Update...

Thursday 21st March 2013


19 days of Radiation and the effects on my skin are starting to show.  My left clavicle is red, itchy and tiny blisters are forming.  My left breast is turning pink and the skin is hot to touch.  I am yet to bathe the area in  salt water and  am moisturising 6 times a day with Aveeno.

Over the past 19 days, I have had some really nice staff getting me settled on the bed and making sure I am lined up with lasers etc.
I'm not entirely sure I'm liking having a male in the room and was completely gobsmacked when I had a big... black... Somalian drawing dots all over my breasts. (nothing to do with colour just not expecting males to be in the room)  Let me set the scene:

Once arriving at Perth Radiation Clinic, I drop my appointment card into the slot,  head over to collect my gown, duck into the cubicle, remove my top,  bra and slip the robe on.
I then sit in a waiting area and wait until I am called.  (I have waited an hour when the blasted machine was playing up) Once called, I follow them into the room, drop my basket holding my bag, top and bra (it's a big basket) and head to the bed.  Before dropping my gown and flashing everyone, I give my birthdate and then lay on the bed, ensuring my bum hits a certain spot.  I'm reminded to lift my arms over  my head and grab the rails.
Now,  this is where I do feel uncomfortable having a male in the room. Feeling vulnerable,   the staff at this point are lining you up with the lasers, upper body is  shoved as they make sure my side tats are lined up, they have the ruler out ensuring I'm centred and then  my chest is marked up, once they are happy with everything, they leave and the rad begins.  I'm left with my thoughts... are all the women seen today the talk of the beer garden??  What if I sneeze whist having treatment??   I look like I'm either sunning myself or wanting a good seeing too!!

So you get the picture, Big tall bloke, drawing on my boob and my thoughts... hence, my feeling uncomfortable.

It's been 52 days since I had my last chemo, time passes by so quickly.  My hair is growing back everywhere.  Think I need to get back into waxing soon (its been so nice not having to deal with all of that)

It's been 22 days since starting Tamoxifen and (touch wood) the only side effects that I seem to be having are hot flushes and heartburn.

Life is crazy busy and I have to remind myself to slow down and rest! Oh bugger! just looked at the time and on to my next job.

lots of love
Shaz xxxx

Happy 15th Wedding Anniversary

14th March 2013

Dear Damon,

August 1995 saw you come into my life.  Little did I know, I had just met the love of my life, my best friend, father of my children and soul mate.

In our 18 years together, we have constantly been at each other’s side.  

You have always been the calming influence to my ‘hot head’. 

You have always made me feel safe. 

You have always put the kids and I first. 

You have always been my everything.

March 1998:  we wed and our life began.  We have 2 beautiful children who are the sunshine in our lives. 

People say life challenges either make or break a marriage, I’m fortunate to say,  our marriage can outlast anything,  CDH or Cancer can’t break us apart.

On this day 15 years ago in Las Vegas,  we gave each other our hearts and committed to a life of love and friendship. 

15 years ago,  I married an amazing man, who continues to amaze me with his commitment and love to our family. 

Damon, I love you with all my heart, I love you for everything you are and for everything you are going to be.  I love you today, tomorrow and forever.

Happy Anniversary my love

With love always

Sharon xxxx

10 down, 20 to go!

Monday 11th March 2013


Just home from my 10th rad treatment and looking forward to saying it's over!
My skin is starting to go red and today  it feels hot (or is that my hot flushes??)  I'm moisturising like crazy and my left arm is sore, thank goodness I have a Physio appointment tomorrow.

My daily visit for rad, see's me laying on the bed, whilst the staff call out numbers, move my upper body around until I am lined up and then I'm marked up with blue artline.   My arms are up over my head and my chin  is exactly 13cms from my chest and I'm to stay still for the entire time.
The staff are great but one guy is a dick.  If they insist on having men in the room with breast cancer patients, for goodness sake, make sure they have a sense of humour!  It's all we women have, when we are exposing our breasts.

Lots of love
Shaz x