As I go through this cancer thing, I am reminded how lucky I am to have friends and family all over the world. Love, light, good vibes and reiki are coming to me 24/7 - I can wake up in the middle of the night and know I am in my own little cocoon of love and caring.

For someone like me who is not religious, a loner pretty much, I am astounded by the love pouring in (and even prayers, too, from those who know my feelings on organized religion). The good vibes are resonating around me as I go through the chemo protocol.

I am so fortunate to be staying with Jules in Durban during this very unsettling time, although I know I would be fine at my little place in Kloof as I am not an invalid. But just having family who cares, close by, has really made a difference to me.

And I know how hard it is for Ryan, on the other side of the world having to deal with the death of his dad today, after a long illness, and then have my issues on him as well. He is a complete rock in my existence. I am very fortunate to have a son like him.

And it’s not just people I know. All the doctors and nurses that I have been dealing with have been amazing. They really care about their patients and take the time to explain things, leave things alone that don’t need to be bothered with, and are available just about whenever you need to talk to somebody. I have for once in my life, put my life in the hands of someone else! And doing what I am told, when I am told and have avoided going down the rabbit holes on the internet!

And I’ve also been very lucky with my medical insurance. Last year when I signed up for it, it was like well, do I really need this I’m so healthy blah blah blah. But I bit the bullet and have paid consistently through the year and now it’s paying off. Very complicated, though and I’m looking through all the paperwork but it looks like I will come out just fine. Not the way that I would really choose to spend money but at least I have it available to use as needed. 

And of course a place to stay with Jules. if I was in the States, it will be so difficult because over there I am a nomad and where would I rest and recuperate? It would be almost impossible. I know that there would be someplace I could go but it would feel more like I was an intruder. I would probably have had to go into a nursing home, and I cannot imagine anything worse! Here at Jules I come and go (well, not that much at the moment!) But it’s more about a comfort level and it’s so easy for me here. Jules makes it so easy for me!

Anyway, I am on day 3 on my first round of treatment, and I feel actually fine. Just tired, which apparently is normal so I’m taking it easy trying to get ahead of all the medical insurance paperwork. With so many players in the mix I’m gonna have to do a spreadsheet which is not one of my strong points. But I’ll figure it out so that I can actually see what’s going on.

Next week I’ll have another blood test to see how this cocktail mix that they fed me is the right proportions and see if there is any change in the blood counts etc. And then I go for a second round of chemo on 23 December. Now that I know more or less what to expect, I won’t be so anxious and nervous.

So, please keep all the good vibes coming my way and as we used to say back in the 70s, I’ll just “Keep on Truckin.“