Ups and downs

Thanks everyone for your great emails, face book and blog comments. It’s amazing how uplifting they are to Steve’s spirit. Although he may not respond to them all – he hears, reads or views them.

After returning home after part B treatment in hospital, he started out quite well. He took delight in viewing the fantastic photos the salon staff had done to prepare for the Schwarzkopf competition. (You should see them soon as posters in the shop)

He’s so proud of each member of the staff – they are not only doing so well in the salon but their photographic shots are fantastic.

We headed for the beach as we usually do on the Wednesday after his pic line was redressed (the lines they use for his chemo) and blood tests were done.

We had a couple of beautiful days at the beach. His appetite was so good – it must have been the fresh air! He loves home cooked meals...

Although his appetite was good, unfortunately his cough (that he has had for a long while) resurfaced.

It ended up that the best way to deal with the cough and slight temperature was to get him back in hospital for antibiotics.

We’ve learned that the best thing to do during this process is to watch for any signs or symptoms that don't seem right and then act on them immediately. Not to wait – just get on to it, no matter what time of the day or night.

So at nearly midnight we landed back in hospital on Friday evening. They said it was good we did because he needed a bit of extra support.

While we know the treatment during the next 6 months is about getting him better - we also know it will cause his body to become very depleted - so we just have to make sure to take extra care during these times.

Steve’s attitude is fantastic – just focussing on what has to be done. Not that he doesn’t get annoyed when these ‘hiccups’ arrive - but he knows this is all part of it.

We are both learning how to go with what happens; the waves of ups and downs.

So... hopefully he will be out of hospital by Tuesday if his blood counts have improved.

I look forward to bringing a positive update soon,

Keep the messages coming – he receives them all and travels well on them for many moments in the day!