I'm on my way home after spending a month on North Uist with my ( now not so ) new partner. I've learn to feed the sheep, manage the peat stove, control a wilful sheepdog on our daily walks. I've springcleaned and sorted a house and it's neighbouring rental property lived in by a single man for several years, enough said. Cooked meals, walked to the local shop three miles away. Ventured further afield in an old van, tried out the two other supermarkets, no bigger than my local minimarket, and mustered meals from available produce.
We've had a few beach walks when he wasn't working, had cosy evenings in at home and generally rubbed along pretty well for a pair of oldies.
And the message here is, I haven't felt like a cancer patient at all. I've had purpose and drive , all driven by affection and it's taken my mind to a different place. Tomorrow I'm home with blood test and bone treatment again. I don't want this illness to dominate my life and for a few weeks it hasn't. I think there'll have to be a plan to keep the feeling going!
I really think our minds are the most important factor in all this. Good luck ladies. I just wanted to share this.
Written by
Beryl71
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
The weather wasn't a problem, I had thermals and several layers. And a big storm coat. I plan to be back for lambing but meanwhile Ron's coming down to me and we'll have a real holiday. No work, and he should be retired by then. So let's get the scans and next few appointments over. X
Your description of your holiday made me think of “A Scots Quair” by Lewis Grassic Gibbon. I believe it was televised as Sunset Song but there is a lot to be said for a simple life! Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve been feeling sad thinking I’ll never see Scotland again but I’ll push that thought away for now. Thanks for sharing. Chris
I must look out for that. I've been reading books by Mike Tomkies, Between Earth and Paradise, Moobli and A Last Wild Place. Try to get to Scotland if you can! X
Thanks I’ve got them queued on my kindle. My husband is one of those despised people that are unvaccinated as he has leukemia and his platelets are low. His doctor advised against the vaccine due to the adverse effects. Don’t expect we’ll be allowed on a plane anytime soon and they might even decide to quarantine us. What a crazy world we live in! He’ll be 80 at the end of the month. Chris
What a lovely time with your sweetie. Bet you give him as much energy and happiness as he gives you. You two are definitely a great match and so in love. Best wishes and blessings, Hannah
What a terrific post! I really enjoyed reading about your many activities. It sounds to me like you and Ron are terrific partners in sharing a life. He will certainly miss your energy and presence around the house. You will miss the wonderful feeling of sharing affection, purpose and drive. Perhaps, you'll also miss the animals and the locale.
I much agree with you that our minds are the most important factor in all this. We take the treatment provided for us, but, beyond that, we need to live our lives as fully as we can. Deciding that we will do so is critical. Congratulations on your making that decision! I need to more closely follow your example.
Perhaps you might like seeing photos of other mini outings to offer some diversion? Here is one from a few days ago walking through nearby conservation land.
It was nice seeing the crisp blue sky. My daughter gave me terrific fleece lined pants for Christmas. Great gear for colder days.
This all sounds so wonderful, aside from “sorting the house of a single guy!” 🤣 It is amazing how when the mind is occupied, less pleasant thoughts slip in.
Oh Beryl - how wonderful!I threw caution to the wind and traveled during Xmas. Figured I was doubled jabbed & boostered up - why not!
I’ve just returned from a 2 week break chasing the sun as my bones were aching, and I, like you during the entire time never felt like a cancer patient once. It was one of the best holidays of my life.
Looking for my next trip now, figured whilst I can… why not, a great way to start my second year Mets anniversary!
Agree! We plan to visit San Diego soon if we don’t encounter flight cancellations we are reading about due to omicron and staffing shortages.
We will snug masks on the flight and only dine outdoors when we are there. The opportunity to rent a bicycle and ride wearing short sleeves in January is so appealing!
Thank you so much for sharing this. You are an inspiration. I am about the same age as you and would love to find a partner to share my life with. How did you meet your wonderful man? I think that that amazing experience so enriches your life that it increases your chances of survival. Good on ya! Di xx
Wow amazing photo. I love the Scottish isles and know exactly what you mean, real shut off time. We used to holiday on Islay a lot when my son was young. We live in England not too far from Scottish Borders so good commuting times. I’m so pleased you had a fab time. Winter in Scotland is really nice , quieter and beautiful scenery.We have just returned from Center Parcs and spent a week swimming and walking with no car and just what we needed. I agree it’s about keeping life as normal as possible we deserve that at least. My 6 month scan is due Feb so looming in the distance but today I have planned a refurb of my sitting room and plastered my kitchen wall lol. Then I intend to go to London in Feb with my son regardless of results.
I hope you spend many more beautiful times on North Uist.
Sounds like a wonderful time. So very happy for your respite. Hoping your blood test goes well and the memories of your lovely trip will keep you strong, positive and healthy. Sending hugs!
I agree , our minds are very powerful . I hope all goes well and you can get back to your happy place soon.
This was beautiful to read! It sounds like a marvelous time that you had! It is a good reminder to all of us to try and cease the moment! I hope you continue with the fun times, new experiences and that your treatments are not too exhausting!
Wow Sister /WARRIOR you are going strong. You accomplish more than most people who don't have health challenges😇👍. I love that you are living your life with joy
Good for you! That's the spirit! As far as possible, it is much better to NOT feel like a cancer patient. Given the advancing technology in every field, including medical field, including cancer, chances are we will live to a ripe old age and die of something completely different. So, why agonize over cancer?
That's my plan. I don't want to accept things as they are but continue making plans as before!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this lovely post. You write so well about this adventure and your connection with your partner. I feel as I enjoyed a travelogue from you post.
Good luck with your return and your treatment. I wish you more adventures.
Carolyn that sounds wonderful. Living a normal life is so important and uplifting. Please send us a picture of the lambs when it happens.Enjoy
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
A little inspiration...
Latest results - good news
Bad Day!!
Melbourne/ Victoria /Australia. Congratulations.
