Hi everyone
Apologies for missing a couple of day's entry but it's been very hectic.
Yesterday was an exhausting and emotionally draining day as I attended my best friend's (Tess) sister's funeral. This lovely lady was called Anita and she was also a cancer sufferer. She initially got lung cancer (although she never smoked) and then secondary in her bones. She had an amazing life nursing all over the world and she certainly left a great legacy. Her family are very proud of her. She bravely fought this for 2 years and quietly passed away at home last week.
She was Swedish and Dutch in origin so the memorial was held at the Swedish Church in Toorak - a very lovely service. Her mother Svea is still with us and in relatively good health for her age - 90 + and we all made sure she was well looked after. Sadly she has now lost her husband and her daughter to cancer.
However I know that I am not going to let this beat me! Nor should it beat any of you reading this! The key to this is to keep positive.
I'm facing hospital on Monday and I will admit I am nervous. I had a dream last night that I ended up having a full mastectomy. I woke up and thought that if it came true I can deal with it. I've looked at the pictures of a mastectomy and I figured it wasn't that bad. Besides you can always get a reconstruction.
So Monday here I come - 11.00 am Epworth Eastern.....wish me luck.
Doubt I'll be able to blog tomorrow - it's my brother's birthday and also my God daughter's and we're going to both places to celebrate.
I'm very proud of my God daughter - she's a medical scientist now and is travelling a lot overseas as part of her job so tomorrow is the only day I get to see her before she goes.
Also tomorrow will be special to me as my brother and his wife are finally going to tell my neice (15yrs) and nephew (12yrs) about me and I'll get to see them face to face to reassure them that I'm ok. I remember what it was like for me when my own aunt (who I adored) was first diagnosed and I was told (I was 15)...I was very upset and worried. So it will be good to reassure my darling Emily and Matthew. They are the children I never could have and I love them both.
So next time I'll blog it might either be from the hospital (if I'm up to it) or from home after the Op.
Wish me luck and good luck to all of you!
Luv H



Comments
Just wanted u to know, do try to read all ur blogs...
Good Luck for Monday - You Can Do It!!!
love the way you look at life.
Your very local to me :)
Have you heard about the Living Centre and Breacan in the City. Both lovely places, I try my hardest to fit the living centre into my routine, such a great enviroment and a great way to get support. Not just for you, but for your whole family. And if your ever having a bad day and need to talk to someone the breast care nurse at the living centre is great. or u could also call the cancer council, who are fantastic too.
Just wanted to say good luck (not that u'll need it) and to keep writing! :)
Merylee
Here's to my journey!
Hi Merylee
Thanks so much for your lovely message. I have to confess I am a bit nervous but I'm confident in the team I have (surgeon's, nurses, oncologist) so that's a bonus. I must admit I can't believe surgery is tomorrow. It's come up fast but I'm glad as I just want it over and done with. I've spent lunchtime with my family celebrating my brother's birthday and in about an hours time I'm off to my girlfriend's place to celebrate her daughter's (my god daughter) birthday so it's good I'm busy. No time to dwell on what's ahead. I'm sure by the time I get home I'll be tired and sleep soundly.
If I live near you perhaps when things are little calmer we should meet for lunch one day. I think that would be nice if you want to. Also thanks for the advice regarding the Living Centre etc. I'd like to discuss this further with you once I'm up to it.
In the meantime I shall now sign off and get myself organised for the next birthday celebration.
Again thanks for your lovely and kind wishes.
Hopefully I'll be back on line blogging again very soon.
Take care
Luv Helen
Yes Helen,
for sure would love to meet up and discuss things with you when ur up for it. :) Can introduce you around to alot of lovely ladies...
Hear from u soon,
would write longer email but just got home from work and pooped lol...
Merylee
ps. hope ur ok!!!!
Hi Helen,
I hope that by the time you are reading this, that the operation is over, and you are starting to feel a little better. At least now you can feel like something is happening, and a treatment plan will soon be in place.
All the best, and I hope your recovery will be fast and uneventful.
Love Chris xx