Treatment Six - January 20th

 Seasons

As you can see from the dates, it's been a while since my last blog.

Two days after Treatment number six ,I had no energy or enthusiasm whatsoever for anything.

I am feeling like another person right now ; struggling to face my food, permanently ensconced on the sofa falling asleep, continually nauseaus, severe pins and needles feeling in my fingers and hands, (preventing me to touch anything remotely cold or hold a knife and fork), being unable to drink or eat anything cold (my throat 'stings' after this), barely having the energy to walk to the kitchen for a drink, and copious trips to the loo are all making me feel quite exasperated!

I have been thinking about 'seasons'  and feel frustrated that I am in a season of Winter, where nothing much happens, apart from dark nights and cold days! 

After chatting with a good, positive friend (I have lots of positive- thinking people around me, which is a blessing!), I realise I need to embrace this season and although it feels like winter, one day soon, just like the natural seasons, the spring will arrive, bringing buds on flowers, leaves on trees and hope for warmer weather.

Thinking more about this, we all 'choose' our seasons to suit our activities and lifestyle. Who thinks of going sledging in Summer when there is no snow?!

My season of running 5k, making holiday plans, cycling days, taking the grandchildren out, coffee with friends etc will soon arrive but my 'goal' at this present time (I love setting goals!)   has to be concentrating on my health and body.

Through my season, I will continue to keep positive and know there is always opportunity in ANY season to help others (I have had three invites to share my story and thoughts with a women's magazine and two bowel cancer charities!)

I am sure I will look back on this season and be thankful I endured all those horrid days of feeling so ill and having opportunity to help others.

I now face six more treatments of ONE drug only (rather than three) so I am hoping for less severe side effects from now on.

We will see.....

 

Treatment Five

 January 6th 2022 -

I must say I was rather reluctant to having treatment today after the last one. The issues with my Port and waiting for the district nurses to dis connect it for three days over Christmas  set my side effects back a few days and consequently I have only had four days' feeling 'well' since then!

One lesson I have learned through this, is never to take good health for granted. I use my 'well days' to do all my household chores, exercise, eat well, visit friends and this is now something I look forward to before next treatment.

I am on Treatment five and near the end ( although Consultant has advised a further three months of ONE drug starting in February)

On opening my Bible the first words I read today ;  

"Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character" - wow! I am going to be stronger after all this! I need to keep on persevering through this, knowing that the end result will be good.

My 2021 ended well! On New Years Eve, I received this lovely knitted blanket from a good friend.

My thoughts went to all the friends who, since my operation In July, have supported me, sent cards and bought lovely gifts. This seemed like the 'icing on the cake' and along with the lovely note that accompanied it , I did shed a tear!

My friend had clearly spent long hours creating this and as you probably know by now, I love learning where things originated, so I consulted Mr Google for a few knitting facts;

👉 Originated In Egypt - 500 - 1200AD

👉 Germany most popular country with a long history of textile and crafts. It produces high quality yarn. Canada too, is famed for knitting ( probably due to the harsh, cold winters)

👉 Socks were the oldest known knitted object and pieces came from Egypt in 11th century ( not sure I would want to wear these !)

👉 Perfect activity for keeping your brain sharp ( I like this one!)  

A lovely Psalm comes to mind as I think about this blanket too; Psalm 139 "Knitted together in my Mother's womb"

I was an only child and my parents waited six years  after my mum was told she could never conceive (I am quite a miracle!) You can imagine how special I was to them when I finally arrived.

The formation and process of a baby is incredible and the most amazing miracle. This Psalm always thrills me! Just like the blanket, each small square                                                                                       knitted together creates an incredible work of art.

Back at Laurel Suite and I observe the staff, all working together as a brilliant team, from Ward Manager, Sister, Nurses and the faithful volunteer ..

I am taking a heart monitor home again for 24 hours so will have quite a few wires hanging from me tonight!

It's a little chilly outside today and in the ward ,which makes me think I could have done with my blanket !