Glad to hear that Gwenda`s in good spirits, Jean - can`t keep a good woman down, eh?

Kathleen x

That is good to hear about Gwenda. I hope that her operation goes well. Did you go to the same place as we went to 2 years ago? That was such a nice afternoon!


Eleanor x

P.S Lyn didn't take her scissors did she?

Thrilled to hear this news about Gwenda!

We had such a lovely afternoon, stuffing our faces over lunch, chatting ten to the dozen (poor Steve!) and then visiting Gwenda. Such a shame you weren't with us Eleanor you really would have enjoyed it (could've given you that quick trim too, assuming we could have removed that dammed balaclava!). I'm going to look forward to a time when you will be able to join us Eleanor; missed you

For those of you who don't know Gwenda she is truly one amazing lady. I am totally without words when it comes to describing that lady's spirit in the face of such adversity. It particularly came home to me because like Gwenda I have had RA for over 20 years; strangely, or perhaps not living so close, at one time we had the same rheumatologist. But our response to treatment couldn't have been more different. Whereas I have admittedly had the run of almost every medication available I have, throughout, for the main part responded to the treatments, at least for a short period of time. I have had some surgery and replacements/fusions and I'm still on low dose steroids. On the other hand Gwenda has not tolerated the medication she has been given and was on high dose steroids to control the disease. Result, bone loss. Very sadly Gwenda has undergone 13/14 (decision couldn't be made!) surgical joint procedures with more to follow. We couldn't now be more different in terms of mobility and general health. She is a remarkable lady with such strength of character.

Just felt that I needed to write this because it's all too easy to moan and groan over small things that get us down but in reality there are those who cannot be helped by any of the standard treatments. We each deal differently with what life throws our way but sometimes to step back and see things in perspective can be quite an awakening.

On a lighter note Bonnie left me with the most awful spotty rash (thought I was about to join you in UCH Barbara!), blood shot eyes and streaming nose! Worse still my cat wouldn't speak to me; clearly could smell 'enemy'!!
Heyho

Lyn x

I agree with you Lyn. We do sometimes need to remember people like Gwenda who does not respond to treatment and who has been left in such a condition because of the drugs that she had to take to help.

No wonder you were alergic to poor old Bonnie if you were planning to have a go with the scissors!

Nice to hear that you were in the same place for lunch: it was such a lovely venue. Next time that I come I will have to remember to have my balaclave in my case! Sadly, it will not be with Mum again as she is far too unwell now and much to frail.

Take care, hope that your rash gets better soon.

Eleanor x

interesting Barbara, my best friend had a maesectomy in January and having chemo again now, and then radio.
she said the same to me as your friend. Her strength is amazing . We look after each other .

Rose