Tuesday 30 April 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Run for a Cure

My sincere apologies due to a very dodgy 'Next G wireless internet' service - I didn't get to visit most Wordless Wednesday posts last week - this week I'll lift my game and visit everyone.

My dream is to run for a cure for Breast Cancer ...Mother's Day Classic and then City to Surf in August.

 

Wednesday 24 April 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ We Will Remember Them


Reverse


Replica's of My husband's Grandfather's War medals 1914 - 1919.
Tomorrow April 25th 'Anzac Day' we will march in Remembrance.
He enlisted at 21yrs old and thankfully returned in August 1919.







Tuesday 23 April 2013

Ambulances and Anzac Biscuits.

I was getting ready to post earlier today and this morning we got one of those phone calls, a family member taken ill and off to hospital in an ambulance.

I threw away plans to work on my posts in draft. 
Feeling stuck in a rut, and sick with worry, I didn’t quite know how to climb out of it, so I baked Anzac biscuits; comfort food.



Exclusively Food - Chewy Anzac Biscuits - recipe here

We are 4-5hrs away.
I burnt one tray of biscuits distracted by Facebook.

Towards lunchtime, and after a reassuring call to say that he was settled into the cardiac ward and* in good hands, I was beginning to feel much better and more hopeful about achieving my goals today.

Wrong.

It’s so easy to make excuses.
I couldn't concentrate; chemo brain.
I was side-tracked by children , eating said Anzac biscuits and an appointment at 3.30pm for the children in town.
Try as I might I couldn't focus on the journey ahead.


“If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.” – Buddhist Saying

In my own time.
I am still enjoying the journey as I press towards the mark.
With time, I can do anything; swim a river , climb a mountain or just maybe one day run - a half marathon (that my friends - is my limit ! )

I am still hobbling about though I ran on my treadmill for the first time in a week despite the discomfort.
Slow. I am stubborn , not swift or graceful.
Determined not to let a week of desserts and extra toast get the better of me.


What do you do when you feel discouraged ?
Do you set your sights high anyway and tell yourself it is okay to wait until tomorrow ?

How many Anzac biscuits is too many ? 

Linking up with Jess #IBOT 

*Scratch that the update at 6.30pm is he is still waiting for a bed in the Cardiac ward.

Friday 19 April 2013

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

I couldn't very well title my post 'the blow job' that ended in disaster!
Imagine the people visiting my blog and their disappointment if I did.

All that pumping.
I am sure that is what killed my calves.
This...




X two , to be precise, with a measly foot pump.

Misguidedly, I thought it would be great exercise for sliming my calves.
Sadly I am deflated.

Though it could have been the stair climbing. It also wasn't the overnight fix I dreamed of *sigh*.

Then we had to go and purchase life jackets because I am so paranoid least they cast adrift and head out to the ocean. Then the day disappeared on us so we hardly got to use them.

I did walk on the beach yesterday because I had to at least once.

Today, I am still hobbling about like a little old lady. Lesson learned. Smacked that smug look right off my face.

The weather is less than idyllic today, a fierce breeze strong enough to blow the bacon off a BBQ.

Then we heard an ominous thud ...




I mopped up blood and tears while hubby looked up a Dr's surgery, 6 calls later we got lucky.

It did need one stitch and I convinced the Dr my boy would be fine. We didn't need a drive and long wait at the hospital 20 mins away. The Dr said he was very good and he'd never seen a boy like him.

Thankfully it wasn't worse.
He is fine now and we are off to build sandcastles if we find somewhere out of the damn wind.

How has your week been ?
Is Friday your favourite day of the week ?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Best Butt Toning Exercise

Running Stairs ...




Fire stairs when you are on holidays (in my case) and it's raining




The 'extreme' low cost exercise of running stairs is an efficient way to reach your goal of derriere toning and improve cardio fitness.
No need for any expensive equipment or to find a local gym ...just a good pair of runners and a set of stairs and you are all good to go.
Being accessible both indoors and outside it is perfect in all kinds of weather. During great weather, treat yourself to running stairs at a local beach or if the weather is foul run the stairs inside a suitable building.
We have no stairs at home ...








Monday 15 April 2013

Bush to beach with boys on board.


I confess that sometimes I wish our tree-change had been a sea-change.
Living on the farm we are now over 4-5hrs to the nearest surf beach.
I miss the beach, though to be honest we weren't really beach goers except on our WA road-trip




.
I don't think we have seen a beach up close since November 2011when we left WA.




We traveled 6.5hrs, yesterday afternoon and into the night , to get this view this morning , though at a very ungodly hour of 7am - I was less impressed...they actually woke at 6am I think.

We are staying in a third floor unit with Grandpa and his wife...dare I say for six days unless we make an earlier exit because of grime , time and crime.

Why is it that kids wake at the crack of dawn on school holidays ?
Especially on holidays away from home.

I confess that I'd like to slip them something or duct tape them into bed or maybe we could don matching straight jackets ...one for me too. I'm close to throttling them.

We have already had a few attempts to hoist themselves over the balcony... then they opened the window shutters and stood on the bed - leaning over or moving the "hey the bed has wheels , Mum"

"To look at the city lights , Mum" they said.

"It was Sam's idea"

"So why did you do it too ?"

"I wanted to see them too"

The window opening was not nearly enough to fit a boy through...they never got that far to test it.

I knew the silence was too good to be true.
Grandpa was not happy; I hope his pacemaker is fully serviced.
I'm having palpitations every time I turn my back now , that they doing something they shouldn't be.

The disapproving glares I'm giving my boys just make them smile and the ones I'm getting ....well it's not my fault they are inspired by the views.

The boys have run their fingers along all the walls...I confess I have no idea why they are compelled to mark their territory like dogs.I just hope it is wash and wear paint.

Mother of boys don't rest till son down. The silver lining is it keeps me thin.

Thankfully a few hours at the beach, two walks to the break wall and the 8km bike ride I took them on , exhausted them. I walked or stumbled behind them, as they raced ahead , screaming "slow down: stop : wait for me : watch out for cars " x 100 - grateful they had enough sense to skid to a stop at each road crossing.

They never ask to go bed but they did tonight. I might be onto something.
I do know where they get it from ....not I !

Tonight , I learned about the time my husband took some thieves for a ride in this very town.The family and a cousin had arrived towing a boat. They all went upstairs to their unit.

Hubby and his cousin, both about 15yrs old, went back downstairs and saw 2 guys inside the boat , still hitched to the car.

So apparently hubby and his cousin get in the car, unfazed by the consequences , and he drives off around the block because
"It seemed like a good idea - at the time."

(They told me he'd been driving since he was seven.Heaven help me, my boys turn seven in less than 3 months)

When he got back the thieves had disembarked the vessel , leaving a sturdy metal toolbox with a brickie's hammer inside, near the unit.The men were trying to nick the radio in the boat.

All ended well. Though I suspect those unsuspecting crooks had no idea that two teenage boys would be driving off with the boat and them in it.

I remain optimistic that it was a one off event. First time I've heard that tale though there have been other devilish events in his past.

In other news ...

I had two different ladies compliment me on my delightful boys last week at church. One of whom also is an aide in their school classroom. It made my heart swell with pride.

They are certainly very friendly lads and today they cheerfully greeted the Marine rescuers assembled at the marina "Good morning rescuers" and other walkers and their dogs too. Someone said what lovely manners they have, aren't they lovely ...oh are they twins ?

I wish Grandpa had heard them.




Do you have boys who frazzle you with their mischief but bring you immeasurable joy ?

What are doing or what did you get up to in your school holidays ?


Linking up with Kirsty - I must Confess...except I Posted using BlogPress from my iPad and I can't .

Friday 12 April 2013

A great place to hide a body and other constants

The fear of cancer returning is a constant (at times very exhausting!) motivation to exercise every day, to eat well and not touch a drop of alcohol. Though no-one has actually said I am cancer free , it is nothing like on TV, and I haven't asked. My treatment with IV Herceptin continues every 3wks till October.

I don't crave a glass of wine (or pear cider) but I miss it. It was great for unwinding at day's end or more often to share a drink over a chat with friends. Though they are mostly far away now. I could have a 'drink' if I choose but I haven't for over 7 months.

Exhausted or not I always have enough reserve in my tank to walk the treadmill and sometimes run because I need the bone-jarring impact to stop 'menopause induced' bone loss. My knees are already shot.

I feel reasonably well , though constantly tired. Some days I feel the fatigue more than others and it is most likely a combination of the chemo (now finished), Herceptin, Tamoxifen and other drugs. In the last few weeks I've had several middle of the day naps in the hammock or gotten the kids off to school and gone back to bed to sleep. Some nights I stay up too late I don't sleep well at all . I wake up with hot flushes or bad dreams, restlessly tossing and turning. Medication is helping.


A hammock is a great place to hide a body. It envelops me and it is very comforting to be rocked and cradled. I doze off very easily after a little prayer and meditation...I'm never sure if I'm doing it right.


I live with the fear of metastases but worrying never achieves much so I commit my fears to God and hope for the best.I don't care that I lost my breasts or that my hair is growing back weirdly (well maybe I care a bit more about my hair ).

I have my health, albeit with a few joint and pain issues but I just want my life back as it was before with less cognitive side effects.I am hammered by doubt about everything. I do the best I can but I feel it's not good enough.

When we encounter serious illness or struggles we have high expectations of people in our circles, it's hard when they are not met.

Some special friends are going through tough times and I understand they have their own demons and battles to deal with. One friend sent me an email to kind to explain her situation after she read one of my recent posts about feeling alone. Another , told me she does it tough all the time. I'm sad I can't help them all too. I privileged by the kind thoughts and prayers I have received , plus a few very appreciated candles and a care package, even if not so much direct help. We have managed.


I was shocked to read this story today- I cannot imagine the poor little girl's plight. I was then sucked into a black hole of websites and pages exposing 'people' faking cancer, children dying and other serious illnesses, for financial gain or other benefits. I don't understand why people do it. I know some have a mental illness but it is incredible the lengths of deception people will resort too.

I read others comments who claim that support group forums have closed or now require 'proof of illness' to join because of people trying to scam others emotionally or financially. I know a friend who found out an online friend she thought had passed away from breast cancer a few years ago was actually faked, by a man too. Other people defend the scammers and say exposing them is wrong too.

It is too complex and upsetting for me to analyze it. It really made me wonder if people doubt my story.


In other news -

I am really looking forward to the school holidays and sleeping in , rocking like a baby hiding from the kids in the hammock and no homework to oversee....though fights will need to be refereed. I hope the threat of the Skylanders being listed on eBay keeps the virtual peace. 

The drummer boys also had their first game of soccer last weekend and I signed up as team manager. Our team coach had to resign - so hopefully someone else will step up or ...my hubby will have too.

(Edited - we have a new coach ... with much relief as means our team will survive) 

 
 .  

Wednesday 10 April 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Love and Effects




95% of my photos are straight out of the camera - I capture memories however they come. I am clueless at photo editing and don't even know what I like. I played around with pic monkey effects  - so many choices .
Tell me what are your favourite photo editing effects ?

Tuesday 9 April 2013

Wellwoman Cancer Insurance easing the financial burdens

Sponsored by Wellwoman and Digital Parents Collective

Just over nine months ago my life plan was interrupted when I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma 'IDC'- also known simply as Breast cancer.

Life shattering. Life changing.
  
When I read about Wellwoman I knew it was something that the women amongst my family, friends and readers would honestly benefit from. I know the harsh financial burdens that accompany a cancer diagnosis. ' Financial ' stress added to my worries.

It is not easy to talk or think about a cancer diagnosis as a mother or wife.No-one wants to consider it happening to them. EVER. This was my reality and 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with Breast cancer in their lifetime.

Wellwoman, by AIG Direct, is a newly launched cancer insurance product in Australia for women aged 18- 69yrs.

Say you are diagnosed with any of the seven cancers specific to women -
Breast cancer, Ovarian cancer, Cervical cancer, Cancer of the uterus, vagina, vulva or fallopian tubes. Wellwoman - cover pays a one-off, lump sum payment of between $25,000 and $45,000 after diagnosis.

This leaves you to focus on your treatment and recovery and things that matter most - not worrying yourself sick about the bills. The payment can be used for anything you choose e.g. a holiday, childcare or mortgage repayments.

 




Premiums start from $9.95 per month (Top cover is $19.95 per month).Wellwoman does not cover pre-malignant tumours, cancers currently undergoing tests or previously diagnosed. [Check their Product Disclosure for more information.]

I'll tell you more about Wellwoman later and I've got a special giveaway to launch too.

Linking up with Jess #IBOT
 

Friday 5 April 2013

Ferrari Formula One Limited Edition Lego from Shell {Giveaway}

 Sponsored by Shell and  Digital Parents Collective

Imagine the excitement when Shell, Lego and Ferrari got together to release a limited edition set of 6 replica Formula One cars.


Lego built the world’s first life-size replica Ferrari F1 with over 200,000 regular bricks and 810 man hours later. Then  F1 Ferrari drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, flew to Melbourne to unveil it.




“This campaign represents the joint passion for performance that Shell shares with Ferrari, whilst incorporating the fun and imaginative nature of LEGO.” Jane Morwick, Shell Retail Business Manager

I was amazed to read that Shell and LEGO worked on the development of the mini-motor for over 18 months. The dedication to technological innovation and improved performance that is at the heart of Shell V-Power fuel and Shell’s partnership with Ferrari

Purchase these highly collectable little vehicles from any Coles Shell Petrol Station, when you fill up with $40 or more of Shell V- Power - you can buy a LEGO model for $6 in one transaction or $8 without fuel.





Each week you can drive away with a different car but be quick because they are only available until the 8th May.

My boys thought they were awesome. As LEGO's smallest ever pull back and go micro-propulsion engine they certainly GO- fast.









We made an impromptu racetrack using our old trampoline and let them race. They propelled further than 2m so we needed barriers.










Race into Shell for your own set of replica Lego formula one car….or leave a comment below and you can win a whole set of six exclusive Ferrari model LEGO cars based on some of the most iconic vehicles in Ferrari’s motoring history:

· the Ferrari 150° Italia

· the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta passo corto

· the Ferrari F40

· the Ferrari FXX

· the Ferrari 458 Italia

· a Scuderia Ferrari Truck.

The micro motors are capable of performing over 300 pulls, propelling the cars up to two metres.


Fast Facts
  • Shell invests approximately 21,000 hours a year of research and development in its technical partnership with Ferrari.
  • A Formula One car can go from 0 to 100 mph in 1.5 seconds.
  • Over a race weekend, a driver will change gear about 8,000 times
  • A Formula One driver loses about 3 kg of weight during a race as a result of high G-forces and temperatures. ...I've always wanted to be a Formula One driver - except I'm neither fast or can drive a manual reliably!
  • Motorsport fans can learn more about Shell’s Technical Partnership with the Ferrari team by visiting www.shell.com/motorsport.
Onto the Giveaway - The Prize is 1 x 6 Lego/Ferrari cars (as pictured above) i.e. the full set as offered through Shell Express.

To enter, leave a comment below this post letting me know

What you would like to see constructed as a 'life size' replica in Lego ?


1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.
2. Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
3.There is one prize : 1 x 6
Shell Lego/Ferrari  - one complete set of the limited edition Ferrari model LEGO cars.

4. Entries - Open 5/4/2013 - Close 11.59pm 20/4/2013 AEST. The winner will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au - the winners have 7 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit.
 

7. Subscribe to my blog  to receive MLDB updates.
8. Follow via Facebook or Bloglovin on the sidebar >>>>



 

Wednesday 3 April 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ We're going on an Egg Hunt




 




Tuesday 2 April 2013

That Straw.

March was a busy month and then we had a very, very busy and fun stressful filled Easter here.


Poor camel, today, she broke.
It prompted tears.
It wasn't one 'thing' in particular, just the succession.
The last straw.
Beyond endurance.

I arrived and waited over 45 mins to have to my Herceptin ( trastuzumab), a 3 weekly treatment, not chemotherapy but a special intravenous drug. It is a monoclonal antibody that interferes with the HER2+ receptor. It has had a "major impact in the treatment of HER2- positive breast cancer". I am unfortunately in the 20% that is HER2+ - an aggressive form of breast cancer.

One of the significant complications of Herceptin is its effect on the heart. It is associated with cardiac dysfunction and a condition of treatment is that regular cardiac screening with a MUGA heart scan be undertaken during the treatment period (one year).
Anyway they cancelled my Herceptin.


The reason - I hadn't had my 3 monthly heart scan ...3 calendar months is tomorrow '3rd', 3 months exactly to the day is Thursday 4th which is what scan place booked me for. I had my last heart scan Thursday January 3rd...{are you still with me}.

It's complicated because my last scan was slightly earlier than the 3 months.

I know they are just doing their job but at no time previously did anyone stress the importance of  Heart scan before a certain next treatment.

It was my own fault.
They explained it away and it was just me, stretched. 
Though I fully understand.
For as long as I could I stayed as calm as I could, deep breaths, then the spillage of tears.
That was that.
It threw me.
Unglued me.
I reached my limit.

I hate even thinking about heart damage too*.
A gentle hand rested on my shoulder briefly.

Having it a few days late (under < week) won't make much difference (over a week does) but administering it - if my heart function is affected could ...their registration ...my heart. 
I understood.


Completely why. It's more important to know my heart function is still good.
It doesn't really matter in the 'big picture' if I have it on Friday after my scan.

...I should also update the little lump, the penultimate straw.
I had a Fine needle aspiration of my 'breastless' right lump, Monday 18th. Thursday 21st my regular GP called me back to say the result was inconclusive - only because they only had blood in the sample. She reassured me it was all okay but referred me back to the Oncology clinic Drs for further options.
I was in Sydney , not much I could do but wait till Monday.
Last Monday , first thing , I tried to get an appointment to see the Oncology GP. (The Sydney Oncologists 'big guns' only fly in on Thursday) . The lady, (who I didn't know except she wasn't either of the two receptionists I knew) 'suggested' that the Oncology GP wasn't the right person but my Breast Surgeon in Sydney was perhaps better and she would call me back.

Was I anxious about waiting longer ...you bet !

Instead, I rang my Breast Cancer Support Nurse ; not a McGrath Nurse - though they do similar jobs and work together anyway, to bring comfort and support rather than to administer actual nursing care or any treatment.

She immediately took action to get hold of my results, send them to, and seek advice from, the Sydney Oncologist. Surprisingly he reviewed the scan results of the little lump the same day. My BC Nurse called me back to say the Head Oncologist felt it wasn't anything to worry about ; they would also talk about it the next day at the conference call meeting. I think an appointment was discussed but I said I had my treatment the following Tuesday{today}. I felt a little less anxious anyway after her call.
Nothing is ever certain, everything remains somewhat stressful, wondering. It always will be from now on.

Back to today...
Swiping away my tears , I mention I need to see GP for scripts for medication, my nurse gets my notes and says they are in 'the pile' for when the DR arrives. I still need a blood test, now three monthly too. I leave to have the blood test at pathology and return to the Oncology waiting room. Tick, another requirement done and dusted.

Eyes still puddling, softly spilling down my cheeks , my nose dripping  and no tissues anywhere. The Pink lady [volunteer] unable to locate tissues when I ask, offers serviettes,they do the job just as well.

After a short wait I get my consultation with the lovely oncology GP. She sorts my scripts, checks my little lump and reassures me. She also offers for me to see the counselor but turned out the counselor was not in today.
This. too. will. pass and things will go back to normal.

The other 99 straws , some significant, some insignificant who knows. I am okay.

I wanted to tell you about our Easter , another day now.

Don't ask me about DS19 and the metal fragment in his eye (He did it last Tuesday at work , thought it was ok - he arrived Thursday night and his sore eye gave him grief and pain Friday/Saturday -  after two visits to Hospital Casualty - he went home Sunday with referral to The Sydney Eye hospital and it was all removed yesterday)
...or DS6 - riding into a barbed wire fence yesterday - he just has a few minor facial scratches. I was not present either ...he was at my Brother's on DH's 'watch'.
...I was busy volunteering at Meals on Wheels and nearly got wiped out as the passenger , by another car , when my driver changed her mind about turning right and continued straight ahead. Note:no accident actually occurred but I did have to squeal "watch out" loudly at the driver)
(*Edit to add: my last scan in January was fine, they expect this one to be as well)
So tell me what you did over Easter - did you have fun ?