On our vacation in France and also about the pain..

I have not written for a long time. There are good and bad reasons for this.

First, the good ones: the first Taxol treatment – 5^th chemo -  went well, no side effects.  Although it lasts longer - four hours compared to two hours and a half - it's easier because there is no concern like with Adriamitzine, the previous drug that could cause tissue damage.

I had not updated the blog mainly because everything was going well and I was excited at the idea of flying to France for a vacation. The holidays were great. We spent the first weekend in Hyeres with my sister and brother. Michel took us to the boat. It was great!

Then we traveled to the Luberon area. We rented a place near Cavaillon with  six families of good friends and their children. I felt in perfect health. I loved the quiet routine of the holidays. I was very happy to reunite with my friends. I enjoyed the idle rest by the pool - in the shade of course. I played tennis and I even did a little biking. We made beautiful walks in the surrounding villages, we ate well and laughed a lot.

What about the last three weeks since my return from vacation? Side effects after the second Taxol treatment (No. 6) were more serious. I had joint pain. I felt terribly tired and was nauseus again.It also affected me psychologically. I felt really pessimistic. Denis was incredibly patient and caring. My sister was here and she was very helpful: she cooked, encouraged me and treated me with massages. Fortunately, the pains lasted four days and then eased gradually.

For the sixth chemo I was with Lia and Sigal because Denis was still in France. Lia filmed two people thanks to which I smile a lot in the hospital medical:  Simon the medical clown and Susannah, the charming and skilled nurse that always find my vein and never hurts. This is just a really short clip.

A big thank you to Sigal who picked us from home, spent long hours at Tel Hashomer and then brought  us backhome.

Two days ago I received the seventh and penultimate treatment. I'm tired and I feel tingling in the fingers, but it is tolerable: nothing to do with the pain of the last time. I'm happy and I try not to think about what will reserve tomorrow ..

Yesterday my yoga teacher worked on the region of the heart. I felt the anguish of pain that gripped my heart .. Breathing and yoga postures were able to relax and release tension. I've written extensively on the benefits of yoga that helps me tremendously in both the physical and the mental level.

When I write these lines, I feel the pain that starts, like the last time, in the shoulders. I am determined to breathe and not to sink into pessimism.

This week we had the pleasure to taste the wonderful dishes that Rochelle, Ilana and Noga prepared for us!