§ The Limbo Dance: signifying an emergence from death to life. §
1 November 2016 – Email Update to friends and rellies – I think he’s getting better….
Last of the Mohicans?
Hmmmm……….well, John’s halo didn’t last long! His hair is growing apace!! Interesting re-growth, too. Soft, silver – almost white – hair at the sides, and a wonderful iron-grey Mohican down the middle – clearly, he’s trying to re-live his youth. And it’s all at least a quarter of an inch long, so lying smoothly over his head now. Gone, abandoned, are the caps covering up the bald pate, without so much as a backward glance. Yup, it’s onwards and upwards folks!!
Hospital – now fortnightly
Generally speaking, a gradual, steady improvement continues. Itchiness continues to be less itchy – we are not sure if that is a good or bad thing, of course – strength is returning, and interest in what’s going on, on the up. The consultant is pleased with progress and extended John’s visits to clinic to fortnightly when we saw him ten days ago, but he still reminds us that the proof of what’s happening will be when the bone marrow biopsy results are in, later on this month
Taking a walk on the wild side
In the meantime, John was referred to a physiotherapist to prepare a programme of exercise to build physical strength. The doctor and physio at the Marie Curie Centre were pretty impressed with John already, and confirmed his programme of a few minutes on the cross-trainer each day, as well as a prescription of going for a mile walk, three times a week – with the wife!!! Trouble is, he nearly forgot to take me today!! Oh, the chemo-brain!! Now we just need some exercises to strengthen that too…….
Being opinionated – what’s new?
However, having said that, we are still seeking John’s opinion on things, and (mostly) heeding his advice which is proving pretty sensible, so the chemo-brain can’t be that bad. And he is still offering unsolicited opinion on world events and all things political of course, so we are all kept amused and thought-provoked every day. Equally, he is bearing up for longer periods of time than previously whenever we have visitors. Enjoying the company of anyone and everyone who calls in, he is able to join in with the best of us now, so we are feeling pleased about that. If he gets tired, he is simply withdrawing to his room and resting for a while.
Getting into back into the thick of things
We are still conscious of infection, but venturing out a bit more. Last week, we went together to the opticians in Solihull, to choose me some new glasses. I had looked on my own before, but as I am as blind as a bat I really couldn’t see if the ones I tried on were any good. John, being self-confessed fashion-blind, had initially baulked at the idea of coming with me to help me choose –- but, as I pointed out to him, he’s got to look at me for most of the day, so if I put something on that he’d find hideous, he’d soon tell me!! Anyway, that was a very successful trip – we chose glasses and John didn’t feel too tired after exerting all that decision-making energy!
We also went shopping to the local supermarket today – although as it followed the mile-long walk with the wife, it was a bit too much and operations had to be abandoned two-thirds of the way through. Mind you, the trolley I made him push, was very heavy……….
We are both hoping that there will be no ill-effects from the trip from the infection point of view, but the supermarket wasn’t busy and there were no crowds of people, so it should be OK. He had to have a nap this afternoon, though…..
Doing more and more
With regards to taking an interest in things, I think I said last time that John is starting to get a bit bored, so he’s been having a look at things he can do, rather than things he can’t do. (I love the man, he’s so positive!). So this week he has mended the cane rocking horse that my Mum and Dad bought for Paul for his first birthday, ready for Freddie who is soon to be one year old. How wonderful it feels to have a grandson enjoying the same toy that my son had when he was a little boy. (Ooo-er, better watch it!! Am getting a bit sentimental now!) Anyway, he’s done a jolly good job of mending it (I think it got broken when an adult decided they’d have a go on it many years ago) despite it being an amazingly fiddly task. Originally, I had had grand ideas that I would make the repair, having bought the cane, but as I am nowhere near so practical as John, it was with relief that I relinquished the responsibility.
Drinking again
Not a lot more to report – although I have nagging feeling I have missed out something important, and apologies if anyone was hoping for a mention in dispatches. We are settling into a bit of a routine, still keeping our spirits up, and looking forward to the November birthdays, to perhaps enjoy a leisurely evening meal and a glass of wine together for at least one of them. John has been off the booze (yay!!) for some time now, but he ventured a glass or two last night and enjoyed it, so we know his taste buds are getting back into the swing of things and food and drink are at last getting to be attractive again.
All for now then – with much love
Anne