Bank Holiday

We are going to Newcastle this weekend to see Mark (my brother) and Jackie.
A trip out to Holy Island of Lindisfarne is planned, we have never been before but it has been recommended by family and friends.

Hickman Line out

I was in hospital this morning for an Antibiotic nebulizer and the removal of my Hickman Line. The line has done its job getting the drugs in but now we were having trouble getting blood out so it was best to take out to prevent infection. With a little cutting, pulling and stitching it was all sorted. I am glad it has gone.
Next hospital visit is Friday 8th May for blood tests and clinic.

82 Not Out

Happy birthday mum, we had a great day with friends and neighbours (not that our neighbours aren't our friends), Averil did some fantastic food along with the help of Ann and Fran. We managed to sit outside all afternoon with the chiminea burning well. I know bad weather is on its way but thankfully it stayed away for today.
As part of my recuperation I sat and watched most of the afternoon with the occasional break to add another log.
Have a look at Joyce's birthday album.

Blood out of stone

Averil and I went to hospital this morning, I went for blood tests and clinic, the Hickman line isn't doing it's job any more, it seems to let fluids in but there was no way blood was coming out so again it was the tried and tested needle in the arm method, thankfully there has never been a problem with my veins so the line is coming out on Tuesday morning, it's done it's job of getting drugs and bloods in so now it's time to go. I am also having another antibiotic nebulizer on Tuesday.

Silver Lining

Over the last few months there have obviously been some low times but there are always silver linings to look for.
The latest silver lining is not having to shave, it's now 15 days since I had to shave, so as draining as it was to have the chemo WHAT A BONUS. Show me a man who says he enjoys shaving and I will show you a liar.

Can You Smell It ?

A Busy Day Cooking

Tatton Park

The weather was so good today that we decided to go to Tatton with Mick and Ann for a BBQ, there is a lovely area near to the water where you can set up.
As you can see, lovely weather, steak, chicken and baked potato, Promise no salad.

Football

I have been to watch Warrington Town today with Mick and Martin, true to form Town had a good first half leading 2:1. The second half was a different story with the final score being 2:4. Some things don't change, still there is always next season.
As you know I have to stay away from crowds because of infection worries, we thought I would be safe with Towns attendance.

Friday Day Out

Have been out for most of the day today, Blakemere this morning followed by Costco this afternoon.
I am missing church for a few weeks because of infection risk so Monica brought home Communion for me, it was good because it's been 2 weeks and had missed it over Easter.

Is Your washing Out

Chimineas have been mentioned a few times on this blog, Most of you know that my friend Mick and I get great pleasure from setting our Bushman Chimineas burning and relaxing watching the flames, for those of you that love or hate them, this Chiminea YouTube is for you.

Blood Tests

Ann took me to hospital this morning for blood tests ( I can't drive for a few weeks), after messing with the hickman line without getting any blood they decided to use the traditional needle in arm method.
The nurse came back and said the results we ok and then corrected herself saying they were fab so thats good, I am back in on Monday for hickman line dressing and then again Friday 24th for clinic. Its all going well considering that I am not due out yet.

Braai

I am feeling a lot better than I expected to at this stage, I am listening to my body and sleeping during the day when I need to.
I set the Braai going again and cooked outside, the food has to be cooked really well because of bacteria so thats what we do.
The last few days have been great with the lovely weather, enjoy each day.

First full day home

Had a great Easter Day at home and a nice sleep in my own bed.
Have been out this morning to the garden centre and spent a busy afternoon watching Averil gardening. Now it's time to light the chimenea and get the braai (South African BBQ) going.

No Vegetables

I am now home and don't go back until Wedneday for blood tests and then the following Friday to clinic. If I should get an infection during the next few weeks I can go back in for a few days.
Because of the risk of bacteria I am advised not to eat salad or fresh vegetables. I really think that chocolate carrots are the way forward.

Happy Easter (Day 21/17)

A day when you think of new life and new beginnings, its sounds like a great day to come home after transplant and a time to look forward.
Thanks all for your support for me and my family, you have been great.
I saw this quote from Mandela and thought it was worth a mention. "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

Trip Out

Averil and Jess came at about 3.00 this afternoon and we had a good drive out to Otterspool Prom.
I have just had some blood tests and if they are ok and my temperature stays down I will be discharged in the morning, the bed is left for me for a couple of weeks because quite often there are infections and down days, each day at a time.

Nice Day (Day 20/16)

Looking out this morning, the weather looks good, I might be able to go for an hours drive with Averil later for some fresh air.
They have forced a full English on me for breakfast, it would have been rude to say no.

Broken or Condemned

100th Blog (Day 19/15)

When I started this Blog in January I never thought it would get to the stage it has with so many looking at it, thank you.

I have found that an important part of getting through the last months has been motivation and goals.

The photo shows 2 chairs that were on the ward I was on in July 2008, I decided to be the broken blue chair not the condemned red one. One was on its way out, the other would be ok after some time and effort.

Walkabout

I have been down to the cafe with Averil, my only worry was how would I feel when I got back after all those drugs and not having walked more than 4 metres for 18 days.
I was pleased when I got back because I didn't feel breathless or tired (will probably sleep well tonight).
If all my counts stay up it looks as though I will be coming home on Monday but that does depend on my platelets holding their own, apparently they are usually the last to get moving, if they do drop it will be more platelets and wait and see. Its just good to know that it has gone so well up to now.

Escape

Todays blood results show that the Neutrophil count is now 1.4, the hospital wanted 1.00 before I could leave the room so as soon as Averil arrives we can go walkabout for a coffee downstairs.
The Cells have officially grafted.

More Chocolate (Day 18/14)

A few people have mentioned other chocolates to me so I have decided that during the week after EASTER we can have a one week vote which will include the top 3 from vote 1 and the 3 new chocolates. Starts Bank Holiday Monday.
Remember you can swap your choice on vote 1 before Easter if you think your vote will be better used on another chocolate.
Have a listen to this "CHOCOLATE SONG".

Blood counts

Have had the results from the blood tests and the neutrophils have increased from 0.3 to 0.8 so possibly a walk off the unit tomorrow.
The Hemoglobin count is now 11, the doctor is pleased with that as normal would be about 14.
I am having more platelets this evening as expected as they are normally the last to get moving.

Getting Better (Day 17/13)

I am now virtually pain free in my mouth, not needing pain killers to enjoy a meal.

Now is just a waiting game again, I will be having blood tests soon and then wait for the results later this afternoon.

Its funny in this room because you don't hear the wind or rain and without standing you can't see out, anything could be happening outside.

Neutrophils

My neutrophil count has to come up to at least 0.5 before I can consider leaving the room for a short walk.
Mondays count was 0.1 and todays is 0.3 so we are getting there. It isn't a guarantee that the count will go up again tomorrow but the signs are good.

Strange Taste (Day 16/12)

During the last few nights sleep I have had a strange metal taste in my mouth, one night I even drempt that I was eating small pieces of metal. I have found out that this is one of the side effects of the chemo I have taken.
At the time of medicating the chemo the nurse did mention a metalic smell but I didn't smell it at the time, I DO NOW!!!!!!!!
I had more platelets and antibiotics last night, more blood tests to come this morning and then wait and see.

Monday (Day 15/11)

I am now feeling that the blood must be doing what it should do, my mouth has been so bad over the weekend that I had to time pain killers with meals, but today I enjoyed breakfast without any and I am feeling better each day.
Blood has been taken this morning so we will have a better idea as to how things are going later.

New Nurse

After Avi painting the decking this morning the nurse thought it would be good to teach Jess how to check mum's blood pressure.

Thankfully it was fine.

Antibiotics (Day 14/10)

Last night I was put on antibiotics through the drip because my temperature went up to 38.3, I have had 3 lots and they will continue for 48 hours. I didn't feel ill, I think it was Liverpool scoring in time added on that caused it.

Good Day

Its 5.00pm and I have had a good day, I didn't realize how low I had been until I started to feel better today.
Every bad day is a day closer to a good day. I know there is a long way to go but I am chipping away at it.

Grand National Day (day 13/9)

Last night I felt a little better and more in control, I didn't have my platelets until about 3 this morning so that was a little disrupting but once the line is connected its easy to sleep.
The staff are having a National sweep, I have drawn Rambling Minster.

Platelets

After blood tests this morning my blood count is low so I will be having a platelet drip later.

Long Night (day 12/8)

It has taken me a long time to motivate today, as fast as I drink water I loose it, it is expected but so draining.
My brother in law Wayne has just left, he came to see me and for communion. (the congregation was only small).

cell growth injections

I have just had the first injection encouraging the cell growth.

Fluid levels (day 11/7)

The body is a wonderful thing (yes even mine) Just listen and it tells you what it needs.
The last few days have been strange fluid wise and really quite uncompfortable, I kept putting liquid in and the organs do the rest. Over the last 12 hours my body decided it was time to empty out, (at one stage I was having really silly dreams) during the night I drank to keep levels up and now feel great. No doubt I will have blood tests later to decide if I need extra liquid via a drip but think I will be fine without.

Early to bed

It's Nearly 7.00pm and thats enough for me, I had a lovely roast chicken dinner (I am well looked after) but am now tired.
The doctor said I should be hitting my low now but lets look on the bright side, I start stem cell growth injectons tomorrow to get things moving.
I am in bed now and ready for the football.

Busy Morning

I have had a very busy morning, I walked to the shower (2 Metres), got dressed, sat down and slept, just been woken for lunch.
Its like a bad attack of flu without being flu. (if you understand that you have done very well)

Wednesday, I think (day 10/6)

Its a strange feeling when everyday seems to blend into the next.
I am again feelng ok, I am still advised that I could well have a down day just around the corner but intil then I will try to find the good ones.