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!