Completing Treatment and Christmas 2011 in NZ

Last time I recall writing in this blog, I was about half way through radiotherapy treatment…basically, blasting my boob to be burnt to a crisp. Not the rosy path the oncologist and others have you believing you will be traveling down. My breast was burnt bad! Like a 2nd or 3rd degree burn…then there was the blistering…and the pain…and of course there were emotions…always those bloody emotions! And, cement brain! I was so handicapped with any brain function! And then the exhaustion covered me like a blanket…eek! Don’t ever go through this!

Rob returned from Amsterdam on the 22nd of November…I drove to AKL to pick him up at O’Dark Thirty…all overseas flights seem to land at some ridiculous hour of the morning…ugh. Driving to the airport @ 4:30 am is an experience that I am not sure I ever want to deal with…literally, the only people on the road at that time are the people like me…driving to AKL to pick up their loved ones. And heaps of Taxis… And if you know how much I drive here...Luckily, I did not have any unexpected detours… ;) Boy, was it so great to see Rob! Two weeks is a long time on my own…but when you are on an emotional rollercoaster…it is an eternity.

Rob took me to my treatment that day, and also to meet with my oncologist. Not sure he was prepared to see the burns & blisters, and to hear the oncologist talk about the fatigue & blisters that would get worse after the radiotherapy treatments had stopped. I made sure my calendar was completely empty for two weeks after treatment…and I was so glad I did. The best way to describe the side effects of radiotherapy is that you have such limited energy and motivation. And also…there is a very evident pain! Blisters are not pleasant. And then you are to expect this to get worse for at least two weeks after treatment!! Thankfully I have passed over those two weeks, and now I am gaining back some of my brain function as well as my energy.

I was so fortunate to have some alternative forms of healing available to me as well…Reiki Healing, and also some counseling at the Cancer Society. I really would have gone mad if I had not had these outlets…so much you learn when you face adversity…And…the support of friends and family…I truly do appreciate all of the kindness from all the people in my life! I have enjoyed all of the cards, letters, e-mails and Skype calls! What a wide net of support from all over the world!

I have finally received the many gifts and cards from my sister-in-laws that they sent from ladies weekend in early October. So many sweet sentiments and thoughtful gifts…especially excited to be wearing that bright pink bra!! Finally received, because the package travelled from the USA to NZ and then back to the USA…something about NZ Courier Post not being able to deliver to us??? Crikey! We have always received packages!! I also had to pay an extra $25.00 NZ to obtain the contents of another package that was sent by a friend…they had to make sure the flax seeds and lavender were sterilized…OIY!! The sisters gifts were hand delivered by Emmy & Chris as they arrived here in AKL on the 19th of December.

It was so fantastic to have Emmy & Chris here!! We tramped in the Waitakere ranges @ Fairy Falls, tramped at Tawharinui, and tramped all over Tiritiri Matangi Island. The bush has been amazing! So much green!! And so many birds!! We also enjoyed a beautiful day sail on the Waitemata Harbour with our good mates, Chris & J9. We tramped along the Te Hunga Track from Bethell’s Beach to O’Neill’s Beach, went wine tasting in the Kumeu Valley…basically did many day trips from our humble abode above the Waitemata Harbour. And Chris & Emmy jumped off the Sky Tower!! EEEEK!!! Christopher made sure we joined some of his intense workouts with Emmy as well!! Gotta love having healthy minded kids here to give us a kick in the backside! New Year’s Eve we spent working out, playing petanque, and enjoying nibbles and drinks with our lovely neighbors. And of course…Liar’s Dice until 1:30 am!! Happy New Year! Wishing y’all heaps of happiness and health throughout the year!

~Skye xo

PS. Since I have written this post…Chris & Emmy have returned to the States…we had such a fantastic time together, and I hope it is not too long before we see our kids again!