Update: February 2024

 

2024 02 03

Hi everyone - an update in response to some of the people in my updates chat group:

I'm happy to say that I'm really, really fine! (Being fine does include residual neuropathy in the soles of my feet, being more allergic to dust and pollen than I've been since my teens, and some fatigue - none of which bother me very much.) Still enjoying the chemo curls! My perm, courtesy of Discovery Health.

January was a busy month, with a lot of work; regular circle dancing; ongoing participation in my sister Rosemary's "Walking Connective"; witnessing the various life experiences of my siblings and their children; tracking the shenanigans of our local residents' association (which includes a little recreation club and pool; compulsory membership; problems resolved at last at a big meeting on 30 Jan); and also seeing some people very dear to Gail and me - some of them after a long time.

And reaffirming that all of these things are why I really, really wanted to continue to live when I had to make that big choice last April.

(Photo: a flame lily at Kirstenbosch last weekend.)

I'd love to hear how January was for you. (That's a real question, not an idle one.)

February is the first anniversary of realising that things weren't quite right for me. Remembering the conundrum of hearing that the routine CT scan had shown anomalies in my spleen. All of us being puzzled. And me being extra puzzled, because I felt so very well at the time. And then even that changed, and I eventually didn't feel well at all.

Anniversaries can be triggering, and I'm no exception. That's even though I have absolutely no regrets. I've surprised myself by realising this. In discussion with Renee (my wonderful analyst - I don't mention her often, but she's walked alongside me on many journeys including this one), I've come to understand how profound this past year has been for me, and how it has changed me. As part of that, I am so blessed to receive the love and support of all of you.

This month holds a PET scan, in about two weeks' time (date not yet confirmed), and appointments with both Garth and Danie (21 and 22 Feb respectively). Every three months, for the rest of my life, I'll be having a PET scan or CT scan. Sometimes I wish they could be less frequent, because they do ratchet up the "what-if" anxiety levels, but - having seen how quickly and silently things can change - this would not be a good idea.

So that's my update. I hope it's not too much information!

I'll send out another update after seeing Garth and Danie.

Much love and appreciation to all of you 🌹❤️

2024 02 21

Hi everyone – I'm thrilled to be able to tell you good news!

Garth's feedback today, from Monday's PET scan, is that there continues to be no sign of lymphoma, and my bones are all fine – including where I've had radiation. The existing nodules in my lungs (from the old breast cancer) haven't changed at all since last time. Same number of them; same sizes. They show the same amount of activity as before, but that's expected and they are under control.

No change to my current treatment (one small Aromasin pill per day) from Garth's side. He's also thrilled with how I am.

Tomorrow's consultation with Danie is probably just a formality. I will let you know what he says, though.

What a wonderful relief! Gail and I were hopeful, but we were also trying not to think too hard.

Thanks, as always, for all your love and support.

I so wish that we could all somehow direct our love and support in a way that could turn around the craziness in this world and bring peace. We continue to try!

Lots of love 🌹❤️

2024 02 25

Hi again – as promised, a quick update after seeing Danie on Thursday. He didn't need to add to, or change, anything that Garth had said. So – all going well – the next check will be a CT scan in the third week of May.

Yesterday there was a wonderful rainbow locally, for ages. That's the third time there's been one, around the time of my checks with good news!

May we all be the rainbow in someone's cloud. (Thanks, Estelle, the first person I ever heard that from!) 🌈

Lots of love 🌹❤️