Susannah and I both lived in Kyoto, Japan for several years – it’s where we met in 2002. In Kyoto when guests overstay their welcome, a polite way to suggest that they leave is to offer them some green tea over rice, known as ochazuke. This morning we chat about hoping for positive change in my tumour. I jokingly address my left breast; Betty, would you like some ochazuke? Susannah cracks up and nearly spits her coffee. Only she would understand the reference. We share so much history.

Today is Susannah’s last day off – I’ve really enjoyed spending time together, both at home and outside. I’m still sad that we didn’t get away, but our home really is the perfect place for a staycation.

I go upstairs and Mum is in a weird mood. She seems depressed. I wonder if I am the cause but as usual she won’t talk about it. Aunt Ka pops in for a visit. She doesn’t stay long and afterwards I hear her upstairs with Mum. I hope she can talk Mum out of her blues.

For dinner we decide to do pizza again. I figure that from Thursday I won’t want to eat much after chemo so we are packing in our favourite foods over the last few days. Once again the Ooni pizza oven is awesome – it definitely rivals a pizzeria. What a great buy.

I also make a sugarless brownie using only banana, peanut butter and cocoa powder. Surprisingly, it’s pretty good! The ripe bananas give it a bit of natural sweetness. I think it will satisfy my sweet cravings nicely.

I’ve had a nice relaxing weekend. The AC chemo has a reputation of such horrible side effects that the last few days have felt like the calm before the storm.