Soulmate...Soulfood

Q - Where have I been?
A -  Sleeping! Zzzzzzzz

Chemo cycle #4 last week was like the Sandman sneaking up with a ton of sleeping dust and bam! Sleeptight for the next few days...

So, looking after me through this chemo induced sleep was Mike, my partner.

 Endless trips up and down the stairs, cups of tea, words of comfort, my fav cake...my best friend and soulmate helping me through.

Soulmate: someone with whom you have a deep natural affinity, love, compatability, spirituality, intamacy. According to Greek mythology and Plato, humans once had four arms, four legs and a single head made up of two faces. The God Zeus feared their power and split them all in half. They were condemned to spend the rest of their lives searching for their other half to complete them.

Im sure Mike wished he did have four arms and four legs this past week!


 It made me think how lucky I was to be in such a safe, comfortable environment. I also thought about those who were going through this alone or in difficult, maybe even dangerous situations. Who was  there for them?

When I was first diagnosed with Colon/Bowel Cancer, it was late Friday eve with the weekend looming. There was no one to talk to about what had just happened. Once we were at home we found that actually there was! Someone was available and there for all who need help, comfort, support and  understanding. Charities such as www.beatingbowelcancer.org  www.bowelcanceruk.org  www.CancerResearchuk.org and www.macmillan.org.uk These charities  are everyones Soulmate. This reassured me, that during the darkest hours, we are never alone thanks to them.

So, now that im awake and the chilly days have definitely arrived its time for some Soul food! My definition of Soul food.
Mum's hearty Beef and Veg stew! If your Vegetarian then leave out the meat and add Veggies of your choice.

Heres my recipe, its so simple, economical and is good for the soul:

2x beef stewing steaks cubed
2x large potatoes
3x large carrotts
1x onion chopped
3x sticks of celery chopped
1x tablespoon of tomato puree
2x pints of beef/veg stock
Sprinkle of mixed herbs
Salt & pepper to season

Brown the meat in large pan, add chopped veggies, stock, tomato puree, herbs salt & pepper, bring to the boil and then simmer for 2 hours.
Crusty bread to serve!

Enjoy!

Today I am me...

Last week did not go to plan...

Having my Full Blood Count (FBC) checked on Tuesday prior to chemo cycle #4 it showed that my neutrophils were too low. A reading of 0.02 meant I could not have my chemo. I cried, I'd only had 3 cycles and already I had gone off track and my joyous end date of January 20th 2012 had to be put back!

Neutrophils are the most prolific type of white blood cells in mammals and form an essential part of the immune system. Without them we could not fight infection. The Average adult has a range of between 2.5-7.5.

So, I went home and thought about my chemo reprieve as my friend Rebecca called it. Two weeks holiday lets look at it that way. A chance to get stronger and start again. My brother put it into perspective for me later that day. He said "It doesn't matter when you get to the finish line, just get there safely" After that I felt more positive and planned my two weeks of isolation at home.

I decided that I would catch up on some reading, make some Tomato chutney using my home grown tomatoes and bake some cute little cup cakes!

Saturday was spent in the kitchen for most of the day. Even though we were experiencing a mini heatwave and the weather was perfect, I couldn't go out in it due to my chemo sensitive skin. Late afternoon I sat in the shady part of the garden and enjoyed the warmth of the day and thought how wonderful life is...

Yesterday I went to Oncology to see Dr F and get my blood checked. I had my fingers crossed that all would be back to normal and I would be myself once more...After 5 minutes the results were back my neutrophils were up to 2.50 my red blood cells were up to 12.5 and platelets were normal! I was so happy.

So, I'm back on track and will have chemo cycle #4 next Wednesday and my new end date coincides with my sons birthday 4th February 2012! A double celebration.

I'll end with a Dr Seuss quote that sums up how I feel today:

Today you are you
That is truer than true
There is no one alive
Who is youer than you!