We had a very pleasant Xmas day spending most of it with the family. We had breakfast followed by pressy opening. I absolutely refused to let Helen pack my present (my phone) so I had nothing to open from Helen. I didn’t mind. Of course, most of the pressies were for the kids but the adults did exchange a few. Russ and Sarah gave us Australia Open tickets for just before we’re due to leave Australia – a huge and very pleasant surprise.
We simply had to have a high octane game of charades – a very traditional activity – which was great fun.
On Boxing Day the treat was going to see The Hobbit. I had heard mixed reviews about it but it surpassed all my expectations. The Hobbit is a children’s book really and it could have been tempting to do a Star Wars Episode 1 on it and filled it with childlessness and Ja Ja Binks characters. This temptation was sensibly avoided with most of the movie on par with The Lord of The Rings. So well done Director and Writers. And all the rest involved. I suspect Peter Jackson held on until he got his own way.
Today the second Nexus 4 phone arrived. Now Helen is enjoying the fun, although for some reason, not quite as much as me.
We spent the morning playing with each other, so to speak, until we learned from the hospital that I was due in at 3pm. We decided to go out, buy a couple more cardboard packing boxes, a SIM for Helen’s phone and, for the first time in a number of years, try out a couple of geocaches. Poor old Helen, she’s getting her geek back full on. We found one and were deterred from seeking a second by a bunch of muggles.
I have to say I’ve deliberately dropped tools on the future planning, paying bills and chasing people for the last few days. I’ve been relishing in digital therapy. I think I needed it.
So here I am back in Monash Medical Center for perhaps my very last visit. Helen’s back ‘home’ and I’m listening to a few songs I downloaded onto my mistress. I’ve had had one blast of chemo already but I feel quite cheerful, although writing about this being my last session is making me feel a bit emotional again. This time they want to make the rounds 24 hours apart as it is better for me. They were 12 hours apart last time. Maybe they’ve adjusted things from the feedback I gave last time. They did point out that I am receiving very strong doses and that a second session 12 hours after the first may not be best for me. I get to talk to the consultant in charge tomorrow morning and will raise this then. His call is final but it would be nice to get back tomorrow evening. On this schedule it’s unlikely.
Boy. I can hardly believe that tomorrow primary treatment will be done. Done. DONE. It is ironic that as I type this Chris Rea is singing The Road to Hell. Almost appropriate as I’ve been on the Road Through Hell and am so close to the end. With my tongue improving I can even taste it.
But not on my own either. I’ve walked hand in hand with Helen who’s been at my side all the time. And just beside us have been Helen’s cousin and her family. I can genuinely say I love them all.
In a circle around them are those that have worked so hard to bring me back to life, helped us delivering the boat, with cars, rides, help on the boat, company, hugs when they were needed, hugs when they weren’t, messages, thoughts and prayers.
2012 has been a horrible year but we’ve been blessed to see some of the best of humanity.
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