One week on

So here I am , one week on from starting the new treatment, and once again I seem to be taking it well. The medical team told me it was the least toxic of all the treatments I have had so far, and I have to agree. Bearing in mind normally I would be just coming round to a degree of normality by now, I haven't really had any major downtime. For instance last Wednesday, we had an open eveing at Max's school to look at his options for his GCSE's. Now I did not think I would be able to go by any means, but I was ok, and went. Although I could not manage the whole evening, I did the majority, and just retired to the car when I had had enough. It means a lot to do little things like this so close to my treatment. Basically I had a little tiredness and shortness of breath, which by Thursday had pretty much abated, and today, I fell 95%, so you could say I am very happy. I have kept quiet on here just in case there was a delayed reaction, which I have had in the past.

So this new lease of life means I am actually pretty comfortable about facing several months of this treatment, again provided its all working. I must say the initial signs to my mind are positive. I have a little pain in my big toe, think it might be a touch of gout again, which the oncologist told me last time was actually a good sign, as its a side affect of dying cancer cells. So at the moment I am hoping the pain gets a lot worse!!

So given I am ok, what have we been up to. Well a lot actually. Of course I have told you we are looking at having the loft done, so we now have a couple of quotes in, just waiting for the last two, so we can make a decision. That of course means we actually have to clear our loft, think God had an easier time parting the Red Sea for Moses, as there is so much stuff up there. Still we are making an impact and finally selling loads of stuff on eBay. It's almost as if I am running an eBay shop we have so much stuff on there. And of course we have the kids and there activities.

Freja's driving is going well, it wont be long and she will have her theory test, and hopefully she will be driving on her own in about 8 weeks, but there is no pressure from us, when she is ready, she is ready. This is alongside her studying for her AS leve exams, and looking at universities, so she has a very busy life at the moment. Of course Freja's driving instructer is her Aunty Emma, so if you are in or near Redhill and want a really brilliant instructer, check her out http://www.drivejem.co.uk/ 

Max is looking at his GCSE choices, and wants to make the choices which will support a career in the RAF, and for once seems pretty focused on making the right choices. At Air Cadets he finally went flying at the weekend, in a glider. He did really well,a nd his instructer has suggested he put forward for the Flying Scholaship once he is 16, as he had a really good feel and touch. Of course he was elated, and this would mean he could be a qualified solo glider pilot. He also has some powered flight training coming up, so hopefully he can get on that course too. Sunday saw the county parade and service at Guildford Cathedral, and Max was given the honour of carrying the squadron banner. He was by far the lowest rank, and youngest, of any of the banner bearers, so he, and we, were very proud.

And so it oes on. Anya is still working hard at ballet, and will be soon going on points. For the non-ballet followers, including me, this means tippy toe ballet. The one that breaks toes and deforms feet. But she is excited and we will soon have a trip to London to source the correct shoes and get them fitted.

Lastly Lesiha is still doing well at football, and had a convincing 6-0 win at the weekend. I took her to the match and it was freezing. She palyed in defense in the first half and did really well, then went in goal for the second half. Her major contribution was a great save, and trying to keep warm!

That just leaves Sarah. Well as usual she has been an absolute rock.Looking after both me, and all the kids, when I cannot. We have had a few friends round to visit over the last coupel of weeks, Ross and Alison turned up with a chinease takeway - thanks guys - and Saturday, Alsion and Garry came round for dinner, and I was able to cook for everyone so Sarah could relax, to a degree. We also received a food parcel from the Taylor's which was great,but we had just filled the freezer, so its all got to be eaten quickly!! Also as usual we got a little card from Beth and Dave, always look forward to these as they always make us laugh, but Beth you must not include so many goodies. But Sarah's best news came via her sister,Jackie, who has invited Sarah to join her on a trip to Iceland, and no, not to go shopping, Iceland the country. Its for 5 days and all she needs take is her spending money.

As for me, one thing I need to do over the next few weeks is get my little Honda C90, which I used on my charity trip, back on the road and give it some TLC. Two  of the guys in the owners club are attempting  1000 miles in 24 hours on public roads on one soon, you can find out more here http://www.c90club.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=13938. I am lending some of my kit to them and wish them well. If I am up to it I will pop over to Essex to add some moral support.

Finally thank you Jackie, and thank you to all our friends and family who help us so much, we really do appreciate it.