Photos copyright: Maggie May
For some reason I awoke feeling really down hearted today. Not sure why.
I miss work and then there is the uncertainty of the different procedures that I will be following these next couple of weeks. Different from my normal chemo three weekly sessions. Sometimes everything catches up.
As I was feeling so much stronger physically, I put on my wig with a knitted beret over the top for extra warmth, scarf, gloves and heavy coat and decided to walk away the blues.
The weather had been so lovely last week when I was too ill to go out during my last bout of chemo but this week it went back to winter again with bitter winds that seemed to cut right through to the bone.
Today I was ready for it and felt quite comfortable as I decided where I was going to go.
I opted for quite a long walk that lasted for a couple of hours and I went right into another area.
I would love to say that the primulas in the photo above, were taken in my garden but unfortunately there is nothing there that is worth snapping at present.
I happened to pass a lovely garden shop so took the photo there.
Similarly, I took the picture of the Garrya Elliptica as I passed a garden en route and the catkins did entice me to capture them forever.
By the end of the walk, I felt in a different frame of mind altogether and came home with tingling face and feeling energised by the effort of the walk and the cold.
Later this afternoon, I went to the city Hospital for my scan on the bus. I had to arrive early and drink a pint of yellow water (that looked like urine) over the period of one hour. I was then taken to the scanner where I had to lie down and have a cannula put into a vein (my poor veins almost collapse with shock when they see a needle now.) I was later injected with dye which made me feel very hot. I had to hold my breath for long stretches of time, several times in succession. I now know to take in a very deep breath as I felt near to suffocation the first time I had it done.
That was it. Over.
There is little point in worrying now, as I will not get the results until the 17th when I have to see my surgeon.
Que sera, sera...... whatever will be, will be..... as the old song goes.
My daughter and grandsons are coming for a few days from the weekend until next Tuesday as it is half term for them. It will be good to see them again while I am feeling well. Lets hope that it doesn't snow or ice up the roads because I know that Deb doesn't like to drive in those conditions and may well cancel if the roads are bad.
Today we had flurries of snow here but it was too warm for it to pitch.
Lets hope it stays that way.
38 comments:
I hope you have a wonderful visit with your daughter and grandsons.
A good long walk can do wonders - especially if one passes by lovely flowers on the way!
beautiful pics...yeah a long walk does me good and settles my brain most times. hope you have a wonderful visit!
If nothing else, at least the nights are getting lighter and it won't be long now until the clocks go forward.
You are very brave going out in this cold weather. I hope that you are keeping warm. Enjoy half term.
Another hurdle over Maggie! And I'm glad your walk made you feel a little better x
Good for you Maggie, your walk sounds devine....did you go on your own?
I hope your results will be positive and you are so right no point in worrying over something you have no control over.
I hope the weather stays well so Deb and her boys are able to make the trip. It will be good for everyone won't it.
Keeping you and Harry in my heart and prayers always......:-) Hugs
Are those wisteria clusters in the last picture? Already? I can see primroses, but wisteria?
Hang in there, Maggie M., don't overdo anything. Rest is best. Visits are great though!
Maggie, you did right to wrap up and go for that walk. It always makes you feel better, doesn't it? And you got some lovely photos for your blog too!
Thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way, especially for the results. But you're a wise woman there too- no point worrying over the future.
Keep warm, keep well, dear one.
HERE's to good outcomes to Sring and to getting your hair back
What a welcome sight these primulas were on my sidebar. It was a real pleasure...thank you so much.
Hoping things are improving for you. Sounds like you are well for the time being, and that's good to hear. Enjoy the grand kids.
hugs and love,
karen
I like that when you are not feeling well you do something about it.
Dam
Those primulas really brighten things up! They are lovely. Good for you going for such a long walk, especially in cold weather. I must admit I'm not good at walking in the cold.
Hope things turn out well for your scan. Enjoy your visit with family.
Sending healing your way.
Hugs
Hi Maggie ~ The photos of the flowers were just what I needed to brighten my day ~ here in NH it is very white and cold. Glad you were able to take a walk and elevate your mood. Hope your daughter and grandkids arrive as planned. Have a wonderful visit. Take care.
You're wise to take a long walk when feeling down. I find it works for me too. You're bound to see something that will help to turn the day around. Keep thinking positive. :)
I'm so please the long walk helped you. And that Debbie and the boys will be with you soon - do have a very happy, very loving time.
Michelle xxx
There's nothing quite like time spent with grandchildren to put a smile on your face Maggie....enjoy xxx
Hi Maggie, I must try your remedy for downheartedness. Walking is a tonic and I forget that sometimes.
Gosh that treatment sounds scary, glad that bit is over for you, now the waiting, but we have learnt that there is nothing that can be done about the wait...You have been so resilient through all of this.
Lovely primulas, such lovely flowers, especially because we need cheerfulness at this time of the year. A great photo. Where did you walk to I wonder?
So glad your daughter is coming down at a time when you will not be under the effects of your treatment. I will keep my fingers crossed for the weather for you..
...Actually have just checked the weekend weather on line for you, and it doesn't look frosty, just grey with a little sleet on Monday but nothing much, so heres hoping :)
Hugs
Sx
You had quite a walk outdoors - two hours! Good for you. Winter is playing tricks, warms up for a little while, then the bitter winds and snow start up again.
On this side of the pond, Washington is really snowed in with Dulles Airport closed for 24 hours. Wow.
Hope it is all good news with the scan!
The primulas are pretty aren't they and so cheerful. Glad you enjoyed your walk but it is so cold still. Hope you enjoy the few days with your family, I'll be going up to Stratford on Monday to help with half term "sitting". A x
You walk sounded so lovely - and 2 hours... I feel so guilty, I make all sorts of excuses not to go for a walk. I'm putting on my jacket and going right now.
Have a lovely weekend.
The snow drops are blooming Maggie, which means it's just a short time for the daffodils and then the barrage of colour we know as Spring. Hang in there, it's coming. I'm glad you're not wasting time worrying until the 17th-- that's very healthy. I hope you have a wonderful visit with your family. You're in my prayers!
Flowers give so much pleasure, wherever they're seen.
Hope the visit of your daughter and grandsons goes well. Praying hard there's no snow.
I hope the snow does hold off and that the visit goes ahead. Lovely pictures Maggie May - so good to imagine spring!
I admire you for going on that walk when you were feeling down. That's the greatest therapy. Good for you!
So glad you enjoyed your walk Maggie and the photo is just beautiful!
I've had one of those scans and they do seem to go on forever. Still it's done now and as you say what will be, will be.
I'm still sending you Reiki. x
Maggie, you are truly inspirational. Getting out for a walk is the one sure way to lift your mood and reconnect with nature especially in Arctic temperatures! You and the family are in my prayers. X
Are those spring flowers peaking in!? It's refreshing to see colours in this grey day.
We are snowed in here!
Enjoy the grandsons.
Hope you get your family time x
Being downhearted is bound to happen. I'm glad the walk helped you.
I'm sorry you're not feeling too great at the moment. It's not surprising , your whole world has been turned upside down. I hope this cloud lifts soon and you don't have to wait too long for your results. Enjoy the time with your family.
Those primulas are just the thing to cheer you up! I have some in my garden--not now, of course--and I love their bright, bright colors when they bloom early in the spring.
I'm impressed by the long walk you took--a great way to chase the blues. But even better will be your daughter and grandsons coming for a visit. Here's hoping the weather enables them to come and also that your test results come back with good news for you, Maggie.
So glad you were to enjoy a walk and those pictures are just awesome!!
However, I don't think I would walk in cold weather, so more power to ya Maggie!!!!
Here's hoping the visit is a lovely one! And good for you for getting out for a decent walk! Isn't it wonderful the things God puts in our path to see?
They say that you should go outside every day to keep your spirits up. Unfortunately it's too cold here to take a two hour stroll, but it sounded nice.
Perhaps the visit from your lovely family will blow away your blues; It's not surprising you feel like you do but you always seem to have a positive spirit which is bound to get you through.
Take care, CJ xx
I think from the words in the post that you've got a tad of the good old cabin fever/seasonal depression going on -along with the other concerns in your life. That you felt up to going out though and walking is not just good for your physical side but very good for the emotional aspects too. Why am I telling you that as you seem to have also stated that too? I dunno except that maybe sometimes we all need a bit of reinforcement that our actions were the right ones to take. And I do think that was definitely so in your case. Now, after having spent the day in a fog, being rather groggy much of the day, sleeping in bits and pieces of time and just not feeling "right" I'm now awake, stomach acting okay and normal and the dog is telling me he needs to go out and I finally feel like doing that with him too. Maybe after a brisk evening walk I'll even feel a bit more like eating too! Hope the weather on your end holds up and your daughter and grandsons will be able to come visit as that will probably do wonders for your spirits too. Peace.
Maggie,
I'm glad you got up and walked the blues away. It is best to try to keep them away, as best as you can. You have been through so much physically and emotionally, yet you push through and still manage to take such beautiful photos, that bring a smile to my face.
I'm glad the scan and all that intrusive testing is over for now, as you wait for the results. Waiting is hard, but with your daughter and grandsons coming to visit, I'm sure the time will fly by.
I'm still keeping you in my prayers and oh, so very close at heart. I think you are a very special and amazing person. I often find myself thinking about you throughout the day, hoping your day is going well. Take care of yourself and don't over do it.
XXXXXX
Cheryl
I've just read your last two posts (sorry, my manic cooking kept me off the laptop this week).
Keep going, Maggie, you are doing so well. And with Spring around the corner, you will start to feel more optimistic soon. You are so clever to go out for walks to blow away the blues, I hope the weather improves soon and you have a lovely time with your family.
WM x
Maggie I applaude you for taking a walk even though the bitter winter winds blow. As a gal who understands the side effects of chemo I know only too well how much strength it takes to just get out there.
I wish much strength healing and comfort as you walk your healing journey.
I am now in remission and taking the time to visit all the wonderful bloggers that had come by my blog to cheer me on.
Thank you for leaving me a comment which led me back to you!
Holding you in my prayers and sending healing energy your way.
hugs aNNa xo
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