Susannah drives me to Dove House for an oncology massage with Ma. Ma inspects my left arm, comparing it to my pre-radiation measurements. It is just a little bit swollen, nothing noticeable visually. She is able to gently massage the fluid away. She checks that I am wearing my lymphedema sleeve properly and arranges for me to come again mid-January. Ma thinks I might be lucky – if I keep doing my exercises and continue wearing the sleeve for the next little while I may be able to avoid lymphedema. I certainly hope so.

After the massage we drop the car in to Hyundai to get tested for a warrant of fitness – it’s due tomorrow. While we are waiting for the test to be completed we go to Harvey Norman to check out espresso machines. Our current machine is now about 4 years old and was purchased on the eve of lockdown so has brewed a fair few cups of coffee. Recently though its output has been a bit inconsistent. Having decided that life’s too short for shit coffee, I’m thinking it’s time to upgrade.

Even though I am just looking, I end up making a purchase and it’s none of the machines I went in to see. It’s fully automatic and does everything short of bringing the coffee to you. Treat to self after a shit year. I’m going to love it and I personally think I deserve it.