FAMILY, FRIENDS, FLOWERS ....

Tuesday 5 November 2019 ….. Melbourne Cup Day Wow I didn't realise how long its been since I last blogged - life has been getting back to some form of normality - Watched a few games of cricket on TV - amazing how the social media trolls have been quiet now the Aussies are winning and Dave Warner and Steve Smith have been making the runs. Sold our large outdoor setting and gas BBQ as we seldom used them and they were way too big for out small courtyard and replaced them with a hammock chair and a small 3 piece bistro set - an electric BBQ seems a much safer option as Bills memory wanes. Dylan was home for a few days and we enjoyed a lovely family dinner at H's - I do so miss his head pats and hugs. So proud of him and the grades he is achieving at UQ - I'll need to start saving as he's hoping to achieve a years study exchange in Seoul next year! Weather has been so up and down lately - a wild wet windy weekend where it was movies and cricket followed by a few days of beautiful sunshine and temperatures into the high 30's Went along to Carers Group - as I parked my car a lady parked beside me and she followed me into LVCH and sat down beside me and I felt a familiarity about her, as she introduced herself I realised she was Glenys who had been my mates spiritual and financial mentor - I'm sure our beautiful friend Robyn had a hand in us becoming friends. I've had a few emotional outbursts, just simple things make the tears flow, like my fluffy pink slippers - yep a simple pair of slippers (we'd both bought them on one of our visits to Big W prior to one of Robyns appointments at Gippsland Cancer Centre - why waste an opportunity to shop was our motto) Had lunch with the 'hydro group' - best chips in Sale are at Aqua Energy - I have really missed my hydro exercise …. roll on radiation and the New Year so I can get back in the water. Bill wasn't happy with me 'street walking' though I'm really sure no-one would really want to pick up this old chook! so he bought me a treadmill - my kilometer rate is much faster when I'm out pounding the bitumen than the rolling rubber! Enjoyed a relaxing hour in the Salt Cave with Noelene - its the one place I can find complete peace, no distractions, no phones, no TV, no doorbell - just utter relaxtion. Finally received the call I was waiting for my appointment for the Radiation Oncologist - Wednesday 6 November at 12 noon with Dr Louise Nardone (this brought on another flood of tears - I've met Louise on several occasions as she was the oncologist Robyn saw for her brain mets … I think they were more happy tears that I have already some rapport with Louise and I'm not dealing with a stranger. I'm hoping I can put off starting radiation until around the 14th after we have been on the Carers Group Puffing Billy trip - two days away from home with all meals, accommodation and travel provided. Lots of visitors last week, Hannah & Heather came with a beautiful bunch of roses from their garden, Bills cousin Col just back from his three month winter sojourn and my BFF Lyn with a bunch of orchids stopped off on her way to the airport for another one of her international escapades OMG the mind boggles at what scrapes she may get into this time! Lindie treated me to a day out - morning tea, shopping, lunch at Eviva followed by more shopping - even the rain couldn't dampen our day. Today was just the best - H and I went down to IGA to meet Samuel Johnson - yes the legendary Love Your Sister Samuel Johnson - this man deserves every award and accolade ever awarded him - his quest to vanquish cancer sees him travelling around the country raising funds towards a personal treatment of cancer and other serious illness' for every - yes treatment tailored individually. https://loveyoursister.org/get-involved/ The world needs more Samuel Johnsons. Backed the Melbourne Cup winner - go me!!

GOOD NEWS DAY!

Sunday 20 October 2019...…. Friday was good news day - the wait was finally over - the results were in - the biopsy done on my two sentinel nodes came back clear - the cancer had been confined to 'Dotty'. No further surgery needed. The dressings were finally removed and woo hoo I no longer need to wear the TEDs. Goodbye BO I'm now allowed to used deodorant under the right arm again. Next step is for a medical oncologist and a radiologist to contact me to make appointments for further treatment - Mr Strauss says he doesn't believe chemotherapy will be warranted just radiation followed by hormone blockers. Heather and I celebrated with coffee and cake at Café 123 and a rummage through the clothes in the Thrift Shop there - got a couple of bargains. Last Sunday Heather took me out to Legends for afternoon tea - my first outing since the op, apart from a couple of short walks round the block. David & Lindie brought us lunch on Monday - vegetable pasties which just needed heating - oops they ended up a little burnt, gave the boys something to stir us about! Happens when you talk too much!! Kath arrived on Wednesday lunchtime with KFC $5 meal boxes as a treat for us - the value in them was amazing. Thursday was Cancer Support Group meeting and I drove for the first time in two weeks. Agent Creative is making a video about Kindness in Cancer and wanted to film some of us and our stories to use, possibly just a few words from each interview will be used. Bill & I had been a little reluctant however over afternoon tea Andrew Gill the facilitator got talking to me and felt our story was exceptional and of great interest so I agreed to an interview with him being filmed - will be very interesting to see the finished product. www.gatheringofkindness.org/kindness-videos Yesterday we lunched at Dock 70 with Geoff and Pat - lovely sitting by the window with the sun streaming through looking over the Port of Sale. Bill & I strolled through the Art Gallery afterwards. I've been sleeping well, getting around 8 hrs a night. The past few days my wounds have been a little itchy as they heal, a few twinges here and there when I reach or stretch and an odd sensation around the nipple area when I'm walking (hard to describe). All in all I'm feeling extremely grateful for Breast Screen and regular mammograms and early detection.

THE DEMISE OF DOTTY ... AND THE WEEK SINCE

As if my 'vampire' experience of Tuesday morning wasn't enough, word filtered through that 44 Hospitals and Medical Centres in Victoria had had their IT hacked, yes Central Gippsland was one, yet the thought hadn't crossed my mind that my surgery could be delayed until Rob called after work to check and wish me well for Wednesday, as I hadn't had any message we assumed all was going to plan. Elaine arrived and we enjoyed Singapore Noodle takeaway washed down with a glass of red (just a small one for me). A cup of tea and a Tim Tam at 10.30 then off to bed. Wednesday dawned a beautiful sunny spring morning, Elaine & I met Heather at the hospital at 7.30 - first stop Admission, then round to Radiology & Nuclear Medicine where I was booked in for 8am for the first procedure - I'd been warned some women, in fact many women, found this to be the most painful and uncomfortable of the whole surgery as no local anaesthetic can be used. Out of my clothes and into the haute couture blue hospital gown with the help of my entourage! Heather sat beside me holding my hand and YES it was painful a thousand times more painful than childbirth but only for about 15 seconds twice - yet to my credit I only said SHIT and FAR OUT FRUITLOOPS - though I think Heather probably wanted to say more as I crushed her hand! Then the wait … you may feel a stinging sensation which some have likened to vinegar slowing going through your boob I'd been told and this process may take up to 90 mins and sometimes even longer …. Heather found some relaxation music for me to focus on, after about 10 minutes I felt a slightly warm sensation but nothing uncomfortable and voila after 30 minutes the radioactive material had located three sentinel nodes - a few 'photos' and a couple of trips in and out the tunnel and stage one was done and dusted EARLY … thanks to the lovely Leesha who helped make this experience as pleasant as possible. A short wait which included a visit from Marg Centra my McGrath breast cancer nurse and then on to Step 2 the insertion of a fine wire hook guided by ultra sound - this time local anaesthetic is used so there is no pain, I almost went to sleep lying there but for the comic repertoire between Dr, Nurses, Radiographer and my support crew. Step 3 a gentle mammogram to ensure the hook was in the correct position to guide Mr Strauss. Step 4 off to Day procedure, by now I was feeling hungry and thirsty and that couple of mouthfuls of water with my pre op meds was heaven - it was here I had a 'melt down' the nerves really hit and I couldn't say my name and date of birth even thought I'd parroted them off at least ten times during the day .. Sue the nurse assigned to me walked off giving me time to settle down and regain my composure once more, on with those sexy white stockings and at 11.11am I was wheeled off to theatre … I remember glimpses of sunlight streaming through the windows along the passage, I recall Mr Strauss inserting the canula into my hand, Nicky's calming voice as she sent me off to sleep … I've a vague recollection of waking in recovery, Heather was there holding my hand once more and apparently the nurse with me was also Heather - no recollection of the trip from recovery to ward though. Once in the ward it hit me - I'm still alive and Dotty is gone - onwards and upwards with recovery now. Time for a lovely warm sponge bath and discover why my legs were 'pumping' I was fortunate to have a DVT Prevention: Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Device on them. Elaine had gone home and brought Bill into the hospital so he was there when I reached the ward - it had been a long day for him waiting although Heather kept him informed as each step was completed. Dinner came - even though hungry I couldn't face the creamy chicken soup or sandwiches and the inner child came out in me as I devoured the jelly and ice-cream!!! The best ice-cream I've tasted for a long time and its gluten free. Rob, Shell & Lilly called in bringing me my favourite tea bags as I'd forgotten to pack them - yeah I know I'm fussy! Then it was walkies time - (only to the bathroom) - my two nurses Mary and Ash had obviously never drunk several blue cruisers or blue lagoons in one session as they were fascinated by my blue wee (product of the blue dye injected during surgery which highlights the sentinel nodes to be removed - my skin colour was also slightly grey blue). Cheese and crackers and a cup of tea for supper and I was ready to settle down for a sleep … woken at 11pm for observations .. woken again at 4.45 when a new patient was admitted to the ward Hannah the night nurse sat and chatted with me for a while - then next I knew it was breakfast time. The lovely Learne was back on duty and understood my whacky sense of humour when I asked to be released from my shackles to use the bathroom. Mr Strauss did his rounds shortly after 8am and was very pleased with my progress - only painkillers I'd needed had been Panadol and was happy for me to be discharged later in the morning once I'd been seen by a physio and given a set of exercises - which for the first week are some of what we do on Tuesdays hydro exercise class. Elaine went home just prior to lunch and the rest of the day is a bit of a blur - think I slept for a lot of the afternoon. Lindie called in with flowers and Heather called in after work. Friday - another year older! Kath called in for coffee and stayed for lunch as Lindie had brought hot chips, gravy and fresh bread rolls plus a white chocolate mud cake - best foster daughter ever! Relaxed afternoon catching up on some TV - I managed to have a shower in the morning and wash my hair left handed - sat on bed with head down to blow dry (no styling though) amazing how we women can improvise when necessity deems so! Family dinner of Thai take-away and chocolate birthday cake complete with candles was delicious and I received some lovely gifts and was spared the traditional 'lets hang shit on Grandma'. Lilly bought us some beautiful hand made placemats home from Vietnam - gorgeous bright colours. Today I managed to put on my bra which meant less pain. Sleeping partially propped up is most comfortable with the under arm cushion in place (thanks to the lovely volunteers who make and donate these cushions) Saturday saw a visit from Julie and Maddie with Mac and Mia - flowers, a beautiful T2 Teapot and one of Julies beautiful birthday cakes. Once Mia was asleep I was able to nurse her left handed. Heather and Chicken called in on their way to SFC presentation night, Heather looked stunning in the outfit we chose last weekend. Physically I had a really 'off day' I think it was a combination of the operation, Thai food and anti inflamatories which saw me spend quite a large portion of the day in the bathroom. Sunday I woke feeling a lot better - still a few rumbles from the tummy. We spent a lot of the day watching a Netflix series - all 8 episodes (not all at once though) Cold wind outdoors so decided not to go for a walk. Monday walked up to Fitzroy Street and back - just a very brief walk. Heather called in for cake - sent some home with her for Chicken and also her boss Aaron who has been so generous in allowing her time off to be with me - Shell also called round and I sent cake home with her for Rob and Lilly. Today Tuesday - still ten days to go before the sentinel node biopsy results and my dressings are removed. Keeping the positive vibes going - they result will be negative, Dotty has not sent her offspring to any other part of my body. Bill has been amazing - the cared for one is now caring for the carer! - a cup of tea in bed each morning, leg massages before I put the TEDS back on after a shower. I've needed no pain killers since Saturday lunchtime - sure there's some discomfort each morning when I get out of bed and gravity hits but not for long. Two parcels arrived today - new Doona cover from my Queensland family and book and card from Rachel and Kris (what Rach had written brought tears to my eyes). Throughout my journey thus far I've been blessed with so much support and love from my family and friends, I'm so proud of the strength Heather has shown especially when last Wednesday was not only a tough day for me but for both her and Elaine.

NO WONDER PATHOLOGY MAKES ME NERVOUS ...

The past few days I've felt calm, sure there are times when I think about tomorrow and the removal of 'Dotty' but on the whole its not something I've been dwelling on as I've kept busy cooking and making meals for the coming weeks. Saturday was hard when I had to get my acrylic nails removed - I so loved those nails - my nails now look disgusting, short, thin and peeling - I'm rubbing tea tree oil in constantly (as recommended by a friend) hoping to strengthen them. Caught up for coffee with my beautiful foster daughter Lindie who has just returned from holidaying in the US, watched parts of the AFL Grand Final thankfully GWS got a flogging. Sunday was mother/daughter time again, after Devonshire tea went clothes shopping with Heather. A visit from Julie & Tony brightened the afternoon. Monday lazed around catching up on a bit of TV then walked up to Margs - a 4km round trip, was really pleased with this. Today I had to have blood tests ready for tomorrow, the request slip I received was for Dorevitch Pathology so I went there - normally I go to Clinical Labs at Inglis Medical Centre - wish I hadn't. There was a long queue when we got there and two pathologists on duty, I took one look at the male and said to Bill 'hope I don't get him' - yep you guessed it I did - now there was nothing wrong with his manner, he was quite a pleasant man but not competent in taking blood from someone with 'scared' veins so after three failed attempts he had to call for assistance, by this time I was in tears, (memories of 1972 came flooding back when I'd had a similar problem after an operation and in desperation Dr Barry the anaethesetist was called in and he used a vein in my ankle) Pearl came in and in one second flat she had a vein and blood ..yes I had drunk lots of water to plump up my veins … in future I'll only every go to Inglis Street. Bill 'shouted' Macca's for breakfast and we were attended to by a delightful young lady Akanna who brightened my day with her big smile and friendly customer service skills. Lunch outside enjoying the beautiful spring sunshine. Time now to pack my overnight bag and re-read my hospital instructions.

POSITIVE VIBES

Three hours of pre-admission tests and interviews yesterday. A huge thank you to my bestie who made the trip from Warragul to be with me and took 7 pages of notes! A very special friend indeed. My anaesthetist is female and who spent a copious amount of time discussing with me my past history - 39 years since my last operation when my recovery time was long - hence to date this has been my biggest fear about the removal of 'Dotty' - being put to sleep. I left her office feeling much more at ease and pleased she will be on 'my team'. A quick chat with a Dr regarding medications and painkillers - why do the medical profession find it so hard to believe I'm on no prescribed, over the counter or alternative medications. Glenda the admissions nurse I saw was very informative, ensuring I fully understood the procedure I'm about to have, my recovery, including a demonstration on how to put on those sexy long white pressure socks!! My blood pressure was a little high however this was possibly due to anxiety and the fact my arm was straight not relaxed - but nothing to worry about. An ECG showed no heart irregularities ... by now we were in dire need of a caffeine fix and some lunch. A chest Xray still to be done in the next few days and blood tests on Tuesday. Had a few errands that needed doing so I called in and had my Xray done - Heather's friend Theresa was the radiographer - another feel-good appointment - there's just something about a big heartfelt hug. Apologies to the two guys in the waiting room. Slowly managing to read through the BCNA My Journey (also an on-line application available now - probably more convenient but I prefer the hard copy) so much information and personal stories. Another night of broken sleep ....

3AM TEA, CRUMPETS AND MOVIES

So I now have a date for my surgery - Wednesday, October 2nd (yes 2 days before my 73rd birthday). The visit to my surgeon yesterday was a little confronting, even though I'd been through all the details the day prior with my breast cancer nurse. This was the first time I'd seen my mammograms and exactly where 'Dotty' has sited herself - even though 13mm in size 'she' cannot be felt by manual examination, nor can the other 10mm lump, which is benign, (this was only picked up by ultrasound) - I just cannot express enough the importance of regular self-checks, annual Dr examinations and mammograms every two years. Not a tear in sight whilst at the surgeons - proud of me! A beautiful message from Rachel & Kristen had me in tears Just sending a message to say we love you both so very much and we are sorry we won't be able to catch up this weekend. And I know you'll get through it and come through the other side because our family is made of tough stuff (just like those Bulldogs of yours). Sleep avoided me during the night and after lying there with morbid thoughts going round and round in my head I got up around 3am made a cup of Camomile, Vanilla & Honey tea and a buttered crumpet and settled down on the couch snuggled under my Bulldogs rug and watched a movie - went back to bed around 5.30 and slept until 7.15 Bill was already up and preparing breakfast. A phonecall from Di, Admissions Clerk at the Hospital with 4 appointments for tomorrow starting at 10.30 - the anesthetist, pre-admissions nurse, ECG, Blood tests, XRay, and hospital Doctor - my bestie Jan is coming up to go with me. A little bit of 'me time' and pampering with a haircut from Sarah at Zienna Hair .... next step will be a pedicure whilst I have my beautiful pink and floral fingernails removed unfortunately

WHAT A LEGACY - JANE MCRATH

It's a week now since my diagnosis .... Wednesday was a tough day - the emotions were up and down all day - Marg Centra our local McGrath Breast Cancer Nurse rang to establish contact and make an appointment to go over what I can expect and offer support, I was just not ready to talk then I still needed time to digest the diagnosis and what lies ahead. Family and friends called in or rang as the news spread - feeling very blessed - I'm going to have an amazing support group around me. I've named my offending lump 'Dotty' Thursday was a beautiful sunny warm day and I woke feeling quite calm and serene - Sale Cancer Support Group meets on the third Thursday of each month and today was at the Greyhound Club where we enjoyed a lovely meal sitting outdoors trackside. I was able to say 'I have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer' without shedding one tear - GO ME! Mikayla sent me a lovely message via Messenger which did make the tears well, not sad tears but humble tears Wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you at this time You’re one of the most incredibly tough women I’ve had the pleasure of coming across and I’m so lucky to have an extra grandma like you Dylan rang and we spoke for 40 minutes, he'd previously sent me a message, just a simple love you grandma on Wednesday. I'm so so lucky to have such caring grandkids. Went to see The Sapphires (stage version) at The Wedge with Noelene on Friday night ... I also surprised myself by being early to pick Noelene up, well I would have been if I'd not sat for 5 minutes outside her place only to find I was in the wrong street!! now while I was doing this Noelene was outside her place and a car pulled up next door and she went to get into the car when a man alighted the car ... there's more in our comedy of errors - we were enjoying a leisurely glass of Moscato when Noelene decided her feet were thirsty ... the show was great though and certainly a great distraction from all the dramas of recent times. Saturday I set myself the task of cleaning up my desk and finishing a few tasks that had been in the 'too hard basket' including cleaning up my emails. Bursting with enthusiasm and energy on Sunday morning I went for an early morning walk, just a quick 1.5km round the local streets - it was lonely without my 'buddy' but I'm sure she was walking it with me. Coffee and cake with Heather, we'd planned to go to Macca's for the raspberry and custard tart, but every second person in Sale must have been at Maccas so we went to the Centre Bakery. Robyn and I had been waiting for the Dowton Abbey movie so Sunday I went with Pat & Geoff. What a brilliant movie. Both Friday night and Sunday I had a spare seat next to me - coincidence or was Robyn there in spirit. Yesterday was Carers Support Group meeting, a lovely group of ladies and just one male. I'd not really considered support groups and their worth previously but I've gained so much knowledge and made new friends plus the added bonus of yummy morning teas provided by Alison and Elaine from LVCH. Feeling much stronger emotionally I'd made an appointment to visit Marg Centra. What a legacy Jane McGrath has left - these Breast Cancer Nurses are so encouraging, supportive, informative and caring and overworked. Marg went through what to expect with my surgery, step by step, in simple language and diagrams so easy to understand and absorb. I was fitted for a free bra - one suitable to wear after surgery and during treatment and given $100 cash to treat myself to something nice or enjoy a romantic dinner with Bill, to spend on whatever buoyed me up/gave me pleasure. (We've decided to have a night in Melbourne when radiation is finished) plus a $100 voucher for Coles Express for petrol to help with transport costs - all through the generosity of the local community. I came home feeling confident, the chances of my cancer returning are 5% ... due to the type and early diagnosis - I urge every woman to have regular mammograms. Exercise and diet are going to be important with recovery so I've been walking the past few mornings, with my earbuds in - amazing how music puts an extra bounce in your step - gradually increasing the distance. Who knows 'Dotty' could just be the catalyst I needed to become a slimmer, fitter personl. Today my emotions are roller coasting, upbeat and happy to miserable and teary again ... maybe its due to the fact I've an appointment with my surgeon later today and the operation to remove 'Dotty' is getting closer.