an update

Only a month has passed! And it's gone so quickly. And I'm very well and bouncing about full of energy. My fortnightly visits to the herbal medicine man have had good reports, so - health wise - things are great.

I was pleased to be able to attend the National POWERtalk conference in Campbelltown. There were some excellent workshops and it was a chance for me to see people from all over the country that I hadn't seen for a long time. It was fun and rewarding.

And then, of course, I jetted off to Honkers and spent two weeks with Nikki and her family there. There are some pics here, of course ! As well as taking Zeke to the school bus and meeting him in the afternoon, I went with Willow to her playgroup and to both their swimming lessons as well as many trips to the swimming pool and the playground. The rest of the time was spent with all of them in the home environment or out walking. It was very special. No shopping whatsoever - can you believe it? But I did go out to a nice restaurant one night, with Nikki and a friend, followed by a reflexology massage. That was particularly great because just that morning Nikki and I had hiked from the harbour up to The Peak on Hong Kong Island. My feet and calves certainly appreciated the treatment that night. I then continued to do that every second day to build up my fitness. We also went to see the Queen Rock Musical "We Will Rock You".

Since returning home I've been trying to do some more hiking to increase my level of fitness. The weather hasn't been too kind, but I've managed to do a fair bit of walking - long walks as well as going places by foot instead of taking the car. That has a few benefits, of course - -especially with the price of petrol at the moment!

And just to add to the mix, I've taken on an on-line course which, if I manage to pass all assessments, will allow me to perform civil marriage ceremonies. I'm finding it very interesting - lots of reading and legal stuff - and challenging assignments. So far so good.

Thanks for reading. Talk soon

Official Remission!

What a great word - "remission". And that's what the oncologist told me today when I visited him for the results of the latest blood test. Tumour marker has gone down even further and the liver readings are holding their own! Now, that's news I really like to hear.

And what does it mean in the short term? That this weekend I can attend the annual national conference of Powertalk International and next Wednesday I will board a flight to Hong Kong to stay for two weeks with my daughter, Nikki, her husband, Sam, and two of my gorgeous grandchildren, Zeke and Willow.

And after that - well, I'll just have to start making plans, won't I? I don't have to have another blood test for 3 months.

Thank you to all of you who have sent me your wonderful messages and thoughts and given me your great support. Talk again soon.

koala

I forgot to include Clarence in the previous pics of life at Rosebank on the NSW north coast. His girls Chloe and Clarissa weren't posing that day!

Time away

It's been a while since I wrote. I've just spent a lovely 2 weeks up on the north coast of New South Wales housesitting for some friends who are travelling in Italy - lucky things! But I considered myself very lucky too. The house is on a 30 acre farm with a few cattle and a beautiful garden which attracts lots of wildlife including beautiful birds and koalas. There is a pool and, of course, lots of warm sunshine, so a lot of time was spent in the garden and by the pool. Not a lot of time in the pool as the water was rather chilly. A couple of my friends came to spend time with me - at different times - and I spent a week on my own. A great time was had by all.

We did a lot of visiting the small villages in the local area, the tourist places - such as Byron Bay, and the local markets at weekends. We walked on the beaches and enjoyed the beautiful hinterland with its sub tropical growth, as well as eating at some of the quirky little cafes. Lots of organic produce and eating places, so it was easy for me to find something to eat whether I was shopping for food or eating out.

It was Anzac Day while I was away so Ros and I went to the Eltham Pub (the only establishment in Eltham!) for lunch and the Two Up game. You can see Ros being the Spinner in one of the pics above. I've also included some of the funny and interesting things and signs we came across in our travels - toilet seats and snakes and roving stock! For those who are concerned about the bruise on my arm - haven't a clue how I got it, and it's gone now. That's what happens when your platelets are low.

My health is great and I'm confident that this week's blood test and the consultation with the oncologist next Tuesday will confirm that. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Little Oscar and me!

The Miracle Continues

Today the oncologist's secretary called me to let me know that the blood test results are all clear - as I had hoped.

Thank you all for your love and support. It has carried me forward and given me the confidence to believe that anything is possible and, as a result, has given me this very positive outcome. I am free now of tests and doctors' appointments for another 6 weeks. Of course I'm still perservering with the herbal treatment and acupuncture provided by the wonderful Dr Chen of North Ryde and will continue to see him every two weeks for acupuncture treatment and a fresh dose of herbal tablets. It really is a wonder I don't rattle when I move! I take about 120 herbal tabs each day. They must assimilate into my body very quickly and start doing their good work instantly.

Life ahead looks busy - hunting for a new place to live as the family home is to be sold, housesitting for 2 weeks in the hinterland behind Byron Bay - and possibly a trip to Hong Kong to visit my daughter and her little family. And all without the dastardly effects of chemotherapy to deal with. I like it!

To read some of the eloquent account of Wilna's travels, and see the magnificent photos from her 40 day Pilgrimage with a Purpose, go to her camino blog at https://caminoforterrie.travellerspoint.com

Until next time we talk/read - stay well and laugh every day.

Your ongoing support is miraculous

Yes, my friends. The scan I had last week is totally clear and I don't have to have any more chemo for the time being. One last blood test-for which I get the results tomorrow, to confirm that - and I'm only thinking positively.

Last weekend I went to a POWERtalk seminar in country New South Wales and was able to stay at my Dad's farm. There are 3 very cute alpacas there (see above) as well as cows, sheep, race horses, grapevines and fruit trees and crops. It was a beautiful place to spend the weekend and to come back to after an action packed day of activity at the seminar.

And now time to rush of for my scheduled breastscreen!!!! It just never stops.