Reasons to be cheerful 1,2,3

So I guess if you’re anywhere near my age you’re now humming that song (Ian Dury and the Blockheads Reasons to be Cheerful Part 3 by the way. yr welcome. I apologise in advance due to the fact that it’ll be going round in your head for at least an hour) and it’s a good place to start this post on things that are good in life. I’ve been a tinsy bit influenced by the wealth of bonhomie flying about as the celebration of Thanksgiving kicks off in the US tomorrow, although the majority of information I’ve seen about it seems to sit at both ends of the continuum; on one end the need for the biggest, best, most succulent and glossy Turkey with all the side dishes followed by a mindless brawl at the stores on Black Friday and on the other a deep regard and thankfulness for the simple things in life.

It seems to me that perspective is what matters really, appreciating what you have and how you might give others a lift up. It doesn’t have to be something with any financial basis, it may just be your time, but whatever it is just do it.

So what am I cheerful and thankful for right now? Here are my top three:

1. After waiting for what feels like an absolute age, we’re delighted to announce that we are going to become Grandparents next May. Yes, after all the c%$p this year some wonderful news to share with you and news that projects forward and captures all the loveliness of a new life. There’s just the one, for a time we thought there might be two but the scan confirms just one sweet baby. As prospective Grandparents we’re already getting to enjoy the experience as we get regular updates about the size and development of the forthcoming bump, guessing games regarding the gender, delicate conversations regarding people’s feelings on baby girls wearing headbands (I’m over the moon to say that the jury was definitely out on that one: phew), debates about who gets to be present at the birth and ‘accidental’ purchases in the form of tiny clothes we just can’t walk past now. It’s all good and a perfect reason to be both cheerful and thankful. #TinyTeamPositive 🙂
2. Our second source of happiness are the two suitcases packed and ready to be transported to The Gambia, Africa tomorrow. As I referred to in a post back in May this year https://cystaract.wordpress.com/2015/05/08/thumbs-up/ I’ve been privileged to be involved in a charity project to support some nursery schools and families in a village called Gunjur. This village is full of the most wonderful, accepting and kind people I’ve ever known. As volunteers we’ve been heading out there to increase the confidence and skills of the nursery teachers and to support families, particularly those whose children have additional needs. Living with a local family is all part of the trip and I’m delighted that Steve is accompanying me this time and we’ll stay with the same host family as last year. We need this trip right now and I know that it’s going to be joyful for so many reasons. Oh and did I mention that the temperature is currently around 34 degrees? ( and before you start, I have my cover ups, hats, sunblock, sunscreen and plans to stay out of the sun as I’m still sun sensitive from Radiotherapy).
3. Which leads me to my third reason; I’m feeling okay. The planned infusions of Zometa (once every six months for the next three years)- to encourage my bones to reject any sneaky cancer cells that might just think that they’ll pay a return visit- is currently on hold as I’m not yet post-menopausal. I’ve had some tests to check my status as Zometa is only helpful to post-menopausal breast cancer patients and my Oncologist called me to let me know that currently I’m not quite there (contrary to popular belief). I assumed that we’d have to wait until I naturally arrived at that hallowed place but she simply said “So now we need to turn your ovaries off Rosemary as I think you’ve finished with them” (see reason 1 above = YES). So I’ve now commenced my first monthly injection of Prostap, probably 17 more to follow; these will chemically induce menopause (or what’s left of it) and probably increase my hot flushes however it does mean that the Zometa should be able to be started early in the new year. As part of the prep for that I’ve also had to have my jaw inspected and passed as healthy enough to commence treatment as a potential side effect is known to cause problems.

“Jaw problems (osteonecrosis) A rare side effect of Zoledronic acid is a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is when healthy bone tissue in the jaw becomes damaged and dies. Gum disease, problems with your dentures and some dental treatments, such as having a tooth removed, can increase the risk of this. So before you start taking the drug you’ll be advised to have a full dental check-up.”

From <http://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/treating/supportive-and-other-treatments/bisphosphonates/zoledronic-acid.html#tcm:9-20131>

For good measure, the practice nurse gave me a flu jab at the same time so I’m feeling well and truly pin cushioned with more to come.

I hope that you have much to be thankful for and that your actions make others thankful. Wouldn’t this world be a better place if that was our priority?