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.