Great Results

It is 2½ weeks since my last chemotherapy...and a lot seems to have happened since then.  Fortunately, my reaction to chemo seems to be following a pattern. It makes it easier knowing what to expect! I have worked out the right medication regime to keep any tummy problems at bay - and I know that the first 2-3 days I feel reasonably OK - and hit my lowest on the 4th day. Then it is a gradual improvement process over the following few days - until I am feeling almost back to normal at around the 10-day mark. 

The day after chemo was Mum’s 93rd birthday, and I was pleased to be well enough to enjoy lunch at a local café with Mum, Harry, my sister Netti, her husband Howard and their daughters Rachel and Naomi (who came from Sydney for Mum’s birthday as well as her own, which was the following day) together with her 2 children, Joel and Ruby. It was a lovely celebration, and Mum had a ball. That night we had Beck, Brad, Arlo, Edie (& Mum) for dinner. Gary, Edna, Abby and Josh were away, so our numbers were reduced, but it was nevertheless lovely to get together to continue the birthday celebrations.

The weather was freezing in Victoria that weekend -  which was great for Edna, Abby & Josh, who enjoyed great snow at Mt Bulla.  Meanwhile, Leon, Romy, Dash & Lulu continue to enjoy glorious weather in New York. They are frequent visitors to Madison Square Park, which is directly across the road from their apartment.

At the 'one week mark' (the Thursday following my chemo) I was scheduled to have a CT Scan to assess the extent to which the chemo has been doing its work, followed by an appointment with my surgeon - so that a decision could be made as to the timing of surgery. I am very happy to report that the chemo seems to have been working brilliantly - and both the Radiologist and my surgeon were pleasantly surprised by the extent to which all signs of my cancer have reduced. I am now scheduled for a total hysterectomy on 30th September. Originally, this surgery had been planned to occur after my 4th round of chemo - but the results are so good that it will be after the 3rd. The plan is for me to then have the 4th round of chemo on the Thursday 2½ weeks after surgery, and the last 2 rounds at 3-week intervals after that.

The following day I was very happy to be well enough to attend Josh’s ‘Grandparents Day’ at school. It was so special for him to be able to show us around & give us a taste of what he does on a daily basis. In consideration of my reduced immunity, I wore a mask most of the time - a small price to pay for the joy of being able to attend. 

Saturday was a magnificent day in Melbourne. Harry & I took a gentle stroll in the Royal Botanic Gardens (as you might have gathered, my favourite haunt!) and sat by the lake at the Tea Rooms – where we met up with Gary, Edna, Abby & Joshy. From there we went to meet up with friends, Judy and Robin at an Italian café, and we sat outside in the beautiful garden and continued to enjoy the weather and the day. I was tired at the end of the day – but the sunshine and the company were uplifting – and I felt great!

The following day I was a little ambitious, and attended a full day ceramics workshop with Becky. I thought I might be over stretching my stamina – but I couldn’t resist spending a full day with Beck and enjoying the skills of 3 talented potters. It was in fact too much of a stretch, and I could barely walk to the car at the end of the day! However, I recovered quickly and fortunately was fine the next day.
 

Last week I was feeling almost back to normal…apart from the fact that I tire more easily. It was filled with walks, exercise, a couple of lunches and dinners with friends and a joyous family Barmitzvah! We have been very busy. I think I am trying to cram in as much as possible before surgery, next Monday!

The constant messages and gestures of love and concern that we receive from our friends and family continue to overwhelm us. We are so grateful and we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

I expect that the next time I post will be a couple of days after surgery. Until then, Harry and I send our love to you all.