Day 56: Vicky and David 2: Jet Drops

Another day, another Doctor's appointment. So much of this treatment time is spent sitting around in surgery waiting rooms, then telling the same story to one Doctor after another. This is especially the case for me who, now more than ever, is determined to draw together the best medical team possible, which necessarily requires seeking second opinions. I'm looking for Doctor's who have advanced medical skills, and who also who rank highly on the communications index. In my growing experience, this means seeking out female doctors who generally lack the hubris and god-like syndrome that affects so many of their male colleagues.

Today's appointment was with a new surgeon, Dr Elisabeth Rippy - someone who came highly recommended by two of her patients, by Dr Kath, by my oncologist, and the radio oncologist who I met last week. Elisabeth lived up to expectations, starting the consultation with her making me a cup of tea! Like all the doctors I've seen in the past three months, she was very sympathetic, noting just how unlucky I've been given my particular cancer which is usually successfully treated with the surgical interventions I had seven years ago. She was thorough and well briefed - having read 8 years of detailed medical notes before I arrived. I am now aware of the possible side effects of the radiotherapy, and the potential surgical interventions that will or will not be necessary (hopefully the latter) at some point down the track. It's comforting to know I can turn to Elisabeth if I have any concerns, and that she will be able to address any complications that may arise at the end of stage two of the treatment. Elisabeth thought I was managing the chemo - doses of domestos as she aptly called it - very well, which is encouraging.

Rob with the girl n' pearl

As ever, Rob was at my side during the appointment. We met Elisabeth after a morning in the city, having fun 'doing the messages' as his Guyra family would call it. Part of the fun was selecting a new jigsaw puzzle, a painting by van Dael. I love still-life paintings from the Dutch Golden period. The Mauritshuis in the Hague which has an astounding collection of these masterpieces is one of my favourite galleries. Among its superb collection is - appropriately for this blog - Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring. I visit every time I'm in the Hague, which fortunately has been on a regular basis during the past decade, including with Robbie in 2015. I know I'm going to love working with this image.

I'm playing catch up with the earrings today, wearing a pair I received as a birthday from Vicky and David (Day 17), after seeing them yesterday when I was earrings earrings from Suzie and Pete. I love these jet drops, attached to a cluster of small clear crystals. They are so delicate, move just right and the facets of the jet catch the light beautifully. There are still many more pairs from this generous couple to come.

On Day 56 I've been feeling well. The tingling continues but hasn't got any worse. Elisabeth suggests I paint my nails black to block any sunlight which helps to protect them. It was a big day in town, so I came home and feel alseep, but otherwise all is well. I looking forward to a good week before Round 4 tomorrow week.

I'm lucky to have sons who keep me laughing; today it was Angus who emerged from getting dressed in his Chewy mask, then donned his glasses and sat down to do his maths homework as if this was the ordinary course of events. So funny!

Chewy does his homework