Here comes June:-
Monday 1st June, 2009
Hot and sticky air overnight which was not good for restful sleep. I seemed to surf through consciousness about once an hour all night. Felt OK in the morning though and met Mhairi with the two boys at the zoo for a picnic. Walked about, with some periods of rest, for some 3 hours. I asked Benjamin (germ-bag No. 2) if he liked my new hair-do. He has in the past given me the benefit of his advice on how to flatten my hair but his cursory glance suggested that the subject was not very interesting. (I will take that as a yes, then?) If it were not so hot today I would have been quite pleased with my tea cosy as I was challenged on asking for a concession! That made my day and they did not even have to ask me if I wanted to add a donation to the zoo ticket surprisingly enough! Had a saunter and ice cream at South Queensferry after dinner.
The "builder" of the family finished the base for two sheds at the bottom of the garden and some paving. He now has a compactor in his gun sight.
Tuesday, 2nd June, 2009
Had a better sleep last night although felt slightly more delicate this morning which is all probably the result of the steroids having been processed out of my system. Did my gym stint gently but felt the benefit of it so am glad I made the effort. I have a turban thing which I wear for my exercises. John kindly says it is very "Greta Garbo" although the reality is I am more like a fugitive from the "Steamie" but at least it is not forever. Both ready for a restful day so drove down the coast to Dirleton and had lunch at Deveau's. Lovely day.
Wednesday, 3rd June, 2009
Dropped John near town for his dental work. Had planned to do domestic things and exercises but Marcus turned up unexpectedly. He is having a week sailing on the Clyde with some friends and we had not expected to see him until Sunday. He managed to get an earlier flight so spent the morning and lunch with us before being picked up by his friends. Did some housework after he left but decided that was enough as I am out "partying" tonight! Had a lovely evening at Anne Irons birthday bash. Unfortunately John had 20+ stitches following his dental work so was a bit under the weather. His face was very swollen and sore but he insisted that I go with the neighbours as planned. Enjoyed a really good meal ( and company!) with Jim, Irene, Allan and Jette at "Prestonfield House".
Thursday 4th June, 2009
Met the "walking" girls for coffee at the National Trust at 10.30a.m. Discussed all our ailments although Suzanne never seems to have any! Discovered that Denise, who has been through something similar to me, was also aware of her lymph node drainage being slow recently. I had thought it was to do with the chemo but we have concluded that it is affected by the hot weather. Sorry that Liz could not make it as she had "bigger fish to fry". I am very jealous as she and her husband are going cycling on the French tow paths. I am wondering if, when I get back to full strength, she would do John O'Groats to Lands End with me as it would give me something to aim for once I get over this blip. My nephew, John Braid did it and if you want to access his experience you can find it at http:/johnandjamieontour.blogspot.com
Washed and hoovered out the car but only did 15 minutes in the gym as I felt a bit tired. Poor John is still in discomfort from his stitches so it is cheese souffle, spinach and mash potatoes for us tonight.
Still awaiting our new grandchild who will be induced on Monday if he does not appear before then.
Friday, 5th June, 2009
Slept reasonably well although woke up quite early with the brightness of the morning. Felt a bit tired so only did 50% of gym exercises and some light housework. Have been keeping away from crowded public places but as it was a wet day today decided we would risk going to the morning showing of "Startrek" as it would be quiet. Good decision as it was almost a private viewing. We were pleased that at least the young "Scottie" had a believable Scottish accent although the old "Spok" would have benefitted from a visit to the Dental Specialists in Rose Street for his dental work! Had a bit of acid reflux today but I had a baked potato with vegetarian haggis at lunch time so that is probably what caused it. I had forgotten I was off the spicy things.
Saturday, 6th June, 2009
Felt better than yesterday and did full stint in the gym. Went out for a light lunch and some plants. Had a seat for a while in the afternoon and then planted out some of the pots in the garden.
Hair still seems to be growing to some degree but could probably be described as a "struggle of hair". Annoyingly I am still having to shave my legs but that is probably too much information!
Had the M & S dinner for two which was really very good especially for £10!
Sunday, 7th June, 2009
Feeling really good today and completed full gym session. Picked Mhairi up and took her to the airport. She is going hiking, biking and white water rafting in Slovenia! Just hoping health and safety has reached them so gave her a lecture about not jumping out of aeroplanes as she did once before as a student!
Did a couple of hours gardening and had a barbeque. Marcus who was sailing round Mull, Islay etc. did not get home till after 9 p.m. as they were becalmed. He seems to have been burned, frozen in equal measure but enjoyed the break with the boys.
Monday 8th June, 2009
Had a lazy morning with Marcus whose flight was not until the middle of the day. Morag's big day today and she is now in hospital ready to be induced. We had a dialogue mid morning but have not heard anything since and it is now 7 p.m. Did my gym session this morning but have had a fairly lazy day since. We are all anxiously awaiting news! John's slabbing under the rotary drier is coming on well.
Tuesday 9th June, 2009
Big relief - Mathew Macqueen Wand arrived at 12.20a.m. weighing in at 7lbs 12 ozs. (Yes, Morag's married name is "Wand" which is really just "Ward" with a little magic added!) Labour seems to be more intense when induced so it was a long day for Morag from 2 pm. onwards. I am eagerly awaiting the pictures but Phil says he looks like everybody else.....thank goodness!
There has been enough excitement for one day so rest of it has been pretty routine with exercises and domestic things for me.
Wednesday 10th June, 2009
Here he is - first picture taken by mobile 'phone!
Mundane sort of day with exercises and domestic things in the a.m. Ordered two compost bins now that the "Royal we" have cleared the tip at the bottom of the garden. Looking for some guidance from Marsali - the family "eco warrior" - as to how we proceed.Have ordered my second (but same) wig as it passed the grandchildren test. I am also looking for something that I can wear under a cycling helmet as the "tea cosy"combination is not good. Tried a "See you Jimmy" hat but not enough hair at the side which made it more like "See you French Foreign Legion"! I am still on the case.
Thursday, 11th June, 2009
Visited sister Heather in Musselburgh for coffee and lunch. Had a brisk hour's walk which is my exercise for today. Pooled our hat collection to find something suitable for her to wear to the garden party.
Received more pictures of Mathew today but am a bit sad that I cannot just get up and go and see them. Will make up for it in a few months.
Heather cut out an article from the Times on turmeric which is said to be beneficial for anyone on radiotherapy amongst other claims (e.g. Alzheimer's disease). It is American of course but I will probably give it a try when I get to that stage on the basis that it will not do me any harm. If anyone wants a copy of the article please get in touch.
Friday 12th June, 2009
Went in to see Anna next door for coffee in the a.m. Usual gym and domestic things in the p.m. By evening had a worry that I may have a wee infection. After consultation with NHS 24 and the Oncology Registrar was asked to go to the Royal at 1.20 a.m! All is well and I am on antibiotics for 3 days. Just a bit worried that it will conflict with my treatment next week. Can't speak to any medical people until Monday so I do not yet know whether I should cancel my pre chemo blood test.
Saturday 13th June, 2009
Went shopping this morning for something for our new grandson. We were supposed to be going to the McKee's barbeque tonight but have cancelled. As there are very heavy showers it will be under cover with a lot of people crowded together. We will look forward to seeing them on their own in the near future though. Am a wee bit tired today as we did not get to bed until 2 a.m.
Sunday 14th June, 2009
The people below us at Pitlochry had a concern that they had a damp patch and that it might be from our flat. John went up today but all is O.K. Called up to Penny and Ian to deliver flowers I had planned to take last night. Did my usual exercises this morning and have had no problem from the infection. Managed to speak to a medical person today who said the anti-biotics should not affect my blood test tomorrow.
Monday, 15th June, 2009
Was very impressed with the system this morning as I had a call from Dr. Joliffe around 9a.m. to follow up on Friday night's hospital visit. He also said that the antibiotics should not affect my pre chemo blood test. It is "pin cushion" week and had the blood test at 10.30 a.m followed by the result telephoned by Dr. Joliffe in the afternoon. Can't believe that my blood count is down below 1 again! No doubt I will have to go to Ward 1 early on Wedesday to get it redone before the chemo. I had no alcohol at all on Sunday so can't blame the reading on that this time.
Went into town with John in the morning and he picked Mhairi up from the airport in the p.m. while I did my exercises. Her holiday seems to have been a big success.
Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Had a morning appointment to get my new wig fitted. It is supposed to be the same but I suppose each one is unique to some degree. We had lunch at the West End prior to a business appointment at 2 p.m. Had a strawberry tart at Craigie which is very naughty considering I am needing to lose a stone in weight! Well this is not the time to do it anyway. Domestic things and gym later in the p.m. Think I may have solved the cycling hat problem.
Wednesday, 17th June, 2009
Imagine having to get chemo on your birthday! Spent the morning from around 9a.m. at the hospital as I had to have a re-run of my blood test. Neutrofils only read 1.26 but was enough to get my chemo. I have been given a week of anti-biotics as I may still have a bit of infection but am feeling OK in myself. I now have had 3 out of the 4 "nasties" so not long to go. Doesn't time go quickly when you are enjoying yourself?!
Went to the Loch Fyne Restaurant for lunch and glass of wine. Felt quite tired this afternoon but I have previously had the chemo in the p.m. which I think is better (but we won't mention the wine).
Thanks to everyone for remembering my birthday - I feel quite a star today! Pleased to see Jim this afternoon although missed Irene who has been exposed to infection so did not come. Also sorry to miss Sheila J who is also keeping her germs to herself. Having a rest from exercise today.
Had a bad end to the day as I smashed a bottle of flax oil when taking it out of the fridge. Oily glass in smithereens everywhere even under the skirting boards - ugh! I read on the Internet that cancer liked an acid environment. Allegedly a teaspoonful of cold pressed flax oil straight from the fridge twice a day helps. I did run it by the chemists at the hospital and they did not see a problem with it. It may not do any good but I am prepared to try it as it won't do any harm,
Thursday 18th June, 2009
Felt a little bit of indigestion during the first part of the night but settled down. Whey-hey
three days on steroids. Now I know why there is an objection to athletes taking them! Cleaned my house today whilst I was on a high but decided I would not do exercise as well. I have only heard of one other person who seems to be affected in the same way as me with the steroids and she was apparently up painting her kitchen at 2 a.m. I hope John is not planning to leave the paint pots out!
My car told me there was a fault with the engine so booked it into the garage this morning. We went in convoy and on to the builders yard - again! I am the proud owner of a new rotary drier and the bases for the new sheds are all ready:-
Sorry I can't get the pictures separated - technology problem!
Friday, 19th June, 2009
Slept quite well even with steroids but am only going to take one today and see how it goes. Hospital did say I could try it. Will continue with the lesser anti-sickness pills for the allotted three days just in case as I do not want to change too many things at once.
Collected car and did bits of shopping and domestic things. Back to my gym routine today.
Saturday, 20th June, 2009
Thought we might go to Pitlochry this weekend but weather forecast is not too good. Went into town to do some shopping and had light lunch. Have walked about quite a bit so not planning any extra exercise today. Did not take any more steroids and am managing to hang on in there without them. Had a quiet evening and barbeque at home. Lost half a tooth + filling (nothing to do with Donald Russell's very tender meat!). Will wait till Monday to ask if there are any implications in having dental injections.
Sunday, 21st June, 2009
Feeling a bit light headed today so having a lazy day. Got the paints (as in artist, except not) out after many years but did not get very far as some of the tubes had disintegrated. Felt better as the day went on and was able to enjoy a barbeque with Penny and Ian at Colinton in their lovely garden.
Monday, 22nd June, 2009
Went for a picnic with John, Mhairi and the two boys to Amandell Country Park. Weather not the best but was warm enough to kick a ball around. Spoke to someone at Oncology at the Western General about tooth. Big problem as I can't have an injection and they are not even keen about a dressing without first having a blood test and results to check my neutrofil level. How do I co-ordinate that when everyone has a full diary? I go into a particularly vulverable period during the middle week between chemos apparently. My own dentist has agreed to fit me in at 10.00 a.m. tomorrow. Have just had a suggestion that she speak to the oncology doctor directly so I am leaving on a cliff hanger today as it is now 5.45 and everyone has gone home?!! Have felt generally very perky today for some reason so I am off down to the gym while I am still feeling in good form.
Tuesday, 23rd June, 2009
Oncology and dentist agreed that they would allow a basic dressing on the problem tooth. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will hold until after all the chemo finishes. I am still on antibiotics until tomorrow anyway so hopefully that should cover any potential problems. Pottered around the garden today, complete with two pairs of gloves in case of infection, but felt a bit tired mainly due to the heat. Not good being under this tea cosy today! Marcus's big birthday today but he is not having is "do" until later in the year.
Wednesday, 24th June, 2009
Slept until nearly 9.30 a.m.! Was spoiled with tea and toast in bed and a lazy morning. Went out to buy our two sheds at B & Q at Hermiston who are so much more helpful than Homebase. Discovered at the beginning of the week that O.A.P's get a 10% discount on Wednesdays. On arrival we found that the said sheds had an extra 15% discount as well! Not only that, all their patio furniture was half price. We had decided that we did need some bits so made full use of the offer including a cheap gazebo to let me sit out without being in the sun. I have to be careful as too much sun can react with the chemo. Celebrated our ill-gotten gains by having lunch out. John back to the dentist late afternoon and I am off to do my exercises or I will never sleep tonight after oversleeping last night.
Thursday, 25th June, 2009
The inevitable flat packs arrived at 8.30 this morning. Had to take two of the chairs back to be replaced as the holes were in the wrong place for the screws which was a pain but everything is looking good now. Started off feeling a little tired but managed my domestic things and felt better as the day went on. Thinking we may cycle to the Highland Show show tomorrow if I am feeling OK so will not do any further exercise today. Went to the McCreadies to have a "glass" to celebrate Jim's birthday but it turned into more of a party and we enjoyed a super evening along with some of the family.
Friday, 26th June, 2009
Felt well enough to cycle to the Royal Highland Show via Dalmeny and back. Really enjoyed the day with a dressed crab "to go"; an ice-cream and a sing-song with the Alexander Brothers. I have to say that, like myself, they have seen better days but nostalgic nevertheless. I cycled in a cotton cap under my helmet which covered my ears. Must have looked like a Nun but as nobody genuflected I must have got away with it. Found a disabled toilet at the show to change into my wig just in case I freaked out the locals. Big thank-you to Denise for sending me a fringe for under my helmet which arrived today.
Saturday/Sunday 27/28th June, 2009
Nothing much to report and felt fine after my cycle yesterday. I thought I would be tired enough to sleep well but it was not the case. Do not know why my sleeping pattern is so random. It was a wet weekend so were around the house mostly and the garden sheds are now up. Had a meal at the New Club on Saturday night and did exercise on Sunday only. Only a week and a half now until I get my final "nasty" chemo!
Monday 29th June, 2009
Went up to Morningside to shop and visit the alterations shop. Later in the morning we cycled to South Queensferry for light lunch and on to Craigie for a very small strawberry tart and tea. Feeling very good after my cycle - hope I still do tomorrow!
Tuesday, 39th June, 2009
Felt fine today after my cycle but did not do any specific exercise. Tried my hand at Sushi making as we were having John and Fiona for afternoon tea. Spent the afternoon in the garden over tea.
Back to the top for July!
