When we got round to unpacking all the books the lovely National Trust Advent calendar wasn't inside the bible. No sign of it anywhere so I looked around online for an Advent Calendar that would be good to look at all month and it needed to stand up on it's own too and definitely no chocolate.
Found this, snowy mountain village scene and love it. It's German, 3D and the doors and windows that open really are doors and windows!
I shall enjoy seeing what sort of things are behind the doors.....A family around a table in door 1.
Col is now in Addenbrookes Hospital being prepared for the donor stem cell transplant. This involves a week of a type of chemo, which we hope isn't one he had before that resulted in him going into shock!
The stem cell donor has a week of injections which forces stem cells to overflow into the blood, then they have a day donating and Col gets them back the next day and that's when the problems might start. He will be in all month as recovery takes several weeks.....I'm Home Alone for December!
In a way it will be easier this time as he's been through it all before but on the other hand because he's been so well and will then be very ill it will be harder ........if you follow. He is going into this transplant in a much better state of heath than last time, heavier and fitter.......we shall just have to wait and see. We've been warned that recovery is peaks and troughs rather than a steady climb.
The only internet connection in the ward is via the over-the-bed TV and very slow, apparently when they modernised all the hospital computer systems, good internet connection up high - 10th floor- on this ward was lost. He tried a dongle but no good either, he has plenty of reading matter and the TV and Radio to keep him occupied as I won't be going to see him more than a couple of times a week........ it's just too far and despite all the practice I still don't enjoy driving - especially on the A14 which has as much traffic as a motorway but is only 2 lanes most of the way, with numerous junctions and trucks pulling out of lay-bys etc. Luckily Col understands how I feel, and we'll cope how we have before.
Back Tomorrow
Sue
All the best to both of you over this period, I know that driving has become a hellish nightmare when you hit motorways and main roads, so do take care and keep writing - its fun. X
ReplyDeleteI like your advent calendar. I need start reading my advent book. I got one calendar for each of my older grandchildren. With chocolate. Praying all goes well with Col in hospital. Sorry you can't visit as much as you'd like. Traffic can just be crazy. Even in town.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter found a free book at library and brought it home for me. The Crown and The People 1902-1953. Written by H.R.H. THE DUKE OF WINDSOR K.G. His thoughts and photographs of coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. His niece. I like it! Nice photos! We were there when she celebrated silver jubilee. Have a good weekend.
The A14 is a nightmare with all the port traffic from Felixstowe and Harwich. Like the A120 it is far to small for the traffic it takes. Wishing and hoping all goes well for Col.
ReplyDeleteWishing you both all the very best for the next few weeks (and the weeks/ months thereafter) x
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you both, hope the treatment goes well.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you both, hope all goes well.x
ReplyDeleteVery Best Wishes to you both.
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well and that opening the doors each day gives you a little something to think about. Drive safely - I know you will! - and take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteLove the calendar. Keeping our fingers crossed for a successful transplant.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely Advent Calendar
ReplyDeleteJulie xxxxx
I'll be thinking of you both and am sending my very best wishes that the transplant goes really well. Lovely advent calendar, BTW.
ReplyDeleteOh you two...Col...keep warm...keep welll...you can do this...Sue...keep the home fires burning...we're here for you every step of the way...just at an ipads distance. Hope it counts for something though. xx
ReplyDeleteWishing you both the very best for this coming month of difficulty, hoping it paves the way for better health in January and the coming year.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you both Sue and do hope the time passes quickly.
ReplyDeleteYour advent calendar is lovely.
Hazel c uk
Your advent calendar is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteNot an easy month for either of you. Just hoping everything goes well and Col responds brilliantly. Also hope you are all right on your own, I'm sure you will be, but you know I worry!
Thinking of you both and sending love and best wishes.
ReplyDeleteYou will both be in my thoughts this December, I hope you get a smooth run and it passes quickly. Please try and blog each day so we know how you are doing, we are here with support from afar. xxx
ReplyDeleteI will be thinking about you Sue this month as Col undergoes more treatment. Safe driving as you go back and forth and As I have said before, I so admire your courage during all that has happened to you both. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI have never got my head around Advent calendars as they were not around when I was young and I cannot equate them with religion. Yours is the best I have ever seen. I believe they originated in Germany so perhaps their's are more traditional. I understand about the A14, I strayed on it once and thought never again. Good luck and if you want a chat I am always here at the end of an email. Rachel
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of straying onto the A14!
DeleteYou will both be in my thoughts this month. Wishing and hoping that the transplant is successful.
ReplyDeleteEchoing everyone else and wishing you both all the very best from far off Australia. Karen
ReplyDeleteI don't often comment,but wishing Colin all the luck in the world with his stem cell transplant.I read your post often and have been so amazed ,impressed with all the wonderful things Colin has done around your house and garden.Best wishes to you both.
ReplyDeleteWishing Col all the best, for a procedure that works and a calm recovery.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
What a beautiful snowy calendar.
ReplyDeleteSending healing thoughts for Col and best wishes to you both as you go through December.
Hugs-x-
Sending you both all good wishes for this difficult time. I hope all goes well for Colin. When I was in hospital I found my CD player was my best friend, blocks out hospital noise, other patients chatter and music is personal and comforting. Also, ear plugs were helpful to allow sleep despite said noise at night. Hope the time passes quickly for you both. Carole.
ReplyDeleteWe got Col some really good earphones so he plugs into the radio and usually falls asleep!
DeleteBest wishes to Col and also to you, Sue. Lovely Advent calendar.xx
ReplyDeleteI'm sending good wishes to Col for the stem cell transplant. Yes, everything I've read says there are bound to be some tough times, but it sounds as if he is in a good hospital. All good wishes to you Sue at this time. I shall be reading your blog with extra eagerness to hear how you are both doing. I do send you very sincere good wishes from Winnipeg (where we have the snow that will stay until spring) I am glad you have such a loving family. Jean, Winnipeg
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers for you and Col during this time.
ReplyDeleteI love your advent calendar.
God bless.
Offering many good thoughts for a successful treatment for Col. May all be well and the road to recovery will be smooth. Take care of yourself as well and know others care and are pulling for him.
ReplyDeleteWe'll also be thinking of you both and sending prayers up for a good outcome. It's good you have loved ones nearby. Little Florence will help make the long month easier.
ReplyDeleteThe Advent Calendar is precious!
ReplyDeleteBest of everything, with the coming health issues. I can imagine not wanting to drive on those busy highways. -sigh- I'm sure he understands.
Gentle hugs,
Luna Crone
Along with everyone else I send my best wishes to you both for the month ahead. I'm also praying for the donor who's been brave enough to volunteer their help.
ReplyDeleteIt will be hard for you to sit by and wait though from what I gather from reading your blog you have enough courage and determination to see this through. Remember to indulge yourself along the way. I'm sure you'll be planning treats for Col, add some in for yourself.
Maybe you will meet someone who lives nearby and you could share lifts although that may be a long shot!
Sue
Stay strong. Thinking of you both.
ReplyDeleteA tough month ahead for you both. Wishing you strength and success that it all goes to plan and he makes a full recovery. Will be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteJust to wish you both the very best wishes for the forthcoming month.
ReplyDeleteMargaret P
Good wishes to you both xx
ReplyDeleteThe Advent Calendar is enchanting. Sounds like the pictures behind the flaps are going to be entertaining. I hope you are doing a tree. Nothing like sitting in the dark with the glow of Christmas lights for a little peace and comfort. Keeping you both in my heart.
ReplyDeleteSending good wishes to you both. The advent calendar will be counting down towards the end of December and the treatment as well. May it go well and Col begin his recovery xx
ReplyDeleteAll the best for the coming months, hope things go smoothly.
ReplyDeletexx
The Advent Calendar is lovely. I have a 'normal' one this year but Amy and Thomas have chocolate ones as usual.
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well for Col and that you manage to keep yourself busy over the next few weeks so time doesn't drag too much in between visits. xx
Thinking of you both. I hope the treatment goes well.
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well. Eilidh xx
ReplyDeleteThinking of you both and wishing you all the best with the treatment.
ReplyDeleteMay the peaks be good, and the plains gentle, for both of you.
ReplyDeleteYour Advent calendar is beautiful. I love snowy scenes, but we rarely get much of it here. Prayers and best wishes for Col and you during the next month of treatment.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck for you and Col, Sue. Thinking of you both. x
ReplyDeleteLove and best wishes to you both, I will be thinking of you all the way.
ReplyDeletePam in Texas.x
Hope everything goes well, Loving the advent calendar xxx
ReplyDeleteThinking of you both and wishing all the best for Col's treatment. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well for Col, Sue. Thinking of you both Pattypanxx
ReplyDeleteI do hope all goes well for both of you. Seven years ago my husband (under going cancer treatment himself) had to have many litres of fluid drained. He ended up being snowed in hospital in Oxford but luckily made it home in time for Christmas. My thoughts are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI love your advent calendar. I'm keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteMantle is a cloak. Mantelpiece would be the correct spelling. Just sayin......
ReplyDeleteWell, goodness me, all these years and I've been spelling it wrong. I knew mantle was a cloak and assumed that as the shelf went OVER the fireplace it was the same as a cloak going OVER clothes. Thank you for putting me right.
DeleteI've corrected it all over the place now
My best wishes to both of you. Keep you chin up!
ReplyDeleteKitty in Washington
Will be thinking of you all, and sending strength and fortitude! X
ReplyDeleteOh gosh I missed this post. I hope everything goes well for Col, I will have everything crossed for a month.
ReplyDeleteHome alone for Christmas eh .... that could be quite good in a few ways.... no fighting over what to watch on the tele or the last chocolate covered Brazil nut... but I'm sure you would much rather have Col home and well. Xx