Sunday, 5 February 2012
living with...: Back from Jamaica!
living with...: Back from Jamaica!: Just got back from a fab 2 weeks in Jamaica! We didn't think we would be able to go again but as time go's on I feel that more is possibl...
Back from Jamaica!
Just got back from a fab 2 weeks in Jamaica!
We didn't think we would be able to go again but as time go's on I feel that more is possible! We were worried that maybe this time it wouldn't be the same - we have been 4 times before, always to the same place and always had so much fun and always a great holiday. But guess what....it exeeded our expectations. Once again we had such a fab time, we met so many new friends who I know we will keep in touch with and hopefully see again :)).
I also bought back with me the usual 'gift' of an extra 5lbs in weight! Slight improvement on the usual 7 from previous years lol (I blame it on the fact there were no pancakes for breakfast!).
We were viewing this trip as the last one to Jamaica as there is a whole world to visit but I can guarentee it won't be lol, the only thing that will hold us back will be finances.
It has taken me a couple of days to get over the jet lag and the fact I have come down with a 'cold' from the plane hasn't helped, I have no energy :(. I have such alot to do........I have the charity sky dive to organise, a charity luncheon to plan (got some good raffle prizes already!) and not forgetting the famous Barrington garden parties!
On that note I'm signing off, It's time for Sunday Lunch X
We didn't think we would be able to go again but as time go's on I feel that more is possible! We were worried that maybe this time it wouldn't be the same - we have been 4 times before, always to the same place and always had so much fun and always a great holiday. But guess what....it exeeded our expectations. Once again we had such a fab time, we met so many new friends who I know we will keep in touch with and hopefully see again :)).
I also bought back with me the usual 'gift' of an extra 5lbs in weight! Slight improvement on the usual 7 from previous years lol (I blame it on the fact there were no pancakes for breakfast!).
We were viewing this trip as the last one to Jamaica as there is a whole world to visit but I can guarentee it won't be lol, the only thing that will hold us back will be finances.
It has taken me a couple of days to get over the jet lag and the fact I have come down with a 'cold' from the plane hasn't helped, I have no energy :(. I have such alot to do........I have the charity sky dive to organise, a charity luncheon to plan (got some good raffle prizes already!) and not forgetting the famous Barrington garden parties!
On that note I'm signing off, It's time for Sunday Lunch X
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
New Year...here's to you
Happy New Year everyone!
I feel this is going to be a good year! In 2 weeks time, were off to Jamaica, I didn't think we would ever be able to go again but we are and can't wait!
Went to the gym today - first time this year, (I haven't been for about 6 weeks either as no time before christmas) need to get my fitness up to scratch again, plus could do with losing a few pounds before we go as I always put a few on when were there lol.
There was a photographer there from a regional newspaper, they were doing a story on 'the gym' being a new years resolution. They picked me and my sister to be photographed. When asked if we were there due to a new years resolution I told him my story. He asked for my mobile number and asked if the paper could ring me.
When I got home I had a phone call from one of the reporters, they now want to follow my Lung cancer awareness campaign and feature any fund raising events I organise! He wants me to ring up whenever I have anything planned! How great is that!
So here's to the New Year and all that it may bring!
I feel this is going to be a good year! In 2 weeks time, were off to Jamaica, I didn't think we would ever be able to go again but we are and can't wait!
Went to the gym today - first time this year, (I haven't been for about 6 weeks either as no time before christmas) need to get my fitness up to scratch again, plus could do with losing a few pounds before we go as I always put a few on when were there lol.
There was a photographer there from a regional newspaper, they were doing a story on 'the gym' being a new years resolution. They picked me and my sister to be photographed. When asked if we were there due to a new years resolution I told him my story. He asked for my mobile number and asked if the paper could ring me.
When I got home I had a phone call from one of the reporters, they now want to follow my Lung cancer awareness campaign and feature any fund raising events I organise! He wants me to ring up whenever I have anything planned! How great is that!
So here's to the New Year and all that it may bring!
Friday, 23 December 2011
Happy Christmas!
2011 has been the worst year of my life. In March, I didn't know whether I would be around to see christmas. I was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I no longer could work, we didn't know how we would survive financially and I really didn't think I would ever see my house finnished! It's now been 9 months since my diagnosis (14 months if you count the time from misdiagnosis) and how things have changed!
The RAF benevolent fund made sure we had our mortgage paid until we sorted out our life insurance. The life insurance paid up and subsequently we could get our house finnished. Nursing charities also helped us out financially. Best of all I am responding well to the chemo and by the looks of things I could be around for a while yet!
Earlier on in the year I couldn't see or plan any further ahead than a couple of weeks, now, I'm planning things well into next year. 2012 is going to be a very busy year for me, just aswell I no longer go out to work! Believe it or not I am really looking forward to 2012 and can't wait to really get stuck into my hobbies, going to the gym and the charity work.
I would like to thank my wonderful family, friends and the charities who have helped and supported us throughout this year, I love you all and wish you all a 'very merry christmas and a prosperous new year' xxxxx
The RAF benevolent fund made sure we had our mortgage paid until we sorted out our life insurance. The life insurance paid up and subsequently we could get our house finnished. Nursing charities also helped us out financially. Best of all I am responding well to the chemo and by the looks of things I could be around for a while yet!
Earlier on in the year I couldn't see or plan any further ahead than a couple of weeks, now, I'm planning things well into next year. 2012 is going to be a very busy year for me, just aswell I no longer go out to work! Believe it or not I am really looking forward to 2012 and can't wait to really get stuck into my hobbies, going to the gym and the charity work.
I would like to thank my wonderful family, friends and the charities who have helped and supported us throughout this year, I love you all and wish you all a 'very merry christmas and a prosperous new year' xxxxx
Friday, 2 December 2011
Scan results time again!!!
It's scan results time again!
Well for me, the second one since starting Iressa. The first one after 6 weeks showed a 20% shrinkage from 11cms to 8.5cms. From the reading I've done on tartgeted therapies this seems to be the norm. This time I was expecting (and would have been more than happy with) 'stable'.
I thought the minute I walked into the room I would be able to tell if it was good news or not by their faces, this time no, I couldn't tell a thing.
The oncologist was busy looking at the scan on the screen then glancing at me. "Please tell me, I said" Well I couldn't belive it.....he said the tumour has 'collapsed' and is unmeasurable! he showed me the screen, where the tumour was was a black irregular shaped area. He showed me the pre treatment scan which showed the tumour to be white and cloudy looking, that scan showed white bits all over the lung too. On the new scan the lungs look clear! I asked him what it means, I think he was rather puzzled and said "stable is good, this is better that stable!" He did say there is a lymph node that has enlarged slightly but they would just keep an eye on it and there were no mets anywhere! I only need to see him every 2 months now and get another scan in 6 months! In that alone I have outdone the stats!
It seems to me that Iressa is a miracle drug, I thought it was just supposed to stop the tumour from growing and hence spreading, for me it seems to be much much more. I feel so lucky! Were now off to the Carribean in January with oncology blessing
This shows why it is so important for the research to come up with more innovative treatments like this, us 'patients' with an advanced form of the disease should not be written off!
Well for me, the second one since starting Iressa. The first one after 6 weeks showed a 20% shrinkage from 11cms to 8.5cms. From the reading I've done on tartgeted therapies this seems to be the norm. This time I was expecting (and would have been more than happy with) 'stable'.
I thought the minute I walked into the room I would be able to tell if it was good news or not by their faces, this time no, I couldn't tell a thing.
The oncologist was busy looking at the scan on the screen then glancing at me. "Please tell me, I said" Well I couldn't belive it.....he said the tumour has 'collapsed' and is unmeasurable! he showed me the screen, where the tumour was was a black irregular shaped area. He showed me the pre treatment scan which showed the tumour to be white and cloudy looking, that scan showed white bits all over the lung too. On the new scan the lungs look clear! I asked him what it means, I think he was rather puzzled and said "stable is good, this is better that stable!" He did say there is a lymph node that has enlarged slightly but they would just keep an eye on it and there were no mets anywhere! I only need to see him every 2 months now and get another scan in 6 months! In that alone I have outdone the stats!
It seems to me that Iressa is a miracle drug, I thought it was just supposed to stop the tumour from growing and hence spreading, for me it seems to be much much more. I feel so lucky! Were now off to the Carribean in January with oncology blessing
This shows why it is so important for the research to come up with more innovative treatments like this, us 'patients' with an advanced form of the disease should not be written off!
Sunday, 13 November 2011
6 month scan tomorrow!
Well the day is finally here....the long awaited scan, 6 months since the last one. Not too worried about having the scan the 'scanxiety' will come when I get the results in 2 weeks time (30th Nov).
I am hoping and parying for good news so please please pray with me. Everyday now I can see more future and I don't want that to end. Its been hard not to be thinking of and planning things more than a month ahead and I so want to think about things the way I used to.
I haven't been to work now for over 8 months! I don't know where the time has gone! Still haven't got round to any sewing lol but plenty of knitting and crochet has been done, well it will soon be christmas!
The extension is about 80% complete and should be mostly done by christmas, there will maybe be just a couple of things we can't get done by then like renering outside and the 'feature' wall inside but I will be able to get the house straight!
Well see you again on the 30th!
I am hoping and parying for good news so please please pray with me. Everyday now I can see more future and I don't want that to end. Its been hard not to be thinking of and planning things more than a month ahead and I so want to think about things the way I used to.
I haven't been to work now for over 8 months! I don't know where the time has gone! Still haven't got round to any sewing lol but plenty of knitting and crochet has been done, well it will soon be christmas!
The extension is about 80% complete and should be mostly done by christmas, there will maybe be just a couple of things we can't get done by then like renering outside and the 'feature' wall inside but I will be able to get the house straight!
Well see you again on the 30th!
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
long time no see....
It feels like its been ages since i've posted suppose its because I've been busy and getting on with my life.
Its now been 7 months since official diagnosis and 11 months since the tumour was discovered albeit diagnosed as pneumonia! So far I am doing very well, I don't really feel ill and there isn't much I cannot do. I have joined the gym but think I did a bit too much in the first week! I have to remember I am not the same as before.
I have done all of my christmas shopping (including wrapping paper and cards!) some of you will think I am mad, there are reasons for this. The first one being, if the scan is good in November, Paul and I want to go away for the first few weeks in December for our 10th wedding anniversary, which won't give me anytime for 'last minute' shopping. The second one: I don't want the stress of rushing around crowded shops not knowing what to buy and thirdly: if the scan is not good, I won't feel like doing it, plus the treatment will change and I may be a bit worse for wear. Obviously, I am going with reason 1!
The extension is coming on a treat even though we seem to be going 3 steps forward 2 steps back! On removing the old bathroom tiles floor we found the joists were rotten (the bathroom is above the kitchen) so now the kitchen ceiling had had to come down so you can imagine the mess which seems to have migrated through the whole house!!!
I have also just been on a trip to Cannes with an old friend for a long weekend. Cannes was fab we even went to Monaco/Monte Carlo which was beautiful, the train followed the coast and the scenery was breathtaking. The french are lovely, we stayed in the 'prestidgious' Hotel Martinez (which I managed to get for a bargain price!) if was fabulous! And of course I did manage some shopping!
Its now been 7 months since official diagnosis and 11 months since the tumour was discovered albeit diagnosed as pneumonia! So far I am doing very well, I don't really feel ill and there isn't much I cannot do. I have joined the gym but think I did a bit too much in the first week! I have to remember I am not the same as before.
I have done all of my christmas shopping (including wrapping paper and cards!) some of you will think I am mad, there are reasons for this. The first one being, if the scan is good in November, Paul and I want to go away for the first few weeks in December for our 10th wedding anniversary, which won't give me anytime for 'last minute' shopping. The second one: I don't want the stress of rushing around crowded shops not knowing what to buy and thirdly: if the scan is not good, I won't feel like doing it, plus the treatment will change and I may be a bit worse for wear. Obviously, I am going with reason 1!
The extension is coming on a treat even though we seem to be going 3 steps forward 2 steps back! On removing the old bathroom tiles floor we found the joists were rotten (the bathroom is above the kitchen) so now the kitchen ceiling had had to come down so you can imagine the mess which seems to have migrated through the whole house!!!
I have also just been on a trip to Cannes with an old friend for a long weekend. Cannes was fab we even went to Monaco/Monte Carlo which was beautiful, the train followed the coast and the scenery was breathtaking. The french are lovely, we stayed in the 'prestidgious' Hotel Martinez (which I managed to get for a bargain price!) if was fabulous! And of course I did manage some shopping!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)