Okay so tonight I am feeling really annoyed about this whole cancer thing!!
I have just spent over an hour chatting to and trying to console my 9 year old daughter who has been sobbing because she doesn't want me to die!!
This journey is so unpredictable as we have had a lovely family day! It is grannys birthday and the day started with c making scrambled eggs on toast - we took it to granny while she was still in bed - we all stood at the door singing happy birthday and presented granny with breakfast and gifts!
That was until grandpa got his camera out to take a family photo ! We all scattered hehe - weren't too keen to be captured in our pjs and bleary eyes!!
We had a slow morning pottering, watching rugby and sitting outside soaking in the lovely weather!!
We took granny down to one of the local surfclubs for a birthday lunch followed by a walk along the promenade.
A coffee at starbucks and a peek in a few shops and art galleries and we were all out of puff!
We headed home - the girls and i were together singing and laughing as we went back to the farm where A made us the most delicious quiches - B got the fire going and the scene was set for an equally relaxing night!
We managed to skype my parents overseas who where shown around the house via laptop - modern technology is amazing!!
Then we chatted to my brother and sister in law who were phoning to wish granny happy birthday!
All in all a lovely day - and then .......
It was time for the girls to get to bed and then C was being a bit difficult in that regard so I'm afraid I told her off.
In no time she had apologised for her resistance and then the tears started to flow.
We cuddled in my bed and chatted and chatted.
She sobbed while saying very hesitantly that she feared I was going to die and how she didn't want that to happen .
She has been having a few friendship challenges at school and unfortunately because of what is happening with me her reserve is on empty so she isn't coping as well as she may have usually! She is feeling quite alone ! Sharing how she feels no-one at school understands what she is going through - how hard it is having a mom who has breast cancer!
Oh my heart !!!
At times she is as an old soul in a young body asking me philosophical questions about why this is so etc!
She voiced how we need to take a day off and just stay together as a family all day from morning to night without losing sight of each other !
And then the reason underlying it all I think came out - she can remember seeing a magazine in our previous house almost a year ago where there was a photo of a lady who had no hair sitting with her family and the caption read " I didnt want to go to sleep as I knew I wouldnt wake up!!!"
I don't ever remember seeing that but she had.
I have been open and talked about losing my hair not realising that for her she saw this as an indication that there was every possibility I would die!
It is bad enough that I have to walk this road but unfortunately for the girls they are forced to walk it too.
I felt so cross that my sweet 9 year old daughter is fearing going to sleep incase when she wakes up Im not there!
She has not being going to bed as usual for a while and each morning comes in and gives me the tightest squeeze - I feel sick that she has been carrying this undercover!!
She didn't want to worry me! Can you imagine - she is trying to protect me!!
Well we had a long chat about all sorts of details to do with the cancer, treatment etc and we finished off by reading a heartwarming story from Enid Blyton!!!
She was very happy to go from my bed to her own and after a kiss and another long cuddle was fast asleep!
As a mom we want to do everything to keep our children safe and protect them from harm!
Yet I know the road ahead is fraught with challenges and there will be tears - but one thing I am sure of this only makes we want to fight this all the more !
I have been blessed with a loving husband and 2 girls that I am so proud of - I am going to face this nightmare head- on.
I will lean on my heavenly Father, draw comfort from my family and friends and perservere to the other side of this cancer tunnel to see the light at the end!
Head down, deep breaths, one day at a time.
I want to make it through and hold my girls as tight as possible x
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Saturday, 28 May 2011
What if??
Its the weekend again - the days are flying by.
Feeling very relaxed tonight - have just watched a dvd with a glass of vino and nibblies!
The fire is burning and I'm feeling good ......
I went to Physio yesterday and am pleased to report that the arm movement is still on the up and up!!
Great news - even better is that when i told her about my back that she had me lying on the bed
and proceeded to give me the most wonderful back massage around my tender spine etc.
I was so relaxed by the time I got home that I feel asleep and woke up just in time to get the girls from school.
Only one more session with the physio to go - oh how I will miss her!!!
Had a very lazy day today - just took c to a birthday party and had a coffee there with a few of the mums - was nice to feel normal.
Today I managed to get through a bit of paperwork , bills and the like that have been left in a pile for a while now.
I have been communicating via email to other ladies in the same shoes as I - and reading of their journeys and struggles.
I know I will be asking for plenty of advice in the weeks ahead!!
The movie we watched was Letters to Juliet - a real romance!
Set in the exquisite Verona - Italy.
The film is filled with stunning scenery and red wine is flowing!! A real escape to beauty and love ( even if its hollywood style)
I was struck again by the letter that the secretaries of Juliet wrote to Claire who had placed a letter in the wall some 50 years before.
"what' and 'if" are 2 very small words but when put together mean something quite different.
Cancer although full of negative challenges also presents positive challenges too - you are suddenly so aware that life is not in our hands or under our control and as such we should embrace all that is in our world.
You see so clearly the value of those in your world - family and friends etc
You don't want to have any what if's - life does move so fast for each of us and within each of our worlds there is something to celebrate, hopefully someone to love and those who we need to tell that we care!
That old saying 'Take time to stop and smell the roses ' is beautiful yet so familiar we may not heed it!
If you feel you have no roses to smell then give some to someone else and enjoy the joy that they will have in smelling them.
We only have one life to live - no matter what - make it one that holds as few what ifs as possible!!!!
Feeling very relaxed tonight - have just watched a dvd with a glass of vino and nibblies!
The fire is burning and I'm feeling good ......
I went to Physio yesterday and am pleased to report that the arm movement is still on the up and up!!
Great news - even better is that when i told her about my back that she had me lying on the bed
and proceeded to give me the most wonderful back massage around my tender spine etc.
I was so relaxed by the time I got home that I feel asleep and woke up just in time to get the girls from school.
Only one more session with the physio to go - oh how I will miss her!!!
Had a very lazy day today - just took c to a birthday party and had a coffee there with a few of the mums - was nice to feel normal.
Today I managed to get through a bit of paperwork , bills and the like that have been left in a pile for a while now.
I have been communicating via email to other ladies in the same shoes as I - and reading of their journeys and struggles.
I know I will be asking for plenty of advice in the weeks ahead!!
The movie we watched was Letters to Juliet - a real romance!
Set in the exquisite Verona - Italy.
The film is filled with stunning scenery and red wine is flowing!! A real escape to beauty and love ( even if its hollywood style)
I was struck again by the letter that the secretaries of Juliet wrote to Claire who had placed a letter in the wall some 50 years before.
"what' and 'if" are 2 very small words but when put together mean something quite different.
Cancer although full of negative challenges also presents positive challenges too - you are suddenly so aware that life is not in our hands or under our control and as such we should embrace all that is in our world.
You see so clearly the value of those in your world - family and friends etc
You don't want to have any what if's - life does move so fast for each of us and within each of our worlds there is something to celebrate, hopefully someone to love and those who we need to tell that we care!
That old saying 'Take time to stop and smell the roses ' is beautiful yet so familiar we may not heed it!
If you feel you have no roses to smell then give some to someone else and enjoy the joy that they will have in smelling them.
We only have one life to live - no matter what - make it one that holds as few what ifs as possible!!!!
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Go - go - go !!
I cant believe a week has almost passed already.
I feel like it has been go go go.
I am still driving the girls to and fro from school and it feels good to have a bit of normal routine back. They were so pleased when i took them to school on Monday for the first time in weeks. I ended up going to coffee with one of my friends who I saw at kiss and go and we just popped down to a local coffee shop .
We hadn't seen each other since before the op so had lots to chat about - clearly my hormones were still doing loop de loops as while we there a lady came into the cafe who clearly had breast cancer and must have been going through chemo! She had a very long and attention drawing scarf on and I looked at her and found myself in tears!!
So there we were in the coffee shop drying our eyes as it wasn't just me crying further into our chats my friend was crying too.
I am sure those around were wondering what was in the coffee.
Well we laughed also and it was good to catch up.
I didn't stay at the shops and headed home as I was still feeling pretty tired from the weekend.
Monday was actually A's birthday so we had candles and cake after school and she was happy. So I am now the mother of a teenager - oh lala x
We had decided that as this was such an important birthday that A could have a day off school. So on Tuesday we spent the day together. A wanted to go shopping - so off to the plaza we went. We had a great time in and out of the shops and she had some birthday money to spend so we went home with a few purchases and a very happy teenager!
It was really funny as when we were in an accessory shop I saw a lady with a short haircut that I fancied - so I was trying to take a photo with my phone without looking too obvious. What a laugh - lifting my phone and trying to get a few different angles without drawing attention - a candidate for MI5 maybe!!
Back to my reality on Wednesday with a trip to the hospital for a Lymphoedema information session.
I arrived a few mins late as it took me almost 25mins to find a parking even the multilevel carpark was full - what a business.
The session was taken by an occupational therapist and there were 6 of us , 5 ladies and 1 man.
I was about 10 - 15 years younger than the other ladies.
One lady was sitting with her crescent cushion under her arm - she was 2 weeks post op and struggling I think.
It was when I saw and heard her speak I realised how far I had come in these last weeks and how I had moved forward. Was quite encouraging!
The first hour was spent learning all about the risks etc and the joyous news that this was something we would have for the rest of our lives.
Unfortunately long haul flights increase the risk of lymphoedema although you can go with a compression stocking on your arm.
Oh the joys!!
Anyway I left informed and armed with leaflets and samples of creams etc.
My cancer file is bursting at the seams!!
The days are flowing pretty rapidly from one to the next and it is amazing to think that on Monday it will be 6 weeks since I had my op!
The oncology department phoned me today to confirm my appointment for Tuesday so it is all systems go!
Tomorrow I am off for Physio - so as I said go go go.
Amongst the madness and mayhem and my rather annoying tiredness it isn't always possible to get together with friends.
With all the appointments etc it can be hard to plan to get together but this week a few spontaneous happenings have been good.
Lunch at a friends on her lovely horse property, another friend popped over with homemade banana bread and my first hat - handmade!!
And today a coffee with a dear friend turned into a few hours just sitting watching the waves roll in onto the beach.
There is something so refreshing about sitting with the sand at your feet and listening and seeing the waves break in front of you!!
Very good for the soul!
So I am holding tight now in this rollercoaster - I know I cant get off and have nestled myself into my seat and am feeling more prepared now for meeting the oncologist next week.
I think I am in the right head space to get going with the chemo and know that the sooner we get going the sooner it will be in the past!!!!
Thats what I am believing for ......
I feel like it has been go go go.
I am still driving the girls to and fro from school and it feels good to have a bit of normal routine back. They were so pleased when i took them to school on Monday for the first time in weeks. I ended up going to coffee with one of my friends who I saw at kiss and go and we just popped down to a local coffee shop .
We hadn't seen each other since before the op so had lots to chat about - clearly my hormones were still doing loop de loops as while we there a lady came into the cafe who clearly had breast cancer and must have been going through chemo! She had a very long and attention drawing scarf on and I looked at her and found myself in tears!!
So there we were in the coffee shop drying our eyes as it wasn't just me crying further into our chats my friend was crying too.
I am sure those around were wondering what was in the coffee.
Well we laughed also and it was good to catch up.
I didn't stay at the shops and headed home as I was still feeling pretty tired from the weekend.
Monday was actually A's birthday so we had candles and cake after school and she was happy. So I am now the mother of a teenager - oh lala x
We had decided that as this was such an important birthday that A could have a day off school. So on Tuesday we spent the day together. A wanted to go shopping - so off to the plaza we went. We had a great time in and out of the shops and she had some birthday money to spend so we went home with a few purchases and a very happy teenager!
It was really funny as when we were in an accessory shop I saw a lady with a short haircut that I fancied - so I was trying to take a photo with my phone without looking too obvious. What a laugh - lifting my phone and trying to get a few different angles without drawing attention - a candidate for MI5 maybe!!
Back to my reality on Wednesday with a trip to the hospital for a Lymphoedema information session.
I arrived a few mins late as it took me almost 25mins to find a parking even the multilevel carpark was full - what a business.
The session was taken by an occupational therapist and there were 6 of us , 5 ladies and 1 man.
I was about 10 - 15 years younger than the other ladies.
One lady was sitting with her crescent cushion under her arm - she was 2 weeks post op and struggling I think.
It was when I saw and heard her speak I realised how far I had come in these last weeks and how I had moved forward. Was quite encouraging!
The first hour was spent learning all about the risks etc and the joyous news that this was something we would have for the rest of our lives.
Unfortunately long haul flights increase the risk of lymphoedema although you can go with a compression stocking on your arm.
Oh the joys!!
Anyway I left informed and armed with leaflets and samples of creams etc.
My cancer file is bursting at the seams!!
The days are flowing pretty rapidly from one to the next and it is amazing to think that on Monday it will be 6 weeks since I had my op!
The oncology department phoned me today to confirm my appointment for Tuesday so it is all systems go!
Tomorrow I am off for Physio - so as I said go go go.
Amongst the madness and mayhem and my rather annoying tiredness it isn't always possible to get together with friends.
With all the appointments etc it can be hard to plan to get together but this week a few spontaneous happenings have been good.
Lunch at a friends on her lovely horse property, another friend popped over with homemade banana bread and my first hat - handmade!!
And today a coffee with a dear friend turned into a few hours just sitting watching the waves roll in onto the beach.
There is something so refreshing about sitting with the sand at your feet and listening and seeing the waves break in front of you!!
Very good for the soul!
So I am holding tight now in this rollercoaster - I know I cant get off and have nestled myself into my seat and am feeling more prepared now for meeting the oncologist next week.
I think I am in the right head space to get going with the chemo and know that the sooner we get going the sooner it will be in the past!!!!
Thats what I am believing for ......
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Stop I want to get off !!!!
So this morning I have woken up with a strong desire to get off this rollercoaster ride I am on. Every day I wake I am reminded by the strange sensations in my armpit that things are not as they should be.
I spent some time on the Breast cancer website last night looking through the posts of numerous women on the same road as me.
They are amazing women of strength and courage and yet the reality is that we are all on a road we did not choose! Stories of bone pain, hairloss, hospital readmission, chemo, mastectomy, depresssion etc etc are not stories we would want to have to share yet thousands of women do - with such dignity.
I am determined that I want to be involved with helping in this area once I have navigated mine!!
It is a glorious morning here today and that is always good for the soul.
Yesterday was a non stop funathon for A - we went tenbowling with a few of her friends. She has such wonderful girlfriends in her world - I am so very thankful for that. They laughed and danced and bowled for a couple of hours and then 2 friends joined us for dinner at a special restaurant that A loves.
She came home thanking us for such a wonderful day! I am so proud of her - she is growing up to be a very special young lady!!
Today we are just relaxing - well I am at least. The nonstop funathon has left me pooped - but was certainly worth every moment to see the joy on the birthday girl.
I am still lolling around in my pjs - so I think I better get up and get dressed at least!!
Its hard to believe that over a month has passed since I had the operation - the weeks are just rolling one into another.
Just over a week until I know the gameplan - as much as I don't want to get going I also do !!
Anyway I am feeling better now - sometimes it helps just to let it all hang out!
I am going to have a refreshing shower , powder my nose and get myself going for the day.
I am surrounded by a family I love dearly , live in a home in surroundings I have dreamt of since being a little girl , have had support from friends way beyond any thought or expectation.
My cup is full and running over - always good to look at the bigger picture.
There is a song from an old movie that says.
When life seems pretty rotten
Theres something you've forgotten
Thats to sing and laugh and dance teraah
Always look on the bright side of life te dum te dum te dum te dum
Always look on the bright side of life te dum te dum te dum te dum ..............
So I am off to do just that .......
I spent some time on the Breast cancer website last night looking through the posts of numerous women on the same road as me.
They are amazing women of strength and courage and yet the reality is that we are all on a road we did not choose! Stories of bone pain, hairloss, hospital readmission, chemo, mastectomy, depresssion etc etc are not stories we would want to have to share yet thousands of women do - with such dignity.
I am determined that I want to be involved with helping in this area once I have navigated mine!!
It is a glorious morning here today and that is always good for the soul.
Yesterday was a non stop funathon for A - we went tenbowling with a few of her friends. She has such wonderful girlfriends in her world - I am so very thankful for that. They laughed and danced and bowled for a couple of hours and then 2 friends joined us for dinner at a special restaurant that A loves.
She came home thanking us for such a wonderful day! I am so proud of her - she is growing up to be a very special young lady!!
Today we are just relaxing - well I am at least. The nonstop funathon has left me pooped - but was certainly worth every moment to see the joy on the birthday girl.
I am still lolling around in my pjs - so I think I better get up and get dressed at least!!
Its hard to believe that over a month has passed since I had the operation - the weeks are just rolling one into another.
Just over a week until I know the gameplan - as much as I don't want to get going I also do !!
Anyway I am feeling better now - sometimes it helps just to let it all hang out!
I am going to have a refreshing shower , powder my nose and get myself going for the day.
I am surrounded by a family I love dearly , live in a home in surroundings I have dreamt of since being a little girl , have had support from friends way beyond any thought or expectation.
My cup is full and running over - always good to look at the bigger picture.
There is a song from an old movie that says.
When life seems pretty rotten
Theres something you've forgotten
Thats to sing and laugh and dance teraah
Always look on the bright side of life te dum te dum te dum te dum
Always look on the bright side of life te dum te dum te dum te dum ..............
So I am off to do just that .......
Friday, 20 May 2011
A tender heart ...
How is it that you can be going along fine and then boom suddenly it all feels too much!!
I have a had a lovely week with comings and goings , yummy food and friendly words and yet suddenly I am all teary and feeling overwhelmed today!!
I couldn't sleep much last night and the weird thing is is that I am not even thinking negative things - just feeling a bit weary.
Actually having said that - I have been thinking about chemo - I feel like each day now we are a step closer.
I am really dreading the start of that!
I was chatting to a friend yesterday and said now that I am on the other side of the op - I think I am fearing losing my hair more than I was about my boob!
I have tried on scarfs etc and the result is not very uplifting - I do try to see the funny side but today it doesn't seem so funny.
I am thinking I need to start a rigourous facial regime so at least I might have nice skin!!
That said I broke new ground today - I got in the car and drove to school!! The girls were very excited!
It all went well - just felt a bit uncomfortable but not that it affected the driving except for parallel parking - was awkward to twist my neck and manoevre the wheel!!
What happened to my multitasking technique!!
I saw a friend at the kiss and go and she suggested a cuppa - so we shared our tales over a cappuccino !!
Always great therapy!!
I went into the shops and got a few birthday treats for A - I feel quite disorganised for her special 13th birthday.
Has all come around so quickly - thankfully she is such a gracious girl she understands that I cant do things as usual.
Still a bit sad that this significant birthday is clouded by cancer!!
Anyway I am back at the farm - we are having the grass cut outside and granny and grandpa are pottering in the kitchen test driving the new fast/slow cooker!!
So we will have a heartwarming meal whilst looking out over our neatly mown lawn.
Its amazing how good for the soul it is to see freshly cut grass - at least one area of our life is partly under control !!
I am also amazed how the unexpected encouragement comes when I need it - today in the post I had 2 treats from girlfriends .
My very special friend from the UK sent me a most beautiful card which got the tears going for sure and another special friend in SA had sent me the most lovely books.
My heart is being tended!
So I think I need to clear my tearducts with a heartwarming movie and then take a deep breath and go again.
A is going tenpin bowling with a few friends tomorrow so I have to get my groove on for that!
I really want her to have a fun time!
Well there are wonderful smells wafting in from the kitchen - I hope it tastes as good as it smells!!
My mum sent me this yesterday
Remember our feelings come and go - but Gods love for us does not!
Just what I needed to be reminded of today ........
I have a had a lovely week with comings and goings , yummy food and friendly words and yet suddenly I am all teary and feeling overwhelmed today!!
I couldn't sleep much last night and the weird thing is is that I am not even thinking negative things - just feeling a bit weary.
Actually having said that - I have been thinking about chemo - I feel like each day now we are a step closer.
I am really dreading the start of that!
I was chatting to a friend yesterday and said now that I am on the other side of the op - I think I am fearing losing my hair more than I was about my boob!
I have tried on scarfs etc and the result is not very uplifting - I do try to see the funny side but today it doesn't seem so funny.
I am thinking I need to start a rigourous facial regime so at least I might have nice skin!!
That said I broke new ground today - I got in the car and drove to school!! The girls were very excited!
It all went well - just felt a bit uncomfortable but not that it affected the driving except for parallel parking - was awkward to twist my neck and manoevre the wheel!!
What happened to my multitasking technique!!
I saw a friend at the kiss and go and she suggested a cuppa - so we shared our tales over a cappuccino !!
Always great therapy!!
I went into the shops and got a few birthday treats for A - I feel quite disorganised for her special 13th birthday.
Has all come around so quickly - thankfully she is such a gracious girl she understands that I cant do things as usual.
Still a bit sad that this significant birthday is clouded by cancer!!
Anyway I am back at the farm - we are having the grass cut outside and granny and grandpa are pottering in the kitchen test driving the new fast/slow cooker!!
So we will have a heartwarming meal whilst looking out over our neatly mown lawn.
Its amazing how good for the soul it is to see freshly cut grass - at least one area of our life is partly under control !!
I am also amazed how the unexpected encouragement comes when I need it - today in the post I had 2 treats from girlfriends .
My very special friend from the UK sent me a most beautiful card which got the tears going for sure and another special friend in SA had sent me the most lovely books.
My heart is being tended!
So I think I need to clear my tearducts with a heartwarming movie and then take a deep breath and go again.
A is going tenpin bowling with a few friends tomorrow so I have to get my groove on for that!
I really want her to have a fun time!
Well there are wonderful smells wafting in from the kitchen - I hope it tastes as good as it smells!!
My mum sent me this yesterday
Remember our feelings come and go - but Gods love for us does not!
Just what I needed to be reminded of today ........
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
A date with the big screen !!!
I am absolutely shattered!!
The country bumpkin has braved the big city!!
Lets start at the very beginning!!
A friend had suggested she take me to movies today - Water for Elephants. What a treat!
Granny and grandpa came down with us for a dander around the shops while we went to the movies!
This was to be the furthest away from home I had been in over a month.
It was really funny I was so aware of all the sparkly lights, the buzz of the shoppers and all the new ranges in the store windows.
It was as if the country mouse had left her burrow and was seeing the city lights for the first time.
It wasn't even a particularily busy day at the shops but I didn't know where to look. I hadn't had so much going on around me since my night in hospital!!
We parted ways with my inlaws and headed to the movies. I had to complete the experience with popcorn and a fizzy of course. The seats in our screening were surprisingly full - with a range of viewers!
We nestled in and the hours passed as we lost ourselves in days gone by, circus acts, romance , sadness and joy!!
I did have to wriggle and squiggle in my seat a bit as 2 hours was quite long to sit with a dodgy back - but it certainly didn't take away from the joy of being swept up in the escapism of a movie screening.
It may however not have been so for those sitting next to me oops!!
I had my tissues handy and yes I did need them when the credits rolled so did my tears - I just love going to the movies!!
So out we went - the sun had been shining when we went in earlier but now the grey clouds has covered the sky and it looked decidedly wintery!
We met up with Granny and Grandpa for a quick bite to eat before heading home again.
They had been very naughty and we arrived home they presented me with a wonderful gift! A fast slow cooker!! A combination slow cooker and pressure cooker in one - hence the name - very irish I thought !
So we will be experimenting with that no doubt!!
The girls came home soon after and my friend who brought them stayed for a cuppa and then another friend came with an amazing array of containers with homemade soup. olive bread and pudding!
We are so spoilt!
I am already sitting in my bed typing this (its only 7.30pm) on my new toy as I am now feeling absolutely exhausted.
It was a real treat to go to the movies today and was certainly worth the tiredness I feel tonight - I am just hoping that as the days pass I will have a bit more vooma as it is tiring being tired!!!
Roll on the energy !
Until the next time .....zzzzzzzzzz
The country bumpkin has braved the big city!!
Lets start at the very beginning!!
A friend had suggested she take me to movies today - Water for Elephants. What a treat!
Granny and grandpa came down with us for a dander around the shops while we went to the movies!
This was to be the furthest away from home I had been in over a month.
It was really funny I was so aware of all the sparkly lights, the buzz of the shoppers and all the new ranges in the store windows.
It was as if the country mouse had left her burrow and was seeing the city lights for the first time.
It wasn't even a particularily busy day at the shops but I didn't know where to look. I hadn't had so much going on around me since my night in hospital!!
We parted ways with my inlaws and headed to the movies. I had to complete the experience with popcorn and a fizzy of course. The seats in our screening were surprisingly full - with a range of viewers!
We nestled in and the hours passed as we lost ourselves in days gone by, circus acts, romance , sadness and joy!!
I did have to wriggle and squiggle in my seat a bit as 2 hours was quite long to sit with a dodgy back - but it certainly didn't take away from the joy of being swept up in the escapism of a movie screening.
It may however not have been so for those sitting next to me oops!!
I had my tissues handy and yes I did need them when the credits rolled so did my tears - I just love going to the movies!!
So out we went - the sun had been shining when we went in earlier but now the grey clouds has covered the sky and it looked decidedly wintery!
We met up with Granny and Grandpa for a quick bite to eat before heading home again.
They had been very naughty and we arrived home they presented me with a wonderful gift! A fast slow cooker!! A combination slow cooker and pressure cooker in one - hence the name - very irish I thought !
So we will be experimenting with that no doubt!!
The girls came home soon after and my friend who brought them stayed for a cuppa and then another friend came with an amazing array of containers with homemade soup. olive bread and pudding!
We are so spoilt!
I am already sitting in my bed typing this (its only 7.30pm) on my new toy as I am now feeling absolutely exhausted.
It was a real treat to go to the movies today and was certainly worth the tiredness I feel tonight - I am just hoping that as the days pass I will have a bit more vooma as it is tiring being tired!!!
Roll on the energy !
Until the next time .....zzzzzzzzzz
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Medicals smedicals ........
Okay so today was another day full with medical encounters!!!
The day started wonderfully with the lady who is helping me with cleaning arriving and transforming our living space before our eyes!!
A true gift - just love having a clean home!!
Today was the day for my return trip to the surgeon and then our family expedition to the Drs for our visa medicals.
Another friend arrived to transport me to the hospital outpatients department - it has become quite the custom to be taxi ed here and there - I may never drive again .....
We had the fastest bite to eat ever at a cafe just opposite the hospital and then I headed across to my appointment.
You would think that by now I would know the routine considering the number of times I had been there. It seems a left my brain at the cafe as I approached the desk before taking my numbered ticket!
Oh my the lady behind the desk was not amused - did I not read the sign. Hmm I had the feeling I had been down this road before.
I apologised politely and took my ticket and sat to wait for my number to be called!!
In no time I was whisked away to see the Dr.
I was really pleased when the lovely lady Dr I had seen before the op came in. She checked the seroma - slight swelling but not enough to necessitate draining - yeh at last no more needles.
In the middle of our chat my surgeon joined us and we had a good time going over some bits and pieces with lots of laughter in between.
She checked my spine again - still tender at T4 but no long term concerns - just come back if any increase in pain and they wanted to check on me again in a month!!
I was encouraged to continue with the exercises and massage and try to just embrace life as much as possible and in as normal a way as possible ( there was that word again)
So I left happy and braced myself for the medical.
B had already collected the girls from school and then picked me up from the hospital and we were off!!
We were armed with a wad of forms that we had to print out and fill in prior to arriving - we presented these when we got to the reception desk. B knew he had to have an xray and bloods done ! He thought that this was done after seeing the Dr but a rather brisk receptionist told us in no uncertain terms that she would of course have told B that he needed to do this prior to coming.
Infact she could see on the computer that she made the booking and clearly she doesn't make mistakes ever!
So we had been told off in the first few minutes - not the best start!
I am pleased to say that another lady took over and was much more friendly and helpful.
There was however some query as to whether A now required an xray so they then had to call immigration to confirm etc etc.
In the meantime we were whisked away by a nurse who presented us all with a sample pot to wee into.
The girls were horrified at the thought - so I took C into get her sorted and soon the 4 of us walked into the nurse station each bearing a gift - not quite frankincence and myrrh.....
We resumed our seats and waited to be summoned once more.
After a while our family bustled into the Drs room to await our fate!!
C went first and just as well as we all saw what was to follow!!
Eyes tested, ears tested,a look in the throat ,blood pressure , lifting of the legs, prodding of the tummy, bending and stretching to name but a few.
C was in a fit of giggles for most of it - she thought the whole proceeding was hilarious!!
A was not so thrilled as for the greater part most of this was done in our underwear. I had not anticipated this and was sitting trying to remember what underwear I actually had on!!
Do you remember being told if you are going out to make sure your underwear is decent just incase you are in an accident and end up in hospital!!!
Soon it was B's turn and we all laughed as dad did his athletic manoevures in his underpants!!
I of course had no place to laugh as when it was my turn I was wondering if I would even be able to bend at all.
I am proud to say I did all the leg and arm lifting and twisting required!! My arm lifting was slow but I DID IT !!!!!
The Dr asked the girls to go into the waiting room when he was chatting to me - he said he wasn't sure how much the girls knew about the breast cancer.
We said they knew everything - in any case we had a chat - he documented details and we are hoping for the best.
In theory I actually don't have breast cancer now as they have cut it out and my nodes are clear!
Lets hope that is good enough!!!
A was quite put out that the girls had to leave the room and asked me what that was all about!!
When I told her she cracked me up when she said. " Oh come on mum how ridiculous - you are missing a boob , what are we supposed to think , it fell off in the night while you were sleeping - or a shark bit it off while you were swimming!!!!"
Never a dull moment .
We had to nip over to the local mall to get some photos taken for the paperwork - well you should have seen them - the girls and I were told not to smile and the result was 3 very sombre depressed looking mug shots. We are hoping that when they look at them they will take pity and not think oh dear we dont want to keep that sad lot!
So the medical smedicals are behind us and our future is out of our hands.
My darling husband has just made a passing comment of ' I wonder what New Zealand is like!!" Heaven help us - surely we need it ........
The day started wonderfully with the lady who is helping me with cleaning arriving and transforming our living space before our eyes!!
A true gift - just love having a clean home!!
Today was the day for my return trip to the surgeon and then our family expedition to the Drs for our visa medicals.
Another friend arrived to transport me to the hospital outpatients department - it has become quite the custom to be taxi ed here and there - I may never drive again .....
We had the fastest bite to eat ever at a cafe just opposite the hospital and then I headed across to my appointment.
You would think that by now I would know the routine considering the number of times I had been there. It seems a left my brain at the cafe as I approached the desk before taking my numbered ticket!
Oh my the lady behind the desk was not amused - did I not read the sign. Hmm I had the feeling I had been down this road before.
I apologised politely and took my ticket and sat to wait for my number to be called!!
In no time I was whisked away to see the Dr.
I was really pleased when the lovely lady Dr I had seen before the op came in. She checked the seroma - slight swelling but not enough to necessitate draining - yeh at last no more needles.
In the middle of our chat my surgeon joined us and we had a good time going over some bits and pieces with lots of laughter in between.
She checked my spine again - still tender at T4 but no long term concerns - just come back if any increase in pain and they wanted to check on me again in a month!!
I was encouraged to continue with the exercises and massage and try to just embrace life as much as possible and in as normal a way as possible ( there was that word again)
So I left happy and braced myself for the medical.
B had already collected the girls from school and then picked me up from the hospital and we were off!!
We were armed with a wad of forms that we had to print out and fill in prior to arriving - we presented these when we got to the reception desk. B knew he had to have an xray and bloods done ! He thought that this was done after seeing the Dr but a rather brisk receptionist told us in no uncertain terms that she would of course have told B that he needed to do this prior to coming.
Infact she could see on the computer that she made the booking and clearly she doesn't make mistakes ever!
So we had been told off in the first few minutes - not the best start!
I am pleased to say that another lady took over and was much more friendly and helpful.
There was however some query as to whether A now required an xray so they then had to call immigration to confirm etc etc.
In the meantime we were whisked away by a nurse who presented us all with a sample pot to wee into.
The girls were horrified at the thought - so I took C into get her sorted and soon the 4 of us walked into the nurse station each bearing a gift - not quite frankincence and myrrh.....
We resumed our seats and waited to be summoned once more.
After a while our family bustled into the Drs room to await our fate!!
C went first and just as well as we all saw what was to follow!!
Eyes tested, ears tested,a look in the throat ,blood pressure , lifting of the legs, prodding of the tummy, bending and stretching to name but a few.
C was in a fit of giggles for most of it - she thought the whole proceeding was hilarious!!
A was not so thrilled as for the greater part most of this was done in our underwear. I had not anticipated this and was sitting trying to remember what underwear I actually had on!!
Do you remember being told if you are going out to make sure your underwear is decent just incase you are in an accident and end up in hospital!!!
Soon it was B's turn and we all laughed as dad did his athletic manoevures in his underpants!!
I of course had no place to laugh as when it was my turn I was wondering if I would even be able to bend at all.
I am proud to say I did all the leg and arm lifting and twisting required!! My arm lifting was slow but I DID IT !!!!!
The Dr asked the girls to go into the waiting room when he was chatting to me - he said he wasn't sure how much the girls knew about the breast cancer.
We said they knew everything - in any case we had a chat - he documented details and we are hoping for the best.
In theory I actually don't have breast cancer now as they have cut it out and my nodes are clear!
Lets hope that is good enough!!!
A was quite put out that the girls had to leave the room and asked me what that was all about!!
When I told her she cracked me up when she said. " Oh come on mum how ridiculous - you are missing a boob , what are we supposed to think , it fell off in the night while you were sleeping - or a shark bit it off while you were swimming!!!!"
Never a dull moment .
We had to nip over to the local mall to get some photos taken for the paperwork - well you should have seen them - the girls and I were told not to smile and the result was 3 very sombre depressed looking mug shots. We are hoping that when they look at them they will take pity and not think oh dear we dont want to keep that sad lot!
So the medical smedicals are behind us and our future is out of our hands.
My darling husband has just made a passing comment of ' I wonder what New Zealand is like!!" Heaven help us - surely we need it ........
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