Three Good Things

Hi everyone.

I love the quit Daloni. Such lovely colourings.

I’ve enjoyed everyone’s good things and you’ve spurred me on to getting my bike out when I get over this next cycle. Unfortunately I’ve been delayed a week because white and red bloods too low, but had been expecting it last time so no real surprise. Had just hoped I’d sneak through as last one.

Also

1. I had to have a ‘fit in’ ultrasound to check if blood clot as foot swelled up badly over weekend - only one foot so was best to check but looks ok so good news there at least.

2. Have week off so determined to make the best of it and get out as much as possible.

3. Delay means I shall have cake! Wednesday is my youngest grandsons 5th birthday and it was doubtful I’d feel well enough for his tea. I’ve told my daughter to get a bigger cake now!

By the way, another daughter heard that they’ve found women who have good bacteria showing on their smear tests but found using soaps or other products in that area can reduce these and can be a signal/cause/lead to ovarian cancer. They may be able to boost this good bacteria to help prevent it. Also if they have antibiotics then boosting these good bacteria helps as will have been reduced because of antibiotic. I may not have got all the facts right but somethings happening to help which is great news.

Keep writing your cheerful notes.

XX

Hi

Sorry to hear about the bloods although it sounds as Ida week off might be welcome and you’re making the best of it. Good news about the clot - but what’s causing the swelling? Do you know? 

Yes I did see the research about the possible link between vaginsl bacteria and ovarian cancer. I do think all the research coming out about the microbiome is fascinating. It’s early days though. 

I have had a bit of a set back this week after feeling my energy return a bit. I overdid it on Monday (although I had a nice time doing so with a trip to the summer exhibition at the Royal Academy) and has several sofa days since. Sigh. 

My three good things today: 

1. I completed number 11 of the 13 dressing gowns for my niece’s bridesmaids 

2. My best friend arrived for a three day visit 

3. We went for an evening stroll in Knole Park. It was just beautiful with the sun on our backs, the warm light on the trees and the deer, the grass speckled with tiny flowers and the wide blue sky overhead 

xx

Hi Daloni

We both seem to have gone backwards not forwards a bit haven’t we? I was sorry to hear you’ve had an energy lapse but at least you seem to have managed a few interesting outings. I love the image of the Park you went to. It sounds idilic.

I’m intrigued about the 13 bridesmaids dressing gowns. Are we going to see photos?

I still don’t know what the swelling was/is. I stubbed my toe recently which hurt despite me having lost a lot of the feeling in my feet. It didn’t bruise or hurt for long but I think I must have done something but can’t face sitting in a&e for hours just to be told to put it up and rest it! It could also just be the drugs as they can cause muscle problems too. I’ve decided to wait until the next cycle is over then will sort. I can only cope with one thing at a time. Only thing is my intention to walk more to keep the increasing weight in check has been put on hold as just walking the half mile to the village made my foot start hurting again.

1. Actually finished and ordered the photobook I’ve been doing for months.

2. Also ordered some photos to fill the empty multi frames that have been on my walls for months!

3. I did manage to get to my grandsons birthday tea and enjoyed some cake and having all 13 members of my family there. I know I am lucky they all live so close but don’t often get them all together so it was lovely seeing all the children playing and getting on so well.

I hope your strength continues to grow.

XX

That sounds a nice day . You’ve reminded me of the photos sitting waiting to go into my girls’ scrapbooks (we don’t call them memory books as it’s all too loaded). 

I feel like I’ve taken two steps forward and one step backwards. Which is still a step forwards. And if I don’t test my limits from time to time, how will I know where they are? 

I have had a lovely day today with my best friend. 

1. We went to the seaside. It was glorious up at Whitstable. Sunshine, flowers, lots to see as we watched the world go by 

2. We’ve been sitting round a fire at the bottom of the garden all evening. It’s one of my very favourite things to do. I even had a glass of Prosecco 

3. Cheese round said fire. Mmmm. Roquefort. 

Xx

Your day yesterday sounds lovely Daloni and I hope your steps forward are getting longer.

1. I picked my first garden sweet peas. They’ve not been good this year. Too many days when I’ve not had the energy to water them but I did collect a small bunch and they smell gorgeous.

2. My daughter brought some MORE cake round! She’d made a circus tent one for my grandson’s party today. It was yummy. All my girls are much better cooks than I’ve ever been but as long as they bring me some samples I won’t be jealous!!

3. When I read your message it reminded me of when I visited Whitstable. It was in my motorhome. I’d rented my house out and spent a year living in it and travelling round different parts of England and 14 weeks going right round France. I felt so free. Happy thoughts.

XX

Sussexovarian, "I felt so free" brought tears to my eyes. Hold the precious thought!

Post-surgery each day for a week held the same best good things:

1) from my bed I had a view of the sky with changing clouds, the leafy top branches of the tree in the garden, occasional birds, a glimpse of stars between clouds at night and the moon.

2) Supper supplied by the neighbors!

3) A lovely lush bouquet of peonies from a friend

Now, today's three:

1) Many pink poppies in garden, some simple and some quite fluffy complex. Thoughts of Daloni's rare blue Himalayan.

2) Felt well enough to attend Matins

3) Wearing trousers for the first day in 12.

It’s the simple things sometimes, . I am so glad to be a part of both you and having happy thoughts and memories. In fact, that’s thing one  

My two more three good things 

1. Watching my daughter’s sewing skills develop. Today she refashioned an old pair of jeans into dungaree shorts and an old dress into a top. Inspired by Ru Paul’s Drag Race, taught by mum. 

2. Tea with friends. Lots of laughter and lots of tea 

xx

Dear all

Ms Lin, I am so glad you are recovering well from your op. I understand what it is like to put clothing on even for an hour or so.

Daloni, I’ve looked back over the thread and realise you have put a photo on of one of the dressing gowns you have made. It’s beautiful. I’m sure your niece will be thrilled with them all. It must be quite a wedding with 13 bridesmaids!

1. I’ve had a good day I’m sure made stronger by this thread reminding me of good times in my life as well as encouraging me to notice present good things.

2.  My bloods today were good enough for me to have the last cycle of drugs. Tomorrow will be a long day and I’m expecting another reaction to the Carbo but have faith I’ll get through it. The week delay although frustrating has made me stronger. Even the Thyroid test shows an improvement. I was warned my organs are at risk from the immunotherapy drug and new drug. The trial is to ascertain the correct dosages in the 3 drug combination and so far I have managed full strength. My thyroid has been the organ I’ve had to start medication for but only as I have been told ‘a baby dose’!

3. Driving home I could see the South Downs way off in the distance. You can see them from so many surprising places if you just look up! When you do their dominance and beauty even from many miles away is awe inspiring. Too many times people just look at what is in front of them or even just the ground. Ms Lin your description of the sky in its many forms was beautiful. It took me back to when I was a young teenager and laying on the grass in my garden I first looked at the clouds above in the blue sky and saw their beauty. Since my diagnosis I have looked out for many of the night sky news alerts that have been on tv. Probably because I thought they’d be my last chance. But it fact without my diagnosis I may not have looked for them. Standing on my own in my garden at 3am in my nightie is quite liberating! 

XX

Hi

I hope today runs smoothly for you. The last dose! I felt such a sense of relief at my last dose in June. I don’t think I could have done anymore. Thanks for your compliment on the gown picture. I finished the last of them yesterday. All done! Those bridesmaids are going to look so swanky. 

Xx

Lovely weekend In Yorkshire.

Walked by the river in Knaresborough and had no trouble getting back up the steps with the help of a caramel and cream ice cream.

Went to an event and renewed my acquaintance with people who don’t know about my cancer. And I didn’t tell them!

Sunday morning in Hebden Bridge walking along the canal and wandering round the market.