Mick accompanied me to St Thomas's yesterday for the first of my daily trips. It all went well and I am confident about the process. It is a really nice place. Free tea and coffee a nice bonus. Better yet when I cam out there was a guy playing the piano in the Central Hall where they Free concerts. This was brilliant, and sounded wonderful, what better way to feel better than to hear good live music, much better than recorded because there is te personal element. People can sit and listen and relax. Again a good remedial therapy. I was also impressed by the focus on multi faith availability there is someone for all faiths and I really do mean all.
I shall be off on my travels again shortly.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
IT IS SO WRONG
Further to my post about Janet Street Porters article, I must say I could not agree more. There should be NO mixed NHS wards. There is no dignity for either sex at a time when they are most vulnerable being placed in a mixed sex ward. I felt safe because I was in a female ward, I could talk to women in a similar condition and I was relaxed so I felt I could get better quicker. The talk is always of service according to need. The need is for privacy, security,care and dignity. The article was in the Mail and in the Independent on Sunday - worth a read.
Love Granny
Love Granny
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
THE TREE OF LIFE
After a quiet period The Tree has been a hive of activity. Mick and I saw 2 Woodpeckers not sure if they are a pair or siblings. They were very busy rushing up and down the trunk and under boughs. There has been a battle between a very large squirrel and 2 equally large crows. Squirrel 2 Crows 0. It has been sunny thus far today only now I think rain is on the way. There have been some Jays about but the Magpies seem to have done a disappearing act.
You will laugh, I went out singing last night the first time in ages, I felt I could give it a go. Wearing Black with my trade mark pink scarf and the 'Tickled Pink' breast cancer T shirt. I sang. 'Hello Again' (Neil Diamond) 'Over the rainbow' (Eva Cassidy version) 'The Long and Winding Road' and Jolene (Dolly Parton - and me with only one and half boobs) The songs were well received so I count myself a Bald Diva.
You must look at Joes site, He and Jen rescued an injured eagle, the pictures are wicked. http://www.sbynews.blogspot.com/ is the new address is.
Take care all Loves Yer. granny
You will laugh, I went out singing last night the first time in ages, I felt I could give it a go. Wearing Black with my trade mark pink scarf and the 'Tickled Pink' breast cancer T shirt. I sang. 'Hello Again' (Neil Diamond) 'Over the rainbow' (Eva Cassidy version) 'The Long and Winding Road' and Jolene (Dolly Parton - and me with only one and half boobs) The songs were well received so I count myself a Bald Diva.
You must look at Joes site, He and Jen rescued an injured eagle, the pictures are wicked. http://www.sbynews.blogspot.com/ is the new address is.
Take care all Loves Yer. granny
Monday, November 20, 2006
JANET STREET PORTER
I was sorry to read of her sisters death from Lung Cancer and a cancer that had reached her brain. It would appear her last months were painful and unhappy. I am sorry the NHS appeared to fail her. I send my condolences. Love Granny.
Friday, November 17, 2006
SHINE, GLOSS AND GLITZ
Before my last Chemo, I tripped over to Bluewater to see what I was missing.
Arrived when it was quiet, it did get very busy later in the day. The shops have upped their game and have some really cool stuff. There were still sales on, look in side shops for sale rails.
Don't be worried about colour there is plenty about, but as I so often say you cannot beat the black dress and there is plenty of those too. There should be something to suit everyone this season.
Colours, Teal, pewter, purple, gold, red, all the brown ranges - love chocolate. All dramatic and intense. Add to this shots of shine, gloss, glitz, glitter, tarten and lace with pearls and you're choice and you are on to a winner.
Style Icons, Scarlett Johnanson, Dita Von Teese, Kylie and Cate Blanchette.
Avoid, being tempted by tie up laces on shoes that go up the leg Roman Style, they look god awful and do nothing for the wearers legs. Just plain ugly.
There were some real glitter shows out there - Dorothy from Wizard of Oz would have been proud. I saw a pair of Emerald Shoes on killer heels - only for the very brave. Try Schuh's always have some extreme examples, but cost can be prohibitive.
The Black dress was everywhere, with some real Wow Factor. For a real experience look at the shop called 'Lucy in the Sky' even if you cannot afford, get some great ideas, great dresses and bling.
Hobbs and Laura Ashley are next to each other in the Mall, worth a look again, can't beat Hobbs for the perfect suit.
For cheap and cheerful party items look at H and M and New Look, the shops have had a make over, generally easier to look round.
Gold is very big, I will bring out my fabvourite gold dress this season and add a huge gold belt with bow to match the catwalk and high street. Tanned legs and gold shoes - great (any of the moisturiser/self tan products will help here - I like Dove)
Take a look at Vibe - very nice, but unusual. On one side of shop everything in Brown shades and on the other Blacks/greys with the appropriate highlight accessories and blouses etc. Had a lot of eye appeal, makes you think about possibilities. Excellent shop.
Monsoon, sumptuious with loads of fab dresses in wicked fabrics and shades. Never fails to impress.
Jane Norman was worth a look. As was 'Evans' for the larger fashionable lady, some very nice colours. Particularly liked this years must have the heavy knit long cardigan at £40 - a good all year round purchase. There was a great dress in Black devore over red, same fabric also in skirt. For that very smart event.
I hate belts on knits, and I hate them on coats - but it is up to you.
THE BLACK DRESS was in Wallis, Short very simple and sheer, with spagettie straps, square neck line with two detail narrow black flat bow empire line syle under boob. Simple to dress up or down. Pearls always look good and there are plenty about.
EAST is another favourite shop of mine and it had the red shirt. all rouched, ruffs with a lilly long double sleeve with lace inset. Over a Black skirt - devine. I would kill for this blouse, for those afraid of red it came in other colours. East also does a lot in Devore, this is a fabric I love, less heavy than velvet less seethrough than sheer fabrics.
I am still not into Mustard as a colour but there is a lot of it about. You have to be the right skin tone to carry it off.
DON'T FORGET THE SEXY UNDERWARE, No dress looks good without the right underneath look. Lumps and Bumps are not good on sheer or clingy fabrics for the unintended reveal. But under see through great under wear is a must and very sexy.
I love Golden Lady Tights, an Italian make, now not only in ASDA but Morrisons, They have a web site as well. They are well made, and wear well. I like the black tights witht smal white spot detail, and the Gold ones in a similar design. I always like to point up a plain skirt with nice tights. I love M and S footless tights,
There are great shrugs in most shops. For that extra warmth.
Give the designer shops a look, but - looks are good but too expensive in many cases.
Look at where items are made, such as cheap and cheerful Cambodia and Bulgaria. These crop up in most shops. Some of the cheaper shops pile in stuff unironed and looks cheap and can be off putting. Check stitching and such like - the finish of an item can affect how it looks on you.
Once again it was a mother and baby fest in the Mall - they were everywhere. The youngest I ran into was 14 weeks old!!!!! this mother was starting her child off in consumer hell very early. I do find these mothers some what baby 'Fashists!!!!!not fashionistas. They tend to think that anyone who does not wheald a pram should not dare to be there. Actually it was rather funny since the other main group was the elderly in wheel chairs, from cradle to grave Bluewater has it made.
I hope you don't mind but I have one more comment on Miss Naomi Campbell. Let her clean the streets - if she is willing to deal then there must be a guilty plea in the air or she is afraid what the case will out. I love fashion, but despair of the supermodel syndrome. It costs nothing to be nice.
Enough said.
Love Granny.
Arrived when it was quiet, it did get very busy later in the day. The shops have upped their game and have some really cool stuff. There were still sales on, look in side shops for sale rails.
Don't be worried about colour there is plenty about, but as I so often say you cannot beat the black dress and there is plenty of those too. There should be something to suit everyone this season.
Colours, Teal, pewter, purple, gold, red, all the brown ranges - love chocolate. All dramatic and intense. Add to this shots of shine, gloss, glitz, glitter, tarten and lace with pearls and you're choice and you are on to a winner.
Style Icons, Scarlett Johnanson, Dita Von Teese, Kylie and Cate Blanchette.
Avoid, being tempted by tie up laces on shoes that go up the leg Roman Style, they look god awful and do nothing for the wearers legs. Just plain ugly.
There were some real glitter shows out there - Dorothy from Wizard of Oz would have been proud. I saw a pair of Emerald Shoes on killer heels - only for the very brave. Try Schuh's always have some extreme examples, but cost can be prohibitive.
The Black dress was everywhere, with some real Wow Factor. For a real experience look at the shop called 'Lucy in the Sky' even if you cannot afford, get some great ideas, great dresses and bling.
Hobbs and Laura Ashley are next to each other in the Mall, worth a look again, can't beat Hobbs for the perfect suit.
For cheap and cheerful party items look at H and M and New Look, the shops have had a make over, generally easier to look round.
Gold is very big, I will bring out my fabvourite gold dress this season and add a huge gold belt with bow to match the catwalk and high street. Tanned legs and gold shoes - great (any of the moisturiser/self tan products will help here - I like Dove)
Take a look at Vibe - very nice, but unusual. On one side of shop everything in Brown shades and on the other Blacks/greys with the appropriate highlight accessories and blouses etc. Had a lot of eye appeal, makes you think about possibilities. Excellent shop.
Monsoon, sumptuious with loads of fab dresses in wicked fabrics and shades. Never fails to impress.
Jane Norman was worth a look. As was 'Evans' for the larger fashionable lady, some very nice colours. Particularly liked this years must have the heavy knit long cardigan at £40 - a good all year round purchase. There was a great dress in Black devore over red, same fabric also in skirt. For that very smart event.
I hate belts on knits, and I hate them on coats - but it is up to you.
THE BLACK DRESS was in Wallis, Short very simple and sheer, with spagettie straps, square neck line with two detail narrow black flat bow empire line syle under boob. Simple to dress up or down. Pearls always look good and there are plenty about.
EAST is another favourite shop of mine and it had the red shirt. all rouched, ruffs with a lilly long double sleeve with lace inset. Over a Black skirt - devine. I would kill for this blouse, for those afraid of red it came in other colours. East also does a lot in Devore, this is a fabric I love, less heavy than velvet less seethrough than sheer fabrics.
I am still not into Mustard as a colour but there is a lot of it about. You have to be the right skin tone to carry it off.
DON'T FORGET THE SEXY UNDERWARE, No dress looks good without the right underneath look. Lumps and Bumps are not good on sheer or clingy fabrics for the unintended reveal. But under see through great under wear is a must and very sexy.
I love Golden Lady Tights, an Italian make, now not only in ASDA but Morrisons, They have a web site as well. They are well made, and wear well. I like the black tights witht smal white spot detail, and the Gold ones in a similar design. I always like to point up a plain skirt with nice tights. I love M and S footless tights,
There are great shrugs in most shops. For that extra warmth.
Give the designer shops a look, but - looks are good but too expensive in many cases.
Look at where items are made, such as cheap and cheerful Cambodia and Bulgaria. These crop up in most shops. Some of the cheaper shops pile in stuff unironed and looks cheap and can be off putting. Check stitching and such like - the finish of an item can affect how it looks on you.
Once again it was a mother and baby fest in the Mall - they were everywhere. The youngest I ran into was 14 weeks old!!!!! this mother was starting her child off in consumer hell very early. I do find these mothers some what baby 'Fashists!!!!!not fashionistas. They tend to think that anyone who does not wheald a pram should not dare to be there. Actually it was rather funny since the other main group was the elderly in wheel chairs, from cradle to grave Bluewater has it made.
I hope you don't mind but I have one more comment on Miss Naomi Campbell. Let her clean the streets - if she is willing to deal then there must be a guilty plea in the air or she is afraid what the case will out. I love fashion, but despair of the supermodel syndrome. It costs nothing to be nice.
Enough said.
Love Granny.
UPDATE
Sorry everyone, I have been feeling very 'off' since last chemo but it is over. I have had my Radio therapy planning meeting - and now have my tattoo marks for postioning. 25 sessions from 22/11/2006 then by 02/01/2007 I will be free of the second stage of treatment. I have started my Tamoxifen so it is all action forward to the new year.
Visited work yesterday for another planning meeting this on for going back to work. Met a lot of friends and felt the old buzz. I do so miss being at work - how sad is that.
Love Granny XXXXX
Visited work yesterday for another planning meeting this on for going back to work. Met a lot of friends and felt the old buzz. I do so miss being at work - how sad is that.
Love Granny XXXXX
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
ITS OVER - THIS BIT
Last chemo done and dusted. Feeling V tired but OK. With love to the Oncology Unit at Queen Mary's Sidcup - who helped me through. Granny
Sunday, November 05, 2006
TELL ME ON A SUNDAY
Everybody knows that I love Sundays, and today is no exception. Everything is peaceful and quiet. I am able to sit and get my thoughts in order prior to the last chemo this coming wednesday. It has been a long journey thus far, but strangely it has gone quickly. I need to focus on the Radio therapy next which is a bit scary. I keep the positive vibes going by refusing to dwell on the future and any return of the cancer I focus more on the future and my life with Mick and 'doing stuff'.
I have looked at my hairless head and noted some regrowth and a very definate 'whiteness' rather than the grey I had naturally and the brown/blonde thing I had going with the dye bottle. I do hope that I go pure white which I will wear short and neat. I try to dress in a postive way, a little bit fashion and little bit country. I made one real purchase, a nice pair of burgundy ankle boots with nice high heels.. these are go any wear boots, smart and sassy.
I hope to go to the Kareokee tomorrow, to get a couple of songs off my chest before Wed, perhaps a nice meal on tuesday after the blood tests. I do hope they find some useable veins this time. 'Tell me on a Sunday' is the title of a song which I love to sing - perhaps I shall warble it on monday.
Love to all Granny.
I have looked at my hairless head and noted some regrowth and a very definate 'whiteness' rather than the grey I had naturally and the brown/blonde thing I had going with the dye bottle. I do hope that I go pure white which I will wear short and neat. I try to dress in a postive way, a little bit fashion and little bit country. I made one real purchase, a nice pair of burgundy ankle boots with nice high heels.. these are go any wear boots, smart and sassy.
I hope to go to the Kareokee tomorrow, to get a couple of songs off my chest before Wed, perhaps a nice meal on tuesday after the blood tests. I do hope they find some useable veins this time. 'Tell me on a Sunday' is the title of a song which I love to sing - perhaps I shall warble it on monday.
Love to all Granny.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
DEATH OF A COLLEAGUE
I have just learnt that a colleague and friend (Angie) died suddenly last week from an aneurysm in the brain. She was at the Gym and died before she hit the floor such is the speed of this condition. She was a very fine officer and mother of an 11 year old. I admired her and I am very shocked by the news, she was so strong and apparently fit. I looked up the condition and note that this is a silent killer, with few warning signs if any. My heart goes out to her family. It really makes you think about the fragility of life and the need to live life to the full.
Love to my friend from Granny.
Love to my friend from Granny.
Friday, November 03, 2006
UPDATE.
I saw the consultant yesterday, I will have 6 weeks of radiotherapy and I will be on Tamoxifen for 5 years. I am not suitable for Heceptin. Its all about the hormones, my age, the menopause, and the lymph glands that had also been infected.
The last few day have been beautiful, sunny but cold. the tree looks wonderful in the afternoon light.
I saw a green woodpecker on Monday, in the front of our house (on the street) climbing up the trunk of a tree, when I approached I saw it clearly when I looked it up in the books it was a perfect example. Wow that is two types of woodpecker in our locatity.
Mick took me to Hastings on Wednesday, it was beautiful, the sea was like a mill pond. We had great fish and chips (washed down with wine) in the 'Fish Hut' I recommend this place, small but clean and nice with well cooked good food. It is right by the Fishing Net buildings at the end of the old town. The shops were worth a visit too. It was a perfect day. I love the beach and the smell of the sea.
The little things mean a lot.
Love granny
The last few day have been beautiful, sunny but cold. the tree looks wonderful in the afternoon light.
I saw a green woodpecker on Monday, in the front of our house (on the street) climbing up the trunk of a tree, when I approached I saw it clearly when I looked it up in the books it was a perfect example. Wow that is two types of woodpecker in our locatity.
Mick took me to Hastings on Wednesday, it was beautiful, the sea was like a mill pond. We had great fish and chips (washed down with wine) in the 'Fish Hut' I recommend this place, small but clean and nice with well cooked good food. It is right by the Fishing Net buildings at the end of the old town. The shops were worth a visit too. It was a perfect day. I love the beach and the smell of the sea.
The little things mean a lot.
Love granny
MORE ANGELS!
What can I say - what a coward if true, that the father of Sayrah, Sophia, Alicia and Hannah and husband of Caneze killed them and himself by fire! apparently he was depressed by his son Adams terminal illness.....OK what is Adam going to do now?... who will visit him just when he needs his Mum and sisters this monster has taken his only comfort? Shame on him. I am feed up with these weak men who kill their families because of their own inadaquacies.
Then there is a man who killed his three year old daughter with clorform, because his wife had an affair. Shame on her, but shame on him. Fifteen years is not enough of a sentence. An affair is no reason to kill a child. I have no sympathy for him at all. The mother is a sad and deluded self absorbed individual who needs help - internet sex and affairs indicate a fundementally weak human being.
Madonna - dear god - surely this is the worst of stories, buying a child, not dealing correctly with the laws, showing money and power are corrupting. This poor little baby boy, purchased and haggled over by the greedy father who dumped him in a orphanage and by a rich power mad egotist who thinks fame and money overide everything. She will of course dump David if he becomes a burden or is not grateful. She is greedy, selfish and arrogant and is no example to anyone. I would love to adopt a child myself but understand that you cannot remove a child from its roots. It is better to help the society they come from by reducing debt, teaching and providing support to get the country back to selfsufficiency. This is all about her ego, which is already enormous one can only imagine what monsters her children will grow up to be if this is the example she sets. BIN her.
Then there are the two queens of the catwalk Campbell and Moss, vain ungrateful creatures who earn millions yet cannot control themselves.. Examples and role models they are not. Just spoilt brats near the end of their sell by date. I say sell because they have sold their souls, should we care? absolutely not. They will end up old and haggered like the rest of us. They are stupid and ignorant if they think they are important because they 'wear clothes' and the companies who employ them are shallow and dishonest. They are typical of this generation of wasters and short term icons of vainity. One is a violent individual who picks on her staff the other believes that an idot like Pete Docherty (who should have been in prison years ago) will be her knight in shining armour. He will never be clean he doesnt have the strength of character needed to lift himself out of addiction, he loves it too much. These three are silly stupid children who need to grow up and thank their lucky stars they dont have to clean loos for a living. They are perfect examples of the degenration of society that only loves money.
I am so angry, at the state of the world and the condition of humans. granny
Then there is a man who killed his three year old daughter with clorform, because his wife had an affair. Shame on her, but shame on him. Fifteen years is not enough of a sentence. An affair is no reason to kill a child. I have no sympathy for him at all. The mother is a sad and deluded self absorbed individual who needs help - internet sex and affairs indicate a fundementally weak human being.
Madonna - dear god - surely this is the worst of stories, buying a child, not dealing correctly with the laws, showing money and power are corrupting. This poor little baby boy, purchased and haggled over by the greedy father who dumped him in a orphanage and by a rich power mad egotist who thinks fame and money overide everything. She will of course dump David if he becomes a burden or is not grateful. She is greedy, selfish and arrogant and is no example to anyone. I would love to adopt a child myself but understand that you cannot remove a child from its roots. It is better to help the society they come from by reducing debt, teaching and providing support to get the country back to selfsufficiency. This is all about her ego, which is already enormous one can only imagine what monsters her children will grow up to be if this is the example she sets. BIN her.
Then there are the two queens of the catwalk Campbell and Moss, vain ungrateful creatures who earn millions yet cannot control themselves.. Examples and role models they are not. Just spoilt brats near the end of their sell by date. I say sell because they have sold their souls, should we care? absolutely not. They will end up old and haggered like the rest of us. They are stupid and ignorant if they think they are important because they 'wear clothes' and the companies who employ them are shallow and dishonest. They are typical of this generation of wasters and short term icons of vainity. One is a violent individual who picks on her staff the other believes that an idot like Pete Docherty (who should have been in prison years ago) will be her knight in shining armour. He will never be clean he doesnt have the strength of character needed to lift himself out of addiction, he loves it too much. These three are silly stupid children who need to grow up and thank their lucky stars they dont have to clean loos for a living. They are perfect examples of the degenration of society that only loves money.
I am so angry, at the state of the world and the condition of humans. granny
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)