Hey, hey another great day!

Thanks to my lovely friend Sam for joining me for brunch at Manly - what a fantastic day to be at the beach (a bit chilly, but OK in the sun!)  Thanks also for the drive-by of the "new house" Its coming along very nicely - congrats to you and Glen - a crackin job so far - can't wait until I can go on-site and do a thorough inspection. 

Weeks 6 is flying ,,,,,

Monday I saw the respiratory specialist, nothing remarkable there - just gotta keep up with medication for another couple of weeks and see how it goes.

Had a visit and cakes from the lovely Sheridan and the kids.  Sat in the sun, got some R&R and vitamin D while catching up with the world of the Old's.  Kids had a great time playing together!

Tuesday I attended a "look good, feel better" course at the SAN for ladies suffering cancer.  It was an amazing morning, about 20 ladies turned up and we had two Channel make-up artists in to give us tips on how to put make-up on, which also included all the make-up donated from places like Channel, L'Oreal, Revlon, Avon, Bobbie Brown, etc etc.  I came home with a bag of goodies and a new face and some great tips!  We also played with wigs and scarfs and stuff.  I walked away feeling really positive! and would highly recommend any lady with cancer doing it - its free also!

Lunch with friends Mark and Peter at a great, tiny little japanese restaurant at St Ives, and then home for a rest and get dinner organised before the kids/hubby get home and witching-hour begins.

Respiratory Specialist summary

Saw the respiratory specialist this morning, and did a number of tests.  My lungs are good and clear.  Actually my lungs are 10% better than the average woman's lungs my age. (nice to know - being a exsmoker and all).  Dr's thoughts - probably an infection - keep taking fluconazole and bactrim, and has recommended to continue seretide for 2-4 weeks.  If cough still there at end of that time, or comes back within weeks of stopping seretide then I will go for a formal asthma test. 

My thoughts - I am sure the cough will disappear, as it does seem to be getting better and better every day!

Visit from Trav, Ali, Mark, Shona and all the kids!

Today was a great day spent with friends who travelled from 'God's country' (sutherland/wollongong) to visit the Thomo family in hornsby.  Thanks, to Trav who was masterchief of the pizza's! Trav and Ali brought in the pizza making machine and all the necessary ingredients to make us all lunch.  Shona and Mark topped and tailed it with nibbles and dessert!  WOW! GT and I recognise and appreciate the effort you guys went to, thanks soooo much!  We had a great day relaxing and catching up with you.  It was a typical Aussie style feast - girls inside talking, boys outside cooking and drinking, with kids everywhere!  GT took 212 photos today, so here are a few 'choice' ones. Poppy Jack and Vicki dropped in for a hello as well.  And I'm feeling top of the world today! 

Again and again, we are reminded that we have wonderful family and friends who are supporting us heaps through this time and everyday we realise how lucky we are!  We can't say thanks enough!

 "Charlies Angels"

 Trav at his work bench

 The Boys

????

White blood cells unite to regenerate Saturday night

In the last hour or so I have started having unusual "growing pains" in my hips.  Apparently the white blood cells are regenerating and causing these waves of pain that could better be described as 'contractions' in the hip area.  Sounds weird, but its apparently all very good and normal.  This is the first time I've felt this sensation, last time it was more just like over-all aches and pains, however I have had a chat with my trusty German backup-Dr who has explained that because the hip is the largest bone in the body, its a very normal place to feel this sensation.  I'll see how I go trying to sleep through this.  Thankfully I'm not about to have a baby ,,,,,, and I have a cabinet of medicines that range from panadol to temazapam!

Me and my dad the Pizza Man

Friday was a chill out day for me - not feeling 100% due to the white blood cells were regenerating themselves.  Had a visit from my friend J and her beautiful baby T, and relaxed.  The girls loved baby T, but I think baby T was a bit overwhelmed!

My friend Deb left boys at home and popped in for a visit Friday night.  She managed to escape a photo! However thanks darl, for the pizza and the catch up chat.  The glasses' of red were therapeutic indeed!

Happy Birthday IMI!  Saturday was Imi's 5th birthday party at Pa's house, with jumping castle and face painting.  Home in the afternoon to again relax. 

Thanks to Giles, Jo and the girls for visiting us today ,,,,

A lovely day spent at home with family, had lunch and got some fresh air and vitamin D in the backyard.

VR's Famous Choc-Caramel Slice ,,,,, yummy!

Well here it is, VR's famous CHOCOLATE CARAMEL SLICE. 

Ingredients
BASE
1 Cup SR Flour
1 Cup Dessicated Coconut
1 Cup Brown Sugar

CARAMEL
440gm (can) sweetened condensed milk
30gm butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup

CHOCOLATE
150gm cooking chocolate
30gm copha

Method
BASE
Sift flour into bowl, add sugar and coconut, stir until combined. Melt butter in microwave, add to dry ingredients, mix well. Press into greased 28cm x 18cm (11in x 7in) lamington tin. Bake in moderate oven for 10 mins (180 degrees).

CARAMEL
Place all ingredients into saucepan, stir continuously over low heat until bubbles have appeared just before it boils. Remove from heat and add to base. Place in moderate oven for 10mins. Allow to cool.

CHOCOLATE
Melt chocolate and copha in microwave as per packet instructions and spread over cooled slice. Allow to set at room temperature, just before it sets score chocolate and place in refrigerator to finish setting. Cut and eat.

Will keep in fridge for up to a week and will freeze in air tight container for up to one month.

Wednesday, pretty boring really

Nothing extra ordinary to report today.  Didn't sleep very well last night - played on the computer until about 3am this morning, just because the prednisone was taken so late.  Got up about 7.30, said cheerio to the kids.  Got myself organised, and went out for some fresh air and retail therapy in the afternoon.

Feeling good, cough is getting better every day, but hasn't gone.  Thanks to all those advising to keep the respiratory specialists' appointment, it makes sense ,,,,, so I will. 

Off the prednisone tomorrow, so not sure what kind of day it will be, expecting Giles and Jo and the kiddies to visit, which Brookie will love.

Thanks to the "Slayer's Aid - First Order (Elite)" for this link

Below is an inspirational lecture by a Dr Randy Pausch (a University Lecturer) in the USA who had months to live.  This is an abridged version of his "Last Lecture", given on the Oprah Show.  It contains simple and powerful messages for all of us - regardless of our health!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjZwhcWY-KE

Week 5, 2nd day as slow as the first

Well today was another catch up day for me.  Couldn't get out of bed to get the girls ready for preschool, so GT stayed home to help - another nana-nap for me in the afternoon and I'm still feeling tired.  Call it a slow day. Forgot to take the prednisone (not good) and became so overwhelmed with the "medical bills" I've been receiveing that I walked out with them still in hand from Medicare ,,,,,, I'll deal with it another day.

Hi to all the mother's group shopper's and luncher's we bumped into at Westfield ,,,,,, and thanks to everyone who called.  Sorry to anyone who had a chance to speak to me 'casue I wasn't in the best mood - hey some would say I was my usual self! 

Update:  While cough is much better, I have a respiratory specialist appointment for early next week (if needed) each day the cough does get better, so I will see how I go in the next 48 hrs and decide if it is necessary then.  Dr H and her team organised this - they are great!

Thanks to Grant for the cheer up jokes.  I am so OVER taking drugs at the moment, but these ones sound very interesting ,,,,,,,, I think I'm already on one or two???!

New Medications for Women

St. Mom's Wort
Plant extract that treats mom's depression by rendering preschoolers unconscious for up to six hours.

E m p t y N e s t r o g e n
Highly effective suppository that eliminates melancholy by enhancing the memory of how awful they were as teenagers and how you couldn't wait till they moved out.

P e p t o b i m b o
Liquid silicone for single women. Two full cups swallowed before an evening out increases breast size, decreases intelligence, and improves flirting.

D u m e r o l
When taken with Peptobimbo, can cause dangerously low I.Q., causing enjoyment of country western music. (I think I might already be taking this one!)

F l i p i t o r
Increases life expectancy of commuters by controlling road rage and the urge to flip off other drivers.

A n t i b o y o t i c s
When administered to teenage girls, is highly effective in improving grades, freeing up phone lines, and reducing money spent on make-up.

M e n i c i l l i n
Potent anti boyotic for older women. Increases resistance to such lines as, "You make me want to be a better person ... can we get naked now?"

B u y a g r a
Injectable stimulant taken prior to shopping. Increases potency and duration of spending spree.

Week 5 begins ,,,

Coughing woke me at 4am and up I got.  While I'm upright things settle down, so I do "stuff" on the computer and have a coffee.

We were all home today and had a quiet day, once we had gone to St Bernard's Catholic Primary School for an interview for Jessica to start Kindergarten next year.  The principal confirmed Jessica would get an invitation to attend, so it was a good morning and I didn't cough!  Home for an early lunch and we all had a nana-nap.  I saw the GP team this afternoon, and had my throat checked out.  After a long conversation with my friend Jan last night I decided to keep pushing the issue.  However by this afternoon, the coughing had really turned a corner - and I'm feeling tops.  Definately one of the plethera of drugs has kicked in and is doing something.  The GP team suggested giving it another 6 days for the drugs to take maximum effect, and then see how I feel. 

I had a really good nana-nap - you know the kind when you wake up and think you've slept for 24 hrs! 

And thankfully the slower day today has recharged all our batteries.  Kids and hubby off to respective "day care" facilities tomorrow and I'm looking to get into my "lymphoma-slayer" art classes.  LIFE IS GREAT!

Special thanks to

• my family for all turning up yesterday - my toughest day yet - I appreciated it!
• everyone who has been praying for me!  Thank you for sharing your prayers.
• the Slayer's Aid who is sending affirmations to me daily! 
• everyone who in your own ways' are supporting me, and keeping me "real" and "positive"
• everyone who has shared a little or alot of advice on all sorts of things, it all helps.

Beautiful Day ,,,,, Song by U2

So about 7am I sucked it up and got on with the day.  Head-shaved and showered, it was time to don the scone, and so I decided one-in-all-in, I unleashed the "wild one".  Wig #3! Yes, here it is for all to see - my long one.  That's the three now, you've seen them all! However, in real life it will be so much better!

We are all ready and its off to Rushcutters Bay for a breakfast with friends visiting from the Sunshine Coast.  Thanks Bert, Petros, Max and Zac for a relaxing morning in the sun!  It was great to catch up, chat and simply chill.

Bert, Petros, Zac, Michele, Brookie, Max, Glenn and Jessica

Next stop Lessing Park, Hornsby for Xavier's first birthday party.  Great to catch up with all the mother's group families, and a happy birthday to Xavier of course!

FR: Christopher, Dee, MK, Brookie Louisa

BR: Xavier's mum Megan, Sheridan, Lisa and Rochelle

Sheridan and Michele

We arrived home just in time to greet my Dad, Elaine and my brother Giles who all popped in to say HI!

Giles, Elaine and Dad

Lastly, my sister Babbette, Ryan and cousie Imi popped in for a quick hello with some delicious goodies.

Jessica, Babette, Imogen and Brookie

Ryan, Babette and Michele

It's 3am, I must be lonely ....Song by Matchbox20

Well it's now 4.43am and this would have to be my worst hour/s so far since being diagnosed with lymphoma.  There may be too much info here for some people, so if you can't cope with getting into nitty-gritty "personal girly-cancer stuff", I suggest you skip this blog .....

Still coughing.  I thought it was licked, Friday night and Saturday were good. Satruday night back to the same shit. I am onto my 3rd incontenance pad, my pelvic floor after 2 kids and 2 weeks of consistant coughing has done an "Elvis" and left the building.  I have my periods?! (fark) and cramps in my bowels from the anti-constipation drugs kicking in.  I've been to the bathroom numerous times and while there - wiped dead hair strands from my face and given the mohawk a couple of tugs.  Its now more like a tuft.  Glenn will shave the rest off this morning.  I've taken more ventolin and a sudafed for my sinuses, and had a cup of tea and cry while sitting in the dark in our lounge room, trying to see if I can fall asleep upright - which helps with stopping the coughing.  But no ,,,,,

I'm too tired now and wound-up about two things that I can't get out of my head.  First thing is the wig - everyone deals will loosing their hair differently.  My mum had chemo for breast cancer a year or so ago and she said for her it was the hair falling out in the shower that tipped her over the edge.  For me, its going to be the wig wearing. Up until now its been fun, wig parades and jokes - but later today I have realised I'm giong to have to wear it for real.  I'm worried the damn thing is not going to sit right ALL DAY, is it going to blow off?  Imagine having to catch it and try and put it back on or worse having to run after it as it blows away!! Will it be itchy to the point of being unbearable? What happens if the hair ends up sticking up and looking stupid?  Who's gonna tell me? I can't be running off to the mirror every five seconds to "check it"?  I don't want to be ever have a bad wig moment - let alone day. This is my !!OVER THE EDGE!!

Lastly, and even more worring is this damn cough.  Not a side-effect or complication I would have predicted, and I could cope better if my pelvic floor was in better shape. So far the medication for the cough at this point is sitting at 50% worked.  I walked out of Dr Harris's office on Friday with 80-90% fixed in my head and I would be happy.  If today was Tuesday however, I would be making the call to get her to refer me to a respiratory specialist.  Even worse, its only early Sunday morning, I've got another 24hrs in front of me as the earliest I would ring is Monday morning.  I don't think this issue is an emergency call to her, she couldn't do anything anyway.  Whatever is causing the cough is not going to be an easy diagnosis, I'm already taking asthma medication, and anti-fungal and anti-bacterial medication for prevention of infections.  The chest x-ray is clear and I'm not coughing up any "sputum" to be culture tested.  I'm totally worried about having to deal with the cough for the remainder of this treatment, heaven forbid longer, and even worse for me is the pelvic floor issue.  I'll start some exercises again.  I hate doing pelvic floor exercises, but can't say I don't have the time.

Thankfully, when I'm sitting upright, the cough settles down and my pelvic floor copes - daytime is always pretty good.  And things never seem as bad in the light of a gorgeous winters' day, when you're hanging out with your family and friends.

Anyway, I suppose it could be alot worse - I could be throwing up as well!  I feel better for the sharing.  I'm going to have another cuppa and see if I can get a little more kip - my cough has settled while doing this blog entry and I'm not feeling so sorry for myself. I think 'Wilma' will come out to play today, and I'll give GT the clue up about the "hair checking" thing, buy some more 'nanna nappies' and it'll all be just fine! 

Too late for sleep, Brookie has just walked out 'cause she wants her mummy's cuddle ,,,,, now I really do feel better!  GT has just followed, we'll all have a cuddle and a chat,,,,,,and thanks to you for 'listening'.  It's 5.41am and I don't feel lonely any more.

Quick thanks to Nurse Yve

Because GT and I are such pussies when it comes to needles, just wanted to say quick thanks to Nurse Yve from mothers group who popped around this afternoon after a long and hectic day of her own to give me the Neulaster (pegfilgrastim) needle to help my white blood cells recover.  Yve thanks for sharing some "exploded banana cake" and coffee, it was nice to catch up! 

I don't know if anyone has filled a PBS script lately (usually approx $33.30) and noticed the REAL price of the drugs are now included on the box ,,,,,, FYI the Neulaster injection is worth $1971.42 !!WOW!! I actually think this is a good idea, its a real eye-opener!

Hair yesterday, mohawk today, gone tomorrow.

Hair is falling out VERY quickly, so gone shorter.  It's not the best DIY job, but I predict I'll only have it for 24 hrs.  The girls like it!

A quick thanks to Grant for fixing our home computer, its made life at the Thomo household return to normal, the girls are happy to be able to play their games again, thanks Grant!

TWO down - long day, glad to be home

Another day at the JUICE BAR.

It's been a long and tiring day, however treatment #2 is all done and dusted.

The morning started at 8.30am with a blood test to check white blood cell counts, then off to see Dr H.

Saw Dr H, an interesting revelation causing a change in my chemo treatment, and a chest x-ray to do after the chemo treatment to see what's going on in my chest - to try and get to the bottom of all this coughing!

In summary:

• White blood cells were normal
• Stomach lesion appears (from poking around in my tummy) to have reduced in size about 2/3rds, considering it was the size of a "leg of lamb" that's great news!
• By sheer chance, it popped into my head while waiting for Dr H that I had three fingers that had numb finger-tips ?STRANGE? and I thought I should mention it even if it sounds weird.  I'm glad I did, because apparently I was warned about this (but can't remember).  One of the drugs in the chemo treatment causes this "numbing" side effect, and if its not addressed early - the numbness can become permanent. :O !!GASP!!  So the vincrystine has been changed to vinblastine.
• I will do a chest x-ray after my chemo, to be sure there is no infection, however Dr H felt I may have developed asthma, and on top of the chemo drugs, she ordered a ventalin pump. 
• Lastly, next PET scan will be after chemo #3, to see how we're cooking the "leg of lamb!"

If I didn't think I was getting enough drugs before,,,,,,, I definatley do now.  And I have been given the ok to get into all the alternative type therapies like fish oil, vitamins and mecidinal honey!  Not today though, I've had enough.

It all happen's at once, no muckin' around! 

And "Fluro Orange" juice was still today's special!

(PS I have the ventolin pump mask on my face - in case you are wondering what that is!)

After seeing Dr Harris, it was off to the "JUICE BAR", to lounge around and have everything thrown at me.  Thanks again to VR, the chocolate-caramel slice went down a treat again - I could hear all the girls in the corridor saying "who bought in the slice?" and they all popped in to say thanks.  Two request's for the recipe, will you share it with us?  Special thanks to GT who brought it up to me as I realised I'd run out the door without it! !Opps!

I will need to give the affirmation's more attention for next treatment, cause a vein was found second go, by a different nurse.  I can confirm that I remained the "gracious patient", and didn't swear as I was telling her it was hurting and maybe she try somewhere else!  I was lucky though - compared to the lady next to me who waited 2 hours for 3 or 4 different nurses to find a vein ,,,,,, in hindsight maybe my affirmation was working! 

The day passed with me watching some videos, and doing some drawings of my la petite dolls. Stop laughing and remember I have only done one lession and it's all about practice ,,,,,,

This was my first drawing today, just warming up.

This is the beginning of "Me-Shell, the lymphoma-slayer"

(Be mindful that it's a work in progress - a long way to go!)

The necklace symbolises "Love, Health and Happiness"

So, when all the drug-therapy was finished, off I went for some radio-therapy (xray) and then back to Dr Harris for her to have a look.  All clear, which is what she expected, however I am relieved we've had "the look".  Then she handed over all the new drug prescriptions for asthma (ventolin - salbutamol and seretide -fluticasone/salmeterol) and the prevention of chest infections (Bactrim -sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and Diflucan - fluconazole).

At around 4.30ish I finally walked through the door at home after going via two pharmacies, cause the first one didn't have one of the scripts.  I was pleased to be home, the girls were glad to see me.  Brookie demanded cuddles and kisses all evening and Jessica came up to me tonight and out-of-the-blue gave me a big HUG.  When I asked her what the hug was for she said "I love you mummy and I want you around for ever and ever." 

That's the only way I would want this day to end.  Everything else just becomes insignificant.

Affirmation/s for the SECOND of 6 chemo treatments

"I have strong and luscious veins, and the nurse will always get the canula in first go!"

"I will be a GRACIOUS patient, who always says please and thank you, and will only use the F-Bomb in extreme circumstances!" 

"I will always have two way conversations, to ensure I remain close to the lives of the people who surround me."

Last couple of photos with hair.

Thanks to Deb and Jacqui for a great lunch and for your support and caring!  Hi to all at Galderma HO it was great to see you all again!  I'm very lucky to be working with such a great team of caring people.  I look forward to seeing you all again soon!  For those who gave me cards and gifts and soup recipies and advice and offered help, THANK YOU.  I'm blessed to have such amazing and caring people around me.

My uni friend Jay, and her beautiful little girl Tabitha

J, great to see you and have a cuddle with the gorgeous little girl. C U next week.

Now, I'm off to my friend Jennifer's house to have a glass of red and chat about la petite art.

Above is my first attempt at the doll faces as per Suzi Blu's first art lesson online. 

Ok, I'm no michaelangelo - however practice will make perfect!

Hair yesterday, falling out in chunks today!

Thanks to my 'twilight/high school buddy' kirsty for taking some time from her business to catch up for coffee this morning. Looking forward to seeing Eclipse with you early july! (forgot to get photo, bugger!)

While we were chatting I gave my hair a little tug and OMG, its happening, my hair is now falling out! It is facinating in a very, very weird and strange way!! :O

I don't know what or how I feel about it. I'm in a bit of an overload state I think.

Oh well, here we go,,,,,, reality sets in now I suppose,,,,,,!

Life is wonderful when you are surrounded by AMAZINGLY supportive people

Here is another email from my wonderful friend Jan, who is taking very good care of me from the other side of the world. Jan is going to kill me for putting this on my blog, but I get bored with my own "musings". (Jan, people think you're last email was GREAT, and I think its nice to hear from someone else every once and a while,,,,,,,,,,, particularly 'cause you are so smart about this stuff!)
Jan writes:

Hi Honey,

Go back to my first eMail. Ain´t I smart with regards to the aches? ;-))) Well, your bone marrow is working. Good!! Also glad, you didn´t catch an infection. Basically, your immune system is not 100% up to date due to the lymphoma itself and also the chemo (and steroid). So keep having a close eye on yourself without getting paranoid, of course.

Had a chat with my former Uni Boss ( the one who is now global head mabthera research) yesterday, and he is pleased with your good therapy;-)) Couldn´t help, but needed to talk just to double check if I am telling you nonesense;-)) He also suggests to keep up oral hygiene prophylaxis. I believe you are taking salt water for rinsing or something? There are also bepanthen oral washs (and creme for the nose) available, which he favours. The coughing might have been the result of taking it too easy on this;-)) Might be some mild fungal infection in the upper respiratory tract or esophagus. So be more compliant with those easy tasks;-))

He also offered- of course- that he can give feedback, advise if needed (which for the moment is not, since Dr. Harris seems to be doing fantastic). But anyhow, he left University being a Professor for Hematology and it is one of the leading hematology units in Europe. So you have another smartass on your back now;-))

Anyhow, great to see you´re doing great again, went to see the doctor, and are fine. So I guess you are getting ready for the second hit against your internal visitor?

Love ya. By the way, I didn´t feel your blog is being boring;-)) But now it will ROCK;-))

Best
Jan

Tuesday - Girls day out

Thanks to my friend Jo who took a day off work to come and to visit me.  We had a really relaxing day shopping, eating and chatting! NICE,,,,,,  Looking forward to tucking into the delicious soup!

Got myself some sudafed this morning and have been feeling great - I think its fixed the cough, by sorting out my sinuses.  Amazing, I feel much better, have been coughing much less and looking forward to a good night's sleep. 

Thanks to everyone who has been checking in on my blog - thanks for caring!  :) XOX

New gadget on my blog - "live traffic feed"

You may have noticed the "live traffic feed" gadget on the right had side of the page.  Having spent a day at home ALONE (no kids or husband to fight over the computer with ,,,) I did some "surfing" to see if there are lymphoma blogs about, and wow there are alot! 

Most are a few years old, however alot of people as still "blogging" on their sights with updates.   What I decided through this research was that my blog is VERY BORING - not really a marketing person's blog at all - I NEED FANCY STUFF!  and while blogging is fun, I really feel like I'm talking to myself ,,,,,, so I was very excited to see that I could add a feature to JAZZ up my blog, and it show's me that I'm not talking to myself! Stay tuned for more fancy stuff.

Lastly, if anyone is wondering what on earth I am going to do with all my spare time - I've also joined an online art class!  Yes, my friend Jennifer, thanks for this amazing insight! Jennifer put me onto this wacky american woman who does art classes by video and puts them on the net for anyone to do - step by step - I've joined les petit academy and I'm learning to draw la petite dolls! I can hear you laughing,,,,!

The petite dolls are so cute - see below.  You can also get a taste of Suzi Blu on youtube.  She is really kooky, and funny, and I figure she's gonna be good to have around on potentially bad days.  http://www.suziblu.ning.com/

The best thing about doing art classes online - is you can do them at home, even if you're not feeling 100% and it can be considered "relaxation therapy" as well. :)

Cough conclusion

Well, just spoke to wonderful Dr H, and couple of interesting things:

• coughing not usually a side effect of chemotherapy
• no temperature, not a chesty cough - no need for antibiotics, pleased about that
• aches and pains are probably from the "neulaster" - which was the white blood cell growing injection, and she recommended I take panadol regularly for relief of aches and pains
• apparently the lymphoma in the chest was small enough that she feels the first lot of chemo would have all but gotten rid of it or "melted it", and she wasn't surprised about the reduction in the lump in my stomach - BIG SMILE :))
• and lastly, its OK to try beconase for rhinitis (post-nasal drip) which may be causing the cough - finally I might get rid of this bloody cough!

I'm pleased I made the effort to ask the question, because I got more good news than I bargined for!

Righto - Time for a medicinal wine!

Coughing update ,,,,

I had a much better sleep last night, and didn't cough as much.  Dr H isn't in until this afternoon, so I have left her a message.  Spoke to the nurse's in the Day Surgery and they suggested I see my GP, I have an appointment later this afternoon.  But, I don't think it's anything to worry about, I'm feeling better today - still coughing but not as badly in the last 24hrs as the previous day. To be continued.

Visitors on Monday of the long weekend

Deb and MK

Thanks to my mate Deb, who popped in with a delicious lemon merange pie and stayed for a great catch up.  Florence, GT's mum is also here for a visit and also brought a cake - no need for me to worry about too much weight loss going forward!  GT's off to soccer now, and Jay - your shepard's pie is up for dinner tonight!

Gran and the girls!

"Betty" and "Wilma" come out to play!

Beginning of Week 4

Well the Aussies didn't win, all is not lost - but they have some work to do.  Congrats to the Germans!

I spent the whole night coughing (not sleeping), finally got a few hours kip this morning and seem not to cough that much when upright.  This is very frustrating, and I'm starting to feel anxious about night's as I can't seem to get a good night sleep without coughing.  So time to call Dr Harris and have a chat.

End of a great week.

Thanks to Babs and Imi for visiting.  Great to see you, hope you liked the wig-parade! Also thanks to Sheridan for the girly-time-out this afternoon.  It was great to drop in and have a cuppa, just what the Dr ordered! (Thanks Rochelle for the "goodies" and especially for thinking of us.)  Jennifer and Danny, its always great to see you - the red was delicious, and Jen, your artworks are amazing!

I can report that the cough medicine didn't work, so I'll be onto Dr Harris on Tuesday to check it out.  I'm TIRED IF COUGHING! I had a chat with my trusty-German Dr-friend Jan, who has suggested that the "weight loss" I have experienced this week could actually be reduction in tumour size ,,,,,, amazing!  If you could see the PET scan - the tumour is pretty big, and therefore I'm not at all surprised by this suggestion ,,,,, I'll see soon, no doubt there will be another PET scan in the future sometime - it will be very interesting to see!  Also "Hi" to my second German-family - Aynur and Michi, who also called tonight!  Thanks so much for caring!

Oh, and lastly GO THE AUSSIES!!! Aussie, Aussie, Aussie OI OI OI! (Sorry Jan/Katrin and Aynur/Michi couldn't help myself!)

End of Week 3. Days roll by,,,

Saturday is the classic "routine" day where the kids go to their ballet lessons, then swimming lessons, then birthday parties (if there are any ,,,,) then GT goes off to soccer.  Saturday's generally fly by!  Yesterday was a typical Saturday, thanks to Jack and Vicki for taking the girls to watch GT play soccer.

Ladies of my mother's group - my sincerest apologies for not attending last night's dinner (I can't believe I forgot!) However, as I was in bed really early last night, so I probably wasn't up to it.  Enery is slowly sliding away each day, and yesterday was the least "energised" I've been since being diagnosed with lymphoma.

I have a cough that I can't seem to shake.  Today, I'm off to the pharmacy for some cough medicine to see if I can get my back, neck and stomach muscles (that i've just discovered!) some relief - coughing is so tiring!

Quiet day, in a warm place today.

First photos from the new camera ,,,,

 

GT has a go!

Check out the freckles!

GT has another go!

My first "oh shit" moment

Its bound to happen.

I've lost over 2kgs this week, and if you'd had a meal with me this week, I probably ate more than a large man. I am always hungry! My body is obviously working overtime on this one.

The 'weak' feeling kicked in today, not tired though. So just takin' it easy.

? First ulcer in mouth ,,,,,,,,

Thursday - was supposed to be "Crash" Day

Well, today was a great day.  It was supposed to be a "crash" day, due to the fact that I have stopped the prednisone, however while I am a little tired - overall I'm feeling great.  The secret to my success - was strategy my friends, yes I just got up and got out of the house before "anything" had a chance of catching me at home!  Took a drive to Tuggerah and bought a new camera and stuff, had a coffee, got home about mid-day, had lunch and a play around with setting it up and here I am bragging about it!  Too easy!

Yesterday was pretty much the same as today.  Had lunch with my Dad and Peter.  Got home just before the girls arrived home.  My mum and John came over and helped by cooking dinner and helped with the kids while GT went to soccer training. 

Lunch at the Blue Gum with Dad and Peter

(Check out the joker's in the background!)

Early day's I know, but I'm definately making "hay while the sun shines!"

Wigs ,,,,

It's amazing how something can get completely on your radar. At bondi junction yesterday I swear I saw a dozen people wearing wigs, and again today at hornsby.

WIGS,,,,,,they are everywhere. In one way it's very sad, as I did't realise just how many people, at any one time, may need to wear a wig. Maybe b/c I was generally always either at work or at home and haven't been suffering an illness necessitating a wig until now. Whatever the reason, I have a confession to make,,,, I've become a wig-perv! OMG I catch myself asking me 'is that a wig?' and then you start looking at the person and pondering the colour of their skin, their weight, what might be their health issue. I apologise if this seems morose, however it just gets in your head.

Most importantly (and thankfully) I have halted my tendency to be a wig-critic. I have noticed that not all wigs are well made, or even well fitted, and I too will probably still have the regular bad-hair day, even if it does seem as easy as 'pull it out of a box.'

oh well, there's always a beanie!

Tuesday ,,,, Thanks for the flowers - Jan, Katrin, Julian and Anna

To my lovely German Family, thank you all so much for the flowers, but most of all thanks for your support and calls on the weekend.  Even though you are half way around the world, you feel very close and I feel really safe knowing you're there.

Jan - who would have thought - the both of us daggie exchange students, scrappin' around Langley High School in McLean Virginia with our camera's in 1988 would have led to such a long and wonderful friendship?  Over sea's and through time, its amazing!

I'm lookin' forward to many years more, mate!

Tuesday ,,,, goin' on a wig-hunt, gonna catch a STRAIGHT one

,,,,,, I'm a bit scared! I think I look like a friend of mine?????

Uni girls, any guesses???

Tuesday ,,,,, goin' on a wig-hunt, gonna catch a BLONDE one!

,,,,, you should all be SCARED! ,,,,,,

Brookie wagged pre-school today to help mummy find a new fro'

Week 3 and Monday ,,,, is another great day!

Girls found a "hide-e-hole" to play in this morning,

which kept them out of

their mother's "not there for much longer" hair!

Skipped off to Westfield about 10am.  I can't remember the last time I had a chance to do some shopping on a Monday morning, and it was a very pleasent experience indeed, and the place was very empty and the sun was out!  First stop - Gloria Jean's in Boarders for a browse around the books, and sip on the new Almond & Honey Primo Coffee - it's a hit!

Off to the post office, then a browse around Myers ,,,,, off to McDonalds for a cheeseburger! (a bit naughty) Duck into coles for some miscellaneous food items then home in time to pick up the family for a trip to the local Paeditrician for Brookie who was needed her follow up visit from her hospital stint a month or so ago with pneumonia. I'm feeling like a YUPPIE SOCCER MUM!

Outcome from appointment with Paed is that Brookie has a cold at the moment, but most importantly I'm confident that there are not longer-term issues relating to the pneumonia or asthema etc, which is a relief!

We are having a relaxing afternoon at home, simply chillin ,,,,,,,,,, Ahhhhh.  Really, if I hadn't seen the pictures for myself relating to the lymphoma, I'd be doubting that I actually had it.  Ok, its day 3 and there'rs a long road ahead however, truely, the anti-drugs handle the side-effects amazingly!  And I feel fine!

Also, if I didin't think I was going completely mad on Saturday, I would have said I had already felt that the lump was smaller.  Interesting, my friend Jan in Germany and the nurse Debbie from the Day Surgery who called to check up on me this morning - - actually agree!  The chemo works that fast in "melting" the lump, that people do apparently report changes within 24hrs of starting the chemo therapy ,,,,,,, bloody amazing! 

Righto - I'll drink to that! :p MK

Week 3 begins ,,,,,

Well rested from the weekend and feeling mighty fine again today - I have a list of "to-do's" in hand, have had the weekly shower, taken all the necessary anti-drugs and am keen to have some SOLO retail therapy!   Jessica is waiting for her turn on the computer ,,,,,,

Sunday - another good day!

This morning started with a sleep in, which was great!  Mum and John popped in to say hi and leave some yummy pea-and-ham soup and well wishes from friends.

John, Jessica and Nana

Couple of phone calls, and feeling like we needed to get out of the house, we headed over the Glenn's Dad's place to watch St George play the Warriors on foxtel. 

Jack, Vicki, GT and MK

Unfortunately Brookie is getting a cold and has been pretty miserable for the afternoon and we are not looking forward to the coming night.  She'll be off to the doctors tomorrow for a check up. 

Today was a slower day for me, things are falling into place with all "the anti-drugs", and I'm working on the routine - however I was pretty tired this afternoon when I got home and needed a "nana-nap" to take the edge off.

Saturday - its pretty much gone! And I'm ready for a wine!

Well the day has gone like a breeze, and I'm trying not to get to cocky about the whole thing!  Life today pretty much went on as any Satruday would, ballet lessons for JT, then swimming lessons for the two girls.  Brookie has an absolute ball, Jessica is very aprehensive about swimming - some way to go with her.  I had a chance to sit and watch and get some vitamin D - which was lovely!  Jessica rushed off to a friends birthday party and came home looking like a rainbow princess!  She had a great day and thats what counts.

Kylie, my friend from uni, came and spent some hours chatting.  We had Jay's Risotto (KB loved it too!) and chocolate muffins for lunch and chilled out for the afternoon ,,,,,,

Kylie and MK

The girls have had their bath, dinner soon, then bed!  GT and I will sit and relax, have a drink and take some time to reflect over the past two weeks, what a whirlwind trip we've been on so far.  Today I have felt better than I have for the last two weeks  - possibly because diagnostics are over and treatment has started, and it's not been that bad so far (OK, I DO realise its only the end of day one post-chemo ,,,, but you know how it is - every minute that you feel good is a blessing.)  I am simply feeling much less anxious today!

Thanks to Yve for the injection - I couldn't have done that myself!
Thanks for all the calls and sms's - I'll get back to you all in the near future!