More Nether News!

If you have been paying attention, then you will know that I was going under the knife again for a total hysterecomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes).

Friday 2nd October

PRE-OP

Up at 6.05am and straight into the shower. 

Despite taking the time out a couple of days ago (and struggling to do so, I forgot how taxing it was on the arms), I straightened my hair thinking it would be easier to manage when in hospital. 

I quickly discovered otherwise - thanks to the boys taunting yesterday morning; 'cock-atoo' head I believe they called me!  It turns out that straight hair means brushing to look neat.  Whereas, curly just looks the same brushed or not; a jumbled mess.  Oh, that was my long winded way of stating that I washed my hair LOL!

At 6.25am, I kissed my boys goodbye (Jazz pulled yet another all nighter...we need to get him back into school routine ASAP.  Mind you, he stayed up specifically so he wouldn't miss saying goodbye...naww sweet boy!), wheeled my suitcase out to the car, and at 6.35am we were pulling out the driveway and on the way!

We arrived at Ballarat Base Hospital with plenty enough time to stop briefly and admire the beauty of nature...

And, to say our goodbyes at the door.  

Mark struggled not being allowed to come inside with me whereas, I simply went into 'it is what it is' mode!  Admittedly, nerves were high!

- Temperature check, and standard Covid-19 questions ✔

- Front desk check-in, and sticker stuck ✔

- Admission granted... I arrived and checked in at the 1st Floor DPU spot on 7.30am ✔

- Admission paperwork with nurse ✔

- Anesthesia doctor check-in ✔

- Sexy surgery outfit provided ✔

- Waiting, waiting, more waitIng ✔

I was finally called and we made what felt like a bloody long walk into the pre-surgery room.  Here  they popped a bung in my hand and gave me an lovely injection..."equivalent to one and a half glasses of wine"...bye bye nervousness!  

The last time I remember looking at the clock it was 8.50am.  Not long after that I was in the operating room being shuffled from one bed to another and breathing in a special sleepy time gas!  

While I was on the chopping block, Mark was keeping busy, and keeping everyone updated...

POST-OP

When Mark came in to see me after the op, all I remember is feeling FREEZING.  Thankfully, my sweet man brought me my R4L blankie and put his beanie on me 'kinda'.

Pic taken at 3.24pm.

Eyes open - 3.59pm

Yay...food and a cuppa!

Hmmm the pic says it all!

Two hours goes really fast, and time was up and he had to leave in what felt like a blink of an eye!

And ofcourse the process wouldn't be complete without Markys facebook update, so here it is!

Update #1

2/10/20

(No cuppa necessary...unless of course you feel like a cuppa; in which case, go make yourself said cuppa and then sit back and enjoy a bit of that cuppa, as you read my rantings and ravings.....not that I actually rant and rave...CRAP!! **spoiler alert** Actually, should I put that asterixed "**spoiler alert **" at the beginning? Hmmm...not sure. 

Actually, having looked at this post and the advice that a cuppa ISN'T necessary; I would ACTUALLY recommend a cuppa !! And I kinda HAVE raved on. But, I haven't ranted, as I feel ranting requires a sense of anger; and I'm not angry...just long winded sometimes)

Welcome back to medical madness!  Your faithful reporter Mark here, coming to you from the empty confines of our lil love-nest...☹

It is with great joy that I can report that my dear, darling Denigirl has pulled through her hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (Removal of cervix, uterus, both fallopian tubes and ovaries) without any major issues...thus far. 😊

My gorgeous Angel is indeed flying high tonight, with many thanks to the inventor of Endone (tm, pty ltd, et al)!!

Before being permitted to exit stage right, we need to wait to see if ALL nasties were cut out and have a meaningful discussion with the pros!😁

Anywho, I'm knackered...been an exhausting day...both physically and mentally. 

Toodle-pip!!😊❤

Saturday 3rd October

Good morning...despite very little sleep I'm doing okay!

I had to call the Doc in during the night as I was itching like a mad woman, and stressing that they accidentally gave me penicillin.  Nope, turns out it was just because they used a woollen type kylie and still had the surgical plastic on me like WTAF eewww!  

On top of that, the poor lady across from me had 'another' heart attack, and so there were people running from all directions and beeping galore.

Also, being woken every hour for observations makes it hard to sleep.

During this mornings rounds my Gynocology surgeon and team confirmed that they found a cyst on my left ovary.  We believe this is the reason I ended up in hospital on Aceys birthday, even though the CT scans and internal ultrasounds didn't find it.  Oh, and surprise surprise, its (rare) symptoms are some of the problems I've been having like; severe lower back pain, irregular bowel motions, heavy abnormal periods, and bleeding during sex.

Also, on Wednesday last week I got a call from my GP to tell me that my papsmear results weren't good. This was confirmed during the operation. Since my burn and scrape operation last year the pre-cancerous squamous cells have regrown and changed into cancerous cells. HPV was also detected. 

Anyway..., they assured me that they successfully removed EVERYTHING!  

Given family history, they also went up into the bladder to check for abnormalities.  Thankfully it is all clear! 

At this moment, there is no need for systemic treatment (e.g chemotherapy, radiation) as it was caught early and now it is all gone - thank f#^% for that!!!

I have an appointment to discuss things in more depth in 6 weeks time. Things such as; whether I need ongoing vaginal smears, whether they/I/we want a PET/Bone scan. 

Because they did the op laprascopically (only 4 little incisions) they took everything out via the vagina. But, because I'm 'little' (sorry to those who find it TMI) they had to cut and stitch (dissolvable); let me just say "burnies". 

My cathetar was taken out this morning, I had a lovely shower, and bloods were taken (oh another thing to discuss is menopause parameters.  I will be taking herbal route before even contemplating pharmaceutical Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), if at all)! They are measuring my wees today and then doing an ultra sound of my bladder to check I'm voiding ok. 

If all is good, it is looking like home either late today or tomorrow...

I am hoping for today, as I know I will actually sleep at home!  Something you may not know about me, is that I have a phobia about people standing over me, watching me sleep. So yeah, being in a room full of strangers, with nurses coming in and out constantly equals NO SLEEP!

The joys of laprascopic proceedures...

A belly full of gas...

Check out my facebook live video HERE!

Update 2

03.10.20

Okay, this is your favorite medical reporter Mark, coming to you from the bedside of my beautiful bride. 

I've gotta keep things real. That's just how I roll...So, despite feeling so very blessed 🙏 (yeah, yeah... I know. Technically its a high five and not prayer hands, sue me! 😁), Im still finding it hard to get my head round a few things 🥺 so I'm gunna just yak. Been told I've got the gift of the gab!!

So the Gynocology surgeon and team confirmed that they've successfully removed all the nasty bits 🙌! My darling Denigirl has an appointment to have a yarn about "things" with the head honcho in 6 weeks time 🤔. 

Despite not having a great sleep due to various reasons but mostly an itchy kylie...my beautiful bride is feeling hunky dory 😁..... so much so infact, that Imma toss her over ma shoulder and take her home. Home is the best place for her to get proper rest and I can be there at her beck and call...besides, it gives me a genuine excuse to wear my skimpy nurses' outfit!! 👨‍⚕️

Sunday 4th October 

Photo taken at 6.21pm 2/10/20

Here's Markys update for today which covers everything nicely.

Update3

4/10/20

Yup...it's me again! Hopefully, this will be my final update for a while! 

So, the girl has been given the green light to come home...but with conditions! 

Haemaglobin levels are quite low (around 85 but should be 120), so first condition is that we need to take supplements. Next, we need to visit our G.P. to check that the levels have actually increased. If they haven't increased, then we'll need a blood transfusion. 

All in all , she's not doing too bad. A bit lethargic, a little dizzy, tummy a little distended, but better at home than she was in hospital. She actually got some half decent sleep!

Anywho, better boot off...m'lady desires a cuppa...aaand I DID promise to be at her beck and call. What IS a beck? I know someone can beckon...is that what it means...she becks and I call. Or is it she becks AND calls? Dang! I've done it again...prattling away!!

See ya's!

Well, that's its folks.  I am pretty drugged up and ultra tired so I am gonna love you and leave you.

I will finish by saying this...even though I am ultra blessed, smile on cue, push through the pain to get stuff done, and say I am doing okay...I am ultra freaking weary and have moments where I feel fragile....so, if I disappear for a while, please come find me as I may need your help to pull me put of the darkness, and sometimes even my pride prevents me from crying out.

If you made it all the way to the end of this post, you rock!  

Thanks heaps for your support, friendship and love xo

Read more "More Nether News!"

Nether News

When I say nether, I am indeed referring to the nether regions!  Yes, this is a Gynocological update!

On Wednesday 5th August, Mark and I made our way up to the Ballarat Base hospital. 

Whilst not as scary an experience as going to RMH, Covid-19 protocols were in place.  These included being asked a series of questions, temperature check, checkin process at the main desk, and no support people allowed.

This meant Mark had to wait in the foyer, and I was a big girl and went upstairs all on my lonesome.

Notice a mask change?  This is because every time I would smile or laugh, the elastic on the other mask would fly off my ear.  So freaking funny but not safe - so a hospital mask it was!

I didn't have to wait long before I was called in...I was the only one there.

So, here I was thinking that we would just be discussing results, filling in paperwork, and booking follow up appointments for cervical check.  Oh boy was I wrong!  He decided that we may as well do a papsmear, and take a little chunk of my insides then and there!  Wowee!  That was fun NOT!  And so starts the bleeding *sigh*.

After that, we discussed my 'cancer' risk factor based on family history (file sent from the Familial Cancer Centre (FCC)), my previous abnormal findings, and all the problems I've been experiencing.  As per the FCC, it was his recommendation to remove the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes via laparoscopic surgery.  This is called a Total Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. No way I can pronounce that, I have enough saying my name somedays LOL.

Anyway, I agreed, filled in the paperwork and so the admission process is now underway on a category 2, which means within 90 days.  Mind you, with elective surgery on hold due to Covid-19 when it will happen is anyones guess (unless my status changed to urgent (category 1) based on test results).

Another brief area of discussion was the possible need for pharmaceutical menopause relief (hormone replacement therapy).  At this point I enquired about whether he could/would recommend Complementary and Alterative Medicine.  His answer was, "Yes, BUT they don't work"!  Needless to say that I walked out knowing exactly what my focus area would be for any future university assessments.  As I've said in the past, I'm not a one or the other gal.  Both types are beneficial and have their place.  Used together in an integrative way, I believe you get the best of both worlds.

These are the exact words I said on Monday (10th August) when I received a phone call from the hospital.

Why?

Because, they informed me that the tube they used for my pap smear was out of date.  Which means, I need to have it done again! Wahhhh!!

Oh, and just when the bleeding stopped from the wonderful chunk removal, TTOTM started...joy of joys!

In all seriousness though, as much as they are unpleasant...early detection saves lives, so that alone makes it worth it!

Read more "Nether News"

July 2020

Okay, so here we are month 7 of 12...bring it on!

Wednesday 1st

I was supposed to go for my pelvic scan today.  I was also meant to accompany Mum to her cancer check up (which was a-okay, back again in 1 year).  Very convienient they were at same place on same day!  But alas, I am instead in bed feeling like crappola!

Thursday 2nd

If you read the June post, you would already know what happened today.  

But for those that didn't, firstly here's a raspberry!

Secondly... Great news, the Covid-19 test results were NEGATIVE! 

But on the not so great side, I'm still coughing up my lungs and struggling to breathe, despite preventers and regular ventolin. 

It's got me thinking you know, imagine if I was still smoking!!!  How the heck did I used to do it?!?  

And on that note, I am now 7 months smoke free.  Do I still feel like one, you betcha!  But, I won't, because I'm strong enough to withhold, and besides they stink LOL.

My quit buddy stats for today!

Monday 6th

Feeling a bit better so I finally managed to get my pelvic scan done in Ballarat hospital today.  Can't say it was a pleasurable experience.

Holding onto a litre of pee for a bumpy 45 minute drive was hard enough LOL.

Monday 13th

Had Gyno appointment via telehealth today.  Bottom line, he agrees with the recommendation from my oncologist (Prof. Bruce Mann) at the Familial Cancer Centre to remove my ovaries and tubes.  I have a face to face appointment on 5th August to fill in paperwork and get the ball rolling.  When in there we'll discuss the cervical follow up stuff too.

Term 3 started today (for regional kids only)!  I however, have decided to keep the boys home.  I just don't trust what is happening with Covid-19 at the moment - especially considering we are all classed as high risk.  It just doesn't make sense to me that metropolitan areas are in lock down and yet, metro people can attend/teach at our regional school.  I mean, no offence to them, but my Mum (a metro) can't visit for at all, but the students/teachers can be around my boys for 6+ hours a day...go figure right!?!

Tuesday 14th

My fur babies had their boy bits snipped today.  They did really well, although have been acting a bit cray cray since returning home - nutters!

On the way to the vets, curious kitties.

Back home again!  I think we either need a bigger carrier, or a second one.  Mindyou, they love snuggling close together.

Wednesday 15th

Today we were up and on the road bright and early, to make it into the RMH ready for an 8.40am appointment.

It may have been just a little bit chilly, and foggy too; a beautiful masterpiece of orange haze.

Have to admit that we were nervous about going into the RMH, but saftey proceedures were in place which allowed us to feel a  smidge more relaxed.

I saw Satomi this time (female surgeon).  The lump in my leg was again drained with a huge ass needle, although it was a completely different experience to the last.  No lollypop, and leg held by doctor while nurse drained the leg.  Talk about gentle!  

The lump in foob is necrotic fatty tissue.  Have to say it is a major head f%@& to find a lump after removing breasts because of lumps eeekkk!  I should say, find another lump; this one is at the side near my arm pit and I found it because of the deep shooting pain that goes through it.

Talking about pain, the nerve pain I'm experiencing in my foobs is called Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome.  Ofwhich, I am already pretty much doing all I can for it, but if it gets too unbearable I can be referred to a specialist.

For most part every thing looks great and recovery is going really well given the bigger picture!

I have to say, it was nice being asked how I am doing, and feeling as though I was really heard.

The Covid-19 check point at the Bacchus Marsh exit.  Quite a few cars were pulled over however, we were the lucky ones who were waved through.  I did tell you that Melbourne is in lock down stage 3 yeah?  Regional is not, hence the check point to make sure only locals come into town - other than those who have medical reasons, or work commitments.

Thursday 16th

I had a psychology session today.  Something that is really synchronistic, is she summed everything up for me in one word...resillience!  I told her all about my blog and how I had chosen that as my word for myself also, she was as 'blown away' as I.  

I worked through 9 modules on helping health anxiety before the session, and there were a couple of key points I took from each, but nothing earth shattering.  Anyway, I have one session of my six bulk billed left; we have scheduled it for three months time.  Maybe I will have something to talk about and need help with, maybe I won't.

Friday 17th

I had physio today, but due to feeling like crappola (TTOTM) it was more like a debrief.  Nothing added, or eliminated from my exercise prescription, but a slight modification made.  Which reminds me, I will blog about my physio exercises one of these days, if for no other teason than to document it.  I should have remembered to do before and after videos...oh well, still lots of improvement to be made.

Monday 27th

As we are regional the department will not approve the school assisting with remote learning (some teachers did and for that I am thankful).  Also the boys need to achieve a certain attendance percentage to pass.  So, basically my hand has been forced to send the boys back to school today!  Not happy, but I don't think it will be for long...stage 3 or 4 coming our way I feel, I hope!  

Have to say I did have several sleepless nights grappling with whether it was actually best to just send them back to school, or not!  But I decided to focus on the pros, such as: they get a proper education, and get to participate in the hands-on subjects they like and have been looking forward to doing.  They will pass the year they are in and won't have a fail looming overhead, due to not achieving attendance percentage, and completing assessment tasks.  My guilt of not being able to adequately homeschool will be reduced.

I will be honest, I'm still not 100% at ease with my decision, but I've decided to take it day by day.  In all honesty, Moorabool cases are low, so my cons are more fear based but real all the same.

Tuesday 28th

The boys had the day off to do course counselling interviews today to pick their subjects for 2021.  With all this covid-19 stuff it is so hard to visualise anything other than what we are experiencing in the now.  Regardless of this, we plan ahead.  Ace has decided to take the vcal route and do a certificate II in Building and Construction.  Jazz surprised me by saying he wishes to become a mechanic.  

As long as both live with good moral standards, I don't mind what they choose to do as long as they are happy.

Wednesday 29th

I had a telehealth appointment with the RMH plastics team this morning.  Seems that on top of the surgery Dean has booked me in for, Satomi wants another tissue transfer op.  Hmmm I'm a little confused.  Not like its going to happen in a hurry though, as Covid-19 has put a hold on elective surgery here in Vic, unless emergency (life or death) category 1.  It's a little disappointing, but the positive is I get to fully recover and hopefully drop the recovery kgs I've gained from being a sloth!  

Besides that, with everything going on at the moment its scary enough going to hospital for an appointment, let alone being in there for a couple of days.

Friday 31st

And just like that another month is behind us.  I've not really expressed my 'feelings' much in this post, but believe me I've experienced all the 'feels'.  I've blogged about some of them, but to be real with you I am a little hesitant to post.  Mind you, the whole point of this blog is to keep it real; to be raw and unscripted...so maybe I will be brave.  Maybe!

Read more "July 2020"

June 2020

Month 6 of 12...

Monday 1st

And just like that the seasons change!

I'm not a fan of the cold but, I do love snuggling under the blankets and getting warm and cosy.

Not only is today the first day of winter, it is also officially day 1 of my journey towards gaining my Naturopathic degree. I can't exactly say that I am ultra excited about it, but it is also not something I am dreading. Maybe it's because after three years of studying with the same group; my sanity sisters especially, I am now forging ahead alone. I am really going to miss them as I embark on this next phase, but I am so blessed to know that they will forever be a part of my life. Another part of my indifference could be the fact that I don't exactly feel ready to get back to the daily grind, and the stress of assessments. Nor am I excited about my subject of Medicinal Food Science. Oh well, hopefully throwing myself into study will stoke the fire again so the spark ignites.

Tuesday 2nd

Happy birthday to Uncle Geoff (Pa). I gave him a call today, he is safe and locked down in QLD. I really need to call more often, but to be honest I don't have a great deal to talk about. Nothing ultra exciting anyway, this blog is a testament of that!

I had a doctors appointment today via telehealth. It is so odd talking to the doctor over the phone and not face to face. I'm so glad that we have a good rapport as I think that makes things a little less awkward. Especially when you are calling to ask for more opiates; which were indeed prescribed via the script being faxed to the pharmacy.

Blackout Tuesday

Widespread protests erupted recently in unified action to open the worlds eyes to racial police brutality; in the hopes to eradicate white supremacy.

I stand in solidarity with the black lives matters movement but sadly agree with a quote I read saying "the fact that we need to clarify that anyone's lives matter, is concern enough". I mean its not the 1950s for frig sake, have we seriously gone backward as a civilization!?!

For those unwilling to stand in unison, and instead insist on using the argument that “all lives matter”, let me try to perauade you to be more open to change.

Let's take breast cancer awareness as an example.

Just because I am raising awareness for breast cancer, it doesn't mean I am saying that “ONLY breast cancer matters”.

If I was, I'd be saying my Mums bladder cancer was not important, my Dad's brain tumours didn't matter, and only my sisters diagnosis was valid enough for me to focus upon.

That is so wrong! What I am doing is simply shining the spotlight on that one particular area as a topic of focus; it is what needs attention right here and now.

Saying “black lives matter” isn’t saying that no other lives matters, ofcourse everyones lives matters! It is simply shining the spotlight on the truth, which is that black people are the overwhelming victims of racism and discrimination. And right now, they need you to open your eyes, so that a change can be made.

Anyway, thats my two cents worth. I will finish this topic with some lyrics from my song 'My Opinion'.

"If you cut me open I will bleed, just like everyone else does regardless of religion, colour, and creed. Yet this world we live in continues to divide, instead of just accepting with its arms open wide. Why can't we accept with our arms open wide". - Natasha Hurst

Wednesday 3rd

Working as a massage therapist means needing to keep my nails short, and as such I have 'long' nails envy. Not working however, means I can grow my nails.

It's been nice taking the time out to show some self love and give myself a manicure. I've also enjoyed painting my nails different colours.

Thursday 4th

I had a psychology appointment with Leah this afternoon via zoom. It's been good talking to her but I don't feel that I am as open as I have been in the past with Rowena; maybe its the meeting via computer screen thing. She has definitely helped to reduce the anxiety around the lumps in my breasts though. There was a time I was self checking constantly; yes even after the mastectomy. Talking it through led me to realise it was compulsive behaviour, which was curbed by setting boundaries e.g. only checking once a month.

Another thing, although not one that has an official diagnosis, is she believes I may be 'on the spectrum'. Nothing I had not already considered, but not something I feel needs to be officially labelled at the same time. I mean, everyone has their unique quirks, right!?! Besides, or will just be another thing for my Mum to give me shit about, she doesn't believe in Autism; apparently I just 'baby' my son. And there is the topic we should really address in therapy but alas, old dogs won't change, and at the end of the day, I just have to learn not let her get to me and hurt me. I wish I could ignore her venomous comments like Marketta does. Anyway enough of that, I digress...where was I?

The biggest thing I've gotten from our sessions is the 'naming it to tame it' line, which I am getting better at doing. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.

My next appointment is not until mid July. I've got a few manuals on Health Anxiety to complete before the appointment, which will work through different cognitive behavioural questions.

Saturday 6th

We had a lovely visit with Jess and Andy today, it felt nice catching up with friends albeit ensuring social distance was maintained. I tell ya what though, once hugs are allowed again I'm going to be giving big squeezes.

Tuesday 9th 

Today is the first day back at school after the Covid-19 homeschooling stint; which definitely falls into the some weeks were better than others basket. I can't say it was easy, as to be honest it was full on with the boys needing us to constantly sit with them. There were moments however, that I found it to be very rewarding. I can definitely see how home schooling could be a beneficial option, our boys however are such socialites and thrive on the mateship.

Pic 1 - Smiles at the thought of catching up with mates.

Pic 2 - How they feel about going back to school. 

I'm hearing them! Kinda wishing I rolled with the option of keeping them home until term 3. But, I think that I would have mostly been appeasing my own paranoia, and I figured that was just prolonging the inevitable as its only 3 weeks until school holidays anyway (13 school days in total).

On a positive, I really haven't had much 'me time' to focus on recovery, so hopefully not sitting at the school table all day will mean my oedema will be better and I'll find my ankles again.

And while the boys were at school, this mumma did indeed rest!

While the furbabies sat and waited for their hooman bruvas to return....too cute!

Thursday 11th

Today Mark and I went to the local 'hippy' shop, where I purchased some Palo Santo, and mentally spent a fortune on crystals...oh how I wish I could just splurge!

A visit...

I also visited a beautiful friend (Renee) who was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. It was so good to see her; her beautiful smile and positivity was truly inspiring, as was the unity of her amazing family. 

If you are on facebook, Renee has started a page to document the journey HERE.

I won't share too much as I do not feel it is my place, however I will say that Renee also lost her Dad to cancer a few years back, and often when I read her posts in relation to him, I feel as though she is speaking my words. 

Sometimes life just does not seem fair!

Getting productive...

Once home I decided to get productive and fix the back screened door; replace flywire with holes and remove the cat door.

And since it was such a beautiful day, I put Mark to work doing the lawns.

It felt so good to be getting stuff done, especially to no longer have a jungle in the front yard.

Behind the wheel...

Then, that afternoon I drove for the first time since Febs op!

Although it was more of a have to than want to, as Mark was waiting on a call from the urologist, it feels good knowing I can jump behind the wheel again whenever I feel like it.

I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a little painful, but nothing I couldn't deal with.

Friday 12th

The boys had a curriculum day (yup short 3 day week) so Ace and his mate Zac put their time to good use and set the shed up as a bike workshop / hang out zone.

At the moment they are sharing the space with all the garage sale boxes, that I moved from over there to here (not a smart move on my part).

It is my plan to take pics and do another online sale, plus have a proper garage sale once allowed, so hopefully soon it will all be sold.

Despite sharing the room, they are pretty happy with the space and have set up electricals and heating. 

They did ask if they could sleep out there, but I told them that there will be plenty on time for that when they are in the doghouse. To which the response was "huh".

Saturday 13th

You know the saying right? What goes up, must come crashing down and landing in a huge heap of crappola!

In other words, todays not as good as the other couple of days!

It happens! And admittedly it may be partly due to the fact I am yet to find that sweet spot between not doing much, and doing way too much, hmmm!

Needless to say that if you are looking for me today, I shall be in found in bed with legs up, spaced out on some good meds that will hopefully see me manage to get some shut eye.

It is what it is! This too shall pass! Just sharing to keep it real!

Sunday 14th

Pretty much says it all really!

Wednesday 17th

Today is 12 weeks post op #3!

I spoke with my breast surgeon (Dr Anita Skandarajah) today and even though I have days where I struggle to get out of bed due to fatigue, pain and/or a mixture of both, I was assured that given the trauma my body has been through, made more complicated by three infections, I was indeed doing awesomely!

Oh, I asked about what went wrong with the LHS. She said that as well as the breast tissue being denser than they thought, and the lump growing in size since last MRI, my skin was ultra fragile.

Grafting on right thigh!

Left Foob!

Right Foob!

Thighs (Top = Left, Bottom = Right).

I am now able to start working on regaining upper body strength (yup starting with a whole half kilo - go me)!

First time skipping in yonks - this was not a great idea as I hurt like f#@^ afterwards. BUT it feels good knowing I can!

One of the biggest things I was reminded of by my team today, and something I definitely needed to hear is that everybodys journey is their own, each as unique as the person experiencing it. There is no one size fits all timeline for healing!

So even though I still have a long way to go, regardless of what each day presents, I will remind myself that it is what it is, and I've got this!

Something I haven't spoken of is how 'old' I am feeling. I mean, most days it literally feels like the life force has been sucked out of me. Admittedly, mentally the grey hair is not helping.

Regardless of this feeling however, I am so blessed to be given the privilege of seeing the beginning and end of each new day.

Thursday 18th

Soooo, this happened today!

Bye bye 'grey' with blue tinge!

Hello 'chocolate brown'!

It could just be the fact that the 'mop top' is tamed, but I think it helps make me look a little more lively.

I had a lovely visit from Neen this afternoon who gifted me with these gorgeous flowers. It was so good to catch up. Our friendship isn't what it once was, which if I'm honest, at times I miss. However, I think where we are now is a healthier place for us both.

Friday 19th

Happy Birthday to my baby boy Jazz - 15 years goes by in a flash! 

Be sure to see the birthday blog (which if not up yet will be done really soon)!

Sunday 21st

Today we had a family catch up day at Skeetz place in Torquay.

It was so good to just hang out together, and celebrate Jazz's birthday with them.

After lunch we went for a 2.5km walk. I love looking at peoples gardens; my favourite was one that was full of Australian Natives.

Along the way the kids got to play in the park.

Sadly, the day came to an end. But, not before breaking the social distance rule for a quick family selfie.

Mum looks funny because she moved in the previous picture and it was blurry, so she's being a statue in this one LOL.

As much as I'm okay with Iso life, I do miss giving my family big squeezer cuggles.

We catch up again in six weeks time, maybe we xan do cuddles then.

Monday 22nd

Well, I'm a uni dropout!

Okay, so its only for the online subject I was enrolled in, and I do plan to re-enrol again for Semester Two subjects in July.  BUT, I am going to start with subjects that get me excited, rather than induce a feeling of fear and dread!

Sunday 28th

They say that a change is as good as a holiday! And, since we are not going away anywhere for the school break, we changed the boys bedrooms around instead.

They look great, but I may possibly be absolutely buggered, and aching in muscles I forgot I had LOL, and the boys esp. Mark did all the heavy lifting, and moving from here to there and back again hehehe - go figure!

I have to say, having to rely on someone else is bloody frustrating, but I learnt my lesson after the shed.

Jazzs room

To be completely real with you, I had only planned on doing Jazzs room. Which, in comparison to Aces was quick and easy.

Aces room

When Ace saw that I'd done his brothers room, ofcourse he wanted his done. I was begrudged doing it, as I knew it would be no easy task; Ace likes to collect treasures, and has no rhyme nor reason to things. Jazz on the other hand is as ocd as myself *cue the odd couple theme song*. Given the fact that Ace had recently moved things around into a way that I did not quite like however, it was a good incentive to agree to take on the task.

Tuesday 30th

And here we go again FFS!

The past couple of days I've woken with a feeling of having razor blades in my throat, and have also been waking in the night due to coughing. Additionally, I've needed to use my ventolin way more than I like so off to the docs I went. Well, off to the clinic car park anyway, where Dr Apri came out and did her observations, and a covid-19 test with me sitting in the car.

I didn't find the test to be tha tg bad. Remembering though, that I used to have regular throat swabs because of the streph throat and severe tonsilitis. And, due to my nose operation, I've experienced swabs up the nostril; definitely not my favourite thing though, makes me want to sneeze.

The doc said the test is more a precautionary measure, just to be on the safe side, as she is leaning more towards pneumonia. We will know one way or the other in approx 3 days time. In the meantime, its lots of rest, prednisolone and no visitors allowed!

Even though I'm sure the result will be negative, its still quite a nerve wracking experience.

I've been retracing my steps of the past 14 days; Woodgrove and The Village for Jazz's birthday gifts. Skeetz place - oh god my heart sinks at the possibility of passing it onto them. As I mentioned earlier, even though we did not give each other a kiss or cuddle (something which is hard to do but a must to ensure safety), we broke the social distancing rule briefly for our family photo.

Then my mind goes to whose been to visit in the past 14 days; Mum, Glenn, Neen, James, Zac...

Fark! Anyway, no use going crazy over it, it will be what it will be, and we shall deal with whatever is when the time comes.

Oh remember those beautiful long nails of mine?  They are no more!

Not the best of pain jobs, but I've gotta say they feel nice being short again.

Okay so not to leave you hanging...

Thursday July 2nd

Great news, the Covid-19 test results were NEGATIVE!

On the not so great side, I'm still coughing up my lungs and struggling to breathe, despite preventers and regular ventolin. 

Hopefully the course of 'meds' and natural supps will knock it on its head!

Still much to be thankful for, and blessings are being counted!

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