Complete ******ks!

Monday had to go to the Job Centre for an interview in regards to the Employment and Support Allowance I am receiving. What a complete waste of time, got to the job centre, complete confusion, no one knew what was going on! Had my 'interview' with a very nice lady but it was completely pointless. The 'interview' consisted of about 3 questions, all of which I had answered in my 45 minute telephone conversation with the benefits people when I first made my claim and then I gave her my CV, that was it. Apart from me giving my CV it was nothing that couldn't have be conducted over the phone and I could have easily emailed my CV. All in all I was in and out the Job Centre within 10 minutes. It really pissed me off actually, it is not the easiest of things for me to go down to the Job Centre, physically and on a self consciousnesses level. There must be an easier way...

*cheered up about the whole situation a few weeks later when I received a letter saying my allowance has been increased as the Job Centre has referred me to a work support group - Shaw Trust, as a matter of course. I do have to attend some more interviews but the extra money is worth it. Why couldn't the lady of said that at the time and I might not have been so annoyed!*

An Evening at the Races.

Monday evening we went to see Master Mylo run at Winsor. It was a beautiful evening. Got to go in the pre parade ring and see him get saddled up and then we were able to go in the parade ring with our owners/trainers badges! Met the jockey, who looked good in HG's silks. Master Mylo did really well and came in 5th. Not bad for only his second outing. Spoke to the jockey after the race and he was really chuffed with Master Mylo. Well done boy!

Had chemotherapy the next day - ABVD cycle 3 day 15 done!

The Start of Cycle 3 - Cheers!

Tuesday was chemo day again, this time the start of cycle 3. Saw my consultant and again he was pleased with progress. We discussed that my bad cycles could be a result of me being on my break from the pill. I seem to have a bad cycle in terms of side effects every time I am on my break. He said it is quite possible as the contraceptive pill gives you hormones which is also what the steroids do to make you not feel sick. I am going to try and take two packets together then my break won't fall in chemotherapy week and see if that makes a difference. I also asked if I was allowed to drink, as in alcohol because I now haven't drunk for 3 months and I wouldn't mind a glass on vino! He said yes but stressed the difference between a glass and a bottle!

Didn't feel to bad after chemo this time around and managed to catch up with some friends during the week. Have also started doing Wii Fit which is really fun and ideal for me as it is a gentle form of exercise. Went down to the pub on Friday night to have my 'glass of wine', which did turn into a few! Note to Dr a few glasses not bottles! Then Saturday night had a take away with a few friends, although again I couldn't indulge in a take away due to risk of food poisoning so I just had a Nann!

Wednesday was another mile stone, decided to drive over to my aunt's house, the first time I have driven since about the end of January. Just hadn't felt I had the concentration. Think I will be OK just doing little journeys in the day know. Spent the after with my aunt making jewellery, another little hobby I have acquired!

Friday I went out with the girls to Pizza Express we had a really nice meal, bottle of wine and after dinner liquors! Popped to the pub afterwards and stayed out till 1am! See photos below.

Below Below - Some of the Gang; Below right - Sis and I; Below left - the Girls.

So Much for an Easy Cycle!

Well the feeling good through the last cycle wasn't to be this time around! Woke up in the early hours of Wednesday morning feeling and being sick - Nice! The nausea was really bad and I basically spent the whole of Wednesday in bed, just drinking water and not eating anything. And that was repeated on Thursday - not good. Friday I though I was OK, so I ate a packet of Strawberry laces that Verity had got me - not a good idea because at midnight I was sick again! The nausea is the most horrible feeling ever, nothing seems to take it away, and the sickness is just uncontrollable - it was like something out of a Little Britain sketch!!!


By Sunday I was starting to feel better and managing to eat plain things. I even made some Sticky Toffee cupcakes in the afternoon which are yummy. Just as I am starting to feel better Dad has a cold, so have to try and steer clear of him so I don't get infected!


The second week has definitely been better and I have managed to do stuff, even managed the pub Friday and Saturday night - rebel! Didn't come any where in the Grand National as per usual. The rest of the weekend was spent sorting out my Australia photos, I am finally getting around to getting them printed and put in an album! Only 6 months after having returned.