Tuesday 26th February 2013
Life has been busy since my last blog. Kids are well and truly in school mode, with homework and after school activities keeping us busy.
Netball season hasn't begun and I find myself spending more time daily on club business/registrations. The joys of being club president :)
Update on kids:
Miss 13 has started running, needing her fitness level high for club grading and trials to get in the association team.
She graded for her club and did an amazing job, managed to score higher than some 17 year olds. We will find out early March if she gets a spot in the association squad.
Miss 13 is happy to be at school with her friends and has started the year, getting all homework done daily. YAH!!!
She will be 14 on the 8th March. I can't believe, this tiny little bundle who stole our hearts nearly 14 years ago, is this beautiful young lady today. Where the hell did the time go??? I wish I could rewind 14 years, and again, cherish all those baby cuddles, toddler questions, toddler tantrums (not many with our placid little girl) and really focus on her.
Master 9 is enjoying school and is doing 40 minutes of homework a night. (standard for yr 5) He is such a gorgeous boy, so loving and makes us laugh with his endless stories. He LOVES being on his scooter and is enjoying practising tricks.
Our little miracle, will be 10 in April. Again, I can't believe how quickly time has flown. I want time to stand still, I don't want to miss a thing with both kids.
As for me, Radiotherapy started on Monday. It's painless, takes no time all and I wish chemo was the same.
My hubby joined me for the first zap. Like my 6 chemo's, I drove my car, with hubby sitting in the passenger seat. I was excited to be finally having Radiotherapy, another hurdle to jump over to being completely cancer free.
We parked with plenty of time to spare. Went in and dropped my appointment card in the box. I was called and asked to sit outside "room 3". A lovely lady called my name, and explained I would have my own gown which would be sitting in cubbie hole '12'. I was instructed to remove my top and bra and place the gown on. I was then taken into 'room 3', removed my gown and lay on the bed, ready to begin my 1st of 30 treatments.
I was wriggled around until they were happy that I was lined up with all the lasers and my 3 tatts. (I can't see them) Asked to put my arms up, and hold the 2 bars.
By this stage, feeling calm was out the window and I felt a flood of emotion run through me. I really struggled to keep my tears from falling down my cheeks. 7 months have passed since my official diagnosis and FINALLY I was up to radiation, thoughts of what I had already endured were forefront on my mind, as were the fears of BC returning and having to go through this hell all over again.
I closed my eyes and changed my thoughts to my family.
Before the radiotherapy could begin, I had to have some films taken as the original measurements were inaccurate. Normal procedure is first 25 days, radiation is given to the entire breast and the last 5 days is to the exact location of the tumour. B/C of the incorrect measurements, I will be treated in reverse, no difference in end result.
Before I knew, it was all over and we were on our way. Yah 1 done :)
Went by myself today and all up the round trip took, 1hour and 20 mins. 28 to go :)
I have been moisturising 6 times a day and am thankful I am home, as it would be a pain in the arse taking the bra on and off at work.
I'm keeping everything crossed, that any reactions to the radiotherapy are kept under control with the creams.
Tomorrow I have bloods done and will see my Oncologist on Friday. I'm eager to hear what happens with further testing etc and if I start Tamoxifen straight away. Not loving the thought of Tamoxifen and all the side effects, but will take that over a Breast Cancer any day.
I'm feeling really strong and very positive. I do feel tired late in the day (too much computer work) and push myself to go for a walk in the evening. I'm enjoying exercising with my new BF "gymstick" and looking forward to spending 3 quality days my family this weekend.
Be kind to yourselves and cherish every minute with your family, you NEVER know what is around the corner.
lots of love
Shaz xxxx
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Heavy Heart
Sunday 10th February 2013
I told you about Kate, in my blog post, "1 in 8". Kate had her scans this week and heartbreakingly, Kate's BC staging has been changed to IV (4)
Kate had her MRI, CT and bone scan: they found 2 tumours in her spine, one in her liver and the cancer is in her other breast.
What I haven't told you about Kate is:
She is 29 years old
Kate and her hubby Steve, have 4 gorgeous kids, ^Shannon^, Lily, Grace and SJ (Stephen Junior)
She works tirelessly to help families in NICU's around America, through her not for profit organisation Project Sweet Peas.
She is amazing and very inspiring
She is a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend
and she now has the fight of her life!
Waking up to this news on Friday, has left me completely heartbroken. I have shed many tears and feel helpless being on the other side of the world.
"why is this happening to such a good person, hasn't she been through enough in her short life?"
I'm numb and can't articulate how I'm feeling.
Love you Kate and have you in my heart and thoughts always.
Shaz x
I told you about Kate, in my blog post, "1 in 8". Kate had her scans this week and heartbreakingly, Kate's BC staging has been changed to IV (4)
Kate had her MRI, CT and bone scan: they found 2 tumours in her spine, one in her liver and the cancer is in her other breast.
What I haven't told you about Kate is:
She is 29 years old
Kate and her hubby Steve, have 4 gorgeous kids, ^Shannon^, Lily, Grace and SJ (Stephen Junior)
She works tirelessly to help families in NICU's around America, through her not for profit organisation Project Sweet Peas.
She is amazing and very inspiring
She is a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend
and she now has the fight of her life!
Waking up to this news on Friday, has left me completely heartbroken. I have shed many tears and feel helpless being on the other side of the world.
"why is this happening to such a good person, hasn't she been through enough in her short life?"
I'm numb and can't articulate how I'm feeling.
Love you Kate and have you in my heart and thoughts always.
Shaz x
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Next step....
Tuesday 5th February 2013
Next appointment with my Oncologist is March 1st. Bloods to be drawn, prior to seeing her and they will test to see if I am menopausal. I will also find out my regime of future tests/visits and all about my hormonal therapy for the next five years.
Tamoxifen (hormone therapy drug) will be taken daily for the five years. It comes with a list of possible side effects. I will do everything I can to minimise any side effect, the first being, "It ain't happening"... power of the mind!
My first radiation appointment is tomorrow. I will have a CT and they will run through all the treatment procedures, give me my tatt (marking) where they will direct the radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy is painless (will be nice not having to have a cannula in) however, side effects may occur during or after treatment. (even months later)
Common side effects:
Skin becomes red and dry (like sunburn)
Skin becomes darker
Tired
The big tip for Radiation therapy: DO WHAT THEY TELL YOU!
I will definitely do this, as I have done with my chemo treatment and thankfully got through it ok.
I'm excited to be heading into my next treatment with a great Radiation Oncologist. Having a wonderful medical team, sure does help!
The other night, I whispered to my husband, with the fear of jinxing myself:
"Can you believe I have managed to get through 6 cycles of chemo without vomiting or too many side effects".
6 months ago, all I wanted to know is "am I going to die???" I was petrified of having surgery (let alone two) indifferent about chemo and radiation and putting up a front "I'm ok" for my family and friends.
Chemo is tough bloody work, you can feel the drugs oozing from your pores and whilst I didn't have many side effects, I feel for those who do. Like them, I will do everything to ensure, I have a long life with my family.
I omitted the word 'happy', I don't feel I need to add that. I am happy, I am probably the happiest I have ever been. I'm comfortable in my skin and can appreciate all things in life, the good, bad and damn right ugly.
BC has taught me: life is not perfect, nor is a marriage, home life and work life.
Crappy things happen, it doesn't matter if you are the president of a country, CEO of a large organisation, religious or just a little girl, crappy things happen!
I think it's the way we handle these situations and how we handle ourselves during these times that make us who we are.
For the record:
I am not Amazing, I am not a Hero, I'm not even Superwoman (well maybe LOL) , I'm Sharon! A woman diagnosed with Breast Cancer, undergoing treatment with her boxing gloves on and fighting to survive.
Remember, as crappy as you feel today about life, whether it be about money, health, weight etc, it could be so much worse.
Be kind to yourself and take the time to ask a friend "are you ok?
With love
Shaz xxx
Next appointment with my Oncologist is March 1st. Bloods to be drawn, prior to seeing her and they will test to see if I am menopausal. I will also find out my regime of future tests/visits and all about my hormonal therapy for the next five years.
Tamoxifen (hormone therapy drug) will be taken daily for the five years. It comes with a list of possible side effects. I will do everything I can to minimise any side effect, the first being, "It ain't happening"... power of the mind!
My first radiation appointment is tomorrow. I will have a CT and they will run through all the treatment procedures, give me my tatt (marking) where they will direct the radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy is painless (will be nice not having to have a cannula in) however, side effects may occur during or after treatment. (even months later)
Common side effects:
Skin becomes red and dry (like sunburn)
Skin becomes darker
Tired
The big tip for Radiation therapy: DO WHAT THEY TELL YOU!
I will definitely do this, as I have done with my chemo treatment and thankfully got through it ok.
I'm excited to be heading into my next treatment with a great Radiation Oncologist. Having a wonderful medical team, sure does help!
The other night, I whispered to my husband, with the fear of jinxing myself:
"Can you believe I have managed to get through 6 cycles of chemo without vomiting or too many side effects".
6 months ago, all I wanted to know is "am I going to die???" I was petrified of having surgery (let alone two) indifferent about chemo and radiation and putting up a front "I'm ok" for my family and friends.
Chemo is tough bloody work, you can feel the drugs oozing from your pores and whilst I didn't have many side effects, I feel for those who do. Like them, I will do everything to ensure, I have a long life with my family.
I omitted the word 'happy', I don't feel I need to add that. I am happy, I am probably the happiest I have ever been. I'm comfortable in my skin and can appreciate all things in life, the good, bad and damn right ugly.
BC has taught me: life is not perfect, nor is a marriage, home life and work life.
Crappy things happen, it doesn't matter if you are the president of a country, CEO of a large organisation, religious or just a little girl, crappy things happen!
I think it's the way we handle these situations and how we handle ourselves during these times that make us who we are.
For the record:
I am not Amazing, I am not a Hero, I'm not even Superwoman (well maybe LOL) , I'm Sharon! A woman diagnosed with Breast Cancer, undergoing treatment with her boxing gloves on and fighting to survive.
Remember, as crappy as you feel today about life, whether it be about money, health, weight etc, it could be so much worse.
Be kind to yourself and take the time to ask a friend "are you ok?
With love
Shaz xxx
TAC 6 Catchup
Tuesday 5th February 2013
The last cycle of TAC, went as previous ones, without any problems. Although the wait to see my Oncologist and then to get into the chemo ward, was a long one.
My bloods were good again. (Thankyou to my Neulasta Nurse xx)
To say I was chomping at the bit is an understatement, the sooner I was hooked up to the blasted TAC the sooner, I could say "YES... I did it!"
Hubby came with me and like my other Chemo Buddies, was a great help! When I had finished and was saying goodbye, I had to hold the tears in. I thanked the ever kind chemo angels and said a silent prayer, that I would never see them again.
Over the last 6 days, I have been busy with helping organise netball rego's, kids back at school and email catchups.
Life post Chemo, is bloody good!
lots of love
Shaz x
The last cycle of TAC, went as previous ones, without any problems. Although the wait to see my Oncologist and then to get into the chemo ward, was a long one.
My bloods were good again. (Thankyou to my Neulasta Nurse xx)
To say I was chomping at the bit is an understatement, the sooner I was hooked up to the blasted TAC the sooner, I could say "YES... I did it!"
Hubby came with me and like my other Chemo Buddies, was a great help! When I had finished and was saying goodbye, I had to hold the tears in. I thanked the ever kind chemo angels and said a silent prayer, that I would never see them again.
Over the last 6 days, I have been busy with helping organise netball rego's, kids back at school and email catchups.
Life post Chemo, is bloody good!
lots of love
Shaz x
BCNA 'Getting through treatment for breast cancer'
Tuesday 5th February 2013
BCNA have uploaded this latest video!
BCNA have uploaded this latest video!
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