won on Ebay.
Oh my, its wonderful.
I need to buy new cushion covers for it. And I'm not sure where to put it at the mo. But i am very happy with my purchase. The people i bought it off had a gorgeous house in Ferndown and they had a gorgeous labradoodle called Tansy.
I am now relaxing with a cup of tea, and see those bickies on the table in the photo, they've all gone!
Rant over!
Anyway the rest of the day has been fine. Although it is very muggy and on occasion I've felt my hair get a little sweaty! I think tonight may be a hot one.
The excitement of the day was picking up my table and chairs that i won on Ebay.
Oh my, its wonderful.
I am now relaxing with a cup of tea, and see those bickies on the table in the photo, they've all gone!
Thursday 10 July 2014
10.7.14
I have a bluebottle whizzing round my bedroom this morning. How is it bluebottles can bash into mirrors and windows and still carry on? If i bumped into something with the same momentum, id have concussion.
And whilst i have my mind altered hat on.... why is it that when you take daily tablets and they have the days of the week on so you don't forget to take one, you always start on a wednesday or thursday, so you start taking them from the centre of the pack, which for OCD is really no fun at all.
Life is full of these conundrums for me. Does anyone else have similar issues?
Is Glastonbury over now? I tell you why i ask.....
I was sat with the girls on the bed after their walkies and brekky, our usual routine. A bit of Jeremy Kyle, who normally, despite all the screaming, manages to get me to sleep. When suddenly it sounded like amplifiers squealing, or a heavy metal band. I could even liken it to a tube train dashing through the tunnel. It was almost frightening, considering that the noise is alien to me and for it to be coming from somewhere in the vicinity of my house, a little worrying.
I dashed to the bathroom to find the noise seemed to be coming from the bath plug!
Having quickly swapped my mind altered hat to my Sherlock hat, i deduced rat man was here with his camera.
I eavesdropped at my downstairs shower room and listened to his commentary to his buddy, but i got bored and went back upstairs to have my coffee, now cold coffee!
My biggest dilemma now is this........ do i go to sleep knowing Ratty is gonna knock on my door, or do i wait! Do i continue to listen to Mr Judgemental (Jeremy Kyle)?
An hour or so later, no dozing. I have bait in my man hole covers, again! They will be calling back next thursday to check the bait. I have no doubt it will be gone.
They've cleaned out my external drains, they are now pristine apparently. Very proud of that.
They think the next job will be to stick a camera in my internal drains, which isn't as easy as it sounds. It means pulling up carpets and floorboards and trying to find an entrance. And thats down to me to sort, and pay for.
But they are astounded and confused as to where the rats are coming in. For me it seems logical. If they bait drains and then the rats stop, then they start again when the baiting stops, its gotta be the drains.
Anyway, enough......ive had enough of rats and drains.
Collected me Linda this afternoon for a scintillating afternoon of lung function tests, again. Lungs seem to be holding out, only a marginal difference. I shan't be signing up for the New York Marathon anytime soon, but who knows whats in the future.
On the way home, and as a treat, i was held at gunpoint and marched to McD's for a McFlurry. So much for being good today! It was McWonderful! Ive now got McIndigestion!
Tomorrow is a free day. Nothing planned, just R&R. I have chores to do. The bench, or the lean too. I may just put my feet up.
I have some items to sell on FB so i may take photos. Ive washed the covers of a small sofa. Just been out to the garden to get them off the line. The next door neighbour is in his garden.
Isn't marijuana sposed to be good for people with cancer? 5 minutes in the garden and I'm stoned!
Cosmic, man!
I have a bluebottle whizzing round my bedroom this morning. How is it bluebottles can bash into mirrors and windows and still carry on? If i bumped into something with the same momentum, id have concussion.
And whilst i have my mind altered hat on.... why is it that when you take daily tablets and they have the days of the week on so you don't forget to take one, you always start on a wednesday or thursday, so you start taking them from the centre of the pack, which for OCD is really no fun at all.
Life is full of these conundrums for me. Does anyone else have similar issues?
Is Glastonbury over now? I tell you why i ask.....
I was sat with the girls on the bed after their walkies and brekky, our usual routine. A bit of Jeremy Kyle, who normally, despite all the screaming, manages to get me to sleep. When suddenly it sounded like amplifiers squealing, or a heavy metal band. I could even liken it to a tube train dashing through the tunnel. It was almost frightening, considering that the noise is alien to me and for it to be coming from somewhere in the vicinity of my house, a little worrying.
I dashed to the bathroom to find the noise seemed to be coming from the bath plug!
Having quickly swapped my mind altered hat to my Sherlock hat, i deduced rat man was here with his camera.
I eavesdropped at my downstairs shower room and listened to his commentary to his buddy, but i got bored and went back upstairs to have my coffee, now cold coffee!
My biggest dilemma now is this........ do i go to sleep knowing Ratty is gonna knock on my door, or do i wait! Do i continue to listen to Mr Judgemental (Jeremy Kyle)?
An hour or so later, no dozing. I have bait in my man hole covers, again! They will be calling back next thursday to check the bait. I have no doubt it will be gone.
They've cleaned out my external drains, they are now pristine apparently. Very proud of that.
They think the next job will be to stick a camera in my internal drains, which isn't as easy as it sounds. It means pulling up carpets and floorboards and trying to find an entrance. And thats down to me to sort, and pay for.
But they are astounded and confused as to where the rats are coming in. For me it seems logical. If they bait drains and then the rats stop, then they start again when the baiting stops, its gotta be the drains.
Anyway, enough......ive had enough of rats and drains.
Collected me Linda this afternoon for a scintillating afternoon of lung function tests, again. Lungs seem to be holding out, only a marginal difference. I shan't be signing up for the New York Marathon anytime soon, but who knows whats in the future.
On the way home, and as a treat, i was held at gunpoint and marched to McD's for a McFlurry. So much for being good today! It was McWonderful! Ive now got McIndigestion!
Tomorrow is a free day. Nothing planned, just R&R. I have chores to do. The bench, or the lean too. I may just put my feet up.
I have some items to sell on FB so i may take photos. Ive washed the covers of a small sofa. Just been out to the garden to get them off the line. The next door neighbour is in his garden.
Isn't marijuana sposed to be good for people with cancer? 5 minutes in the garden and I'm stoned!
Cosmic, man!
Wednesday 9 July 2014
9.7.14
Blue skies again.
Ive collected a freezer full of dog food and the girls are chewing on a pigs ear.
I am being good! I have a cup of coffee....... and nothing else. I must say, i would be able to eat something nice, but the full on craving isn't there, hallelujah. I do however feel the size of a house!
I am going to make some vegetable au gratin in a minute to use up loads of veg. Thats healthy ish!
And I've just received an invite to go out for coffee this afternoon with Marion. So that will be nice.
Ive also taken advantage of my free time today by registering with the Telephone Preference Service. It is an opt out register where you don't want to receive sales and marketing telephone calls. It makes it illegal for these companies to contact you if you're on the register, however it doesn't always count for these foreign type of people who ring!!!
Blue skies again.
Ive collected a freezer full of dog food and the girls are chewing on a pigs ear.
I am being good! I have a cup of coffee....... and nothing else. I must say, i would be able to eat something nice, but the full on craving isn't there, hallelujah. I do however feel the size of a house!
I am going to make some vegetable au gratin in a minute to use up loads of veg. Thats healthy ish!
And I've just received an invite to go out for coffee this afternoon with Marion. So that will be nice.
Ive also taken advantage of my free time today by registering with the Telephone Preference Service. It is an opt out register where you don't want to receive sales and marketing telephone calls. It makes it illegal for these companies to contact you if you're on the register, however it doesn't always count for these foreign type of people who ring!!!
Here it is! All my hard work, and devoured in seconds. It was sooooo nice.
Been out for a coffee and cakey with Marion. Had a lovely time. I would have liked to have wandered round the shop but that would have encouraged me to buy stuff and i really shouldn't do things like that until i commence work again. Being fat and bald is enough, i don't need to be fat, bald and in debt!
So jobs left for the day...... water the pots and make a spag bol, and i would hazard a guess, a bit of cat napping.
I was right!!!
Tuesday 8 July 2014
8.7.14
As you know, this time next week is my last chemo (as long as the lymphoma doesn't come back, or i don't get a secondary cancer!).
What are the remnants of my 6 months of treatment?
I have bottles of gaviscon, anti sickness tablets, steroids, heart damage, fatness and baldness, loads of ice lollies in the freezer that i bought for my sore tongue and now I've gone off them!
Ive had cravings of goats cheese and red onion relish, heinz spag bol, ready salted crisps, cooked breakfast, mackerel, cake.
I also have fatigue. Everyone tells you of the fatigue you will suffer, and yes, its been there, but the last couple of days - WOW.
Right at this minute, i am waiting for Lyn to call round to take the dogs out and i intend then sleeping until she gets back. I have a feeling of desperation. Hurry Lyn, hurry.
Best made plans.........
Now I'm not complaining but.......
Ive not felt as good today. Not felt bad, but restless, tired, fatigued, bored, things like that. I can cope with that, but the day is dragging. I have no energy to do anything. Its days like this i could do with some company. I wonder how long i will have feelings like this? I also feel terribly bloated, which is fairly normal, but i finished steroids 48 hours ago. And my arms are very tender????? Random!
But, hey ho, only 7 days to my final countdown.
Ive just been sent a link to the song 'The final countdown' by Kate on the Hodgkins site. She has her final chemo 2 days after me. Its nice having someone at a similar stage, although i also had Helen and Joan who have both finished now.
Ive made such a nice group of friends who i hope to keep in contact with, maybe not on a daily basis, but they have the empathy that only a cancer sufferer has.
And of course my Linda who should be named the Empathy State Building.
We've had a wonderful thunder storm. Im so glad my dogs aren't bothered by all the rumblings, i suppose they're used to it with all my indigestion and digestive problems!! So i don't have to water the pots this evening.
I think I'm rambling a bit on this blog. My heads not working properly today, some would say it never does!
So what I'm gonna do is leave you to it! Sometimes, less is more!!!
As you know, this time next week is my last chemo (as long as the lymphoma doesn't come back, or i don't get a secondary cancer!).
What are the remnants of my 6 months of treatment?
I have bottles of gaviscon, anti sickness tablets, steroids, heart damage, fatness and baldness, loads of ice lollies in the freezer that i bought for my sore tongue and now I've gone off them!
Ive had cravings of goats cheese and red onion relish, heinz spag bol, ready salted crisps, cooked breakfast, mackerel, cake.
I also have fatigue. Everyone tells you of the fatigue you will suffer, and yes, its been there, but the last couple of days - WOW.
Right at this minute, i am waiting for Lyn to call round to take the dogs out and i intend then sleeping until she gets back. I have a feeling of desperation. Hurry Lyn, hurry.
Best made plans.........
Now I'm not complaining but.......
Ive not felt as good today. Not felt bad, but restless, tired, fatigued, bored, things like that. I can cope with that, but the day is dragging. I have no energy to do anything. Its days like this i could do with some company. I wonder how long i will have feelings like this? I also feel terribly bloated, which is fairly normal, but i finished steroids 48 hours ago. And my arms are very tender????? Random!
But, hey ho, only 7 days to my final countdown.
Ive just been sent a link to the song 'The final countdown' by Kate on the Hodgkins site. She has her final chemo 2 days after me. Its nice having someone at a similar stage, although i also had Helen and Joan who have both finished now.
Ive made such a nice group of friends who i hope to keep in contact with, maybe not on a daily basis, but they have the empathy that only a cancer sufferer has.
And of course my Linda who should be named the Empathy State Building.
We've had a wonderful thunder storm. Im so glad my dogs aren't bothered by all the rumblings, i suppose they're used to it with all my indigestion and digestive problems!! So i don't have to water the pots this evening.
I think I'm rambling a bit on this blog. My heads not working properly today, some would say it never does!
So what I'm gonna do is leave you to it! Sometimes, less is more!!!
Monday 7 July 2014
7.7.14
What i didn't manage to put on my blog last night when i got in from an extremely busy (yeah whatever) weekend, was that as i drove into the drive i saw Tinia and her hubby. A blast from the past. Their son, Jamie, was friends with my Joe when they were in first school, and a nice little lad he was too.
We chatted for quite a while and caught up on a few things. I love it when that happens. Spontaneous. Such a nice couple too.
So i apologise for not putting that on the blog - blame the chemo??????
Actually it wasn't just the chemo to blame. Ruby has been a bit under the weather. She was wormed on thursday, de-flead on friday, had the runs on saturday, sunday developed a ranula - a blocked infected salivary gland in her mouth, so we spent an hour at the PDSA last night.
That last sentence sounds like a Craig David song.
'She had a worming tab on thursday, then de-flead on friday, she had the runs on saturday, ranula on sunday and monday, she chilled on tuesday!'
Im sorry for that, i think i need help!
Anyway, the PDSA.
The vet asked how old is Ruby. She will be 2 in september, so thats what i said. He then launched into how everyone always says that, they can't give the proper age, so she's not 2 then!!!! Sam and i just looked at each other in amazement. Its far easier to give a rough idea than trying to figure out what month it is now, and trying to calculate exactly how many months she is, especially with my brain at the mo.
Mr Vet did redeem himself tho, he turned out to be quite nice, obviously the 'age thing' was just an observation of his.
So she's been given anti inflammatories and antibiotics as she had a temperature.
The sad thing.....when we were leaving at 11.15pm, another emergency came in. A staffy type dog who was fitting, and had been for 4 hours!!! Only just arrived to the PDSA, and apparently the owner was gonna walk the dog to the vets to save on a taxi fare. I don't know the full story. Maybe the doggie had been given meds at home, i don't know, but i found it all very distressing. The doggie was unaware of the fit, luckily, but it did look nasty. I don't know how anyone can work with animals, it would kill me!
Cos of all the excitement last night, i had a late night having dozed off about 12 and then not being able to go off again until 2.30, and the doggies sleeping on my bed as a treat (as a special, one-off treat as Ruby was being pathetic), and the 2 of them fidgeting all night! Never again.
Its lucky I'm a lady of leisure and don't have to do anything strenuous today. I do however have the rat people with a camera round this morning, and I'm taking Miss Linzi out for lunch.
I better go get myself a coffee. I am really in need of one this morning.
Ratty's been! No camera inserted, they're gonna do it later in the week!
However......... he's told me, they're gonna do the camera thing, put more bait, and then they're gonna block the drain!!! Apparently they have a device that acts like a valve, it lets the drain, drain away but won't allow anything back into the drain. They use them a lot for flooding. Magnificent! Perfecto! First class!
Why the flip have they not used it before?
Cos its owned by Wessex Water and it means they have to come and maintain it annually!!! As opposed to sending someone every week for months to put bait down, and employing Rokil! Its not rocket science, is it?
Do i see a light at the end of the tunnel, or dare i say, light at the end of the drain?
So off on my mission of goodliness. I picked up miss Linzi and took her to a garden centre for a cheese and onion toastie. It was nice, but I'm sure it was nicer than i tasted. Had a nice drink of J2O, orange and passion fruit in a nice hot glass! I asked for a cold glass but was directed to the ice bucket! Eventually the lady on the till got what i meant and gave me a cold glass, but it was touch and go!
A quick stop at Sainsburys to get some provisions for a spag bol this evening, Chris stylee, (with lardons, carrot, cream etc, very tasty) only to find Sam had got meatballs pasta and sauce, so spag bol tomorrow or wednesday.
Whilst at Chris's house yesterday, he introduced me to more decadence. So as i seemed 'drawn' towards the Gu counter............. it seemed rude not to.
What i didn't manage to put on my blog last night when i got in from an extremely busy (yeah whatever) weekend, was that as i drove into the drive i saw Tinia and her hubby. A blast from the past. Their son, Jamie, was friends with my Joe when they were in first school, and a nice little lad he was too.
We chatted for quite a while and caught up on a few things. I love it when that happens. Spontaneous. Such a nice couple too.
So i apologise for not putting that on the blog - blame the chemo??????
Actually it wasn't just the chemo to blame. Ruby has been a bit under the weather. She was wormed on thursday, de-flead on friday, had the runs on saturday, sunday developed a ranula - a blocked infected salivary gland in her mouth, so we spent an hour at the PDSA last night.
That last sentence sounds like a Craig David song.
'She had a worming tab on thursday, then de-flead on friday, she had the runs on saturday, ranula on sunday and monday, she chilled on tuesday!'
Im sorry for that, i think i need help!
Anyway, the PDSA.
The vet asked how old is Ruby. She will be 2 in september, so thats what i said. He then launched into how everyone always says that, they can't give the proper age, so she's not 2 then!!!! Sam and i just looked at each other in amazement. Its far easier to give a rough idea than trying to figure out what month it is now, and trying to calculate exactly how many months she is, especially with my brain at the mo.
Mr Vet did redeem himself tho, he turned out to be quite nice, obviously the 'age thing' was just an observation of his.
So she's been given anti inflammatories and antibiotics as she had a temperature.
The sad thing.....when we were leaving at 11.15pm, another emergency came in. A staffy type dog who was fitting, and had been for 4 hours!!! Only just arrived to the PDSA, and apparently the owner was gonna walk the dog to the vets to save on a taxi fare. I don't know the full story. Maybe the doggie had been given meds at home, i don't know, but i found it all very distressing. The doggie was unaware of the fit, luckily, but it did look nasty. I don't know how anyone can work with animals, it would kill me!
Cos of all the excitement last night, i had a late night having dozed off about 12 and then not being able to go off again until 2.30, and the doggies sleeping on my bed as a treat (as a special, one-off treat as Ruby was being pathetic), and the 2 of them fidgeting all night! Never again.
Its lucky I'm a lady of leisure and don't have to do anything strenuous today. I do however have the rat people with a camera round this morning, and I'm taking Miss Linzi out for lunch.
I better go get myself a coffee. I am really in need of one this morning.
Ratty's been! No camera inserted, they're gonna do it later in the week!
However......... he's told me, they're gonna do the camera thing, put more bait, and then they're gonna block the drain!!! Apparently they have a device that acts like a valve, it lets the drain, drain away but won't allow anything back into the drain. They use them a lot for flooding. Magnificent! Perfecto! First class!
Why the flip have they not used it before?
Cos its owned by Wessex Water and it means they have to come and maintain it annually!!! As opposed to sending someone every week for months to put bait down, and employing Rokil! Its not rocket science, is it?
Do i see a light at the end of the tunnel, or dare i say, light at the end of the drain?
So off on my mission of goodliness. I picked up miss Linzi and took her to a garden centre for a cheese and onion toastie. It was nice, but I'm sure it was nicer than i tasted. Had a nice drink of J2O, orange and passion fruit in a nice hot glass! I asked for a cold glass but was directed to the ice bucket! Eventually the lady on the till got what i meant and gave me a cold glass, but it was touch and go!
A quick stop at Sainsburys to get some provisions for a spag bol this evening, Chris stylee, (with lardons, carrot, cream etc, very tasty) only to find Sam had got meatballs pasta and sauce, so spag bol tomorrow or wednesday.
Whilst at Chris's house yesterday, he introduced me to more decadence. So as i seemed 'drawn' towards the Gu counter............. it seemed rude not to.
Hes not helping much is he? They're so buttery and creamy. A bit of raspberry couli would be nice too. Gu has always been a favourite in our house, for many years, but now they're branching out in every direction, it makes life difficult for a fatty!
Well since I've been home, I've slept and slept and slept! Yesterday must have taken it out of me, and last nights 'doze off' didn't help much. I felt like id been drugged. But i doubt anyone would be Rohypnolling me in my current situation!
Anyway, tonight is the night for a bit of relaxation in front of the TV so I'm gonna put my feet up and hope i stay awake until bedtime.
Sunday 6 July 2014
6.7.14
Up and at 'em early today. I say early.........9.30am ish!!!
Visited Chris again. They do a lovely roast pork in that part of the country. Thanks very much Chloe! 15 (nearly 16) and she does a mean bit of crackling!
I dead headed a beautiful rose bush for Chris and he chucked all the grass and dead flowers on a fire. Yes, he still has his fire starter issues. A hebe, a large one, has found its way on the fire, along with a lot of pruned laurel, amongst other things. Probably bits of rubber and stuff off his trainers too and a few leg hairs!
Tomorrow he is having his ride on lawn mower delivered - give me strength! He's intending cutting the grass himself. This is the boy who normally drives a powered wheelchair with a joystick. Tomorrow is steering wheel time, and a small seat to sit on. Hopefully the fire will still be alight so any body parts that get chopped off can just be thrown on top!
But I'm home now and feeling hungry ....... again!
Scrambled egg on toast, with tomato sauce so i can taste it! Damn taste buds!
Now a relaxing evening looking at the photos of last nights party that Linzi and I managed to escape due to illness, more than likely photos of drunken people eating and doing silly things. Linzi and i are such grown ups now we've had chemo and appendicectomy! And of course my daily injection (not more needles) of Big Brother in 40 minutes!
So I'm sorry to not have anything of any importance to report, but sometimes thats just fine and dandy with me!
Tomorrow however, is another day. And I'm having a camera up my pipes!!!! My man hole cover you understand? The one in the front garden. For rats!! I don't want any confusion!
Up and at 'em early today. I say early.........9.30am ish!!!
Visited Chris again. They do a lovely roast pork in that part of the country. Thanks very much Chloe! 15 (nearly 16) and she does a mean bit of crackling!
I dead headed a beautiful rose bush for Chris and he chucked all the grass and dead flowers on a fire. Yes, he still has his fire starter issues. A hebe, a large one, has found its way on the fire, along with a lot of pruned laurel, amongst other things. Probably bits of rubber and stuff off his trainers too and a few leg hairs!
Tomorrow he is having his ride on lawn mower delivered - give me strength! He's intending cutting the grass himself. This is the boy who normally drives a powered wheelchair with a joystick. Tomorrow is steering wheel time, and a small seat to sit on. Hopefully the fire will still be alight so any body parts that get chopped off can just be thrown on top!
But I'm home now and feeling hungry ....... again!
Scrambled egg on toast, with tomato sauce so i can taste it! Damn taste buds!
Now a relaxing evening looking at the photos of last nights party that Linzi and I managed to escape due to illness, more than likely photos of drunken people eating and doing silly things. Linzi and i are such grown ups now we've had chemo and appendicectomy! And of course my daily injection (not more needles) of Big Brother in 40 minutes!
So I'm sorry to not have anything of any importance to report, but sometimes thats just fine and dandy with me!
Tomorrow however, is another day. And I'm having a camera up my pipes!!!! My man hole cover you understand? The one in the front garden. For rats!! I don't want any confusion!
Saturday 5 July 2014
5.7.14
Not a good start!
'Oh dear,' i hear you say, 'She's on her steroid comedown!'
How wrong could you be? Im feeling fine despite waking at 5.20.
My little Ruby..... i came downstairs to find her cowering under the table. Poor little sausage has had a funny tummy. Ive taken 3/4 hour cleaning up! I now need a lie down.
Lets hope the day picks up a bit.
A bit of gardening. The rockery has rocks under all that perennial geranium!!! And a little frog. So much more work needed tho. Hedge trimming, weeds pulling, tidying. Its relentless, and not much fun when you want to do it, but you're incapable.
Collected Linzi to take her to Cupcake Jane and Colins summer party this evening. It was very nice. The fire pit smelled lovely. The food was lovely, 'very beige' Rachel kept saying. Pitta and dips, pringles, scones with cream cheese and red onion chutney, which were divine. Then jacket spuds, chilli, salads, and lots of buffetty stuff.
Lots of fun and laughter and friends i haven't seen for a while.
Linzi and i both wore down a little, Linzi being in recovery from an appenidicectomy. So we nipped off earlier with the intention of Linzi getting her PJ's on! We left the party goers to carry on with their 'get drunk and get fat' intentions. I have no doubt Sarah is now unconscious with something written with lipstick on her face, and I'm sure Rachel has finished her quota of 'voddy'.
I am now snuggled in my bed and ready for unconsciousness myself.
So tomorrow is another day.
Not a good start!
'Oh dear,' i hear you say, 'She's on her steroid comedown!'
How wrong could you be? Im feeling fine despite waking at 5.20.
My little Ruby..... i came downstairs to find her cowering under the table. Poor little sausage has had a funny tummy. Ive taken 3/4 hour cleaning up! I now need a lie down.
Lets hope the day picks up a bit.
A bit of gardening. The rockery has rocks under all that perennial geranium!!! And a little frog. So much more work needed tho. Hedge trimming, weeds pulling, tidying. Its relentless, and not much fun when you want to do it, but you're incapable.
Collected Linzi to take her to Cupcake Jane and Colins summer party this evening. It was very nice. The fire pit smelled lovely. The food was lovely, 'very beige' Rachel kept saying. Pitta and dips, pringles, scones with cream cheese and red onion chutney, which were divine. Then jacket spuds, chilli, salads, and lots of buffetty stuff.
Lots of fun and laughter and friends i haven't seen for a while.
Linzi and i both wore down a little, Linzi being in recovery from an appenidicectomy. So we nipped off earlier with the intention of Linzi getting her PJ's on! We left the party goers to carry on with their 'get drunk and get fat' intentions. I have no doubt Sarah is now unconscious with something written with lipstick on her face, and I'm sure Rachel has finished her quota of 'voddy'.
I am now snuggled in my bed and ready for unconsciousness myself.
So tomorrow is another day.
Friday 4 July 2014
4.7.14
Happy friday.
Sunny weather but apparently set to change.
Im waiting for Chris. He's visiting Poole hospital today and so were gonna meet up for lunch down by the beach, so maybe another beautiful photo of a different beach today. Durley Chine.
Happy friday.
Sunny weather but apparently set to change.
Im waiting for Chris. He's visiting Poole hospital today and so were gonna meet up for lunch down by the beach, so maybe another beautiful photo of a different beach today. Durley Chine.
Its beautiful here. But the clouds are growing. All this wonderful weather is coming to an end, hopefully not for too long.
Lunch at Vesuvio with Chris, Sharon and Chloe. I must say I'm quite huffy and puffy today. It must be the walk along the beach, which i enjoyed but noticed the walk after eating a huge pile of pasta was far more strenuous. The gelato didn't help either!
Then off home for some relaxation.
Linda called round and had a cuppa in the summerhouse whilst the sun still shone.
Now she's gone and taken the sunshine with her. It is unbelievably dull here now.
Thats all folks.
Thursday 3 July 2014
3.7.14
And another good day!
Im getting boring now. Saying the same thing every day.
Today i had a ton of shingle dumped on my drive, and lucky it was, cos he nearly dropped it on number 69 instead of 65!
Sam has moved it all to the back garden and on the grass less, membraned areas. I have to trim the membrane in a bit and its all done! I will be putting a photo on when I've done my trimming.
But before that, i shall tell you of my day.
I visited my friend Rochelles mum and did her nails for her cos she's going to a wedding. She was very pleased with them. Not a very good photo tho.
And another good day!
Im getting boring now. Saying the same thing every day.
Today i had a ton of shingle dumped on my drive, and lucky it was, cos he nearly dropped it on number 69 instead of 65!
Sam has moved it all to the back garden and on the grass less, membraned areas. I have to trim the membrane in a bit and its all done! I will be putting a photo on when I've done my trimming.
But before that, i shall tell you of my day.
I visited my friend Rochelles mum and did her nails for her cos she's going to a wedding. She was very pleased with them. Not a very good photo tho.
Then Rochelle arrived and we went out for lunch. She told me of a place in the Russell Cotes museum, so we decided to try it. It was lovely. I had bacon cheese and red onion quiche and salad, and Rocky had goats cheese and beetroot salad. Both were lovely. I must say its a lovely place. As we left i noticed the very small sign saying Urban Renaissance. A place I've wanted to go to for ages. Part of the the Urban Reef restaurant group, one of my faves. Because of my brain thats lacking in brain cells at the mo, id forgotten it was in the museum. So I'm really happy about it. And it was Rockys treat. So even better.
I managed to finish my meal first, cos she didn't stop talking! Thats usually my job. Talking for England.
And what a lovely day to see the sea. Bournemouth beach at its best. Blue skies, blue seas, beautiful sands dotted with sun shiny people enjoying themselves. And a lovely bit of wild sweet peas to add some colour. Oh and of course Rocky waving at me.
Home now and I'm off to cut the membrane. Photo to follow.
Lookie lookie! So neat and tidy. Gotta kill a few weeds in the paved area, and get rid of the weeds that i pulled out of the edges. Its looking scrummy.
And thank you to Sam for moving a ton of shingle in a very short space of time.
I is one happy girlie!
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