I purchased my new hair this morning. I have a bob sort of style, which currently sits on top of my real hair much like a helmet. Kept getting the giggles when Sharon, the lovely wig lady, referred to the colour as 'dirty blonde'. Fun to try on different colours and styles, although husband somewhat disconcertingly enthusiastic regarding the prospect of a completely different looking wife...
The Dirty Blonde will therefore be available for lunches, cocktails and business as usual in the new year and looks forward to meeting you all!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
She's back!
I came home on Sunday evening, back to the real world. Given the choice between fishfingers en famille and roast spatchcock at the Mater, strangely decided to come home after dinner. Mike did an amazing job keeping everything going while I was reclining in air-conditioned comfort, especially given it was the last week at work before starting a new role in the new year. Very grateful to my mother-in-law too for all of her help.
The nurses took my last drain out on Sunday which is just so liberating. Apparently not a great idea to go swimming or weight training in the short term, but I have all of my usual energy and I'm able to do everything else. I look and feel exactly the same as I did before, just a couple of kilos lighter after all the fasting for surgery and so on. Pretty happy with that!
It was great to catch up with Jules and Suz on Friday night - they brought champagne and we were joined by my surgeon, Kylie, for a while as well. Girls' night in!
Tomorrow I have an appointment with my wig lady. Good to be ready, and in this weather the prospect of being able to take my hair off is really very appealing. I'd never have had the nerve to cut my hair short without this and I'm oddly excited to be able to try out a few new looks.
On Thursday I see the oncologist to plan my treatments for the new year. Can't say I'm looking forward to that bit too much, but, as I mentioned to friends this morning, it certainly beats the alternative! I'm putting my mind to blessing it and welcoming it for what it is - a safety measure to ensure I stay well. OK, looking forward to it now (kind of).
xxx
The nurses took my last drain out on Sunday which is just so liberating. Apparently not a great idea to go swimming or weight training in the short term, but I have all of my usual energy and I'm able to do everything else. I look and feel exactly the same as I did before, just a couple of kilos lighter after all the fasting for surgery and so on. Pretty happy with that!
It was great to catch up with Jules and Suz on Friday night - they brought champagne and we were joined by my surgeon, Kylie, for a while as well. Girls' night in!
Tomorrow I have an appointment with my wig lady. Good to be ready, and in this weather the prospect of being able to take my hair off is really very appealing. I'd never have had the nerve to cut my hair short without this and I'm oddly excited to be able to try out a few new looks.
On Thursday I see the oncologist to plan my treatments for the new year. Can't say I'm looking forward to that bit too much, but, as I mentioned to friends this morning, it certainly beats the alternative! I'm putting my mind to blessing it and welcoming it for what it is - a safety measure to ensure I stay well. OK, looking forward to it now (kind of).
xxx
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Greetings from the Mater
Hi there
Two days now since my op and I'm feeling pretty good. Got rid of my drip, had a shower and put on my own pjs this morning - the re-humanising process begins! Blood pressure was too low yesterday to do anything very constructive but all normal today.
Had a look at my... what? Wound? Sounds a bit war-like. Anyway it's very neat and flat and not at all confronting as I had thought it might be. I don't mind it. It is what it is and I see it as the physical evidence of triumph over my former disease and therefore - in a way - beautiful. And temporary, of course. If I knew I had to live with this forever I might not be quite so impressed. We are talking about reconstruction options already, even though that's a little way down the track. I quite like the idea of taking excess fat from somewhere else vs an implant. I could think of a couple of good spots (although I'm not sure that my husband's stomach is an option!)
I'll probably stay in hospital til Saturday as it's such a busy time of year and I quite fancy a rest - and a bit of peace and quiet to get some work done. One drain due to come out tomorrow, the other one on Saturday. Then I'll be running around a free woman for Christmas.
Two days now since my op and I'm feeling pretty good. Got rid of my drip, had a shower and put on my own pjs this morning - the re-humanising process begins! Blood pressure was too low yesterday to do anything very constructive but all normal today.
Had a look at my... what? Wound? Sounds a bit war-like. Anyway it's very neat and flat and not at all confronting as I had thought it might be. I don't mind it. It is what it is and I see it as the physical evidence of triumph over my former disease and therefore - in a way - beautiful. And temporary, of course. If I knew I had to live with this forever I might not be quite so impressed. We are talking about reconstruction options already, even though that's a little way down the track. I quite like the idea of taking excess fat from somewhere else vs an implant. I could think of a couple of good spots (although I'm not sure that my husband's stomach is an option!)
I'll probably stay in hospital til Saturday as it's such a busy time of year and I quite fancy a rest - and a bit of peace and quiet to get some work done. One drain due to come out tomorrow, the other one on Saturday. Then I'll be running around a free woman for Christmas.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Bring it on!
Right then. I am ready. Quick trip up to Warringah Mall yesterday (4-year-old in tow - entertaining!) to get all my bras, swimmers etc and my darling friend Nic has sent me her wigs. I am equipped - bring it on! This disease doesn't know who it's messing with - I am about to play hardball.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Next surgery
Going back to the Mater Hotel I mean Hospital on the 15th, probably around midday, for next surgery. Expect to be away for a few days, but I'll be online.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Crowd surfing
So buoyed up by the tidal wave of support from all of my wonderful friends, family members and the professionals I have on my team. I'm crowd surfing! I think that counting your blessings plays a big part in shaping a positive and happy future, and tonight I'm thinking about all of those people who I am lucky enough to have in my life at the moment...
... my incredible husband, for his broad shoulders, willingness to do whatever it takes and ability to step up like no-one I know
... my incredible husband, for his broad shoulders, willingness to do whatever it takes and ability to step up like no-one I know
... Mum and Dad for their cheerful, practical help and not falling apart in response to the fact that their child is experiencing this while they are at a distance (I'm not sure that I'd do so well). And also - so importantly - for giving me the courage, humour and resilience I have discovered in myself since this story began
... Mim, who drops everything to help without blinking
... Jules who was drove me to my first appointment with the surgeon and was right there when I got The News - tough gig
... Nic in Melbourne, who is my angel and has sent me her gorgeous wig. And The Girls...
... all friends who have phoned and emailed their support, and also those who haven't because they know I just need to get on with everyday life as well
... my colleagues at MBF for supporting me in my rather bizarre recent work patterns
... Kathryn, who has done so much phoning to bring people up to speed, and I know that you really don't have the time to spare
... my big cousin Kerry, who is always funny and supportive despite having so much to deal with in your own world
... Nicola and Alison - more big cousins still looking out for me
... Jeni who was important in making me aware enough to catch this thing early
... Dr Kylie Snook who got the bastard out!
... Catherine and Adrian who straight away had Bill for a sleepover when I was last in hospital... and for all of the other sleepovers which will follow
... Michelle who taught me how to make Medicare work so that we don't bankrupt ourselves
... Lisa and Gareth and Suz for dropping by and making me laugh
... Nic, Neil and Denise, Jay, Mandy, Melissa, John, Dimity for sharing their stories, their hope, their experience
... Gill for having our get-together at her house when I couldn't do the beach DESPITE three children, including a newborn, and also Kay and Bec for being so willing to catch up wherever I wanted to
... Dr G for referring me to the right people at the right time
... Fran Boyle who is a legend in whom I trust
... Clare who just gets me, gets it, and acts on it, and is so amazing
... Dimity who is reaching out to someone she doesn't know from Adam. Eve, maybe.
... Joelle for sending me treats to cheer me up (I am utterly cheered)
... Jacqui and Pete, Angela and Stuart, Bec and David, Kate and Michael for offers of help with the boys. Sleepovers will definitely help in the new year when treatment kicks in, and we'll be in touch
... Sarah D who knows I should be meditating and doing yoga but doesn't tell me off when I can't be bothered
... Rita who made sure we are insured and sent me a small rainforest
... Sarah G - ever the recruitment consultant - who is putting me in touch with exactly the right people
... Neil who has popped back into my life right when it counts
... Sally Schmidt for stepping up to help with my hair (sounds silly but it is so on my mind)
I have been warned by a couple of people that a few friends would let me down and would turn their backs on me. So far no duds! You are all wonderful and I am honoured to have you with me.
xxx Kathy
... Mim, who drops everything to help without blinking
... Jules who was drove me to my first appointment with the surgeon and was right there when I got The News - tough gig
... Nic in Melbourne, who is my angel and has sent me her gorgeous wig. And The Girls...
... all friends who have phoned and emailed their support, and also those who haven't because they know I just need to get on with everyday life as well
... my colleagues at MBF for supporting me in my rather bizarre recent work patterns
... Kathryn, who has done so much phoning to bring people up to speed, and I know that you really don't have the time to spare
... my big cousin Kerry, who is always funny and supportive despite having so much to deal with in your own world
... Nicola and Alison - more big cousins still looking out for me
... Jeni who was important in making me aware enough to catch this thing early
... Dr Kylie Snook who got the bastard out!
... Catherine and Adrian who straight away had Bill for a sleepover when I was last in hospital... and for all of the other sleepovers which will follow
... Michelle who taught me how to make Medicare work so that we don't bankrupt ourselves
... Lisa and Gareth and Suz for dropping by and making me laugh
... Nic, Neil and Denise, Jay, Mandy, Melissa, John, Dimity for sharing their stories, their hope, their experience
... Gill for having our get-together at her house when I couldn't do the beach DESPITE three children, including a newborn, and also Kay and Bec for being so willing to catch up wherever I wanted to
... Dr G for referring me to the right people at the right time
... Fran Boyle who is a legend in whom I trust
... Clare who just gets me, gets it, and acts on it, and is so amazing
... Dimity who is reaching out to someone she doesn't know from Adam. Eve, maybe.
... Joelle for sending me treats to cheer me up (I am utterly cheered)
... Jacqui and Pete, Angela and Stuart, Bec and David, Kate and Michael for offers of help with the boys. Sleepovers will definitely help in the new year when treatment kicks in, and we'll be in touch
... Sarah D who knows I should be meditating and doing yoga but doesn't tell me off when I can't be bothered
... Rita who made sure we are insured and sent me a small rainforest
... Sarah G - ever the recruitment consultant - who is putting me in touch with exactly the right people
... Neil who has popped back into my life right when it counts
... Sally Schmidt for stepping up to help with my hair (sounds silly but it is so on my mind)
I have been warned by a couple of people that a few friends would let me down and would turn their backs on me. So far no duds! You are all wonderful and I am honoured to have you with me.
xxx Kathy
Saturday, December 5, 2009
More followers please!!
I know you are out there! Friends and family, please add yourselves as followers because the diva in me is frankly quite enjoying being the centre of attention.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Eyes on the goal
(Written Friday)
Today I am celebrating.
In our meeting with Dr Kylie Snook we agreed that the best way forward is for me to have a mastectomy, and probably have the other side done to match in a year when I have the reconstruction.
I had prepared myself for this outcome, and I have to say that I am very happy about it. This as near as you get in this game to a guarantee of this disease not coming back later. I'll never have to worry about that now. One thing we know in our family is that an 'all clear' isn't necessarily forever, and that's something that I think would always have been at the back of my mind once my treatment is over.
Of course, I don't like the thought of being lopsided for a year any more than I will like losing my hair, but I feel as if I've been given a gift of peace of mind and a few more percentage points certainty of a long and happy life. Planning to raise a few glasses to that very shortly.
For now, I am keeping my eyes firmly on the future. In a year I'll have my hair back, and just wait until you see the rack I'll end up with!!!
xxxk
Today I am celebrating.
In our meeting with Dr Kylie Snook we agreed that the best way forward is for me to have a mastectomy, and probably have the other side done to match in a year when I have the reconstruction.
I had prepared myself for this outcome, and I have to say that I am very happy about it. This as near as you get in this game to a guarantee of this disease not coming back later. I'll never have to worry about that now. One thing we know in our family is that an 'all clear' isn't necessarily forever, and that's something that I think would always have been at the back of my mind once my treatment is over.
Of course, I don't like the thought of being lopsided for a year any more than I will like losing my hair, but I feel as if I've been given a gift of peace of mind and a few more percentage points certainty of a long and happy life. Planning to raise a few glasses to that very shortly.
For now, I am keeping my eyes firmly on the future. In a year I'll have my hair back, and just wait until you see the rack I'll end up with!!!
xxxk
A couple of days of fun and normality
Sorry not to have written anything for a couple of days, but there has been nothing much to report, other than a couple of days of normal life (albeit with the drain from my surgery still in tow, but hey) and pre-Christmas fun, and it's been wonderful.
We all went to see Bill in the starring role of Santa in his school play. He did beautifully, delivering all his lines perfectly and with great gusto. The children all looked so adorable and sang their little hearts out, although I think I may have detected marginally less enthusiasm from the boys who had to wear grass skirts for the Hawaiian Christmas segment.
Last night I had a ball at the Marketsoft drinks at Wildfire, really enjoying the chance to relax and catch up with friends and colleagues over a few well-earned champagnes. I was wondering whether indulgences of the night before would be able to be detected by the nurse who came to check my dressings and measure blood pressure etc this morning, but I think that Dr Henry's determination to help may have distracted her.
Took Henry swimming today, and he displayed a very elegant freestyle stroke in his lesson. Apparently the water was freezing so I wasn't too disappointed not to be able to get in with him.
We are off to see Dr Snook at lunchtime tomorrow to find out whether or not I'll need more surgery before chemo, so I'll write more then. I'm quite happy with either outcome, but I'd really like to get on with the chemo as the quicker we get started, the quicker we'll be finished.
What is up with Christmas beetles, by the way? No creature should fly into things that much.
We all went to see Bill in the starring role of Santa in his school play. He did beautifully, delivering all his lines perfectly and with great gusto. The children all looked so adorable and sang their little hearts out, although I think I may have detected marginally less enthusiasm from the boys who had to wear grass skirts for the Hawaiian Christmas segment.
Last night I had a ball at the Marketsoft drinks at Wildfire, really enjoying the chance to relax and catch up with friends and colleagues over a few well-earned champagnes. I was wondering whether indulgences of the night before would be able to be detected by the nurse who came to check my dressings and measure blood pressure etc this morning, but I think that Dr Henry's determination to help may have distracted her.
Took Henry swimming today, and he displayed a very elegant freestyle stroke in his lesson. Apparently the water was freezing so I wasn't too disappointed not to be able to get in with him.
We are off to see Dr Snook at lunchtime tomorrow to find out whether or not I'll need more surgery before chemo, so I'll write more then. I'm quite happy with either outcome, but I'd really like to get on with the chemo as the quicker we get started, the quicker we'll be finished.
What is up with Christmas beetles, by the way? No creature should fly into things that much.
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