As I sit upon this balcony In my mind I am transported I see the spot, I’d sit with Dad In the tinny on the water ** When others were tired and resting Dad would say to me “Let’s sneak out on the water And see what we can see” ** We’d launch the boat… Continue reading Our Spot Upon the Water
FOR YOU DAD The right words seem to fail me, I’m not sure where to start, It’s not really a life story, But a poem from the heart. * AJ was really quite a lad, Full of cheek, a scallywag, And a most upstanding citizen, But to me he was just Dad. * He and Mum… Continue reading A Poem for Dad on Fathers Day
My son married his long time girlfriend just a couple of days ago. With just over fifty guests, it made for an intimate affair and it was lovely to learn a little more about not all but some of the people who are near and dear to the bride and groom. Families come in many forms… Continue reading Family
How many times have I sat down at a blank computer screen with good intentions only to find that writing has eluded me yet again? Writers block? No, this isn’t fiction. And every time I fail, I push it a little further under, but I need to continue writing this story, Erika’s cancer journey. But… Continue reading Reliving Erika’s Surgery
Admitted 19th February 2018 Vincrystine Cyclophosphamite Doxarumicin Discharged 22nd February 2018 Round 6 was a repeat of round 4, only 4 days but intensive. The now usual loss of appetite and general grumpiness set in for a few days. Ongoing digestive tract issues continued to make things challenging. Her bowels would swing from constipation… Continue reading Erika’s Cancer Journey – Chapter 10. Chemotherapy Round 6
This is my favourite photo of Erika during treatment. She looks to me to be telling us “It’s ok. I got this”. Admitted 22nd January 2018 Cysplatin Etopiside Discharged 27th January 2018 Round 5 protocol was a repeat of round 3. We were fortunate that Erika’s vomiting wasn’t quite as bad as round 3,… Continue reading Erika’s Cancer Journey – Chapter 9. Chemotherapy Round 5
Admitted 27th Dec 2017 Chemotherapy : Vincrystine Cyclophosphamite Doxarumicin Discharged 30th Dec 2017 Round 4 was only 3 days of treatment but it was ‘intensive’. She became quite grumpy and stopped eating again. The side effects seemed to compound with each round now. Her skin was becoming dark, especially her hands and feet. This is… Continue reading Erika’s Cancer Journey – Chapter 8. Chemotherapy Round 4
Admitted – 4th Dec 17 Chemotherapy: Cysplatin Etopiside Discharged – 8th Dec 17 Cysplatin is one of the most effective cancer killing chemotherapies. We were told by nurses and other oncology parents that it is also one of the worst for side effects, notably nausea and vomiting and wow, did it live up to that.… Continue reading Erika’s Cancer Journey – Chapter 7. Chemotherapy Round 3
Erika sleeping during her stem cell harvest Autologous Stem Cell Harvest Discharged – 24th Nov 17 Stem cells are immature cells that make all of the blood cells in your body. An autologous stem cell harvest is the procedure of taking the blood out and spinning it to extract stem cells. Hemapheresis refers to the selective… Continue reading Erika’s Cancer Journey – Chapter 6. Stem Cell Harvest
Admitted – 9th Nov 17 Chemotherapy: Cyclophosphamide – 5 days – 1 hour/day Topotecan – 5 days – 30 minutes/day Discharged – 14th Nov 17 Readmitted – 19th Nov 17 Fever – (febrile) Round 2 was the same chemo as round 1 but because the risk of tumour lysis had passed, Erika wasn’t on continuous fluid… Continue reading Erika’s Cancer Journey – Chapter 5. Chemotherapy Round 2
