After an extra week of rest for Sue's body, Round 4 of chemotherapy commenced on Wednesday. Sue found it a little harder to mentally prepare herself this time - partly due to the additional week off, partly because she now knows what to expect, and (strangely) because it was on Wednesday not Tuesday like before! There was that sense (mentioned in an earlier post) that the 'rhythm' was a little off.

Things did not start so well as the nurse had trouble finding a co-operative vein. He 'blew' two veins before swapping arms and calling for reinforcements! There are some interesting bruises as evidence of 'Strike 1' and 'Strike 2'! After that, it was fairly plain sailing - pretty much a 'normal' chemo session. The oncologist had further reduced the infusion dosage due to the cumulative side-effects and the inflammation being caused to Sue's colon, but the total infusion 'volume' stayed the same.

On returning home in the afternoon we were blessed with a tropical downpour that both cooled the air and soothed the soul.  

Our back veranda deck that overlooks the pool, the garden and the 'bush' continues to be a place of peace and contemplation for Sue. It is not unusual to find her sitting, lost in her thoughts (or possibly complete lack of them) enjoying her continued ability to enjoy her time and place. Other times she will be calling out for us to come and look at the bird she is has just seen, or reaching for the bird book. Or perhaps it is a coffee and magazine and a doze. My heart melts when I see her at peace in the midst of the physical and emotional turmoil.

These moments are more than fleeting, they are eternal.