Two weeks until Christmas Day and once again we are left befuddled and bewildered at where time has gone. The sands of life may drain from the hourglass slowly, but I have a fair bit of mileage on the clock nowadays and the window of life pulls the shades down a couple more millimetres each year.
The carefree days of yore are long past. But I’m still here and intend to be for some time yet.
Linda has been tracking well for those who are concerned. The aches and pains are there but she is well medicated and despite some restrictions on mobility we are getting around a bit.
Her most recent appointment with her oncologist was very positive. She got to see the Big Dog, the main man, the chief oncologist who pulls the strings and he was very pleased with Linda’s results and how she was tracking. He was also very pleased with his own performance noting that Linda’s cancer markers were down from 5000 several months ago, to under 100 at her last blood test Now I don’t pretend to know what that means but given that he and the senior nurse liaison were patting themselves on the back with a disconcerting enthusiasm then it is surely a positive sign.
Trying to maintain this level of health is now crucial for Linda. She needs to go as far as she can for as long as she can on her current protocol. When it fails things get harder and I daresay more invasive in regard to her medicines.
One of the unfortunate side effects of sharing this positive news is that some think she is on the mend and will beat it. They get a jolt when told this is a one-way street, an enemy that can’t be held at bay forever. It’s cruel and unfair and we and many of those close to us have shed rivers of tears, cried in frustration and been smothered by sadness as a result. For the sufferer of terminal cancer, it’s enough but the ripple effect is devastating and constant for those in their orbit. But there is still plenty to enjoy in life and Linda, given her good report is already planning and devising ways to enjoy 2023.
So, life goes on and Christmas is upon us once again. It’s been different this year. It’s the first without my late sister whose presence was always keenly felt in the festive season. Her absence has been noticed.
I doubt I will be back blogging before the year is out so for all those who do take a peek here, Merry Christmas. And, if you are passing by, don’t hesitate to call in. We always enjoy the chance to bury our sorrows with good chat and company.
Take care all and I will be back in 2023.
Strange Notations From a Laborious Life 