Official Remission!

What a great word - "remission". And that's what the oncologist told me today when I visited him for the results of the latest blood test. Tumour marker has gone down even further and the liver readings are holding their own! Now, that's news I really like to hear.

And what does it mean in the short term? That this weekend I can attend the annual national conference of Powertalk International and next Wednesday I will board a flight to Hong Kong to stay for two weeks with my daughter, Nikki, her husband, Sam, and two of my gorgeous grandchildren, Zeke and Willow.

And after that - well, I'll just have to start making plans, won't I? I don't have to have another blood test for 3 months.

Thank you to all of you who have sent me your wonderful messages and thoughts and given me your great support. Talk again soon.

koala

I forgot to include Clarence in the previous pics of life at Rosebank on the NSW north coast. His girls Chloe and Clarissa weren't posing that day!

Time away

It's been a while since I wrote. I've just spent a lovely 2 weeks up on the north coast of New South Wales housesitting for some friends who are travelling in Italy - lucky things! But I considered myself very lucky too. The house is on a 30 acre farm with a few cattle and a beautiful garden which attracts lots of wildlife including beautiful birds and koalas. There is a pool and, of course, lots of warm sunshine, so a lot of time was spent in the garden and by the pool. Not a lot of time in the pool as the water was rather chilly. A couple of my friends came to spend time with me - at different times - and I spent a week on my own. A great time was had by all.

We did a lot of visiting the small villages in the local area, the tourist places - such as Byron Bay, and the local markets at weekends. We walked on the beaches and enjoyed the beautiful hinterland with its sub tropical growth, as well as eating at some of the quirky little cafes. Lots of organic produce and eating places, so it was easy for me to find something to eat whether I was shopping for food or eating out.

It was Anzac Day while I was away so Ros and I went to the Eltham Pub (the only establishment in Eltham!) for lunch and the Two Up game. You can see Ros being the Spinner in one of the pics above. I've also included some of the funny and interesting things and signs we came across in our travels - toilet seats and snakes and roving stock! For those who are concerned about the bruise on my arm - haven't a clue how I got it, and it's gone now. That's what happens when your platelets are low.

My health is great and I'm confident that this week's blood test and the consultation with the oncologist next Tuesday will confirm that. Keep your fingers crossed for me.