Hello Jules ,Good to see hubby enjoyed work but suspect he will be very tired with the driving there and back  to contend with .. Made me think when you said he dosnt want to become an addict  ,Tonys consultant offered him radio therepy for pain control at one point that helped him for a  quite a while,hope you both enjoy evening out and also the coming weekend  ...hugs to you ..Susananne

Hi Gill

Sorry you are going through 'chemo' food hell!!  Hubby had a few sessions of holding chemo at the end of 2012 (probably why he is still here to be honest) and the resulting 'taste' issues where a nightmare even though he had been forewarned by his team that this was a side affect to be expected when you usually enjoy eating so much its hard to not be able to enjoy anything.  He said everything either tasted of cardboard to metal.  Most of the time during the treatment period he was on a liquid diet (not not whisky) and the milkshakes have remained a permanent presence every since.  He also found (after I came on the forum for some suggestions) that he could manage pureed fruit (especially pineapple and bananas) and chocolate (he still has a box beside his chair which we keep topped up as meals are generally very small now).

Well, yes he managed the trip to Milton Keynes for two days, slept most of yesterday though did rally enough to get ready and go out for his usual Friday night down the pub with his pal.  Was really glad he went as there was a good crowd in and they stayed an extra hour.  This gave me and my friend plenty of time to catch up with chat over a glass of wine after we had been to bingo (no luck but good stress reliever!!).

Its lovely and sunny here at present and I have already done the 2mile round trip to the supermarket with my 'trolley'. I am sure hubby will be absolutely devastated to have missed out (not).  Will wrap up (yes its chilly) and potter outside until forced back in by the weather as and when the rain they promised hits us.

Hope you have a peaceful weekend, take care, hugs from Jules xx

Morning Susananne

You are so right about hubby being tired (but in a good way) after popping up to Milton Keynes.  He was also a little frustrated that he could not do the job himself!!  At least it gave him something to do and think about.  I know he is apprehensive as we have his 2mthly check up on Tuesday (as am I) but have lovely weather here at the moment so I have been out and done the supermarket weekly shop with my trolley and enjoyed the 2mile round trip.  He is sleeping off a night out with his friend and must have enjoyed it as they stayed an extra hour (a spot of normality thoroughly deserved).  Quiet weekend planned and he is back to MK on Monday to impart a bit more knowledge.

You mentioned radiography and this was an option on the list of possibilities when his initial palliative care programme was discussed (can  you believe that two years ago now!!).  Apparently 'if the time is right' and 'it will do some good' this can be considered just as the chemotherapy was at the beginning.  It remains to be seen whether, if offered, hubby would give it serious consideration.  So far he has just gone along with anything they have offered as and when necessary.  We will see what Tuesday brings (its when I find out what is going on in his head as he has to discuss it with the consultant so once again I should have a clearer picture).

Thanks as always for your support and info - it really helps.  Hugs are sent back and hope Rusty is not wearing you out on those lovely Cornish walks (how I miss our holidays down there).  Jules xx

Good morning Jules,

Glad to hear both of you enjoyed you night out, sounds like you both needed it. I can understand the apprehension creeping in regarding the appointment on Tuesday. At least you should find our how you husband is feeling when you see the consultant. Such a pity he wont talk to you about how he's feeling as you must feel excluded from this part of his cancer journey. I tried to be as honest as possible with my wife when I was having treatment.

My new headset arrived two days early and has made such a difference.  Yesterday instead of typing just two pages I ended up dictating over six pages and it didn't arrive until mid day. I hope to finish this current story on Sunday if all goes well.

My brother in law is just having the hormone therapy at the moment and is still waiting for his MRI scan, they are hoping to receive the appointment next week. I took Mrs B out for a drive the other cay and she was so pleased to see so many primroses growing along side the roads. Take care not to overdo the gardening. We have had a rain shower here this morning but it's now bright and sunny but rather chilly

I wish you a pleasant weekend best wishes to you, your husband and family, Brian.

Hello Jules ,glad you and hubby enjoyed evening out ,it does take your mind off things for a while but there is always that nag in the background to remind us though ..I hope all goes well for hubby on Tuesday but sadly also know the apprehension off waiting for results its a worry , but its amazing how all the other people waiting in the unit are always so upbeat and it does make things less worrying the weather is sunny one miniute then rain the next  Rusty and I had a lovely walk though so hopefully get out into the garden to do a bit of tidying up ..Hope you both enjoy the rest of the weekend and will be thinking off you on Tuesday ...hugs as usual ...Susananne ...

Hello Brian hope all is well with you and your wife ,your brother in law is lucky to have you to help support him on his journey ,having been there yourself ..I happy to see your headpiece is making things easier with all the writing you do and you must be very patient ,the weather dosnt know what to do today although 12 degs its rain then sunshine  Rusty and I did have a lovely walk in the sunshine though so thats nice  ..My friend Jan and her hubby have invited me to lunch tomorrow so wont be on my own ..Hope you both enjoy the weekend ..Susananne...

Hi Brian

Lovely here at the moment so will soon put on my jacket/boots and get into the garden.  Mind you have just seen the weather on tv and the fact that they had snow on dartmoor overnight (dusting) so hope that does not work its way here!!  Its chilly but bright so I feel the need to be outside.  Perhaps late I will stretch my legs to the Farmers/Artisan market locally as I would like to find a 60th birthday gift for my friends husband.  Will see if hubby would like to come first (usually he stays indoors as is not interested in shopping!!!) but he is still pretty fatigued and as he is planning to go back to Milton Keynes on Monday doubt he will do much today to save what little strength he has.  I need to keep myself occupied and my cupboards are tired of being re-arranged/tidied!!!

We had a spot of Brianitus last night when we opened a box of After Eights (hubby's appetite is not so good just now) to share.  I had a couple and then left the box with my hubby (otherwise I would not be able to stop). Got up this  morning and there are only a few left!!!

It sounds like you are making the most of your new headset and it must make it so much easier to be able to dictate rather than have to type one fingered.  Also leaves you hands free to dip into the nut bowl eh!!   Enjoy the rest of your weekend.  Jules xx

Morning Susananne

Lovely bright start here this morning (as it was yesterday and we were lucky to only have one shower) so am hoping to go to the local Farmers'market later.  Hubby is still pretty tired and sleeping on and off the last couple of days and as he is planning to go back into work tomorrow suspect he is looking to be resting again today. Who can blame him.

We are the second appointment of the day this time (usually the first) on Tuesday so there are not usually  many people waiting (we are lucky we do not have far to travel so can take early slots whereas I think some people prefer to go later).  There is usually music playing in the waiting room which is relaxing and I have got into the habit of taking crossword book so it gives us something to do whilst we wait.  Consultantion usually around half hour during which time I have chat with support worker as well so that I can ask any questions but as always very apprehensive as its the only time I really hear what hubby is feeling (guesswork is okay but  not always accurate).

Saw that Dartmoor had a dusting of snow overnight so think perhaps its too early to be putting winter woolies away  Am planning to plant a 'dahlia bed' outside our patio doors (hubby's chair is opposite the window so he will be able to see them and they are his favourites) but will only be able to do the preparation today as its too early to chance putting anything outside yet.   Last weekend was so warm I was able to read outside for the first time this year - bliss - but will need extra layers out there today.

Hope you have a lovely lunch out today - its good to have some company and catch up on other peoples news.  No doubt Rusty will take you for a walk first.  Take care of yourself, stay warm.. Jules  xx

Hi Jules,

Its nice here too. Mrs B actually asked me to take her our for a drive yesterday, first time she has done that for a long time. She even told me where she wanted to go which is also quite rare. Both of us really enjoyed it. Hope you are able to find what you want at the farmers market. Glad you friend has got the problems sorted, I find hospices can often do things hospitals cant. You sound a little like Mrs B in as much as she is always tidying, re-arranging her cupboards, so much so I can never find anything. Just get used to the new the new system and she goes and changes it again. Sure she does it just to confuse me and that doesn't take much.

Was having a little problem linking the last part of my story together but last night in bed came up with an idea which i was quite happy with and also an additional small sub section to add into the story. I always do my best thinking in bed.

I am trying hard to curb Brianitus as only bought a small packet of salted peanuts this week. But what's this I read about you and the after eights. Don't worry, i wont tell on you Jules Although it may tire him, it may be good that your husband has a trip to work tomorrow as it will take his mind off of Tuesday. After all you most both must feel a little apprehensive. Hope you get done what you want to in the garden without getting cold.

Take care and sending best wishes for tuesday, Hugs, Brian