Holidays & colds

My sister arrived the day before Christmas Eve from interstate. First time I'd seen her for sometime. Christmas Eve we set off from Ballarat on the train to Melbourne, catching another onevot to Dan & Adelles place. Little Charlotte has come on in le apps and bounds-understanding a tremendous amount forher age. She tries to string words together, but it just comes out as gobbledygook for now. She says a few single words.

Adelle's r relatives formed the large contingent for Christmas lunch. All veryjolly. They couldnt go home till quite late as tbe weather turned very nasty-complete with tornado. Indeed. When they arrived home, they discvered extensive damage to the porch and verandah of the house.

We returned on the trains on boxing day, and have done our usual touristy things. Though today, Phil was on her own as I stayed abed with heavy cold.

Will load some photos later.

Waiting, thinking

I am sitting in the waiting area of the oncology outpatients, waiting to be called. I am thinking cynically that I will probably be kept waiting well past my appointment time, because of the stir I caused here last week, which resulted in the admin staff treating me badly and making me feel very guilty.

Not my fault that the insurance compNy paying my income protection during my period of illness had only a particular window to fill out my part and medico's part of form to fill out and return to the company. How DARE this not coincide with today's appointment!

So I need to be careful today I don't shoot my mouth off, but will be clear about the fact that any subsequent forms will be done together with my GP.

I hope whoever I see today (always someone different) will actually address all the various complaints that I discussed with the breast cancer support nurse last week, and not sweep them under the preverbal-not in the mood for that today!

After my appointment I have a birthday lunch with some friends to go to, in celebration of my birthday tomorrow. It's my son's today-can't believe he's 28. It was lovely seeing them last Saturday for lunch, and spending time after lunch with him, Adelle and little Charlotte-the best therapy. How she is growing, and although not yet 2, very forward and understanding of everything. Christmas this year will be a joy for all who celebrate with her. My sister will be arriving from interstate next week, to stay with me for the few days either side if Christmas and new year.

Well it's passed my time-and still I sit-why am I not surprised? Those of you reading this will probably think I'm whinging and feeling sorry for myself: you'd be right, of course, but I reckon I've got good cause to. And having read the blog if a much younger cancer sufferer from across the sea, and having been inspired, encouraged, and feeling less like I need to constantly "keep the pecker up", I feel that actually saying what I feel and not being always optimistic for the sake of it is actually good therapy.

More later!

Another sleepless night...

It's 1.10am and still I'm awake. Most annoying. Hot too-it's raining off and on and I have the bedroom window open, longing for a breeze that's just not there.

At least I went out today and returned a library book and did some shopping. Indulged and bought a couple of DVDs. One called The Tourist was absolutely brilliant. Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie interesting combination.

My friend dropped in on her way home from work, most amused to see I had moved my portable air conditioner into the living room already (it was"only" 25 degrees today). Well, that's it-should be in England: I can't stand warm weather! WHAT a strange Australian, they say!
I didn't call my mother earlier tonight as I was going to, and also didn't return a call from my friend John from an old workplace, who is also suffering serious illness-as I was thinking about him, he called again tonight to check I hadn't gone back to hospital. Thoughtful of him.

It's nice listening to the rain - just wish I could go to sleep. Watched Onegin today too-another special movie. Will try and go for a walk tomorrow-maybe that will help me sleep. Seem to have disturbed the sleeping pattern.

Things to be thankful for

How lucky I am to have such a wonderful support network of family, friends and organizations. Earlier this week I received a box of many delights from my two sisters: a piece of our mothers 80th birthday cake, two DVDs of favorite programs, 3 books by favorite authors, a gorgeous card of a delightful cat watercolour print and a little silk pouch with mirror and two Italian classical CDs.
The the same day I received the second of two books written by a former work colleague. He also sends me his drafts for me to proof read.
Yesterday my cleaning lady came, which has been a great help since my operation and I also received a delivery from the McGrath Foundation-the breast cancer charity and support organization here in australia. Great things!
It's also wonderful to have this medium to share experiences and more importantly to make new friends! With everything available to us we live in an amazing age of opportunity. Making use of such things can only enhance our God given journey on earth.

Better every day

Very nice last couple of days. Despite the weather being drizzly, windy & cold yesterday, my friend and I went ing to the lake for the town's annual fair. Very long walk round the lake (just over 6kms), but my stiffness and soreness only proved that I really need to go out every day for walking. List of interesting stalls, bought part of Charlotte's Christmas present, sweets for any trick or treaters that might turn up and my favourite home made natural soap.

There were some vintage and classic cars as well as model planes including one with fold up wings which was full size.

My breast cancer nurse was there manning her stand and also caught up with other breast cancer sufferers and survivors I've met along my journey. Was tired when I got home but well worth it. My friend had brought her dog so my Harriet got her first canine socialising experience. Was quite hilarious. Wished I'd got a photo of the staring competition. Tash is such a lovely quiet gentle dog and lives with a cat at her place.

Then today my son, his partner & Charlotte came and we went and lunched at the restaurant by the lake. Very nice. Charlotte fascinated with all the birdlife on the lake.

Did a bit of shopping after lunch and came back home for tea and entertainment, courtesy of Charlotte of course. Very pleasant two days-how fortunate I am.

Tomorrow back to the hospital for fluid draining and first oncology appointment since my surgery: I wonder what treatment I'm in for this time?

Insomnia

I achieved a lot today-got up earlier, doing my best to fight the inescapable tiredness brought on by the cancer treatment I'm on currently. Got a letter in to the Govt benefit body to notify them of changes in my rent, then indulged myself and drove to my favourite craft supply shop and purchased way too many fabric samples for my patchwork. I find I am really enjoying it at the moment. Certainly if the level of motivation continues, I will soon have it finished, and will perhaps begin another.

Tonight I really miss my father, who has been gone now for two years. I feel I have only ever focussed on the irritating and guilt-laden times when he was alive. I should not be doing this. I'm sure this happens to us all. Things we know we should have said, times together we could have made more of.

I am very glad that I included photos from happy times in my earlier childhood with my sisters in the commemorative book I compiled for my mothers 80th birthday. As I wad preparing it, putting them all in chronological order, many of them stirred clear memories for me.

Now as I come to terms with my cancer journey, this morning (it's 1.30am and I am in pain as well as dwelling on unkind thoughts I have harboured about my disposition sometimes with my father in the past.) I probably would have been resentful, angry and bitter if I had suffered like he did. My cancer journey is much mor easy to bear in comparison.

This blog entry has all but turned out like a counseling session! Good to get it out no doubt. And my physical pain? Might need to visit the hospital earlier than planned to relieve the fluid pressure. I'll see what tomorrow brings.

I am eternally grateful for my friends-one of whom collected my dinner and her own, and ate with me tonight. Was feeling good then. Will look forward to a spring fair by the lake she suggested we attend on Sunday.

Now I must try and sleep.

Little hiccup

Yesterday dear Jaccy drove me to doctor for dressing change then to hospital to organize drain of fluid from operation site.
The girls who attended me were just great and they got a drink can amount of fluid off-no wonder I'd had a sleepless night the night before. Just couldn't get comfortable and was a bit comical seeing it sloshing around. Weird feeling.
Got up late today feeling a lot better. Sunny day but a bit hot for me ( I don't like warm weather) got some important insurance papers off and bought some storage units for my patchwork scraps.
Becoming quite addicted to pinterest it's really innovative and fun.

Blessed with good friends

Today was my first day out after returning home from hospital. I was picked up by my new friends, Jim and Jaccy and had a lovely BBQ at their place. Met Jaccy's mum too. Jaccy brought out her gorgeous quilt she's made. What a great day.
Discovered though that I am harboring some excess fluid at the surgery site, so not really looking forward to dealing with that. See what the doctor says tomorrow.

Discovered interest courtesy of my friend in Texas-a great and addictive thing!

Home at last!

After a long wait for doctors to write up discharge medications, my friend Jaccy came and collected me from hospital. Harriet glad to see me.

Had long sleep then made simple dinner and watched tv. Really glad to be home. Breast nurse visiting tomorrow and I plan to get on with patchwork for therapy. Found a piece of my wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and some scraps and lace from formal frocks from young days. All made by my dedicated mother.

Tired tonight but nice to be home. Hope I can go back to work soon.

Flowers Jim gave me in hospital still going.

Still here-time passing

Out of bed in chair at least today. Have made some new friends through twitter and Facebook. Technology is great for times like this.

Will miss my surgical registrar who has returned today to the city hospital. If there was an award for excellent bedside manner and imparting information at non-medicos level, he would win every time. Have made friends in hospital and keeping in touch with some.

Lovely photos from mums 80th. Was kept in touch all afternoon with messages, photos and videos. Hopefully home tomorrow. Missing Harriet a lot.

Miles between

Today-actually at this moment, there is a social gathering happening in another state to mark my dear mother's 80th birthday. Sad that I can't be there-lying in hospital bed instead. Still I've been receiving photographic updates.
She received my commemorative photo book and is enjoying historical photos.
Tables look lovely as does cake. I will phone her tonight to see how she enjoyed herself.
Little Charlotte running round playing with toys at venue. Will be big day for her.
I am missing my family but fortunate that I am being so well looked after here. And I have kind friends offering support.
Hope to hear from my British connection soon. Miss him as well.

New friends

Here it is, first of October, just don't know where the year's going. Cold, wet, windy day here in western Victoria, but.......what can I say......I like it like this. The sounds of nature, a blackbird welcoming the evening, and new friends inviting me to Sunday lunch.
Waiting for roast dinner to cook-yes,just for me. I figure I deserve it as this time in 4 days, I shall be in hospital again for a few days. Let's hope what I've chosen to happen will rid me at last of cancer.

Back in the fray - it seems!

Well, just when I thought that the last 12 months of dealing with breast cancer, the ensuing treatment, getting back to work and feeling like myself again; it came time for the regular checks. And lo, it came to pass that........I was diagnosed a second time...in as many years!  This time, though the tumour is considerably smaller, I choose to get rid of the whole breast, like the other.  If nothing else, I shall be "even"  Hopefully I can keep my sense of humour and positivity.

The worse thing is that the surgery got pushed forward, which means I will be unable to attend my dear Mum's 80th birthday celebrations in another state. Glad we have skype and the phone - hope she will be ok.  And today I met a very positive and like thinking friend from my work for lunch - was great to see her.  I tend to shut myself away going through such things.  At these times it's great to have friends.

I'd just got back to my normal hours back at work, and also returned to some music, playing the organ for one of the churches my Dad used to preach at some years ago.  Great pipe organ.  Anyway, that exercise won me some more friends - who call me every couple of days.

And yes, still have my fixation with all things British, and HAVE to get there some time in the not too distant future....so I am trying my hand at drawing and painting picturesque cottages and scenery.

Few days left till my surgery - glad when it's over and done with.....

Back in the groove...

It's been such a time since my last blog entry. Really need to be more committed. To be honest, I've been quite low-sick of myself shut in at home, yet not having the motivation to get out and do things.

Chemo has finished at last, and now on hormone therapy to get rid of the last bit of cancer in the bones. Back at work part time, so that at least is a good thing.

Sad thing is a friend I made in hospital during a particularly bad time for me, is dying now. Very difficult to deal with as I reckon I have beat my cancer. Then just tonight I called a former work colleague in my home state, and it looks like he may not have much longer either. How lucky I am!

Doing this on my phone so will try and add a pic or two. Hope all my followers are going well. My plan is to go and live and maybe work in UK when all this unpleasantness is over-have something to look forward to. Let's hope I can find an employer to sponsor me.

Rosary tonight I reckon for my suffering friends.

Reflections...&...everything crossed

It's been a couple of days since I posted. Wasn't in a real good frame of mind yesterday - remembering flirtation with a totally unsuitable man this time last year. Stupidly enough I kept it going for far too long. Anyway, wised up and became blissfully single again. I have no tolerance, I'm sure!


Came home from a little sojourn to the shops, and talked to one who gives love unconditionally:

I mean, who could resist this person? Most unladylike with the back legs splayed thus...but comical nevertheless.


Quite a philosophical feline, methinks....

The shopping expedition netted me some rather nice old fashioned frames, which I was determined to fill with copies of precious, old family photos...one of them is from the 1880s...aim is to find more out about that one.  You can pick the ones from the Great War.....anyway, my little Victorian Parlour is coming along nicely, with those atop my great grandmother's piano...

Before it got too hot I decided to go & rescue some buds from my garden....something is still eating it, bother!

So by now you might be wondering (well those who follow my blog, anyway!) what the "everything crossed" refers to.  Tomorrow, a week late, I'm off to my fifth of six chemo sessions for my breast cancer, having been put off last week because my white cells were too low.  Hoping and praying with everything I have that they'll be able to give it to me tomorrow successfully, even if it is poison, ahaha!    

All prepared - then let down!

Yesterday dawned quite a nice mild day. Put on my favourite pink & blue floral shirt with pink scarf, ordered a taxi, and headed off to the hospital for blood test and following chemo treatment.


As they took my blood, I felt a strange and rather painful pulling in my shoulder, so they packed my off down to Xray to inject a tracer fluid to see whether the access port, which had been inserted into my arm under the skin back in September had moved.  It hadn't, so off I went back up tp Day Oncology to have my treatment.


The kind girls gave me a nice lunch, after which my results of the blood test had come back. I was told that they couldn't carry on today with my chemo because my white cell count was far too low for my body to safely accept it.  Very frustrating - 4 hours spent at the hospital for naught....


Thing is I feel ok - just a bit tired. So I got in a taxi and came home.  Harriet was pleased I was home earlier than usual, but I was grumpy, thinking that the week's postponement meant that the last treatment and all the followup scans etc would also be later, so even longer away from work.


So I sat, ate chocolate, and put on my favourite "virtual walk" dvds - England, of course! Cheered me up, and I found myself planning my next trip over there....now have Cotswolds to add to my list of "must do's"......

The gorgeous photos are used with the kind permission of Wayne and Kathi from Vita Digital Productions.