It has not been the best of years for many peopleI know, but in a few hours it will be over and 2026 will begin, a year I hope will be a little kinder to us all. I thought I’d round us off with a recap, because all the ups snd downs make the story…

It’s been a very busy day with two very good pieces of news forming a lovely Christmas present. Firstly, the CT results are in and there are no signs of rapid spread or growth, so no need for any panic or sudden action. In fact, the next step of the plan is simply another CT…

What a long, long day. A bit chaotic but overall good. We stayed in Auckland overnight, had a filling if mediocre croissant breakfast at a cafe, then off to the appointment with Michelle, the oncologist. Michelle is lovely and I feel so happy to have someone focused on next steps for me. We had an…

Mixed news today. I was booked to have a Zoom call with the surgeon at 11:30. I had the appointment by email and text but no Zoom link. That happened last time too, with the link only coming through the day before, but I just realised I still didn’t have it this morning. I was…

We try every year to get professionally-done family photos sometime before Christmas. It started with a gift voucher for baby photos, and most years we’ve managed to get the same photographer back to do them in spite of the fact that she has essentially stopped doing them for everyone else. We have a personal, professional…

…but not to the hospital. Yes, after a week safely at home I chose to punish myself with another road trip, totally voluntarily. Meet Leroy. He’s a bit over 2 months old and he’s a little sweetie, and my daughter loves him. He’ll be joined by my son’s choice at the end of the week.…

It’s important to celebrate. Today there are a few causes. Firstly, and selfishly, this afternoon represents a full week since my last hospital trip. I have successfully been home without crises for 7 days nd that’s no small thing. Secondly, both my children got awards at today’s end of year assembly,  essentially for being kind…

I took this photo from the far point of my walk this morning, two street lights up from the end of our driveway and two thirds of the way up the hill to the next road. I’m trying to walk a bit further each day, and so far managing it, though some days – like…

Well look at that: my first full weekend at home since surgery. Long may it last! This week has the potential to be just as quiet, with nothing more strenuous scheduled than a massage and a couple of visits to the district nurse to get dressings changed. I’m back on top of the medication so…

After a nasty turn and blood pressure spike in the middle of the night, they figured out I hadn’t taken my regular blood pressure medication yesterday (because I usually have it in the morning and I had the migraine) so gave me some…. and all syptoms dissolved. So I’m being discharged. In essence I’m in…