Phonecall

So Dr Y phoned and left a message. Radiologist report confirmed what she thought - a slight improvement over January both in the fluid around the lung and the lymph nodes in the centre of my chest (wasn't even aware I had any there). All good news therefore. That's all. J x

Clinic

So I was back at Wythenshawe this afternoon for clinic with Dr Y.  She kept me waiting for an hour though - she's such a tease.  Anyway, no radiologist's report yet but the scan looks good to her.  Indeed she thinks there has been some improvement between the scan I had in January and the recent scan.  She thinks this may be down to some residual chemotherapy effects.  This is good news and means I don't need any further treatment for the next 3 months.  However, she was at pains to stress that she can't give a definitive opinion until she has the radiologist's report. She will phone me when it's in.

She's also going to speak to a colleague at The Christie to see if I can have the benign growth on my top lip removed.  That will please me (and my mother) as its really annoying me.

Also took the opportunity to pop up and see Leslie on the ward and drop off some muffins and chocolate doughnuts.  She has yet another new hairstyle and her first reaction was that I'd put on a lot of weight- she's not wrong (but she is really fab).... Dr Y has said I can join a gym again if I want. Will have to think about that given that I never went before. But I do have more free time now but I wonder whether its worth it.  Probably better spending the money on some free weights but where to store them?

Anyway, that's all for now.  J x

Mad Men

Watched last week's episode last night. OMG, absolute madness.  What the hell was going on? Arrabiata sauce I cooked was rather more successful.

In other TV related news, really feeling the loss of Game of Thrones even though its absent for only one week.

Seeing the fabulous Dr Yvonne this afternoon for results of CT scan.  Hopefully everything will be alright although I'm not sure my breathing hasn't got a little worse. I'll let you know.

That's all.  J x

Did a bit of gardening today

*runs for the hills screaming* #therewillbeblisters

Tonight...

... I'm mostly going to be watching Alien movies. Mostly. J x

Oh Also Meant To Say...

....that in Schipol airport they have automatic bag check.  Fairly straightforward actually but a bit disconcerting when you're first confronted with it. That's all. J x

Home Sweet Home

And so I'm back...

Great time in Amsterdam.  Of course we'd saved the best till last because the Rijksmuseum is fabulous.  Go early to avoid the queues and make sure you see the Honours Gallery - although frankly you can give the Night Watch amiss as its not that impressive imho.  On the other hand, the canvas to its right, which is also some sort of military picture, is very impressive.

I also really enjoyed the medieval stuff (I do like me some Byzantine glitz) and the Asiatic Gallery.  The building itself is also pretty spectacular.

Journey home was uneventful although we were slightly delayed by a missing passenger and so they had to offload his luggage.  Why would you check your bag in and then not turn up for the plane?  Beats me.

And who knew we were coming back to such gorgeous weather?  Managed to do nothing at all yesterday though apart from unpacking and washing and then eating and drinking in the evening around the Northern Quarter.  

Have managed to secure (with the able assistance of Ms DD) the services of a gorgeous Eastern European barman for party night. Am hoping for two though to prevent queuing... And of course canapés are by the fabulously talented Michele who will very shortly be launching her own catering business. In years to come when she is running a catering empire you'll be able to say that you tasted her cooking before she was famous.  Manchester Mum & Dad (last time's caterers) have been given the evening off and will be attending in their personal capacities this time (assuming there are no property disasters to attend to) and so substantial amounts of food will not be served.  You have been warned.,.

Don't forget it's 21/06 from 1800 until 0000.  Invites will be issued shortly but if you're a reader of this blog you are invited even if I don't have your email address to send you a formal invitation   But please text me an RSVP for details and directions.  It is, of course, no longer a "farewell party" since I'm not planning on checking out anytime soon and fully expect to be around next year to host another one. Please check with my medical team on the night for further updates. 

Manchester run thing today so will be checking out the shorts as they run past the flat later (there were athletic looking people in the bar of the Radisson last night including two in a toilet cubicle taking drugs - also an Australian boy band, no idea, and crowds of screaming teenagers outside) and also F1 with Lewis on the grid in second place. Busy day.... :-) J x

Tram-A-Lang-A-Ding-Dong

So the trams in Amsterdam are still as fantastic and convenient as ever but still very quiet and therefore lethal. Pretty much like all those bastards on bikes...

Had a fab day today and bought some cheese and some mustard. Also walked round Amsterdam's premiere Department Store and assisted my mother with buying a Hugo Boss jacket. Father wasn't feeling too well (ate too many cheeses during the tasting) so it was just me and my Mum who went out for an Indonesian meal - 20 courses between us! This concept would work really well in Manchester (Michele : there's a business opportunity here I think).

Hortus Botannicis is quite difficult to find. Don't get the number 7 tram, take the 9 instead. It's worth the trek though.

I also bought a bag and some shoes today. Ready for my bed now. Night. J x

Amsterdam

So hello from the near continent.  Flight over was fine (if slightly delayed) and I had a centre seat (which I don't normally like) but was sat between two rather attractive gentlemen which made the whole experience bearable.  Flight time is only 55 minutes but there is an hour time difference.  This hour difference kicks in during the walk from the plane to the baggage reclaim which takes about an hour!  Had no problem finding the Aged Ps and everything went smoothly.  Train ride to Amsterdam Central and then a taxi ride (taxi driver to die for) to the hotel. Why are Manchester taxi drivers so unattractive? Someone needs to do so something about that...

Amsterdam is cloudy, wet and not very warm - not unlike Manchester and Swansea so we feel right at home.  Hotel is nice but small - all Amsterdam properties are small and tall.  All down to the tax system.

Didn't have time to do much yesterday but today we're off to the Botanic Gardens (yay) this morning and then this afternoon Ill be going to the Hermitage whilst the Ageds will be taking a canal boat tour (which I've done on previous visits). Then it'll be time for a rest before dinner tonight. Tomorrow is the Rijksmuseum but I'll update y'all before that.  That's all.  J x

Quick Update

Amsterdam bound today. Mother has been given steroids by her specialist and so will be able to make the trip too which is good news.  Will blog from the (wet apparently) city tonight.

And just to say "sorry" to Karen.  I'm a terrible friend.  Keep meaning to phone you and then something gets in the way and it doesn't happen.  Will give you a ring this weekend. I promise. Please forgive me.  

That's all. J x

Plus Ça Change

Have my first Macmillan telephone conference today. :-) J x

Should have been that bloke in a box

So, another year has passed and we have once more marked its passing by undertaking the ritual of Eurovision. A timeless and eternal ritual that has, once again, seen the UK finish in the bottom half of the results table and the wrong country win.  Apart from the Azerbaijan entry I also like the Greek guys in skirts.  Still it was a fun night enlivened by the presence of Jim and the, now customary, exchange of hilarious texts with Fig.  Binge Tyler is one for the annals.

Yesterday daytime was fun also as was out on the lash with Liam, Toby and Toby's lovely wife Gill.  Found a new bar - Apotheka - in the Northern Quarter that makes a mean vodka martini.  They even make you stir the drink yourself - a novel approach I haven't seen before.

Spoke to the homestead this morning and Mum still isn't feeling well.  Fingers crossed she improves by Tuesday when we're supposed to be going to Amsterdam.

And that's all for now.  Washing and relaxing today. With the possibility of visits from DD and Lesley this evening.  J x

Nobody Got Fired

Although I did effectively get to knock one team out of the competition - but they deserved to be knocked out.  It was a fun but long and tiring day.  Not helped by the fact that at one stage we were heading the wrong way down the M6! 

Yesterday was a little more gentle.  Out to Bents for lunch followed by a CT scan at Wythenshawe and then out with Jane & Bill in the evening (Alchemist - Carluccio's, yes lasagne but also asparagus - Radisson). A lot of fun.  Both are doing well.  Jane was a little happy on the alcohol and kept sniffing me as she liked my eau de cologne :-) Looks like we're not going to the Tatton Park concert this year as, for some reason, the Halle aren't playing. It's bloody Katherine Jenkins instead. And I don't want to see her thank you very much. If anyone knows why they're not playing I'd be interested to know - is there a big scandal? Or is it about money?

Today is a leaving do in the Abercrombie (I know) and then possibly round to DD's later.

Spoke to the ever-delicious Mrs T earlier (and I've been forbidden from telling you about our discussions) but rest assured that she and Mr T are fine and dandy. And that's all. J x

Staff !

Blogging to you live from the Macmillan staff conference in Yarnfield (it's Stafford way) where I'm a turn. Have decided not to preview my new karaoke number (Rhinestone Cowboy) or indeed my old one (Daydream Believer). Instead I am to be interviewed by a series of Teams looking to put together a "pitch" (à la Apprentice) for how they would redesign the system for the delivery of cancer services  in Manchester. Am hoping that I get to point to people and say "you're fired" at regular intervals... :-)

In other news, mother's chemotherapy went well and she's feeling OK at the moment. Hopefully she will be fit enough to come to Amsterdam next Tuesday.

Will let you have a full report tomorrow. J x

Winter Is Coming

So, I'm back in the frozen North.  Of course I look like a stranger in a strange land on account of my tan and all. People keep coming up to me and offering to give me directions... :-)

Anyway, weather or no, it's always good to get back home after a holiday and sleep in your own bed.  My rest last night was ably assisted by the vast quantities of vodka I drank at Maggie's (Manchester Mum) birthday celebrations last night. Modesty prevents me telling you how old she is but she claims not to be old enough to be my mother... We went to The Olive Press where I had lasagne (again). But the crown for best lasagne in Manchester has now passed from Carluccio's. It was gorgeous. Took me ages to finish it (I eat really slowly now) but I did. And it was really good night with DD (natch), Ev, Maggie & Paul (Manchester Dad). Town was strangely quiet given the United stuff that happened yesterday.

Dental hygienist this morning at 1000 followed by washing, shopping and catching up on TV recordings.  All this whilst shivering under blankets... A busy week ahead involving lots of Macmillan and helpline events, a CT scan and tea with Bill & Jane.  Fab.  Welcome home me.  That's all for now.  J x

Home Again

What happened to the weather?  This morning it was brilliant wall to wall sunshine with 26° promised and this afternoon it's 10° and raining?  All I did was change countries...

Faro airport was its usual nightmare of queues to check in, queues for security etc but otherwise the flight home was uneventful.  DD met me at the airport and had bought me milk and a paper (life's essentials) bless her - she thinks of everything.  Fell asleep on the sofa this afternoon (I've missed my sofa!) and am out with DD, Ev and Manchester Mum & Dad for a lasagne this evening.  What a fabulous way to start my time back in Britain.  It's Maggie's birthday today (no idea, but less than my Mum I'm guessing) so happy birthday to her. That's all for now. My wet and cold life starts anew tomorrow... J x

Degrees and °

Thank you Mr Allen for that handy tip. 26° today... Just boasting. :-) J x

Not All Alone In The World

I now exist in a world of raised voices and shouting.  Yes, the Aged Ps have arrived and therefore all conversations are now at top volume due to inadequacy (or indeed complete bloody-minded lack of) hearing aids.

Mother's chemotherapy has had to be delayed by a week and so they have been able to join me in my lonely (ha!) Portugese stay... There are only two days left though. :-) Plans are now being made for all sorts of activities that involve, in some way shape or form, alcohol.

Weather remains magnificent.  That's all for now, need to go and shout at someone that we need milk... J x

Hot & Sunny Again

Honestly, all this sunshine just becomes tiresome after a time.  However, it's due to be a little cooler today - just 23 degrees.  Off to meet Peter & Jean for coffee at a lake this morning.  We went to the Hotel Conrad for drinks last night. Very posh, very nice and then out for lasagne afterwards - not so posh but very friendly with a cute waiter :-). 

Just spoken to the Aged Ps and suggested they consider getting a last minute flight out here now that my mother's chemotherapy has been delayed until next week (her blood test results weren't good enough for her to have the treatment this week even though she feels really well). They're looking into it.  Would be good for them as they may have to miss Amsterdam now given the chemo delay. I'll let you know.

And that's all for the moment.  Hope it's hot and sunny where you're reading this.  J x

Turned Out Sunny In The End

So I got a little burned on the beach I think.  It's always difficult to judge there because of the onshore breeze and the cold water. Anyway, came back via a supermarket that sells guacamole (hallelujah). The rest of the week looks to be fine as well and will be meeting up with friends of my parents tomorrow for a coffee and a meal (they have a house out here and apparently know where one can source the best lasagne in the Algarve). 

Will be watching Holby City tonight (gay snog apparently) and then the new series of The Apprentice.  By which time I'll probably be ready for bed. All this fresh air really takes it out of you... :-)  That's all. J x

Not So Sunny

Looks like the original forecast for today was correct in that its a little cloudy. Still managed to get in about an hour on the sun lounger though.  I love it when you can feel the heat sinking into your bones. Plans for the rest of the day?  Well I suppose I should have some.  Will no doubt take a wander up to the bar for a coffee and a read of the paper when the maid arrives. Afterwards will take a walk on the beach and a paddle in the Atlantic (it's always really really cold though). 

Watched a programme on Glen Campbell on BBC4 last night and have decided to change my karaoke standby number from Daydream Believer to Rhinestone Cowboy. It seems a better fit somehow... :-) J x

Is Siesta a Portugese Word?

Just asking.... zzzzzz J x

Stop Press

BBC weather forecast has just upgraded tomorrow from cloudy to sunny. That means my entire stay will now be sunny. If one can believe weather forecasts of course. Currently 22 degrees. I know how much you all appreciate me letting you know what the weather is like here so I will continue to do so.

Incidentally, does anyone know how to get the "degrees" symbol on an iPad keyboard? My life would be so much easier if I could type that rather then writing "degrees" every time... J x

Have Completely Failed...

... to obtain either guacamole or cocktail sticks at local supermarket. Now kicking myself for not packing them. :-( J x

27 degrees

Still sunny. Still just saying.... :-) J x

23 degrees and sunny

Just saying.... J x

A Pleasant Day...

....spent packing for Portugal.  DD coming round tonight for curry and lasagne.  And then early start tomorrow (0735 flight). Next posting will hopefully be from a sunny and warm villa in the Algarve. :-) J x

P.S. Had lunch with Sara yesterday. She looks and sounds well and had just finished her first exercise session at the hospital.  She is also now 3 days beyond the 4 week period following a heart attack when the threat of a repetition is at its greatest.  So well done Sara. Keep up the good work!

It's Fallen

Olympus that is.  Went to see it last night with Gill, Lesley & Joe.  What a rubbish film. The plot is full of so many holes that it makes it difficult to just even enjoy it for the action sequences and the violence.  Don't go.

Should also mention that I went to see that Steve Coogan film (the title temporarily escapes my increasingly hazy memory) about Paul Raymond with Alan.  Again, not a brilliant film (but not as bad as Olympus) and interesting to see what life for the rich and famous was like then (mostly cocaine and sex - aaaah, those were the days).... Had a good meal in Felicinis afterwards where they do a lovely lasagne.

On the film front I am also very excited about I'm So Excited, the new Almodovar film. Looks very camp.  That's all. J x

Oh This Year I'm Off To Sunny....

... Portugal! Two days to go and am very excited.  Forecast looks good so am hoping for a week of lazing in the sun, evenings walking along the beach, catching up on my reading and generally just chilling out. But I know the weather can change quickly in the Algarve (Atlantic coast and all that) so am not counting my chickens just yet.  It will, at the very least, be warmer than here. :-)

So, have been busy as usual since last we spoke.  Tuesday saw me meeting my mate from the big smoke, Donna.  We go way, way back to when I first joined the Revenue - so that's 20 years ago.  We did some of our training together and she, me, Sarah & Sarah have all stayed in touch ever since. We don't all get together as often as we'd like (London, Manchester & Leeds) but it is lovely when we do. We had a couple of cocktails in The Lowry hotel (very nice they were too and served by a young Eastern European chap - they make the best waiters I think, I still miss Martin from The Midland) and then I escorted her off the premises and to Piccadilly.  Lovely.

Wednesday saw me take my life in my hands and venture to Liverpool where I met the ever lovely Daniel for lunch.  Daniel and I were managers together in Warrington and I think I can honestly say that I felt he and I made the best team.  Our strengths really complimented each other and I never felt (truly) in competition with him (of course anyone who knows me knows that I can never really divorce myself from my competitive side and I think Daniel is the same but it was always friendly). And he is a friend.  Lunch was great apart from the venue and the food.  I think when it comes to choosing good restaurants then I win - oops there's that competitive side again.  Franco's is, I imagine, a Liverpool institution with such a good employee benefit programme that they have managed to retain their loyal workforce ever since they opened.  About 50 years ago.  Honestly our waiter was like "2 soups". And somehow the chef had managed to make a lasagne with all the sauce on the outside rather than between the layers of pasta. Very strange. But good to see him nevertheless and catch up.  PMR sounds like such fun that I almost regret retiring.... :-)

Yesterday saw me take my life even more into my hands when I had an early meeting with Macmillan. In the Asda cafe in Hulme.  Readers, you can imagine. A) It's Asda B) It's Hulme C) It's run byMcDonald's D) They had no coffee and E) It's Asda. Let no one say I am not truly a champion on behalf of cancer patients everywhere, willing to put myself through all kinds of hell to serve them. Discussed plans to increase the patient voice whilst redesigning the delivery of cancer services in Greater Manchester and I now find myself on another committee and attending a Macmillan conference in Sheffield later this month. I'm really enjoying this but find myself getting bogged down in discussions about discussions rather than actually doing stuff that makes a difference. In many ways not dissimilar to how the civil service works. I'm also finding that I'm not solving homophobia at the moment.  Maybe I'll spend some time in Portugal thinking all this through.

Readers, we should also take a little time out to welcome Dr Y to the blog.  Nurse Jackie informs me (whilst on her way to see her niece singing Eponine on the West End stage - so she's someone to know: backstage tour anyone?)  that the very lovely Dr Y will be joining our readership. Dr Y is a very refined and distinguished lady so can we keep it clean please? The fact that she drives a Mercedes sports car with a personalised number plate does not mean we should treat her like an Essex girl...!

This afternoon I will be seeing Sara so I will give her the best wishes of you all and update you on how she's doing later.  Will then be on the helpline (will pretty new ginger boy be working I wonder?) and afterwards calling in for a nightcap at carer-in-chief's.

I will also just say that I'm missing loads of people at the moment.  I am hopeless at keeping in touch but vow to do better.  So Karen, Manchester Mum & Dad, Helen, Mark & Chris, Sarah, Mike, Chris, Lisa, Ronda, Pradeep, Jim and everyone else, I'm sorry.  You are all in my thoughts and hopefully I'll see you soon - don't forget the party on 21/06....  That's all for now. J x