Eternal Refuge

Yes, she is now 11 years cancer free. Her mastectomy was literally happening now, and as all the surrounding tissue was clear, she got the all-clear after the op.

I suppose I can be incredibly positive and say that, as far as I know, I have also been cancer free in that time!

So, lots to be thankful for.

I think we need to be reminded of that from time to time. Sometimes, when the days are cold and dark, and there are assorted tensions around, I forget to be thankful.

I did take the A to Z photo, but as it wasn't good quality I need to re-take it. I shall probably wait now till next Monday and post the 2 weeks on the same day. But I promise I will take the same image, so I am fulfilling the meme (honest!).

Just had my blood test, so hopefully that will also give good news. My asthma is still not great, but I think the rest of me is OK now. Still, let's see what the bloods show. I walked home a slightly longer way, so not a very long walk, but at least something.

Right - my kitchen floor needs a clean ... icons need to be made ... what a difficult choice to make!!!!!!!!!! (I bet you can guess which one gets my vote!). Until then -







12. Have you ever crossed the equator?
The furthest south I have been is Abu Simbel Temples, which I have checked, and it's 22.3372° N
So, no ... not yet!







Right, let's get on x

But only just!

I am probably having Toni crash here tomorrow as Pete is due for surgery tomorrow.  His chemo is hopefully finished, and the cancer was also found in part of his thyroid, which is what the op is for.   It has been delayed once, so hopefully will go ahead this time.  So I need to clean the house - I know it doesn't worry her, as we have both spent lots of times in each others houses ... but it is giving me the excuse I needed to do more than more normal hurry through.  The other "panic" I had was that it is Pete's birthday in a couple of weeks, and I hadn't got his pressie organised, so I have shot out to the shops as by buying and wrapping it, if they are around this week it will save me postage.

So as I soon need to get to work I will dissappear again .. and ...



27 – Morse Code Day: spell out your username in morse code
-.. . -... .-. .. ... ....- ... .--. .. -.- .
(Will admit I had to cheat)


Right, let's get on ... will try and catch up tomorrow.

I know, I missed yesterday ... I can blame Claire for that.

For the last 6 years she and I have met up, usually for a shopping day, but mainly to celebrate another anniversary of her being Cancer free.  7 years ago she had a total mastectomy, but it turned out that she didn't need any chemo/radio ... so I made a point of saying we will celebrate that day.  Sometimes we talk about the cancer, but sometimes not, I always bring up an open-ended thought and leave it for her to decide.  Yesterday, we didn't.  But it is still a day of celebration, whichever she decides.

Yesterday I had a lazy morning, doing some shopping and a bit more spring-cleaning before wrapping up and walking over to her ... spotting some colours etc for my PhotoFriday challenge, which are here -










While I was spying on coloured plants, I realised someone was watching me ... so I took his photo as well!


One of the disadvantages of living where I do is that I see helicopters coming into land at the hospital, sadly too often ... here was the latest -


However one of the advantages of living in Exeter is that it's an old city.  Devon's popular houses are called "long houses" and this is one, although like many they are divided into 2 - 3 properties.


I also took this photo of a couple of items that were Mum & Dad's and that Tim has on display in their front garden


Anyway, when I got there we had a walk and then cam back here for a chat (in the garden again due to lockdown).  I didn't feel too cold then (tea and a liqueur) helped there!  However by the time she left and I came in I realised I had got cold, and even though I wrapped up with more layers it was ages before I was fully thawed out ... so didn't go up to the computer.

However, I wouldn't have not done that afternoon, both the spending time with Claire, and the getting cold for a chance to celebrate her being cancer free.



I have just been to get some extra bits and pieces from the shops, but it is still cold, so plan to spend the rest of the day pottering in the house.  This morning I watched an episode of Sharpe on the TV while doing some more spring-cleaning.

After I have answered the 3 questions I owe you/me then I plan to do some artwork, but not much as it is colder up here, then downstaires to read the paper I bought and attempt the crossword puzzles.

Hope you all are managing to keep safe and well .... and warm!


So -



12. How would a stranger that met you at a dinner party describe you?

So shy ... that they wouldn't be able to say anything else about me!

13. How old do you feel?

Some day 95, other days 25 ... really depends on the day. A lot of the time I'm not really aware of my age at all.

14. How has getting older helped you deal with challenges in life?

I don't think it has. I have always seen something positive, or humorous, in circumstances that challenge.

I had yesterday off (and don't work Fridays) so have given my kitchen cabinets a good clean and tidy.  Sadly I had a lot of "very" empty spaces where Jiffy's things had been ... so it was a combination of cleaning and moving things.  However, a you can guess, it all made sense as I was doing them, but whether I shall remember what I decided is another matter!!

I heard from the cemetery yesterday to say that Jiffy's grave marker was in.  However as we are in lockdown, I don't think Boris would count a 45 minute drive to look at my little man's grave as essential driving (Can't think why!!) ... so the team took photos and sent them to me.  However once we are free again that is a trip I shall be doing.  This is the marker provided for him, but I still plan to get a granite stone come the new Year.



Today Claire is having the first of her implant replacement ops.  I haven't worked out why they are having to do 2 ops.  Anyway it is 7 years since her mastectomy & implant, and due to scarring, and her age she needs a new implant, so that was booked for March, but caught lockdown that time.  This time lockdown is still doing hospital appointments, so she has op one today.

Well I am not going to do any more housework today, as still trying to be a good girl ... but I have to go for a walk and collect a prescription on the way back, want to do some artwork for icons, and more of the throw I am crochetting (I am watching the Indiana Jones series while doing that!!)

Hoping you all have a good day x

Further to Claire's great news of yesterday, I spoke to her today.  She was sounding so happy and positive that it really cheered me up.

She is thinking of speaking to the breast care nurses to offer her services as a help in supporting other breast cancer patients .... which also shows how much she has really changed in the last 9 months.  She is positive about life, and wanting to be there for others who are ill.  She always was pretty upbeat, but like many didn't want to face serious illness ... now she has faced it and come through she wants to show others that it can be done.

Her happiness made me happy.

strikske  reminded me that I hadn't posted an update on Claire's health.  Her wound is now closed (13 weeks on) ... although still quite scabby.

She picks up her work-laptop this morning, as she is going to start back at 2 mornings this week at home.  I have reminded her to take it easy, but it is so marvellous to know she is now at the next step of her journey.

THANK YOU for all the prayers and positive vibes the 3 "patients" have had ... it is great to write good news.


And finally .... Happy Birthday to my namesake ... 15 today.

As I said I took Mum to the hospital yesterday .... Sadly her news wasn't good ... she has started hormone treatment in the hope of shrinking the tumour.

They have offered her a lumpectomy (so I aimed at the positive by saying that they thought she was well enough for surgery.)

However she will need to be on hormone treatment whichever she decides ... so she has opted to go on the hormone treatment and be re-assessed in three months.  If it has not grown, then that is what she will continue with.  I pray that the lump will decrease in size over the next year.

She actually has the advantage of her age (86) in that the tumour is slow growing.

On a side fact we were told that 1 in 6 ladies will have some form of breast cancer in their lifetime ... that is a scary modern fact.

It was a hectic weekend - as ever ... cleaning Mum & Dad's as well as making sure everything was up to date with letters etc.

Sadly the weekend started early as I had to take Mum to a hospital visit ... yes, she also had a breast lump.  She found it some time ago, but presumed it was nothing - then with Claire's news thought she ought to get it checked out.  Sadly they are presuming that it is cancer, as well.  I take her back on Wednesday to get the results of the biopsy.

Dad has had more nose-bleeds, and is still waiting for his hospital appointment (not till the end of next month), so they are hoping to get that brought forward - it is distressing for them both ... and tiring as well.

Claire should have had the biopsy results of her lymph nodes today - but that's delayed till Thursday.

So, all in all, I have decided to emigrate ... I don't think I can cope with anything else!!!

On a brighter note ... YAY!!! ....James Marsters was honored for his versatile career in theater, film and music

Hope life is happier in your world ... I will try to get caught up with comments soon.

 
A small request.. Just one line -

Dear God, I pray for a cure for cancer. Amen




All you are asked to do is keep this circulating, even if it's only to one more person.   In memory of anyone you know who has been struck down by cancer or is still living with it.

A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle ...  Please Keep This Candle Going

Repost this in your LJ if you know someone who has, had or has been affected by cancer! 93% WON'T even take the time to Copy & Paste this... Will you?

This is for... people that suffer from cancer, people that have family or friends that suffer from cancer.

This is for my Grandmother who died in 1993, for my Aunt who is in remission and for our neighbour, Eric, who is struggling.