Raincoat's blog

Following conversation took place yesterday between me and the GP, during bloods test: Doc [in slightly disapproving Dr Finlay voice]: The only letters I seem to get about you from the hospital are regarding your next holiday. Self: OK, take a look at this (points to unsightly and painful lump on wrist) I seem to have been bitten by some evil foreign predator. Doc: Doesn't look like a bite. Seems to me more like…

Now, I'm not one to complain. The nurses in our chemo suite are chipper, chatty and charming, doing a job I could never do, and why they do not all receive gongs in the Hons List escapes me. I know it's not their fault, but is feeding chemo patients another postcode lottery factor?? We get the following fare offered: - Soup. I make a vat of it every 3 days or so at home for nourishment, which I maintain by careful…

As a lifelong food-loving yo-yo dieter, I have been making some notes on my weight fluctuations after 6 chemos, and am interested in your thoughts. Please note this is based entirely on my personal experience: My first chemo (FEC, only 2 sessions) had no discernible effect on the tumour but plenty of side-effects including a weight gain of around 2 stones (12 kilos) in as many months. I attributed this to hunger brought…

My neighbour has made me a crazy huge fleece hat crafted lovingly in blue with red spots, replete with crown-type prongs. Naturally I do not wear it around town as it runs counter to my - hem hem - highly sophisticated image (says the bald stick-wielding crone), but it's fabulously warm in our sub-zero temperatures and perfect for close-quarters living. I've just got into the shower wearing the b****y thing! Result…

I'm interested in views on short trips away from safety. I know this has been discussed here and there on-site. My concerns are focused on general views on leaving sanctity rather than practical questions such as insurance, etc. I think it's fair to say that, in social terms, I have always led an unconventional life. I was always a "career woman"; never interested in children or marriage or strictly monogamous relationships…