Saturday… an update!
Feb 3rd 2007PeterLife on hold!
First things first, it has been a while since I last posted a picture of Olivia, so here is another one! It does seem that in most of them she is asleep – but I can say that she is now a pound heavier than when she was born! (I am about 8 lbs heavier than when she was born – her percentage weight gain is much greater than mine!)
I have had a couple of good days. Mark (fellow blogmaster) rang me yesterday to ask if I felt up to going out for a bite to eat. Well I did, so we went to a local pub, where I am delighted to report that my taste buds made a welcome re-aquaintance with beer! It did taste a little more bitter than I expected, but it was very welcome! I then went on to have a bacon, brie and redcurrant baguette! Delicious, although by the end of the second half of the baguette, my saliva was drying out so I couldn’t manage the end crusts, but then the beer helped wash it all down. So an excellent lunch!
Our friend Marian came round in the afternoon and we sat and chatted in the conservatory – it was a lovely sunny afternoon, and it got really toasty. I have to say that as I sat there, I felt good. Yes, diving in Ascension might have been more active, and I do miss the frequent trips to Washington, but given that I am where I am, and things are as they are, life felt pretty good! I did think at the time “It doesn’t get much better than this”. However there is no room for complacency – so get to work my little lymphocytes!
This morning a work colleague, Adrian, popped over for a visit, in his boy’s toy – a Caterham 7! Next time Adrian, I’d like a blast! Adrian has been very supportive to me in the last few years, and this is a chance to publicly say ‘thank you’. Again we sat in the conservatory, which given the clear skies, got really warm again, and reflected on the state of the world! A good morning! While we were chatting, Katie came back from Bournemouth to pick up some stuff and do a few things here – it was good to see her! And tomorrow my parents should be coming down for a visit!
On a more serious note, I have added a new link to the websites list. This a site called Quackwatch and is a non-profit organisation that takes a critical look at some of the extravagant ‘miracle cures’ for cancer and other serious illnesses. When people are diagnosed with a serious condition, they will look for any miracle cure, and sadly there are plenty of charlatans willing to exploit this and take advantage of it. Quackwatch looks at some of these claims, and any supposed science behind them, to give an informed opinion. It is an interesting site, and worth a look.
I must say that looking back over the last 3 weeks (and it is 3 weeks since I went into hospital) it has been an emotional rollercoaster for all the family. I was looking at one of the photographs of me with Olivia just after I was discharged, and I looked positively skeletal. However I think I look a bit better now (although I still have the problem of trousers falling down – sorry – TMI) We have been through the emotional mill – and of course the waiting game for the GvHd will be a bit tedious, but hey – no-one ever claimed things would be easy. Yet again, thank you all for your support – it really has helped us get through the last couple of weeks.
End of serious bit – in time honoured fashion…. Onwards and Upwards!
9 Responses to “Saturday… an update!”
Richard on 03 Feb 2007 at 3:34 pm #
Not apparently for trousers 🙂
Richard on 03 Feb 2007 at 6:01 pm #
Off to celebrate now, Up and Under……..:)
Still crossing though
Adrian Whyntie on 03 Feb 2007 at 7:17 pm #
Peter
Great to see you today and thanks for kind words. I too really enjoyed the chat. I will take you for a blatt, as it is known in the Caterham world. But first I shall require permision from your ‘her indoors’. I don’t want you catching a cold or anything. That said, the joy of driving a Caterham is, apparently, about the rush of wind through your hair. We both miss out on that part of the experience!!!!!!!!!!!!
For those of you who perhaps can’t make it so easily to pop round, Peter was in fine form. We can all be ever so proud of your approach to this illness.
He really appreciates the e mails etc, so keep them coming in. BZ to those in the IA who keep in touch!
Take care, and thanks for the coffee.
Regards
Adrian
Hilary on 03 Feb 2007 at 11:20 pm #
What is it about bacon?
Glad you are doing well and enjoying the sunshine.
We travelled to the Midlands today from Wales – Clive’s dad died yesterday – and we actually put the sunroof down. Mind you, it was minus one degree outside, so it did bring the colour to our cheeks!! Not for long though – we needed a Peruvian hat with ear muffs.
Never mind all these photos of Olivia – I think you should put the one in of you in Junior School!!!! Now that would have caused some mirth!! Short trousers and all that.
Keep fighting.
LOL
hxx
Richard on 04 Feb 2007 at 8:25 am #
Hilary, encourage Peter to go to Madeira as they have similar ‘ethnic’ hats there but I will not dwell on the rules on the flaps.
It will soon be time for the flowers there so would make a good break and bring a hat back to use in the Caterham.
A quick peep at the Quackwatch and cannot see a reference to Acia, perhaps they have not caught up yet.
Probably no bacon this morning as Vivienne has to go back to Nottingham so we are having a very early lunch.
Richard
Peter on 04 Feb 2007 at 10:50 am #
I’m not sure Acai berries count as quackery – the jury is still out. I followed those links you posted – interesting that they made the similar observations to the ones I made! Not just me being just a little sceptical!
Richard on 04 Feb 2007 at 12:05 pm #
What about Goji berries? I am getting carried away by Firefox.
Bacon and mushrooms (organic beans and tomatoes) did feature this morning as luncheon is to be late as train is not until 1600.
I hope that Sunday is going well Peter and that there is some sunshine in Hampshire to enjoy the conservatory.
Richard
NeilG on 04 Feb 2007 at 6:50 pm #
If the photo of you with Olivia was skeletal?? what about a more recent one of you with that that weight gain.
Remember Peter, people only post and send email because the regard for which they hold you in and that fact that your whole approah and attitiude is inspirational to others. Keep up te good fight and definately O&U
Have to look at Firefox ‘cos I’m finding Opera is abit of amemory hugger
Neil
Peter on 04 Feb 2007 at 6:59 pm #
In hand Neil! Mreant to take one this afternoon – but had a snooze instead! Thank you for the comment (*blush*)!