The first Friday in February is wear red and raise awareness for heart disease. You may think what’s the link between a cancer patient and heart patient? Genetics, bad luck, unhealthy eating, poor exercise, etc. It may be any of these if a cancer patient develops heart disease. However one thing that is a common link – neuroendocrine cancer patients with carcinoid syndrome have a risk of developing carcinoid heart disease. Many patients get routinely scanned with an echocardiogram annually. Help raise awareness. Have a heart wear red on February 2nd 2024.
February is heart awareness month. Wearing the bright vibrant colour will not only make you feel better but it will help others take notice. Put on something different and draw attention- grab that person’s conscience.
Carcinoid heart disease
Carcinoid Heart Disease affects 20% of people with carcinoid syndrome it is caused by the build up of plaque in the heart valves. It affects how the heart works usually leading to surgery.
If you are stuck for what to wear on the first Friday in February think red! Encourage your work colleagues, friends, etc. Spread the word it’s good to talk and please have a heart wear red on Friday February 2nd 2024
It’s the beginning of 2023 and what better time to tackle something. Push myself through the barriers and spend quality time with my precious beloved beautiful Labrador Bella. Doddie Aid is back and I’m walking with Bella to help raise awareness of Motor Neuron Disease (MND). This amazing event not only raises awareness, gets everyone together, helps encourage exercise; no matter if you can take a couple of steps or run a marathon you can get involved. You certainly don’t feel excluded. Doddie Aid 2023 raises much needed funds for My name’5 Doddie Foundation which invests in research to find treatment for MND.
In the year of 2017 the gentle Scottish giant Doddie Weir told the world he was living with MND. Being the person he was he wanted to raise awareness, educate others and help find a cure for this disease.
Doddie may no longer be physically present on this earth. However he will always be in our hearts. The work he started will carry on in many others. You only have to look at the photographs and film footage to see what joy and hope his presence brought amongst others. The look on faces full of grit and determination.
Doddie Weir you were a strong courageous man. I will be taking part in this 6 week event with privilege. Now that Doddie Aid is back I will be walking with Bella rain, hail or shine. Fingers crossed we will clock up some miles for Team Edinburgh.
Today is Net Cancer Day. November 10th is the annual awareness day for Net Cancer. So many people wait for a long time for a diagnosis. Go back and forth to their doctors with symptoms and get told it is irritable bowel or something else other than the actual cancer. When Doctors are taught ‘when you hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras,’ meaning a doctor should first think about what is a more common—and potentially more likely—diagnosis. Net Cancer and Carcinoid Syndrome is rare hence not the first thing the doctor looks for. Awareness needs to be raised for this cancer. Today is NET Cancer Day and the hope that the message gets around the world – raising awareness of this cancer.
Since I was a young child I have rode on motorcycles. The noise of the bike engines, the smell of exhaust fumes. Getting caught in the rain, remembering when travelling on a bike you can only carry small amounts. Familiar helmet flat hair. Years before health and safety set in; I would sit in front of my brother with my legs wrapped around the tank at 4 years of age and have a little ride on his motorcycle. Oh what wonderful memories. My first ride on a Harley-Davidson®, I would have been 13 years of age and on the back of a family friend. We called him Tam Harley. Steve and I have been riding together since we were 17. Started on a Suzuki, when we got married we had a Honda, we have had Kawasaki’s and BMW’s and now 39 years later since biking together we are our third Harley-Davidson®. For us Harley-Davidson riders the last weekend in August is a special one. We attend the fabulous bike rally in Aviemore Thunder in the glens.
As a child growing up bikes were prominent. The rally Thunder in the glens (TITG) hosted by Scottish HOG® Chapter Dunedin #9083. The rally is in Aviemore Scotland. For me this place is a very special, growing up I visited this town often and went skiing, wild swimming, hillwalking. Had so much fun skiing down those glistening white slopes. My heart beating so fast whilst I was racing downhill wishing I could beat the clock. Once again for me Aviemore brings passion, warmth exhilaration. The four seasons in an hour hasn’t changed. I have merely switched my walking or skiing clothing for biking gear and layer up and strip off as necessary. With the exception of Friday we are certainly blessed with warm and sunny weather for bank holiday weekend weather for Scotland. It was so lovely to go around in a t-shirt on Saturday after the mass ride out. And when we were up the mountains on Sunday the sun was shining. Thunder in the glens at its best.
The Three thousand sell out three day rally is in its 24th year. The mass ride out on the Saturday gets a great deal of participants on the pavement, in their gardens along the route, in the fields, etc. Families waving, smiling children. It is a happy day for many. The Sunday ride up the Cairngorm mountain is an emotional one for me, it brings back many happy memories of my skiing days. As well as a very sad occasion when I lost a friend on the mountain. The great thing about being able to sit on the back of the bike is you can sit and take in the view, which no one can deny on these routes is a beautiful one. And you can relax and think of all that has gone by over the years. The Sunday afternoon at the rally site there were charity rides. Where volunteers were giving rides around the site on their Harley-Davidson for a donation to charity. In the evenings there was an absolutely amazing choice of live music to choose from.
As well as my hubby being the Safety Officer. This year on the Mass Ride Out Steve was a road Marshall it gave me a chance to take photos when we were at the junction. I got a super opportunity to take photos of riders, some with their flags flying high, others waving and smiling.
While up at the rally you can stay on site, stay in a Macdonald Hotel or camp. Or choose to stay somewhere else and travel to the site. Whatever you choose you are usually guaranteed to have a super time. If you are away and want to listen to something on your phone, I found the perfect item; its one of the World’s Smallest Alexa Built-in Waterproof Mini speakers You can buy it from Amazon. You connect it to your phone, listen to it anywhere, anytime.
2023 will be the 25th anniversary will you be there?
The next event I am looking forward to is Halloween. Need to get some decorations. An ideal place is here https://giftdelivery.co.uk/?ref=DrElizabeth or at Pomchick -Why don’t you have a look? You never know you may find something you like, treat yourself or someone you love.
Safety is paramount. Make sure the battery on your vehicle is in good order. The battery guys have great deals – check them out.
Absolutely great gift I will be buying next on my list is from Perfume UK
Have a look on this website. These products are fantastic. Earhubs.
The summer has been fairly kind to bikers this 2022 in Scotland. A great many dry sunny days and even on the cloudier days the sun has made an appearance on several occasions. For many friends they have been attending bike rallies, going off on super runs. No matter if it is long or short just the getting out for a while whether it is with a group of mates or a solo run. That feeling of freedom with not a care in the world and to cap it all the fabulous scenery that our country has to offer is most definitely worth taking to the road for. However I have had a medical issue with my gastrostomy tube and wasn’t feeling too great at the start of the season. Not like me at all but I welcomed my regular visit to one of my consultants. We had a long chat and it was decided I would get my lifesaving rig removed and a further procedure performed in hospital. Once this is done hoping I will be back on the Harley-Davidson® in no time.
True to his word I faced 13 medical professionals in the operating theatre just short of 4 weeks later. Getting the new tube fitted was most definitely daunting. The staff that look after me are absolutely amazing and when my heart rate dropped extremely low that the alarms were ringing they all remained so calm. Quietly I could here the radiologist say Elizabeth’s lips and feet are a lovely shade of blue. A nurse came and held my hand reassuringly and gently put a foil blanket over, ‘you are a tad cold’ she said and then continued to massage my feet. Once it was over and I was back sitting up and eager to go home one of the nurses that worked in London introduced me to a fabulous new dressing for around my tube. She gave me a pretty floral one and told me I could purchase them online. They are called G-tube dressings and are washable. Fabulous.
I got the talk about taking this easy when I got home. I so have to admit I never anticipated how long it would take for me to feel like ME. But what I can say is 4 weeks after normality started to set in. Since I have had it done I’ve enjoyed riding pillion three times;l. Gosh the relief I can have my feed running and it isn’t leaking out of me. Or more importantly the balloon can no longer explode inside my tummy. What a relief. I enjoy plenty of relaxation time; meditation and wellbeing top of the list. And of course a lot of reading snuggled into my beautiful labradors. As well as picking up a book and sifting through the pages which I so enjoy I enjoyed many books on Audible – Amazon do super deals including the first three months for 99p. This is one of the best and most used subscriptions I have taken on. If you enjoy reading and audio books you will absolutely love Audible If you don’t have Amazon Prime, it is worth joining. I wouldn’t be without it. Orders delivered next day, music, videos, etc. Superb prices. Fabulous.
The runs are very different, the first was just Steve and I tottering around our own area on my birthday on the 6th of August. We enjoy touring the Glide a little East Lothian Route, starting and finishing in Pencaitland. Taking in East Saltoun, Gifford and Haddington. The second was a ride to Stirling to meet up with some members from The Dunedin Chapter. A quick hop on the A1; stopped at Elginhaugh to meet up with Deke and then onto the bypass, joined and rode up the M9. A natter with fellow bikers and then back home. And finally a third run to Gullane to return granddaughters school bags.
The runs were enjoyable, the first most certainly very scenic and enjoyable for pillion view. Riding along single lane country roads – so easy on the eye. Chocolate box houses, overhung trees, lambs running in the fields. However on the ride to Stirling the smooth run up the dual carriageway of the A1 with the forth to my right. A perfect clear view of fife and the only distraction was the crops in the fields as they swayed gracefully and rhythmically as if they were dancing in time. The Sunday run to Gullane was a beautiful one. Living in East Lothian it is easy to take for granted such beauty; riding through the championship golf course I watch the golfers enjoy their activities and then take in the quality and beauty of the course. The greens looking in super shape. The course comprises of many shades of green and I think of my parents and the discussion we had many years ago as we looked at a globe and as a child I asked what is Gods colour Blue or Green.
These runs are in preparation to go to Aviemore with Steve. This year in Aviemore we will see many people with motorcycles, especially Harley-Davidsons® It will be lovely to go into the hive of activity. I never once thought when I was up in Aviemore every other week skiing, climbing and endlessly hill walking over a duration of many years would I be a granny riding pillion on a Harley-Davidson®.
I have been looking at books – quite fancy treating us to this one; Britain for Bikers
Living everyday with a chronic illness can take its toll. Especially when a rare disease such as carcinoid syndrome and doesn’t trip of the lips easily. Most people haven’t heard of the cancer that comes with it let alone understand it. The daily routine of creams, feeding, blood sugar checking. Not to mention the absolute fatigue. What makes life much easier is routine. And most importantly I make sure I find a special time for friendship, relaxation and love.
In between my weekly tube services, 14 day octreotide treatment I find time to get some normality into my life. The one thing I promised myself is when the words incurable rang in my ears; I most certainly gave myself a talking to and will always fit this disease round my life not my life round the disease. My family is hugely important to me. I will always find the time to have fun and a willing ear. As time is going on and my condition progresses what is becoming apparent to me is what helps keep me sane is friendship, relaxation and love. The unconditional love I have for my husband and children (and their children) goes without saying. I love and am loved by some beautiful people that help me get by. Friendship is amazing, it is comforting to get woken by your mobile phone with a message to ask how you are. Or just to say hello. Sometimes the message actually may be asking for advice – I like that. Totally feel needed. Relaxation is essential for us all, enjoy.
I have been having a particularly difficult time recently with my rig. However on Saturday it was the most beautiful day and there was a Chapter Ride organised. We are members of a Harley-Davidson® bike club – The Dunedin Chapter. We get together for rides, social events, charity fundraisers. Superb way of getting out on the bike and meeting new people. Steve was going on the Harley-Davidson® on the ride. Some of our friends were going on the ride. I decided since it was only a 60 mile run I would go to. Super weather, beautiful scenery, great friends and on our latest Harley-Davidson®. Of course I clambered on the back of the armchair seat. Feed linked up and away we went. A wonderful ride to The Big Red Barn.
After a wonderful relaxed few days seeing and chatting to family on the phone. Speaking to friends. And getting out on the bike for a while. I am now ready for my hospital appointment tomorrow.
Think I will get on the website Handy Candy and get a few goodies for the house. Life is good.
Already we are half way through the year of 2022. Finally after the last few years of PPE, mask wearing during covid and lockdown we are getting some normality in our lives. Covid will never disappear however we are dealing with things and actually getting out meeting each other and it feels so good. Most of us have missed out on something in our lives, a celebration, graduation, that wonderful holiday we had planned. Sadly there has been difficult times where we have not been able to be together and sickness has kept us at arms length. I most certainly cannot fault the way I have been treated by our good old NHS. My treatment has never stopped or home visits from my District nurses right through the pandemic. Now that time has moved on many people are planning trips to other countries, including three of our friends from Switzerland. Whilst on their trip to Scotland we managed to finally have our bikers BBQ
I am fairly certain that covid will not leave us in a hurry and at the moment it is rearing its ugly head. With a notable increase in diagnosis again. However that is most likely to us all mixing and going out on adventures. A very large majority of us are vaccinated, it won’t stop us getting covid but should hopefully lower hospital admissions and death rates. I have been extremely grateful for the care I have had all the way through. The vaccines I have had. And the continued care and management I get with my cancer team. When I am up to it I enjoy time with buddies and going out on the Harley-Davidson® with my hubby.
The final week of June is always an eventful one for us. A birthday for Steve and brother in law Alan. So now three years later our buddies could finally ride their NC500 trip, travelling from Switzerland on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles. We were so happy to spend the final three days with them. Hear of their travels, have a BBQ at ours, go out to The Hard Rock Cafe in Edinburgh, and on their final day travel with them on their way to the ferry and visit Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle. What fun we all had.
The BBQ was great fun, we chatted, laughed, there was lovely food cooked by head chef Steve. A warm fire pit for those that felt the chill in the air. Steve, Deke and Ewan treated us to some tunes and kept us entertained. I am pretty sure everyone went home with full bellies and pretty satisfied and happy. Our dogs loved having everyone round.
The most important thing I have learnt from hitting the brick wall that day and hearing the words incurable is life is for living. I love and value my family, good friendship and spending some time to get out and see the sights can be energising. However, I do so enjoy taking time for myself. In the way of putting my feet up, sitting in silence and enjoying a jolly good rest with my most beautiful labradors, Buddy and Bella.
Our house is usually always full of chatter. We have the uncanny skill of speaking and listening at the same time. Grandchildren and labradors bring much needed laughter. They are my essential sunshine on a rainy day. Most definitely turn my frown upside down and oh yes help me smile each and every day. I can always say what great fun granddaughter’s can bring.
If you were to add the age up of the three of them you only reach the ripe old age of nearly 12. Firstly there is Alexandra. She is the eldest at just turned 6, Ellie comes second at 5 years of age and Luna will be 2 at the end of the month. The girls all play so well together, shrieking up and down our hall. Running around the garden. Playing with the garden toys or walking the labradors in the back field together with me, all of us singing and chatting away. The last time the girls were playing together they went to Vogrie Country Park and what fun they had.
Individually they all like to come play at ours too, get some grandparent time. Bake cakes, do some arts and crafts, play games, garden with Granny, clean the Harley-Davidson with Papa and they most certainly love getting in the Wetroom and having a long shower, playing water games, singing at the top of their voices. We all love to go walking with Buddy and Bella my Labrador retrievers. Our back field is ideal, a wonderful safe environment for both dogs and children. Or go to unleashed Dog Park at Pencaitland and enjoy some fun.
It can be the darkest day, you could feel at your lowest ebb and these little cherubs will cheer you up no end. Melt your heart on the coldest day and yes oh yes they can all talk. Proper little chatterboxes.
This Easter weekend was particularly lovely. Alexandra helped Granny put some stickers on the window. Girls helping Papa with the ride on mower. Then oh so much fun hunting for some eggs.
Undoubtedly grandchildren fill a hole in your heart you did not know existed. For this reason I would recommend them to anyone.
Life for everyone can be challenging. We all find the hum drum of daily living difficult at some point in our lives. When I was studying at university right out of high school gosh I thought life was difficult, when in fact it was actually pretty easy and straightforward. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then my goodness. I’m married, have children, grandchildren, have enjoyed happy times, went through some sad experiences, proudly gained my PhD, and most definitely feel loved. I feel I was brought up fairly well and I have a glass full attitude to life and always try and look on the bright side. On meeting someone for the first time I treat them as a genius and work backwards and always have a “book and cover policy” – you never know what goes on behind closed doors or what is hiding behind that lovely smile. Although I am fairly level headed human and like the lion I am feel I can deal with anything, nothing prepared me for the day I went into the consultation room to be told I had carcinoid syndrome and it was incurable. Am I angry at the carcinoid syndrome diagnosis?
When I heard the words incurable, I first felt like I hit a brick wall. My stomach churned, after a few moments of the conversation with the consultant that day the remainIng words were not communicating with my ears and the journey home was a blur. But as time went on, getting medical treatments, ongoing management of my incurable condition. Surgery to get a gastrostomy feed. I decided to use my writing to promote awareness of Net cancer and carcinoid syndrome. I find writing helps me get through the day, it helps me relax, encourages me to take photographs, I read about other subjects. All in all, my mind gets flooded with new information and I totally enjoy being creative looking at life from a different angle. I found a way to deal with my illness. At first yes I felt rather upset and confused now I am not annoyed or angry at all. I believe getting a diagnosis has given me the coping mechanism; it has made me the person I am today. I have learnt what is important, especially things like keeping in touch with people, showing emotion and saying I love you.
It’s Monday morning like no other for most people. As I look out of my south facing cottage window I see grey clouds circling above the Lammermuir hills, on first glance its a bleak outlook. My telephone rings and anyone that knows me will guess that I am then preoccupied for at least an hour. Back to what I enjoy; I greedily set up my three apple devices with devoted labradors at my feet. As I lift my head to pick up a book I looked out of my ‘favourite view’ window. Was that a glimmer of sunshine trying to get through? As Bob Hope once said about Scotland it’s the only country he ever came to where he experienced 4 seasons not just in one day but in one hour. My yes, it was the clouds had lightened and the sun was beginning to show face. What looked like was going to be a rainy cold blustery day was turning out to be a fine day, perhaps not the best however one with promise and prospects, what more can you ask. Today is Monday 28th February 2022, today is Rare Disease Day.
I like to believe that the future for Rare Disease is parallel to today’s weather. One with good prospects and promise with a ray of sunshine to keep that frown upside down and remind us to smile each and everyday.
Living with a rare disease for most affects not only the person with the disease but those around them, whether they are family, friends or work colleagues. On getting a diagnosis, for many it is a life changing situation. Living with or getting diagnosed can be extremely hard to live with; physically, emotionally and financially. Some only get a very short life span. Others have many years of life and have to learn to manage. One big thing in common is many rare diseases are chronic. It isn’t always easy admitting you find life a struggle. However there are charities, hospital groups, clubs, various volunteer groups, etc and great deal of people affected benefit from support organisations; someone to talk to, somewhere that really understands, respite, etc, etc.
So what is a rare disease? 1 in 17 of us world wide will be affected by a rare disease at some time in our life. Carcinoid Syndrome is one of them. Huntington’s Disease,is a rare disease another is Cystic Fibrosis. The majority of rare diseases are chronic, progressive and genetic not curable. Only manageable to an extent. Living with a rare disease can feel very isolating and scary. Globally between 3.5% and 5.9% of the world population is affected with a rare disease. There are six thousand different diseases affecting 300 million people. In the UK, it is estimated that there are 3.5 million people affected by a rare disease.
Many patients with rare disease’s consult with more than one specialist. Often as many as five. Going to various outpatient clinics can take its toll not only on the patient but on the people around. The care at the hospital in the UK is free yes, however the patient has to get to the hospital for treatment, blood tests, scans, etc. Fuel in transport, or cost of public transport, the cost of eating out, etc etc. Then there is the physical cost to the patient. I was speaking with a consultant the other day and she spoke rather concerned that one of her young patients said she had 52 clinic appointments in the year. Equating to one per week. Yes she has an incurable rare disease, however she is also a student, desperate to pass her exams. The doctor sounded genuinely concerned for her patient; saying she thought this could affect the patient’s wellbeing on top of their condition.
What is Rare Disease Day? This is a world wide event for one day – always the last day in February. Celebrating Rare Disease’s. Promoting awareness. Sharing videos and experiences across the world. The aim of the day is to raise awareness, spread hope and solidarity and bring the worldwide community together. Hoping to improve access to treatment and medical representation for people and those affected with rare diseases.
It is go good to see so many people pull together for such an event globally. When these people are at home feeling isolated or trying to go out and are anxious they need to get their “big person” pants on. Life can be so difficult and cruel. It’s heartening to see so many people affected by rare diseases with glass half full attitudes. Medical staff fully behind them and organisations supporting in what needs done. Let’s hope for the day that we can get some treatment and you never know maybe even a cure for some of the diseases. However, for now let us manage the best we can.
Most people in life know someone with cancer. Or are knowledgable about signs or symptoms of some kind of cancer. However the rarer less known conditions need the help of Doctors, writers, patients, etc to promote awareness to get their name out there and help others know what to look for. “Doctors are taught ‘when you hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras,’ meaning a doctor should first think about what is a more common and potentially more likely—diagnosis. In oncology zebras have to be thought about. If a clinician isn’t as familiar with rare conditions, they may spend too much time looking for the proverbial horses. One such rare disease is Neuroendocrine Cancer and carcinoid syndrome. November 10th is Net Cancer Day. For the patient and the diagnosis it is all so important for the doctor in the big important Think zebra not horse.
Getting a diagnosis of Net Cancer can be difficult. It often goes misdiagnosed and the diagnosis is delayed and very often a person is told they have the cancer once it has spread to other organs and is incurable.
Living with Nets and carcinoid syndrome isn’t always easy. There are days it can really take over your life and just getting out of bed is a real struggle. However, there are great treatments and support networks out there to help you on your way. Looking after your body, eating the right things, meeting up with people and talking can all help in your cancer journey. I certainly know meeting up with likeminded people from The Ann Edgar Charitable Trust and sharing experiences has been a lifesaver. Making super friends along the way, the only down side is losing some dear ones to this damn condition.
On this eve of Net Cancer Day I think of the amazing buddies I have made since the day I was told I had carcinoid syndrome. I keep up with and chat to friends we share what’s going on in our medical life. I have lost and miss some lovely zebra, including Ann, Didi, Pam, Janny, Margaret, Becky, Norman, Linda. Celebrity zebra have included Audrey Hepburn,Steve Jobs, Aretha Franklin.
Audrey Hepburn’s son did a newspaper interview – you can view it HERE
Common symptoms of NETs include:
Flushing (redness, warmth) in the face or neck without sweating.
Diarrhea, including at nighttime.
Shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat/palpitations.
High blood pressure.
Fatigue, weakness.
Abdominal pain, cramping, feeling of fullness.
Unexplained weight gain or loss.
Wheezing, coughing
The symptoms of a neuroendocrine tumour depend on where in the body it is and what hormones it produces.
Diagnosing neuroendocrine tumours
Many tests can be used to diagnose neuroendocrine tumours, including blood tests, urine tests, scans and a biopsy (where a small tissue sample is taken for closer examination).
octreotide scans – where slightly radioactive liquid is injected into your veins and a special camera is used to highlight any cancerous cells
Treating Net Cancer and Carcinoid Syndrome
Every patient has their treatment plan tailor-made for them. No one person is exactly the same. They may have the same germ cell. Could have been diagnosed with almost literally the same diagnosis – it does not mean the treatment will be the same. All our bodies react differently, we give off different hormones, etc. And to be honest we may not have the same attitude to the consultants conversation in the room.
Treatments Include:
For some people surgery is an option.
Somatostatin Analogues – may be used to help control the secretion of hormones if abnormal levels are being produced
Embolisation – Treatment that blocks the blood supplyusing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or radiofrequency ablation
Treatments used for some Inoperable and metastatic cancer:
Everolimus is taken as a tablet, sunitinib is taken as a capsule and lutetium is given into a vein.
Over the last few months life has certainly had its up and downs. As usual getting the usual carcinoid syndrome treatment. Not feeling the best at times and all that comes with it. However on the plus note covid restrictions have been a lot better, I have seen my family much more, Steve has been on the Harley-Davison®. We managed an evening out to see Del Amitri live in Edinburgh, at the Queens Hall. Our youngest son graduated from university. I got head hunted for a job from a very reputable company. We have a lot to be grateful for. As I was sitting working on my computer my phone gave a familiar bing. I looked over, it was letting me know my screen time was down. Most likely because I have been writing more this week, and I have gave the social media platform Facebook a wider berth over the last few weeks; mainly due to seeing the same old…… Although I have to confess I did see a few things on it today that made me smile, and other things that put me off…… on reading down the page I thought what has made me smile today?
Firstly waking up and being alive makes me smile. Every day is a bonus. I love where I live and who I live with. I open the curtains, roll up the blind in the morning, look out my bedroom window and the view of my back garden is a huge field where I enjoy walking my loyal Labrador Retrievers.
Buddy sitting at the front door
My boy Buddy is my assistance dog. He takes great care of me. Knows when my glucose levels drop. When my heart is misbehaving. He was such a great chap and tapped my nurse on the knee on Wednesday when she was attending to me, I asked her to check her blood sugar level it was sitting at 3.9 – he knew she was hungry.
My family not only make me smile they make me laugh. We have fabulous times together. Play old fashioned games, sit and talk, sing together, dance in the house and most importantly love each other.
Writing keeps me sane as well as makes me smile. Jotting down in a diary, keeping a journal, and writing for a living. I simply love it.
Listening to music most definitely made me smile today. Whether it is music on Apple Music, reminiscing about times gone by, Steve strumming his Martin guitar and beautifully singing along or Alexandra practicing her heart out on the violin or getting a guitar lesson from her Grandad. All those tunes give me such a warm feeling inside. It made me remember about that time……well will keep this one to myself…….
Remembering yesterday, listening to stories about the trip out pumpkin picking and dancing around the house and face painting.
smile each and every day 