Treatment day again so that’s means I’ve got some time to kill while I wait for the infusion to complete.
If I look back to a year ago, it’s fair to say things were grim, not just for me but for everyone. Covid had us all locked down again and unable to see friends and loved ones. Christmas was going to be different.
As we’re facing a rise in the new Omicron variant right now it’s possible we could still face a Christmas lockdown. If not Christmas then almost certainly New Year. But everyone seems to have been looking forward to the festivities with more vigour this year. Certainly earlier. But also as if we all appreciate what we missed last year.
We’re the same, our tree went up a week or so earlier than normal, before Rhians birthday, which is a first. There’s been no “bah humbug” from anyone. we’re hoping we can still see friends and family over Christmas.
A year ago I’d been on immunotherapy for 3 months but had no clue if it was working. The thought of an early January scan was looming large. Little did we know just how well it WAS working. The first two scans showed massive reduction and the next two showed continued stability.
Obviously, Cancer has loomed large in 2021. But it moved from a place of dying with cancer to living with cancer. Learning to adapt, go with the flow. Accept new limitations on fitness and fatigue. Getting back to work and keeping my brain active and making myself useful again.
I won’t lie, I’ve had highs and lows, some are here in this blog for prosperity. But they’re stabilising. I’m making plans again.
As if cancer wasn’t enough, Katie has had her own health challenges this year that it’s fair to say have tested her to the limit but she’s remained strong, resolute and always positive. She’s now getting the right treatment and is adapting to her own changes. Getting old sucks, in her head she’s still 21 and fighting against ageing all the time. But throughout everything life has thrown at her she’s remained positive and upbeat. Our rock.
Katie has found a new love this year. Over 6ft tall and a bit thick. Not a man, a paddle board. I think that’s been her escape and she’s had some amazing days out on it not just on the local canal, but also on the Thames and in the sea. Both Kira and Rhian had got in on the act so we’re a 3 paddle board family now. It’s not for me though.
Katie’s spent a lot of 2021 huddled over a sewing machine making face masks likes there’s no tomorrow. She’s made no money from this, instead asking everyone to make a donation to Phyllis Tuckwell hospice.
This has helped raise the total to over £3500 so far for the hospice. Not too late if you still want to donate. 😁👌
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sd-phyllistuckwell
Rhian is working hard and seems to enjoy media and comms work still. It’s interesting to see her skills in keeping the world informed about the activities of her health trust on social media. Her highlight for me this year was photobombing an official Royal Family Twitter photo when they had royal visitors. She’s looking forward to being able to travel again and still has an Australian itch to scratch.
Kira is now well into year 3 of nurse training as has definitely hit her stride. Her current placement in a local Emergency Department is showing her she has got what it takes, she seems to be thoroughly enjoying it. We’re so proud of her making this career choice. She also has new man in her life and seems contented.
In other areas, 2021 has been a great year for friends. I’ve seen so many baby announcements but I’m particularly pleased our great friends never gave up and we’re finally gifted the daughter they deserved in October.
Lots of people are now dog owners so that’s been great to watch. We added two more kittens to the family. In a fit of stupor I agreed and before I knew it two male Russian Blue Tabby cross kittens joined us. They made themselves right at home. Scratching, chewing, weeing anywhere they can. It’s lucky they’re cute.
We no longer send Christmas cards, instead making a donation to Phyllis Tuckwell. We’ve done this for many years now. We use mediums such as email, socials, this blog to send seasons greetings to friends and family. This year, a blog post seems as good as any.
We’re hoping for a great Christmas and a less stressful 2022. I’m hoping a beach holiday is on the cards as well as a motorbike trip. It’d also be great if we had no more medical conditions to surprise us.
so I think I speak for all of the Davis family when I say Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2022 to you all.
