But first I went to Alnwick. (Or rather, made Georgina drive me to Alnwick...) Barter Books, if you haven't been, is the best second-hand bookshop in the North East, if not the country. It's in the old Alnwick railway station and they have a toy train going round on a track on top of all the bookshelves! And they have poems down all the aisles! Here is my favourite poem in the place:
In the afternoon Gaita came and made me a delicious lasagna di verdure with aubergine, courgette, red and yellow pepper, onion, spinach, carrot - and cheesy Bechamel mmmmm. In fact was more of a rainbow lasagna than di verdure... Good stuff. (I ended up attacking the remnants with a spoon when I arrived back a bit tipsy from the birthday party - was just irresistable.) Here are some party photos...
Kissing Janet Planet.
Felt this was a good hair photo - look how much is still left! Though you can see a lot of my scalp...hmmm.
Felt this was a good hair photo - look how much is still left! Though you can see a lot of my scalp...hmmm.
Indeed, yesterday was so hectic that I only realised at 1am that I'd forgotten to do my Neupogen injection - 12 hours late! OOOOOOOOOOOPS... I really do fail at this organisation-of-life malarkey. Did it when I remembered and will try to stay up till 1ish tonight too to jab myself. Hopefully it shouldn't matter too much what time it's at, as long as my count is high enough for chemo #6 tomorrow. And hopefully this will be the last time I have to remember to do the injections - if this is indeed my last chemo. OH dear lord please let it be the last one!!!
I was just thinking how much my life has changed since March - I have gone from a busybusytiredtired medical student to someone with a LOT of free time and party weekends in Newcastle every fortnight (and yes chemo when the weekend's over but shh shh). It's also very strange how quickly you get used to change: I've become accustomed to the travelling, the needles and the enforced chilling-out, and yet it seems like only yesterday I was going "OMG what if I have lymphoma???" and crying by myself in panic, using up nearly a whole loo roll with soggy paper tears. The idea of chemo and of taking a year out was just unthinkable because I had no idea what it would be like. But I'm here and I feel normal, still. Thank god we humans are so adaptable...
At the same time it seems a very long time since I did any medicine. I feel very out of the loop. Don't get me wrong: I really appreciate this opportunity to take a step back and take time for myself, but the flip side is a lot of boredom sometimes - and the slow decay of your history-taking skills. Then again, you can be SO BORED as a medical student on the ward... so I suppose we should make the most of whatever we have, because you never know what tomorrow brings... hubba hubba!! (no idea why "hubba hubba" but felt was getting too serious for a moment there.)
And now I shall FINALLY tidy my Newcastle room as it's been yonks. Been inspired by Mary Queen of Charity Shops to take some decent stuff to Oxfam, along with the books, so here goes the big clear-out!
Roz I love you. I'm already preparing for celebrations - I'm keeping all my fingers and toes crossed and I've already had a word with God - she seemed to be pretty happy with what I said (I made a little deal...)
ReplyDeleteSee you soon! Love Nilam xxxxxxxx
I LOVE Mary Queen of Charity Shops!!!!!!!!!!! Ed xxxx
ReplyDeleteRoz I saw that lovely dress you're wearing on ebay the other week and nearly got it! (I only didnt cause I need to stop spending money..). It looks great on you :D
ReplyDeleteGood luck with chemo tomorrow, I'm hoping its the last one for you! Carrie A xxx
Hi Roz, I have been following your blog for some time but have never worked out how to post a comment until now. I think its because I have been using a different link. Anyway I am thrilled to hear about your negative results. We are so happy for you and all your family. Your blog has been an inspiration. Allowed us to get to know you a bit. You are truly a wonderful girl and we wish you all the very best as you steer your life back to normal.
ReplyDelete