howdi all - great weekend camping, sounds like yours was too Eliza! Was really chuffed that I made it…last chemo for me on thursday this week - just dreading the 8 days or so of crap after it but hey ho it’ll be the last lot so well worth it!! Di - I agree about things being quicker getting ready etc - managed to have a shower camping for 20p as has no hair to mither over!! mary x
Hey all, wow what a way to go Carole, thanks for that , ooh the story can’t end, it’s an ongoing saga with new chapters at different steps of the journey, I’m going to be coming on here for ever ! You aint getting rid of me…
Glad you had good weekends,whoop it up Mary, my goodness, your last one,that is great and then onto rads,the finish post is in sight.
Mmmmmm am just sniffing my first sweet peas of the summer,god I love the smell of them, so reminds me of an old aunt that used to grow them.
Have got a new bbq to put together but looks like I will need a degree in engineering to do it…too many bits ! Wish me luck ! Might just go try out a new recipe instead …lol
Sandra x
carole - I loved that chapter!! mary x
Wow, Mary, last one. That was quick! Way to go! Just think, 4 weeks from now you’ll be chemo free and only rads to go.
Gen, I was thinking about what happens when we’re all through rads when I was writing that last bit. The story doesn’t end while a Storm Rider is in Determination, so there’s a way to go yet, and Rose (Sheila) has still to find out what she’s going to get, and we’ll pick up other storm riders along the way I’m sure. Also, we might be finished active treatment, but we’ve still got to find out how the Tam or whatever drug we’re all on pans out, and it would be great to get to that first scan and get the all clears. So, I have a fantastic chapter already in mind for when we’re all through rads (nope, hang me from a cactus, but I’m not telling!), but I don’t see the story ending there, it might just morph a bit. After all, the Storm Riders who are across the border are now free to come back to Determination any time they like. Casey’s still chuffing in, and Yorkie, Scotia and Nancy are heading back in shortly. Mule’s about to cross, and she’s coming back over too.
I suppose I see crossing the Border and getting free of the Boss’s shenanigans as being free of the worst part and seeing the open prairie ahead again. The storm’s been ridden till it’s blowing itself out, but we might still get our hats blown off with the last winds and rain, and the odd flash flood can still sweep our feet out from under us. Is there another town out there, closer to Normality that the Storm Riders go to, where something else holds sway and the riders are needed, and need to be. Is it a town? What is the “else”. Ah, we shall see, indeedy. One thing’s for sure, the Storm Riders will always ride. They’ve discovered who they are, who they could be, the strength and courage that they have, and they will ride after this storm, not because they have to, but because they want to, because they can.
Glad it was a good weekend Mary and last chemo this week as well…yipppeeee!! Kick the se in to touch! Your rads will just fly by!!
Lizzie, you will start to feel better, I still have down days, but its your body getting back to what it was as well as your emotions!!
Love your interpretation Carole…yep eventually we will all have finished active treatment, but we will still have our hicups!!
I love sweet peas Sandra…used to grow em! Can’t beat that scent!
Rose how are you feeling? Not long to go now. We are all here when you get back! Did you get your pjs?
Helenx
Hi
Dont you hate it when you type a message and it disappears…
Anyway, Side effects of last chemo and hopefully last ever chemo are fading now. Taste only a slight issue still. Eyes are a bit of a problem but can deal with that. Only big problem is now positive i have lymphoedema, arm has swelled up in heat and have knuckles that resemble Mike Tysons. I have left an urgent msge for breast care nurse to call me. I need to get ball rolling on this fast.
I have been busy shopping and packing for youngest’s school trip this weekend. He left this morning and comes back Friday and I am already missing him like mad… I went back to school today to help out on y6 trip to Museum of Childhood. They were so well behaved, it was a real pleasure to go. Also going back on Wednesday for trip to Transport museum with them. About thirty of them havent gone on the school trip (yes i work at same school son goes to) so they are organising nice things to make up for it. Think the recession is biting as usually most of y6 go on the trip.
Last chemo Mary, you are nearly with me… I am at hospital friday so should find out my radiotherapy plan then. Its annoying i dont know as i need to make plans, can’t even book a holiday. Also, next week is when i should meet my new class etc and cant even plan for that as i might but probably wont be starting rads. I am in limbo…
Hope my new wig comes soon. Cant wait to try something different, i like mine but it is a bit blonde Hayley Cropper. Next one Carol Channing. I keep thinking i would like to do a ‘Samantha’ from SITC
and have a different one for every day. I am sure the school kids would like that… Wear a witchipoo one for when i am grumpy LOL.
Oh well going to go and eat something, weight i lost last week is slowly creeping back on even though i am not overeating. C’est la vie…
All the best
Linda
Thanks all, yes back home with the button up pj’s and new dressing gown and slippers! I am feeling OK in general but admit to being a little on the weepy side today. Just want the op over with. Others been through and going through much worse. It is great to know that storm riders will be there with me! How great to have your own posse on the way down to theatre! I will post as soon as I can when get home after op. Will be saddling up tomorrow and making sure Rocky is well fed, rested and watered for the journey… love to all my storm rider buddies, how lucky am I? xxxxx
Deep envy mode! Last ever chemo, Linda wowza. I was thinking about it earlier and how it’ll feel at the end of July when I get mine. Hugs on the lymphodaema, but it must still be great knowing that each SE is fading and you don’t have to go through it again in a week’s time. I can’t wait. I like the Samantha, yeah try that! I tried that look at my wig fitting. Let’s just say it wasn’t me. My face has particular needs! 
…
The Old One stepped out onto the veranda and stared out at the mountain pass. The riders were sitting round the kitchen table enjoying Bilbo’s tale of this morning’s antics. Even Steel managed a grin at the description of the Boss. The Old One turned back into the kitchen and sat down in her rocking chair with her coffee.
“Young uns,” she said, “Forget this morning’s chores. I want you to head out to the mountain pass and bring me in the rider that’s coming through. Take the wagon just in case.”
Calypso and Red got up and went out to take a look.
“What can you see? I can’t see anything.” said Calypso, and Red shrugged in agreement.
“There’s more to see than what your eyes tell you Calypso,” said the Old One, “You’ll learn as time goes on. Now, go on with you all, except you two,” and she indicated PonchoCat and Quest. “I’d be grateful if you two would go over to the station with Casey and pick up a bundle of supplies. And Casey, keep an eye on the track. That little jape of Yorkie’s will get the Boss’s back up and no mistake. He won’t let that lie. And Steel, can you go up to the Sheriff’s office. He’s heading out of town for a few days, and I just want to check if there’s anything he needs us to do while he’s away” Steel nodded and headed over to the bunkhouse.
“No problem, Old One,” said Casey. “I’ll watch out. Anybody got any messages for Yorkie, Scotia and Nancy? I’ll get into Normality about the same time they do.”
“Yeah, they’d better smell good when they get back here,” grunted Steel. “If Bilbo’s anything to go by, we’ll need to knock some more windows in the bunkhouse walls.”
“Hey, I washed!” said Bilbo indignantly and threw a half eaten pancake in Steel’s direction.
“Ok you two, quit it,” ordered Mule, "Let’s go saddle up and see what’s going on at the pass.
Chairs scraped on the floor, and hands dived for the last pancakes, cramming them into mouths as the kitchen filled with riders shoving to get out the door.
“Mule,” said the Old One and Mule turned back, “You’ve got some riding to do of your own, don’t you?”
Mule looked down and frowned, her hat gently tapping against her thigh. “Yes, ma’am, but not today.” She looked up slightly sheepishly, then turned on her heel and strode out.
Riviera glanced at Mule’s receding back, then back at the Old One.
“Sometimes it’s hard to do what needs to be done,” said the Old One, and smiled gently at Riviera.
Riviera drummed her fingers on the window sill for a moment, then followed the others to the barn to hitch up the wagon.
Yeah, another rider in the bunkhouse! Won’t be long now Rose, it’s good to get the surgery over with once you know it’s coming. We’ll all be there watching over you and making sure the sheriff does a good job.
I’m not too tired generally after rads Jane. It hit me yesterday, but today I’m fine. Ran 3.5k this morning and feel ok. All right Carole, I’ll run for you if needs be. But I might have trouble passing myself off as you. You know, short, dark Welsh woman v tall, blonde Scots woman…
Gennie, you brought a tear to my eye talking about the boys riding their bikes. Another milestone. Sorry you’re feeling emotional, but it’s not surprising really is it? Those of you having chemo have a lot to deal with and you must be feeling pretty exhausted by the whole thing.
Lizzie, I’m not surprised you’re feeling emotional. Not only is there the whole end of treatment thing going on, I’m sure your thinking about your Mum a lot and worrying about her. When I went to the Benefits Agency recently, the girl I was talking to said her Mum had recently finished treatment for bc. She said when you’ve finished your treatment, don’t think you should go racing back to working - take your time. Shame about your friend. I had lobular too and had to have an MRI, which showed up another suspicious area, so I had to have another biopsy. It all seemed to go on forever.
Last chemo Mary, fantastic. Glad you had a good weekend before it. You’ll be in a good frame of mind for it.
Linda, shame about your arm. How long since your surgery? Did you have lymph node clearance? I’m afraid you lost me when you were talking about your wig. I have no idea who any of those women you were talking about were. Oh dear, I really must keep up.
I keep hearing on the radio about flooding, but it’s wall to wall sunshine here. Hope none of you are affected.
Nearly forgot again. Thanks for the sponsorship Gennie. If anyone else cares to sponsor me, I’ll PM them the link:D
Sure you can pass yourself off as me Sal. It’s a well documented SE of chemo that your hair turns a different colour and, um, er, ah! We’ll tell them I always wear really high heels so of course I’m going to look shorter on a treadmill. Sorted!
Gen, chin up old sausage, time is passing and it will all seem better soon. Weep away (I welled up just because I saw a fire engine racing to the rescue today), but don’t use your sleeve for blowing your nose. Riviera will never forgive you!
PonchoCat, Casey, and Quest rode out to the station.
“Any chance you brought in some pistachios Casey?” asked Quest looking hopeful.
“Ah, no luck Quest,” replied Casey. “Pistachios aren’t high on the Old One’s list.”
Quest looked crestfallen. She adored pistachios and had run out a week ago. The rest of the bunkhouse ribbed her endlessly since her saddle bags had tipped over the night she arrived and at least 2lbs of pistachios had rattled onto the floor.
“I’m coming back in at the end of the week. I’ll bring you some. Can you last another few days?”
“I’ll try,” sighed Quest, then perked up. “But I bet you brought in walnuts!”
Casey laughed. “Sure did, but keep your mitts out of them till the Old One tells you. She’s making walnut cake for The Walk, and you’ll get a good whack if she comes up short.”
“Yeah, I heard about that,” said PonchoCat. “A Determination tradition mid July. It’s something to do with marking the town boundaries, pairing off the unmarrieds, and raising funds for projects round the town isn’t it?”
“As far as I know,” said Casey. “Most of the townsfolk that are able go for a day’s trek round the boundaries, taking in all the outlying farms, through the forest to Ned’s place, and back in, stopping for picnics, races, games and the like. All the unmarried women who want a beau wear a pink ribbon, all the menfolks wear a blue one. On the walk they get to talk to anybody they like without it being frowned on or needing a chaperone, just so long as they all stay in sight. Folk pledge a bit of money, or building materials, their labour or something, for everybody that makes it round without needing a wagon lift. Kids excluded of course. Apparently most of the youngest end up in the sleep wagon before the day’s out. Of course, it’s really just fun. Everybody on the walk’s pledging for somebody else on the walk, so they’re just raising funds and services that they’d give anyway. But it’s a good tradition. Keeps the community together.”
“That could be fun,” said Quest. “Think I’ll join in.”
“Let’s go register at the store then and see if we can’t drum up some interest in the rest. Wonder if the storm dogs would come? The kids would love that.” and Ponchocat started thinking up some kind of storm dog game she might convince them to do.
The station was quiet except for the gentle hiss of the steam from the engine as Casey’s fireman got the boiler ready for the outward journey. The three of them started lifting the various small sacks onto the horses. Folly’s ears twitched, then twitched again, hearing something. He turned his head looking out in the direction of the canyon.
“What is it Fol?” asked PonchoCat.
Folly pawed the ground and started to look agitated. Ponchocat looked over to the Canyon, but all she could see was a couple of buzzards playing in the sky. Folly was definitely hearing something though.
“Ok Fol, show me,” said Ponchocat taking the sacks back off then climbing into the saddle. “I’ll be back in a bit,” she said to the other two.
“Here, take the rope,” said Quest passing it over. “The canyon’s not a good place to be without one. Fire off a couple of rounds if you need help.”
PonchoCat nodded then patted Folly’s neck and nudged him on. Folly set off at a quick pace, headed for the canyon. I hope we’re in time, he thought to himself, let us be in time.
Ooooh, another cliff-hanger. You’re doing a great job Carole. I’ve still got writers block!
Brilliant yet again Carole :-), I have such a vivid picture in my head now of what Determination looks like, it’s like a real place.
Absolutely worn out today, don’t know why as I haven’t done anything but eyes are playing up a lot too, I should be feeling well this week…grrrrr.
Apologies for not writing much but hugs to all and hope you’ve all had good days today, I’ll be in a better mood tomorrow promise!! Di xxx
Steel knocked on Sheriff Dan’s door and walked through.
“Morning Dan,” she said, taking her hat off and hanging it on the coat hook next to the door.
“Morning Steel,” said Dan, his morning brightened up considerably with this unexpected visit. “What brings you in?”
“I hear you’re heading out of town for a few days. Just wondering if you needed us to do anything, help out the deputies, whatever?”
“Actually I could do with a hand. I can only leave a couple of the boys, so if you could keep an eye on things with them that would good. Any chance you could do me a favour today?”
“Sure Dan, what?”
“Old man Silas went and left his pigs unattended and they’ve got into the Barblue’s fields again. They’re kicking up a stink, wanting me to arrest Silas, threatening to shoot his pigs next time. It’s an ongoing feud, which would be helped greatly if Silas would just fix his fences. Anyway, could you head over there and see if you can quiet it down, otherwise my deputies will spend all their time dealing with that, and I need them in town while I’m away.”
“I’ll get on over there this morning. Not sure I’m the best one for calming things down, but I’ll give it a shot. Any coffee going?”
Dan leapt to his feet. “Absolutely, take a seat.” He felt a bit guilty, but what the heck, it was just coffee, it wasn’t like Mrs York had anything to worry about. He wasn’t exactly sweet on Steel, he just liked her company. He smiled to himself. Dan, Dan, Dan, said his better side, you old liar. You’re sweet on her and you know it. Ok, ok, he said to himself, but Mrs York still hasn’t got anything to worry about.
“Sugar, Steel, cream?”
“Black’s fine Dan, thanks.” And Dan sighed inside as her gloved fingers touched his as she took the mug.
Right, gotta go do something. Back tomorrow. 
Best of british for the op tomorrow Rose and to anyone else being sorted.
I’ve been pottering along , sleeping when necessary and doing when possible ( mainly planting up various sized and shaped containers but doing it sitting down )
The big world revealed itself at the weekend when I got the chance to go and see Oasis play in Cardiff, with a night spent down in Ebbw Vale and a quick drive round the scenic stuff near Brecon on the way back - that really looks lovely so let’s hope the bunkhouse is good up there or where-ever.
Sunday took its revenge, when I had to have 3 naps during the day, then 8 hours at night too.
Today I had to go into work for the phased return to work interview - good job I did as I would have been on half pay 3 weeks earlier than expected ( something to do with absences during a rolling 12 month period )
It’s been proposed that I go back on Monday, just doing 3 alternate days 10 till 2, negotiable if I feel like the proverbial, and on different days in the chemo treatment weeks, then take the 3 rads weeks off altogether. Honestly I really don’t want to bother but I suppose the longer you leave it, the harder it gets to re-integrate.
Sleep beckons again ( been awake 4 hours so on the limit ) so hugs to all - Ros.
Great chapters Carole…can’t wait for the next installment!!
Ros …you are right about going back to work, the longer you leave it the less inclined you are to go back…You obviously need sleep,… lots of it. Ask them to provide a sofa to sleep on at work, it you start feeling tired! Not such an easy business getting back to it!
I can imagine Determination too Di…every alley, wooden built buildings, saloon , barn the people etc…yep its become so real…might spend a few days there this summer hehehehe!! Sorry you’re feeling pretty worn out still Di. A few more days until your chemo and the weather might let you go and relax outside…or help to grow another cucumber!
Sal I can’t believe you ran that far…or even at all…its impressive. You are one sporty gal!!I bet it gives you a buzz though. My husband runs and I think its the serotonin release that helps him to enjoy it!! (think thats right!).
Gennie…thats a memory you will always remember…I remember going down into the local school with the kids when they were young…both individually…3yrs between them…while I watched, same as you…and you told the memory so well it brought back mine!!lovely.
How are you today Lizzie…hope the weathers been good…it always helps to cheer me up a bit. You’ll still have your ups and downs, just roll with it and we are here when you want a natter or a rant.
Mary and I think Martina , its your last chemo week …make the most before treatment…then you can thumb your nose at the chemo rubbish.
take care
Hope all are doing ok…
Helenxx
Hi everyone,
Lizzie, I’m sorry to hear your mum is not too well. Hopefully she will be able to focus on what she can rather than can’t do. My mum had a stroke 18 months ago and it is still hard for her to accept what she now can’t do - tho she is still getting some things back. I think I’m pretty much over the general random weepiness but I’m aware that it doesn’t take much to set me off.
Rose, thinking of you and sending lots of good vibes - we are all with you! Glad you had a good weekend too, Mary. Ros, I’m sure you are right about it being harder to get back into work the longer you are off. One reason why I didn’t dare take much time off!
Sorry to hear about your arm, Linda. Hopefully you will get a quick referral to your lymphoedema nurses. Glad to hear you are feeling okay, Sal.
More great reading, Carole! I do hope Casey manages to get those pistachios next time! And I know what I must bring to our weekend! You’re right that finishing active/acute treatment isn’t the end. At the moment I think that for some time I will be living in a frontier town rather than back in Normality, and if I do move back there it will be to the outskirts rather than the town centre. So, yes, our collective story morphing sounds right to me. Going through all this does change us in many ways; we worry about aches and twinges that previously we’d have ignored but also we know we are strong and determined.
Eliza xx
Morning all Bright sunshine again and really hot already.
Good luck for today Rose, we’ll all be behind you and ready for you on your return, you’ll be home before you know it. Di x
Morning everyone…
Good luck for today Rose… {{{hugs}}}
Theresa