Day 161: Surgeryland recovery with Lisa's tear drop bangle

The boys left this morning to go camping near Lithgow. The chilly winter nights are really going to add to the 'boys own adventure' feel of their trip, but at least it's warmer than last week. I'm missing them alreay, but not as much as Molly who is wandering from room to room looking for them. It's sweet and sad in equal measure.

Once the boys were out the door, I spent time cleaning up and worked my way through what seemed like mountains of washing. It's the first time in ages I had the energy to do some housework and amazingly I quite enjoyed it. I know the feeling will wear off very quickly, but it's something about the normality of it that cheers me up.

This afternoon I headed into town to see Dr Elizabeth to have more fluid inserted into the 'expander'. It's important to do this as it helps save the skin during and after the radio therapy. The extra fluid makes my chest feel very heavy and uncomfortable again, but Elizabeth assures me that it will settle quickly. I need one more insertion next week before radiotherapy starts in three weeks time.

It was lovely to come home and be greeted by Dad who is in Sydney for a few days and is staying with me for two nights. I really enjoyed catching up with him one-on-one tonight, always a rare thing in our big family, and to catch up on each other's news in person.

Today I was wearing a lovely bangle Lisa gave me as a gift a number of years ago. It has three tear shaped crystals attached, and is delicate and lovely to wear. I was able to have a great catch up on the phone with Lisa today before she leaves Adelaide for a trip to Europe tomorrow.

The clouds were so beautiful this afternoon. I'm making an effort to try and stop and take in these lovely moments.