What a week - new chemo - without scalp cooler

This week I have had more ups and downs than a rollercoaster! It has given me an opportunity to think about a lot of things. Firstly I heard from work about my official retirement date - then read the notification on the work intranet about me retiring on the grounds of ill health and I realised I am quite sad that I wont be going back to work and being 'normal' again. However I also had messages from my work colleagues and I realise what nice people I had the privaledge to work with - as well as the young people I helped at work. Some people never enjoy their job I am lucky - I have had many jobs that I have enjoyed, including being a Nurse, Managing a coffee and gift shop, being a Nanny in Toronto, and laterly as a careers adviser after getting a degree in 2005(and getting breast cancer half way through my degree). I have travelled my breast cancer road with a lady who was diagnosed on the same day as me in 2003 (April 2nd to be exact) - we are extremely close and have always shared our fears, worries and joys together. Along with the angst of cancer I was gifted with this true friend - every cloud has a silver lining. My friend owns a cottage and suggested I organise a wee break for some of the ladies on the site who are also nearing the end of their treatments. So in November a selected few ladies will be spending a week together in Northumberland recouperating and sharing experiences together - isnt that wonderful. I will let you know how it goes later in the year! On Wedneasday I went for chemo (cycle 4) but ended up being told that the chemo wasnt working as well as they had hoped and didnt get any treatment - I then had to see the consultant oncologist. Without going into details I have to change my chemo and have some more Radiotherapy - things are not going quite as well as we had hoped. I came home deflated and bewildered and had to explain this latest set-back to the kids. I was consoled by all my friends at home and here on this site (you know who you are :o) ) and for that I thank you all. As for the silver lining - new chemo wont make me lose my hair. Tonight I went out for an unexpected meal with friends (I had been expecting to be on the sofa like a dying duck after chemo!!!) We went to a restaurant under the promenade right next to the sea - and had a good laugh together. Again I am gifted with lovely friends who would do anything for me at the drop of a hat - get shopping - walk the dog - you get the idea!! I got an extra night out with good company - every cloud. I also made my first purchase on ebay this week - now this is dangerous - I should never have been introduced to ebay - I am the sort of person who watches QVC and thinks she needs everything they are selling - so I hope I dont become addicted to ebay - but dont hold your breath!! I am going to meet my friends at the Fiesta soon and I cant wait to meet you all. I know this has been a ramble but I had to get it off my chest. I have realised no matter how dificult my week has been I have true friends and they are priceless. Happy Friday people! Jools x