Jules Update and Running with Wilbur

I received an email from Jules Peters today thanking me for the care package I sent out. She has been a very poorly young lady with not only DVT, tropical disease but also had a pulmonary embulism. She is lucky to be alive. She is recovering at home now with her young children and is doing well. These conditions were caused during her climb up Kilimanjaro to raise money for cancer. We are all set for the Gathering at the end of January 2010 in Prestatyn where I can hopefully meet her in person.

Today I went running with my dog Wilbur. I have had to have a few days off exercise as I injured my shoulder on Thursday having tripped up over Mr Wilbur. I landed on my shoulder and it is still incredibly painful, very hard for me to get dressed or put a coat on. However, I had a good run and enjoyed it even more for having his company. He had to wear is flourescent tabard because he is the colour of tarmac and whilst motorists on the lane may see me, they may miss the little guy.

A very productive day.... I am feeling stronger and fitter with each new day and I am so happy to be able to do the things I love once again.

Get your Rocks On!!!!!

No, I don't like this picture of me! My face is so bloated but this is me and it is right and proper that I should reveal the real me not the one I want everyone to see! On the swelling score, my fingers and toes have reduced and now my 3rd ring (My Nains) fits me perfectly again. I noticed my cheek bones for the first time yesterday as well! I am seeing the consultant tomorrow just to go through this side effect and I am going to contact my friend to get more information from his angle.

I was really tired today on account of a busy day yesterday. Once the children were at school, I got into bed and slept for 2 hours solid. I woke up feeling great so I got on my bike and did some errands. Posted a card to my friend on Manor Lane, took some parcels to the Post Office on Station Road, stopped off at the Chemist on Chester Road before returning home and I felt great for the fresh air and gentle exercise! The dogs had a short walk today but exciting none the less because we came across my friend who had lost her dog Molly in the woods. The tractor had scared her. Needless to say it all ended very nicely with Molly being found and reunited!

I decided to take the car to school to collect the children even though it is only a 10 minute walk. The reason I did this was because I have had a busy afternoon and I had tea to put on, Joe's suitcase to help pack and the Breast Cancer Support Group this evening, there is going to be a talk given by a life coach!

So now to the title of todays post! While we were at the Llyn, we did lots and lots of beach walking and while there I did my favourite thing, I collected rocks. Usually I put them in my garden but this time I looked for palm sized stones. The idea is that I am going to try my hand at rock painting for small Christmas gifts so look out everyone! I will let you know how I get on. My acrylics were delivered today along with the matt spray so I am excited about making a start!

An update on Jules Peters... Mikes tour with The Alarm has been cancelled and rescheduled for the new year. Jules is an integral part of the team organising these events and that as well as the fact that Mike needs to support his wife and his two sons, Dylan age 5 and Evan age 3. Jules is still in isolation and will remain in hospital for at least another week. Her rehabilitation will take months. I sent her a "Caring" package today, I know how much these packages from friends all over the world have meant to me so I wanted to spread the love.

Care Package

My friend had her first lot of chemo last week. I had an appointment with my oncologist so while I was there, I checked in on her. She had her canula in and was waiting for her chemo drugs to arrive. The nice part about it was that she had benefited from my experience and when her nurse told her she would get her anti-sickness tablets, she asked for them to be done through IV. I learnt the hard way that I should have the drugs this way so I am glad I saved her the experience that I had.

I wanted to get her a gift, something just to let her know how much chemo sucks and I am thinking of her. I thought of flowers at first because I had so many. For about 2 months I was never without fresh flowers and cards, it was truly up lifting. I decided to put my experience to good use and put together a care package for her.A visit to Rossett Pharmacy was in order, although it is only small, they have a wonderful selection of items. First in the basket was baby shampoo; ideal for the scalp when the hair is gone. Then came the talc, this has been a life saver for me because when your body hair goes everything is so sticky and uncomfortable. I chose lip salve, hand and nail cream and foot balm.

My final trip was to the Grosvenor Garden Centre and there I purchased the cutest little rabbit by Jelly cat in a pink shrug, a word search book and a little book of inspiration. I love the latter item because when you are feeling down you can always find something to make you smile again. Oh, I also purchased some Brambley Apple Juice - very posh stuff!

I hope she likes her care package, not as easy to buy as a bunch of flowers but a little more useful I think.