Showing posts with label Glenn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Glenn. Show all posts

Saturday, February 8, 2020

Hello February 2020

If you follow me on facey or insta, you would know that on Saturday 1st after sitting and thinking about this and that, I wrote the following...

"We haven't had the smoothest of starts to the year with January certainly throwing some challenging curve balls from start to end BUT as the saying goes 'it could be worse', right!?!". 

Now, despite the fact that yes we did all manage to just roll with everything that the past month thew at us (which is indeed pretty darn awesome), it did not mean that I was hoping for more of the same in February!



This year was supposed to be all about my boob operation...that is/needs to be where my focus goes, not here there and every bloody where else (my family the exception obviously). 

Ain't that the truth!

ANYWAY...As I write this post it is Saturday the 8th, so here is a little bit of catch up!

Plumbing up the s%@&! 

Whilst the real estate did in fact respond to my SOS call, and indeed sent a plumber out to us first thing the next morning (aka the 1st), he only applied a band aid (seems to the theme of our year). So, as he was unable to complete the job until approval and other red tape, for the past week we have had no cold water to the main house, and also no inside toilet!

Now don't get me wrong, we are so ultra lucky that we have a shower and a toilet in the bungalow out the back BUT...when you have had Gastro/IBS symptoms full on for the past week, having to run that little bit further (sometimes in the rain and the dark) really is not helpful. Again, could be worse hey...I mean we are truly blessed that we have plumbing at all!

Missing the fun!


I missed out on going to the local car show with my family on Sunday 2nd as I wasn't well, instead I stayed home alone yet again! Yes, I am feeling sad and sorry for myself because even though many would think that alone time without the hubby and kids is the best thing ever, I actually like making memories with my family. Don't get me wrong, alone time is also great but this is about the bigger picture and in this case, its missing the fun!

On a positive though, I was ultra thankful that Damo and Jess (Glenn's neighbour's) caught up with them at the show. What was even more special, is that afterwards they took the boys to Masons Lane and kicked the footy around, which the boys loved!

Progress...Milestone! 


Mia was able stay overnight with us for the very first time on Saturday 1st, which was a very special first milestone. And if I am completely honest, it also makes life a little less hectic as it means we don't have to try and jam pack so much into the day within the time frame that also includes two hours of driving to pick her up, bring her here, drive her home and then drive back home. 

Oh, and just for the record, whilst I may be progressive in some things, I can assure you that Ace and Mia were indeed in separate bedrooms!

Work...What work?!?

Since I haven't been booked in for my boob op yet (I will talk about that more later) I had planned to go back to work this week. BUT, given the relapse, I once again needed to cancel. 

This sucks for a couple of reasons a) as I am sure I have mentioned before, I really dislike letting people down, and b) I was looking forward to earning some money to help us get back on track.


On a positive, it has meant that I have been available for the boys after school, able to catch up on this blog, and um...been able to stay on top of telling Mark what to do around the house? Hmmm, ok so maybe, just maybe, that is not a positive for him LOL!

Top Half!


Firstly, in a previous post I mentioned that the operation to have my boobs removed and then reconstructed would be in February; but IF there is emergency cancer patients then I would be pushed back. As it turns out, that IF indeed happened and I have been told that it will now more than likely be done in March. Again provided that there is no emergency cases.  No denying that it sucks, but to be completely real with ya, if it means that a life has possibly been saved by bumping me, I am totally okay with that.

I had an appointment scheduled with my risk management team and breast surgeons at .RMH on Tuesday 4th, but they called and said there was.no point attending until I had updated diagnostics done first.  Also, given that I am in the process of waiting to have them removed and haven't changed my mind about anything, there really isn't much need for the appointment.  Anyway, I was advised that someone would call and book me in for some more tests soon. As yet, no phone call!

I will just keep waiting patiently, and in the meantime hope like heck that whatever is going on with my gut sorts itself out, OR I get some answers so that the problem can be fixed! I really don't want to be needing to run to the loo during recovery!



Bottom Half!

In addition to waiting on my appointment for the top half, I am also still waiting on an appointment for the bottom half.  This one I think is frustrating me more than any of them because it was the specialist who told me I NEEDED to come back in JANUARY.  I mean, why say it and then not make it happen.

On top of that, since my last appointment in October a few changes have happened and I really want them addressed ASAP.

Things like the fact that the mirena was a flop and therefore didn't solve the initial problem it was used for.  In fact that problem has become worse than it originally was and so I want to get the hysterectomy paperwork sorted so that ball can start rolling (also another time bomb risk reducing measure).

I did briefly talk to my breast care nurse about the possibility of having both done at the same time, BUT she said given the complexity of the op already, it is best to do them separately. 

Another reason, is because I (and my GP) believe the cause of my pain and my bowel related issues is due to Bowel Endometriosis (BE).


Even though I am going in to have a gastroscopy and colonoscopy done this coming Monday the 10th February, BE is a condition that apparently can't be detected via those measures.  But, as we want to rule everything out, it is a necessary step!  Mind you, I am more than open to being wrong if it means an answer sooner rather than later.

Wanna know a positive?  My initial gastro/colonoscopy appointment was on the 10th of March but due to the recent relapse, even though they usually prefer things to settle down, they bumped me up.  Yay!  I'm not at all looking forward to drinking the goop stuff though, or the evacuation process.  I think I may set my bed up in the bungalow instead of trying to run from inside to out!

Generally!

I went to see my GP on Tuesday and was told that there wasn't really any more that could be done other than continuing to address the symptoms until the tests are done *SIGH*.



On a plus though, I am lucky to have a GP that works in an integrative way and embraces natural methods such as; just allowing things to run their course rather than suppressing them.  Mind you, I really would of liked to be able to take a magic pill to stop the poop...I would of even been happy to drink the cornflour water, but alas letting it just flow is/was (finally got a reprieve) best, this I know!


I am also blessed that she is open to me taking supplements as considering the amount of prescription drugs going through my system at the moment, plus the fact that our nutrition has not been as 'on point' as it normally is during the school term (yes, I admit it, I get lazy on the holidays) they will be ultra beneficial in providing gut support.  A huge thank you to the lovely Sonja for setting me up with these beauties.

Done biting my tongue!


The boys are with us again this weekend, which truly is our gain and their fathers loss!

What shits me most about it though, is that if the kids had of done something terrible to warrant it, or if I was a terrible person to deal with and made co-parenting a living nightmare, then it would be understandable.  BUT, to not make ANY contact with your kids because you have chosen to be with a woman who HIT your son, who DISRESPECTED your sons boundaries and who was quite happy to just HIDE away in the dark while you were passed out cold for over an hour...makes no sense to me what so ever!

Seriously, when you have already lost one child and will never ever again get an opportunity to make things right with them, wouldn't you make more of an effort this time around!?!

Honestly, if he doesn't pull his head out of his arse soon and reach out to his kids, it will again be too late!

I am done making excuses for him, done being a sucker!

Conclusion...

And I think that pretty much brings us up to date with things huh?  Not ultra exciting but it is what it is!

Jazz stayed home with us last night whilst Ace, Zac and Louis went to empire, then came back here to stay the night.  This morning (well more like early afternoon) the four of them went off exploring, and now its just the four of us home.

Ace is cleaning his room (he's a good egg really) , Jazz is on his xbox (surprise surprise), Mark is hanging washing on the line and I am typing this whilst waiting on my Choc Banana Bread to cook.

Tonight I really want to get the floors vac'd and mopped and our weekly/fortnightly food menu sorted so that I can do some online shopping (or do I go to Aldi tomorrow because I know its cheaper, but then that means I have to go out in public and deal with people and well...oh its a hard decision). 

No wait...Uni Limbo!

I just remembered that I forgot to talk about feeling like I'm in limbo.  I know I have said that in the past and my sister said something that helped, but of course I've had a senior moment and i can't remember what it was.

I've told you that I finished my first degree (Bachelor of Complementary Medicine), with a grade point average of 6.5 thank you very much (between a Distinction and a High Distinctiond if you were wondering what it meant).  But, did I mention that the graduation ceremony is going to be in May 2020?

As for the next degree, which is approximately 40% complete, I am yet to re-enrol as I don't want to drop out mid subject because of the op!  The other thing is that I don't know if I will really be up to studying straight after the op and whether it will be wise to write essays when high on morphine (could prove interesting LOL).  Also, I will be needing to do quite a few subjects on campus for this next degree, so again I need to be 100% on my feet.  The plan was initially to go on campus during the summer/daylight savings months and do online subjects for the others, but as the saying goes "even the best laid plans, come unstuck".

Take two...

Okay, I think that's it now.

This is me sending LLP out into the universe!

xo Me :)

True That - AMEN!

Thursday, February 6, 2020

December 2019

And here we are...at the most magical month of the year...12 of 12!

Ofcourse, that also means that Jeffelf, our crazy elf is back yet again and up to his usual mischievous elfself messy antics.



Thursday 5th 


Well...this is it!  My final exam (Ethics & Law) of my first degree!  I am heading in already knowing I've achieved a 'P' which I have to say is a massive load off.  BUT of course, I want the D or HD...so here's hoping that I can remember it all once I have to put it to paper. 


Well, I did it!  Last exam of the Bachelor of Complementary Medicine Degree is COMPLETE!  

I cannot even begin to describe how bloody proud of myself I am for sticking it out and seeing it through these past three years.  Omgoodness, there were many times I was ready to quit, to throw it in the too hard basket and give up...but I bloody well hung in there!  Gotta say though, if it wasn't for the amazing friendships I have made throughout this course, I probably would of packed it in BUT knowing that we were all in it together made a world of difference.  I have to mention the sacrifices my family made with me spending so much time studying, especially my husband who came to the rescue when I had my many 'moments'.  Also my amazingly patient friends who understood when I cancelled catch ups or just refused to schedule in anything fullstop.  My massage clients who were always happy to hear about my new subjects, and understood when I had to reschedule due to assessments or exams.    Thank you ALL!

Although final results won't be released till December 20th, and Graduation till May 2020...I head off to bed tonight knowing that one more thing has been ticked off the bucket list YOU BLOODY LITTLE RIPPER!  Oh just so you know...its not the last of my study days, but one degree at a time hey!


Monday 9th 

WOW, I am absolutely blown away by all of the birthday love I've gotten today.  THANK YOU all so much for making me feel so special.  What a true blessing it is to be on this journey called life, alongside each and everyone of you.

Thursday 12th

I forgot to tell you that Mark had his cystoscope on the 6th of November.  Right now they are opting not to operate but instead Mark has to self cathertarise everyday...today is day 1 of that process.



Friday 13th, Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th

The boys went to their Dads this weekend.  Mind you, it took a little convincing on my part.

Wednesday 18th


The weather has been a little more on the cold side of late, so its really nice to finally have a proper summers day.  Whilst I have to work, the boys and their friends are all heading down the local pool to enjoy the start of their school holiyays!  First time the boys have gone down without me being there...yup, they are growing up!

Soooo I finished work and went down to the pool to cool off AND stepped on a bloody BEE!!!!  OUCHHHHHHH!!!!!  Which reminds me, tomorrow I will call council and see what can be done about the bees, as there is a heap of them and I really don't want Jazz being stung as he is allergic to them.

Friday 20th

Results released and *drum roll please*

You freaking little ripper....Double HD's 

OMGOSH what an awesome way to wrap it up!  And here I was, thinking that I wasn't going to pass this semester.

Christmas Eve EVE 23rd

Magic Reindeer Food made and scattered, Christmas Lights explored, Carrot, Water and Cashews out for Santa and the Reindeer, Feet up and Baileys after a big night!



Christmas EVE 24th

Santa actually came a day early for us this year and the boys spent the day on Christmas eve exploring their abundance of gifts, whilst Mark and I prepared Turkey, Potato Salad and a Choc Ripple Wreath for our family Christmas feast (can't believe I forgot to take a photo, it looked amazing even if I do say so myself).  That night we also started a new tradition of giving an early gift.  As full as the day was, it was also really relaxing.

Christmas 25th

Christmas morning started with an early visit from Dad (Glenn), Uncle Dean and Quincy, where we exchanged gifts, had a croissant breakfast and then just sat and enjoyed each others company.


At 11am the four of us piled into the car and headed to TorquayAunty Skeet and Uncle Jezz set up a lovely table, adorned with special homemade cookies and a scratchie (Ace was the only winner scoring himself $2), and we all enjoyed a delicious lunch of cold meats and a variety of salads.  After lunch it was time for presents...and omgoodness, Mapa well and truly spoiled all the grandkids, so much so they were gobsmacked!  Yummy dessert was next on the agenda (although how we fit in it, who knows!), followed by a game of Secret Santa...so much fun.  



Then it was time to load up the car, pile in, and head home again.

Once home, the boys were given their final gift of the day, and then it was time to head off to bed.


Boxing Day 26th

Today Mia spent the day with us, and we all went over to Werribee and celebrated Christmas with the NZ whanau (family).  It was such a lovely day, I really need to make more of an effort to catch up with my family more often.



Merry Christmas everyone.  May you all feel blessed in some small way today, whether it be due to receiving gifts, the ability to give gifts, the gift of a love ones presence, the ability for yourself to be fully present in the festivities, or simply just because you are grateful for this new day.  

Friday 27th

The boys were supposed to go to Glenn's this weekend so that they could catch up with the Smith family for Christmas celebrations BUT he didn't bother to show up!

Saturday 28th

Received a concerned message from Glenn's next door neighbour tonight.  Long story short, Glenn was passed out in his lounge room, we went to assist, we discovered that Jo was there (hiding in the dark...despite Glenn being asthmatic and being passed out for over half hour...WTF would she have done IF he didn't come too!?!), I went psycho, Glenn made the choice to stay with her rather than come out and make things right with his kids, who were majorly pissed off at him.  You remember right, their father chose the same HER that HIT our SON!  The same HER that continued to TOUCH our SON even though HE TOLD HER NO!  WTAF is he thinking...of yeah, that's right, the wrong head is doing the thinking.

Sunday 29th

Jazz stood on a bee at the pool, eeeekkk just gotta keep an eye on it and hope and pray that he doesn't have a major reaction!


Tuesday 31st


So, on one hand the years seem to be flying by, and yet on another, this one felt like it was never going to end; although I think a big part of that for me, is more to do with winter.

As per the years before, 2019 was filled with ups and downs, smiles and frowns and everything in between. I learnt from my mistakes and failures, grew stronger from the things that challenged me and embraced all positives that life presented.

And here we are, at the end of 2019. As I say every year, whilst I know that life will not miraculously become the ultimate vision of perfection at the strike of the clock at midnight.  I do believe, that fresh starts are possible at any time you choose to put in the hard yards to make them happen. 

And so, here's to 2020 being one where everyone sees what they want, believes they can make it happen, and then achieves that vision. 

As is always my hope for everyone every single day, I hope 2020 is filled with an abundance of love, light, and peace!

LOVE that is unconditional and unlimited!

LIGHT that makes the shadows disappear and guides your way!

PEACE of mind that brings a stillness to the soul!

What a true blessing it is to be here to see in the end of this year, and the start of another! 


To our treasured friends, Thank you all for being a part of our journey in 2019. We feel truly honoured by the gift of your friendship. We hope our blessings continue in 2020, and that we get to share a memory together.

NEW YEARS CELEBRATIONS!

This year was a quiet NYE spent at home sitting around the fire in the back yard.




Just before midnight we all jumped in the car, and drove to Tabcorp Park to watch the fireworks.



And that's that for 2019...not the best, not the worst, but I'm glad I lived it and have gotten to see in the start of a new year.  Catch you in 2020!

October 2019

So here I am in Feb of 2020, updating my blog which means thinking back to October 2019...holy heck  that's 5 months ago!  Mind you, posting on insta and facey means I can cheat a little bit and just do a little copy and paste, SO if the tenses are all over the shop, now you know why!

October 1st

My life of late has been hectic to say the least, but I've taken this week off work in the hopes that juggling one less thing will take some of the pressure off, albeit adding pressure of a different kind aka financial constraint.  

Anyway, study is consuming the majority of my time (last leg of this degree).  


Add to that an incredibly unwell hubster, 


and boys that are needing just a little more of mamma's loving right now, 



and well here I am!

I hope all are well, and that in what can seem like an arduous existence, you are experiencing moments of great jubilation...it is all about balance after all!

Friday 4th

Today we had a Hurst Girls catch up at the Werribee Zoo.  Whilst it wasn't a long day out together, it was so lovely all the same.  We don't get to catch up much these days as all our lives are a bit cray cray, so our holiday catch ups have become a tradition that I really look forward to.  

 


I wonder what adventure we will do next holidays?

Weekend 4th, 5th, 6th

Glenn was supposed to take the boys this weekend but he called me early Friday morning to say he had gastro and wouldn't be taking them...Yes AGAIN!  Seems to be happening a fair bit lately...something is NQR, oh well, his loss, our gain!

Sunday 6th

Whoo Hoo daylight savings has started again!  I love that it stays lighter for longer...means I get to enjoy sometime outside after work.

Sunday 13th 

Just thought I'd pop my head out of my books to say a quick hello!  Although this whole juggle study with work, family, life stuff can seem very overwhelming at times, the finish line is getting closer.  A huge thank you to everyone for understanding that catch ups will be few and far between until this last leg is behind me!  In other news, life itself has been presenting some not so nice challenges, but we are plodding along and ensuring that we count our many blessings along the way. Anyway, just wanted to send my love to you all, I hope you have found a reason to smile today.


Thursday 17th

I had a Gyno appointment today and had the Mirena inserted!  Not the most pleasant experience but if it helps then it will be worth it.  Mind you, I don't feel right knowing that there is something up there, its almost like I'm being constantly violated.



Saturday 19th

It was Glenn's time with boys this weekend but on Saturday night they had a sleepover at Jacks.  I love that even though Jazz and Jack no longer go to school together, in fact its been a few years since Jack moved, they have still stayed close friends.

Saturday 26th 

Whilst technically it was just before midnight on the 25th that we were introduced, it was the 26th that we became facey friends.  

What an amazing 5 years of friendship (and love) it has been Mark Hurst-Shilling, I am sure glad you listened, and looked up!


.
Happy 5 year friendaversary!  Here's to many more!

Monday 28th

Sending out huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes to my handsome hubby.


Today was not exactly spent celebrating in the way we would of liked, BUT all four of us were together and so that is always super special.

Instead of being out and about doing something ultra fun and exciting, we spent most of our day (just over 5 hours all up) at the Royal Melbourne Hospital for my pre-op appointment, in preparation for the prophylactic bilateral non nipple sparing, VUG reconstruction (aka boobs off, and inner thighs cut to make new boobs).


Whilst I did not leave with an 'official' surgery date (therefore still in 'limbo'), they did hint at the fact that it would be this side of Christmas.  Mind you, I did let them know that my final exam is on December 5th and so the 6th would be a good date for me - I haven't worked this hard to miss it...but alas whatever will be will be!

To be honest, the timing isn't awesome with Christmas just around the corner etc...but, at the same time, peace of mind will be an ultra awesome gift to receive for us all, I recon!  It's the way I've decided to look at it anyway!

Today, I also consented to my breast tissue/blood being used for cancer research.  It feels special to be able to contribute and I hope with every inch of my being that it makes a positive change in some way.


Oh and look at the little gift I received...its a bag to put my drain tubes in.  I have a feeling it will be well used and much appreciated, during the recovery process.


Anyway, I've got lots of i's to dot and t's to cross in the next couple of weeks, not to mention kicking my own arse to stay off the fags, lose some more weight and just generally be the best version of me I can be before 'O' day!

Tuesday 29th 

Today...this happened!  


.My head feels so much lighter!  


Ironically, that applies both physically and metaphorically; one less thing for me to have to rely on someone else to help me with during recovery!

Wednesday 30th

My baby sister underwent some more surgery today as part of her breast cancer journey.  She went in at 6.15am and my Mum called at 7.00pm to say she is out of surgery and in intensive care for the night where she will be well looked after.  I feel like I have been holding my breath all day, and am just so glad to hear that surgery went well, and hope that this operation sees things all fall into place for her...only good news from here on please!


Thursday 31st

Happy Halloween

Normally our whole family gets dressed up and hits the local streets to go trick or treating, BUT this year Jazzys hay fever and asthma were playing up as it was so bloody hot and windy, so our usual tradition didn't happen.  It was nice that James came over and hung out with Jazz though, and Ace went out with his mate Curtis dressed as tradesmen.  



Funniest thing,  one of the houses they visited the bloke didn't have any lollies so he gave them a few high-vis tops instead LOL, like WTAF!