Wednesdays blood tests results were ready when I saw the oncologist Thursday: He said there was a slight improvement in the HB levels and I was able to go ahead with the chemo session. That was good news to say the least: I was dreading getting there and being told we could not do the session - the chemo is a lifeline!

I was warned that if the HB levels were bad they might have kept me in hospital to give the transfusion there and then. What was worse was that it can take hours and hours to do the transfusion - I don't know why - I might have been there overnight with the chemo being delayed whilst they checked the bloods again. All in all, a consequence I did not want. Anyway, it did not happen and the session went quite well.

The next thing on the agenda is a CT scan and more blood tests in about 3 weeks time. These will give me further information as to whether the cancer is beating a hasty retreat and also plan the next treatment cycle from there. The oncologist takes into account such things as blood tests, CT scans and my body's reaction to chemo sessions in deciding the next round of treatment. He thought from my reactions that there was nothing in there to prevent more chemo. Other things need to be investigated.

Sarah and I are going to see if we can have a few days away from home somewhere local to have a change of scenery and a bit of a break. We need ideally to try and find somewhere that enables me to crash out if needs be but also gives Sarah chance to occupy herself with things she might want to do. We both need to look at something different than our four walls! The planning is a bit more complex than normal as we have our 3 birdies to consider! Murphy is still wary of me - he is the eldest African Grey. Lily the youngest Grey seems to be discovering me and Jasper the Black Headed Caique is no different - just noisy!

Isn't the weather miserable? I took my camera out one afternoon last week and really enjoyed myself (but over did it). I want to get out again with the camera in some decent weather when it is not windy, raining and cold. It's strange but the cancer makes me feel the cold so much more than I ever have done!

Anyway, thank you all for your comments and support.

I'll be back!