Annoyingly, we have had to put Mum's 'hospital packing skills' into practice TWICE as I have ended up in A and E a couple of times recently. The first time was a few weeks ago - I had stomach pains all day and eventually gave in and went to hospital. The ward was great (Wishaw, once again, another ward!) and the nurses were lovely. I had an xray, bloods checked, painkillers and fluids. The next day, the pain improved so I was allowed out (phew). The stomach pain happened again on Monday night, yet this time it was a lot more severe. I haven't had pain like that since the first high dose so it was pretty horrendous. The pain got steadily worse and Mum once again packed a case for me and we headed to Wishaw hospital. Typically, the second we arrived on the ward, the pain disappeared! The nurse clerked me in, I saw a doctor, had my blood checked, x rays done and I was totally pain free! Another doctor came to speak to me and said she wanted to keep me in overnight to observe me. I was determined that I wouldn't stay in as it was Teenie's graduation the next day and had a whole argument prepared as to why I needed to go home. She was very understanding and said as we are sensible (ha) she would let me home - hurrah! She thinks I have adhesions on my bowel which is quite common after surgery to the bowel, and these were causing the pain. She also said this could happen again so I'm freaking out that it will.. Anywho, I'm feeling a lot better today so that is good! I have an appointment at Wishaw tomorrow to see my surgeon so we will be discussing my surgery then.
So, as I said above, yesterday was Teenie's graduation from Caledonian University. She has had a very busy few weeks (Beauty and the Beast at the Kings, Ballet exam, preparation for another dancing show, an essay AND graduation) but it was a lovely day. James wasn't able to make it as his back is still very bad and it felt very odd without him. We're all hoping it will improve as he is so uncomfortable all the time. The grandparents all came down for a few days which was very nice though.
As mentioned above, Teenie was also in the Pantheon production of Beauty and the Beast at the King's Theatre. I was lucky enough to go twice - which I'm glad about as it was great! The principals were all fantastic, as were the whole cast. I would go again if I could!
You can't really see, but this is Rory posing with Teenie on the poster!
One of Teenie's parts was a 'fork', so this is us doing 'the fork'..
Aside from the above, I don't really think I've been doing much.. I had a lovely couple of days at my cousins in Ellon. It was so nice to be away, I had such a great time. It made me realise that I've not had a holiday for a long time.
This is a picture from the longest game of 'Escape from Colditz' EVER. Has anyone else ever played this?! I normally love games but this one, I do not enjoy. Rosanna and I were in a team and won THREE TIMES. Clearly, the hope of finishing the game was an incentive to win.
Last week, I was invited to the Scottish Parliament with the Teenage Cancer Trust to speak to Nicola Sturgeon about the charity. I had a great day and instead of being nervous, actually really enjoyed it. Is that weird?!
As I have been gradually getting stronger and able to do more, it's making me think about the future and realise that everything is so unsure. I'm starting to feel pressure to figure out what to do and I'm finding it all rather stressful. The littlest thing still stresses me out, so I'm finding this pretty difficult. I know it will take time to figure everything out but I get myself worked up about it quite a lot.
Also, as it is now getting close to Christmas, it is obvious that I'm going to start reflecting on where I was last year. I honestly can't believe it was a year ago - sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago. This time last year, I was so scared, apprehensive and physically shattered. I was absolutely terrified at the prospect of the high dose and honestly didn't think I was going to come home. It makes me feel quite sick when I think about it - probably not a healthy reaction! I guess this time of year will always make me think of where I was at the end of 2010 and make me so thankful that I'm not there now. This year I am determined to have a great Christmas and am probably going to do everyone's head in with my Christmas related chat. If I could have anything this Christmas, it would be that my brother would be back to perfect health and get back to his normal self. James, you are obviously our Tiny Tim. Just a very tall version.
As always, I have rambled enough so I will leave it there. Thanks for sticking with me!
