Oops. It's been a while :)

Almost 2 weeks! And it's been a busy 2 weeks.

But back to the chemo, briefly. As well as the infusion every 3 weeks, I also take oral chemotherapy every morning and night. The combination is Folfox (infusion) and Xeloda (tablets). So there's not even a week OFF on this regime.

My busy 2 weeks, started when I drove to Rydal (daffodils in spring) on Monday afternoon to stay with my friend, Anne, for a couple of nights. As with anywhere over the range, the seasons are very pronounced. The autumn colours were magnificent, daffodils were being planted, there was frost on the ground in the morning - but the days were sunny and warm.We had a lovely time catching up with all our news. It was amazing to hear about Anne's trip to Scotland to visit the Outer Hebrides Islands. She flew off yesterday for 5 weeks.

From Rydal I drove to Ryde to visit my Chinese herbal doctor who asked me how I was feeling - of course. When I told him what my complaints were - particularly the pain in my lower gut from the Xeloda, he gave me the appropriate acupuncture needles and the pain disappeared - and it hasn't returned since. It feels sooooo good.

The next day I flew to the Gold Coast to spend time with my son, Tim, and his son, Oscar. We had fun reading stories, kicking balls, riding scooters, going to the coffee shop for his vegemite scroll and my green tea and just generally hanging out :)


Oscar in bed waiting for a story from Mumma Tez XX


Oscar with his swimming teacher, practicing 'big arms'

I also attended one day at the POWERtalk Australia annual conference. It was wonderful to see so many long time friends again and to enjoy the professional presentations that were on offer. My congratulations to the conference committee for providing such a valuable learning, networking, speaking, fun experience.

It was beautifully warm on the Gold Coast, so I didn't need to use the gorgeous possum wool gloves that my friend, Judi, delivered from New Zealand. Thanks JJ :). And I didn't have pins and needles in my hands once.

But I'm certainly wearing them now that I'm back in Wollongong. It's really quite cold - well - 17'C - that's cold for here.

Yesterday I had yet another blood test and will see the oncologist on Tuesday for the results. I'm not sure if there is likely to be any measurable change in the readings after only 2 weeks on this new chemo. We'll see.

Last night I attended a brilliant concert. The Australian Chamber Orchestra is touring and comes to Wollongong for one concert each tour. Touring with them is 'the dancing clarinetist' Martin Frost. If you click on his name, you will be taken to his website. It says "Martin Frost has to be heard to be believed". I agree, but he also must be seen to be believed. It was magical :)

Friday 27 May @ 7pm