End of Week 2 – 1st Chemo cycle

It is just over a week since my last blog. I am pleased to report that it has been a really good week – apart from some persistent ascites and general abdominal discomfort. However, even though they did not anticipate that the ascites would dissipate until the second round of chemo, it has definitely eased.

Early in the week I was very excited to be feeling well enough to do some gentle walks – and by Thursday, I went for a soul nourishing walk in the Botanic Gardens! Pre-treatment, it had been my practice to walk ‘The Tan’ with a detour through the Gardens on most days. However on Thursday I decided that my walk should probably should not be quite as ambitious as my regular walk – and so I took a different and even more picturesque walk through the Gardens. It was truly magnificent!

Thursday lunchtime I went out with my gorgeous sons for lunch. We chose a venue with well spaced tables (as my immunity is low and we didn’t want to be too close to other potential unwell patrons!). We kept looking at the patrons to try to assess their health before sitting at table. The staff (and patrons) must have thought we were mad – and we had such a giggle. After changing tables 3 times, we finally found a great table away from everyone! It was wonderful to be out and feeling so well – and we had a ball!

On Friday I was more adventurous with my walk – and almost achieved my usual pace and distance – again with a more scenic route.

Last week, our Friday night family dinner was scheduled at Gary and Edna’s, but Harry and I had to pull out at the last minute as I wasn’t up to it. So this week I was excited to be able to have our usual Friday night dinner at our place! Becky, in her usual effortless style, prepared copious amounts of food, and Gary, chicken soup chef extraordinaire, had prepared and frozen chicken soup to last us for the next few weeks! Harry set the Shabbat table and organised desert and appetiser – and I took it easy! Unfortunately, Leon, Romy and Lulu all have colds, so they were unable to attend (although they did share in the candle lighting with us on Facetime!) However Dash was able to come, and the rest of the kids, grandkids and Mum were all here. It was a very special night.

Yesterday we had an amazing day. We met Judy and Phil at the new Platinum Cinema at Cinema Como (their version of Gold Class) – and saw “Who You Think I Am”. Judy is about to start her donor bone marrow transplant this week (her sister Mandy is the donor) – having just recovered from an autologous transplant (from her own bone marrow). So we were all very mindful of not being in too crowded a venue. It was absolutely perfect…and we all loved the movie! We then returned to our place for dinner. Edna popped in with Abby for a consultation (she hit someone in the head with her nose at Basketball!!) – and they joined us for dinner. What a great day!

Next week will hopefully be uneventful for me – and according to the way I’ve been feeling the past week, I should be really well. Looking forward to being able to do more, to getting back to Pilates and doing a lot of walking.

I was originally due to have my second round of chemo on the Monday of the following week – but it has been changed to the Thursday (15^th). I probably won’t post again until after that date – unless something interesting happens in the meantime. I am looking forward to an uneventful 10 days of feeling really good.

This cycle has been a learning curve for me, Harry and our whole family. It has certainly taught me that the anticipation can be worse than the reality. I believe (and hope) that the next cycle should be an easier one – as the ascites continues to subside and I continue to feel more comfortable. Whatever is in store for us, we will continue to focus on the importance of “getting through”.

Thank you again to everyone for your messages, care, offers of assistance and love. Our family continues to gain so much strength from your support. Even if I don’t get to answer every one of you personally, please know how incredibly helpful each and every message is for us.