Surgery - Done and dusted

Thank you all for all the texts, emails, phone calls, and prayers from near and far. I went into hospital on Friday morning and by mid-day was awake enough to have a conversation, although I took the opportunity to sleep! I was released Saturday late afternoon which was a slight delay as I should have be released early in the morning. I had a bit more drainage from the wound so had to get that under control before leaving. I'm now laying low and getting into the Christmas spirit. It's been a long journey and I have probably been more tired, run down and emotional than I would like to admit (especially given the situation at work). But I am now on a months holiday break so looking forward to some quality time with the family! The recovery from this surgery should be a lot quicker than the last two as it was just putting the final prosthetic in on one side. So I hope to get some beach time in sometime in the coming 3 weeks or so. I will think about what this blog may look like in 2014 if I keep going with it. I have a couple more things I want to write about between now and early January so watch this space. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours! From Laurice and Team Laurice

Where have I been?

This is blog 100...100 different ways of writing about cancer, how it's affected myself as well as the family, about how important it is to staying positive, and everything in between. This year has been the most challenging year that I've ever experienced. Between cancer and the treatments and surgery, losing a couple friends to cancer, going through a major re-structure at work and having my role disestablished, keeping the family and home together, starting an extension to the house...it's all been...hmmmm, challenging. So the Year of the Snake (my year) is one that I will look back on with deep reflection on how even in years like this I have been successful in everything I have worked on, continue to be blessed with two beautiful children and loving (and handsome) husband, and am alive and well to look forward to 2014. A week tomorrow I go into my final reconstructive surgery. How I look forward to saying goodbye to seeing the oncologist and surgeon!

A sad Day

In my team at work I have had two others that are also battling cancer at the same time. Last night we lost one of our very cherished team member, Ian Francis. Ian was a quiet achiever and came in when he could and gave everything he did in life all his efforts in his quiet and unassuming way. Even when going through radiation, surgery and chemotherapy he still kept his smile and humour about him. This post is dedicated to Ian. Someone who we will miss but whose soul will live on with all of us who knew him. May you rest in peace Ian.

Back in the Water

This weekend I went swimming for the first time since the BC started. Swimming has always been a place I can find solitude and relax. But I wasn't ready for how different my body was and how much one uses their chest muscles in swimming! My arms can't stretch the same distance they could prior to the surgery so the swimming didn't come near as easily as it has for the past 40+ years. That was a bit of a shock to the mental system as well as physical one. So I guess that means I need to spend more time in the pool,lifting weights and stretching to enable my arms and chest to be able to swim again...bummer.

Next Surgery...yes, there is one more

The other day I put in leave for my next surgery...my boss looked at my quizzically and replied, "there is still another one?".  The hard part about the cancer journey is for many people it keeps going for a longer period of time than most others actually "see".  So for me this is the final reconstructive surgery to put the permanent prosthetic. 

To read more on that:

http://pinkhope.org.au/inform/surgery/faq-mastectomy-and-reconstruction/#.Unbdy1u4bmI

The exciting part is I have scheduled this in for late December this year.  So what that means is I can go into 2014 without having any Cancer or Surgery to actively manage (knock on wood). 

What that means for 2014 is keeping up a more healthy lifestyle and living each day to the fullest (when haven't I done that though, huh?).

Reflections

As I take time to reflect ... I like to read through quotes from others.  Here are a couple quotes that I have reflected upon in the past week:

There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.

Malcolm X

All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.

Walt Disney

Taking the Hat off

Thanks to Jen, Jane, Catherine, Rebecca, Andrea and others who helped support me taking my beanie off for the first time since I've lost my hair.

On Friday night I was awarded the 2013 NAWIC Vic/Tas Grocon Vision Award for Advancing the Interests of Women in the Construction Industry.

A night of courage, support and understanding.  Thanks to NAWIC for making all that happen for many women in the industry!

Too Busy for a Breast Scan?

A friend of mine sent through this article on women in leadership and I was readying through with interest when these words flew out at me... "too busy to get a breast scan".

Read full article here.


Too Busy for a Breast Scan?  I used to think that...how life changes with one lump....are you one of these statistics?

Debunking yesterday's Blog

Yesterday I posted a blog that was sent to me from a friend, whose father is battling cancer.  He sent the article to me as he has concern for me as well as his father, and is directly impacted by both of us as he cares for us.

I now have to report that the credibility of the article has been found to be erroneous (thanks Aunt Jo for sending through!).  To find out more about this go to the SNOOPS website:

http://www.snopes.com/medical/disease/cancerupdate.asp

It's obvious that people have their own agenda's sometimes and don't really understand the impact they have back to each other.  Sometimes these home remedies may be more harmful than good.  But it's up to all of us to decide what works best for each of us.

I'm still cheering for the Green Gunk as it helps get toxins out of the body...off to make more now!

Sharing an Article from Johns Hoskins (authenticiy has not been checked)

Johns Hopkins Update


Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins: 


1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size. 

 

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime. 

 

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyedand prevented from multiplying and forming tumors. 

 

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, but also to environmental, food and lifestyle factors. 

 

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet to eat more adequately and healthy, 4-5 times/day and by including supplements will strengthen the immune system. 

 

6.Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc., and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc. 

 

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs. 

 

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size.

However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction. 

 

9. When the body has too muchtoxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications. 

 

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy.

Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

 

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply. 

 

*CANCER CELLS FEED ON: 

 

a. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc. are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. Abetter natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses, but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt. 

 

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer cells are being starved. 

 

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little other meat, like chicken. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer. 

 

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).. 

 

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it. 

 

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lotof digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup. 

 

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells. 

 

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the bodies own killer cells to destroy cancer cells.. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged,unwanted, or unneeded cells. 

 

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit.

 

A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, un-forgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

 

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells. 

 

1. No plasticcontainers in micro. 

 

2. No water bottles in freezer. 

 

3. No plastic wrap in microwave.. 



Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well. Dioxin chemicals cause cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently, Dr Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at CastleHospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper.

It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper The dioxinproblem is one of the reasons.


Please share this with your whole email list......................... Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.

This is an article that should be sent to anyone important in your life...

Breast Cancer Awareness month: BCNA Pink Lady Events

Pink Lady Luncheon, Melbourne

BCNA will hold our annual Pink Lady Luncheon on Tuesday 15 October at the NGV as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month. This year's Pink Lady Luncheon not only coincides with Australia’s breast cancer awareness month, it is also an opportunity to celebrate 15 years of BCNA supporting Australians affected by breast cancer. We would love for you to join us at the National Gallery of Victoria as we hear from inspiring guest speakers and raise funds to support BCNA.

 

For more information and to book tickets, visit the BCNA website. <link to: http://www.bcna.org.au/events/key-fundraising-events/pink-lady-luncheon >

Pink Lady Luncheon, Brisbane

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is holding its inaugural Brisbane corporate luncheon on Wednesday 23 October 2013 at PricewaterhouseCoopers Brisbane office as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year we will also be celebrating the 15 year anniversary of BCNA.

For more information, click on the link here for your exclusive invitation.

 We also have an event that is being held in Sydney that I will send you through the details now. But in short here are the details:

BCNA Tribute Field of Women, Sydney

BCNA is holding a Tribute Field of Women in Sydney during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

15,000 Pink Lady silhouettes will be planted in Bennelong Lawn, in the Royal Botanic Gardens just near the Sydney Opera House, on Friday 11 October (11am - 7pm) and Saturday 12 October (8am - 3pm). A brief ceremony will be held at 11am on Saturday 12 October.

 

More information is available on the BCNA website. <link to: http://www.bcna.org.au/bcna/event/bcna-tribute-field-women-sydney>

 

Striving to Heal

These past couple weeks have been about just letting the body heal after major surgery.  It's not always easy to know exactly what the body needs during these times but I've made sure I've rested/slept as the body has requested, continued to drink my green gunk, and drove into work (instead of riding the train and getting jostled or having to stand).

I meet with the surgeon every week and he said that although the bruising worse than what he expected and the body wasn't getting rid of the fluids, I now seem to be on track!

Today we spent the day out celebrating the mid-Autumn festival and had some Moon Cakes at a local Chinese community festival.  I keep focused on these wonderful blessings in my life on a daily basis.

Sharing Stacey Johnson's Story

These stories are all too common (click on link below). I heard five more cancer related stories just today from team members who sit near me to me, which we'll never hear about (one persons father passed away today, one had a reoccurrence found this week, three had checked out suspicious growth in/on their bodies...still waiting the outcome of the prognosis).

Bottom line: Get checked if you think there is a problem...do not convince yourself it will "go away". That is for anything and for both men and women. You will thank yourself later!

http://www.theweeklyreviewmooneevalley.com.au/story/1774811/stacey-johnsons-silver-linings/?cs=1230

Digging Deep

Thank you to all those who saw me today and asked how I was, knowing that I was only just coping. There are obviously days in this journey that are harder than others...but this too shall pass. To have a caring support network means the difference between a not so good day to an okay or great day. I have a lot of stamina and I have a lot of resilience. Hillary Clinton

Back to work

Tomorrow I will head back into work...12 days after the surgery. My mindset is that I'm NOW on the road to full recovery. This phase just takes a bit of TLC for the body to recover from the surgery and the mind some time to adjust to the changes in the body. Onwards and upwards.

Taking it easy after surgery

Okay, I'm now on the road to recovery. I spent last week just hanging out with the nurses and lazing around in bed at the hospital. This week I've been working from home and working through the discomfort that comes with major surgery. I've laid very low but managed to get three power walks in by walking my son to school before getting into work. (Mind you this power walking was nothing more than trying to take step after step and going from A to B without falling down! Success!). Based on last time, the initial healing will take about a month. It's hard month of discomfort, not sleeping well due to the discomfort, and taking things slow (not my forte most days). When I got out of hospital on Sunday we went out to café for lunch to celebrate Fathers Day. My son saw a plaque that he decided he wanted to get for me because he said it was me. Here is what it says: Life is like a camera. Just focus on what's important and capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don't work out, just take another shot. Beautiful

Sharing a moment...no day but today

As I was RESTING in hospital)today I was thinking about things I had heard from others in the past couple weeks and reflecting .... (I just did a presentation last week at AIPM on Reflection so on my mind I guess). There are times we (the collective "we") tend to take for granted the "here and now" as we're all so busy thinking about the future. So I thought I would share one of my favourite songs that helps bring me back to just here and now for a brief moment (I think I shared it previously but can't remember). (not the best video quality but I like the dialogue on this one and the group singing at the end which adds to the vulnerability of the piece). I hope you take five minutes out to stop and enjoy and take stock of your life and be appreciative of what you have today as you listen... No Day But Today

Vulnerability

I like the word VULNERABILITY. I sometimes use it around the office when describing the way I feel as my team will attest to. Last night I came across a TEDTalks video that I really liked which talks about the word and its meaning so thought I would share it here. http://www.ted.com/playlists/77/new_to_ted.html (go to number 7) 7. Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability Brené Brown studies human connection -- our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share. This is also a huge thank you to the nurses in the hospital... who help us process the vulnerable feelings during such challenging times.

Serious Blog...one to read: Know Your Breasts

When having a conversation with the breast care nurse today I was asking probing questions. I told her I was asking so if I wrote just one blog...what would have the biggest positive impact on others in that blog. This is a summary of that conversation: Know Your Breasts The statistics around finding BC with a mamogram, ultrasound, or by finding a lump just by self-checks were all interesting but a good rule of thumb that has helped women find BC early is KNOW YOUR BREASTS. Know what they look like, feel like, feel during and after your period, etc. If for any reason your breasts change in any way to your "norm" then you should get it checked out. Plain and simple. Breast Cancer isn't always "a lump"... it could look like puckering or the nipple changes or something just feels different to you. This would be the trigger for you to then go by your intuition and get it checked out. AND if you get feedback saying "oh it's nothing" but you feel like it is something then get a second opinion. (The lady in the hospital in the room next door to me had her GP tell her "it was nothing" and gave her antibiotics...but it was BC. Luckily she got a second opinion and now has gone through surgery and hopefully caught it early). So I leave with that simple message. Please pass it along to anyone you feel comfortable in telling...and anyone you don't feel comfortable in telling!

Passing the Time

As many of you know, I am not one for sitting around and resting (stop laughing!). But I don't necessarily have a choice as I have been sitting in a hospital bed now for four days (including the one in surgery and recovery room mind you). This is difficult for me but what I have enjoyed is it gives me time and space to be reflective and to think. I like to do that. But when I do that I also tend to then also come up with actions around things I think about. So I apologise to those who are on the other end of my reflections and hear about the actions or are a part of the action plan! What does "rest" look like in that space? 1. I have read a book....then took the opportunity to do a book review which I sent back to the author. She and I have now corresponded on the review. 2. I have listened in on a couple of team meetings 3. I have read the paper (only to think about how I am not missing anything by not reading the paper most days) 4. I have taken the opportunity to chat with all the nursing graduates who have been looking after me about their goals and aspirations 5. I have been chatting with the breast care nurse about processing the cancer experience...awesome conversations. 6. I have been been listening to music (currently listening to "Seeds of Love" by Tears for Fears) 7. I have corresponded with four of my mentees (since I have "downtime" ...why not?) 8. I had the opportunity to connect with one of the nurses at a time when we both appreciated a "listening moment". The afternoon will now include getting some stitches out and doing some writing. Life is good...even from the hospital bed during my rest and reflective time.

Reflections from the Hospital Bed

It's now day 2 of post op and all going well. Firstly, we had great news this morning that the pathology report came back all clear and no cancer cells from the left breast. We didn't expect anything but with cancer, expecially agressive Triple Negative, you just never know. It's just one of those things with cancer. So this is very exciting news. Last night I had one of the nurses come in and introduce herself (as they do at shift change over). I said, "I already know who you are". She looked at my quizically and I then said, "have you seen any hummingbirds lately?". (Emma was the one who originally did research on the hummingbird way back in March...of course I look a little different with no hair now and when wearing my glasses instead of my contacts). She immediately teared up and came bounding over and gave me a big hug. The other nurse was unsure of why the instant connection! As Emma came in all night to do her rounds and check up on the blood pressure, temperature, pain relief, etc, she would also would give me a squeeze of the hand. She's an amazing nurse and I'm glad she's part of Team Laurice (along with all the other nurses of course...but there is a special connection here). She went around to all the staff last night saying, "my hummingbird is here". I look forward to having her on duty again tonight...when I'm a bit more "with it"! So Tony has started my day the past two days with an iced coffee and the newspapers. He's set to win the Husband of the Year Award I reckon! I should be out of hospital by Sunday...in time to enjoy Fathers Day with the kids and Tony and home which will be nice! Life is good!

Over that hurdle

Laurice is now out of surgery after about 3.5 hours in theatre and recovery. She returned to her room groggy and in some pain. The great nursing staff here were quick to manage her pain and she is now sleeping comfortably. By all reports from the nurses the surgery went to plan. More updates later Thanks again for all the well wishes and support it means the world to Laurice and myself and the kids Thanks Tony

Hospital Visit

Thanks to all those who have called, text and emailed me today in showing their support to my hospital visit. I will be in hospital for 5-6 days. I am first up on the rank tomorrow morning (7:30 am start on the operating table) and then should have some sort of awareness by dinner time. I'll then be up and around by Wednesday. I hope then to be released by Saturday. I'll have my phone and computer this time (yeah!). Speak to you when in recovery mode! Thanks again for all the beautiful messages. I really appreciate them...they make a world of difference!

How do I feel?

Watch this video...it sums up how I feel about this week:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ2HcRl4wSk

Dedicated to the Passing of Sterling Brisbin

I got several emails today from team members I've worked with in the past about a fellow work colleague, Sterling Brisbin, who passed away in the past week of Melanoma.  I'm not sure of the details of his situation but I thought it was important to talk about it.  Her is a bit of information from Wikipedia:

Melanocytes produce the dark pigment, melanin, which is responsible for the color of skin. These cells predominantly occur in skin, but are also found in other parts of the body, including the bowel and the eye (see uveal melanoma). Melanoma can originate in any part of the body that contains melanocytes.
Melanoma is less common than other skin cancers. However, it is much more dangerous if it is not found early. It causes the majority (75%) of deaths related to skin cancer.^[3] Worldwide, doctors diagnose about 160,000 new cases of melanoma yearly. In women, the most common site is the legs and melanomas in men are most common on the back.^[4] It is particularly common among Caucasians, especially northwestern Europeans living in sunny climates. There are high rates of incidence in Oceania, Northern America, Europe, Southern Africa, and Latin America,^[5] with a paradoxical decrease in southern Italy and Sicily.^[6] This geographic pattern reflects the primary cause, ultraviolet light (UV) exposure^[7] crossed with the amount of skin pigmentation in the population.^[8][9]




We in Australia are very AWARE of UV exposure and teach the kids to always put a hat on and cover up when in the sun.  When in Hawaii this last  week we definitely noticed that we were the only ones that seemed to cover up when in the sun and playing in the water.    SLIP SLOP SLAP campaign has been highly successful:

Slip-Slop-Slap is the iconic and internationally recognised sun protection campaign prominent in Australia during the 1980s. Launched by Cancer Council Victoria in 1981,^[1] the Slip! Slop! Slap! campaign features a singing, dancing Sid Seagull encouraging people to reduce sun exposure and protect themselves against an increased risk of skin cancer.^[2] Sid had Australians slipping on long sleeved clothing, slopping on sunscreen and slapping on a hat. This successful program was funded by public donations.
The health campaign was extended in later years by the SunSmart to encourage the use of sunglasses and shade. That is:

Slip on a shirt, Slop on the 30+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade or shelter, Slide on some sunnies. - "Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide"

By this stage, however, the skin cancer aware message of the campaign had successfully been absorbed into the Australian psyche.^[3]

Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAu5wCTEBt0

Dedicated to Sterling Brisbin, (1962-2013)

Doing the "Angelina" - the double Mastectomy

As most friends, family and work colleagues would know by now, I am now preparing for doing the "Angelina" and going back into surgery and doing a double mastectomy/re-construction.  This procedure will be done next week.  It's not near as daunting this time around as I understand the procedure itself AND I'm doing dealing with the cancer side.  This is merely a preventative measure that will bring better odds to help ensure the cancer doesn't come back and elongate my life way into the future!

I think it's an important thing to talk about and share openly though as many women go through this quietly and may have a very hard time processing it and adjusting the physicality of the change to their bodies.  It's a lot to take in but for me I'm all about the future and living a long life ahead and this is just a part of those efforts.

Thanks to everyone for all for the continued support!

Vitamin D levels - recovery plan

This past week the family and I went to Hawaii to meet up with our friends Scott and Marge (Marge being the one who was here for my first five weeks starting just after my surgery) as well as my father and step-mum and my aunt and her partner.

This trip was put together prior to the C news and was just what I needed.  A little R&R and a very nice catch up with friends and family.  I worked hard on getting my Vitamin D levels up by soaking up the sun whilst doing lots of boogie boarding with the whole of the clan.

It was great we could all take a week out together....and have put that together NOT as a reaction to being sick but as one of celebration. Of course everyone checked in to see how I was "really" doing but I think I put them all at ease quite quickly as they could see I was feeling great.

Thanks for the "wave-time" everyone!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

The other day the kids noted, with excitement, that I now had 15 hairs where my eyebrows used to be!  They thought that was pretty darn cool.  I guess I had been remiss in keeping up to speed on how much my eyebrows had thinned out over the past 4 months.  I am even more excited to now see peach fluff on top of my head!  I'm hoping that it doesn't turn total grey, which can happen.  Others have also noted that typically it grows back pretty curly.  So I'll be sporting a new "do" in the coming months but have no idea what that may look like!  Time to think about changing the hairstyle I think!

Seasons of Love

Tonight I listened to one of my favourite songs.  I like to listen to then and think about how blessed I am.  It puts me in a good mood.  It comes from the musical RENT.

To listen at the same time:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxeWdCJV16E


Seasons Of Love by Rent Cast
ALL
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes,
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.

In five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure
A year in the life?

How about love?
How about love?
How about love? Measure in love

Seasons of love. Seasons of love

JOANNE
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes!
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan.

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?

COLLINS
In truths that she learned,
Or in times that he cried.
In bridges he burned,
Or the way that she died.

ALL
It's time now to sing out,
Tho' the story never ends
Let's celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love!
Remember the love!
Seasons of love!

JOANNE(while ALL sing)
Oh you got to got to
Remember the love!
You know that love is a gift from up above
Share love, give love spread love
Measure measure your life in love

.

Success

Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.

Norman Vincent Peale

 

(Daily affirmations are fabulous!)

Making a Difference

I just looked at the stats of this blog and have found that it has been looked at over 11,000 times.  Whilst this has helped tremendously in keeping all my friends and family up to date on my progress, it has been a greater good than that for me...it has raised awareness to others beyond my TeamLaurice support and those friends and family that are further away.  Others have used it to communicate the cancer subject to others who are dealing with it as well, friends who are trying to support cancer patients/survivors, etc.  This brings yet another shining light at this challenging time.

I ran into someone the other day who I don't know very well (at work).  She had commented on one of my recent blogs and how it had made a difference to her and someone she was supporting.  So thank all of you for helping spread the awareness.

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.

Aristotle Onassis

What's next?

This is a common question I get asked.  It's an interesting one to try to answer.  The short and quick answer is "to live life".  The more exploratory answer is to work on getting a less stressful life style going ...and then to really understand what that may mean and look like?  It means a healthy lifestyle with good things to eat and drink.  It means getting some exercise.  But it also means understanding myself a bit more when looking at balancing everything...on a daily basis. 

Also, I have opted to do a double mastectomy in the coming month.  This may seem like a hard decision to make but for the most part it hasn't been.  It's pretty simple - I don't want to ever go through this again so how do I mitigate the risk?  One way is to get rid of where the cancer cells would most likely attack - the remaining breast. 

But all is good on this end.  I feel good.  I work hard every day at growing my hair!  And I look forward to the day ahead. 

Life is good!

Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results.
Willie Nelson

How life changes in a day

I got an email from a long time friend of mine, Yoko, over the weekend.  I followed up with a phone call and chatted with her and her partner Otto at length yesterday.  I have come to find out that she too was diagnosed with cancer just around the same time I was.  She was feeling fine at the time but a friend pointed out that she wasn't walking straight and took her straight to hospital.  She was currently working in Santiago which has very good health care facilities.  When in hospital she came to find out that had Glioblastoma Multiforme... Stage IV (tumor in the brain about the size of a golf ball).  She has since been through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and is now going onto experimental drugs.

We talked for a long time about the importance of being positive through this challenge.  She also has been running two hours a day and eating very healthy (which is the way she's always lived her life).  When talking with her partner he said that she continues to always be upbeat and tell you that she feels great.

Thank you Yoko for being a positive spark in my weekend and for having the courage to share you story and motivation for living a long life ahead.

Team Laurice visitor from OS

Thanks Gavin for coming to come and check in on me!  It was great to see you and be able to catch up ...and give you re-assurance I'm doing well...and get great Team Laurice support!!!!!

I am so blessed!

Vitamin D - the effects from Chemo...and the importance of understanding it!

One of the things that the chemo does to the body is wipes out the vitamin D levels.  So a blood test is done each time to keep tabs on the levels.  Vitamin D is essential for the body so it can absorb calcium, which of course is required for healthy bones.

So I got a call on Friday from the Marisa, the Oncology Nurse, saying my Vitamin D levels were low (not real real low but low).  So she said to increase the supplement dosage.  In the meantime I have done additional research in this area ...here is a bit more for you.  If you have any friends going through chemo please share with them!

Off to take another vitamin d supplement!

Some Useful information on Vitamin D:

To keep bones strong, your body is constantly breaking down old bone cells and growing new ones, the same way it sheds and replaces skin cells. To fuel bone growth, keep bone density strong, and prevent osteoporosis, you need a good supply of calcium from dairy products and other foods.
But you also need enough vitamin D. Without it, you could drink milk all day and the calcium in it wouldn't do you much good. Vitamin D is key in absorbing calcium from the food you eat -- calcium that would otherwise get sent out of the body as waste.
Along with weight-bearing exercise, calcium and vitamin D go together for good bone density -- and good health in general. Here's some advice on how to get more calcium and vitamin D in your diet.

Boost Your Diet

Your body doesn't make calcium on its own. The best way to get more calcium is to improve your diet. You already know that dairy products -- such as milk, cheese, and yogurt -- are good sources of calcium for those who don't have lactose or other dairy intolerance. Other foods that are high in calcium include:

• Spinach
• Kale
• Okra
• Collards
• Soy beans
• White beans
• Some fish, like sardines, salmon, perch, and rainbow trout
• Foods that are calcium fortified, such as some orange juice, oatmeal, and breakfast cereal

It's a lot harder to get enough vitamin D from foods. Vitamin D is only in a few foods and often in very small amounts. Foods that provide vitamin D include:

• Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon
• Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals
• Beef liver
• Cheese
• Egg yolks

Getting enough vitamin D from your diet isn't easy. Studies show that typically only about 20% of our vitamin D comes from the foods we eat.
Your body can make vitamin D on its own. When you walk out into the sunlight with exposed skin, your body naturally produces vitamin D.

How to Get Enough

***
I have added another article here....

How can vitamin D levels be maintained during chemotherapy?

Research on maintaining vitamin D levels during chemotherapy treatment is still in early stages. Doctors at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute tested 2000 IU/day of supplemental vitamin D given to their colon cancer patients in a randomized trial. The average level of vitamin D for all patients at the start of the trial was 17.5 ng/ml. After six months of supplementation, this rose to a healthy 37.5 ng/ml for non-chemotherapy patients, but to only 29 ng/ml for patients on chemo, which is still insufficient. A similar trial was run with breast cancer patients, using low dose (1000 IU/day) or high dose (50,000 IU once per week). Patients started the trial with an average of 27.5 ng/ml. On the low dose, patients' levels increased by only 9.4 ng/ml. However, the high dose increased patients' vitamin D by 24.3 ng/ml, which brought their levels into a healthy range. These trials confirmed that chemotherapy may reduce a patient's ability to utilize supplemental vitamin D, requiring them to take much higher doses than normal to achieve sufficiency.

The mechanisms by which chemotherapy drugs lower vitamin D in cancer patients remain unclear, but could include decreased absorption via subclinical mucositis or increased metabolism of vitamin D via the activation of enzymes such as CYP3A4. Until further research is completed, there is a risk that most (if not all) chemotherapy drugs may depress patients' vitamin D levels. Cancer patients taking these drugs should therefore consider monitoring their vitamin D status throughout the treatment period as well as aggressive supplementation to maintain adequate levels which are associated with a better prognosis.


Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037663_chemotherapy_drugs_vitamin_D_deficiency.html#ixzz2XhP6iVli

PS-thanks Marg for sending through the photo of the hummingbird in your garden...I LOVE IT!

A healthy Attitude

Today I finally have shaken my body of the last chemo cocktail haze ....and hopefully for the last time in this life!  Certainly the last time on this part of the journey.

To celebrate, I'm also drinking lots of Green Gunk that Tony laboured making me on the weekend!  Doesn't look nice and isn't as nice as a nice glass of red ...but if it helps get my body back on track, I'm all over it!

Here are some recipes if interested:
Juice Recipes
Gersen Therapy (sent through by my dear friend Adriana who spent many hours juicing in the past for a family member).

It's a reminder to enjoy our days when feeling good!

A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.
Tom Stoppard

Very Quiet post last chemo treatment...

Yes, I know I've been very quiet this week post my last chemo treatment.  The good news is that I this has probably been the best week ever post chemo treatment...go figure that?  That of course doesn't mean that I had no impact so I decided to dig deep and just be "quiet" on the blog front during this week.

Unfortunately it's been a very busy week at work (I worked from home but still working) so it took all the energy I did decide to spend this week between family and work.  I've had several people resign from my group this week as well as having it be the mid-year busy time.  I know, I know...most of you have said it to me before, you are worried that I get too busy at work especially during such a big week.  But this is exactly why I decided to be quiet this week and only do things that were "necessary".

I went to the surgeon yesterday and all thumbs up on the healing side there.

The next several weeks are still putting together a health plan that I will openly share.  It's an interesting space where the perception is just because one finishes up with chemo that the treatment is done...well, I thought that too up until Monday!  Now it's understanding the impact of the chemo and the battle the body has been under and getting it back up to full strength.

So with that, I'm going to go make my Green Gunk juice (broccoli, kale, cucumber, green capsicum, radishes, and apple...I know it sounds terrible but these are the type of things that I need to include in my diet to get my body back in shape...and it's really not that bad).

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.

Buddha 

Go Tour de Crawf!

Tomorrow I would have liked to go down to the Casino at 7am and support Shane Crawford as he rides off into the sunrise to raise yet more funds for BCNA by riding his bike from Melbourne to Perth!!!!!   But for me tomorrow is my really challenging day through this last bout of chemo and so will have to stay at home and send him all our Hawthorn love from afar.  I'm hoping to get Tony there all dressed up in PINK to support Shane and his energy and drive behind raising awareness and funds for BCNA.

Tour de Crawf support BCNA

Go Crawf from Team Laurice!!!!

If you would like to donate money to the cause please click on the link above.

Done and Dusted!

Tony and I now have the chemo day routine down to a well practiced day out. We start at the oncology room and I first get my blood test. Then we head off for a nice breakfast at TriBeCa, which is a block away. I had the Greek scrambled eggs and a long mac...breakfast for champions!  We finished up there and went to the Oncologists office.  Michael, the Oncologist, does a physical check and then a mental check. He must have understood I was in a good space as our banter was along the lines of talking about this being my last treatment and he said, "oh yeah, about that, I think maybe a couple more...".  I squinted my eyes and asked him if he was changing jobs or  if he was moonlighting as a comedian and practicing on me?  We all laughed a good laugh.

I then walked across the hall back to the Oncology unit and was kindly ushered to my seat by nurse(Alison) who had a huge welcoming smile.  She seemed cool and collected but later on when my machine started beeping and she couldn't get it rectified she showed a bit of stress and growled, "bloody hell, this machine is giving me the sh!ts". I asked her if they had a Alt-Cntl-Del / reboot button, but she was too flustered to hear me.  But once she got that sorted and I was back on track.

Then it was the time for the dreaded chemo cocktail that I react to....and low and behold I kept my perfect score! I am just a sensitive soul you see! I forewarned Alison and she was poised and ready so I didn't have any huge impacts. Tony was confused as Alison switched the normal order of the two chemo treatments and as such was confused at why I was reacting. So no good photos this time of the reaction.

Since I reacted, they gave me more Phenergan which promptly put me to sleep.  I have been lacking sleep over the past week or two so this felt great! They had to wake me up to tell me I could go!

Tony and I practically skipped out of the hospital.  We went to Fitzroy and had a meal before heading home...to receive huge cuddles from the kids and Nanna.

(My shirt that say's, "My To Do list.  1. Beat Breast cancer (tick) and 2. Take over the World"

Now I sit here in front of the fire, with my champagne in hand, enjoying the thought of growing hair back and enjoying life without cancer!

Today's Reminder (I found in the Toilets at the hospital):

This blog does not stop with the cancer treatment...the journey ahead is just as much a part of the cancer treatment because it becomes the "silent" journey for many.  The part of healing, of making life changes, the part of resting and be good to yourself, and remembering to look at life through a renewed energy for living life and not "sweating the small stuff".  More blogs coming soon.

Last One!

Tomorrow is the last of the chemo treatments...a little bit excited on this end to say the least!

So this weekend has been about physically resting up (although I'm busy reading reports all day today and a report is due out tonight on them).  It's about drinking lots of water to help the body prepare for the chemo.  It's about taking lots of vitamins.  And it's about preparing the mind for the week ahead and getting ready for the physical aspect of the last chemo cocktail.  Since the effects are cumulative, and each time has been slightly different, I'm preparing myself for "whatever comes".

So this next week is about taking it day by day and relishing in the fact that this is the last one.

So what's next people ask?  We'll leave that to the coming blogs as it's something I've been thinking a lot about and what things I can do to ensure I live life to the fullest but also in a balanced and healthy manner.

Thanks again for the many texts, calls, gifts of love that have come in so many different ways, and supporting the family and I through this time.

Chemo Cocktail Number 4 - bring it on baby!

Success is dependent on effort.
Sophocles

Counting Down to last Chemo!

I originally had my next chemo scheduled for tomorrow but due to the Queen's birthday holiday we switched it to next Monday.  So I have a "free" week this week.  I'll use this week to build up my immune system (lots of Vitamin C!).  It's a very very busy week at work so the rest bit will be a challenge.  Next weekend is NO ACTIVITY in preparing for the last chemo session.

I have felt pretty good this week but due to the demand at work and at home it was a difficult week to "get the balance right".  My team at work was helping look after my best interests by asking if I had eaten lunch each day as they saw me dash from meeting to meeting, as well as noting that I was leaving later than I had wanted to each night.  This will be the continued challenge in going forward in the coming months....how to keep the balance right in a continued demanding lifestyle.

But I feel great.  I feel strong.  I feel positive.

 

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Buddha

High Tea - Raising Funds for Mcgrath Foundation

Yesterday I participated in yet another fund raiser but this time to help raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.  This eventuated out of what I might call a long string of dots that were then all finally connected yesterday.

We had over 50 people in attendance and raised several thousand dollars (more on that once everything is tallied up).

A very special thank you to Pauline and all the women who work at Celebrate Cleaning (a sustainable cleaning company that is helping do their part by cleaning without using toxins, chemicals or allergens when they clean their clients houses/offices).  The high tea was a magnificent way to spend the day together with beautiful people, lovely music, food as well as make ourselves aware in a supportive and fun environment.

A huge thank you to my employer, BP, who are going to match the funds that we raised at the high tea that will go to further fund more regional breast care nurses around Australia.


The presentation I did is cut and paste below.

HIGH TEA 1 JUNE 2013 – MCGRATH FOUNDATION

20 MINUTES

MY JOURNEY- Synchronicity, Symbolism and Support

Firstly, I would like to thank Pauline for putting this event together today.  She is an amazing person who has decided on her own accord to hold this event and bring us together for no other reason that raising awareness and funds for women with cancer.  That is what I call an amazing effort….an amazing effort but shared belief in the positives of synchronicity or connections can bring.  (One of my staff challenged me to ensure I got some help in the household as I my balance was not right…went to Nat the next day….Pauline came into the conversation within 24 hours…and here we are).

Secondly, I would like to thank all those who are here from my different networks that are here today supporting me but more importantly supporting each other and the AWARENESS piece of this conversation.  I would like to have all of you stand so we can all thank you together….

Third I would like to thank BP, for agreeing to match the funds back to the McGrath Foundation, whom we are currently the largest supporters of and have committed to raise $300,000 for them in the coming two years.

I thought I would start this conversation with the Awareness piece first…then move to synchronicity …and then onto Support…

AWARNESS

If I can have three people at each table stand…Doesn’t matter who…now, here is the real story…one in 3 people in Australia will have cancer.  This means it will be random and it could be any one of you.  That’s pretty staggering.

·         1 in 2 Australian men and 1 in 3 Australian women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

But I do not dwell in the numbers and statistics as many of you know who know me.  I focus on the positives…so the the good news is

• The survival rate for many common cancers has increased by 30 per cent in the past two decades.

But the awareness piece is what contributes to that increase in the survival rate!  So we’re here focusing in on the making a positive influence on that survival rate!

MY STORY

Cancer was NEVER ever in my plan – still isn’t by the way.  My story is just a nameless, faceless story in the name of cancer to be honest…nothing special in any way.  So I won’t dwell in the story but more on the positive impact of my story which hopefully is the difference to others…because I refuse to have my story be a negative one.  What I hope is different in my journey is being open and honest and talk about it so it can help others and hopefully save some lives.

The LUMP

Let’s go back to the moment when I knew that life was going to be a bit different…  Let’s put this all in context….In January I had four team members that were dealing with cancer either themselves of their family members on a daily basis.  Since that time three of the people have passed away….

So, when I found a very large lump on my breast I late February it was a a real “ah shit moment”….if I had not had the current awareness I am not sure I would have been the right thing by calling the doctor that same day…and the doctors office said, “okay we’ll see you on Monday”.  Hmmm…no messing around…that’s good…?.  But wait, let me check my schedule (okay, self talk moment…yes, I had things scheduled and I was BUSY…but I was going to have to re-schedule).  I went to the doctor and it was clear throughout the day as I did the mammograms and ultrasounds and then being walked to the surgeons office and then being walked to the biopsy room that there was a sense of urgency building.  By the time I got out of the office I called my husband to tell him about my day (of which I had not shared with him ahead of time).

You need to have a mastectomy…what are you doing tomorrow? Tomorrow was a bit too much for me.  What went through my mind was the following week was International Women’s Day….and I had been working on the NAWIC event where we were hosting 300 engineers….that should be the day I should do it.  Where I get the energy of the NAWIC group I have put so much energy into over the years.  Synchoronicty…this was the first moment of the connecting the dots and the synchronicity for me.  But then it continued on…

Funnily enough, that morning I had exchanged emails with none other than Maxine Morand.  I said this to the doctor after he handed me a BCNA book.  I said I knew of the organisation and of Maxine.  He then asked me “why and who was I that I knew Maxine”.  I explained that I had been President of NAWIC and I run a mentoring program and had gone looking for someone to help fund the program where we set up mentoring for over 100 engineers each year.  I had gone to Maxine when she was Minister for Women and asked for funding.  And as a result she was going to be our guest at the upcoming IWD event.

So the Surgeon started telling me about his daughter who was an engineer who was currently working up in Tibet and a mentoring program would be great and highly beneficial.

We walked out of the room and my husband turned to me and said, “only you” …only you can turn any situation into a positive one.  I don’t know how you do that.

In the coming week I felt like my balance “In control/Out of Control” balance was not right….

In Control:

1.     The election to do surgery

2.     The election to do chemotherapy

3.     How I tackled the challenges that lay ahead

Out of control

1.     Outcomes of the surgery

2.     Outcomes of the body scans to know where the cancer had travelled to

3.     Losing hair if I can to have chemo

4.     Feeling terrible if I can to have chemo

5.     The outcome of my prognosis

So the “out of control” was bigger than the “in control” column…I don’t do well in that space (not that I’m controlling or an “A-Type personality”.

I needed to get a more balanced spread sheet in my mind.  So…how do you do that in life?  What I do is think about the positives and how I can compound them as much as I can

My thoughts at that point in time were this….

Finding the Positives…through Synchronicity

I am a true believer of the Power of Positive thinking.  I always have been.  I try to always rid myself of any negative thoughts so not to fill my body with those type of toxins (my toxins are champagne and coffee!).  So there were some very strong Symbolism's and Synchronicity that came up at the early stages of the cancer diagnosis which I have held fast onto.

I would like to share those with you…

The bear.  My girlfriend Narelle, who is here, came across what she reflected upon in her own way and found that the Bear she felt was a strong totem or symbol of me.  I will read a portion of the bear meaning….

Bear Medicine—that is, power specifically associated with the spirit of the bear, particularly the ability to heal—is known in virtually all cultures within the bear's range.

The bear is also known in many cultures as a great healer, since it seeks out plants for its own healing.

As an animal that disappears in winter to reappear only in spring, the bear is also the symbol of renewal, rebirth, and the regaining of health. Bear is also a species known for its strong maternal ties. Bear medicine is powerful medicine, bringing healing, renewal, and rebirth. This is the gift that Grandmother Bear brings those who live in bear country.

On the same day that she shared this with me, there were several bears that came my way as gifts.  Please note I also have a bear now on my necklace.  So I use the bear when thinking of strength in healing.

1.     The Hummingbird.  For those of you who have been around me and have read my blog you will be well aware of the Hummingbird.  As I lay in the hospital bed the first couple days after my mastectomy, my husband Tony pointed out to me that there were hummingbirds all around me…had I noticed that? 

a.     The blog we started

b.     The new PJ’s for the hospital

c.     A couple cards

d.     A sticker I found on my dinner tray of a hummingbird

So when I mentioned this to Emma, the nurse who was on duty at that time as I sat and reflected upon this.  Amazingly enough several days later she came back to my room and decided to read what she had found on Hummingbird Symbolism….  This was a real inspirational moment for me as she took the time out not to only research the topic but then she came in, sat down, and read what she had found.  It was a very touching moment.

"The hummingbird symbolises many different concepts. Because of its speed, the hummingbird is known as a messenger and stopper of time.  It is a symbol of love, joy, and beauty. The hummingbird is also able to fly backwards, teaching us that we can look back on our past. But this bird also teaches that we must not dwell on our past, we need to move forward. When the hummingbird hovers over flowers while drinking nectar, we learn that we should savour each moment and appreciate the things we love.  They teach us courage. Having the courage to refrain from creating new trauma by communicating from non-violent  towards ourselves and others is an important part of healing. Recovering lost parts of ourselves enables us to become healthily independent. By observing the hummingbird, we see they are seemingly tireless. Always actively seeking the sweetest nectar. It reminds us to forever seek out the good in life and the beauty in each day.  This quality reminds us to be persistent in the pursuit of our dreams and adopt the tenacity of the hummingbird in our lives."

 The story kept then going in the following days where there was an organisation I was introduced to, ZONTA came into my life.  This came full circle within 24 hours…and it went something like this…The new CEO of NAWIC met with the Queen Vic Women’s Centre and mentioned my new challenge.  Alex over at QVWC then sent me and email to say her mum was going through BC and that Zonta provided pillows for women going through a mastectomy and I may want to contact them.  I found the website and sent them a note…but it went to the wrong state.  So then when Victoria chapter got back to me I noticed the email came from Bendigo.  I asked the woman if she might just know either of my friends Clare or Antoinette who live in Bendigo…and low and behold she knew of them and had just been in contact.  So I let Antoinette know this and she came back to say she was going to contact Zonta that day for a pillow for me!  So I wrote this back to Anne and her email had come back and said,

“Hi Laurice, 

The story continues to surprise me.  Just further to all that, I received today, a birthday card from the mother of an ex DIL which was great to receive however it was a beautiful bejewelled card with hummingbirds and there was a card included that gave the reason and story of this special bird that made me think of you for obvious reasons.

Hope all is going well

Regards
Ann”

When I then shared all this on the blog my step-mum called in tears.  She said, “you know what my mother, Grandma Wu, said to me when she passed away?  She said you will know when I come back to see you as you see the Hummingbird”.  So the Hummingbird has now been welcomed into our home and a strong positive influencer that makes us all feel really good, including my husband. 

So the Hummingbird not only brought my family, friends, but now BC support network together…and thus a very powerful positive message of moving forward and seeing the beauty  in each day.  Please note…I have  hummingbird on my necklace next to the bear!

 SUPPORT

Support is a very important topic of conversation.

I do not find myself a person that is knows how best to support others when in “need”…I have always survived on what I feel and do best…which is sometimes unorthodox.  AND like many of you, I am not particularly good at asking for help.  So when those two are combined I was at a bit of a loss of what to do.  My natural inclination was just to say, “no thanks”.  But knew that if there was ever a time I needed support that this would be it. 

So I:

1.      Accepted the offer of my dear girlfriend Marge back in the US to come and stay with us during the time of the surgery and into the first chemo.  Her kinds efforts are indescribable as many of you would know who also now have her in your lives through this connection!

2.     Accepted several close girlfriends (who are here today) to take command of planning and organising others to help so I wouldn’t have to do it.

3.     Helped plan meals based on the families “likes and dislikes” and not just blindly take food that we wouldn’t eat.

4.     I just have said, “yes” when people have offered to help

For many of you who are like me you know that this was a huge step for me.  We women tend to be the caretakers of the family…so to let others help can be a challenge. 

I even have to do a huge amount of self talk when I am feeling good and feel like I should be doing the cooking (or other things)…and tell myself that it is okay and that just because I feel good…this is still the time to REST!             

I have many friends and family both in this room and around the globe that are so far away who have tried to figure out how to best support me…you/they all find a way…through:

·          food, books, poems, earrings, beanies, symbolism's, texts, jokes, stories, emails, packages…

what ever they are comfortable with.  Because they know that I trust them and they trust me and whatever feels right to them is my positive support.

Here is a perfect example of support that came to me today…

“Hello there you rashy thing!

I hope those bumps are subsiding and life is getting back to normal after your bout with the reaction.  But I leave it to you to take it all in stride and move forward.  You have always been gifted in that department, and this bout with Miss Bitchy C is no different.  If anything, I think you've dug in your heels even more....something Miss B.C. probably had no knowledge of.  I have no pity for her whatsoever; I've already packed her suitcase for you and have her on the next plane to absolutely no where.  To circle her own Dante's hell forever!!!!

Wow.  

I started to say not sure where that came from, but then realized that I've been mad as hell each time I read your blog.  How dare a disease like cancer take up residence in a woman who is so vital, resilient, vivacious, loving, giving (did I mention 1000%) and given to life itself.  You are, in one word, amazing. For whatever reason, I just now saw your photo in your hot pink BP suit.  You, my darling LT, look like a glam movie star!!!  Simply beautiful”

So I will now summarise with AWARENESS….

So if I can leave you with one thought that is now that we are all MORE AWARE…we can never be unaware!

HEALTH CHECKS

·          Do your health checks

·          Don’t feel like you’re too busy to take care of you!

·          Support others in your own way – it will be the right way

The greater the awareness …the greater the opportunity to save lives…it may be your life or one of a loved one that you are saving.

 Thank you for letting me be here with you today!