1 week down 4 to go.

Taken 10 doses of chemo tablets this week with no adverse effects thankfully. Felt a bit nauseous on Wed morning but ate an oatcake and it passed. Same thing happened Thursday and it worked again. Do I have morning sickness?:-)  have had the serious munchies this week - seriously I have eaten more than I have for months and the scales are showing a weight loss - not complaining but must be something to do with the drugs I guess.

Lunch time session at the tanning session today - quite a quick one today and no stroking. The trainee turned up when the session ended and before I saw him I said that it was a quick session and he commented that he was not "massaging" me today - so at least he has a sense of humour.

What a difference the  time of day makes walking along the canal - there was a guy on a bench smoking a spliff, two tramps with a dog looking a bit shifty and nervous and 2 community police officers writing in their notebooks - had I missed something? There was also a student group of about 20 Chinese - all with  cameras - will I now be on their holiday snaps?

Met a colleague from PwC for lunch afterwards  went to the restaurant at Malmaison as it was close to the station. Had a delicious goats cheese and roasted vegetable salad and as it was the end of week 1, I indulged in a glass of Pinot Grigio.  What a treat :-) . It was great to catch up with Paul and talk about the everyday stuff.

So no sessions over the weekend Hurrah ! Got Tracy and Hame coming for dinner and we are Cat sitting for next door..exciting stuff !!

Waiting Game

Had an afternoon appointment today at the Tanning Salon, 14:40 which meant I could call in and see my Favorite Great Niece and Nephew  beforehand so I had a lovely time catching up hearing about their visit to Thorpe Park and the ELEVEN slices of  Pizza.

Got to the Hospital to find it was Training Day, so there was a delay, and  then another delay, things were a bit slow including maneuvering me into position for the rays, so much so that the  Supervisor advised the trainee  to stop stroking the patient ( I should be so lucky ) and  lift and twist me into position, I just hope he managed it correctly as I did feel a twinge when they  activated the machine

Looking forward to the weekend and the last of this weeks visit tomorrow,  it’s almost like having a full time job  the pay is poor but I’m hoping the benefits are worth it.

Thanks for all the well wishers who have left comments

Today’s highlight? The delivery of an Able and Cole Organic Veg box, full of Beetroot

Cabbage Carrots and Pots, anyone know any good recipes for Beetroot? I think I may have ordered too much.

Wednesday - this week is rushing by.

Well the session today was quick - no delays and measurements all good so in and out in 15 mins. Still feeling ok just a little warm in the area where the radio is aimed which soon passed and was not too uncomfortable. Had a little more energy today as well - so managed to go to John Lewis - well you have to give yourself some treats after the medical stuff is out of the way - and a coffee (what a treat from tea) in their cafe but no cakes or pastries as full of sugar which is now evil apparently!

Even treated myself to a haircut - thought that I would choose to a have a haircut in case the choice is made for me if over the next 5 weeks it starts to fall out:-) I now have that attractive white line around my hairline - knew I should have asked for more off last time as it grows like mad when you are on holiday.

There was a funny incident on the train coming home - the battle of man versus wasp. All quiet in the carriage until macho man got on at Wokingham and decided the wasp who was not bothering anyone had to die - well he whacked the wasp but the wasp did not die  - after much commotion and flapping from said macho man - the wasp's aerial attack divebombed the man and stung him - well all hell broke out and still the wasp escaped. Just as well there was only 3 of us in the carriage as it could have been carnage!

Can anyone identify this beastie that flew in through the study window and frightened Neil?

 Some of you have said that you have had trouble adding comments - under each posting in small text is "comments" if you click on that you will be taken to a screen where you can add your comments - I am assured that it works by technical support.

The rest of the day as it was sunny was spent reading in and pottering around the garden - so no siesta today needed - must be more energised today.  Had the first harvest from my small veggie section  - thought you might like to see what we have - runner beans, courgettes, rocket & lettuce.

There may be cherry tomatoes tomorrow.......... it's like the good life here just need a pig and some chickens - not sure we would be too popular if we did!

Off to get some food ready .............. more tomorrow:-)

Reading by Train

Off for my appointment under my own steam this morning. As I had an appointment at 9.30 am decided to try the train as the traffic early morning into Reading is notoriously bad. Walked from the station - partly along the Avon & Kennet Canal which I did not realise ran through Reading - even saw a canal boat and some cygnets - what a pleasant surprise. Arrived in plenty of time and managed not to get lost as Neil had printed me off a map and directions. There was a long wait this morning as there was an emergency case that took some time and was unscheduled. So I sat in the waiting room for over an hour waiting my turn on the machine - luckily I had my book - Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood which I finished on the train home. Once I was called it only took 15mins today - there was some other measurements made - lets hope they are aiming these rays in the right spot!

Still feeling well - except for waking at 5.00 am this morning - needed a rest after my lunch today.

Today's green tea of choice Sencha Green Tea with lemon - which is very refreshing and would be nice even on a hot day. What happened to summer? It seems to have disappeared while we were away. Off to make a cuppa!

Here I am leaving the Royal Berkshire Hospital yesterday afternoon after my first radiotherapy treatment.Thought it would be interesting to take a photo on Day 1 and the again on Day 25 to see if I look any different - bet the tan will have faded!
The session today took about 30 mins as there was more measuring and adjustments for where the rays are aimed to kill the cancer cells. The exposure to radiation is only seconds so once all the measurements are sorted then each session from changing to leaving will take 10mins - so it takes longer to get there and back!

Neil came with me today for support and it was lovely to have company for the first trip to Reading - this is the start of travelling there every weekday for 5 weeks!

Felt fine after the first session but was  little tired by the evening  -but then that could be because I missed my holiday afternoon siesta today:-)

Starting treatment at last.

Having returned from a wonderful holiday in Croatia I am feeling refreshed and relaxed and ready to take the first steps in my treatment against this cancer. Thank you for all your messages of support over the last few days and for thinking of us as we start this journey  - it means such a lot to us that we have such supportive family and friends.
After so much talk about starting treatment, today has eventually arrived and I am now keen to get on with it. So this morning I have taken my first dose of chemo tablets - which Neil recorded as being taken at 8.36 a.m. My radiotherapy treatment is at 2.00 p.m. As I am currently  feeling  so well after my holiday, I was a little apprehensive about taking the pills as there could be side effects which may not make me feel so well - but we have to start this journey and today is that first step.