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!