Day 18
Late Friday afternoon we went to the silk market and were amazed how few people were there. Westerners are huge by Chinese standards, so out came the L., XL & XXL (not all stores have bigger than that)…an instant motive for dieting! Then we wandered around West Lake which is really pretty at dusk. We ate the Hangzhou local specialties for dinner – Beggar’s Chicken, pork and fish (but my favourite was a greens dish -no idea what vegetable – with toasted pine nuts; delicious).
Saturday was a normal day of P.T. and I am trying so hard to lift my right leg when I walk. When I showered that morning, I used both hands to wash my hair AND I put my make-up on using my right hand. I also ate my breakfast using my right hand to hold my spoon; it sounds such a small thing but I am really pleased. Now, I have to re-program myself in that I have to consciously remind myself to pick up my mug with that hand (only when it is full of cold fluids…I am not quite brave enough to do the same with a mug of hot tea or coffee).
This morning I went out for ‘foot care’. again ..I think I might live here…for $8, I had a wonderful foot soak, massage and reflexology; it took one and a quarter hours and was blissful. Now, I am ‘house bound’ . Tomorrow, Monday, at 1030 I have my bone marrow harvest and the next 24 hours are spent on bed rest – total! And I am not allowed to shower until Thursday but will have P.T. as soon as I am allowed up. I am also having IV stem cells that afternoon. There are a large number of DVDs here so I guess watching season of ’24′ will eat up some hours.
The staff are wonderful here. Last night one of the nurses, Sophie, came in on her day off (with Dee Dee ‘younger brother’- a younger friend in reality) and cooked a great meal for us. We contributed to the feast with a stir fry chicken and cashew dish that James made.
Not only are the staff caring but they are really conscientious. Dr Tony always comments on the colour of my feet when I am sitting too long in the same position…so of I went for a doppler examination; my blood flow is fine (thank goodness). We were accompanied to the department by Nurse Casey who is at the moment upgrading her qualifications. Her parents are rice farmers yet they managed to send two of their three children to University (her brother is a doctor). These people are amazing.
I cannot say that I am eagerly awaiting tomorrow…
Add comment August 3rd, 2008
