Round 1 to me!
As I write the sun is shining, we are getting ready to go to a wedding, Iona is sorting through her nursery and school photos, Martin has gone to buy some new running shoes (his sore knee expertly diagnosed by Shane as 'neednewtraineritis'!) and things seem pretty normal.
After the initial shock I'm feeling in less of a panic and less needing to get everything sorted straight away. I am now feeling a lot calmer and we've had a nice few days doing school holiday stuff...apart from Tuesday that is when I was really rough - no doubt induced by the onslaught of radiotherapy, lack of sleep and generally wrung out emotions - but I'm feeling much more hopeful and happy, spurred on by steroids, anti-sickness pills, demands of a 5-year old and plenty of love and support from everyone around me.
I dragged myself in to see Dr B on Tuesday feeling as rough as I ever have done. I'm booked in for the chemo to start next Tuesday - at home again. This time it's going to be one infusion which will take about an hour and I've also to take an oral chemotherapy twice a day for two weeks. The combination of the two drugs is not as commonly given in this country as it is in Europe and the States as it offers a choice selection of side effects but Dr B is keen to stop this thing in its tracks..as am I. He reckons even if I can manage two treatments on the combination then that's definitely worthwhile. Let's see how we go.
The radiotherapy has been ok - there's a flash and a smell that will stay with me and the sound of the nurses scarpering to the safety of their waiting area to avoid the zap of the beams. The Occupational Health chap came round and closed his file after 10 minutes - I don't think there's going to be any problem with my retirement! It is an enormous relief not to be considering work at the moment - it means that every day is for us and enjoying what we can from it.
We've had some great help too - the girls have come into their own - Jacqui has kitted me out with the full Elizabeth Arden 8-hour face products (so while my body crumbles, at least my face will be ok!), Hannah, as well as giving fantastic advice on how to look after Iona in this whole situation, has braved taking her to the hairdressers' (and suffered the hour-long face of thunder!) and also bought me a super jazzy pair of wellies for wet weddings in fields (Congratulations Judy & Steve!)..and we now have a regular ironing service courtesy of the lovely 'other' Hannah.
So, let's see what next week brings - things to do - get a wig sorted, treat myself to a new sick bucket (not sure if Cath Kidston does any!), start going through years of family photos!
More soon.
Vicky xx
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16 comments:
I woke up this morning and the sun was shining. Then I read your positive, positive blog and suddenly the day was even brighter and warmer still.
And according to the forecasters, it's going to stay shining too...
Love to you all.
Ian & family.
Hi Vicky-
You are such a cheery, positive lady- I am continually amazed at your resolve to keep your glass well and truly half full!
I am still going through my photos and have now also found some from Mark Warner Corsica (learning to waterski, everything getting stolen, managing to upset most of the staff in one way or another, but drinking on regardless) and various ski snaps(2 hours by public transport from the nearest slush followed by yet more 'intellectual' drinking games).. they really made me smile! I will put them in the post for your amusement..
Good luck with the chemo combo- and two fingers to side effects- you can do it!
Lots of love
Vanessa
xx
Well Vicky - there you go again - stamping your authority on the situation - and quite rightly so! No wonder the sun is shining - maybe it too lives in fear of your wrath today!
Great that you have the option with your medication and such a great guy leading the team - fingers crossed that all goes well.
Your fighting talk is a gift to us all.
Have a great day at the wedding - I am sure you designer wellies will be admired by all - and I bet the bride wears some too!
Much love to you all
Your friends in the North
Muir and Rod xxx
Hi Vicky,
A quick note from Christie's, the dedicated Cancer Hospital in Manchester. I am delighted you are having some pioneering treatment - you deserve to be right at the leading edge of this fight.
Quent sends his love. His treatment is going well and we are with you in spirit as we all fight this damned disease "together".
I share your optimism and send you a few litres of hope to pour into that trendy new bucket when you find it.
Enjoy the wedding.
love
Helen, Quent (and Oakley, who is somewhere down south having a ball!)
ps. how about a couple of wigs, so you can ring the changes and have some fun? I always quite fancied being able to switch from blond to brunette to suit my mood!
Just a thought
xx
Vicky, you are amazing, I just can't think of anything else to say. You are so positive about everything and I am thinking about you every day!
lots of love, Sanne
Dear Vicky,
So good to hear you so cheerful and positive. Good Luck with the chemo next week - shall be thinking of you and your new bucket (surely Fat Face do buckets these days?!).
Love,
Karen x
I'd just like to say that with all this rain and all these people on and off the bus every day the aisles are getting very muddy and the whole bus needs a right good going over.
It's all very well having designer wellies and hoity toity sick buckets but someone has got to keep this vehicle on the road and in some sort of shape.
PLEASE PLEASE leave your dirty boots on the rack on your left as you come in on the bottom deck and don't forget all outdoor footwear off before ascending to the upper deck.
The bus will not be stopping in Gloucestershire or Worcs this week due to well publicised adverse weather. Dr Samuels will need to alight elsewhere.
Please do not appropriate the onboard water supplies because your local supermarket has run short.
A large pineapple appeared on the back seat a week or so ago and was handed in to lost property - could the owner kindly claim it?
That's all for now - Ding ding!
Dearest Vicky,
I too was at a lovely wedding on Saturday but, alas, sadly lacking on the wellies front. Stilettos, rain and gardens do not equal glamorous - quite a few of us were literally 'stuck in the mud' but luckily with glasses of bubbly in hand! Hope you had a lovely time.
Have been thinking about you so much lately and it was so fantastic to read your sunny blog this morning - you are amazing!
Much love to you all,
Catherine xxx
Have been catching up on your blog since it was passed on to me a couple of weeks ago. Amazed at your inner strength to get through all this. Sending you our warmest wishes and love from down under.
Catherine Carr and family
What a positive blog - am so pleased to see a first knock out round to you. Keep those strong punches going and will be thinking you as you embark on chemo.
much love, Ali xXx
Vicky
Good luck with the chemo tomorrow - go in fighting in round 2 with your normal gusto.
Thinking of you, as always
Diana
x
Take every day as it comes, enjoy the sunshine, the beauty treatments and the help with ironing!!
My thoughts are with you.Keeping my fingers crossed for your new "combo" treatment.
Selin (Ali's friend from Canada)
Hi Vicky
Good luck with chemo tomorrow and for the days that follow .... Ellie says you can borrow her wig if you want to try a longer hairstyle!
Found this poem, I don't think you need it but it reminds me of your fantastic attitude. (Each verse has three lines)
The Ted Williams Villanelle
by Wendy Cope
"Don't let anyone mess with your swing"
Ted Williams, baseball player.
Watch the ball and do your thing.
This is the moment. Here's your chance.
Don't let anybody mess with your swing.
It's time to shine, You're in the ring.
Step forward, adopt a winning stance,
Watch the ball and do your thing.
And while the ball is taking wing,
Run, without a backward glance.
Don't let anybody mess with your swing.
Don't let envious bastards bring
you down. Ignore the sneers, the can'ts.
Watch the ball and do your thing.
Sing out, if you want to sing.
Jump up, when you long to dance.
Don't let anybody mess with your swing.
Enjoy your talents. Have your fling.
The seasons change. The years advance.
Watch the ball and do your thing.
And don't let anybody mess with your swing.
Love Grace and Ellie and Oscar xx
Hi Vicky, OK, one chemo down now, am thinking of you and hoping you're not feeling too rough tonight. Enjoy the sunshine this week...
Lots of love
Kate x
Dear Vicky,
That's the first one down. Hope you're not feeling too sick with it.
It was lovely to see you on Sunday and it gave both Claire and I a big boost to see you doing so well. Love the letter from the mystery conductor. I'd like to be the ticket collector but can't write anything half as witty as the mystery blogger.
Put your feet up and enjoy the beauty treatments and and the ironing being done for you. You deserve it all.
P.S. Anyone with a sparkler up their bum been seen in your garden after Martin's complaint ?
Love to all three of you,
Sarah B.
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