It's amazing how busy life has been since I was given an admission date for hospital; especially as I am an over-preparer by nature! I have been feeling well and have vast amounts of energy possibly due to my, thankfully decreasing now, levels of anxiety.
I met with my specialist again, just to be sure we are doing the right thing by having this transplant, and he is certain that I do indeed need it. He said that any haematologist in the world would agree with him. He told me to get my affairs in order as there is no guarantee of survival and no way of knowing which patients will do well or not.
There have been so many tasks to complete. It's akin to preparing for an extended overseas trip, but without the excitement and anticipation. Still, if this is a cure, I definitely will be ecstatic and never take life for granted again!
Reflecting on the past year, I'm glad Grant and I treated ourselves to a fabulous 50th birthday party each. And last year I took Neri to the Police concert where, for her, Fergie was the main attraction. Also the trip Neri and I took to England in April to see friends, and look around London, was absolutely superlative. I just love seeing the look of awe and elation on Neri's face.
Every Saturday, of late, Grant, Neri and I have been taking off in our campervan overnight to enjoy the sites in the greater Auckland region. Piha was magical last weekend and it is still our favourite west coast beach. We stood in the surf and watched and waited for the sun to set. Magnificent! The weekend before, we took our camper on the ferry to Waiheke where we met up with good friends to see the Sculptures on the Gulf and to see our friend, Katy Soljak, take on the Janis Joplin role at her Tribute Concert. We dressed in sixties gear and flung ourselves around the dance floor.
This week I visited my sister Robyn, her fiance (Alan) and her daughter (Chloe) in Waihi to chat about our impending operation. She is being brave but understandably a little apprehensive about her role in the treatment. Now that the dates have been confirmed she is holding up well and is, above all, concerned for me. I told her that whatever happens, she can be very proud to have given me the potential of a longer life.
Thanks for all of the kind messages of support. So many people feel positive about my outcome. I truly am blessed to know so many people who care!
