40. Balancing Act

It's Sunday today. I am feeling more like myself. Coughing a bit and coughing up some gunk but it's more light yellow/clear colour. Yesterday I did some sewing which made me happy.

I decided to go through all the appointments I have had since my first visit to my GP early November last year. Some of the appointments have been over the phone but most in person. This is pretty much everything that I can link to my care relating to cancer. I have included massage and exercise in my list as they are both very important parts of my care plan.

GP - 7

Dr Inder - 2

Dr Man/Dr Michael - 7

Operation/Procedures - 2

Community Nurses - 21

Massages - 4

Exercise class - 6

Chemo - 4

Paula - 4

Ross - 2

Mammograms - 2

Ultrasounds -3

X-rays - 4

CT scan - 1

Biopsy - 1

Optometrist - 7

Breast Nurse - 3

Dietician - 1

Heart ECHO - 1

PET scan - 1

Dentist - 1

McGrath Foundation - 1

Centrelink - 3

Blood Test - 7

OT - 1

Look Good Feel Better Workshop - 1

Ambulance rides - 2

Hospital stays - 3

Dr Morris (1) tomorrow

Pro Bono Lawyer (1) tomorrow

It is a full time job having cancer. Not only do you have to deal with side effects but just keeping up with all the appointments takes up a LOT of time and energy. Trying to find the right balance between the medical side of things and just living is difficult. It is important to keep doing things that I enjoy. Choir, sewing, crochet, cross stitching, painting, gardening, visiting with friends, seeing the nieces and nephews, having quality visits with my sisters, Evie baking days.

Aunty Lori sent me a card and postcard in the mail this week. The postcard was of Wineglass Bay in Tassie. It's one of my favourite places I have visited in the world. She says she will send me on a postcard trip around the world. That is such a great idea. I love to travel and won't be able to do such extensive travel for a while so that is another way to find balance. Looking forward to my next destination.

I have a friend from interstate coming to visit sometime this month. They have said they don't want to feature in my blog which is fine. I respect the choice of privacy. I only mention here as the visit will also be a big boost to balancing out all the medical side of things.

I'm very glad that Dr Michael said to have 3 weeks break between Chemo IV and V. Not only because I got so sick but it gives me a mental break as well. Now back to finishing off Evie's birthday present.