Brian started his 8th (and final) cycle of Chemo yesterday. 1st March is the final date, but his doctors at the Royal Marsden advised him not to return to work for at least six weeks from finishing the cycle. On Tuesday 1st February we both attended Brian's "Return to Work" interview at M&S, and at the moment it is set as 11th April. He is now about to go onto holiday pay, and will then be eligible for some more Company Sick Pay. That eases the pressure financially for him, and his bosses are happy to be helping him again.
Well, we have been busy this year already. I've been working in the movies, as well as continuing performances of "Madam Butterfly" at the King's Head Theatre, and rehearsals for Julius Caesar in May, and I saw Brent Opera's "Il Trovatore" at the end of last month.
We had Tony's birthday on 17th January and my dad Dave's birthday this past weekend 6th February. Brian came up with a new cooking plan. Everything in one dish. He often makes lasagne and has used the principle of layering in creating his dishes! Veg/sauce/chicken/sauce/veg/sauce/bacon/potato and all topped off with cheese! It's cooked the day before, then heated through on the day. It has been well received!
Together with Nikki from M&S, Brian, Tony and Geoffrey went to visit Alan and Ann Brimble for morning coffee and cakes. A great time was had by all. Other visitors include Fiona, who worked with Brian and Geoffrey at the Royal Festival Hall. They all went to the Coulsdon MS Centre and joined in one of the exercise classes.
Michael Parsons joined M&S at the same time as Brian, and he also has cancer and is attending the Royal Marsden in Sutton. They had a great lunch catching up on news.
And this morning we had a visit from David on Menswear at M&S, too.
Brian's brother Ian is constantly in touch and sent tickets for Brian and myself to go to see the film "The King's Speech" at the cinema. Excellent, with Brian in tears at the end!
EasyJet released their tickets for September and so Brian & I, and Graham have booked for Turkey. Brian is very excited (as am I, as I haven't yet been!) as it feels like life is getting back to normal!
As you know from reading this blog, we've been having massage therapy at the South East Cancer Help Centre in Purley, and we've now persuaded Anna to come to the house. Brian just loves it and finds it so relaxing - we've also been having Reiki treatment at the Centre, and I find that very relaxing too! It's a little more spiritual than the massage, but amazing benefits physically. Brian usually snores through his sessions!!
Last week the Centre had a Jewellery making class - no prizes for guessing who was at the front of the queue!! He came staggering home with a bag of earrings - I don't think Tiffany's has anything to worry about, but it was a good effort!
Finally, on Tuesday this week, a firm came round to fit glass shelves on Geoffrey's back wall of his lounge, so now we can look forward to ridding ourselves of the last few boxes from our house!
Ian xx
