Blog No 166 – Overview of 2020

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Happy New Everyone

Family & Friends

Thank you to friends and family for your continuous support. I have a huge amount of respect for people that consistently care and support Mr Zebrakat and I. Honestly from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for everything. Especially all the people who sent cards, flowers, plants, mags, chocs & sweets, biscuits and messages.

The year started with a trip to County Cork, Ireland to celebrate Aunt P, 80th birthday with family. It was was such a heartwarming celebration. Aunt P knows how to provide a party, we had it all, fabulous food, good company and magnificent entertainment. She’s a very courageous lady, she had literally just finished treatment for breast cancer and we were hopping on a plane. Thank you Aunt P for a wonderful time.

To my relatives in Ireland it was wonderful catching up with you all. We will be back when it’s safe to fly again.

Covid 19 played havoc with special birthdays, weddings and new baby’s this year. I’m sure these celebrations were as special as they could be.

Hamish & Lottie

Hamish has been part of the family now for 2 years. Lottie & Hamish are very much in a routine with toilet breaks, feeding and sleeping. Your more than likely to find Lottie at my side and Hamish sleeping on my bed blanket. I’m sure my neighbours must laugh at Lottie and Hamish when they are running into the house together from the garden. It’s quiet comical watching them following each other like sheep. They are known to kiss and lick each other first thing in the morning.

Hamish still looks like a lion and is slightly larger in stature to Lottie. Lottie can hold her own too, if Hamish tries to grab her. Pets are obviously very therapeutic.

Home

Copyright 2019 Zebrakat

We are still tweaking our current residence. It’s certainly changing in appearance and no longer represents a typical terraced house floor plan. We started in the roof space and now we are on the ground floor, working from the front of the property to the rear. I’m waiting for a replacement front door, which has been delayed due to covid 19. It’s been on the order since October.

I wanted to show you a cupboard that I’d designed earlier in the year and finally put into its place. I needed the unit to fit on a plinth in my guest bedroom. It’s made out of scaffolding boards. Anyone who knows me will appreciate I love a little timber in my decor.

The cupboard consists of doors, drawers and shelves. Behind the doors is some hanging space and some additional shelving. Its perfect for guests and now considered a new heirloom.

Health

I’ve already discussed my health in previous blogs. I’m glad treatment is over for now, I’m hoping my body gives me a little respite from medical appointments and health issues. I’m planning to continue as I do, live life and be happy.

Travel

Travel this year has been a bit of a washout, however I’ve still managed a few places. I was able to fly to Ireland earlier in the year, which was amazing. I’ve also visited Bath & York, both historical cities. Bath & York are full of beautiful architecture, fabulous restaurants and quaint shops. I would recommend both cities a visit, magnificent gems of the U.K.

Mr Zebrakat

Mr Zebrakat is working from home and on site as he works in the construction industry. It is nice having him around. On a positive note, covid had Mr Z at home when I was going through treatment. He unquestionably is happy he’s working and is one of the lucky ones still working.

Mr Z is undoubtedly been my tower of strength going through treatment and family hospitalisations etc. Thank you Mr Z for always being there as always as usual, what would I do without you.

Hobbies

Reading, I did about 66 books last year, so beat my previous years record. Watch out for my next blog for my annual list of books.

Covid has allowed me to frame up & hang some travel pictures etc. I’v also been filling up photo albums with old photos. I still have numerous to do but I’m getting there. I’ll then move on to filling up scrapbooks with memories and mementos.

Hopefully 2021 will no longer be a year of doom and gloom. We all need to be vaccinated and getting on with our lives. Love to you all 🤣

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Weekly Blog No 111 – Post Op Update

I have just been discharged from hospital after being in for 17 days. Ive had major surgery, right hemi-colectomy, omentectomy and bilateral salpingo oophrectomy due to the pesky dandelions (tumours) again. I’m not cancer free, it’s not a cure, It was purely for quality of life.

On a good note, I’m no longer in the pain that i was experiencing prior to the op, however there is somewhat post op pain and uncomfortableness. There was a few tumours taken out, nevertheless the biggest tumour being 3lb in weight(size of a grapefruit), explaining all the excruciating pre op pain due to its size. I can’t say it’s been easy this time around, after this particular op, I had 2 days in ICU then onto the high dependency ward for 6 days followed by a general ward. I was plagued with pain, vomiting and other symptoms. I will pretty much hesitate to ever go for op no 11. I believe I just coped with all the previous ops so well so I thought I would just bounce back again. In some respects I have in a funny kind of way.

I’ve since had the pathology report as suspected it was tumour involvement in the right ovary, stomach membrane and bowels. I knew something was wrong for a while and have questioned the medical data that was put before me. I will continue to push when I need too. I know a cat has 9 lives but I’m pretty dam sure I’ve exhausted nearly all of mine.

I have a big birthday in a couple months and I will endeavour to celebrate in one way or another. When diagnosed nearly 5 years ago, I had secretly put out to the universe, please let me reach this special birthday and it seems my wish has been granted. Thank you universe.

I need now to rest my weary eyes and turn off the hospital alarm clock, of observations and medication etc. I will be having dIstrict nursing in daily to attend to my wound. Furthermore follow up appoints soon and oncology scans in about 3 months.

I know I’ve said this before, and you’re most probably bored of me expressing it again but I won’t ever apologise for my gratitude for my lovely husband. He has been an absolute diamond and there is no words for his ever ending qualities. Without him I’m sure that I couldn’t handle what is put before me with such strength and determination. Thank you J and I love you dearly.

I would like to personally thank people(mainly family) in the know for my cards, flowers, goodie bags, messages and for feeding my lovely husband. Your kindness and generosity will not be forgotten by us both. ❤️