Every fourth Wednesday, I present for pre-assessment for chemotherapy to St Veronica’s ward in Bons Secours Hospital, Cork. All being well, I’m admitted to St Bernadette’s for my overnight treatment two days later.

That’s the plan anyway. It doesn’t always work out as my liver issues continue. The liver scanning lady did say that my liver would be helped by losing 10% of my body weight. That is indeed a goal but I seem to be going in the wrong direction with steroids keeping me hungry.

So, we come to the thorny issue of New Year’s resolutions.

Last year, I made one resolution and I’ve done pretty well. It was to hang up the car keys. Tim and I both have a set. Tim’s is a single key on a key ring and mine has more keys on it. We both use the single one. I had a terrible habit of keeping the key in my pocket or handbag or not knowing where it was at all. Tim would not be pleased and I’d be stressed looking for it.

So I decided that my bad habit should end and I tried to remember to hang up the keys every time I returned home. I’m not completely reformed but I’m much improved. There has been far less stress over the car keys during 2024. I will keep it on the new list.

I will try to get that 10% of my weight down because it will benefit my health. It is necessary after a festive Christmas.

Change the mindset

My other resolution is a strange one and I will explain where it comes from first. Before Christmas, I attended St Veronica’s ward for pre-assessment as I have to do two days before treatment. The girl on the reception desk, Eileen has the sunniest of dispositions. She knows everyone’s name. She makes the greeting personal and warm every single time.

“Hello Katherine, are you here to book in for your spa treatment?” I looked at her quizzically. Eileen went on to explain that there’s a lady who has been coming for treatment for years and she refers to it as her spa treatment. It’s all about mindset.

I thought deeply about this attitude as I waited for my assessment. I receive my treatment over 24 hours. I’m in bed for that time. I’m comfortable. I can read and rest or listen to music.

Thinking about a spa treatment, I can bring in a nice smelling body lotion or some of the fabulous Ground Wellbeing products that I’ve been given by my sister Bernadine and her friend, Peigín Crowley.

Peigín founded her company, Ground Wellbeing, mixing oils and herbs in her kitchen during lockdown. She has over 28 years’ experience in the spa industry and has designed products specifically for cancer care, sleep, gut health and much more. The cancer care one is called Barróg.

During 2024, Peigín launched a lymphatic support ritual. Skin becomes dry and irritated during treatment. The body’s drainage systems become damaged from surgery and treatment. A little bit of massage goes a long way to soothe these side effects. The oils have pleasant aromatherapy scents and are suitable for both men and women.

New approach

I’m determined to continue to improve my mindset in how I deal with lovely people. Positivity in changing our attitude to certain things will make a difference.

Nobody wants to be around a person who is complaining. Eileen has focused my mind on how I approach my treatment.

As the new year gets going, I’m going to embrace the notion that it is a spa treatment that is more beneficial than any other coveted spa treatment. Because of it, I can continue to do the things I want to do.