As those of you reading this may know from first hand experience, one of the distressing Parkinson`s side effects is how it screws up normal sleep patterns.
Two nights this week I have only had a couple of hours of fitful dozing in my chair as I could not settle in bed. Now alongside being a PWP (person with parkinsons) I am at stage 3 bile duct cancer oh and also full time carer to my young adult daughter who has a learning disability. Now I am not complaining or looking for sympathy about my caring role or my illnesses, in fact I strongly believe that having a caring responsibility focuses me to lead and keep a normal as possible life and stops me from wallowing in self pity. In a similar way my two Jack Russell's Max and Perdy still expect their two walks a day thus forcing me to take exercise instead of sitting on my butt!! and I again strongly believe they have helped me to get through this past twelve months and to lead a life as normal as strength and tiredness especially while going through chemotherapy allows me. Don`t get me wrong, I have days when I am so exhausted it takes a lot of self will to even walk the dogs etc but hey I am still here and writing this blog which I thank you for taking time out of your day to read.
I am not out of the woods yet but I am so grateful that so far I am one of the few to be diagnosed with this horrible cancer to be caught in time to be considered suitable for surgery, never mind to be still here some twelve months later. Many many poor souls die within weeks of diagnosis and I empathise so very much with their families and loved ones.
I am also trying to concentrate on the book I started writing some two years ago. It is based here in my beloved Cornwall and the fictional characters all have Cornish names. In a nutshell they are a long forgotten tribe of beings living in the warren of tunnels left behind from Cornwalls heritage in tin mining and around the wonderful disused remains of the engine houses high up on the granite cliffs. I have changed tack slightly to try and write a sequence of short stories featuring one of my characters in each story. Where I am currently stuck is illustrating my characters and I know that if I see them come to life it will help the story to flow. If anyone reading this has done something similar or can advise me do please leave me a message on my email borninkernow@outlook.com It would be such a goal achieved if I can at least complete a few short stories. that will be one thing ticked on my bucket list!!
My daughter is going to a respite family for 3 nights this weekend, so if it ever stops raining here in Cornwall I am determined to stroll around a couple of car boot sales taking my time and going at my pace knowing Gemma is being well looked after. Who knows I may even sleep!!
Well thanks for reading my ramblings and do please comment or email me if something strikes a chord with you or indeed if you disagree with anything I say.
Take good care of each other guys.
