Thursday, January 31, 2013

I did it!

Thursday 31st January 2013


I did it!!!   Chemotherapy over... jumping for joy in our house, with lots of tears.


Will update in the next couple of days, going to plonk my butt on the couch, drink some fluid (non alcoholic)  and take things easy for the rest of the day.

Lots of love

Shaz xx

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Happy Birthday

Wednesday 30th January 2013



Wishing the love of my life a very Happy Birthday.

Love you to the moon and back,  way more xxxxxxxx


"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies"
Aristotle

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

1 in 8

Tuesday 29th January 2013


When I was diagnosed with BC, I was told,  1 in 8 women would be diagnosed.  I have hassled many friends,  ensuring they are self checking and having Mammograms, regardless of age.

To be absolute horror, one of my dear friends was officially diagnosed on my birthday :(

Kate and I, have never met in person, we are online friends and 'met' 5 1/2 years ago, via a support group for CDH.  I am the mother of a CDH survivor and Kate is the proud mum of a CDH angel.    I am really proud of the work Kate does in memory of her precious daughter.  http://www.projectsweetpeas.com/

I am absolutely heart broken that Kate has BC :(  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she begins this long, and at time lonely journey.

Please, check your boobs!

Lots of love
Shaz xxx


43

Monday 28th January 2013



I'm blessed to be born on Australia Day, I get to have a day off every year,  the whole nation celebrates with me and it is normally a glorious sunny day.

This year was no different.  I was woken up my beautiful family and was given some amazing gifts, cards and cuddles.
Lunch was booked at a nice restaurant at Hillary's Boat Harbour, "Bella Fonti's", so we all had a light breakfast.
We had invited friends over for the afternoon/evening, Hubby had spent the nights leading up to my Birthday, cleaning the deck, pool fence and house. (thanks my love)
My Dad came down with a cough, which turned into a cold and we all decided it was best for him to miss lunch, but attend the afternoon party.

My little family had a great lunch, we all enjoyed our food,  but nearly died when we received the bill.  A $6 surcharge per person was added, as it was a long weekend!
Let's just say, we will be back to Bella Fonti's but only for a special occasion.

The afternoon was spent laughing with friends, enjoying a few cold vino's and a bbq.  We had a late night swim and finally got to bed at 1.30am.

Thank you to everyone who sent  messages and who came to celebrate my birthday.

lots of love
Shaz





Monday, January 28, 2013

TAC 5 - Days 7 - 17

Saturday 26th January 2013


The last 10 days have been wonderful.  My energy levels have been normal and I can honestly say, I haven't felt this good since August.

I have organised my Radiation Appointments:

6/2:  Getting measured up for my Radiation treatment
25/2:  Start Radiation

I'm SOOOO excited to be heading into my last Chemo cycle next Thursday.  I can believe, how quickly the time has passed and hope the next part of my journey continues to go smoothly.

I saw my Breast Surgeon on Friday 25th January, he was pleased with how I have healed and how well I looked, considering I had been having chemo.   We discussed reconstruction and his recommendation,  is to go with his original plan, take the rest of the breast tissue (complete the Mastectomy) Whilst he did remove all the cancer in my second surgery,  we agree, its best to remove the breast completely and reconstruct.
We asked about timing for the reconstruction and was told,  woman generally wait 3 months or more from the last Radiation treatment.  It's best to get the body fit and healthy again.

Please spare a thought for me on Thursday.  I'm sure I will be feeling emotional, especially with my favourite chemo buddy coming with me, my hubby!

Thanks once again for all the love and support.

With love
Shaz x




Tuesday, January 15, 2013

TAC 5 Days 1-6

Tuesday 15th January


I ventured off to TAC 5 with my good friend Jules.  We hadn't seen each other for a couple of weeks so had loads to catch up on.
We got a park straight away and headed up to sit in the cool of the hospital.  Thankfully my wait to see Prof Chan was quick.  My bloods were perfect again (YAH!!)  I spoke with her about the lose of feeling in my finger tips. I know this is a side effect but didn't expect it.  My finger tip and palms feel burnt and dry.  I was instructed to lather with moisturiser and be careful when picked things up.

I ordered my chemo and headed up to the chemo ward.  Once again I had the "butcher"!  I've nicknamed this nurse 'the butcher', as I have seen her struggling to find the vein, in a couple of women. I am the biggest wuss and really dislike having blood taken or cannula's put in.  My phobia escalates when I see a nurse struggling, so again I told her "one try and get me someone else".  Thankfully she got it and we could laugh.  Jules wanted me to hold her hand, she could see the look on my face (and she hates needles herself)
TAC 5 ran through again without any problems :)

I arrived home and burst into tears.  I can't believe I have just been through 5 chemo's!  I can't believe I am nearly at the end of this chemo nightmare.  My little man was playing in the street and thankfully Miss 13 was in her room.  She hugged me so tight.  I told her I was crying with happiness (not sure she believed me,  my tears were huge and I was making all sorts of noises)  I cried long and hard and then laughed.  Oh lordy... what will I be like after number 6???

This time,  I haven't kept up with my anti-inflammatories and have felt the affects of my Neulasta injections. In the last 5 days,  I have spent relaxing on the couch and I have struggled to muster any energy.  Thank goodness the kids are on holiday,  as I couldn't even drive to get fresh bread.  My eyes keep twitching and my contact lenses are moving around my eyes like Pakeman chasing an alien.

I have been trying to book my radiation in (girl has been sick)  Finally spoke with someone this morning,  I will be measured up the week after my last chemo and  Radiation will begin 3 weeks from that date.

I have an appointment with my Breast Surgeon in 10 days and I'm hoping he can give me some indication when my reduction and reconstruction will be.

Thinking about this appointment,  got me thinking about the hangups some of us  have on our bodies.  We all know life is not perfect,  so why do we insist on trying to achieve the perfect body???  Why do we judge ourselves and others constantly??? Why can't we be happy????
Before I was diagnosed I moaned about my chin, have always had a double chin, Miss 13 is the same , didn't matter what I did, still had it.  (didn't try lipo)   I also disliked my boobs, too big.  My hubby on the other hand, loves big boobs  (of course) He would dismiss my moans and tell me I look great.    BUT with all my moans, I was happy.

I'm not fat and I'm not super skinny but I WAS extremely fit and I did this by working hard with some awesome trainers and training buddies.  I have a good diet and love a good vino or 2.  I have an amazing family,  I volunteer for a wonderful not-for profit charity and I wear my heart on my sleeve, I'm kind, caring and am at peace with my life.
Does all this + my double chin and big boobs,  make me happy??   Yes, it does!  
Life is short, don't waste your time trying to shortcut life.  (if you need to loose weight, work out and eat healthy) Shortcuts will ALWAYS get you lost, angry and sad.  The long journey will always end up being the happiest.  It will be hard, trying and a number of tears may be shed, but it's so worth it.

So, stop judging yourself and others!!

My journey is not over, I'll get my small girls but at the price of Breast Cancer.  I'm still walking  the long way round to my pre-BC life, but with one foot in front of the other, I will get to it and I'll keep smiling every step of the way.

love and hugs
Shaz xxxxxx





Wednesday, January 9, 2013

TAC 4 - Days 12 - 20

Wednesday 9th January 2013


WOW... can't believe it's the 9th Jan already.

In the last 10 days since my last post, I have enjoyed swimming in our pool and chilling with my little family.  It's been so hot and having the pool has been a welcome relief.
I have been doing laps and lunges in the pool, walking and I even managed to run :)

Felt sad yesterday :( Should of flown out to Bali for our family holiday :(  As my hubby said, plenty of time to do that in the months to come.

On the eve of my 5th Chemo cycle, I am excited to see the light at the end of the chemo tunnel,  shinning brightly.  I can't believe I have endured 4 chemo's already, time is flying by.  I'm going to order Alma Oil tonight,   I've been told the oil will help stimulate hair growth :)

This morning I had bloods taken and have everything crossed they are all good for tomorrow.
A good friend is coming with me tomorrow and I'm looking forward to having a good old chin wag.

Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts, hearts and prayers.

Lots of love

Shaz