Making hay ....

... while the sun shines.

It’s been a few weeks since I posted but we have been out and about and making the most of the good weather.

We had a very welcome visit from friends Vicki, Gareth and Harry. It is always good to catch up and exchange news. Vicki and I compared notes on our respective grandchildren – like many of us Vicki has become the doting grandma! We had a good lunch at Quex Barn followed by a short walk around the grounds. Harry will be delighted that Arsenal won a football match yesterday – I know Alan had a smile back on his face!

We celebrated my ‘much older’ brother’s birthday – somewhat belated but nevertheless very enjoyable. We went for lunch at The Beacon which has stunning views over the surrounding Kent countryside. The food was good, the weather great and all were in good spirits. Ethan managed to get more chocolate ice cream on his face and T-shirt than in his mouth but it was melting so quickly the poor little chap did not stand a chance.

We enjoyed another celebration last weekend for Sean’s graduation. This involved a trek north to Watford. It was great to catch up with Alan’s side of the family. The party was great fun and so good to see the youngsters enjoying themselves. So big congratulations to Sean on getting his degree – he now has an ology! Here are some pictures of the event. Remember Sean, never lose sight of your dreams, the world is waiting for people like you.

Kathy, Chris, Angie

Me and the handsome Sean!

Looking through the mirror! Gerry, Sean, Sue, Callum

Lovely Katie

Me and my shadow!

Michael looking very relaxed

proud mama Sue, Sean, proud papa Gerry

 We also caught up with Brian and Theresa (Alan’s brother & sister-in-law). We were so pleased to see them after a long time – life just gets in the way sometimes. Although they have both had their fair share of health issues it was good to see them both in good spirits and very chatty. It was lovely to see some wedding photos of Alan’s nephew Stephen and new wife Marie. Brian is another who will be pleased at Arsenal’s latest result!

On the health front I am doing OK at the minute. I feel I have recovered from the last regime of chemo and I continue to put on weight. I had an unscheduled visit to see my thoracic surgeon yesterday as I had a blockage in the chest drain. Chargenurse Gully was unable to sort it out. Although a fairly simple plumbing job he did not have the right tools! Anyway all was sorted very quickly and the Dr offered Alan a job in her clinic as he impressed her with his nursing skills! When I came out of the consulting room there to greet us were Mavis and Ray. It is always good to see them. Mavis is a friend, my mentor and a fellow mesowarrior. She is currently going through chemo and was in the hospital for routine blood tests – yes my social life now extends to hospital waiting rooms!

Always in my thoughts are my fellow mesowarriors. Some are going through really tough times at the moment. I send my love and support to them all.

Tess x

Happy Days

Well, cycle 6 of the chemo is now over and my oncologist is pleased with the positive response to this treatment. I am feeling good and the sun continues to shine. Happy days indeed. I have 2 more hospital appointments this week and then hope to be free for the rest of the summer. Fingers and toes crossed that things stay on an even keel.  Also my weight continues to increase. Tubby Tess is my new name!

We had Ethan here for the weekend – he is such fun now and he perfected the art of dunking biscuits in Nana’s tea without burning fingers or dropping biscuit. I taught him how to play ‘Snap!’ – I thought he was a bit too young to play for money so I will wait a little while longer for that. He also learnt how to hop! Gramps was delighted with his little helper when it came to digging up the spuds!

Digging up the tatties!

Ethan & Jon on Westbrook beach

Ethan catching bubbles

The Canadians are doing well.  We Skype weekly and Tim & Anna are very good at sending photos of the lovely Lilah.

Lovely Lilah having fun

Jon successfully completed the first of his 2 charity cycle rides. This one was in Annecy, and was the same route as stage 20 of the Tour De France (128k with lots of climbing). He made it in just over 9 hours with temperatures of 34 most of the way. Thankfully he avoided the ‘broom wagon’ by about 45 minutes. His next ride is nearer to home at the beginning of August. All money raised will go to Macmillan cancer Support.

Please take a peep at his charity page and support him if you are able.

 http://www.justgiving.com/jongully2013

We had a great day with friends Tony & Roz. It was good to catch up with all their news. They have chosen a great week to have a holiday in St Ives.

The Mesowarriors continue to fight their individual battles each day. Some have has good results from their treatment and some not so good. Together we help and support each other through the ups and downs of living with a terminal cancer. Carers are very much a part of our community too. Life can be so hard sometimes.

Tess x

Sunshine

Well I am nearly there – day 16 of cycle 6 chemo -5 more days and then I can say ‘We did it’. Yes I mean ‘we’ as without Alan’s support at the darkest times I may well have given up. The side effects were pretty grim this time but have mostly subsided now and I am feeling good today. The sunshine is a contributory factor I am sure. I had a scan 10 days ago and will get the results next week when I see my oncologist.

We have been getting out and about over the last week. The weather has been good and the lack of wind means I am able to do more and walk further.

Jon is once again cycling to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. If you are able to support him in any way to reach his target that would be great. Any amount however small will go to help a great cause.

http://www.justgiving.com/jongully2013

He is in Annecy as I write with the ride tomorrow. Really hope he avoids the ‘broom wagon’. 

Lake Annecy

Cycle route Annecy - up and down!

His second ride will take place nearer to home in August. Thanks for your support.

Well sun is shining and lounger beckoning in the garden. Enjoy the good weather. Tess x

Almost There

I have been lying low and resting more than usual and I think it has paid off as the side effects have been much reduced this time round on cycle 5 – or perhaps I have just got used to the poison coursing round my body. Cycle 6 will start today Friday (21^st) and this will be the last course of treatment - so fingers, toes and anything crossed that it has done some damage to Mr Nasty. It has been a long haul since February and I am so grateful to all of you that have kept me buoyed up. Will let the poison do it stuff till the end of this cycle (21 days) and hopefully then I will get our life back and can plan a few treats. A visit to the French brewery is high on the agenda for my trusty carer!

The meso community has been hit hard this past few weeks with so many deaths – all avoidable if not for man’s greed. My dear friend Debbie who I wrote about in my last blog was one victim to this awful disease. She was a true inspiration to us all in and lived life to the full for as long as she could. I will miss her so much. My condolences to her three children and to all friends and relatives of recently deceased warriors. The only way to stop this carnage is to find a cure through more research  and have a global ban on asbestos mining and exporting.

Life has been ticking over slowly but we managed a weekend over in Tunbridge Wells. Alan’s help was needed to erect a rather large wooden climbing frame for little man. I do mean large! Three robust men (Jon, Alan and Berni) managed to build the two towers in a weekend! It is still lying on the lawn waiting to be set in concrete. Watch this space!

How many men does it take to screw in a screw?

The Grandies continue to give us so much joy. Ethan is now into Rugby and has joined ‘Rugby Tots’. He has a ball (funny shape), a kit, and 6 mini cones which he lines up in the living room and we have to run in an out. The Arsenal fans in the family (and there are lots) need to sort this one out!

Our lovely Lilah celebrated her 2^nd birthday on the 15^th. My how she has grown and getting quite vocal! We Skype each weekend and she always demands a song! Alan is willing to oblige and plays guitar and we sing silly songs.

Ethan has been strawberry picking!

Lilah enjoying her 2nd birthday

My masterchef has continued to cook delicious food for us. So much so, I have put on 1kg in the last 3 weeks! He has a theory (not without some scientific evidence) that the more colourful the better. The chicken curry this week was most delicious and his crispy duck is very moorish. Thanks honey!

Yummy chicken curry - and he cleaned the hob afterwards!

Belated congratulations to my cousin Peter and Elizabeth who celebrated their Silver Wedding anniversary earlier this month – hope the celebrations went well. We were with you in spirit and drank a toast to you both.

Tess x