Winter Sun

A weekend divided between time on my mountain bike and time at RHS Wisley has left me smiling.

 I completed two off-road laps of Richmond Park and feel that I've started to improve both my technique and my speed.  This must be heartening for poor Sam whose patience is saintly.

Watching asorted Brits pick up medals at the London Track World Cup has been fantastic.  I know I'm not alone in feeling proud. 

The sunshine today lit up the gardens at Wisley and made me feel grateful to be alive.  A good day, if there can be such a thing, to start losing my hair.  A little frightening at first but a confirmation that the chemotherapy is working on the "fast" cells in my body; the alien is on her way out.

Chemotherapy, course one

Chemo #1 went without a hitch. I'm recovering. Riding the waves of intense nausae.

My weaponry:

• Epirubicin
• Cyclophosphamide

Google them.  They're not for kids.

My angels:

• Hazel, in charge of me today.  Chemotherapy nurse.  A darling.
• Mags, from Sunderland, bloody hilarious and bloody bossy.  Ward sister.

Neither lady likes having their photograph taken.  Sorry, girls.

 

Sam was there to look after me.

 Lynne, Sam's mum was there to look after Sam.

Sam doesn't like needles.  Lynne doesn't like talking about needles.

Fortunately the angels were there for us and I, as we know, am tough.

The Chemo Survival Pack

I have a lovely friend who has been through this cancer fandango and beaten the little rotter.  She is a huge source of inspiration and positivity.  She is also a mine of useful information.  She couldn't have known, but this morning I wanted to run.  Rome seemed like a good idea.  I even took my passport into school, thinking I might book a flight for this evening.

Ancient Greek Breakfast Club, and  Aeneid IV with an A Level class put me in a sunnier place. This surprise made me feel strong again. More ammo for my fight.   Thank you, Rachel!

Each number on the card corresponds to a gift.  

1. For the endless cups of tea!

 

2. In case you get runny nose syndrome during!

3. For your hands!  Can be sore.

 

4. Essential on treatment days - keeps life tasting sweet

5. For when you get home and want to curl up on the sofa for a while - essential!

6. You'll need plenty of these (you've probably got / read this one, but it was such a beautiful copy, I couldn't resist!)

7. Just because .. well, you know!