Back to work after a very restful two-week
break. It was great to see my students and get back into the swing of teaching
again.
This week was also the week of my
bloods/scan results for those who read my previous blog entry, will be aware
that I was concerned about these scans as I had had a few niggles and felt
tired and a few nights of night sweats….. scans occurred on the Friday. My
appointment with the oncologist was the following week on the Wednesday. I went
the whole weekend and the Monday, Tuesday checking my phone constantly thinking
surely I am going to get a phone call……but no phone call. In my eyes this was surely
a good thing.
My mind was conveniently distracted over
this weekend, as it was finally Kalita’s 4th Birthday. Something she
had been waiting to happen for, in her eyes and words, ‘I've been waiting for 120 years!’
It was a small gathering at our place,
which was a ‘Barbie’ themed party. She was so excited and loved her Barbie
dress present. Lisa decided to decorate the cake in the same style as the birthday
girl’s Barbie dress. As you could imagine Lisa did an amazing job. Photos
below:
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| BARBIE CAKE. |
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| LOLLY BAGS |
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| OUR THREE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS. |
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| BIRTHDAY GIRL AND HER CAKE. |
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| FUN OUTSIDE. |
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| FRIENDS |
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| ONE OF MY BROTHERS AND HIS WIFE KIM AND MY NEPHEW FYLNN |
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| ZAHLIA AND LISA. |
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| KALITA'S KINDER FRIEND, ALLY. |
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| CAKE TIME. |
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| FAMILY SHOT. |
We had a jumping castle and the weather was
magic for the middle of winter. Having friends and family here really made me
enjoy life and appreciate how lucky we are to have such amazing people involved
in our lives and the girls up bringing. This really comforts me, given the
unpredictable nature of Melanoma and Cancer. Kalita was very much spoilt and
had such a wonderful day.
Anyway, Wednesday finally came and the appointment
was late in the day. Still no phone call…... Walked into the oncologist room
and he said the news we WANTED to hear…. ‘scans, all good’. No new tumours, the
one in the bowel we can’t see (so we are taking this as it’s gone). Lisa jokes that I
have farted it out. The one tumour that is present is located in the lymph nodes
that are in line with the heart behind my lungs. It hasn’t changed in size,
1.9cm x 4.5cm, and as you can tell it isn’t small! The oncologist is not concerned
about it. He said my hemoglobin went from 115L to 122L. This can only happen if
I am healthy and my body is fit. Pays to be active throughout the illness and
keep fit.
In short the best results we have had for a
long time. I feel great and he is not concerned about the groin lump and said keep
going as I have been. I am now looking forward to running a little more. The
cycling will increase also and I am feeling my fitness has improved and I am
stronger. My weight is the same no loss,
legs have bulked up a little, as expected with the riding.
I am reminded of how lucky I am to be here;
after the trauma I have been through… let alone working full time and keeping
fit and riding.
Whilst at the appointment the girls were at Lisa’s parents house for dinner, so Lisa and I took the opportunity to grab a meal without children to celebrate the good results! We went to a pub called the Union Hotel, off Smith St Fitzroy that is about 300m from where Lisa used to live and it is the area where our romance began. It was great to spend time together.
I also had a great night Thursday spending
time with good mates at Jason Ryding’s house. The usual boyish behavior and
banter occurred. Good fun and great to be hanging out with my mates, Matty
Jones (no relation), Adam Grills, Jason Ryding and Adrian Parke….long time
friends and friends that have been great support for Lisa, the girls and I.
What’s coming up?
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Get back to running.
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Back driving in the next month.
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I have lots of Educational
Presentations to do in August and later this term.
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Increase the kilometers on the
bike.
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A heap of School stuff is
happening also.
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Watch the hawks win a few more
games leading up to the Grand Final.
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Spend time with the family.
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I have my 20 year School
reunion is next week. I didn’t go the 10-year reunion. Looking forward to this event.
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And most importantly maintain a
positive out look and keep the health good. This hopefully reflects in next lot
of scans in 8 weeks time.
Life is precious and we at times take
things for granted and one thing I used to take for granted was my health…..I
am now more appreciative of being healthy and fit. Illness hasn’t stopped me
from doing things…..it may have slowed me down, but hasn’t stopped me. My
oncologist believes getting good results and improving one’s health when you
have any cancer is: 50% oncology medicine and 50% the mind set of the individual…..hence
his thoughts on why I am doing well.
Like anything in life, if you put your mind on the
right path…..anything can be achieved.
I am here for a long time. Seeing my girls
graduate from all educational levels and to be here to see them marry and have
children is the ultimate goal…and growing old with the one I love….LISA.
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| MY GORGEOUS AND TALENTED WIFE. |
The lyrics to the backing track are amazing! Song: 'HIGH HOPES, KODALINE'.
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