Monday, March 17, 2008

the news is OK

Well, it's time for another update. The past month without having the chemo pumped into me has just been the best! I am back to my normal energy levels and have been riding my bike and walking often, surfing every day and feeling very normal and full of energy.


Today I went to the oncologist who had the results of yesterday's blood test. The platelet count is still too low to be having chemo but all other readings are OK. So...... as it's 3 months since I had a scan, I'm scheduled for a scan on 28 March and to go back to Professor Clingan (oncologist) on 1 April for the results of the scan. Meanwhile - still no chemo. Yippee again! I'll see Dr Chen tomorrow and hope that he says that my condition is still excellent as well. It feels excellent!



My gorgeous little grandchildren are still wonderful and doing great things. The youngest, Oscar, is now 4+ months old and is still a happy growing little boy who has now travelled inter-state, to Queensland, to be introduced to his mother's extended family.


The two Hong Kong grandchidlren, Zeke and Willow have just had a marvellous ski holiday in Whistler, Canada, and Zeke is now on his way to being a champion skiier - according to me! Just before they left Hong Kong for Canada, Zeke turned 5 years old and the family went to HK DisneyLand to celebrate. I think Willow looks a bit apprehensive about Minnie, don't you? Enjoy the pictures below.











So, I'm off to the surf. The water's great. Have a safe and Happy Easter.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

back from my trip

My apologies - pics mentioned below and not appearing were in while I was writing, then they disappeared. Gremlins! Will put them in later if I can.

Hi! This photo (see next entry) was taken by a delivery man in the street as I was getting into the van to leave on my trip. I couldn't help him with his inquiry about an address, but he could help me by taking this photo as there was no-one else at home.


I was away for 9 days altogether and it was the most fabulous experience. On the first night I camped at my son, Tim's caravan park, just to be sure there was someone to help me if I couldn't make it all work properly. Anyway, I came out with flying colours and didn't have to ask for any help. But it was a lovely excuse to spend time with them, especially little Oscar


Isn't he gorgeous? He's 4 months old.







Some cuddles and play time with him sent me on my way on my trip. The weather was excellent all the way and I surfed and played golf between drives, meals and visiting places along the way.



Sometimes I went off the main road into National Parks and stayed overnight in the bush camps. In the photo below (not below: see next entry) I was preparing the fire for cooking my evening meal at Mimosa Rocks in the Eurobodalla National Park. There is a magnificent isolated beach down some steep steps from this camp ground.

In Pambula I stayed with friends, Carmen and Ray. Carmen and I played 9 holes of golf together as well as walking along Pambula Beach and having a surf.





I got back on the road then heading to Meeniyan in South Gippsland, not far from Wilson's Promontory, where Scott and Jan are running the local pub.


The weather turned cold, but there was still no rain and we were able to do a great deal of sight seeing - all over the place. It's beautiful, very remote and I wouldn't want to live there, but I'm so pleased I've been to see it. It was great to see Scott and Jan in their temporary working environment and to spend time with them.



And after it was all over, I went to see Dr Chen, the herbalist and acupuncturist, who was very pleased with my condition and said he only needs to see me fortnightly now, rather than weekly. So, I'd say, all in all, the whole thing was very good medicine!