My Unplanned Sabbatical

A journey with follicular lymphoma

Archive for the category “Uncategorized”

08 Apr 2012

Such a great day

Easter Sunday and the extended family came together for lunch at our home. We had over 25 seated around the table in a scene reminiscent of the Godfather. Thank god for Ikea as I bought every black folding chair they had to seat us all!

All the family heads were there with our nephews, nieces, husbands, wives, girlfriends, friends and in laws. On reflection it was more like Jersey Shore than the Godfather.

The cousins played and the adults chatted. The insider did a great job pulling it all together but everyone did really put in to make it all happen. Great to see.

Table tennis, basket ball, some putting practice and board games extended into the afternoon. All good stuff.

Lunch lasted almost to dinner and then the insider and I slowly returned the home to some order.

It was the first time in as long as I can remember that we all came together. I think one of the benefits of illness is that it can bring people together.

Early to bed. A bit shattered but happy.

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06 Apr 2012

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A day in the suburbs

Yesterday was a beautiful autumn day in Melbourne. Unusually hot. We spent the day in our backyard with the Pelusi family. Kids were in the pool most of the day and alternated with tennis, table tennis and basket ball. Adults eating, talking and drinking.

I tried to play a set of tennis and managed to get to 4 games to 3 when I had to retire officially pale!! My doubles partner was also sick of doing most the running around as well. It was a bit ambitious but compared to how I was feeling a week ago it’s a big step up.

I am “detoxing” not taking any drugs anymore. I think that is making me feel better as well. Missing my Avitan! (joke)

I hope you are all enjoying your Easter break.

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05 Apr 2012

This is Alessia

It is good to spend more time with dad outside but the bad thing is that he is not feeling well sometimes and that he is sick.

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05 Apr 2012

This is Lily

The good thing is I get to see dad more and play table tennis. The bad thing is to see dad sick.

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04 Apr 2012

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Not a great start today

Woke today and feel really flat, no energy at all. Sun is shining so trying to be up for the girls as they are on school holidays.

Want to roll over into a ball and sleep but can’t see that happening.

Petra out shopping for a range of stuff as we have around 25 for Easter Sunday lunch. Should be great as the extended family has not been all in one room for a long time. I should be fine by then.

This weather is amazing and something to enjoy. Doing my best to stay positive.

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04 Apr 2012

Another day

Today was a slight improvement on yesterday although I have struggled this afternoon. I was watching Lily’s cross country training and had terrible hay fever. Never suffer from Hay fever so that’s a first and it has developed further into flu like symptoms. Feeling pretty yuk. Disappointed.

Early to bed.

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03 Apr 2012

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A day at the beach

Spent the day at Merricks Beach with the family. It was a good day. Weather was mild and day was full of activity. Started with a long walk with the dog along the beach, then a bike ride with the girls followed by a bonfire in the back yard. Marshmallows and “billy tea”, simple pleasures.

It was great to hang with the girls and enjoy the day.

Feeling good but will retire early tonight.

Some tests tomorrow at Monash. I am about mid cycle.

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02 Apr 2012

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School holidays

First day of school holidays. We packed up and drove to the beach. Girls noted how unusual but nice it was for me to be on holidays with them. I think they are right.

Quiet day. Board games, reading, walking the dog and the mandatory afternoon sleep.

Nausea has passed but feeling really fatigued. More blood tests on Wednesday so should get an update on what is going on inside.

Weather is un seasonally warm.

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01 Apr 2012

Go Falcons

It has been a big few days.

Friday night football, the girls basket ball final on Saturday morning where they managed to hold on and win was really exciting, their after party (yep apparently under 9’s do that) and then a dinner on Saturday night.

It was a great game and their team (Falcons) had been undefeated all season. The grand final was really tight and they managed to hold on and win 13 to 11. Closest game all season. Lily and Alessia are pumped as is the rest of the team.

We hosted friends for dinner on Saturday night and it was a great night. The insider basically did everything as I sat under the big tree in the yard and chatted with friends. Such an amazing host. Great food, good wine and lots of stories. Mostly at my expense, but all pretty funny.

Today has been all recovery.

I have basically been in bed all day. I think I may have lifted and peaked a bit early, but all well worth it. I woke early to see Steven leave for Hong Kong and then home to Canada. It was great to see him for a couple of days and hang out. Such a big effort on his part.

We had planned to drive to the beach today for the first week of school holidays but we all decided to have a sloth like day. It was a good decision to stay put. I think we all need it.

We will leave tomorrow.

All smiles

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30 Mar 2012

Friday night at the G

What a great night. Went to watch the Hawthorn and Collingwood match at the MCG with great friends and 78000 other people.

Felt pretty good most of the night which is a bonus.

Great Hawthorn win. Almost made up for last years finals loss.

For my friends offshore I attach a short video of the start of the game to give you an idea of the energy. Wait for the roar at the end, it’s worth it (actually it was much louder at the game)!