Day 6 Chemo 3 Lots of rain and the cold weather is coming

frosty day tomorrow

 It was a very wet day, so much rain has fallen I think we need to start making an Ark.

Just a lazy Monday then, pottering around the house, then a lazy shower and got lunch ready which was easy as I had cold meat from yesterday with the coleslaw I had made, all so easy.

The phone went and it was Val all the way from Scotland on her way to Portugal for 6 months (lucky girl) 

She was in the Canterbury Park and Ride for the night before the EuroTunnel Journey tomorrow.

We dashed off to see her and  to spend sometime having a good old chin wag.

She has a great dog, a Corgi that is so friendly.

After a cup of tea and long chat about everything we had to say bye and get to the shops where I did some Christmas shopping and bought 2 pairs of boots and 2 pairs of gloves to keep me warm in the cold weather.

We then called into B&Q.s to get another outside light.

At home we made it all cosy again and I made a lovely salad and put rashers of Bacon on the top, enjoyable mmmm.

Spent sometime on the computer and watched the programme about the history of the Queen which was very interesting.

So another day over turning off the lights and off to bed.

 

Day 5 chemo 3 A showery day and Roast Pork

 When we got up today it was pouring hard and then the sun came out, so I thought I would change the sheets on the bed and do the washing. Well it was a day of showers and ended up taking the washing in and then taking the washing out –so maddening so I dumped it all in the dryer and dried the washing so as to be able to put it away when aired. There were no birds or hedgehogs in the garden so I think we are in for a very cold spell as the animals are hiding away to keep warm. We were able to get a walk in with the dog, while the sun was out but it soon poured hard when we got back. I managed to sort the dustbin out for Monday collection.–I have never played around with my rubbish as I do now since all this recycling. Washing tins and yogurt pots just makes a lot of work doesn’t it. We had a soup for lunch and I put the Joint of pork in the oven

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/get_cooking/recipes/058.shtml

 and made some fairy cake,s as well. Roast Potato’s cabbage and carrots was the dinner for today but best of all the crackling on the pork. I also made some coleslaw with the cabbage and that’s away in the fridge to go with cold pork tomorrow.

Louis full up

We have had a great meal and so did the dog, we are now relaxing with full bellies. I have done well today so I think I’m picking up again but I have really been drinking loads of juices. Tomato, Orange and Blackcurrent so I feel fine. Always tired and I had a nap this afternoon and trying to stay awake now but I’m happy today.

Day 4 Chemo 3 a good day

Cleaning windows

Today was a good day and I like them like this.

I got up later after a good nights sleep–Ray said I really snored.

I didn’t hear it so that’s ok.

We had a lazy breakfast and then I had a shower but it found a leak –whoops so Ray had to Re-Mastic a little bit.

Our other central heating leak is ok now so we don’t want anymore.

I did house work while Ray was busy just doing a room slowly and a bit at a time I got through it all.

Put the washing out in the windy sunny day and even cleaned the windows.

I haven’t over done anything you just pace yourself and it is exercise to, I seem to be in the Chemo fidget anyway as sitting still is very hard.

 

Ray put the light up out the back that he bought the other day, when my neighbour came round for a chat which was a very nice as she has been away in Buxton and as they came home, they saw the snow ploughs going in, so they had got back and missed the snow there today.

We have made arrangements for a Christmas drink before we both go away to our different families Christmas . 

 

After lunch, of Sausages and bubble and squeak, I said I really felt like a walk so off we went much to the dogs delight.

I took my Trekking stick and I needed it but we did have a great walk –I wore my new M&S coat –oh so warm against the colder wind and it has a Fur edge Hood for the really cold weather to come.

I will wear a scarf over my mouth, in the coldest winter winds, as Lynne advised in the comment today.

We got back in doors and snuggled down to a great sleep for half an hour, so refreshing and so needed.

Then I decided to write all my Xmas cards which filled up a lot of time, and hurt the brain as I have to remember names and address’s, but I also realize how the list gets shorter where we have lost friends this year–that’s all a point of getting older isn’t it.

Well I had cheese on toast for tea and I have watched X Factor and now the Jungle.

 

It is pouring hard tonight so Ray and Louis have gone out for a quick walk –hope they don’t get to wet.

I will get to bed later and have a nice snore –He! He! Ray don’t get upset xx

 

Day 3 Chemo 3 Water leak and a surprise visit

Plumber for the leak

I woke up to find we had a water leak in the central heating system in the cupboard, we had to get the plumber out and

so that took up the morning with having to mop up and wait for the plumber to get a part to fit.

With all that done Ray was then able to finish the shower cubicle and everything is now done.

Then we had a phone call from my son to say he was working in Margate so he would pop in.

I made some lunch and in he came which was a great surprise for me but a bigger one for him as he hasn’t seen me on a Chemo,s first few days.

I got through his being here but I felt sick and was, when he had gone, glad he didn’t see me as it isn’t a pretty picture he!he!.

It was lovely to see him and we will be spending Xmas together so I’m happy with that.

The weather has got colder so I find it difficult to go out hope that soon improves as I’m missing the dog walk.

Made dinner again though of Salmon mashed potatoe and Broccoli then stewed apple with honey and evaporated milk.

I have eaten it all and enjoyed it so much.

Now a relaxing evening and early to bed as I was up early this morning.

 

 

day 2 chemo 3 The shower arrives

The shower is nearly in

I got up after a terrific long sleep, as I went to bed early for me at 10pm and slept right through to 7.45am.

Got up and had breakfast, then got ready as today the new shower was being delivered.

Of coarse it didn’t come at the first time they had said but it was here later and so Ray had his job for the day.

I did all the house work– slowly– but I got through it all, only the fridge had iced up so I had to do a job I hate and that’s to defrost it.

I was pleased to put the washing out in the sun and fresh air but to walk out with the dog is impossible, my legs are not strong on this second day.

 

I was doing fine then sick –oh no off we go again.

I had taken the tablets earlier, so I took another and felt better and was able to eat lunch, have been ok until this evening but when I take a tablet the feeling subsides. Horay

 

I even cooked dinner tonight Lamb chops and mint sauce with vegetable’s real yummy.

Ray has nearly finished the shower he has only to grout the tiles and I can Christen it cant wait.

Its been a good day today.

Day 1 Chemo 3 the long day

It has been a long long day so boring.

I arrived at 7.30 as I was worried about the roads into Canterbury, as the wind woke me at 2.30am

Howling away, and then the rain pelted down at 4.30 –what a night.

There was a tree down in Sturry so I thought the roads would be bad, but infact they were fine as the traffic was stopped in Sturry so we sailed in through Blean.

I went into Chemo at 7.45 am but the nurse couldn’t find a vain and it took 1-1/4 hours to find it and keep it in so the fluid would flow–well I was near screaming point.

But it settled down and we were off.

The cleaner came  in and washed the floor and he cracked jokes so that cheered me up a bit and then other patients came in and settled into chairs.

A Polish man –who informed me he has changed his name to Brown so as to get work here–was on phone all day running his business in London.

He seemed to be in the a plumber and was taking an order to fit a Boiler on Saturday among lots of other calls –a very busy man.

The man who last time had had a stroke was there and seemed very much better as the swollen mouth had gone right down.

They only had 2 nurses on as 2 were off sick and 1 on holiday so that made the day even longer.

I fell asleep at one point and woke up hoping I hadn’t been snoring

So the day went on until at 4pm my friend Peggy came in carrying presents again honey, a large cabbage and a Carrot Cake for Ray –who came in just afterwards so that was nice to have someone to talk to.

Peggy left but Ray had to stay while I finished and we finally left a 6.30pm

It is such a long day.

We got in and I had the dinner all prepared so it didn’t long to whip up Chicken in lemon and ginger sauce, Rice and vegetables with fruit and jelly.

So we are relaxing now and ray has taken the shower out for the new one being delivered tomorrow.

 

 

 

Day 21 Chemo 2 Resurfacing a road, Windy day and out to Lunch.

Men resurfacing a road

We got up after a great night sleep although Ray complains about my snoring –poor thing.

 

We had to take the dog out early as we were going to a nice get together at our friends for lunch, with other friends who were invited as well.

 

It was very windy but not cold as we set off with Louis,  as we got out on the main road, they had resurfaced it through the night, what a night to have had to work in and they will be working tonight in another windy night.

 

The dog trotted along so good, as we were on a longer walk for him up to the beach where the tide was out.

I came back and changed, put on earrings to cheer my face up, as my eyes were still funny from all the soreness this time.

After making sure the dog was safe and lots of chewy things around for him we set off in the car and arrived first, so we settled down chatting until the others arrived.

A great chicken and vegetables was served and Apple Charlotte for sweet/pudding.

Woodburner

We all then sat back and chatted some more about our younger lives –wood burners in stations (Pat has one now in her house –warm as toast) and boat’s old sweets that we had eaten in the past, Motorhoming and many more things until it got dark.

So we all said our goodbye’s and drove home.

Ray took the dog for a walk as I made a home made soup from the vegetables that were in the fridge from yesterday added an onion, tin of tomatoes, stock cubes and Waller!! You have a great soup when it has been in the Liquedizer

A friend on the McMillian site has said “I’m taking steroids for arthritis and they make you EAT, all the time if possible.”

Oh how right he is and yes that’s what I’m like, so the steroids I’m taking just before the chemo, during and after might be the answer for this love of “food glorious food.”

 

Well its the last day of Chemo 2 the 21 days have flown by and it hasnt been that bad this time so tomorrow I Day 1 again as I have had no phone call on the answer machine– so my bloods must be OK

Up very early then for another 8am start to 10 hours of chemo.

 

 

Day 20 Chemo 2 Vampire day and B&Q

Clouds

 

It was Vampire day at the hospital and it was pouring hard as we left for the hospital.

The traffic was heavy and a panic sets in that we haven’t allowed enough time, but of coarse we had and we arrived early and I was called in straight away, where I was weighed and blood taken and the nurse asked me to deliver it to Pathology to get it in and then she would call me at home if the bloods are out.

I was feeling sick today, but she said its all normal,Chemo is always to blame for all the way I feel, what ever it is.

We left and called in at B&Q, as we are having a new shower unit delivered Thursday and Ray had things to get to do the job.

I said I felt sick so I would stay in the car to conserve my energy for Tesco’s.

The weather was better now with blue skies and a bank of clouds that reminded me of the mountains we had see on the way to Spain.

Sitting in the car I watched life being acted in front of me.  A couple going in to buy what ever they had decided to buy.

Men leaving their builders vans to buy things I suppose for a job they are working on.

One man taking things back, 3 bags of what looked like cement and a box, don’t know what was in that.

Then a couple walked up to the Burger man and ordered and ate 2 large burgers after smothering mustard all over them.

I looked at my watch and it was 10.30am, goodness how could anyone eat that early and so much.

Ray came back and he was carrying a bag of bits and a out door light which he is putting up in the back garden so Louis will go for a wee in the garden–he is frightened of the dark he!he!

Of we went to Tesco and did loads of shopping as we know I will not be getting there again for a few day’s after Wednesday.

At home I loaded everything into the cupboards and the freezer and made the soup for lunch and melted cheese onto garlic bread.

Then what did I do –you have got it I fell asleep as the wind whipped the rain and it poured hard onto the windows.

I had put a pork joint in to the oven so that was cooked as  I woke up and watched a bit of telly.

Cooked Broccoli, Carrots and a few Brussels and dinner was soon served.

Today is drawing to a close again I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow–bet it will though

 

 

 

Day 19 Chemo 2 Sunday -Windy and Rain sun and a blackbird.

Weather wise its been a mixed day as it had poured hard all night but was blue skies with grey clouds when we got up,

The wind was blowing hard and all the leaves are off the trees now.

A blackbird

Gap’s are appearing in the undergrowth of the garden behind me and a Mr Blackbird is walking around the garden gathering all the insects and food he can find, he keeps making me jump as he comes out from the undergrowth as if to say hello.

He seems to stay all winter so he doesn’t migrate for some reason, we used to have a Robin but he has disappeared and

wild cat

I suspect the local cat, that roams in the garden to my pond, has had him, poor thing.

We got dressed up against the wind and went for a short walk, which I’m glad we didn’t decide on a longer one as it went black the wind got up and the rain pelted down.

We arrived back home and dived in and was really glad we had not gone out any longer.

I put my ironing away and sorted my wardrobes, it was about time I tidied them and was pleased with myself.

Made a lunch and sat down to finish my book at last.

Of coarse I dropped off to sleep as this is getting to be my routine but today my eyes were sore which tires me out.

When I woke up they were better, watched some telly until it was time to cook the steaks for dinner and washed up.

Energy levels are good today.

Just watched X Factor and Ray took the dog for his last walk so that’s it for today.

Hospital for bloods tomorrow so I will go shopping as well and stock the cupboards up as it is all going to start again, you dread it as Wednesday gets nearer.

Day 18 Chemo 2 and Home grown New Potatoes

Potaoes Growing

We had a great lie in again today, at last I’m sleeping right through the night.

Had a lazy breakfast and showered as Ray did all the housework–I think I will buy him and apron for Christmas.

He has really been doing his share of housework to help me rest. I don’t know what I would do without him, the word Partnership has really come to mean something in our Marriage and we are working together on everything at the moment.

My zapped operation and drain wound is healing very well and the square burn marks are peeling too –do they ever go away or will I be marked forever.

I have been growing some potatoes in a pot –just old ones, that the eyes grew, so instead of throwing them away I stuck them in a pot of soil.

The green plants had died down so I turned the pot out and found loads of lovely new potatoes which I cooked for dinner tonight with some mint, all very nice with carrots and parsnips added to a beef stew.

Stewed apple cooked with honey and cinnamon for sweet and we were full.

 

It has been a very warm and sunny day so I was able to walk on the beach and the tide was very high but calm, the dog has a great time and enjoy’s himself on the days I do manage a longer walk.

Having a dog is good as you have to exercise them he doesn’t understand I have problems with energy levels and shows no mercy as I have to keep throwing the ball.

Came home shattered and once again an afternoon catnap to recharge my batteries.

Read my book (nearly finished) and had the dinner I have already mentioned.

Friends have been and gone and we have had a good evening  a good natter though makes me so tired but my spirits have risen a bit tonight.

I had a email yesterday from a friend that made me laugh (I hope he doesn’t mind me saying it here )

He said—well have just got back from 4th and final chemo treatment tonight,was in for 6hrs a long time and boring,they have told me that the previous treatment has worked and the cancer has shrunk,feel ok but will have to keep a low profile for the next 12 days or so and not pick up any infections,so must keep the youngest grandchild away nothing more contagious than young children, I know just what he means as I watch children sniff and wipe their hands everywhere and your think GERMS I have done so well so far and take my temperature everyday, as that’s what they advise.

Well I think that’s enough for tonight.

Goodnight xx