Twas the night before Christmas .......and all through the house ,
Not a creature was stirring 'cept Gill and her mouse
She sat at the laptop eating scrummy yule log
At last getting round to updating her blog .........................
Sorry I haven't been keeping you all up to date recently but when you read how busy I have been, hopefully you will understand why.
When I last blogged, I was in between chemo and radiotherapy. The exciting thing that came between those 2 events was my fiftieth birthday!!! ( yes I know, I couldn't believe it either. )I had a great time celebrating and managed to stretch it out over many days. I had a lovely day at work, a fantastic meal with Colin, Jon and some friends, ( Jon came home for the weekend) a meal out with Colin and Dom, ( Dom was away on a trip the weekend Jon was home! - good excuse for another meal) a large family get- together and afternoon tea at a hotel in London with my sister!
Having finished the celebrating I was straight into my radiotherapy the day after my birthday. I had to go to Queens Hospital in Romford every day except Sat & Sun (at a different time each visit - to make it inconvenient) for four and a half weeks.
The treatment was fine and I had no real side effects other than tiredness. The tiredness could have been due to the fact that I started back at work at the same time -doing afternoons only. Having to drive to Romford every day was tiresome as well! The time did go pretty quickly though and before too long it was my final week. The nurses were fantastic and I met some very interesting people there who had gone through similar experiences to me.
I have since been back to see my oncologist and everything is fine. As far as he was concerned, the radio and chemo were given to me as extras because the operation that I had back in May did the main job. He wants to see me on a 3-month basis and I will be "in the loop" to receive mammograms more regularly than normal. Couldn't be better really.
Looking back over the last 7 months is really very strange. It feels most peculiar to have been through such an experience and come out the other side. It is as if it has happened to someone else somehow and if it wasn't for a rapidly disappearing scar and a very short hairstyle, I might even believe that to have been the case. The one thing I have learned from the whole episode is that I have the most fantastic family and friends who helped me remain upbeat and positive through what could have been a nightmare but seems now only to have been a bad dream!
SO, do I need to continue with my blog?? Probably not, so all that remains for me is to thank you all so much for everything and to wish you all
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Much love,
Gilly xxxxxxxxxxxxx
P.S. Audrey and Coco send their love. ( "Get back in the box.." "We don't want to get back in the box" "Say Goodnight girls" )
P.P.S They might be allowed out in a thespian capacity sometime in the future if they are good. xx
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Thursday, 30 October 2008
No longer on the drugs!
Hello,
First of all I must apologise to each and every one of you who feel you have not had your money’s worth out of this blogging lark. I know you have been eagerly looking forward to the next update and waiting with baited breath for my words of wisdom and I feel that I have let you all down. I have no excuse, no wildly exciting reasons why I have not put finger to keyboard – I just haven’t delivered the goods. I’m sorry.
No this isn't me - I don't have a microphone
No this isn't me- I don't have a lollipop
No this isn't me - I don't have a goalie glove
No this isn't me - I don't have such sticky out ears
No this isn't me - I don't have these glasses
YES! You got it right!!! I told you it was all growing back. I shall be so pleased when I can go out without covering myself up with Auds or Coco. I fact I might chance it tomorrow night................
Thanks for reading,
Catch up soon,
Gilly xxxxxxxxxx
First of all I must apologise to each and every one of you who feel you have not had your money’s worth out of this blogging lark. I know you have been eagerly looking forward to the next update and waiting with baited breath for my words of wisdom and I feel that I have let you all down. I have no excuse, no wildly exciting reasons why I have not put finger to keyboard – I just haven’t delivered the goods. I’m sorry.
Apologies over, I can now get on with the job.
What has been happening over the last few weeks? Well, the most important update is that I HAVE FINISHED MY CHEMOTHERAPY! That was a couple of weeks ago and looking back over the weeks since I started in June, I have come through it all relatively unscathed and I count myself very lucky. I have had my moments but on the whole it has gone quite smoothly. Next up is the radiotherapy which starts on the 11th November for just over 4 weeks. It’s every day and I have to travel to the
I will have finished all my treatment by Christmas and can start the New Year afresh.
I have been keeping myself busy over the last couple of weeks with organising the school residential trips to Lambourne End and I managed to be there for all three trips. I even managed to move my chemo to fit round them! If truth be told, (and keep this between ourselves) I probably overdid it a bit as the weekend after the trips were all over, I was feeling very tired and had a slight temperature. Having said that, the whole thing kept me going and gave me lots to think about and stopped me from sitting at home feeling sorry for myself. So there!
Talking of hair, it is gradually coming back and I now have a quarter of an inch growth on top. If it carries on growing quickly I hope that I will be able to leave Audrey and
I am hoping to go back to work after half term although I’m not sure how I am going to fit it in round the radiotherapy. I am sure I will find a way and I’m looking forward to being back teaching.
I went to see Me & My Girl last week and it was really good. Obviously it could have been just a little Gilly -sized bit better but they coped pretty well without me! Hopefully I will be involved in the next show.
I am afraid I had better go now as I am having serious computer problems and my laptop may turn itself off at any momen.....Oh NO!
Back again!
Before I go, I am going to leave you with a little quiz ( you know how much I love quizzes!) It is called Where's Gilly? and all you have to is to find me amongst a group of celebrities.
No this isn't me - I don't have a microphone
No this isn't me- I don't have a lollipop
No this isn't me - I don't have a goalie glove
No this isn't me - I don't have such sticky out ears
No this isn't me - I don't have these glasses
YES! You got it right!!! I told you it was all growing back. I shall be so pleased when I can go out without covering myself up with Auds or Coco. I fact I might chance it tomorrow night................
Thanks for reading,
Catch up soon,
Gilly xxxxxxxxxx
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Well, where did those weeks go?? I seem to have been very busy and time has gone by quickly. I am sorry I haven't updated you all a lot sooner.
I have had 2 more chemo sessions since I last wrote. As predicted they were a bit different. Instead of having a nurse sitting and giving me each drug through a line the drugs were administered through a drip so took a bit longer. I felt fine on the actual days of the treatment but felt very very tired for the next 4-5 days. I have had some of the different side effects and felt a bit down for a while. I lost all sense of taste ( some of you would say that I didn't have much taste before!!) and couldn't tell what I was eating. I kept feeling the need to cover all my food in either sugar or salt to make it palatable! I have also had the strangest of feelings in my fingers -they were really painful at the tips and I couldn't open things or undo buttons - very weird! So I have had to "go with the flow" and have a sit down and rest when necessary. The side effects didn't last too long last time and after a while I was fine and not suffering at all. I had my 5th chemo last Thursday - hopefully it will be the same this time and I will be my more normal self in a day or two. All very peculiar !!
Enough about my chemo, and on to all the things I have been doing that have kept me from updating my blog. I have been in to school quite a bit and have spent lots of time organising a series of residential trips for some of my year 5 children which are due to take place during October. Hopefully I will be well enough to go on the trips (as I have done all the hard work!) and as they are only local to here, I can come home and leave the kids to the other members of staff overnight. Good planning !
I have been popping up to see everyone at rehearsals for Me & My Girl as I am really missing being in the show. I have been doing my bit for the company though as I organised a quiz night last week and we raised quite a bit of money for our funds.
By the way.. did I tell you that my hair has started to grow back?? Because these new drugs are different, they don't affect your hair in the same way so my hair is very slowly beginning to grow again. It will take a few months before it is long enough to come out for an airing but at least it's on its way! Don't worry, Auds and Coco will be having lots more outings before they are put out to pastures new.
Speak to you soon,
Gilly xx
I have had 2 more chemo sessions since I last wrote. As predicted they were a bit different. Instead of having a nurse sitting and giving me each drug through a line the drugs were administered through a drip so took a bit longer. I felt fine on the actual days of the treatment but felt very very tired for the next 4-5 days. I have had some of the different side effects and felt a bit down for a while. I lost all sense of taste ( some of you would say that I didn't have much taste before!!) and couldn't tell what I was eating. I kept feeling the need to cover all my food in either sugar or salt to make it palatable! I have also had the strangest of feelings in my fingers -they were really painful at the tips and I couldn't open things or undo buttons - very weird! So I have had to "go with the flow" and have a sit down and rest when necessary. The side effects didn't last too long last time and after a while I was fine and not suffering at all. I had my 5th chemo last Thursday - hopefully it will be the same this time and I will be my more normal self in a day or two. All very peculiar !!
Enough about my chemo, and on to all the things I have been doing that have kept me from updating my blog. I have been in to school quite a bit and have spent lots of time organising a series of residential trips for some of my year 5 children which are due to take place during October. Hopefully I will be well enough to go on the trips (as I have done all the hard work!) and as they are only local to here, I can come home and leave the kids to the other members of staff overnight. Good planning !
Dom has gone back to school now and into the sixth form. He is doing History, Geography, Government & Politics and Philosophy. He and Jon seem to have great and lively debates at home but they usually seem to take place at 110'clock at night when I am trying to go to sleep!! Jon goes back to Bristol at the weekend so maybe the debates will carry on via facebook ( I think not!!)
I have been popping up to see everyone at rehearsals for Me & My Girl as I am really missing being in the show. I have been doing my bit for the company though as I organised a quiz night last week and we raised quite a bit of money for our funds.
Jon has been busy during the last few days building a paved area at the bottom of the garden. It's all new to him and he's done very well lugging paving stones and bags of sand and cement about. It is looking quite good so if his maths degree doesn't lead to anything else ...... Colin has also had him climbing up ladders at home to fix ariel wires so we will definitely miss him when he goes. We are taking him back on Sunday so I will probably be feeling a bit glum next week.
By the way.. did I tell you that my hair has started to grow back?? Because these new drugs are different, they don't affect your hair in the same way so my hair is very slowly beginning to grow again. It will take a few months before it is long enough to come out for an airing but at least it's on its way! Don't worry, Auds and Coco will be having lots more outings before they are put out to pastures new.
It has been great to catch up with you over the holidays. Although the weather has been pretty terrible here this summer it has been good to receive postcards from all over the world and to hear your news.
Hopefully we will be able to get away on holiday for a week over New Year. I have an appointment with my specialist this week and all being well , he will ok it for me to go skiing (well maybe more hot chocolate-ing than skiing) after Christmas. Our friends are going to Verbier to their new chalet so it would be great to go out and have some fun with them. I will definitely need that bobble hat!!
I had better go now or I will never get this posted.....
Speak to you soon,
Gilly xx
Joke: Gilly went to the doctors as her hair was beginning to fall out. She asked if the doctor could give her anything to keep it in. So he gave her a little box.....................!
Monday, 25 August 2008
Bank Holiday Blogging
Hi Everyone,
Bank Holiday Monday and I hope it finds you well and doing all those normal bank holiday things. Trips to Homebase, waxing the car, clearing out that cupboard, repairing that whatsit that's been broken for ages, going to a funday in the rain, or maybe you are actually appreciating the day off and are having a fantastic time doing something exciting. As you can see, I am sitting at the computer blogging. A year ago if you'd have told me I'd be blogging on Bank Holiday Monday, I would never have believed you and would probably have expectd to get arrested for it. What a fast moving innovative world we live in!!!
So, what's been happening?
We managed to get a few days away in Norfolk after all and the weather wasn't too bad. Both boys came which was good and Dom brought a friend too. Colin and the boys went sailing a couple of times and I did some jobs around the place and generally blobbed out. We have managed to let the bungalow for most of the summer - it's good that it is being occupied and people are getting some enjoyment from it.
I saw my oncologist last week and everything seems to be fine so far. I am having a different drug for my next three treatments ( I knew that already) and she warned me that the side effects of this new one might be a bit "more taxing " ( her words) So, I am getting prepared for that as my next chemo day is supposed to be this Thursday. I won't be looking for extra problems, but then again I won't be surprised when they happen! We worked out that as long as I don't have to postpone my chemo too many times over the next month or two, then I should have finished both that and my 4-5 weeks of radiotherapy by Christmas. Something to work towards anyway...
What about the Olympics then?? I must admit I have been watching the events avidly. It's amazing how quickly you can become an expert at Tae Kwondo or slalom canoeing and find yourself agreeing with Claire Balding when she compares an athlete's performance in the heats and the repecharge. (have you ever heard that word before??)
In actual fact, I have been holding my own olympics at home this past 3 weeks. As the host country, I have been allowed to include some lesser known sports and surprisingly enough I have done very well at them.
I have been awarded Gold mdeals in the following events;
Talking of achievements, Dom got his GCSE results last week and he did very well with 1A* 7As and 3Bs. Not bad for someone who didn't put in much effort! Back to school soon though and AS level work which hopefully will receive a little more of his attention.
I threatened to include photos this time round so here they are.
This is Audrey
This is Coco
This is Winnie
This is Jackie
and this is Yul
Sorry, but there are some limits!!!
I will try to update you after the next chemo to let you know how I get on. After that it's back to school for most people and I will definitely find myself popping in to see everyone as long as those runny-nosed germ -ridden children aren't anywhere near!
Thanks again for all your texts phone calls and cards etc.
Catch up soon,
Gilly xx
Bank Holiday Monday and I hope it finds you well and doing all those normal bank holiday things. Trips to Homebase, waxing the car, clearing out that cupboard, repairing that whatsit that's been broken for ages, going to a funday in the rain, or maybe you are actually appreciating the day off and are having a fantastic time doing something exciting. As you can see, I am sitting at the computer blogging. A year ago if you'd have told me I'd be blogging on Bank Holiday Monday, I would never have believed you and would probably have expectd to get arrested for it. What a fast moving innovative world we live in!!!
So, what's been happening?
We managed to get a few days away in Norfolk after all and the weather wasn't too bad. Both boys came which was good and Dom brought a friend too. Colin and the boys went sailing a couple of times and I did some jobs around the place and generally blobbed out. We have managed to let the bungalow for most of the summer - it's good that it is being occupied and people are getting some enjoyment from it.
I saw my oncologist last week and everything seems to be fine so far. I am having a different drug for my next three treatments ( I knew that already) and she warned me that the side effects of this new one might be a bit "more taxing " ( her words) So, I am getting prepared for that as my next chemo day is supposed to be this Thursday. I won't be looking for extra problems, but then again I won't be surprised when they happen! We worked out that as long as I don't have to postpone my chemo too many times over the next month or two, then I should have finished both that and my 4-5 weeks of radiotherapy by Christmas. Something to work towards anyway...
What about the Olympics then?? I must admit I have been watching the events avidly. It's amazing how quickly you can become an expert at Tae Kwondo or slalom canoeing and find yourself agreeing with Claire Balding when she compares an athlete's performance in the heats and the repecharge. (have you ever heard that word before??)
In actual fact, I have been holding my own olympics at home this past 3 weeks. As the host country, I have been allowed to include some lesser known sports and surprisingly enough I have done very well at them.
I have been awarded Gold mdeals in the following events;
- The Modern Sitdownathon ( an endurance event, won sitting down -along with most of our other medal winners.)
- The Reading Triathlon ( a mixture of disciplines involving a 32 page magazine, followed by a complete Sunday newspaper and finishing with a 400 page classic novel - phew!)
- The Refreshment Weightlifting Event. ( I came in at the 250ml glass of wine stage and finished with a PB in the clean and jerk mug of coffee event. - Very messy though! )
- The Power Shower Endurance ( quite a difficult event as the body tends to get very wrinkly and the water goes cold but I managed to equal the World record. There is talk of this becoming a team event at 2012 but I'm not so sure) and finally.........
- The 1000m stroll to the shops ( an interesting event where I had to be very careful to keep my concentration and not get waylaid by neighbours & friends or feel the need to do a Paula Radcliffe at the side of the road.)
Talking of achievements, Dom got his GCSE results last week and he did very well with 1A* 7As and 3Bs. Not bad for someone who didn't put in much effort! Back to school soon though and AS level work which hopefully will receive a little more of his attention.
I threatened to include photos this time round so here they are.
This is Audrey
This is Coco This is Winnie
This is Jackie
and this is Yul
Sorry, but there are some limits!!!
I will try to update you after the next chemo to let you know how I get on. After that it's back to school for most people and I will definitely find myself popping in to see everyone as long as those runny-nosed germ -ridden children aren't anywhere near!
Thanks again for all your texts phone calls and cards etc.
Catch up soon,
Gilly xx
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Coco, Chicken, Chemo and a Chipped tooth....
Hi everyone.
About time for an update.
Last time we met, I was having to wait a week for my chemo and was rather fed up. Well I was fine this week and had my third chemo last Thursday. Apparently everything was back to normal so I was ok to have it ( I didn't do anything it just righted itself!)
Having said that though, the chemo seemed to affect me a lot more this time and I have to admit that I spent the majority of Friday and Saturday lying on the settee feeling very tired and a little bit sorry for myself. Today (Sunday)however, I am feeling much livelier and it's Jon who is lying down though not feeeling sorry with himself but extremely pleased as he completed the Triathlon very early this morning in 3hrs 10mins!!!! Colin went up to watch him as did some of his friends. (I just stayed in bed worrying that he was going to drown or fall off his bike or collapse whilst running!) Needless to say he managed really well and thanks to all his sponsors has raised about £650 !
On Wednesday, I went out and bought a friend for Audrey. She is called Coco and before you ask.. she is named after Coco Chanel not Coco the clown!! ....Mind you that would certainly get me noticed at the shops!......Audrey and Coco have been getting aquainted but I will have to be careful that there is no jealousy between them. Audrey, by the way, is blonde in colour and Coco, brunette, so I may go back for the redhead next!
Talking of hair, I was watching the Olympics yesterday and I am sure I would have done very well in the swimming events as a Duncan Goodhew lookalike. Definitely a gold medal there I think!
I have really appreciated all the cards, postcards emails and texts I have received recently Everyone has been so thoughtful. Thanks. I must just tell you about one of my friends - Sue who has regularly provided us with food parcels. These have included "Jamie Oliver" Chicken, Orange Muffins, and Chilli con Carne! She is an absolute star and lives up the road from us. She sends the goodies along the street with her husband and I must admit I look forward to those visits!!
This coming week I am hoping to catch up with some of you after your holidays. More coffees and chat - hooray!
Unfortunately I am also going to have to catch up with my dentist as I stupidly managed to break my tooth in half yesterday! Now apparently it's not wise to have any dental treatment during chemo as it can affect your mouth quite badly so I am not sure what will happen. It's typical - as soon as you have been told not to do something you immediately need to do it!
I can do the coffee and chat then, but maybe not the danish pastries!
We are hoping to make it up to Norfolk for a few days next weekend so hopefully the weather will pick up again by then.
I will update you all soon and may even include some pictures of my new looks.. Watch this space....
Gilly x
About time for an update.
Last time we met, I was having to wait a week for my chemo and was rather fed up. Well I was fine this week and had my third chemo last Thursday. Apparently everything was back to normal so I was ok to have it ( I didn't do anything it just righted itself!)
Having said that though, the chemo seemed to affect me a lot more this time and I have to admit that I spent the majority of Friday and Saturday lying on the settee feeling very tired and a little bit sorry for myself. Today (Sunday)however, I am feeling much livelier and it's Jon who is lying down though not feeeling sorry with himself but extremely pleased as he completed the Triathlon very early this morning in 3hrs 10mins!!!! Colin went up to watch him as did some of his friends. (I just stayed in bed worrying that he was going to drown or fall off his bike or collapse whilst running!) Needless to say he managed really well and thanks to all his sponsors has raised about £650 !
On Wednesday, I went out and bought a friend for Audrey. She is called Coco and before you ask.. she is named after Coco Chanel not Coco the clown!! ....Mind you that would certainly get me noticed at the shops!......Audrey and Coco have been getting aquainted but I will have to be careful that there is no jealousy between them. Audrey, by the way, is blonde in colour and Coco, brunette, so I may go back for the redhead next!
Talking of hair, I was watching the Olympics yesterday and I am sure I would have done very well in the swimming events as a Duncan Goodhew lookalike. Definitely a gold medal there I think!
I have really appreciated all the cards, postcards emails and texts I have received recently Everyone has been so thoughtful. Thanks. I must just tell you about one of my friends - Sue who has regularly provided us with food parcels. These have included "Jamie Oliver" Chicken, Orange Muffins, and Chilli con Carne! She is an absolute star and lives up the road from us. She sends the goodies along the street with her husband and I must admit I look forward to those visits!!
This coming week I am hoping to catch up with some of you after your holidays. More coffees and chat - hooray!
Unfortunately I am also going to have to catch up with my dentist as I stupidly managed to break my tooth in half yesterday! Now apparently it's not wise to have any dental treatment during chemo as it can affect your mouth quite badly so I am not sure what will happen. It's typical - as soon as you have been told not to do something you immediately need to do it!
I can do the coffee and chat then, but maybe not the danish pastries!
We are hoping to make it up to Norfolk for a few days next weekend so hopefully the weather will pick up again by then.
I will update you all soon and may even include some pictures of my new looks.. Watch this space....
Gilly x
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Too busy to blog?
Sorry that it's been so long since I blogged. I have been very busy!
One of the ideas of writing this blog was to give me something to do when I was lying on the sofa twiddling my thumbs and taking it easy. However, this last couple of weeks has gone by so quickly that I haven't had time to chat!
I have been feeling really well recently and therefore doing quite a lot. I went to my friend Gill's Breast Cancer Charity Golf Day at Upminster Golf Club and had a really good time. Everyone who came wore pink , and some of the outfits were brilliant. Have you ever seen a ladies threesome playing golf in cerise ra-ra skirts, pink visors and tiaras??? Some of the ladies had fluffy pink bunny ears and feathers round their golf trousers and bright pink boas on their trolleys -I'm not quite sure what the long standing members of the golf club thought of it all!! A lot of money was raised for the charity though so all in all a good day.
I went in to school for the last day of term and it was really good to see everyone. They were all looking forward to their holidays and I just wanted to get back to work!! I have been in since to tidy cupboards and the PE store is due for a clear out before the children go back.
My sister Diane and I went up to Norfolk for Friday and Saturday last week to sort the house out for people to stay. We(she)mowed the lawns and I did some planting and cutting back and we even managed to have a couple of hours sitting doing nothing in the sunshine watching the boats go by and snoozing so that was good.
Dominic did the London to Cambridge 55 mile bike ride on Sunday. He and his friend James set off at 7.30 in the morning and managed to complete it in just over four and a half hours. It was extremely hot but they didn't seem to have suffered too badly and want to do it again next year! Jon is still on schedule for the London Triathlon on 10th August so he is running, swimming and cycling as much as he can at the moment.
Now a bit more about me. Audrey has been getting a little bit hot and bothered recently with the weather being as it is, so in the privacy of my own house and garden I have on occasions resorted to "Yul". I do have to make sure that one of my "friends" is nearby just in case the doorbell rings! My other "friends" are "Winnie" my headscarf (a la Mandela - not Pooh) "Posh" my baseball cap ( a la Victoria Beckham) "Joan" my towelling wrap (a la Joan Collins) and "Virginia" my long scarf ( a la McKenna in Born Free) When we were up in Norfolk, my dear sister suggested that I add "Long John" to my list by buying a skull and crossbones bandana. Needless to say I refused!!
Last week I reached the point where what litle hair I had left was so thin that I decided to have the rest of it cut off to make it easier so I went back to the wig shop and Pat cut it for me. It feels very strange but I have got used to it now.
And now for the latest news - received today........ I will have to wait another week for my next Chemo session. My blood test results from Tuesday showed that my blood count was too low and I am not well enough for the next lot of treatment. And I have been feeling so well!!!!!! I couldn't believe it when she told me, as she said that she thought I ought be feeling very very tired and breathless and I 've actually been feeling so good! I may have to have a blood transfusion next time I go if things haven't improved.
Unfortunately this puts everything back a week and our plans for going away have now been scuppered. They said right at the beginning of all this, that I shouldn't make any definite arrangements but me, being me and wanting to have some kind of structure to the weeks didn't take any real notice so I am now pretty fed up!!!! Still nobody said this was going to be a walk in the park and I should just be grateful that I am receiving the care that I am. It could be worse... I could be at the North Middlessex Hospital!!!
I am now going to end on a positive note. The sun is shining, there's a lounger in the garden with my name on it and there's a bottle of white wine in the fridge so...............
Speak to you soon, Gilly xx
P.S . Jon's latest jokes ( to cheer me up???? )
Son: Mum, there's a man at the door for you with a bald head.
Mum: Tell him I've already got one
hahahaha
I went to the wig shop the other day and I said to the Lady
"Ive lost my hair in several places"
So she replied
"Well don't go to those places"
hahahaha Thank you and goodnight!!
One of the ideas of writing this blog was to give me something to do when I was lying on the sofa twiddling my thumbs and taking it easy. However, this last couple of weeks has gone by so quickly that I haven't had time to chat!
I have been feeling really well recently and therefore doing quite a lot. I went to my friend Gill's Breast Cancer Charity Golf Day at Upminster Golf Club and had a really good time. Everyone who came wore pink , and some of the outfits were brilliant. Have you ever seen a ladies threesome playing golf in cerise ra-ra skirts, pink visors and tiaras??? Some of the ladies had fluffy pink bunny ears and feathers round their golf trousers and bright pink boas on their trolleys -I'm not quite sure what the long standing members of the golf club thought of it all!! A lot of money was raised for the charity though so all in all a good day.
I went in to school for the last day of term and it was really good to see everyone. They were all looking forward to their holidays and I just wanted to get back to work!! I have been in since to tidy cupboards and the PE store is due for a clear out before the children go back.
My sister Diane and I went up to Norfolk for Friday and Saturday last week to sort the house out for people to stay. We(she)mowed the lawns and I did some planting and cutting back and we even managed to have a couple of hours sitting doing nothing in the sunshine watching the boats go by and snoozing so that was good.
Dominic did the London to Cambridge 55 mile bike ride on Sunday. He and his friend James set off at 7.30 in the morning and managed to complete it in just over four and a half hours. It was extremely hot but they didn't seem to have suffered too badly and want to do it again next year! Jon is still on schedule for the London Triathlon on 10th August so he is running, swimming and cycling as much as he can at the moment.
Now a bit more about me. Audrey has been getting a little bit hot and bothered recently with the weather being as it is, so in the privacy of my own house and garden I have on occasions resorted to "Yul". I do have to make sure that one of my "friends" is nearby just in case the doorbell rings! My other "friends" are "Winnie" my headscarf (a la Mandela - not Pooh) "Posh" my baseball cap ( a la Victoria Beckham) "Joan" my towelling wrap (a la Joan Collins) and "Virginia" my long scarf ( a la McKenna in Born Free) When we were up in Norfolk, my dear sister suggested that I add "Long John" to my list by buying a skull and crossbones bandana. Needless to say I refused!!
Last week I reached the point where what litle hair I had left was so thin that I decided to have the rest of it cut off to make it easier so I went back to the wig shop and Pat cut it for me. It feels very strange but I have got used to it now.
And now for the latest news - received today........ I will have to wait another week for my next Chemo session. My blood test results from Tuesday showed that my blood count was too low and I am not well enough for the next lot of treatment. And I have been feeling so well!!!!!! I couldn't believe it when she told me, as she said that she thought I ought be feeling very very tired and breathless and I 've actually been feeling so good! I may have to have a blood transfusion next time I go if things haven't improved.
Unfortunately this puts everything back a week and our plans for going away have now been scuppered. They said right at the beginning of all this, that I shouldn't make any definite arrangements but me, being me and wanting to have some kind of structure to the weeks didn't take any real notice so I am now pretty fed up!!!! Still nobody said this was going to be a walk in the park and I should just be grateful that I am receiving the care that I am. It could be worse... I could be at the North Middlessex Hospital!!!
I am now going to end on a positive note. The sun is shining, there's a lounger in the garden with my name on it and there's a bottle of white wine in the fridge so...............
Speak to you soon, Gilly xx
P.S . Jon's latest jokes ( to cheer me up???? )
Son: Mum, there's a man at the door for you with a bald head.
Mum: Tell him I've already got one
hahahaha
I went to the wig shop the other day and I said to the Lady
"Ive lost my hair in several places"
So she replied
"Well don't go to those places"
hahahaha Thank you and goodnight!!
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
2 down and 4 to go
Well, I have now had my second treatment and it was very much like the first one except this time I knew what to expect. My male nurse "Mars" wasn't there this time but the other nurses were very chatty and everything went well.
I am now having a course of injections ( 1 a day for 5 days ) to build up my white blood cells and to prevent me from getting too low a blood count so hopefully I will be hospital - free this time round. I was asked if I wanted to do my own injections ( are you kidding!!) I politely declined the offer and my fantastic friend Janet( who is a practice nurse) has been round every day to poke holes in me.(That's the sign of true friendship!)
I seem to have been a little more tired this time around - whether that's the chemo, or the fact I have been doing quite a lot - who knows?
I went to a retirement tea party at Avon house School on Thursday, a cream tea at Lorraine's (a teacher at Staples Road) on Friday, slept most of Saturday morning and then to my friend Claire's 'hen' meal on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, we went for a lovely walk in the forest
(thank you to whoever put that pub there, just when I was beginning to flag) and then I went into school on Monday to sort out Sports Day. On Tuesday I made it to the cricket club for the sports and it was a brilliant day. (I think I may have at long last learnt how to delegate)
ON WEDNESDAY I WAS VERY TIRED!!!!!
I am now taking it easy again so have time to update you all.
I forgot to tell you last time, that the wig that I have, has a name. (Please note; I didn't choose it - it's the name of the style) She is called Audrey. (see what I mean?) Now I am racking my brains to try to remember whether I have any friends called Audrey, but don't think I have, so I can be rude without offending too many people, AUDREY......... I ask you.............I 'm not sure if it's named after Hepburn, Forbes- Hamilton or the plant from Little Shop of Horrors! Those of you who have seen her, please keep that answer to yourself!! Anyway she is doing quite well although she was not allowed out on Sports Day. It was a touch windy and I felt very sure she would have had a mind of her own and would probably have flown off into the middle of the obstacle race. ( Never work with children, animals or hair pieces!)
I am feeling very strange at the moment as it builds up to the end of term. It's normally a great time at school although extremely busy and very tiring. I am sad to be missing the class productions, open evening, assemblies, and the general fun things that happen at this time of year. I also feel very guilty as I would normally be doing my fair share of all the hard work but have left it to all the others. I hope that they will save me some jobs that can be done from the comfort of my armchair ready for September.
Not much more to update you with I don't think, so I will catch up with you all soon. Gilly x
I went to a retirement tea party at Avon house School on Thursday, a cream tea at Lorraine's (a teacher at Staples Road) on Friday, slept most of Saturday morning and then to my friend Claire's 'hen' meal on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, we went for a lovely walk in the forest
(thank you to whoever put that pub there, just when I was beginning to flag) and then I went into school on Monday to sort out Sports Day. On Tuesday I made it to the cricket club for the sports and it was a brilliant day. (I think I may have at long last learnt how to delegate)
ON WEDNESDAY I WAS VERY TIRED!!!!!
I am now taking it easy again so have time to update you all.
I forgot to tell you last time, that the wig that I have, has a name. (Please note; I didn't choose it - it's the name of the style) She is called Audrey. (see what I mean?) Now I am racking my brains to try to remember whether I have any friends called Audrey, but don't think I have, so I can be rude without offending too many people, AUDREY......... I ask you.............I 'm not sure if it's named after Hepburn, Forbes- Hamilton or the plant from Little Shop of Horrors! Those of you who have seen her, please keep that answer to yourself!! Anyway she is doing quite well although she was not allowed out on Sports Day. It was a touch windy and I felt very sure she would have had a mind of her own and would probably have flown off into the middle of the obstacle race. ( Never work with children, animals or hair pieces!)
I am feeling very strange at the moment as it builds up to the end of term. It's normally a great time at school although extremely busy and very tiring. I am sad to be missing the class productions, open evening, assemblies, and the general fun things that happen at this time of year. I also feel very guilty as I would normally be doing my fair share of all the hard work but have left it to all the others. I hope that they will save me some jobs that can be done from the comfort of my armchair ready for September.
Not much more to update you with I don't think, so I will catch up with you all soon. Gilly x
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Bad Hair Days
Today is Tuesday and I have just been for a blood test to check that I am ok for Round 2 of the Chemo on Thursday.All being well I should be fine.
The most recent update for you, is that my hair has now started to fall out in rather a big way. The specialist said it would begin to fall out 2 weeks after my first treatment and exactly 2 weeks to the day it started to go! It really is a most peculiar thing when you run your fingers through your hair and it comes away in handfuls! It's a little disconcerting when you lift your head up from the pillow and find a high proportion of your hair left on it! Still, there are many advantages that I can see so far.
1. It will save me a fortune in shampoo and conditioner.
2. I will have no hairdressing costs.
3. I won't have bad hair days as I can just slip my wig on.
4. I can frighten little children from my doorstep if I forget to "cover up" So, it can't all be bad.
Apart from the hair, I have had a really good few days and have felt absolutely fine. Loads of people have read my blog and its good to feel that I am now in touch with everyone. I have been doing some school work and preparing for our school sports day.It should be happening next Tuesday (weather permitting) and I hope to be there bossing everyone about as normal.
My social calendar seems to be getting very full. So many people have been in for coffee or met me in Loughton for a chat and a drink, I have having trouble making sure I don't double book my engagements! I must go now as I am off to Crews Hill garden centre (in the rain) and Dom is coming with me. I think the promise of stopping off at the Krispy Kreme doughnut shop on the way back, clinched that deal!
Gilly x
The most recent update for you, is that my hair has now started to fall out in rather a big way. The specialist said it would begin to fall out 2 weeks after my first treatment and exactly 2 weeks to the day it started to go! It really is a most peculiar thing when you run your fingers through your hair and it comes away in handfuls! It's a little disconcerting when you lift your head up from the pillow and find a high proportion of your hair left on it! Still, there are many advantages that I can see so far.
1. It will save me a fortune in shampoo and conditioner.
2. I will have no hairdressing costs.
3. I won't have bad hair days as I can just slip my wig on.
4. I can frighten little children from my doorstep if I forget to "cover up" So, it can't all be bad.
Apart from the hair, I have had a really good few days and have felt absolutely fine. Loads of people have read my blog and its good to feel that I am now in touch with everyone. I have been doing some school work and preparing for our school sports day.It should be happening next Tuesday (weather permitting) and I hope to be there bossing everyone about as normal.
My social calendar seems to be getting very full. So many people have been in for coffee or met me in Loughton for a chat and a drink, I have having trouble making sure I don't double book my engagements! I must go now as I am off to Crews Hill garden centre (in the rain) and Dom is coming with me. I think the promise of stopping off at the Krispy Kreme doughnut shop on the way back, clinched that deal!
Gilly x
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Well. I think I may have managed to set up a blog succeesfully so I will carry on...
A BIT OF A BLIP!
Had a bit of a temperature on Sat and Sunday which (to cut a long story short) resulted in me having to stay in North Middlesex hospital for three days. My white blood cell count was extremely low so I was at risk of infection and had to be in isolation.
The whole experience did not fill me with any confidence in the nursing capabilities of the staff there. Here are some of my experiences - some are funny, but some are downright scary!!
1. First night, a nurse comes in at midnight to change my saline drip (necessary to stop me dehydrating) . She gets half way through, stops and says she will be be right back. I doze off and wake at 4am to find she hasn't been back! I feel very stuffy, headache and am very very thirsty. I buzz for attention and the nurse arrives. "Oh sorry" she says, "I went for a break then something must have happened...." Too right something happened, I dehydrated!!
2. Same nurse, later on, comes in and hands me a tablet. "The doctor says you can have this" she says "What's it for ?" I ask. She looks up at me and says, "Oh my God it's not for you -its for the lady next door!!" Now I call that DANGEROUS.
3. In the morning, (you have to appreciate that I am in a single room with the door closed and all who enter have to apron up and wear gloves etc) the door is pushed open, and an old man in a wheel chair is slowly pushed in by a porter. The old man is looking very confused, as am I, and the porter just looks up and says"Oh, I don't think this can be right." Now I know there is always a shortage of beds in the NHS but..........!
4. 11.50 a.m. The nurse knocks on the door and enters, "Are you feeling sick ?" she says. "No" I reply "Well someone is.." she says and walks out, closing the door!!
5. A nurse comes in with an injection for me. She looks at me, holds up the syringe and says, "Have I given you this already?" I really couldn't believe it.!!!!!!
Once I was sure that I was definitely being let out, and they couldn't get their revenge by being less than gentle to me with needles etc, I spoke to the ward manager and voiced my opinions. All I can say is try not to be admitted to The North Middlesex Hospital.
It was not a particualrly good experience and hopefully not one to be repeated. Apparently they can give me something prior to my next chemo session to stop that happening.
And I was feeling so good too...........................!! Never mind. Feeling fine now, so a week to enjoy taking it easy before the next round.
See you later, Gilly x
A BIT OF A BLIP!
Had a bit of a temperature on Sat and Sunday which (to cut a long story short) resulted in me having to stay in North Middlesex hospital for three days. My white blood cell count was extremely low so I was at risk of infection and had to be in isolation.
The whole experience did not fill me with any confidence in the nursing capabilities of the staff there. Here are some of my experiences - some are funny, but some are downright scary!!
1. First night, a nurse comes in at midnight to change my saline drip (necessary to stop me dehydrating) . She gets half way through, stops and says she will be be right back. I doze off and wake at 4am to find she hasn't been back! I feel very stuffy, headache and am very very thirsty. I buzz for attention and the nurse arrives. "Oh sorry" she says, "I went for a break then something must have happened...." Too right something happened, I dehydrated!!
2. Same nurse, later on, comes in and hands me a tablet. "The doctor says you can have this" she says "What's it for ?" I ask. She looks up at me and says, "Oh my God it's not for you -its for the lady next door!!" Now I call that DANGEROUS.
3. In the morning, (you have to appreciate that I am in a single room with the door closed and all who enter have to apron up and wear gloves etc) the door is pushed open, and an old man in a wheel chair is slowly pushed in by a porter. The old man is looking very confused, as am I, and the porter just looks up and says"Oh, I don't think this can be right." Now I know there is always a shortage of beds in the NHS but..........!
4. 11.50 a.m. The nurse knocks on the door and enters, "Are you feeling sick ?" she says. "No" I reply "Well someone is.." she says and walks out, closing the door!!
5. A nurse comes in with an injection for me. She looks at me, holds up the syringe and says, "Have I given you this already?" I really couldn't believe it.!!!!!!
Once I was sure that I was definitely being let out, and they couldn't get their revenge by being less than gentle to me with needles etc, I spoke to the ward manager and voiced my opinions. All I can say is try not to be admitted to The North Middlesex Hospital.
It was not a particualrly good experience and hopefully not one to be repeated. Apparently they can give me something prior to my next chemo session to stop that happening.
And I was feeling so good too...........................!! Never mind. Feeling fine now, so a week to enjoy taking it easy before the next round.
See you later, Gilly x
Saturday, 21 June 2008
Welcome
Welcome to my blog.
HELLO
I have decided to keep a sort of diary to record what I am up to during the next few months so any one who wants to can log on and see how I am. I promise not to get too medical on you, but be warned, I may share some of the things which happen, so do feel free to look away at any time if you need to
This is by no means intended to replace normal chats on the phone or texts etc and I will still be available for morning coffees, lunches, pub lunches, afternoon teas, evening entertainments, weddings, bar mitzvahs etc!!! Just give me a ring.
Seriously, I am sure there will be days when I am not feeling as well as others so please hang on in there and keep trying.
The last six weeks has all been a bit of a whirl really from first discovering my problem up until now when I am virtually recovered from surgery and embarking on my chemo treatment.
I had the first session last Thursday which was to all intents and purpose a bit weird. I was attended to by a youngish (late twenties) male nurse who, in his own words was 'having a bad hair day' and who was called "Mars" ! Before all you girls get jealous, he was a bit of an ageing rocker type who (and I 'm definitely not being fair to him) gave the impression he knew a lot about injecting things into arms (and I don't just mean mine !)
The whole process was strange as I watched coloured liquid (OK, poison...) going into my arm. One of the drugs was freezing cold and that was a most peculiar sensation.
Since Thursday I have been ok and trying not to fill in too many boxes on the Chemotherapy Side Effects Bingo Card. It's very hard when they tell you that all sorts of things COULD happen and you sit there trying very hard not to imagine that they are!
I know it will change as I progress through the course but I am keeping positive and taking each thing as it comes.
It has been so fantastic to have support from everyone. Colin and the boys have been absolutely wonderful and I don't know how I would have felt so far without their love and help.
All friends, neighbours, work colleagues, and friends of friends have sent me messages and it has been quite overwhelming. If the number of people you have got behind you could dictate how well you get through the treatment, then for me it should be a piece of cake.
I went up to get a wig from a brilliant wig shop last week. The choices were endless and my friend Gilly and I had a great time trying them on. I have ended up with something quite restrained really, but a little different from normal - well what's the use of losing your hair if you can't have a bit of fun. I also got a headscarf thingy which I have been playing with. At the moment I can't find a happy medium between Hida Ogden and Winnie Mandela, but I am working on it! ( I still have my hair at the moment but not for too much longer so I am told)
This week- end is supposed to be the time when my immune system is at its lowest so I am taking it very easy and last night went up to town to do a walking treeasure hunt which saw us walk for a few miles round the Liverpool Street area looking for cryptic clues and stopping in four or five pubs! Ok, so I had better not do too much today or tomorrow. The lounger in the garden is beckoning...... I have promised to be a good girl and listen to my body so the ironing is going to have to wait.
HELLO
I have decided to keep a sort of diary to record what I am up to during the next few months so any one who wants to can log on and see how I am. I promise not to get too medical on you, but be warned, I may share some of the things which happen, so do feel free to look away at any time if you need to
This is by no means intended to replace normal chats on the phone or texts etc and I will still be available for morning coffees, lunches, pub lunches, afternoon teas, evening entertainments, weddings, bar mitzvahs etc!!! Just give me a ring.
Seriously, I am sure there will be days when I am not feeling as well as others so please hang on in there and keep trying.
The last six weeks has all been a bit of a whirl really from first discovering my problem up until now when I am virtually recovered from surgery and embarking on my chemo treatment.
I had the first session last Thursday which was to all intents and purpose a bit weird. I was attended to by a youngish (late twenties) male nurse who, in his own words was 'having a bad hair day' and who was called "Mars" ! Before all you girls get jealous, he was a bit of an ageing rocker type who (and I 'm definitely not being fair to him) gave the impression he knew a lot about injecting things into arms (and I don't just mean mine !)
The whole process was strange as I watched coloured liquid (OK, poison...) going into my arm. One of the drugs was freezing cold and that was a most peculiar sensation.
Since Thursday I have been ok and trying not to fill in too many boxes on the Chemotherapy Side Effects Bingo Card. It's very hard when they tell you that all sorts of things COULD happen and you sit there trying very hard not to imagine that they are!
I know it will change as I progress through the course but I am keeping positive and taking each thing as it comes.
It has been so fantastic to have support from everyone. Colin and the boys have been absolutely wonderful and I don't know how I would have felt so far without their love and help.
All friends, neighbours, work colleagues, and friends of friends have sent me messages and it has been quite overwhelming. If the number of people you have got behind you could dictate how well you get through the treatment, then for me it should be a piece of cake.
I went up to get a wig from a brilliant wig shop last week. The choices were endless and my friend Gilly and I had a great time trying them on. I have ended up with something quite restrained really, but a little different from normal - well what's the use of losing your hair if you can't have a bit of fun. I also got a headscarf thingy which I have been playing with. At the moment I can't find a happy medium between Hida Ogden and Winnie Mandela, but I am working on it! ( I still have my hair at the moment but not for too much longer so I am told)
This week- end is supposed to be the time when my immune system is at its lowest so I am taking it very easy and last night went up to town to do a walking treeasure hunt which saw us walk for a few miles round the Liverpool Street area looking for cryptic clues and stopping in four or five pubs! Ok, so I had better not do too much today or tomorrow. The lounger in the garden is beckoning...... I have promised to be a good girl and listen to my body so the ironing is going to have to wait.
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