Friday 16 July 2010

Reality time


( Picture taken by my fab photographer sister in law Karen at Christmas 2009- they are both much taller now!) Teenager and his cousin.
I like to post pictures of teenager when I am in need of focus and inspiration. And it has been one of those weeks where I have needed a large dollop of both. Post chemo wasn't much fun for a couple of days. I will spare you the details ( too much information!) but the positive thing is that I feel a lot better and brighter today. Back to fiesty self just about. Sleep is a blessing and I have spent most of my time asleep. I feel like I have come out of hibernation. The weather has been helpful- wet and grey- I haven't felt like I have missed a thing on that front.
And I have had my mum here to look after me. It has been a real comfort. She has been my inspirer and chief caterer in charge (the whims of the chemo patient are pretty astonishing).
And... my letter arrived today from the Royal Marsden Hospital. My appointment is next Friday in their Chelsea hospital. It is a reality now. Trains to organise, accommodation, logistics and diary changes. It starts now. Already, we have time clashes all over the place- this is when keeping focussed on the priority is helpful. And this is it- the priority. So all systems go to make it happen.
Teenager's holiday continues to go brilliantly with lots of exciting treats including water trampolining in Indiana. He leaves Chicago on Monday, and back to mum and dad, jet lagged no doubt on Tuesday. I can't wait to see him. It has been a joy hearing what a great time he is having.

15 comments:

Pam said...

I love how you post your pictures with the border and it's a great picture. I bet you miss him right now.
Good luck with everything in the next few days.

Angie said...

I do wish you well at the Royal Marsden

Anonymous said...

Good luck and all the best.

Be positive.

SC

Gberger said...

Yes, I've had a lot of trouble with blogger lately. Lots.

I'm thrilled that you've completed another round of chemo - one more down, one less to go! And that you had a bit of a holiday before it started. Sorry that the post-chemo effects were so ugly - I wish there was a better treatment NOW, but as you saw, it is coming...

Very thankful that teenager is having a wonderful trip AND that you have a referral to one of the great hospitals. Please keep us posted, ask for prayer or whatever. We are with you in spirit, no matter how far away in body. xoxo

Busy Bee Suz said...

Thank heavens for your mum.
I do hope this trip does not stress you too much...you need some good news my friend.
Sending good thoughts and upping the prayers for you.

Expat mum said...

He's currently at a roof top Cubs baseball party in the scorching heat (in the shade though). Hope he doesn't melt.
Good luck next week.

Maggie May said...

I read your post and felt I knew what you were going through. Not nice!
Hope all goes well at The Royal Marsden. Try not to worry (from one who finds that difficult!)
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Ladybird World Mother said...

Good luck with your appointment... and what a blessing to have your lovely mother with you... as you say, the whims of post chemo!! And I bet she gets anything for you. Wonderful.
xxx

Anonymous said...

Fab picture!

Good that your appointment has come through. Never been to the Royal Marsden, but I know people who have and they were very impressed.

Write down your list of questions, take someone with you and know we are all thinking of you. (If you go anywhere near a TGI Fridays, I can highly recommend a therapeutic 'Frozen Black Irish' cocktail ;-) x)

Gill - That British Woman said...

Good luck with the consultation, second opinions never hurt......a good friends 17 year old has just been diagnosed with leukemia, so I am adding him along with you to my prayer list. He has just started his second round of treatment. We are lucky as we live close to two world class hospitals that treat cancers.

Ground beef is minced beef in England, sorry for any confusion.

Gill in Canada

Clippy Mat said...

Jo: sorry about the post chemo... I can only imagine how rough that was. Onwards to your appointment this week and there are so many people quietly rooting for you and wishing you well. Good Luck and God Bless,
hugs,
Pat :-)

Expat mum said...

Just back from putting him on the plane. Everyone thought I was the "mum" and I was tempted not to correct them, so gorgeous and sweet is he, but he was getting a bit confused!!!
Enjoy having him at home. We certainly enjoyed having him here.

Grumpy Old Ken said...

Just a quick one, good luck.

Gill - That British Woman said...

Hey Jo,

Is Keswick still on a hosepipe ban and on a flood alert at the same time? It could only happen in Britain right!!

Hope you'r efeeling okay?

Gill in Canada

Unknown said...

Sorry jo been a bit busy and missed this post. Hope you are feeling brighter now.

Have another very busy week ahead and then who knows what the wind will blow in my direction.

Never been unemployed before!