That about says it all?!
Thursday 1st October, 2009
Managed to get someone to remove the wasps' nest before the driveway work starts middle of October. Pleasant day so had a walk through the Dalmeny Estate from the S. Queensferry side. Looking forward to completing my chemo tomorrow.
Friday, 2nd October, 2009
Arrived early at the Western General for my blood test to check the neurofils. The nurse had to have two goes at inserting the cannula as the first one hit a valve and she had to start over again. Waited for results until 11a.m. to find they were sadly only 0.45. Feeling quite disappointed to be sent home with nothing more than a very bruised hand. Hopefully it should not delay the start of my radio assuming I get the chemo at the beginning of the week. Went for a carvery lunch at Lauriston Farm and a walk in the rain to Crammond in the p.m. Feeling a bit tired this afternoon.
Saturday, 3rd October, 2009
Went into town in the morning. Pretty horrible day so spent some time designing the covers for my Fife video..... and relaxing. I should have mentioned yesterday that I went into the "Maggie" Centre for the first time as I had time to kill whilst waiting for my blood results. Another patient I meet from time to time drools over the handsome man who runs the place. Now I can at least give an opinion but John was singularly unimpressed! I thought the place looked like a set from "Playschool" with lots of coloured cushions. Didn't know whether to sit under the arched window or the square one!
Sunday, 4th October, 2009
F0od shopping a.m. Lovely day but definitely a touch of Autumn creeping in so our cycling days will be reducing in the not too distant future. Cycled to Almondell Country Park and had a sandwich and a coffee from the shop. The lady in the shop is becoming quite chatty now that we seem to be regulars. Cycled back on the tow paths and home via Murrayfield which gave us some 3 hours of cycling.
Monday, 5th October, 2009
Call from Ward 1 first thing to say they did not have a slot for me but that I would definitely get an appointment this week. In the end I have arranged to have a blood test at my local surgery tomorrow which will hopefully allow me to get the chemo on Wednesday. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Tuesday, 6th October, 2009
Have been given an appointment at the hospital tomorrow at 11 a.m. Had my blood done at Cramond in the a.m. and have to assume that it is OK to go ahead tomorrow as I have not heard otherwise. Visited Fiona this morning. Did not do any gym work but cleaned both cars.
Wednesday, 7th October, 2009
Had the last of my chemos today. It should have been a happy day but it has been dampened as a family in-law goes in for a mastectomy today and another friend has just had bad news. My thoughts are with them and I can't think of anything else today.
Thursday, 8th October, 2009
Dropped John off near the dentist and did some shopping. To mark the end of my chemo he spoiled me by treating me to an outfit from Jaegar. Lovely Autumn day so had a couple of hours' walk which included the Japanese garden at Lauriston Castle. It is the first time we have been there and it was just wonderful. If you have not been it is well worth a visit! Met Rev. Barr as we were leaving who had dropped by to see how things were. I have really been so lucky to have such support from all those around me.
Friday, 9th October, 2009
Took a day trip up to Pitlochry to check out the house. Went on to Bruar for lunch and walk round. Eyelashes are coming in quite well now and hair still thickening although still not much length. Unfortunately I am also getting the odd hair on the chin so could be a Werewolf by Christmas!!
Perthshire is beautiful in the Autumn and this is the view from our window over to the Church known as Mount Zion. Unfortunately the garden in the picture is not ours but that of a Mr. Panten. His brother was apparently a well known golfer.
Saturday, 10th October, 2009
Drove down to Longniddry with the bikes and cycled the John Muir Way to Gullane for light lunch and then on to North Berwick. Met up with Jim and Irene and went to the "Dakota" for a meal in the evening. Mhairi's birthday today but did not see her as the children still had colds/ear infection. She had "bigger fish to fry" anyway as she had arranged to spend the day with friend Vari.
Sunday, 11th October, 2009
Food shopping in the a.m. Another reasonable day so drove to Balerno and walked round a couple of lochs including Threipmuir and back via the Black Hill. It took a good couple of hours which meant I at least slept well last night especially as the steroids are probably out of my system by now.
Look how low the water level is in the loch - I thought we had lots of rain!
Monday, 12th October, 2009
Dropped John off for his dental appointment. Had an hour's local walk in the p.m. I should have registered some days ago that I felt a sensitive spot on my forehead which I had put down to having bumped my head. I had expected it to turn into a bruise but instead a slight rash appeared which I still discounted. By last night it was looking a bit angry so thought it best to run it by the Oncology Registrar at the Western General. It was around an inch or so in length and could best be likened to a cluster of cold sores in appearance. I did not have any temperature and the advice came back that it was not something that would be a problem in the short term i.e. overnight. I was also told that it was unlilkely to be the Herpes virus. Dum-de-dum-de-dum-de-dum...... another "Archers" cliff-hanger!
Tuesday, 13th October, 2009
Although I slept reasonably well I was aware of the rash nipping a bit overnight along with a slight headache on one side. Managed to get an appointment with the Doctor who confirmed that it was of the cold sore ilk, but more specifically Shingles. Apparently Shingles only affects one side which I am unfortunately (and perhaps stupidly) relating to Strokes. I mentioned an article which I read in the paper somewhere over the weekend which said something like one in three people suffering from Shingles go on to have Strokes. Not good!! I have registered this but am not really worrying about it as this research is still in its infancy and has not been processed through the official medical channels yet. The Doctor confirmed this. Am waiting for my medication to be delivered to the chemist this p.m. as he did not have the correct dose in stock. Have also had another blood test to check my immune system. On the positive side I suppose one is bound to have some problems by the end of the chemo where one's resistance is at its lowest ebb. Still feeling fine in myself!
Wednesday, 14th October, 2009
Dr. Price telephoned late yesterday to say that my blood neutrofils were well over 3 which is a relief. Have started the medication which I have to take in double strength. Still getting short stabbing pains in my head but managed to sleep quite well.
Suzanne came over this morning for a coffee and chat. Watched the video of our Fife Coastal Walk. Walked to the Barnton shops in the p.m. and did 20 mins anaerobic exercise only in the gym. Feeling reasonably well although a bit tired this afternoon.
Thursday, 15th October, 2009
The stabbing head pains are still with me although less intense and I am aware of a sensitive area on the jaw line behind my left ear. Also get the occasional "electrical impulse" going from the left eyebrow down the side of my nose. I am just remembering that the CMF chemo, when administered, gave the sensation of having sinus. It may be that the shingles have attacked the weakest point.
I am feeling reasonably full of beans in myself and completed some housework and a full session in the gym this morning. Did some baking for the freezer this afternoon as we had to be in for the electrician anyway.
Friday 16th October, 2009
By late evening felt that I was a bit puffy, and sensitive to the touch, over my left eye. It is funny how any problems seem to manifest themselves either at the weekend or late at night. My concern is that if the virus goes down the eye route it can cause blindness. Made a call to the Registrar at the hospital (yet again!) who confirmed that I should just keep taking the pills and that there was nothing more she could give me. John insisted that I go and see my local doctor just to talk over what I should/or should not be doing. Saw Dr. Joliffe who went through it all and concluded that it would be very unlikely to get to my eye. He is very good and reassuring as he takes time to go through things in detail. He has prescribed eye ointment which I will add to my "repertoire". Still feeling well in myself although a slight background headache which is bearable.
Went out to Corstorphine to see the man who is making our new gates and on to Craigie for a coffee. Am going to have a lazy day.
Tuesday, 20th October, 2009
You will have noticed the weekend has not been commented on. The reason is that during Friday evening I developed a temperature and as it can rocket very quickly I was taken in to the Western General. The highest it got to was 38.1 so I did not feel too bad in myself. I think I was a swine flu' suspect and went through the various processes to check it out. I have been very impressed with the Health Service and felt that I was extremely well looked after. I was confined to my room which I only discovered on Saturday afternoon. During the morning I had gone walkabouts to get myself a decent coffee from the shop. The shop immediately below me was shut for electrical repairs and I was directed to another one which was quite a distance away and accross the road! I had not realised that I was not supposed to launch myself on the unsuspecting public but at least it gave me a bit of exercise.
I was taken for a chest xray in the p.m. and much disgruntled that I had to sit in a chair and be pushed as again it was quite a distance to the xray department. This was not made any easier by being accompanied by two equally disgruntled chair pushers. The lady who was in charge of me was rather large and elderly and had insisted that one of the kitchen porters take me up the ramp as it was quite steep. He was also rather large and I really felt I should be pushing him in case he had a heart attack. It had been a quiet day for him but now that he had to get the food trolleys out he had the added chore of pushing me up the ramp!
When we arrived at our destination my lady pusher sat at a distance as she was determined that she was not a second class citizen and that the the male radiologist could push me in. I diffused a possible situation by suggesting that I just walk in which was a solution that everyone found acceptable. By contrast the nursing staff could not have been more pleasant.
The hospital managed to get me an appointment at the Eye Pavillion on Monday afternoon after which I was allowed to go home as my temperature had gone back to normal. It was confirmed that I did have a bit of an infection in the eye but it was secondary and did not affect the back of the eye. I have now been given steroid drops for a week.
I was able to escape getting anti-biotics but have been given three days of neutrofil injections which have allowed me fight my own corner. The district nurse is coming in today and tomorrow to administer the remaining injections (in the stomach - ouch!) After the first one, my neutrofils were up to 6.7 (7 being the maximum, I believe) Have an appointment with Dr. Craig this afternoon to sort out my pills which have to be co-ordinated with the eye drops.
I still look as if I have done (perhaps) half a round with Mike Tyson but it is certainly getting better.
Strange thing happened this afternoon. I had been sitting at my computer when the door bell went. I jumped up to answer and my legs caved in under me and I felt a sort of cramp at the base of my spine. Mentioned it to Dr. Craig but of course it had passed by then. Could be that I have been sitting for 3 days - must try to do some exercise tomorrow.
Wednesday, 21st October, 2009
The digging up of the driveway in full swing in preparation for the new blocking. Virgin co-ordinated to feed cables through to the house at the relevant moment.
Still OK today although pulse is high. My blood pressure was 114/62 this morning but pulse was 91! My normal is 65 - 75 but I have noticed consistently that my pulse has been high through the chemo months. In training it can be assumed that one's pulse can go up to 220 minus one's age so I do not think I am in any danger. Did a full, but careful, stint in the gym and feel much better. Nurse arrived to give me final jab.
Had a carvery lunch and went on to do the food shopping and a mouch round the other shops at Craigleith.
Thursday 22nd October, 2009
Blood pressure still in normal range but pulse still in the 90's which is strange. Feel OK but have decided not to go to the gym today. Nasty scab on forehead is healing quite well although I still avoid getting makeup on the upper left quarter of my face - I suppose I could audition for "Phantom of the Opera"! Eye is almost normal but have to use the steroid drops until my appointment on Tuesday. Went for an hour's walk locally in the p.m. Spent some time playing the piano today but Liszt's "Liebestraum" is still lacking and "Alfie" is still wondering "what's it all about"
Have left a car at a neighbour's as the driveway is still in process. Have to be out early tomorrow to get my tattoos in preparation for the radiotherapy next Wednesday.
Friday 23rd October, 2009
Day had a hesitant start as a muckle great articulated lorry arrived from "Marshalls" with our blocking stones for the new driveway. We had specifically asked for small lorries which could get up the brae. Apologies to the neighbours for the "pop art" which had to be left in Barnton Avenue West in the short term.
Arrived at the hospital very early for my Simulator appointment but took another attack of the leg buckling incident I experienced on Tuesday afternoon. It was very alarming but I was able to see an oncologist who was able to allay my fears as other people had reported similar exepriences following on from GCSF injections (neutrofil top up). I am happier now that there is a reason. She also verified that the high pulse was to do with the chemo churning up my system. The shingles scab is disappearing like snow of a dyke so immune system must be working overtime.
I was taken into an Xray type room and positioned on a table in the appropriate position. One has to lie completely still for 25 minutes whilst they mark out the area which has to be treated. A large circular plate of around 2' in diameter moves round into different positions rather like the rising and setting of the sun. It is not claustrophobic as nothing comes down close to the face. Probably the most unpleasant part is getting the tattoos where they have to prick the skin with a permanent dye. I was hoping for a thistle but had to settle for 7 strategically placed freckles!
Saturday, 24th October, 2009
The work continues and drive is like a quagmire today with all the rain. Virgin inserting cable on Monday.
No more funny turns today but had a lazy afternoon. Went into town in the morning to do bits of shopping and enjoy a coffee in George Street.
Enjoyed an evening at the local golf club with Jim and Irene.
Do not know why this blog suddenly changes its format - it did the same thing last month. Maybe it is something to do with the numbers of pictures I have added.
Oops - it has settled down again!
Sunday, 25th October, 2009
It would have been Dad's 89th birthday today. Clocks changed last night so no excuses not to have time to do my exercises this morning. Went into town to return boots I had bought yesterday and had lunch at the New Club. Was ready to put my feet up in the afternoon.
Monday, 26th October, 2009
John busy with various tradesmen this morning. Went for a cycle with Heather taking in the Japanese Garden at Lauriston Castle.
Pulse rate seems to be coming down nearer to my normal range. Temperature and blood pressure all normal. Have contacted "Standard Life" Health Insurance who are going to re-imburse me for the three nights in hospital as I did not use my Policy.
Tuesday, 27th October, 2009
Had to be at the Eye Pavillion by 10.30. Went by bus from Silverknowes which took an hour because of road works etc.! Lots of hanging about and did not get home until after 2 p.m. Not altogether happy with my eye so have another appoinment next week but meantime I have to reduce the dosage of medication.
Back at the ranch Virgin arrived to complete the connection to the house. Also posts prepared for new gates and compacting going full swing in preparation for the new blocking.
Wednesday, 28th October, 2009
Did a circuit in the gym in the a.m. Had early lunch to be at the W. General in time for my 1.20 radiotherapy appointment. Very similar experience to the Simulator session last Friday. The session tomorrow has been cancelled as they are servicing the machine. It means that I will now finish a day later on the 25th November. Had a lazy afternoon.
Thursday, 29th October, 2009
Did lots of housework this a.m. so did not do gym as well. Only had a walk up to the shops for the paper in the afternoon but I feel I should pace myself until I know how the radiotherapy will affect me.
Friday, 30th October, 2009
Hit the ground running this morning with tradesman to fix the conservatory floor first thing. Went out to Chesser to finalise gate design; on to Macro followed by a bite of lunch at Lauriston Farm before my radiology appointment at 1.20 p.m. Have been told to keep up the exercises as shoulder may get stiff.
Driveway progressing and have had to get extra milk, sugar and tea to keep up with demand.
Saturday 31st October, 2009
It was a lovely morning so set out with John and Mhairi to cycle to Aberdour for lunch. I wanted to get a picture of Mhairi and myself on the Forth Bridge so stopped a passing cyclist who seemed to be ambling along. John had cycled on and did not hear us! I felt dreadful as the chap I asked to take the picture was disabled and to get on and off the bike was a major operation. He was very nice and said that it was good for him to try and do things but he was probably the only disabled person to be out on a bike that day and I had to pick him!
Decided to show John and Mhairi from the Forth Road Bridge as she is far to skinny for me to stand next to. The other picture is looking over to Inchcolme Island from nearly Aberdour.
Back to the top for November!
