Day 114: Lisa's Pink Crystals

Undergoing chemo is a shitty experience. There's no way around it. Just as you start to feel a bit brighter the toxins go back into attack mode. Last night was a sleepless one: claggy mouth, burnt tongue, sharp stabbing pains, searing nails, racing heart, restlessness. I've reached the Docetaxel nadir today, so I hope this really is the worst of it. I'm thoroughly, completely, utterly sick of not sleeping and feeling so miserable. Thank goodness for digital radio and BBC4 which has become my friend during the wee hours. It cheers me up to know that there are people up and about living their lives in the UK - including precious friends- while we're in the pitch of night, even it it means sometimes listening to depressing UK political debates, struggling to work out the intricacies of 'The Archer's' or getting useless gardening tips given our very different climate.

On Day 114 it was a challenge to get going this morning but I had no choice as Chris our cleaner was coming and we had to 'clean for the cleaner'. Such a first world problem, but one that sends us into a spin every time he comes. The results are well worth it though, at least for the hour before the boys come home and we start the process all over again.  In our current mode of 'getting things done around the house' we also got the carpets cleaned this afternoon, so we're fresh and clean from top to bottom, and that cheers me up.

I added some subtle sparkle to my day with yet another pair of pink crystals in my collection, given to me by my dear friend Lisa (Day 10) many, many years ago. These are like old friends, travelling with me around the world and from home to home. They are dainty, catch the light beautifully and move so nicely.  Lisa always gives the most thoughtful gifts. Today, prompted by the need to clean up my office for the carpet cleaner, I finally got around to hanging the gorgeous cityscape paintings with Jacaranda trees by Chloe Waddell that Lisa gave me for my last birthday, now taking pride of place in our living area.

It was such a stunning day I couldn't resist getting out for a walk in the late afternoon sunshine with Rob and Molly, and Angus on his scooter. Tonight Robbie, ever so thoughtfully, met my latest whim for roast Chicken and baked potatoes. Rob and the boys have been so solicitous of me. I'm so lucky!