Working Bee

Yesterday we had a big working bee at home to get the landscaping finished in double quick time. At one point we had 25 workers and the whole place was finished and looking fabulous by the end of the day (photos to follow) - a bit like Mucking In, but without the cameras. We just need a new fence built and then we can lay the grass and finito - wonderful!

Thanks soooo much to all who helped, both Emilija and I very much appreciated the energy exerted and the time sacrificed on our behalf. Especially big brother Allan, who helped us buy the plants, plan the whole thing and organise the troops, mammoth effort all round - we love you all.

Hope you enjoyed the food & drinks, you were here so late we must have done something right. Also hope you aren't too achy today - I know I am and I didn't even do anything.

Waiting, waiting ...

Still waiting for my radiotherapist appointments. So no news really.

It's moving week, so today am resting and building up some energy, after a goodnights sleep.

Highlights of the week

10. Saw my CT scans – the before and the after – thank god I made the decision not to see the before, until the after was available – very bloody big it was, no wonder I had a grand mal seizure. Surprised it didn’t kill me on the spot. Unfortunately the printout isn’t of good enough quality that I can scan onto the blog, but suffice if to say – bloody hell.

9. They are taking me off the steroids – obviously they do this in stages as I believe it can kill you if you just go cold turkey – or maybe I’m being a tad dramatic. Anyway I’ve gone from a daily dose of 24mg Dexamethasone to 12mg. On Monday I go to 8mg and the following Monday to 4mg. Mum & Dad are pleased – I was getting rather argumentative, stroppy and aggressive – but since I got the argumentative and stroppy off Mum she can’t really complain too much – hehe. The aggressive wasn’t much fun though (and is still there a bit). Add to that the desperate hunger and weight gain, I was really feeling rather out of sorts. Looking forward to some weight loss and getting my face back.

8. Late night visitors had to con their way into the hospital this week – very successful they were too. So I have gained two extra brothers and one sister. But guys don’t think that you impressed me enough to get yourselves into the will :o)

7. Marina Erakovic has been fantastic this week, winning her first two singles games to get into round 3 at Wimbledon. I really think it is possible that she can win the next round against Tamarine Tanasgarn from Thailand. Pity she lost out of the doubles, but at least she can concentrate on one thing now.

6. Cool weather – I love storms and rain – and the hail is just an added bonus.

5. Was released from hospital today. Skipped around the ward a little too happily and loudly – forgot that everyone else was stuck there for the weekend – ooops sorry about that!

4. I visited the house renovation today and there is only one word for it – wow! Darling flatmate (DF), builders, labourers, plumbers, electricians, and the outstanding support from my ex-work colleagues and numerous others, has meant that the house should be ready to move into in the next few weeks and I’ll be able to spend some good quality time there. It was all quite overwhelming; it kind of doesn’t seem real actually. Poor DF has done the entire organisation without me. The only bonus for DF is that she gets to choose everything – fortunately she has good taste, so I’ve got nothing to worry about. To assist I’ve loaned her my Cancer Card, which has many more magical powers now that it’s been upgraded to Cancer Card Plus – plus meaning terminal, which I think will even hold sway with the doctors and nurses – but best not push that one till it’s needed. Anyway it’s getting a good work out by DF – the housewarming party is going to have to be huge.

3. I have organised most of my affairs now – it is so liberating to know everything is set right. It’s provides me with such a sense of calm that I have to recommend that you all do it. Now would be good.

2. Have been doing a marathon viewing of ‘House’ lately – am half way through Season 2 and somehow I had missed half the episodes first time round, so all good. Just love this show, it must easily be the best character ever invented for TV. Haematologist III said that it wasn’t at all realistic and I’m sure he’s right, but realistic would be incredibly boring to watch if ward rounds are anything to go by. Anyway, I watch House for the character, not for the medical aspect. I’d go so far to say that I might even love Dr House – I’ve never fallen for a non-person before – very weird. Oh well I’ll just say I love Hugh Laurie instead shall I :o)

1. Gosh the pressure to come up with a number 1. Thinking, thinking, thinking – oh I know, hair isn’t falling out. I cut it back in anticipation of baldness, but it doesn’t appear to be going anywhere at the moment. Oh well at least it’s easy to manage short.

Two heros

My wonderful, fantastic Architect - Not PC - managed to get the Building Consent out of Auckland City Council last week, not an easy task in this day and age - my hero.

Then Glenn the builder phoned to say that he could start the job earlier than first anticipated - my other hero (note I didn't link you to his website - no one is going to steal my builder out from under me - he's mine, mine, mine).

Anyway an excellent start to what is going to be a fun renovation - no stress allowed!