End of year review....2010

I know there has been quite a period since my last blog...but in the words of many a popular blogger...."so much has been happening"

I won't bore you with the finer details but there's quite a bit to get through and I might well have to complete this blogpost in 2 or 3 sittings...

I begin by describing where and what I'm up to at this time....

its approximately 4.00pm on Thursday 30th December and I am about half-way through my first new treatment for my Melenoma cancer. If you read my previous blog I was undergoing chemotherapy at Dorchester hospital over a 6 week period before Christmas. Unfortunately due to my latest scan showing no real improvement it was decided to suspend the chemo and try me on a different form of treatment..

The IPILIMUMAB way
This is the new immunotherapy drug they are trying me on for the next 12 weeks...it has not long reached final trials and the initial results show it can have (in about 10% of patients with stage iv Melenoma) a positive effect and can double the life expectancy period... Obviously I'm hoping it works and I know my family and friends are hoping the same positive thoughts.

Christmas period
As you can imagine the Christmas period was quite difficult but as you can see by the following photos everyone went out of their way to make it special one for us...




Jake, Donna Eddie and David joined us for Christmas Day


A family group on Christmas Day


Pre-Christmas Drinks with the boys


...since my last entry I have been admitted to hospital following a period of quite nasty side effects. I am now awaiting a scan on my stomach to see what has caused this recent reactions..

More to follow....



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Location:Poole Cancer Day Care Unit

Bob James "Westchester Lady" (1976)

Dreaming of 1976 and the hot summer...Bob James -smooth -mellow and cool

10th December 2010 - RELIEF!

It started with snow!!



and ended with sun...





In between these two photos I have experienced the worst 9 days on the chemotherapy so far...

It has been a particularly bad reaction this time and I've been feeling really fed- up and sorry for myself..not felt like blogging either..

Anyway I'm back now and have about 11 days before my next dose...so I'm planning to do some more pleasant stuff than just talking to my toilet!

May even try to get some Christmas decorations up this week and try to get in the Christmas spirit...I'm normally a big Christmas fan but this year I haven't really felt in the mood..

Anyway enough for tonight. My lovely brother David is coming to visit us from Leicester (seen below with Sylvie - in the amusement arcade in Swanage) so will update again really soon...hope you all have a great weekend :-)



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Location:Wareham

5th December 2010

9.15am

Just decided to drive down (through freezing fog patches) to Swanage for a morning tea and the opportunity to catch up with my blog...

Since my last entry I have undergone my second dose of chemotherapy and it seemed to react a little better this time...less nausea and although very tired this week I have been feeling a bit more settled. I had a slight blip yesterday when on Friday night (following a visit to visit my brother and a few friends


In Bournemouth early evening) I decided to eat very late on Friday evening...not only late but very rich, processed foods which left me feeling pretty horrible all day yesterday.

Anyway enough moaning!

I woke early this morning (5.00am) and checked on the England cricket score in Australia.. We (well I say we...England) are doing very well with an a first innings lead of over 300. It's ours for the taking now...

This is my venue on this Sunday morning...a perfect place to have a drink and lose yourself in your thoughts...


The views from this cafe are truly stunning and I feel so lucky to live in this part of the world..



The Crafty Cockney has a report to write for work this morning so unfortunately see couldn't join me.. Just received a text from her as she doesn't like to feel too left out!

We are both off to a Christmas Recital this afternoon at the Lighthouse Arts Centre in Poole and then digestion permitting a Roast Dinner at our local Toby Carvery...

Anyway might write some more later but now for a heavy dose of daydreaming!!


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Location:Ulwell Rd,Swanage,United Kingdom

30th November 2010

Just sitting in the Chemo ward at Dorchester waiting for my second dose of chemotherapy. If the first one is anything to go by then I'm in for two or three days of sickness before things settle down for a bit...

Ian (a young man I met on my first session) has just joined me for a quick cigarette outside. He has been told there is not enough of his chemo mix for him to receive his normal dose so he has to come back tomorrow to get his full dose..

Pippa and the rest of the nursing team are doing a great job with a full compliment of patients.. The group seem less lively than last time and there seems to be a much more calm and quiet atmosphere in the room...

I'm just about finished my preparation and should be getting my chemo very soon....

It's on it's way into my arm....feeling ok...if a little warm in this well heated ward....

Quiet time before a chance for a cuppa and a sandwich soon...:-)

6.15pm

Finally at home...ready for my dinner :-)

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Location:Dorchester,United Kingdom

White Christmas by Bing Crosby

Its getting close to Christmas and this is one of my favourite songs from Bing Crosby to get me in the mood....

23rd November 2010

8.00am

Meeting Simon for coffee as I have an appointment with the bank at 10.00am this morning in Southbourne..

Had a fab weekend in Wales with my family and a few school friends...pictures to follow

Anyway Simon's here now so I need to catch up with the gossip from college...catch you later :-)


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Location:The Lansdowne Roundabout,Bournemouth,United Kingdom