Postcards from "The Road"

Hi Everyone,

Happy New Year. Obviously we are aiming for health and vitality this year.

The support you are showing for Jen is wonderful. I have had a much better insight into this while she, Will and the girls have been staying with us. Her phone is constantly beeping with messages from you all, and even if she doesn't respond - trust me she is listening - it is helping her find the energy to fight the good fight.

I think I speak for Jen and all the immediate support crew when I say we have moved from the 'alarmed' stage to the 'alert' stage. Time is an amazing healer, and as Jen moves onto phase 2 of the chemo treatment - she has settled into the chemo routine  - and can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Jen started her second cocktail of chemicals 3 weeks ago. This cycle will last 12 weeks. She has Taxol  weekly - with general tiredness and headaches as a side effect, then she has Carbo Platinum every 3 weeks - which brings with it nausea. Despite all her efforts  to keep a normal routine, for one week out of three the nausea is delibitating.

So during the good weeks (about half the time) Jen is in good health - eating well, spurts of energy, mental focus. She needs to have a morning and afternoon nap, but otherwise soldiers on.

I always admired Jen for her positive attitude and can do approach to life, but now I watch in awe as she and Will tackle finishing off their renovation, caring for two demanding little ones, and managing Jen's health. It is amazing how life goes on, and everyone gets on with things.

Jen and Will are very excited to be moving back to Lilyfield this weekend. The house is looking amazing. The huge effort of Maryanne, Bob the Builder, Will the labourer/painter and Jen the interior designer have payed of beautifully.

Special thanks to the chemo fairies - the crew who have been taking Jen to hospital each Tuesday. Depending on the week, this can be a few hours or half a day. It's when you get the reality check of what Jen is really dealing with, but also get the confidence boost, that all will be well in the end.

Many of you have asked 'what's next' and 'when we will know if the chemo is having the desired effect'? After this round of chemo (end March) Jenwill have radio therapy daily for 6 weeks The first real test will be her scan in September. It's tough not to be able to get an earlier read on things, however I think this is the thing with cancer and those who have had it - you get your annual scan and over time, you think and worry about it less and less - that's called recovery!

So Angels, thanks once again for all your love and prayers. At this stage everything is going well.

Love

Cathy