Then, from late last week until Monday I had a low-cortisol crash caused by coming off the steroid I've been taking. Apparently the body doesn't always kick in cortisol production, (a hormone produced by the adrenal gland), after having had it artificially for the last few months. It left me with no energy, low appetite, an unquenchable thirst, and some other unpleasant side-effects. Although we tapered off the steroid gradually over the last few weeks, the oncologist has put me back on a low dose and we're going to try and taper off again over the next few weeks. Hopefully, it'll keep my energy levels up over Christmas. (And the increased appetite caused by the steroids gives me a cover story for the extra turkey sandwiches!)
All-in-all it's been a frustrating time, as I'd planned to do so many things over these couple of weeks - I'm not a big fan of sitting around and sleeping during the day (contrary to popular belief!)
Luckily the steroids kicked in enough on Monday night to be able to go and see a Minnesota Wild, (state ice hockey team), game. They beat the Calgary Flames 4-1 and the boys had a great time, so it was worth getting up and out for.
Proud dad moment of the week...Richard gaining his yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do...
I don't have much more news. We're all ready for a relaxing, family Christmas. The boys are super-excited and Anna has already made the first batch of mince pies - mmmmm!
We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year.
Love from
Barry, Anna, Patrick and Richard.
o sorry to hear youve not been too good bazza, i know you were set for a couple of weeks break from all the treatment etc..i hope its passing now..i also hope that you have a very great xmas and new year, and goooooddddbbbbyyyy to 2010 for you after what its brought...im sure you will enjoy everything.. we are almost ready here although i panicked today coz my xmas pressies were still stuck with amazon.com because of the snow and icy roads..im soon to be saved by a shopping day off tomorrow..some news..jen has got herself some work experience at Everton, working with the sports analyst there so shes putting some of her uni learnings into practice in the new year.. lacey still good and flying as much as the weekend weather allows..some of the photos taken in flight over the snowy fields are gorg.. a bit of sad news last night, david liptrots dad passed away - sad..even though he was in his nineties.still hard for him after all this time of looking after him.. keep up the blog mate..its interesting to keep an eye on how youre doin.. and the boys are growin up v. nice lookin..must be annas touch that bit..hahaha.. i really hope 2011 brings much luck and better health..luv to you all - the laces. xxxx
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ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that you didn't feel well for a while. I hope you feel better now and will just get better and better from now on. Don't be too hard on yourself and sleep whenever you feel like it, even if it's during the day. Your body needs the time to recover.
ReplyDeleteI wish you & your family Merry Christmas! Enjoy the time with your wife & boys.
Your little guy looks nice in his yellow belt. I bet pretty soon he will be able to kick your butt ;)
ok ok we all forgive you then as you have had it rough for last couple of weeks, good job it was then and not now as you would have to watch them eat their xmas dinner (unless you fell asleep)
ReplyDeletegood though to hear you have picked up a bit enough to get out and about with the family and be able to enjoy the family xmas
i will be in touch with you over the holidays but for now wishing you a great xmas and a happy and healthy 2011
much luv to you all
"The Rich's"
xxxx
Hope you have a good Christmas and New Year and continue to progress.
ReplyDeleteI'm taking Cara's fiance Joe and his brother to the sacred temple that is Goodison Park tomorrow for the Birmongham game (they are Brummies), hopefully they won't enjoy their present!
Good luck to the Toon over the festive period
All the best
Paddy
Congratulations indeed to Richard!!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you had a rough time. Hopefully the energy is back as well as the appetite to enjoy all the holiday treats.
Merry Xmas and a lot of XXX,
Gisselle, Gabriella, Marcus and Mike
Merry Christmas Baz!! Love this photo of Richard and his yellow belt, he looks so proud. I miss you guys, and looking forward to seeing you before the New Year rolls around. I hope you're feeling better...I know sitting around doing nothing is definitely foreign to the Mongan clan...you are the busiest clan I know. Take care and looking forward to seeing what Santa brought the boys. xx - Carla
ReplyDeleteBarry, all the best for you and the family for 2011, lots of people out there thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteIan