Here we go with August:-
Saturday
1st August, 2009
Good start to the month as it is John's birthday today. We started with our gym exercises in the morning (how sad is that on your birthday!). Was not a very good day in the a.m. so took a run up to St. Andrews and had lunch in the "Seafood Restaurant". I remarked to the waitress that I thought the fish was a bit overcooked which prompted the chef to throw in our wine for nought. I did feel a bit guilty and assured the chef that his cooking was very good and we would be back. We thought the plates had just been left too long waiting to be served. He looked a bit happier!
The sun came out and it was a lovely afternoon for a wander round. Feeling good today and was full of plans for next year. I got the feeling that John was just humouring me on my plans to cycle John O'Groats to Lands End, hoping that I was talking through a whole in my steroids! Maybe he is right - time will tell?
Sunday 2nd August, 2009
Lazy morning apart from the food shopping. Had a 3 hour cycle and lunch which took in Fountain Bridge - Ratho - Kirkliston. Energy levels seem quite good on this new chemo but I have noticed that food is not so tasty or appealing which is maybe no bad thing for the weight.
Monday 3rd August, 2009
Mainly domestic day with the only additional exercise being a walk up to the Post Office.
Tuesday 4th August, 2009
Researched "Wendy Houses" this morning for the grandchildren. Had a walk to Cramond and a coffee in the p.m. which I felt was enough exercise as I was a bit tired. Still have a slight background nausea on this chemo but nothing that makes life too difficult.
Wednesday 5th August, 2009
Exercises first thing although only half the situps because of the slight dizziness. Felt the benefit of the exercise and went on to do some cooking. John painted the outside of the lounge windows in the afternoon while I did some painting in the garden of the, arguably, artisic variety. (at least I read a lot about it!) Should have done some gardening but was quite happy to sit this afternoon.
Have felt that my skin is more elastic looking on this chemo but maybe it is only my failing eyes. Theoretically my hair should now start to grow again but it will be many months before it is meaningful. I have taken to wearing a few false eyelashes at the corner of my eyes as I look a bit like a Chinchilla rabbit these days. I am not an ill person and I have no intention of looking like one.
Thursday, 6th August, 2009
Took a run to Pitlochry to check out the house and garden. Did some forking/weeding in the garden but although my energy levels were fine, the heat got to me and I had to stop after about 40 minutes and have a cold shower. Went on to Bruar for a look round and then a scenic drive back. Had a meal in the Rail Bridge at S. Queensferry.
Friday, 7th August, 2009
Appointment with the doctor this morning to discuss the dizziness which is still with me. Have decided to try the pills which I will start tomorrow. That's me "on the wagon" for a week as it says on the box to avoid alcohol. I am really t.....ed off as the antibiotics given to me by the hospital for my infection were resistent to my particular problem which means I have taken a whole week of pills that were of no use to me. Doctor has given me a prescription for the right ones but I will just hold on to them in case as things seem OK at the moment.
Was a beautiful day and we took ourselves plus bikes to Elie. Had lunch at the Ship Inn and cycled into St. Monans and then Pittenweem by the coast route. It happened to be their Arts Festival week and was very lively with buskers, food tents etc. Had a great afternoon wandering around the various art displays in all sorts of interesting locations from secret gardens to caves. Must remember to go back next year. Planned to cycle on to Anstruther but it was a bit hot for me so returned to Elie.
Saturday, 8th August, 2009
Went into town in the a.m. Started the "dizzy" pills and felt increasingly lethargic as the day progressed. It does say on the box they can cause drowsiness which is not what I need at the moment. Will stick with them and see how it goes.
Sunday, 9th August, 2009
Food shopping in the a.m. and caught up with some housework as it was an unpleasant day. Went for a run to Dobbie's in the afternoon for a look round and a coffee. Still feeling a bit lethargic so did not do any additional exercise over and above the housework.
Monday, 10t August, 2009
Still taking the "dizzy" pills but as with the last 2 days I feel increasing lethargic as the day progresses. Went into the gym late afternoon but only did half my usual as I felt so lack-lustre but will give it another go in the morning. Have decided to stop the pills after today as they are only serving to drag me down and I have not felt any advantages at all.
Tuesday, 11th August, 2009
Did not take any more pills and managed my exercises first thing no bother at all. Had soup and salad at Dougal Phillips and lazy afternoon. Looking forward to the wine tasting on a barge with the McCreadies followed by a meal.
Wednesday. 12th August, 2009
Had a great evening last night and feeling so much better now that I have stopped the pills. Took my bike back to Blackhall as the brakes were needing adjusted. I explained that I would need to be "King Kong" to stop myself on a steep hill. Cycled on to Ocean Terminal. Did some cooking in the afternoon.
Thursday, 13th August, 2009
Had coffee with Christina this morning. Wonderful off road cycle this afternoon to the National Trust Malleny Gardens at Balerno where we enjoyed a picnic in tranquil surroundings. Interesting route taking in everything from converted mills to Hollywood style houses with swimming pools and magnificent gardens.
Friday, 14th August,. 2009
Went out to the Gyle in the morning. Really foul day so lazy day with nothing much to report. Did decide to take the (correct) anti-biotics which I started today. Big chemo week next week which will take me three quarters of the way through - hip, hip.
Saturday, 15th August, 2009
Foul weather so both got the exercises over with first thing. Brightened up in the afternoon so took a walk to Craigie in the p.m. and had coffee outside. Am keeping away from the crowds in Edinburgh at the moment so had a romantic M & S meal for 2 at home. (Last of the big spenders at £10 including wine which was just about drinkable!)
Sunday 16th August, 2009
Did not do any exercise as I did a lot yesterday. Our gazebo was wrecked by the strong wind so went out to see if we could replace it but all gone now. It was only a cheap one to see me through the (so called) summer as I am not supposed to sit out in the sun because of the chemo. Get my blood test tomorrow before my next chemo on Wednesday.
Monday 17th August, 2009
Yet another bad day (weather wise). Had my blood test in the morning and went for a walk in the afternoon. A shower of rain encouraged us to visit the "Maltings" at Cramond but actually quite enjoyed the exhibition of local history. Had a cuppa at the cafe before returning.
Tuesday, 18th August, 2009
Quess what - neutrofils low again at 0.78 which means I have to go into the hospital earlier at 1 p.m. to have them rechecked. Had planned to go for a cycle with my sister but rain stopped play. Did gym work and had lunch at home instead. John went out to get more garden materials.
Wednesday, 19th August, 2009
Had an early lunch at Lauriston Farm as I like to have something substantial before chemo. Had the carvery which is very good value at £5. Netrofils were up to 1.34 which is enough to get the treatment but have been sent off with yet more antibiotics as well as my three days of anti-sickness and steroids. Feeling slightly nauseous and acidy but OK.
Thursday, 20th August, 2009
Having slept very well over the past couple of weeks the steroids kept me awake last night again. Had to be up fairly early to make sure we were "decent" for a delivery; burglar alarm service man; and an ipod collection. Have to say that Apple give a very good service as I my ipod decided that it needed a Password for the first time and I did not know what it was. Someone in "Timbuktoo" talked me through re-loading but it did not make any difference. They sent packaging which arrived the next day and a courier arrived the following day. Theoretically I get it returned within a week.
Did not feel brilliant this morning but was not sick like last time. Had a light lunch on one of John's very good omelettes and am feeling better as the day goes on. Seems to be that on this cocktail my system is clogged for the first half day. I note that once I start processing water everything improves. Having a lazy day nevertheless.
Friday, 21st August, 2009
Completely recovered today; did some joint housework and exercises; off into town by 11 a.m.
Had an early lunch at the Whisky Society in Queen Street before it got too busy, a walk round the Book Festival and some shopping. Very frustrating for me not being able to "do" the Festival thing so can't wait till next year. Oops - I forgot to take my pills with me so missed my slot for my second steroid today. Will continue with the anti sickness and if I am OK will try missing the second dose of steroids again tomorrow.
Saturday, 22nd August, 2009
Managed on half dose of steroids yesterday so decided to go for it and have another half dose today although this time I took one after breakfast and one after lunch rather than two together. Will continue with the regulation dose of anti-sickness though as they do not have to be taken with food and seem to be kinder to the stomach i.e. no acid. So far so good!
It's a lovely day so went out to play on our bikes. Cycled to Amondell and Calderwood Country Park in time for "elevenses". It is my favourite place at the moment as it has almost a spiritual ambiance with nothing to be heard beyond trees rustling, birds singing and water meandering somewhere in the background. The daffodils in the Spring are just out of this world. Enjoyed a coffee and Caramel Wafer "to go"on one of the seats outside the wee shop to give us enough blood sugar to get to our next "pit stop"for a pasta at "Izzi's" at the end of the tow path at Fountainbridge.
I used to have a Claxon on my bike instead of a bell which was great fun on the tow paths as even the cool duds, wired for sound, would jump sky-high on announcement of our overtaking. I think it was eventually confiscated as John is the front cyclist and was the one who suffered all the dirty looks. When I went to visit Derek in the bike shop for a new bell he only had two - one was "Bob the Builder" and the other "Barbie". How perfect was that! I like Derek as what you see is what you get but he has definitely had a charm bypass. I said I would take the two bells as one of them had my name on it. I chuckled to myself for the rest of the day as I could see by his reaction that his concept of "Barbie" did not equate to the OAP in front of him. Needless to say Bob the Builder, being of a more serious disposition, removed his picture!
Sunday 23rd August, 2009
Have been fine on half dose steroids which has had the added advantage of no reflux problems. Did food shopping in the a.m. and arrived at Jim and Irene's for lunch with the neighbours at 1 p.m. Great day as always with the group enjoying a few glasses (or so?) of wine and excellent food.
Monday, 24th August, 2009
Exercise this morning was limited to housework and car cleaning. Met Mhairi and the children at 'Craigie' in the afternoon as Grandpa had his cement mixer out which is not ideal for two inquisitive little boys! Had a lovely afternoon doing the Nature Trail which involved an hour's walk including post rubbing - a bit like brass rubbing only involving crayons and wooden posts with wildlife pictures on them. Prizes were won by all, followed by strawberry tarts and tea which is not so good for the diet!
Tuesday, 25th August, 2009
Seem to be on the go non stop today starting with accompanying Mhairi to the farm at Baldridge for business reasons. Went back to the Gyle for coffee, home for lunch and on to the dentist at Kirkliston for 2 p.m. Fiona called for a cuppa in the afternoon so enjoyed a chat outside for a while. Did not do any exercises today. John finished the base for the Wendy House so can go ahead and order one next week.
Wednesday, 26th August, 2009
Had an appointment with Tanya Mann this morning which I think has been quite useful although she is still reluctant to do too much to me because of the medical treatment at the moment. Dizziness is still with me although is only really a problem for the last 30 or so degrees when I
put my head on the pillow. I missed the delivery of my ipod yesterday but was in today to receive it. They have given me a new one and it only took 5 days! The downside of getting a new one is that it has to be reloaded again.
Thursday, 27th August, 2009
As my neutr0fils had been low at my last chemo I was given anti-biotics to take for a week starting yesterday as one is supposed to be at the most vulverable time 7 - 14 days afterwards. Had roofers here today which kept us in. Did exercises in the a.m. but at a fairly pedestrian rate as I have felt a bit tired over the last couple of days. I am not sure that it is not because I am forgetting not to dash around! Spent a frustrating afternoon trying to reload the ipod which eventually worked.
Friday, 28th August, 2009
Stuck in today because of tradesdmen and also delivery of John's computer which was on the blink. As I am on antibiotics this week we thought we would risk popping into the BMW new premises party. Stayed for a couple of glasses of champagne but left when it became too busy and finished off the evening at the carvery at Lauriston Farm. Not being a racey place it suited our purpose not to mention wonderful value for £5!
Saturday 29th August, 2009
Was a reasonable day so cycled to Livingstone Village where we had a baked potato. It was
r-e-a-l-l-y hard going cycling into the wind on the Broxburn road and was glad to stop for a coffee at Almondell. Had a great evening with some of the neighbours at the Burgess.
Sunday 30th August, 2009
Went to Roslin Glen for a walk. Very interesting taking in some of the old mill ruins where they used to make gunpowder (largest in Scotland). Very disappointed to find the coffee shop had gone at the Chapel.....and Tom Hanks was not there either! Had a light lunch at Dobbie's and a lazy afternoon after my 4 and a half hours cycling yesterday.
Guess which one is the elephant?
Monday, 31st August, 2009
Another dreich day so did some food shopping. John is making some strawberry tarts this afternoon so I suppose I will just have to eat some. It's a tough life!
I should have documented that I have had a bit of a back problem the last few days and feel that I am in need of some osteopath treatment. I will have a dialogue with the medical people on Thursday as I have a routine appointment with the surgeon then. Tanya and I have both felt I should not muck about until my chemo is finished at the end of September.
On a lighter note - isn't this cute? It was taken at a picnic for all the children born around the same time. Mathew is third from the right - do you think Lola is gong to be a showgirl? (second from the left). If you right click on this picture and chose the "open link" option you will see it better.
