My cousin's visit

My cousin visited even though I was very worried about it!

I had delayed visits since my brother's visit as I was not fit enough for planning and supporting. I agreed to go ahead on the condition that he would plan to go sightseeing in case I would not be fit enough to see him.

He arrived on time to join me on the visit to the hospital and support me when the result of the scan arrived. He was so glad to hear that the tumours had shrunk. I was slow to accept it, and just nodded. The infusion followed and after that I realised that I was making real progress.

We walked my favourite route to the park and enjoyed the winter cold. The visit was a great success but I was exhausted everyday. I told my siblings that he would share his experience and prepare a document to help others to visit me in the future. Knowing how much energy it required to meet him everyday I asked them not to consider visiting me soon.

I am now getting mentally ready for the next 6 month treatment followed by a trip home to see my father. The planning of meetings would have to be very flexible with enough time to recover.

Planning such an event so far ahead is new and makes me excited I am able to do it. It is proof of my recovery as a year ago I wasn't able to plan a week ahead.

Predictable pattern

I just have to write about how I love getting used to a kind of normal life.

The day of infusion is now on Thursdays. It only requires a healthy mind to get through the waiting and seeing other patients all the time. The days after I just hope I don't catch a cold or anything else at work. I can then work whole days as long as I take a nap after lunch. 7 days after infusion I usually get tired again, and with enough rest I get ready for some more work before I get my next infusion.

• Infusion and recovery: 2 days
• Weekend enjoying with the family, going for short walks
• All day work and lunch nap: 3 days
• Tired and rest: 1 or 2 days
• Weekend again: going for longer walks if I have the energy
• All day work with lunch nap: 3 days
• Infusion again....
• etc

Isn't it cool and happy to be recovering so well after just 6 months treatment? I don't care how long I have to keep on doing this but I can handle this!