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!!
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
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
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