Hi everyone
Well I really haven't been in the mood to write lately - I'm working long hours & by the time I get home, I have to eat, relax & go to bed, sitting down to write has not been a priority...
But - tonight's the night :) got lots to say - I haven't blogged for 2 1/2 weeks.
That week I last blogged was the week after my last & final chemo & even though that chemo was the same sort as the first 3 - I hadn't taken into account the cumulative effect of the chemo & while I no longer felt disgusting, I felt horrible, which is preferable!! I was out of action from Sat to Sat, but I did manage to work on the Tues & Thurs, tried to work the Wed too, but at 10.30am was still not dressed & when I rang work to say I would be there soon, Mandy said don't bother, so I lay back down & didn't wake till 3pm!! Must have needed it. I did have acupuncture twice that week, on the Mon (day of last blog) & Fri. I think it helps balance me & give me a bit more energy than I would have otherwise.
Thanks goodness I was back to normal on the Sun Apr 3, first day of normality after the final chemo!!! Had a wonderful day - went to Karli & Guy's engagement party at her grandparents place in Darling Point, then lunch with Chery R in Lane Cove, then a big shop which I took home, then I picked Fran up, we went to see the movie Biutiful with Javier Bardem, excellent movie but not a happy one! then Fran & I went to Mickeys in Paddo for a bite.
Worked the whole of the next week, except Fri & met up with Jacqui for dinner on the Wed. We went to a Malaysian restaurant in Chatswood called Malak, excellent!! from there I had 1 ticket to see The Mousetrap, which is only allowed to be shown in 1 city in the world, other than London, in a year, Sydney's turn this year!! The play is fantastic, loved every moment - not dated at all. Next time I'm in London, I will plan to see it there too, just to compare!!
On the Fri last week, I had an appt with the Oncology Radiotherapy Dept at the hospital. I had a CT scan & was given my program for radiotherapy. So just cos the chemo is done, I still have radiotherapy ahead!!
I start next Tue, Apr 19 - 1st day Pesach & I have 30 sessions - last one is on Tue June 7, which happens to be Shavuot, so my whole radiotherapy is during the counting of the Omer!!! For those of you with good maths brains, yep that is 49 days & I have 30 sessions. I was told 25, but that was untrue. I have weekends off (for good behaviour!!) 3 days off for Easter & every 2nd Wed the machines have maintenance so no radiotherapy then. My time is the same every day - 4.45pm & I should be there for about 15 mins or so, most of that time is taken up with being set up under the machine - arms here, legs here, bum here, head turned just so please, oops shuffle up a bit, ok that's it DON'T MOVE!! lolol The radiotherapy is about 2 minutes, thats all. Don't wear deoderant under that arm, no lotions or potions on the boob they are going to blast, so sorry if I smell a bit, it's only for 7 weeks!!! Work are being wonderful about this, as I need to leave each day at 4.15pm, but I can go back again after if necessary...
Had acupuncture with Esther last Fri, I always feel better for it, going again tomorrow.
Finally got my act together on Sat morn to clean my bathroom, was so desperate!!!! then I went to bookclub at Robyns. Looking forward to reading & reading - oooh I forgot to say - I bought an e-book reader, it came with 1500 books on it, I'm reading the book by Sir Joseph Banks, his journal on the journey with Captain Cook from London to Sydney in 1768, it's very interesting reading.
Had dinner with Fran, Terry & Alysa on Sat night at the Saigon Bay in Darlinghurst - it's a fab Vietnamese restaurant, T & A gave me a belated birthday gift of a book called 'The Hare with the Amber Eyes' I started reading it straight away - its fantastic!!! recommend it highly. I'm not going to go into what its about because you are all perfectly capable of googling!!
On Sun, Evie & I had yummy Thai lunch in Brighton-Le-Sands, beautiful & warm when we sat down, freezing & pouring when we left, fortunately we had left our umbrellas to stay nice & dry in the car!!! Drowned rats we were. Evie had the brilliant idea of going to the South Dowling Street Antique Centre - years since I was there, Michael & I used to go regularly & Evie & Joe used to go there often too!! Yep I did buy something gorgeous - a glass turtle, I showed it to Ruthie on Skype the other day. It's got a very smooth rounded back, very tactile. It's not an antique, but it will be some day :) We had a wonderful couple of hours there. From there we went to Coogee & had dinner in a lovely Italian restaurant called Annies, can't wait to go back there!!!
I have worked again long days this week. But it's seems to be going well, I am enjoying what I am doing & really like the people I'm working with, though unfortunately Mandy is leaving next week, she & her family have sold the huge family home in Turramurra & have replaced it with a smaller house in Lilyfield & a holiday home in the Southern Highlands!! (must have been a very huge house in Turramurra!!!)
Last night I had bought a ticket to the Chatswood Musical Society opening night of The Sound of Music & went with Fran & Rachel. It was an excellent amateur production - I mouthed along with the best of them - I love the songs & story. It's always the same story, funny that, but it presents so well that just doesn't matter.
I worked from 7.30 to 4.30 today, first early finish mark for a while & that's really the reason I am writing this tonight.
Tomorrow I'm going to the hygienist at the dentist for a hygiene clean, I think it's vital to have my teeth cleaned at this point, specially after chemo. Acupuncture from there, then to my GP - I plan to have my disability sticker extended while I'm going thru radiotherapy. Never mind that it is very very useful!!!
Hope you all have been able to cope with the lack of communication from me, however I will let you know how the radiotherapy affects me over the next couple of weeks.
It will be very quiet at work next week, Dr Frumar is taking the week off to spend time with his boys who are on school holidays.
Happy Pesach to you all, have lovely Seder nights - I'm looking forward to spending 1st night with family at Shirley & Garys & 2nd night with friends at Fay & Maurices. I hope I don't bore them all with the tale of my first radiotherapy session!!
I think that's all for now, hope all of you are in good spirits & only good things happening in your lives...
Cheers
Debbie xx
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
time marches on...
Hi All
I last wrote that my vision had gone weird & it is still weird!!! Friday, 10 days ago I went to my optometrist, Mark, who told me that my vision has improved by 2 diopters! meaning it's dropped from 6.5 to 4.5! so my wearing my normal glasses with the +2's on top is correct!!! just looks so stupid. he also gave me a pair of contact lenses at the right script which is much better & I wear them with a pair of +1's for close work. But, I find my eyes are very dry, specially towards the end of the day.
The reason for all this is twofold. I don't know who of you know that my blood sugar levels are elevated - no I won't use the 'D' word!!! I'm a very recalcitrant & non compliant person in regard to this. However, my body right now won't let me put anything with sugar in it into my mouth, good thing!!! Mark feels that the fluid in my eye has changed consistency which is why my script has changed to dramatically.
However, my next appt after Mark was with Alex G, my oncologist, & when I told him of the vision issues, he didn't seem to think they were anything unusual!!! It is possible that the chemo affects the pancreas (as well as everything else) & that affects insulin. He doesn't want to see me again until August.
From there I went to see my new GP, Felix. He is much more pro-active regarding the 'D' word, than John, my GP of 25 years who has nicked off to Ballina! Felix has put me on new meds for high blood sugar & he will do blood tests every 3 months to monitor it... Oy.
After those appts I went home & stayed home!!
Saturday afternoon I went to the YouTube Symphony Orchestra at the Opera House, you can check it out on YouTube - all different musicians from all over the world got together to create a concert, it was brilliant!! That night was Purim. Our wonderful Rabbi Jacki together with Avril A, created a Purim Schpiel that was based on Elvis songs rewritten for the Purim story. Hilarious as ever, such talent we have in our Shul!!!
Sunday was Frans birthday bbq - I do love any reason for a party/get together!!!
I worked Mon & Tue, leaving early on Tue for my last blood test - hooray!! Then Jacqui & I went to see Jersey Boys - it is brilliant, recommend it highly. Very interesting story & of course the music is wonderful.
Wed morn off I went for my last chemo session. As agreed with Alex G, I had the same type of chemo as I had the 1st 3 times. I just couldn't have coped with the disgustingness of the last 2. So far the taste is horrible, but not disgusting, I can eat fruit, but still have no desire for sugar. I made some more stewed apple, which is very successful!!
That night after chemo, I went with Marilyn & Judit to see The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. Just as good as the other 2 movies - I've read book 1, still have to read the other 2.
Thur & Fri I worked, Mandy felt I was quite effective, so that's good feedback!! Fran & I went to a play on Thurs night called Orange Flower Water - we should have given Geoff S some feedback, cos neither of us liked it!!! It sounded good, but it was very dark & no humour. The good thing to come of the evening is that there is a British Lolly shop round the corner from the theatre & I was able to buy some Heinz Sandwich Spread!!!! I was halishing for it :) You Brits know what I'm talking about hahaha.
We had a Shabbat dinner at Shul on Fri & that was great - but by then my eyes were so dry I just had to go home & get the lenses out.
Did nothing on the weekend at all, was supposed to vote in our State Election, it is compulsory here to vote, but I will say I was recovering from chemo & they can take it further if they want. Didn't make it to Chloe's farewell party unfortunately, I really wanted to go.
I took today off work because I knew I would have very little energy & yep I have had very little energy today. I did go to Esther for acupuncture this morning, it really does seem to help. Planning to go again on Fri. I will work 3 days this week, with no plans for social stuff after work!!! But then that should be it!! back to normal on the weekend & I will never ever again do chemo no matter what.
One thing I was advised of after chemo on Wed, is that the port that was inserted under my chest wall, will need to have regular flushing!!! That means going every 4-6 weeks for them to flush it, not a comfortable procedure. I meant to ask Alex G when I can get the damn thing removed, but I think they want to make sure all is well, all scans are clear, etc before taking it out.
Next appt is with Gillian L, the radiotherapist, or whatever she is, to discuss the 25 days of radiotherapy logistics, etc. That is next week. Oy, it will end. Still no hair, but there is fuzz!!! not fluff, fuzz :) eyebrows & eyelashes r still lacking, can't wait for them to grow back!! I decided to let Vinnie, my tenant, see me with no hair, cos I'm not prepared to worry about walking around the house with no wig on. I need that freedom at home. It doesn't seem to worry him. He seems to be a decent guy.
Hope life is treating you all well & I'm still managing to entertain - will write again sometime soon....
Cheers
Debbie xx
I last wrote that my vision had gone weird & it is still weird!!! Friday, 10 days ago I went to my optometrist, Mark, who told me that my vision has improved by 2 diopters! meaning it's dropped from 6.5 to 4.5! so my wearing my normal glasses with the +2's on top is correct!!! just looks so stupid. he also gave me a pair of contact lenses at the right script which is much better & I wear them with a pair of +1's for close work. But, I find my eyes are very dry, specially towards the end of the day.
The reason for all this is twofold. I don't know who of you know that my blood sugar levels are elevated - no I won't use the 'D' word!!! I'm a very recalcitrant & non compliant person in regard to this. However, my body right now won't let me put anything with sugar in it into my mouth, good thing!!! Mark feels that the fluid in my eye has changed consistency which is why my script has changed to dramatically.
However, my next appt after Mark was with Alex G, my oncologist, & when I told him of the vision issues, he didn't seem to think they were anything unusual!!! It is possible that the chemo affects the pancreas (as well as everything else) & that affects insulin. He doesn't want to see me again until August.
From there I went to see my new GP, Felix. He is much more pro-active regarding the 'D' word, than John, my GP of 25 years who has nicked off to Ballina! Felix has put me on new meds for high blood sugar & he will do blood tests every 3 months to monitor it... Oy.
After those appts I went home & stayed home!!
Saturday afternoon I went to the YouTube Symphony Orchestra at the Opera House, you can check it out on YouTube - all different musicians from all over the world got together to create a concert, it was brilliant!! That night was Purim. Our wonderful Rabbi Jacki together with Avril A, created a Purim Schpiel that was based on Elvis songs rewritten for the Purim story. Hilarious as ever, such talent we have in our Shul!!!
Sunday was Frans birthday bbq - I do love any reason for a party/get together!!!
I worked Mon & Tue, leaving early on Tue for my last blood test - hooray!! Then Jacqui & I went to see Jersey Boys - it is brilliant, recommend it highly. Very interesting story & of course the music is wonderful.
Wed morn off I went for my last chemo session. As agreed with Alex G, I had the same type of chemo as I had the 1st 3 times. I just couldn't have coped with the disgustingness of the last 2. So far the taste is horrible, but not disgusting, I can eat fruit, but still have no desire for sugar. I made some more stewed apple, which is very successful!!
That night after chemo, I went with Marilyn & Judit to see The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. Just as good as the other 2 movies - I've read book 1, still have to read the other 2.
Thur & Fri I worked, Mandy felt I was quite effective, so that's good feedback!! Fran & I went to a play on Thurs night called Orange Flower Water - we should have given Geoff S some feedback, cos neither of us liked it!!! It sounded good, but it was very dark & no humour. The good thing to come of the evening is that there is a British Lolly shop round the corner from the theatre & I was able to buy some Heinz Sandwich Spread!!!! I was halishing for it :) You Brits know what I'm talking about hahaha.
We had a Shabbat dinner at Shul on Fri & that was great - but by then my eyes were so dry I just had to go home & get the lenses out.
Did nothing on the weekend at all, was supposed to vote in our State Election, it is compulsory here to vote, but I will say I was recovering from chemo & they can take it further if they want. Didn't make it to Chloe's farewell party unfortunately, I really wanted to go.
I took today off work because I knew I would have very little energy & yep I have had very little energy today. I did go to Esther for acupuncture this morning, it really does seem to help. Planning to go again on Fri. I will work 3 days this week, with no plans for social stuff after work!!! But then that should be it!! back to normal on the weekend & I will never ever again do chemo no matter what.
One thing I was advised of after chemo on Wed, is that the port that was inserted under my chest wall, will need to have regular flushing!!! That means going every 4-6 weeks for them to flush it, not a comfortable procedure. I meant to ask Alex G when I can get the damn thing removed, but I think they want to make sure all is well, all scans are clear, etc before taking it out.
Next appt is with Gillian L, the radiotherapist, or whatever she is, to discuss the 25 days of radiotherapy logistics, etc. That is next week. Oy, it will end. Still no hair, but there is fuzz!!! not fluff, fuzz :) eyebrows & eyelashes r still lacking, can't wait for them to grow back!! I decided to let Vinnie, my tenant, see me with no hair, cos I'm not prepared to worry about walking around the house with no wig on. I need that freedom at home. It doesn't seem to worry him. He seems to be a decent guy.
Hope life is treating you all well & I'm still managing to entertain - will write again sometime soon....
Cheers
Debbie xx
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
pushing on thru - not long to go...
Hi everyone
I think I'm leaving it too long between each blog post as I cannot remember all the interesting (& uninteresting) things I have done since last I wrote!!!
Basically I have worked most weekdays, not been able to go out at night, still feeling yuck, which is not pleasant. Still can't eat or drink anything sweet, milky or too bland.
However I have had acupuncture with Esther again, mainly for the pains in my legs, my inner organs didn't complain so much this time :) I have made an appt to see her again on the Monday after next chemo.
I did go to a concert on the Thursday evening in Surry Hills, Daniel Weltlinger was playing violin with a new band. It was mostly interesting, and he is always a pleasure to listen to...
One thing I discovered I could eat was fresh corn on the cob - I had that twice in the week, 1 cob as my dinner. Not hungry at all. I weighed myself, & as far as I can tell it looks like I have lost about 10kgs since the beginning...
Last Friday was my birthday. Thanks to everyone for all your wonderful, caring, heartfelt wishes. Lots of emails, fb messages, sms's, cards, phone calls, etc etc. hope to hear from you all again next year :) lololol
Had lunch at Savta, have mentioned this place previously, with family & a couple of friends to celebrate, thanks guys - Anne, Shell, Shirley, Jacqui, Fran, Evie, Fran's dad & of course, most importantly, Chloe!!! Terry was even in the same place, but had to rush back to work.
After lunch I had to renew my driver's licence, which had expired 2 days prior!!! Silly me ticked the box that said I take medication for high blood sugar, ech, that meant they wouldn't do the licence until I had a medical certificate.... SOOO off I went to the nearest medical centre, got a gp to fill out this stupid form - he & I had never met before, he had to take me at face value - & me him. However he filled it in & I toddled back to the RTA & got myself my new licence, must admit with the wig, it looks nothing like the me I will look like in 12 months hahah.
By then Shul beckoned & I stayed for the pot luck dinner, there were 6 of us I think, Andrea C & I had a nice chat, she was the shul representative last week.
On Saturday I drove into the city to have lunch with Anne L & Viv S in David Jones (dept store) we had a lovely lunch, enjoyed every moment.
Did something unique on Saturday night - when I say that, I mean it's something none of us had done before!! 6 of us, Terry, Alysa, Lynda, Fran, Peter & I had yummy Chinese dinner early!! then went to NIDA Parade Theatre to the Short + Sweet grand finale which began at 730pm.
Short + Sweet had been performing since January. Every week a different selection of 10 x 10 minute plays were performed, the best of which went to the grand final. I had free tickets to week 2, Lynda came with me, Fran & Peter had gone to that too, & had gone to another week as well.
The Grand Final was 13 x 10 minute plays, all winners of their own weeks. The quality of acting, directing, scripts, was brilliant, all performed by amateurs, but the talent was outstanding. After all the plays were performed there was the prizes to be given, speeches to be given, etc - all in all it went for 4 hours, can't wait for next year!!!
Sunday was a doona day.......
Ive worked again, so far all week, no social activity. I dont feel so totally yuck this week TG, My taste still hasn't come back, but it's slightly improved. We had a lemon tart to celebrate my bday at work today - I chose that, hoping it wouldn't be too sweet for me. It was ok. they all sang happy birthday, something we forgot last Friday at lunch!!
I woke up this morning with a slight sore throat & slight temperature, so I took aspirin to reduce it, but packed clean underwear & some toiletries to take to work in case I had to dash to hospital for intravenous antibiotics, but TG the aspirin seems to have worked & I am fine now.
I had lunch on Monday this week with Jillian, & she suggested trying something - stewed apple. I thought, ok, so I bought 4 granny smiths, took them home & stewed them, no sugar or lemon. They are tart enough that I can eat it very successfully, so that was a brilliant idea Jill!!!
Gotta tell you the most frustrating that has happened to me in the last week.
As you know I wear either glasses or contact lenses. Last Tuesday I got to work, glasses on, & realised I could not read the computer screen, read books on the desk, patient cards in the filing cabinets, etc, everything at that middle distance - far was fine & very close was fine (I just lift my glasses up!!) Same thing every other day, becoming such a nuisance I couldn't easily read my own computer screen, what a tragedy!! certainly couldn't write this blog!!!
On Monday morning I wore my contact lenses & I have had a wee pair of blue +1 magnifiers that I wore over my lenses Monday & Tuesday, but my vision was getting worse!!! Today I decided stuff this so I wore my glasses & offered to do the banking 1st up & while I was out I went to a chemist & bought a cheap pair of +2 magnifiers that fit over my regular glasses. What relief!! I can see, I can read the computer screen - I can write this blog. I'm functioning again, except - it looks totally weird, must thanks Elizabeth B for suggesting it to me, it's all a compromise :)
I do have a few social things over the weekend & next Tuesday night, Jacqui & I are going to Jersey Boys, a last night before last chemo, which is next Wednesday. It's becoming manageable now.
Only other news is that my tenant, Vinnie, moved in on Monday evening & the first thing he had to do was put together his bed!!! Michael W had no chance, & Vinnie did the whole thing in 5 mins lolol. So far hes been early to work & late home, but seems decent from the few short conversations we have had.
Take care all, I'd love to hear what you are all doing, doesn't seem fair that it's only my news that is being shared!!!! Part of the process & down the track this will be a good memory jogger as to all the things that have happened.
Cheers
Debbie xx
I think I'm leaving it too long between each blog post as I cannot remember all the interesting (& uninteresting) things I have done since last I wrote!!!
Basically I have worked most weekdays, not been able to go out at night, still feeling yuck, which is not pleasant. Still can't eat or drink anything sweet, milky or too bland.
However I have had acupuncture with Esther again, mainly for the pains in my legs, my inner organs didn't complain so much this time :) I have made an appt to see her again on the Monday after next chemo.
I did go to a concert on the Thursday evening in Surry Hills, Daniel Weltlinger was playing violin with a new band. It was mostly interesting, and he is always a pleasure to listen to...
One thing I discovered I could eat was fresh corn on the cob - I had that twice in the week, 1 cob as my dinner. Not hungry at all. I weighed myself, & as far as I can tell it looks like I have lost about 10kgs since the beginning...
Last Friday was my birthday. Thanks to everyone for all your wonderful, caring, heartfelt wishes. Lots of emails, fb messages, sms's, cards, phone calls, etc etc. hope to hear from you all again next year :) lololol
Had lunch at Savta, have mentioned this place previously, with family & a couple of friends to celebrate, thanks guys - Anne, Shell, Shirley, Jacqui, Fran, Evie, Fran's dad & of course, most importantly, Chloe!!! Terry was even in the same place, but had to rush back to work.
After lunch I had to renew my driver's licence, which had expired 2 days prior!!! Silly me ticked the box that said I take medication for high blood sugar, ech, that meant they wouldn't do the licence until I had a medical certificate.... SOOO off I went to the nearest medical centre, got a gp to fill out this stupid form - he & I had never met before, he had to take me at face value - & me him. However he filled it in & I toddled back to the RTA & got myself my new licence, must admit with the wig, it looks nothing like the me I will look like in 12 months hahah.
By then Shul beckoned & I stayed for the pot luck dinner, there were 6 of us I think, Andrea C & I had a nice chat, she was the shul representative last week.
On Saturday I drove into the city to have lunch with Anne L & Viv S in David Jones (dept store) we had a lovely lunch, enjoyed every moment.
Did something unique on Saturday night - when I say that, I mean it's something none of us had done before!! 6 of us, Terry, Alysa, Lynda, Fran, Peter & I had yummy Chinese dinner early!! then went to NIDA Parade Theatre to the Short + Sweet grand finale which began at 730pm.
Short + Sweet had been performing since January. Every week a different selection of 10 x 10 minute plays were performed, the best of which went to the grand final. I had free tickets to week 2, Lynda came with me, Fran & Peter had gone to that too, & had gone to another week as well.
The Grand Final was 13 x 10 minute plays, all winners of their own weeks. The quality of acting, directing, scripts, was brilliant, all performed by amateurs, but the talent was outstanding. After all the plays were performed there was the prizes to be given, speeches to be given, etc - all in all it went for 4 hours, can't wait for next year!!!
Sunday was a doona day.......
Ive worked again, so far all week, no social activity. I dont feel so totally yuck this week TG, My taste still hasn't come back, but it's slightly improved. We had a lemon tart to celebrate my bday at work today - I chose that, hoping it wouldn't be too sweet for me. It was ok. they all sang happy birthday, something we forgot last Friday at lunch!!
I woke up this morning with a slight sore throat & slight temperature, so I took aspirin to reduce it, but packed clean underwear & some toiletries to take to work in case I had to dash to hospital for intravenous antibiotics, but TG the aspirin seems to have worked & I am fine now.
I had lunch on Monday this week with Jillian, & she suggested trying something - stewed apple. I thought, ok, so I bought 4 granny smiths, took them home & stewed them, no sugar or lemon. They are tart enough that I can eat it very successfully, so that was a brilliant idea Jill!!!
Gotta tell you the most frustrating that has happened to me in the last week.
As you know I wear either glasses or contact lenses. Last Tuesday I got to work, glasses on, & realised I could not read the computer screen, read books on the desk, patient cards in the filing cabinets, etc, everything at that middle distance - far was fine & very close was fine (I just lift my glasses up!!) Same thing every other day, becoming such a nuisance I couldn't easily read my own computer screen, what a tragedy!! certainly couldn't write this blog!!!
On Monday morning I wore my contact lenses & I have had a wee pair of blue +1 magnifiers that I wore over my lenses Monday & Tuesday, but my vision was getting worse!!! Today I decided stuff this so I wore my glasses & offered to do the banking 1st up & while I was out I went to a chemist & bought a cheap pair of +2 magnifiers that fit over my regular glasses. What relief!! I can see, I can read the computer screen - I can write this blog. I'm functioning again, except - it looks totally weird, must thanks Elizabeth B for suggesting it to me, it's all a compromise :)
I do have a few social things over the weekend & next Tuesday night, Jacqui & I are going to Jersey Boys, a last night before last chemo, which is next Wednesday. It's becoming manageable now.
Only other news is that my tenant, Vinnie, moved in on Monday evening & the first thing he had to do was put together his bed!!! Michael W had no chance, & Vinnie did the whole thing in 5 mins lolol. So far hes been early to work & late home, but seems decent from the few short conversations we have had.
Take care all, I'd love to hear what you are all doing, doesn't seem fair that it's only my news that is being shared!!!! Part of the process & down the track this will be a good memory jogger as to all the things that have happened.
Cheers
Debbie xx
Sunday, March 6, 2011
It's been 2 weeks...
Hi All
Thanks to those who have been wondering how I am - but I haven't had a lot to say this past 2 weeks, but I do now!!!
That week after I last wrote all I did was work Mon - Thur, I didn't do anything after work, so it was a fairly boring week from that point, though being able to work was wonderful!!! On the Fri 25 I think, I went to see Dr Alex G, oncologist. I went on my own this time, but Tracy, the fab breast cancer nurse was there & Alex, for the first time, actually smiled at me!!! I think he's shy. We talked about the effect the 4th chemo had been having on me & while the 2nd 10 days was way better than the 1st 10 days, it was still quite rubbish, had times of just feeling yuck. So he said that if the 5th time was worse than the 4th, he would arrange for the 6th & last to be the same type of chemo as the 1st 3, which is good. You may remember I said that Alex said the 2nd type of chemo would be either better or worse than the 1st - for me it's been a lot worse. I'm seeing him again on Mar 18.
That Fri night a few friends were going to the Symphony to see Peer Gynt & I didn't have a ticket, but it was available for me to watch live online, which is what I did, it was absolutely wonderful, Lynda said it was one of the best things she had seen. Yeah I didn't have the atmosphere of the Opera House, but I did have a bird's eye view of the orchestra & heard the music & narrative & voices.
Last Sat I had bought a ticket to a matinee preview of the Boy From Oz with Tod McKenny. I really did enjoy that, but unfortunately I just wasn't in the mood to go to the theatre that night. I had free tickets for a play at the Zenith Theatre, thanks Geoff S!! so I stayed home, not like me at all!!!!
Shelley, one of the great girls I work with, had told me about a chamber music concert & I went with her on Sunday afternoon, that was most enjoyable too - I do love my cultural hits!!! & I make sure I get quite a lot :)
Mon, Tue & Wed morn I worked again, Tue night I made a huge pot of vegie soup - 1 in fridge, 2 in freezer!! Wed afternoon off I went for the 5th chemo - getting used to it (not). Well it's done & I was ok straight after, but even though I had a couple of plans for Wed night, I stayed home.... Thur I worked from 10 - 3, no doctor, he goes to Kempsey on the mid north coast for 2 days every month - means we get to catch up on lots of admin stuff. Funny thing as I was sitting there working in the morning I could feel & taste the metallicness come into my mouth, so yuck - it hasn't gone.....
Thur night I had booked a ticket a few weeks ago for Fay Sussman at Camelot in Marrickville. She is a Klezmer, Yiddish, Hebrew singer & with her backing group including Daniel Weltlinger on violin, Lara Goodrich on vocals & violin, Eddie Bronson on sax & clarinet, & others on double base, piano accordion & piano, it was wonderful - I had ummed & ahhed about going, but once there I would have hated to miss it - I find that sort of music so uplifting & therapeutic. It made a huge difference to my well being. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
On Fri I didn't do much but my new tenant, yay!! came to pay me a visit & check out the unit - he has already paid his bond. He's bought a franchise for the computer section of Harvey Norman in Chatswood Chase. He's divorced from Melbourne & wants somewhere not too dear or too far from work. I hope we get on... time will tell.
In the afternoon I went to Suzanne S, a kineseologist - we had one session quite a while ago. It takes 2 hours for the sessions. I'm really not sure how it works but some interesting things did come out. I think I may have said, but can't remember if I did, that I have never had one moments upset or anxiety or why me about this cancer thing & I just thought I was being positive & out there & just not letting it get to me. However one of the processes discovered that there is something underneath that is holding onto those feelings. I was not ready to let go of them yet & I know now that it is part of my protective mechanism to not allow things out before they are ready to be revealed, but at least I now know that all this stuff is sitting there waiting for the right time. Wonder what the outcome of that will be??!!
From there I went to Shul & dinner, had a very early night for me - 11pm, got up 1pm on Sat!! Bookclub at Charlene's on Sat afternoon, thanks for having it at your place - it was supposed to be at me, but I just couldn't have done it - you would have been lucky to get a packet of tim tams!!! I brought home some interesting books!!! Last night Lynda & I decided to go to Camelot (again) to see Fromage a trois, a few of the Monsieur Camembert band doing a jamming session gig. I'm glad I went to that too :) love my music - I only danced for 5 mins with Bill V, I just don't have any energy & my arms & legs don't work too well, something that is still the same as I sit here & write.
Today I went to Peter & Gloria's for lunch. There were 5 couples & me. Lovely day!!
My biggest problem is still what to eat & drink, savoury food is good, Gloria made a yummy quiche & that was excellent!! but there is nothing I can bear to drink, water, soft drink, wine, juice, all vile...& I have never been good at putting things into my mouth that I don't like!!!!! funny that. Yet I'm thirsty - I've got a bottle of cold water next to me & it's better than nothing I suppose.
Basically I would describe how I feel as just yuck, not sick, or nauseous or even queasy, just yuck!! I find that aspirin helps a bit, specially with the uncomfortable arms & legs, the rest of me is ok, no sore head or anything & my internal organs don't have that ache they had the last time. I think I should probably try to have acupuncture again tomorrow, will ring Esther in the morning..... All I can say is that every day is a day closer to the end & it's getting closer, only one more on Mar 23.
Please leave any comments or email me direct :)
Cheers
Debbie xx
Thanks to those who have been wondering how I am - but I haven't had a lot to say this past 2 weeks, but I do now!!!
That week after I last wrote all I did was work Mon - Thur, I didn't do anything after work, so it was a fairly boring week from that point, though being able to work was wonderful!!! On the Fri 25 I think, I went to see Dr Alex G, oncologist. I went on my own this time, but Tracy, the fab breast cancer nurse was there & Alex, for the first time, actually smiled at me!!! I think he's shy. We talked about the effect the 4th chemo had been having on me & while the 2nd 10 days was way better than the 1st 10 days, it was still quite rubbish, had times of just feeling yuck. So he said that if the 5th time was worse than the 4th, he would arrange for the 6th & last to be the same type of chemo as the 1st 3, which is good. You may remember I said that Alex said the 2nd type of chemo would be either better or worse than the 1st - for me it's been a lot worse. I'm seeing him again on Mar 18.
That Fri night a few friends were going to the Symphony to see Peer Gynt & I didn't have a ticket, but it was available for me to watch live online, which is what I did, it was absolutely wonderful, Lynda said it was one of the best things she had seen. Yeah I didn't have the atmosphere of the Opera House, but I did have a bird's eye view of the orchestra & heard the music & narrative & voices.
Last Sat I had bought a ticket to a matinee preview of the Boy From Oz with Tod McKenny. I really did enjoy that, but unfortunately I just wasn't in the mood to go to the theatre that night. I had free tickets for a play at the Zenith Theatre, thanks Geoff S!! so I stayed home, not like me at all!!!!
Shelley, one of the great girls I work with, had told me about a chamber music concert & I went with her on Sunday afternoon, that was most enjoyable too - I do love my cultural hits!!! & I make sure I get quite a lot :)
Mon, Tue & Wed morn I worked again, Tue night I made a huge pot of vegie soup - 1 in fridge, 2 in freezer!! Wed afternoon off I went for the 5th chemo - getting used to it (not). Well it's done & I was ok straight after, but even though I had a couple of plans for Wed night, I stayed home.... Thur I worked from 10 - 3, no doctor, he goes to Kempsey on the mid north coast for 2 days every month - means we get to catch up on lots of admin stuff. Funny thing as I was sitting there working in the morning I could feel & taste the metallicness come into my mouth, so yuck - it hasn't gone.....
Thur night I had booked a ticket a few weeks ago for Fay Sussman at Camelot in Marrickville. She is a Klezmer, Yiddish, Hebrew singer & with her backing group including Daniel Weltlinger on violin, Lara Goodrich on vocals & violin, Eddie Bronson on sax & clarinet, & others on double base, piano accordion & piano, it was wonderful - I had ummed & ahhed about going, but once there I would have hated to miss it - I find that sort of music so uplifting & therapeutic. It made a huge difference to my well being. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
On Fri I didn't do much but my new tenant, yay!! came to pay me a visit & check out the unit - he has already paid his bond. He's bought a franchise for the computer section of Harvey Norman in Chatswood Chase. He's divorced from Melbourne & wants somewhere not too dear or too far from work. I hope we get on... time will tell.
In the afternoon I went to Suzanne S, a kineseologist - we had one session quite a while ago. It takes 2 hours for the sessions. I'm really not sure how it works but some interesting things did come out. I think I may have said, but can't remember if I did, that I have never had one moments upset or anxiety or why me about this cancer thing & I just thought I was being positive & out there & just not letting it get to me. However one of the processes discovered that there is something underneath that is holding onto those feelings. I was not ready to let go of them yet & I know now that it is part of my protective mechanism to not allow things out before they are ready to be revealed, but at least I now know that all this stuff is sitting there waiting for the right time. Wonder what the outcome of that will be??!!
From there I went to Shul & dinner, had a very early night for me - 11pm, got up 1pm on Sat!! Bookclub at Charlene's on Sat afternoon, thanks for having it at your place - it was supposed to be at me, but I just couldn't have done it - you would have been lucky to get a packet of tim tams!!! I brought home some interesting books!!! Last night Lynda & I decided to go to Camelot (again) to see Fromage a trois, a few of the Monsieur Camembert band doing a jamming session gig. I'm glad I went to that too :) love my music - I only danced for 5 mins with Bill V, I just don't have any energy & my arms & legs don't work too well, something that is still the same as I sit here & write.
Today I went to Peter & Gloria's for lunch. There were 5 couples & me. Lovely day!!
My biggest problem is still what to eat & drink, savoury food is good, Gloria made a yummy quiche & that was excellent!! but there is nothing I can bear to drink, water, soft drink, wine, juice, all vile...& I have never been good at putting things into my mouth that I don't like!!!!! funny that. Yet I'm thirsty - I've got a bottle of cold water next to me & it's better than nothing I suppose.
Basically I would describe how I feel as just yuck, not sick, or nauseous or even queasy, just yuck!! I find that aspirin helps a bit, specially with the uncomfortable arms & legs, the rest of me is ok, no sore head or anything & my internal organs don't have that ache they had the last time. I think I should probably try to have acupuncture again tomorrow, will ring Esther in the morning..... All I can say is that every day is a day closer to the end & it's getting closer, only one more on Mar 23.
Please leave any comments or email me direct :)
Cheers
Debbie xx
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Writing for myself so I don't forget....
Well - since I last wrote - last Sat - it'w now over a week later on Sun 20 in the evening, I have had a very unpleasant week!!! not all, but most.
Sat night I went out for Chinese dinner in Crows Nest with 4 couples - 9 of us. I had decided before I even went that I felt like salt & pepper calamari (squid) Roy who did the ordering, took this on board & we had a very yummy dinner - I was able to taste & enjoy!!
Last Sun I had a lot of aches & pains, mainly internal & just stayed at home all day - not a doona day lol, just not well enough to do anything. It was day 4 after all. I had planned to not work on Mon as it was day 5 of the previous regimen & it was again a day I had no energy to do anything - I drove to Bondi though & Evie & I walked very slowly round - I did have some sushi which was great! & we had a coffee.
Dr Sue B had recommended that I try acupuncture for relief of the aches & pains which had not abated. Lynda was concerned that I talk to my oncologist Dr Alex G before doing anything, however I was in such a place of low level aches & pains from my arms & legs to my internal organs I decided that acupuncture could only be a good thing! I remembered that a girl Esther R, who I worked with in the school canteen at Killara High a lifetime ago!! is an acupuncturist & we had seen each other now & again over the past several years. Fortunately she had a spot for me on Mon late afternoon. It really made a difference!! The internal aches we decided were my liver fighting the chemo & those aches went away - oy, I've decided to have more acupuncture as I need it.Dr Alex rang me later that evening & told me he thought acupuncture was a worth while thing to do, glad he agreed!!
Tues I worked from 9am to 4pm, left in a lot of gut pain, went home & slept for 2 hours, I really wasn't going to Shirley's birthday dinner, but thought that it might do me good to go. It was at Pita Mix in Rose Bay, & I reconnected with a couple of people which was good. Suzanne S is a kinestheologist & I had gone to her to help in her studies & to see if I liked the idea, a few months previously - it's interested that both acupuncture & kinestheology use the same healing & energy points in the body.
Wed I worked quite a long day, but it was good. Thurs was no good at all - had horrible gastric probs & no sleep & pain in my gut - I just couldn't get to work, I hate that I let them down. I slept in between visits to the loo & tried to eradicate the ache in my stomach. However when I got up on Fri with the determination that I just had to go to work, I felt the same, but no pain!! However my brain has reconnected to my body!!! I worked till 5.30pm & drove to shul. There were only 6 of us at the pot luck dinner, but I connected with someone I think I must have known, Angie. She lives in the Blue Mountains in Blackheath & is a healer.
While at shul I talked to a girl Pam M whom I actually don't know, but her husband Jason was at school with Michael, my ex, from when they were 5!! Pam has been through all this nonsense last year & when I was telling her how I've been feeling she very kindly told me that the next chemo (2nd last) is way worse & the last one (nbr 6) is the vilest of all - wow how positive!!! Well you all know me - my automatic reaction to this sort of information is to say - that won't happen to me!! However I have to be realistic & accept that it may well happen to me. My prob is work, how do I deal with the possible fact that I may not be able to work at all for the week after my next chemo? & yet maybe I will be able to..... can only take it one day at a time & my attitude is that each day is a day closer to the end!! can't wait till April!!!!!! Easter/Pesach here we come!!
Yesterday - Jacqui & I cleaned the unit - well she did her bit & I did a bit of my bit!! An Aussie guy came & looked at the unit as prospective tenant & we shook hands on him moving in in 2 weeks - however, until he pays me some $$ I'm not getting too excited - it could bomb out, but at least he is interested & he seems decent.
Last night I had dinner with Peter & Gloria at their place, tnx so much for dinner!! We drove to the Opera House to see James Morrison playing with the Sydney Symphony. He is a trumpeter & pianist & plays other brass instruments. I had so very much wanted to go to this concert, but the tickets were very expensive & I thought, there was no way. I'm on the Symphony email list & they sent an email offering tickets to this concert much cheaper. The catch was that the seats were one here & one there, random over the whole concert hall - there might have been 10-12 in total. So I made a spot decision to go & booked a seat 5 rows from the front in the middle!!!
It was sublime - moments of total joy, pleasure & contentment for me, where I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else in the world - at that moment. Loved the show - James, the symphony, a group of Capella singers call Idea of North & Emma Pask, a gorgeous singer with that sort of smoky voice very suitable to those sort of songs from the 30's, 40's etc. What the concert was music from movies starting with 2001 Space Odessy - you know the Richard Strauss piece. followed by all sort of stuff - Irving Berlin, Louis Armstrong, Star Wars theme, ending with Hello Dolly!! As I said enough moments of absolute joy, so much so that I could forget all the shit that's been happening.
After the concert Peter, Gloria, Fran, Peter, Rachel & I went for coffee/chocolate/dessert to Guylian nearby. I had so wanted an ice coffee - usually they come very cold & not very strong, this one was vile!! & also very very very expensive - disappointing - however Peter's lemon meringue pie was divine!!!
Today, another hot day, I finished cleaning my bit of the unit, lol. That meant my bedroom got a vacuum & my bathroom got a good clean. Drove to Lynda's for a swim, we had a long chat first then a quick dip, it was so pleasant in the water today!!! It was funny, I had such a strong desire to be in that pool, must have been something I needed to do.
Since I came home from Lynda's, I have done nothing at all, but sit here. Planning to work all week, except Fri - got my next appt with Alex G, oncologist. Next chemo is Wed Mar 2 - so I expect 10 days of feeling ok, or I should qualify that, feeling better than I did this week!!
Take care all, hope you are all doing ok, anyone with breaks & injuries & recovering from ops, wishing you a speedy recovery!! :)
I'm still positive, upbeat & out there, but when I feel crap, I feel crap!! can't change that reality, I can only deal with everything as best I can & move on...
Cheers
Debbie xx
Sat night I went out for Chinese dinner in Crows Nest with 4 couples - 9 of us. I had decided before I even went that I felt like salt & pepper calamari (squid) Roy who did the ordering, took this on board & we had a very yummy dinner - I was able to taste & enjoy!!
Last Sun I had a lot of aches & pains, mainly internal & just stayed at home all day - not a doona day lol, just not well enough to do anything. It was day 4 after all. I had planned to not work on Mon as it was day 5 of the previous regimen & it was again a day I had no energy to do anything - I drove to Bondi though & Evie & I walked very slowly round - I did have some sushi which was great! & we had a coffee.
Dr Sue B had recommended that I try acupuncture for relief of the aches & pains which had not abated. Lynda was concerned that I talk to my oncologist Dr Alex G before doing anything, however I was in such a place of low level aches & pains from my arms & legs to my internal organs I decided that acupuncture could only be a good thing! I remembered that a girl Esther R, who I worked with in the school canteen at Killara High a lifetime ago!! is an acupuncturist & we had seen each other now & again over the past several years. Fortunately she had a spot for me on Mon late afternoon. It really made a difference!! The internal aches we decided were my liver fighting the chemo & those aches went away - oy, I've decided to have more acupuncture as I need it.Dr Alex rang me later that evening & told me he thought acupuncture was a worth while thing to do, glad he agreed!!
Tues I worked from 9am to 4pm, left in a lot of gut pain, went home & slept for 2 hours, I really wasn't going to Shirley's birthday dinner, but thought that it might do me good to go. It was at Pita Mix in Rose Bay, & I reconnected with a couple of people which was good. Suzanne S is a kinestheologist & I had gone to her to help in her studies & to see if I liked the idea, a few months previously - it's interested that both acupuncture & kinestheology use the same healing & energy points in the body.
Wed I worked quite a long day, but it was good. Thurs was no good at all - had horrible gastric probs & no sleep & pain in my gut - I just couldn't get to work, I hate that I let them down. I slept in between visits to the loo & tried to eradicate the ache in my stomach. However when I got up on Fri with the determination that I just had to go to work, I felt the same, but no pain!! However my brain has reconnected to my body!!! I worked till 5.30pm & drove to shul. There were only 6 of us at the pot luck dinner, but I connected with someone I think I must have known, Angie. She lives in the Blue Mountains in Blackheath & is a healer.
While at shul I talked to a girl Pam M whom I actually don't know, but her husband Jason was at school with Michael, my ex, from when they were 5!! Pam has been through all this nonsense last year & when I was telling her how I've been feeling she very kindly told me that the next chemo (2nd last) is way worse & the last one (nbr 6) is the vilest of all - wow how positive!!! Well you all know me - my automatic reaction to this sort of information is to say - that won't happen to me!! However I have to be realistic & accept that it may well happen to me. My prob is work, how do I deal with the possible fact that I may not be able to work at all for the week after my next chemo? & yet maybe I will be able to..... can only take it one day at a time & my attitude is that each day is a day closer to the end!! can't wait till April!!!!!! Easter/Pesach here we come!!
Yesterday - Jacqui & I cleaned the unit - well she did her bit & I did a bit of my bit!! An Aussie guy came & looked at the unit as prospective tenant & we shook hands on him moving in in 2 weeks - however, until he pays me some $$ I'm not getting too excited - it could bomb out, but at least he is interested & he seems decent.
Last night I had dinner with Peter & Gloria at their place, tnx so much for dinner!! We drove to the Opera House to see James Morrison playing with the Sydney Symphony. He is a trumpeter & pianist & plays other brass instruments. I had so very much wanted to go to this concert, but the tickets were very expensive & I thought, there was no way. I'm on the Symphony email list & they sent an email offering tickets to this concert much cheaper. The catch was that the seats were one here & one there, random over the whole concert hall - there might have been 10-12 in total. So I made a spot decision to go & booked a seat 5 rows from the front in the middle!!!
It was sublime - moments of total joy, pleasure & contentment for me, where I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else in the world - at that moment. Loved the show - James, the symphony, a group of Capella singers call Idea of North & Emma Pask, a gorgeous singer with that sort of smoky voice very suitable to those sort of songs from the 30's, 40's etc. What the concert was music from movies starting with 2001 Space Odessy - you know the Richard Strauss piece. followed by all sort of stuff - Irving Berlin, Louis Armstrong, Star Wars theme, ending with Hello Dolly!! As I said enough moments of absolute joy, so much so that I could forget all the shit that's been happening.
After the concert Peter, Gloria, Fran, Peter, Rachel & I went for coffee/chocolate/dessert to Guylian nearby. I had so wanted an ice coffee - usually they come very cold & not very strong, this one was vile!! & also very very very expensive - disappointing - however Peter's lemon meringue pie was divine!!!
Today, another hot day, I finished cleaning my bit of the unit, lol. That meant my bedroom got a vacuum & my bathroom got a good clean. Drove to Lynda's for a swim, we had a long chat first then a quick dip, it was so pleasant in the water today!!! It was funny, I had such a strong desire to be in that pool, must have been something I needed to do.
Since I came home from Lynda's, I have done nothing at all, but sit here. Planning to work all week, except Fri - got my next appt with Alex G, oncologist. Next chemo is Wed Mar 2 - so I expect 10 days of feeling ok, or I should qualify that, feeling better than I did this week!!
Take care all, hope you are all doing ok, anyone with breaks & injuries & recovering from ops, wishing you a speedy recovery!! :)
I'm still positive, upbeat & out there, but when I feel crap, I feel crap!! can't change that reality, I can only deal with everything as best I can & move on...
Cheers
Debbie xx
Friday, February 11, 2011
10 good days in a row.....
Hi All
Since my last blog last Sat - been a very interesting week!!!
Sat itself was 42C - & as I wrote on FB, I forgot there is a pool on the grounds here where I live. Fortunately I did remember!! & off I went for a dip, too hot to do anything else, but be wet under fans.
We had our first of 5 plays & 10 of us went off for dinner (in the heat) then saw a terrific one woman play called Just The Ticket, with Amanda Muggleton, she did Shirley Valentine a long time ago. Most of us enjoyed the play, but can't please everyone. It was still 30C at midnight.
I did go to a movie this week, went with Chloe to see Tamara Drew - I thought it very interesting & enjoyable. Good character representations.
I worked Mon & Tue, very effectively - brain in gear, like the work & the people - long may it last!!!
Belinda B & I went to the Ark Aid concert at the Science Theatre at UNSW last Tue night. Ilan Kidron, lead singer of the Potbelleez organised with Rabbi Mendel Kastel of Jewish House to put on a night of music, where all the performers donated their time & the $$ went to the Jewish flood victims in Queensland. I always love Monsieur Camembert & it seems that Daniel Weltlinger (violinist) came back early from his trip to perform with them. The Potbelleeze I had never seen before, but wow, lots of dancing in the aisles to them. Last performer was Lior, who came up from Melbourne to be there - he had a string quartet who had put off a paying gig to be there!! Very impressive, love Lior. There were other bands & stuff too. But I'm avoiding writing about Wed, Thur, Fri & Sat!!!!
Well I had 4th chemo on Wed, fortunately Miri G had broken her wrist & was able to spend the time with me, poor Miri, she broke it 2 weeks ago, but just thought it was feeling a bit odd, an x-ray on Mon confirmed it was broken!! & she had plaster put on.
As Wed was new chemo it was much quicker & we were out of there in 3 hrs. I went home for a sleep... Thurs I worked, not so effectively, but I was there & did it. Mandy (the other front desk girl) made me go home at 430 & I promised to see her at 9 on Fri. I rang at 10 on Fri to say I would be there at 11, but at that point my choice was to shower & dress or have another snooze, funny that but that 5 min snooze took 2 hrs... I just was unable to go to work on Fri, so I slept all day, must be what my body needed to do. Didn't go to shul last night either, too weary. I did watch a movie I had downloaded called Animal Kingdon, Jacki Weaver is nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, I didn't like the movie, but she is fab.
Today I had planned to attend a course at the Sydney Writer's Centre with Diane Wolkstein a story teller, who has been visiting from New York telling stories & conducting workshops. It's always interested me to be able to sit down, & tell great stories. I had to leave there 1/2 way through the day....
This chemo thing is so weird, the last 3 lots I was fine on days 1, 2 & 3 & got hit on days 4 & 5. This time it was almost immediate, terrible day 2 & 3, at least the weather hasn't been so hot this week.
As you can see it's just a short blog today, not up to writing too much & need to get ready to go out for dinner. But my bed beckons.
The worst thing is that my taste has completely gone, nothing I put in my mouth tastes like I want it there - water is foul, coca cola has no taste, fruit is vile, yet I've got to drink lots - tricky!!! I'll get over it, just a short term issue, but not nice when it's happening. Any suggestions, except olives, welcome!! I must go buy some pickled cucumbers, wonder if they will work. I've also got to avoid ulcers, I can feel that my tongue is a bit sensitive & is a gorgeous white colour!!! Oy, I don't recommend this for a fun thing to do :) working on keeping my spirits & pecker up right now - talk later, ciao
cheers
Debbie xx
Since my last blog last Sat - been a very interesting week!!!
Sat itself was 42C - & as I wrote on FB, I forgot there is a pool on the grounds here where I live. Fortunately I did remember!! & off I went for a dip, too hot to do anything else, but be wet under fans.
We had our first of 5 plays & 10 of us went off for dinner (in the heat) then saw a terrific one woman play called Just The Ticket, with Amanda Muggleton, she did Shirley Valentine a long time ago. Most of us enjoyed the play, but can't please everyone. It was still 30C at midnight.
I did go to a movie this week, went with Chloe to see Tamara Drew - I thought it very interesting & enjoyable. Good character representations.
I worked Mon & Tue, very effectively - brain in gear, like the work & the people - long may it last!!!
Belinda B & I went to the Ark Aid concert at the Science Theatre at UNSW last Tue night. Ilan Kidron, lead singer of the Potbelleez organised with Rabbi Mendel Kastel of Jewish House to put on a night of music, where all the performers donated their time & the $$ went to the Jewish flood victims in Queensland. I always love Monsieur Camembert & it seems that Daniel Weltlinger (violinist) came back early from his trip to perform with them. The Potbelleeze I had never seen before, but wow, lots of dancing in the aisles to them. Last performer was Lior, who came up from Melbourne to be there - he had a string quartet who had put off a paying gig to be there!! Very impressive, love Lior. There were other bands & stuff too. But I'm avoiding writing about Wed, Thur, Fri & Sat!!!!
Well I had 4th chemo on Wed, fortunately Miri G had broken her wrist & was able to spend the time with me, poor Miri, she broke it 2 weeks ago, but just thought it was feeling a bit odd, an x-ray on Mon confirmed it was broken!! & she had plaster put on.
As Wed was new chemo it was much quicker & we were out of there in 3 hrs. I went home for a sleep... Thurs I worked, not so effectively, but I was there & did it. Mandy (the other front desk girl) made me go home at 430 & I promised to see her at 9 on Fri. I rang at 10 on Fri to say I would be there at 11, but at that point my choice was to shower & dress or have another snooze, funny that but that 5 min snooze took 2 hrs... I just was unable to go to work on Fri, so I slept all day, must be what my body needed to do. Didn't go to shul last night either, too weary. I did watch a movie I had downloaded called Animal Kingdon, Jacki Weaver is nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, I didn't like the movie, but she is fab.
Today I had planned to attend a course at the Sydney Writer's Centre with Diane Wolkstein a story teller, who has been visiting from New York telling stories & conducting workshops. It's always interested me to be able to sit down, & tell great stories. I had to leave there 1/2 way through the day....
This chemo thing is so weird, the last 3 lots I was fine on days 1, 2 & 3 & got hit on days 4 & 5. This time it was almost immediate, terrible day 2 & 3, at least the weather hasn't been so hot this week.
As you can see it's just a short blog today, not up to writing too much & need to get ready to go out for dinner. But my bed beckons.
The worst thing is that my taste has completely gone, nothing I put in my mouth tastes like I want it there - water is foul, coca cola has no taste, fruit is vile, yet I've got to drink lots - tricky!!! I'll get over it, just a short term issue, but not nice when it's happening. Any suggestions, except olives, welcome!! I must go buy some pickled cucumbers, wonder if they will work. I've also got to avoid ulcers, I can feel that my tongue is a bit sensitive & is a gorgeous white colour!!! Oy, I don't recommend this for a fun thing to do :) working on keeping my spirits & pecker up right now - talk later, ciao
cheers
Debbie xx
Friday, February 4, 2011
been a good week!!!
Hi All My Many Great Family, Friends, Followers, Supporters here, there & everywhere!!!
It's been over a week since I last wrote - last Fri, my time. I forgot to say that the previous Sunday, the day I went to Cafe Bondi with Evie - Jacqui & I spent the day cleaning the unit - I did have energy that day!!
I wrote that I had worked on the Thur & even tho it wasn't a good day chemo wise, working was easy. I have worked again since then, but will put it in chronologically!!!!! & there is good news associated with it :)
Last Fri night Ruthie & I chatted on skype for nearly 2 hrs, it is always so brilliant to chat to her!!! having skype is like sitting opposite a friend in the same house... wonderful!!
Last Sat was Opera in the Domain, which was my 4th Sat night in a row in the open air in the city & the 4th one with fantastic weather - no rain, tho it was a cooler breeze last week than previous, it was still 24C. Bill & I went in at 430 & got a great position big enough for 12+ people. I was able to park in the street with my mobility sticker & not have to pay parking. Bill had a friend coming along whom he knew from his weekly breakfast meeting & of course presumed no one else would know this friend!!!!! Warwick & Lisa turned up & yes I knew them hahahah - Warwick is a patient at the dentist I worked for in Chatswood for 4 1/2 years - so I know him well & his wife Lisa had been there too - so funny, I seem to know EVERYONE. Peter who was with us too, also knew Warwick from Barker College where they both had sent their kids..... so Bill was a bit peeved (maybe) that this unknowable friend was not unknowable, so funny.
Anyway the opera, Carmen, with the Israeli Carmen, was terrific. During the evening I had been visiting other friends also sitting in the Domain & had arranged to go back to Jeanie's place for coffee after, which I did.
Got home from Jeanie's after very long chat with her & Helene at 330am. Bed at 430, up at 9!!! was at baby Layla's 1st birthday at 1030, where I saw all my cousins, etc. Had lunch with Janet & her mum at Cafe Bondi at 1230, spent the rest of the afternoon at Viv & Brian's, where I received a call from Peter S inviting me to a concert at North Shore Temple Emanuel at 7. So I went, it was 5 mins from home. It was the most fantastic concert, the congregation & Willoughby singers together singing songs from Broadway Musicals. I was so glad I had gone!!! I also saw some friends to whom I had not yet told my cancer/chemo story & again the most amazing support from them.
As you can probably tell, I was feeling back to normal from Sunday morning!! TG the crap has been gone all week, been feeling very normal (no bad jokes here pls!!) the whole week.
On Mon I went to North Shore Private Hospital for a Look Good Feel Better program. This is for women suffering cancer & going through chemo, not necessarily breast cancer, any type. There were about 15/16 of us sitting round a big table with volunteers, helpers, staff, etc to help. For some reason I was The Model!!! Sitting at the head of the table, with no hair on, the organiser used me to demonstrate how to make ourselves feel better just by putting on a bit of make up, brightening our faces, & just generally working on ways to look good & feel better, this program has been running for 20 years. Many of the well known cosmetic/skin care companies donate their products & we all went home with very full goodie bags - cleansers, toners, moisturisers, eye creams, foundation, concealers, blushers, eye make up, lipstick & everything else u can think of. The companies donating ranged from Rimmel, Revlon, to Estee Lauder, Lancombe, Chanel, Prairie, etc, etc, etc. I got a lovely A'kin facial spray, as well as everything else.
Then the girls started with the wigs, scarfs, turbans, hats, etc for everyone to try on. Quite a few of us were bald, some had hair growing back, some were just starting to lose it. I'm very happy with my wig, which isn't from the company demonstrating. Which as I mentioned on FB I washed for the 1st time & just hoped it would look the same after - it does!!!
That course was so worthwhile, I wouldn't have missed it for anything & even if I had been in a permanent job, I would have taken the morning off to go.
Tues was a work day at the ophthalmologist. I started at 9, parked outside the door, all day!!! finished there at 730!!! 10.5 hr day - I was a wee bit tired at the end. Had 30 mins for lunch. But it was fine & I felt like I was more than able to be there & contributing & doing what was required.
Wed, what did I do on Wed? Oh yeah - because I was not presuming I had that job I went for a job interview with a dermatologist in the city. They said they could not believe the quality of the people applying & they were interviewing everyone possibly suitable. As it happened they rang me on Thurs to say I didn't get the job, which was ok with me, I didn't really want a job in the city!!! However, so glad when people tell you quickly where you stand!!
On Thurs I went to Jewish Care to see what they could do for me, financially... Will hear from them soon.
Then I went to visit Nicki who I've known for over 20 years, our daughters went to Gymbaroo when they were 18 months & are now 22 & 23. But life gets in the way sometimes & we lost touch only seeing each other maybe 3 or 4 times in the past 10 years & we did previously have a very strong good friendship. So good to catch up & spend time together on Thurs - she always makes the most wonderful salads, etc. But geez it was hot!!!!
When I got home I had to finally sit down & sort out the tickets to the Ensemble Theatre, our first play is tonight!! It did only take 1/2 an hour.....
I collected Sue & we headed to Parramatta at about 7pm to see a show called Breast Wishes at the Riverside Theatre, 6 of us went - it was a fab show, about boobs, breasts, knockers, jugs, etc etc - written by lots of great writers, it was an opening night for this particular cast, they were great, but opening nights means wine, dips, cheeses, crackers, fruit for the audience & the cast, producers, stage management, everyone there. Richard Glover a journalist, writer & presenter of our local radio drive program, was there with his wife, I had seen them last year at another opening night of a play she had written & I (no shyness here) had gone up & chatted to them then. So, of course, I went up to them for a chat & they did remember me from the previous time. I told them my story, short version!!! as it was relevant to the show.
From, there the 6 of us, Marilyn, Andee, Robyn, Judit, Sue & myself walked out into the streets of Parramatta for coffee. It was buzzing!! lots of people around, lots of restaurants open, people on the streets, it was more like Europe than Sydney, though there are other suburbs of Sydney where this happens, just not Chatswood or St Ives!!! lolol. more like Glebe or Leichhardt. We found a chocolate cafe, enough said you get the picture!!!
On Friday I worked again from 9 to 5. No doctor or patients, lots & lots of admin!!! & my good news now kicks in - they have put me on probation which means basically I will be working there permanently from now on. It will end up being full time after chemo finishes. TG they are really supportive & caring of my situation. I will work everyday next week, except Wed - chemo day :(
Last night I went to Shul as usual. I had yartzeit (memorial service) for my mother - it has been 30 years since she died, it's actually quite unbelievable that it is that long. I was still 20, Jeff was 17 & Michael was 14......
Had pot luck dinner at shul, there were not many of us, but Chloe & I had a very long chat in her car after. The only way to build & maintain friendships is to talk, communication is the only key. Yep it is one of my strengths!!!!!! I type as I talk, as you probably all realise, only benefit of typing is that I can edit!!! lolol actually it's more than a benefit :) I can cut out the repetitions, fix the grammar & punctuation, etc - I just can't fix the loquaciousness!!!!
Anyway it is Sat morn, going to sort the washing, how mundane & have a bit more shut eye, don't have any plans for today until I collect Naomi from the station & all 11 of us (you know who you are!) head to dinner at Kirribilli prior to the theatre.... will let you know if we all enjoyed the play - it's called Just The Ticket... Looking forward to some culture again - I have quite a lot of that in my life!!! But I work on getting freebies, going to previews, specials, etc - I have purchased 1 ticket to see James Morrison with the Sydney Symphony in 2 weeks but it came as a good special offer & I could also use my concession, but the ticket availability was very limited as it has nearly sold out, so there were only single seats here & there & only a few, my ticket is in the middle 5 rows from the front!!!!! but it was the only 1 in that position.
That's all for now, hope you are all doing well with your various weather positions, from freezing, windy, pouring to boiling, humid & everything else in between I'm sure. To Lynn who recently became a granny for the 1st time, mazaltov & wow, he is so gorgeous! & everyone else with their various good & not so good news. Take care, chat soon :)
Cheers
Debbie xxx
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