Category Archives: Holiday

May9

Remembering ~ Good Times #1

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Saturday 9th May

Sitting with my husband and sister, having a morning coffee, we began to talk about you, and your love of water. In Orlando, on our annual holidays, we have been visiting Aquatica every year since it opened in 2008, and you used to have so much fun there.

Last year you couldn’t wait to go on the new water-flume-drop, where the floor beneath your feet suddenly gives way, and you fall vertically, twisting and turning in the tunnel, until you’re ejected into the pool at the bottom. Your face, when you came towards us, having completed the ride, was full of excitement and laughter. Adrenaline pumping, you immediately turned round and joined the queue for another go. Ihu’s Breakaway Falls certainly gained your vote that day.

Another ride you always enjoyed was the Walhalla Wave, a twisty family ride, where you all sit cross-legged inside a huge rubber ring, and splash and speed downwards, through dark tunnels and open curves. The steps up to the platform giving magnificent views of SeaWorld and beyond.

The lazy rivers and wave pools were places to go to catch your breath, in between the more thrilling rides. We used to arrive just after opening, stake our place beneath a huge umbrella, chill awhile, and then wander around the park, queuing up wherever took our fancy. Quite often you would go off on your own, feeling safe, coming back at various intervals for food and drink.

Many times the afternoon would bring a thunderstorm, when the water rides and pools had to be cleared. By then we were ready for a change, and would usually end up running to the car as the big raindrops began to fall, and thunder rumbled slowly overhead. You especially liked it when we had ‘Preferred Parking’, as that meant we didn’t have to dash so far to reach the safety of our car. We were all hot and fairly tired by then, worn out by the heat and all the water rides we had been on.

We loved seeing you happy and having fun. Your smile and laughter made so much difference to our days. Orlando was your magical, summer playground, and we did everything we could to help you get the most from our time there.

I don’t know why we focused on Aquatica this morning, reminiscing about all the different types of slides, flumes through the dolphin pool, drops, rapids, waves, the heat, the shade, the people, and you. We only went there because of you. So that we could see the delight in your face. And really, we were all big kids at heart.

Missing you so much, my darling water-baby boy.

And yes, we did visit your graveside today, and we told you about our conversation, and how much we knew you loved going on holiday, and especially checking out any of the new rides. Dream about Aquatica tonight, and I’ll be there with you.

Love you xxxxx

Aug19

Our holiday is nearly over

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Tuesday 19th August

And so our summer journey comes full circle as we return to our starting point. Back in North Myrtle Beach, and the weather is beautiful; swimming in the ocean which is only a few degrees lower than the air temperature; hiring loungers and an umbrella on the beach; making sure we’re covered in high factor sunscreen; wearing hats and drinking lots of water. We visit with friends and are treated to southern hospitality at its best.

This summer break has been different in that we couldn’t visit all the locations we would wish, because of the four-weekly hospital appointments I have. My three days in bed with cellulitis really brought home to me how this disease now affects my life. I will no longer laze all day in the sunshine, now seeking out shade and regularly using sunscreen. But, we did have a wonderful, restful vacation. I will not let cancer beat me; fun is still very much on the agenda!

Aug17

A few days in Hilton Head

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Sunday 17th August

Five hours North of Orlando is the wonderful Hilton Head Island.

We arrive soon after lunch, unpack a few things, and go and find some shade around the pool. Blue skies, warm seas; perfect. The pelicans are flying overhead, in formation, and a guitarist is playing happy, sunny, beachy music at the tiki bar.

We are here for two nights, and can really relax. No rushing around theme parks or visiting crowded shopping malls. HHI is an amazing place to just re-charge batteries and feel no stress at all. My leg likes this place! Lots of reclining on beach chairs and taking it easy. Even though there is a weather alert, a heat advisory, for temperatures of 98℉, we love the sunrises, sunsets and long lazy, blue-sky days, filled with warmth. The redness at the top of my thigh, from the cellulitis, is still there, and I’m continuing to take the antibiotics. But, the balmy weather and island lifestyle are most welcome.

 

Aug15

Last days in Orlando

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Friday 15th August

 I awake feeling so much better, and we decide to drive South West to Tampa, and Busch Gardens. I again hire a motorised mobility scooter, and begin our journey around the park. By the time we reach SheiKra the sky is darkening, lightning threatens, and the rides are closed ~ so, so disappointing! We spend quite a while moving around the park, looking at the various animals, but in the end we call it a day, give up, and begin the drive back to Orlando. I think last year, almost the same thing happened, it absolutely poured with rain as we arrived in Tampa, we didn’t even make it into the theme park, turned around and left! Never mind, the new ride Falcon’s Fury has yet to open ~ there’s always next year!

The weather improves upon our return to Orlando, and we go to look at some American classic cars and hot rods.

Our last day in Orlando is spent shopping and packing. We drive up to the Mall at Millennia and browse the shops in cool air-conditioned comfort. Again there is another spectacular afternoon thunderstorm to end the day and clear the air.

We pack and load up the car that evening, ready for a quick getaway tomorrow morning. It has been a different sort of holiday in Orlando this year, what with the thunderstorms and my cellulitis. Lots of activities having to be curtailed. Still, I think we made the most of it, visiting all the theme parks that we had planned upon, just not as frequently as we would have liked!

Aug8

Fugly Cellulitis

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Friday 8th August

Today is hot, scorching actually, and we decide to get up early and drive South West to LegoLand. As the park had just opened, the queues were not too bad when we arrived. We made our way through the miniature cities and displays, and on to the water park; locating a huge parasol we parked our belongings and found the wave pool. It was gentle fun, a few hours spent idly reclining on the chairs, or building a Lego raft and drifting around the lazy river. As we leave, son decides he wants to go on one final ride, a rollercoaster, and husband and I wait in the shade. This is where I begin to feel really hot and uncomfortable, and eventually husband has to pour iced water down the back of my neck to cool me down. We arrive back at the car and the dashboard display shows 104℉, no wonder I’m overheating. I think I had a ‘heat episode’.

On Saturday we didn’t go to a theme park, deciding to have a much quieter day, and went shopping instead. Again I started to feel funny, fluctuating between feeling hot, shivering, and nauseous. We had to cut our trip short, drove back to the villa, and I went to bed. That evening I had noticed the top of my leg, underneath the support stocking, had begun to look a bit red and blotchy, but put it down to the excessive heat.

On Sunday we went to Universal Studios, hiring a motorised wheelchair with a sunshade on top. This was an absolute godsend as I was able to rest my leg. I could now move through the theme parks with much ease! We also loaded up the front basket with our bags and a cooler full of iced water. Another benefit was that on some rides I could jump the queue! It was a long day, just over six hours, but great fun was had by all

When we got home later that afternoon, the redness on my leg had become more intense and hot. I suspected cellulitis, so that night I began the two-week course of strong antibiotics that I had prescribed from my GP before leaving home, (thank goodness I had them with me). I also took pictures of my leg, and emailed my trials nurse.

Using my American cell phone I spoke with my trials nurse on Monday morning, and she had already spoken to my oncologist, who agreed that yes, it probably was cellulitis, take the antibiotics, and if the redness spreads, to seek medical help!!!

Overnight the redness had not spread. It’s just really bright, hot and sore, looking quite frightening and scary.

I spend Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in bed, eating very little, but drinking copious amounts of water. I feel tired, but the sickness feeling and headaches, and the fever have gone.

This is crap.

I hate it.

I thought all was going to be ok.

I’m never bothered by hot weather.

I thought I was invincible.

How stupid am I?

Apparently having lymphoedema makes you more susceptible to getting cellulitis. But this is usually through a scratch or insect bite.

I have neither.

On Thursday it is our thirty second wedding anniversary, and I finally feel well enough to get up, get dressed, clean my teeth, have a shower, and try and look and feel almost normal again. Husband drives to Cocoa Beach, and we have a wonderful celebratory lunch overlooking the ocean.

Aug4

Florida ~ the first week

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Monday 4th August

We leave South Carolina and begin the long drive down the state, through Georgia, and on into Florida. The temperature rises markedly, the skies are no longer grey, and no more rain! We make an overnight stop at Jacksonville, then on to Orlando the following morning. Theme parks, theme parks, theme parks!

On our first full day in Orlando we visit Aquatica, a fabulous water park, where I can relax under a huge parasol, spreading much-needed shade. The river rapids, lazy river and wave pool are visited throughout the morning, each time returning to the shade to reapply sunscreen. Husband and son are much more adventurous, and try out the more thrilling, tube rides!

The next day we are off, bright and early to Sea World ~ always better to beat the crowds! But even at 8:45am, families are streaming through the entrance! It is a blistering hot day, but there is lots of much-needed shade throughout the park. We manage to find good seats for the Shamu show, and spend 45 minutes enthralled by the killer whales and their marvellous trainers. Antarctica too, is a great experience, and a chance to really cool off!

On Friday we drive South West along I4 to LegoLand, a theme park which opened last year. We walk quickly through the miniature cities, and make our way to the water park. It is unbelievably hot! A welcome dip in the lazy river is most enjoyable. Whilst leaving the park I become increasingly affected by the heat, and my husband has to pour ice-cold water down my neck to try to bring my temperature down. When we return to the car, the indicator on the dashboard shows 104℉. Whoa. I have never really been troubled by hot weather, in fact I have loved it. Perhaps it is the drugs I am taking, perhaps the cancer has changed my body somewhat, perhaps I am getting old!

On Saturday we have a break from theme parks and spend time shopping. However, again I am affected by the heat, and have to return to the villa earlier than expected. Wuss!

Sunday sees us at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Again it is hot, and my left leg is beginning to trouble me. So, husband suggests I hire a motorised wheelchair, complete with sunshade ~ it is an absolute godsend. I can move around the parks without getting all hot and bothered, our bags and cooler can go in the front basket, and for some rides, I can jump the queue! Result 😃  We visit the new Harry Potter ride, and are left feeling rather disappointed. It would take three hours to experience Diagon Alley, the lead-up queue to the ride: Escape from Gringotts. We decided to forgo this, joined the single-riders line, and only had to wait forty minutes. The ride itself is a 3D simulator, does not last long enough, and is not frightening at all! A bit of a let down. We then find Platform 9 3/4, and join the Hogwarts Express to be swiftly taken on a journey across the countryside. Despite Harry Potter, the other thrilling rides never fail to excite, and a great day out was had by all.

Jul30

Holiday ~ the first five days

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Wednesday 30th July

We land in North Carolina mid-afternoon, collect our bags, pick up the hire car, and we’re off. The start of our summer vacation begins; we’re off to South Carolina for a few days. The air is warm, the sky is blue, and after two flights, a total of over nine hours flying time, my leg feels surprisingly normal. I had been exceedingly anxious that lymphoedema and swelling would be a big problem. But no, all is good! A huge consumption of water and gentle exercises during the flight has paid off. Plus the wearing of my stocking/compression garment has kept things under control.

The weather this year is particularly grey and rainy, and we are unable to spend time on the beach as we would normally do. This is not as great a disappointment as I thought it would be. I can no longer sit out, sunbathing. It is not healthy for me or my skin.

We potter about, go shopping, visit with friends, and go for walks along the beach. It’s gentle, unhurried and relaxing. Just what a holiday should be.

Jul29

Month Seven

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Tuesday 29th July

Doesn’t time fly when you’re enjoying yourself?

Seven months down the line, and I’m back for my review; just the dermatologist for a skin check, trials nurse for bloods and obs, and the oncologist for an assessment, lastly the issuing of my next batch of medication.

All the appointments go smoothly, everyone is happy, and we leave smiling, thinking positive thoughts.

Our summer vacation can now begin! We start our drive to Heathrow, where we stay overnight, flying in the morning to North Carolina.

Jun4

A visit to my GP

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Wednesday 4th June

The day after my hospital visit, I have an appointment with my GP. I feel as if I have a shopping list of requests!

Firstly I ask if I’m eligible for free prescriptions ~ all those being treated for cancer should not have to pay for their medications. I’m given a form to fill out, and my lovely doctor agrees to countersign it as soon as I’ve filled in all my details.

Next, I ask if he will prescribe sunscreen for me. Having malignant melanoma, and possibly taking drugs that heighten my sun sensitivity, some doctors agree to issue this free of charge. My doctor has no hesitation, and I’m given a prescription for Factor 50 sunscreen for body, and a facial one too.

Another item on my shopping list is a prescription for strong antibiotics, two weeks worth, to take on holiday. I am becoming increasingly anxious about infections, perhaps leading to cellulitis. A scratch or stray mosquito bite could have serious consequences. Again, my doctor agrees to give me the tablets as a precautionary measure. I’ll take them with me, but only take them if absolutely necessary.

Finally, seeing as I’m on a roll here, I ask if I can have some of the moisturising, softening cream that the dermatologist had given to me. No problem at all.

Fantastic! I leave my appointment with everything I need, all for free. Such an understanding, caring doctor. He takes the time to explain and talk through my fears. A few less things to worry about

Dec27

A wonderful Christmas break

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Friday 27th December

This Christmas we decided to take a break in Center Parcs, Longleat Forest. Myself, husband, elder son, younger son, girlfriend, puppy, and my mum travelled on Monday in two cars. The weather was absolutely atrocious ~ rain, wind, flooding, traffic jams ~ but we finally made it by early afternoon.

We had two ‘Woodland Lodges’; very comfortable, with welcoming log fires. Having unpacked and settled in, the three youngest went off to the swimming pool for some fun in the dark and the rain! The pool is kept at 31℃, and has an outdoor section of flumes and rapids, all lit up with Christmas lights.

Christmas Eve, and we are exploring the Village Square, complete with ‘singing reindeer’, ‘snow covered’ Christmas trees, sparkly twinkling lights everywhere, and a pen full of real reindeer with marvellous antlers. I am brought down to earth when my mobile phone goes off, and I have a call from the trials nurse! Really, Christmas Eve!! Oh well. She informs me that I have two appointments lined up in Exeter on the 2nd and 3rd of January. The first for a CT scan, and the other for an Echo Cardiogram. She apologised that they were on two consecutive days, but apparently different departments don’t ‘talk’ to one another!! Hmmmm.

Anyway, having digested her news and thought about the logistics of two trips to Exeter in two days, four of us are off on a morning horse-drawn carriage ride. The horse has sleigh bells, the ‘driver’ is decked out like Santa, ably assisted by a cheerful ‘elf’. The weather today is perfect ~ crisp with beautiful blue skies.

I am able to visit the various areas of the park using the landtrain, which is wonderfully decked out with holly and baubles. By mid-afternoon I am ready to return to our lodge with my mum, whilst the rest spend an hour ten pin bowling. My leg becomes rather swollen unless I am able to sit and elevate it.

(It is now exactly six weeks following my surgery, and I still have to have a plastic drain bag stuck to my leg. It really is becoming quite tedious now. I have a hard lump below my scar, that remains red and bruised. I continue to take antibiotics. I do wish things would settle down and let me behave normally.)

Christmas Day, and Santa has visited overnight, leaving a vast array of gifts under the tree. We spend the morning unwrapping, whilst the massive turkey cooks slowly in the oven, spreading a delightful aroma throughout. Before we eat, the young ones go out for a walk with the puppy. As we sit in the lounge, looking out of the French windows, we are visited by a deer, who comes down the bramble covered bank, almost onto our patio. A little later a couple of grey squirrels scamper in front of us, and a robin redbreast perches on the barbecue. A delightful array of festive visitors! Soon the turkey, potatoes, broccoli, carrots, stuffing, sausages in bacon, parsnips, gravy and cranberry sauce are all ready! Champagne is poured, and we sit down to a feast. In the afternoon the young ones take the puppy for a walk, whilst I sit on the sofa, watching both the crackling log fire and whatever happens to be on the television.

On Boxing Day the non-cyclists catch the road train to the Plaza and enjoy a warming Starbucks and look around the shops. The four active members of the group then went off to outdoor Archery, leaving my mum and I to people-watch, and enjoy afternoon tea in yet another coffee shop! Younger son and girlfriend then went to collect the puppy from their lodge, handed it over to husband, mum, elder son and I, whilst they enjoyed a couple of hours in the pool. We walked slowly down to the lake, and up the other side to our lodge. It was dark when we arrived, so a couple of logs were thrown on the fire, six baked potatoes put in the oven, and cold turkey, cheeses, pickles, beans, and more Champagne were laid out on the table. The swimmers returned, leftovers eaten, champagne quaffed, and Christmas pudding savoured with spoonfuls of brandy butter. (It was on this day that I decided not to stick the plastic drain bag onto my leg. Very little fluid was draining out, so instead, I used a dressing plaster; much more comfortable and unobtrusive).

Our final morning saw us all clearing up, packing, and loading up the cars. We had to hand the keys back in by 10am. A hearty breakfast was served in one of the Plaza bistros, and then we hit the road for the long drive home.

Our Christmas break had flown by, oh so quickly, but what a wonderful, family time we had.