Monday 29 June 2015

The hairs on my chinny chin chin

Time to get a bit light hearted after heavy hearted posts.

These boys are the light of my life and never fail to bring a smile to my dial.

In just over 24hrs - they will celebrate their 9th trip around the sun.
How did it happen so quick ! It stills seems like yesterday they joined our family.

I made this collage using pic monkey accessing my FB pics because my new computer doesn't have many photos. What a ride we've had with these cheeky monkeys.




While I love the silence after the boys go to school , every 10weeks or so school holidays rock up.

Nothing is as special in school holidays as a good morning cuddle with my boy(s) , as he lovingly strokes my face, and points out the hairs on my chinny chin chin.

The bickering, shoving and now with swearing at each other - I can do without.

On the subject of chins -  ... my July goal is Chin ups

Well, more specifically, to reduce the weight on my assisted chin -ups at the gym.

I back on the 5:2 bandwagon because my waist bands are too tight.

Balance has been tricky for me , metaphorically, and physically. One of our Personal trainers at the gym (my friend and I share two different trainers for 2 sessions a week) is very into this.

What are your plans for the school holidays ?

 

Friday 26 June 2015

Cancer that doesn’t go away.


Last night I went out to Quirky Perkies , a local bi monthly dinner meeting for women with breast cancer. A few ladies were coming later after Encore (a free YWCA 8wk exercise program for women to aid recovery after breast cancer).

In our group a number of us had completed Encore in 2013. It was cosy, by an open fire, as we laughed heartily over a glass of vino before ordering dinner. We chatted leaving jobs , mid life crises and latest medical jaunts. Our Breast Cancer support Nurse was present too - for fun - not exactly on the job. The McGrath nurse is usually there too, just not last night.

Two women confessed that their bash with cancer (all of us being in the last 3-5yrs) made them reassess their priorities and they were resigning from their jobs , with nothing to move onto.

Then the bomb dropped , I went numb when B asked me about "our girl Michelle". Life confronts us all with some difficult questions (or answers) when we are least prepared. Once part of our posse, Michelle had moved 2hrs away to another country town.

A month ago, Michelle passed away from metastatic Breast cancer (in her 40's).

B didn't know the tragic news.

Breaking it brought all the feels and overwhelm back.
Seeing the shock on her B's too changed the tone.

What else do you say ?
I wanted to get up and hug her.
Regret for not doing it , albeit in a public venue , is immense.  I was on the other side of the table where the wine glasses were and it felt awkward to move.


We all joined the Encore program together in 2013.

Michelle is the first in our group to gain her wings, first with mets. Eleven months ago breast cancer returned in her hip, it didn't stop there. When breast cancer spreads to bones, lungs, brain and liver , there is no cure and treatment is continued to give as many days or years as possible and reduce pain. It never goes away and stays away, but is controlled.

Michelle was dying yes, she had just finished a course of agressive chemo, she was looking forward to scans to see if it had been successful in shrinking tumours or stopping further spread.

B & I were planning a visit with Michelle after the last QP dinner in April.
I was planning a visit; a week before she died, I'd chatted to Michelle via FB.
It was much sooner than anyone expected.


On the flip side it was still a lovely night , I sold tickets in Cancer Council Relay for Life Raffle and
 won a MEAT tray in the raffle , seconds after lamenting ... I'd not won one ever. I chose the chicken.
*Metastatic cancer is a cancer that has spread from the part of the body where it started (the primary site) to other parts of the body. When cancer cells break away from a tumor, they can travel to other areas of the body through the bloodstream or the lymph system (which contains a collection of vessels that carry fluid and immune system cells). 
Consider sponsoring me, research for the cure, is the only way we can stop days like these.

https://city2surf2015.everydayhero.com/au/trish-1


 

Wednesday 24 June 2015

Wordless Wednesday : On fire

Of course my son volunteers to be set on fire - very enthusiastic and fearless !


They loved the Questacon Science Circus visiting our town - the guy in the suit is our Mayor ,
We want to visit Canberra for Questacon !

An InLinkz Link-up

Monday 22 June 2015

Moles, boobs and lady bits.

Further to my post Saturday I have made an appointment to have the ugly mole checked and removed for good. I have dozens of moles, and if I'm going under a GA I'll get more removed.

The other Doctor I called has no appointments till October , unless my GP deemed it urgent and they would re-assess. However, removal under a local anasethetic is not so much on my agenda. I'll hopefully be able to have my PortaCath removed too.

Maybe, then my fake boobs might see the light of day more often. At the moment the right side of the bra and prosthesis press uncomfortably on the skin area over the port.

I also made an appointment for a pap smear (tomorrow) ; they have been sending me reminders from the registry for months. I'll get my dumpster checked out as well after reading this


It stopped me in my tracks.

I'm not embarrassed when I strip off for the doctor or masseuse or other health professionals.

I have no breasts and I like my surgeon's handywork but baring those lady bits scares me silly; silly I know.

Like Julia said - "It might turn our cheeks red(Julia's pun) but better that than paying the ultimate price with our lives."

I told my surgeon I was quite impressed with his stitching skills - to whittle the time while he examined me - and he said he was happy with most ladies results but sometimes he couldn't get the right result due to their size /body shape and lump etc etc and wishes he could have done better . His caring attitude shines.

I must be sincere in reminding you again - check your breasts, know your normal shape and feel and never be embarrassed about anything that concerns you.




Early detection is vital. This website tells you what to look for

They haven't called me with a date for a PET scan, yet ...freakly as I typed that my phone rang and it was the PET suite - Monday 6th July !

I still need sponsors, research for the cure, is the only way we can stop days like these.

https://city2surf2015.everydayhero.com/au/trish-1





Saturday 20 June 2015

Nobody told me - 3yrs on cancer is still a bitch.

Nobody told me there'd be days like these.

Firstly, it's mostly all good news. I'm smiling, you need not worry about something in your eye.

Thursday, I flew to Sydney for my 6 monthly followup with my surgical oncologist, for both my breast cancer and sarcoma.

Friday, before my appointment , I squeezed in a lovely morning with friends, a few laughs and shopping for shoes (and most definitely blinged up slippers for Stephanie - which are not shoes in case her husband is reading) followed by a quick lunch.

It didn't cross my mind till last night , today would be exactly 3yrs since my double mastectomy.

Straight up after pleasantries and greetings - he said "I want to have a look at the [flat] mole on your face [upper cheek bone] ". I knew exactly which one he meant,
He asked me to stand up , then used his special device to check it , advising me to get it removed asap, to be on the safe side.

Jaw dropping. I knew it had changed, thought it was nothing. Nobody else told me they thought I should get it checked.

Yes - my doctor ; also a melanoma specialist , so he reminded me, while holding the magnifying ( I think) tool on my cheek. It could be nothing , pre-melanoma or something else . I didn't see that little curve ball coming.

First, he said to have biospy , then better still - just get it completely removed ... to be sure with pathology.

I don't think he was being alarmist just careful considering my history. I will immediately heed his advice to see a local surgeon.

Deja vu , last year no matter how prepared I was , cancer always an unknown quantity, the bitch is never far away.

Reassuringly, my specialist - got his secretary to fax the form for a followup PET scan (at Westmead). ASAP but not urgent he wrote. It will tell us more or less about anything I might have to worry about. The risk of distant metastasis (Cancer spreading to other parts of the body; mostly the lungs, bones or liver). I had the last PET scan one year ago.

Answers.

Everything else looks good . He isn't sure why I still have pain in my thigh, mainly on activity. It bothers me but not enough to stop me exercising, now I know the MRI I had Monday showed no eveidence of recuurance , only a resoliving haematoma (noticed on February's scan but probably there since March 2014),

Amusingly, why do Drs pull a curtain around so you can undress in private - then come to examine you - naked except for socks and knickers.


I won't celebrate ...yet.



I should celebrate, on a few levels , that he asked the secretary to make my next appointment in 12 months.


Nobody told me that three years would be swallowed up - just like that. 
How can it be almost July ?

The value of living each day to its fullest, not putting off until tomorrow what you could do today. After all, one day, there will not be a tomorrow.

Nobody had to tell me - I know every niggle , every ache and every cough  will be a constant cause for concern. Some nights I feel so emotionally slayed I lie awake for hours, worrying .... both of us.

The days and weeks leading up to 6 monthly scans or oncology appointments don't bother me so much now. I go in with cloaked in emotional armour and completely forget everything I planned to ask.


Getting on with life after cancer - twice - is a challenge. 
Let it go ! I tell myself. Nobody else will tell me to stay positive.

I finally succumbed , signing up for a yearly gym membership. I am so grateful for living these 3 years but my happiness is diminished since my friend's death. Knowing, it can change in the blink of an eye.

Nobody told me that damaged and greedy people will fake cancer diagnoses and cures,  causing people like me with real diagnoses to feel more vulnerable and on alert should we be questioned or accused.

Nobody told me how thankful I would be for my Doctor and the multitude of people, that through vulnerable times and held us in their thoughts, prayers and hugs these last three years.

Two different friends taxied me around after my last minute decision to fly, atrocious weather was predicted, and I had to home because my husband had to work today. The 5hrs driving each way was too much for me alone. Human kindness and going out of your way, supersedes everything.

I still need sponsors, research for the cure, is the only way we can stop days like these.

https://city2surf2015.everydayhero.com/au/trish-1





Nobody told me there'd be days like these.
What did nobody tell you ?



Wednesday 17 June 2015

Wordless Wednesday : Take me out ... to the Ball game

Friday
Taken Out !
All taped up -


While J & Dad - Missed the other Ball Game - Sam and I went to Make a wish fundraiser !



 

Thursday 11 June 2015

Taking Stock - June

Making : Soup - my new part arrived. Pumpkin is my favourite.
Cooking : Ferrero Rocher Nutella Cheesecake - just DIVINE .
Drinking : Copious cups of tea to ease my cough and the wait for wine o clock.
Reading:  The Tying of Threads is Joy Dettman's sixth and final novel in her Woody Creek series.
Wanting: Rissotto for dinner -
Looking: For stuff to sell , donate or bin
Playing: my violin ... Oh, I hurt everywhere
Wasting: a brown avocado !
Sewing: It's in some basket or cupboard.
Wishing: Someone would come and do my sewing
Enjoying: Winter sunshine
Waiting: For MRI of my left thigh and followup with Oncologist next week.
Liking: Starting a potential new friendship through wonders of FB - the lady has the same genetic disorder as I do.
Wondering: Why I push myself ?
Loving: Balance and bodyawareness exercises.
Hoping: I get more sponsors soon for Breast Cancer fundraising and City To Surf.
Marvelling: That 3yrs has passed since my Breast Cancer diagnosis.
Needing: A holiday ... we booked a Cruise for October.
Smelling: Seriously - three boys are being banned from my toilet.
Wearing: gym gear because it reminds me to keep moving.
Following: the gym instructor with great difficulty - my co-ordination and spatial awareness is woeful.
Noticing: More grey hairs
Knowing: My to do list isn't getting any shorter
Thinking: I might go for a walk.
Bookmarking: 24 diagrams that make healthy eating easy http://ow.ly/NWWY8
Opening: The fridge ...I need a fingerprint lock.
Giggling:
Feeling: Pain from personal training and group classes at the gym.

Taking Stock is Thanks to Pip at Meet Me at Mikes.
 

Wednesday 10 June 2015

Wordless Wednesday : The Black Stump

Large dead fallen Ironbark on the track

  




The stump is big - I didn't shrink or photoshop the kid - but the stump looks bigger !

Man from Ironbark


Tough old stump blocking our driveway 2kms away ...from Ironbark. Two Ute loads and it still stands !


Sunday 7 June 2015

Seven on Sunday

My first week of de-cluttering and I'm a few steps closer to my 30 bags in 30 days.

I've sold about $150 worth of toddler toys on a facebook group. I met someone online, locally, with the same genetic condition I have, through the FB group.


She deduced from two Facebook friends in common I had NF - neurofibormatosis too and sent me a personal message.

Saturday, I culled five bagfuls of boy's clothes to donate to my new friend, another friend and my cousin's little guy.

My husband went off last night for some HIM time to see or hear  Beccy Cole in concert. So I got stuck into tidying my boys' rooms.  Much to their disappointment.

This week as the temperature plumetted , I crazily crawled out of bed Thursday at 5:30am for a training session at the local stadium with a women's running /walking group - laps around #1 oval and up and down the grandstand stairs in -2 °

Froze.

that is frost on the seats.


Then it was my first PT session in the gym at 7am , training with a friend and Personal Trainer.
I needed to stretch afterwards and I'm still feeling it.

This week my fab seven posts were

7 Stretches in 7 Minutes For Low Back Pain Relief

What a Teenage Boy Needs Most from his Mom

A story on facebook touched my heart- https://www.facebook.com/InMemoryofHarlowRose
I've blogged previously about my first baby, a daughter, Charlotte Rose who was stillborn .Though I don't know why she died in utero.

I do know I was diagnosed with Obstetric cholestasis at 35 weeks with my second - twin - pregnancy. I had the itching a week or so , the itch was unbearable. It is more common in twin pregnancies for some reason too.

The Registrar told me , on a Thursday at my antenatal appointment , itching was normal - especially with twins stretching the skin.

Wrong.

 I am so glad I'd read about Obstetric cholestasis on a pregnancy forum (only remembered after my appointment) . I knew - pretty much trusting my extreme skyrocketing anxiety intuition that is was not normal - diagnosed myself, rang the midwife and got to hospital. Fours hours later after blood tests they confirmed my diagnosis.

I had c/s 12 hrs later (the next day) at 35wks 4days. My sons are alive today because I knew about Obstetric cholestasis - thanks to another mother sharing it on a baby/ parenting forum. I remembered reading her story about intense itching. Raising awareness is vitally important.

This announcement Bazinga! Lego announces 'Big Bang Theory' set  has lots of people excited.

My own good news week is I'm going here-all most expenses paid !

How amazing is this sculpture ! 

Is your multiplication a bit rusty ? -  Then show your child this Cool way to Multiply using a Japanese method -

How to Multiply Easy Way using Japanese method
Simply amazing-
Posted by Suria Mohd on Thursday, 7 May 2015


 

Friday 5 June 2015

Giving a voice to metastatic cancer.

Holley nails it - sharing her journey and educating others.

Holley is giving a voice to metastatic cancer, the message is powerful.
#Lifer

My friend had only 11 months 'living' after her early Breast Cancer spread to her bones.

I still can't believe she is gone.



https://city2surf2015.everydayhero.com/au/trish-1

It's my mission to keep the awareness and run for a cure. Will you donate ?

Only $15 -$20  will help me meet my daily target to raise $1000 .

Tuesday 2 June 2015

Wordless Wednesday : The lesson I learnt about Baby Alpacas


Newborn - 1 day old Alapaca - so the owner told me !!


These are Wethers.

Chow time



More babies




What are you looking at ?

 Andonbel Alpaca Farm & Coffee Shop Narromine



Didn't this cause a riot on my Facebook page and elsewhere - :)

Lesson learnt - do not share without checking cute baby animals are really who they say they are.

 
Yes, I want a pair - they are companion animals.
   

   

Monday 1 June 2015

Thirteen Things I won't ever say



1.    A Hot stone massage ? no thanks*
2.    Make it a Brazilian today, my underarms are good.
4.    I am cancelling my internet subscription.
5.    Where's my g string bikini ?
6.    I am giving up chocolate.
7.    Darling, let's go ski-diving.
8.    No Wine for me.
9.    I really enjoyed that Alpaca pie
10.   Here boys - this is my iThingy password
11.   Wash my mouth out with soap please (the swear jar is full)
12.   Sell my car, I'll take the school bus or run.
13.   I love colour sorting Lego as much as I love stepping on it#

*my stone massage is booked at TAFE tomorrow a month late - with trainee student.
 #We are on a mission to build Lego City