Just got back from my hospital check up. Saw my Consultant and Oncologist. They both seemed very pleased with my progress and I was delighted to be told I am finally moving away from 8 weekly check ups onto 4 monthly ones. That means I’ll only have to go once more this year. They told me to think of it as a promotion, don’t know if that’s quite the word I would have chosen but the news felt good anyway.
I was very well behaved today. I managed to have the camera up the nose thing done without any numbing spray. I also managed to have a blood test done without feeling queasy. I was well chuffed about that. I’ve been working hard with my Mindfulness Tutor to see if he can help me overcome my phobia about blood and needles. I put some of his advice into practice and it seems to have worked.
Something else that has put me in a good mood today is Andy Murray’s tremendous win in Madrid last night. It reminded me of how something that makes you happy can really lift the spirits. I’ll always be grateful to Mr Murray for winning Wimbledon when I was struggling through my chemo. The memory of that match kept me going through many a difficult day afterwards.
It’s made me think about the positive power of happy memories. I’m in the middle of helping the Tutors prepare coursework for the next Mindfulness class and I’ve suggested that everyone writes down the story of a happy memory. I’ve got mine ready, perhaps I’ll share it with my blog readers next time.
My Oncologist’s parting words were “go and enjoy the summer”. Not that I need any encouragement. I feel very strongly that cancer has stolen so many days away from me which I won’t ever get back, so I’m going to make the most of life in future.
