Good Afternoon.
I know, I know - it's been a while.
But....
Here I am...!
The past 6 weeks have brought me a gradual acceptance of who I am and what I am facing. This is largely thanks to the Hospice again for providing fantastic counselling services. From being de-railed in the recovery phase - you know, the boring aches & pains/fatigue/things not moving as quickly as I'd hoped - I can now report I'm back on track!
Quite where this particular track is taking me is anyone's guess - but at least I'm moving forward - in a more positive manner.
I went to see the fabulous Macmillan lady at the CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau). If you wanted a pussy cat in Terrier's clothing - then there she is. An extremely knowledgeable, tenacious girl who is a passionate advocate for Macmillan Cancer services combined with a pull for citizen's rights. We checked out the DWP's notice that I am 'able to work' and promptly completed the necessary paperwork to appeal the decision. Combined with a statement from my GP, this was sent 42 days ago. The DWP have 50 days to revert their decision or to forward to Tribunal. Watch this space! I did go and attend the interview 'to get me back to work' and luckily found a chap with a sympathetic ear - and a personal knowledge of post cancer treatment - who gave me a period of grace while the issue is sorted. If I wish - I am able to seek out a bit of part-time or voluntary work, when I'm ready, to 'test the water' as it were. So all is not lost.
The GP has been brilliant - as usual. I'm on some old-fashioned medication - which has taken the edge off general aches & pains; had my knees x-rayed to check for specific pain hot spots; bloods checked regularly for cancer markers and lots of talking support.
As we move towards the Christmas season, I am keenly reminded of how it was last year. We really did believe it would be my last Christmas. I was in the middle of chemo, had gone bald and felt a bit rough!
Lily made a fabulous witch (see photos) for the school Hallowe'en Disco and won 'best costume' at the Brownie Guides disco. Lily has joined Brownies with enthusiasm and gusto. I must admit I was a Brownie & a Girl Guide ['Be prepared'] and loved every minute of it. Her boundless energy extends to playing the recorder and the fife (pre-cursor to the flute). Now I don't know what's worse - Lily practising the recorder (yes darling what a lovely screeeaach!) or Gary showing us his prowess as a recorder player...Three Blind Mice, We wish you a Merry Christmas and Good King Wenceslas. I must find my old one...yes I had to play a solo piece at the school carol concert when I was 7....and the Gang of Three could try for a Recorder-ing contract! Ha! Only joking!
And talking of Christmas - we are only a few weeks away from our trip to Lapland - to find the real Santa Claus. We are getting kitted out with our ski base layers....thermal vests & long-johns to the uninitiated! Hats, gloves, socks, balaclava's etc. We're VERY excited - particularly Lily - and have had 101 questions on the whole subject of Santa, Rudolph, Elves etc thrown at us. I just hope our fabulous snow-bound trip and our private meeting in the forest cabin with the big man in red answers some of her queries.
And give me a tick nest to my 'bucket list' of things to do before I kick the bucket of course!
Talking of my bucket list, our Lion King adventure - was, quite simply, majestic. If you've been to see the live West End production you will know what I mean..stunningly beautiful characters, evocative music and a stirring performance showing the death of a parent. Tear-jerking but wonderful.
A big thank you to JoB, bump and Dave. Thank you for driving all the way down to us. It was amazing to see you and have a couple of days of fun! Can't wait to make the return visit!
And watch out Derby...in two weeks the girls will be back in town! A promise to some old girlfriends last year, when I was really poorly, has come to fruition....get out the red paint brushes....we're on our way!
So, that's it folks!
I'll try not to leave it so long next time...xx
