Herceptin #3 and conspiring hair

I'm off for my third Herceptin session this morning. I've got an early-ish appointment and I'm hoping I'll be seen more or less on time as it should mean being done before the poor souls around me start getting the nasty drugs. It's kinder on my nerves this way. I'm not holding my breath though. I'll probably be boring you with how Herceptin works soon, it's quite interesting if you're into such things.

These past few days have been quiet again. Going out made me very tired, and my sleep has been interrupted by some ulcer-type pain, which is not unusual for me. This has resulted in me being a bit of a zombie for the past few days. Still, I managed to go shopping on Friday - Oxford Street no less - as my weight isn't budging much and I've not clothes that fit. I managed to get a few items but I can't say it was enjoyable. My weight and body shape are starting to stress me now so having to try on a number of trousers was slightly depressing. Anyway, to cheer myself up, I decided to dye my hair. So far, whatever I've used has resulted in me getting orange hair - auburn and copper both led to orange/ginger hair, and golden blonde to light orange. Since I wanted orange hair again, I opted for auburn. And yes, you've guessed it, my hair's now auburn. I suspect this is good news as it should mean my hair's thickening.

Oh, I've finally updated Bradley and Laura's website - you can check the wedding photos and profiles if you don't believe me. Oh and good luck to those starting new jobs - I'll be thinking of you.

I'd better be off. Be good and enjoy your day/evening.

Autumn walks

Nothing of much interest is happening at the moment. I'm working on some web design and trying to be patient - I'm quite frustrated at not being able to do much but I'm not managing to settle down to much of what I can do either. Still, I was wheeled around Kew Gardens (again) and Battersea Park in the past few days so I'm attaching some photos.

This was a posing cormorant that more or less welcomed us as we got in. It stayed with its wings stretched for some time - probably trying to dry them, unless it's a specific behaviour I'm not aware of.


This is one of the lakes and the building (on the right) which houses the permanent Plants and People Exhibition.

And this is just a typical autumnal photo. We went along a path that could easily have been named the 'world oak path', with a number of indigenous and introduced species. It was interesting to see the different leaf shapes and stages.



Last week I was able to go to Battersea Park and managed to get a decent picture of a heron. They are either very photogenic or I'm very lucky when I take a photo of them.

I'm hoping to go to the Wetland Centre and Richmond Park in the next few days - it's the perfect time of the year for it all, especially if you're lucky enough to have good weather.

My headaches are still a bit of a problem. I've worked out it's down to posture most of the time so I'm being careful and it's helping. Tiredness is certainly not helping and I need to make sure I drink enough water, which I don't always do. But I'm happy enough, things are progressing and I'm now considering going away - Cheshire and Cornwall are on the cards if people will have me there...

If you have the time, check Bradley and Laura's blog - I'm not even remotely jealous.

Bugs and all

I'm due in hospital for my second lot of Herceptin tomorrow. Since there are no side-effects with it, I'm not dreading it as such. I've ranted often enough so you'll know I don't like the place, but all in all, it's not too bad. The biggest problem could be the nurse trying to find a vein that will co-operate. One attempt was particularly painful last time as she had to go for the hand. Apparently, the collapsing and blowing veins are a result of chemotherapy, and they should recover with time. Fingers crossed.

I've been feeling very, very tired. This is possibly the worst fatigue I've experienced, and I've only just realised that I need to give myself a break and not insist that I get up and do things. I've also had a bug of some sort - I've had a headache for several days now, though it's better than it was. The hot flushes appear to have made a comeback and I can't say I'm pleased about it. Apparently there is some medication to control them if it gets too bad. At the moment I'm not sure what's going on - I suspect my hormone levels are all over the place. But I'm not ruling out trying to control these hot flushes.

I realise that I must come across as a miserable old bat at times. I'm not, really. I'd like things to be different but I know that time will come. I've lost a little weight, which is great. I'm starting to know how to manage my hair, which is growing - to quote Justin - 'curvy'. My Mum reckons that there's a definite kink (is that the right word?) to it, and I have to admit it pretty much does what it wants, however hard I try to keep it straight. What I'm trying to say is that my body's apparently getting back to normal, and that feels great.

Hope you've all had good weekends.