HOME WITH A STENT

I have a stent in my back which makes me feel like I’m now a fully-fledged bionic woman, but it’s causing me some discomfort. I don’t know if the constant backache I’m suffering is caused by the stent itself, or just my body saying ‘I’m not sure if I like this…’

 It’s been an eventful time. I’ve had three rounds of chemo, a major operation and a blocked kidney. I was due to start another three rounds of chemo this week, but my oncologist has put this off because she wants me to gain some more strength after the operation. She has assured me that it’s OK to wait another week. To be honest, I’m relieved, because I’m not sure how I would have handled more chemo so soon after surgery. Actually, this extra week is a welcome reprieve.

I have a large scar down my stomach from breast bone to pubis and I’ve also lost about 10kg, which is par for the course for people in my situation. I probably should have lost about 5kg anyway, but I now have stick legs and they used to be strong and well-defined (even when I broke a leg in Vietnam. See photo). I think I’m a little too skinny, though in another life I would have been more than happy to be this slender.  I console myself with the words of Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, (1896-1986) said: “You can never be too rich or too thin.” I’m not rich, but Rob says I’m now going to have to run round in the shower to get wet!

Anyway, I have a daybed set up in the sitting room. It’s lovely to be able to snooze during the day all cozy and comfortable…