A fillip to the system

It has been a good week. Having an additional week between chemo treatments whilst we awaited scan results we decided to take off for few days.

On Friday we set off for Rye stopping at the Chapel Down Winery en route. Here we had a good lunch and Alan made a few purchases from the wine shop.

Rye was wet and windy so we didn’t walk about for too long. We had a lovely meal in the The Ambrette which never disappoints.

On Saturday we drove to Herstmonceux Castle somewhere we had never been before. Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in beautiful parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens. Built in the 15th century, Herstmonceux Castle embodies the history of medieval England and the romance of renaissance Europe. I managed a lovely walk round the walled gardens but the wind was too strong for me to do much more.

Castle with moat

Walled garden (part of)

We drove up to the Observatory Science Center

We then met up with Bernie and Norma for a drink and bite to eat. The pub we chose was disappointing but we did manage to get fed and watered. Back then to Rye and another great meal in Webbes.

On Sunday we headed home via Tunbridge Wells. Jon & Gaby are fine and Ethan is just gorgeous – lovely to be able to have a proper conversation now.

So Monday was the day for seeing my oncologist and getting my scan results. The good news is that she confirmed that after 3 cycles the chemo is working and knocking back the cancer. Meso sufferers are always delighted to get a ‘stable’ result so ‘reduction/shrinkage’ is amazing. Relief does not adequately describe how Alan & I felt on getting this news. So now we continue for cycles 4, 5 & 6 although I shall review after each one. The chemo is tough and the oncologist was a little surprised that I wanted to continue but I have enough nous to know when it is time to say 'stop'. Also I was delighted to see I had gained 1.5 kg over the last week or so.

As I quite enjoy being a lady wot lunches we went along the coast the Broadstairs yesterday and had lunch in the Royal Albion on the seafront. We were amazed to see a large seagull attack a customer's plate of fish and chips! Poor lady nearly jumped out of her skin. A walk along the prom then before driving home. Its been a good week. So chemo 4 scheduled for Friday. 

Some positive vibes needed please for several fellow meso warriors and their carers who are going through their own  private hell at the moment. Special thoughts to friends Mavis and Debbie who are about to start another regime of chemo. Walking together we are strong. Tess x