A Little Bit of This & A Little Bit of That

A big 'Thank You' for your response to my previous post. Definitely a case of 'a problem shared is a problem halved.' I remember being told as a Social Science student that my talking was my thinking. I suppose that I have simply replaced the 'talking' with 'blogging.' What a difference a week makes!

Last week I had an appointment at the John Hunter Hospital Physical Therapies department. I was under the impression that it was for assessment by the Occupational Therapist. I was not quite right! In actual fact I saw Jeanette, and whether she was a physio or OT is irrelevant. Together, we went through some testing to see exactly where I stood with my right hand. On a scale of 0 - 5 [5 being the best] I was 5 in some areas. Unfortunately, when I was bad I was very, very bad. There is absolutely NO strength in the grip of my right hand. My index finger is almost straight, with absolutely no bend. My little finger bends spontaneously and is almost impossible to straighten. The idea is to use exercise in the hope that I may eventually regain some use as the nerves regenerate. Apparently this happens at approximately 1millimetre per day [I think that is the figure] What I do know is that there are lots of millimetres in the length of my arm.

Jeanette shared with me that her first thoughts, on reading the referral from the doctor were that, 'this is not good.' When I walked in that changed to, 'this is not to bad.'  Saying goodbye, she was convinced that there was 'HOPE.' I will hold onto that! How I would love to 'once again' be able to touch type and even to write again, using my right hand. I do not make a good left hander.

Had an enjoyable lunch on Saturday with Group 33, which is the Breast Cancer Support Group that I have the honour and privilege to share my journey with. Not sure when I bought my digital camera but I have faithfully taken photos at each of our monthly luncheons. Unfortunately, the girls had never been given copies of the prints. On Saturday the situation was rectified when I handed out dozens of prints to the 12 in attendance. Problem was that I left in a hurry as Haydn was waiting and I did not get to take photographs on the day. I believe it will be the first luncheon that no pics were taken. Such a shame as we had lots of laughs as we noted the changes with individuals always at a different stage with hairstyles. No doubt, chemo and radiotherapy show up in the hair.

I had also purchased cute, pink, knitted bears with the breast cancer ribbon attached. These I handed out, and it was decided we would use them as Christmas tree decorations. There was only one problem! I did not have one for myself, so cannot even show you how cute they are. Hoping to be able to order another one for me.

The other thing that is of interest to me at the moment is the possible use of using hyperbaric chamber therapy. The problem being that I have absolutely no idea where this thought came from. Or indeed, how I go about getting my doctor to warm to the idea. As with all things cancer, I like to have the blessing of the doctors on my 'team.' I suspect I have heard somewhere of the benefits of using it in some way as a cancer therapy and also for radiation burns along with lymphoedema. Now, doesn't that sound interesting?

Have just put the last log on the fire for the night, and finished a ginger tea. Guess it is time to say 'goodnight' one and all.

Love and gratitude

Group 33 Lunch at the Farm

Saturday last I was delighted to be in the company of 13 members of my Breast Cancer Support Group. Throughout the past 18 months I have missed many of the monthly luncheons due to pain and suffering, including my inability to drive as a result of fatigue from the medications. The women decided it would be worthwhile to hold a 'special' luncheon at the farm.

The girls arranged to meet and travel together. Several of the women live in the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie region while others reside around Maitland, which is closer to the farm. The first 2 cars arrived. I immediately began feeling slightly nervous; I was expecting around 9 and I had 8. They began pulling food out in Esky Cooler boxes. It had all been planned by Pam [Social Secretary] that Haydn would do meats on the Weber Q barbeque and the group were given responsibility for drinks, breads, salads and deserts. Looked like we were feeding an amy. But where would we sit? Would the weather hold to allow us to sit outdoors?

It was planned that it would be a leisure day for me; their way of acknowledging the stresses of the past 18 months.

A few minutes later and I was surrounded by 13 lovely ladies - along with Haydn and myself. I felt slightly distressed when it became painfully obvious that I was no longer able to press the button to activate the shutter on the camera. Fortunately Margaret was a willing party and took lots of lovely pics, although I was too distracted by the great company, food and laughter to remember to get Haydn to take a snap of the group as a whole.

We really did have a delightful day! Plans were put in place for a winter luncheon which would enable us to sit around the combustion fire, burning wood felled on the farm, and split by Haydn for exercise and fitness. Maybe even a walk up the mountain could be arranged .

The travel time home did not appear to phase them as it was 4.45pm before anyone made a move to leave. I was presented with the most magnificent bunch of liliums that I had ever been given although I really felt that it should have been the other way around.

It was a fantastic day and I did not lift a finger. I came into the kitchen to find the dishes done and leftovers in the refrigerator which meant no cooking for at least a couple of meals.

Cheryl on the left with Chris

Lunch is being served

Haydn entertains the girls and talks about life on the farm

WOW! In appreciation. The buds were not yet open so I am enjoying them now....