I struggle to get out of bed. My social weekend was followed by an impromptu afternoon trip to the zoo on Monday, making the most of the continuing great weather. My friend CW came over yesterday for a yummy lunch (she bought cheese – the way to my heart!) and then Susannah and I went to the pub quiz in the evening. It’s all catching up with me now and I can do nothing but listen to my body and take it slow. It was all good though – I almost felt normal for awhile.

I pull myself out of bed in time for Art Therapy. This week we do the final stage of the Te Whare Tapa Whā project – Whetu, or connection to the stars. Te Whare Tapa Whā has 5 aspects to it, but Whetu is an addition as we have 6 sides to our box. I paint a night sky in watercolours.

I have really enjoyed this project. I think I might make a kind of photo or image cube instead of a box. I want to create something to commemorate what I’ve been through and where I am now.

In the afternoon Mum drives me out to Dove House. I am having an Oncology Massage with Ma who has been recommended as a lymphedema specialist. She is a gentle soul and her massage technique is soft but very effective. Although I’ve been feeling quite positive all week I find myself tearing up a bit as I lie on the table. This catches me by surprise but I have no choice but to release the stress as it appears. 

On the way home I start to feel queasy. I realise I have done too much and need to slow down. I rest for the remainder of the day.