With Claudia at her school

Spent the morning with Claudia at her school, Gilles St. Adelaide, for grandparents day. We also shared with Claudia and her classmates something of our "distant" past. Then lunch at Morialta Uniting Church's 'luncheon' time. A big day, but really affirming for both of us.

Breast Cancer Day

Today is Breast Cancer Day in Australia. It has never been more real and close than it is today.

Day by day

One day at a time. Good moments. Slow and weary moments. So it goes.

More "airing" of wig

Church on Sunday morning followed by an extended family luncheon. Gaynor did really well and wig was a real plus in that some folk had no idea. Yesterday she was a bit tired. Now we leave for a funeral. It is windy and there are light showers. Another challenge.

Very affirming

Evening out proved very affirming. Retired ministers and partners made Gaynor feel really good about herself and her wig.

Feel good, look better

Gaynor attended a workshop this morning having to do with make-up, etc.
Tonight we go out for a dinner with retired colleagues. First formal outing wearing wig. But she is most positive.

Off to hairdresser's salon

Gaynor just left to walk to hairdresser's salon to arrange to have her hair removed. Emotional for both of us.

Second chemotherapy

Second chemotherapy session yesterday at Western Hospital. 4 hours. Staff are fantastic and Gaynor is really happy with them. This morning she is very tired. Not much hair left and she is wearing a cap all the time. Off to the hairdressers at end of week for removal of what is left and the adjusting of the wig.

The hug.

The greeting.

October 12

Lots of hair comes out this morning. Lots of tears. Need to go to hairdresser to have head shaved and wig fixed in place. Lots more tears. I'm crying too. Very emotional morning.

Tuesday 8/10

Good day yesterday. Went to Glenelg for a walk and fish lunch at Cardone's restaurant in Jetty Rd. Nick was pleased to see us and we him. A good day for Gaynor all round.

Today a bit flat. Hair starting to come out, hence the feeling a bit low. 

After the great afternoon

A really great afternoon with all our family yesterday. I was OK at the BBQ. It was a real support for Gaynor, talking to adults and having the grandchildren wanting to be with her and include her in all that they did. This morning she is a bit weary, but worth it she says.

A "strange" Sunday

Well, not really "strange", but a little so in that I went to church to help lead worship by myself. Gaynor and I have always 'gone' together, for over 42 years. It is just that getting up early to be at Morialta at 8.00am for the 8.15 service, then the 9.30 worship, and then fellowship after was just a bit much. Normally it is nearly 5 hours of work and sharing. So she took it easy in getting up and getting going. One day at a time, and each day may well be quite different from the one before.
This afternoon the family, with the 4 grandchildren, are coming for an early bbq tea. It is nearly a fortnight since we have been with them. We are very much looking forward to the time together.

One calendar month

Today makes one calendar month since GP phoned and asked Gaynor and I to urgently meet with her to discuss Gaynor's 'tests'. Then a couple of hours later with the surgeon, then oncologist - and we were off and running. It has been a really hectic month.

Wednesday

A bad night for sleeping last night. Gaynor very restless, up and down. Not much rest for either of us. The effects of the treatment are beginning to have an effect, coupled with her Addison's. Not a nice combination. Today is a big rest day for her.

One week on

Today is one week since Gaynor's chemotherapy, and today is the first day she has not felt well. She really did her best last week, especially in going to church on Sunday, to prove to herself and to others that she was managing. It seems that 'things' are catching up a little. But as she says, quoting another, "one day at a time".