So I wanted to write a blog last week and had some thoughts jotted down. I was going to moan about the challenges of chemo and covid. I miss my friends terribly and had some close calls with covid and I had to lay very low. But then all the unrest happened and it put things into perspective and I decided that my sacrifices paled in comparison soI changed my mind.
So prepare for a much more positive post cause I have lots to celebrate and lots of people to celebrate.
21 March, as I was reminded yesterday was the day I found my lump. Something in the universe told me that this was not ok. Don’t ask why but I just knew. The Monday was a public holiday so I had to wait to see a Radiologist. But got the fateful news later that same week and the journey began.
I never ever anticipated the outpouring of support and love I would get on this journey. It has made every step so much easier. I consider myself luckier and lucky (cheesy I know). From my friends and family to the amazing medical team that has been there every step of the way. I want to take time to thank these peeps so bare with me on this one.
Firstly though, the big news!!!!! Yesterday was chemo number 6 and you know what that means? I am done with my chemo treatment!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Whoop Whoop. It was a happy day. Apart from the constant laughs with Ronwyn and Karabo (my doc and her assistant) the actual chemo sessions have been a rather boring affair for me who likes to chat. I take my blankie and pillow and have some series and movies on my phone to watch and proceed to pass out when I get the antihistamine. No chatty patties to talk shit to. The last time there was a young girl Jade who I enjoyed chatting to cause she makes the most amazing fluffy toys which was nice.
This time I changed my date to hook up with another one of Ronwyns patients, Aditi, who has the exact same cancer as me so we could chat. She is early on in her journey so I have been chatting to her to share my experience after Ronwyn introduced us. As luck would have it Jade also arrived and another two ladies who were also keen to chat. I think the fact that Aditi and I was chatting away kinda drew everyone out. So we had such a lovely morning of chatting. It was great and passed the time. Also helped because both Aditi and I had bad luck with veins!! I got poked three times on my right arm and in the end they had to use my left arm which is not ideal cause that is the arm where they removed my node. They can’t use this arm for risk of lymphedema. But all was ok hankfully.
I bought some beautiful cup cakes to celebrate. Taryn from Party in a Box by T made the most beautiful pink cupcakes for me and delivered them straight to the centre for me. I can highly recommend her!!
My last day was made super special by Ronwyn and Karabo. I walked in for my consult to find them dancing to celebrate my last chemo! (I can’t seem to upload the video) It was so special. Every time I have my pre chemo consult it has been such fun with lots of laughs and not a sombre moment. In fact half them time I need to message Karabo after the time with all the stuff I forgot to ask😂😂😂 they have been so amazing and I am sad to not see them so often anymore. But they are my team going forward and they are not rid of me. Thank you Ronwyn and Karabo. I love you guys. Ronwyn and I shed a tear when I said goodbye, she is so invested in her patients. It’s special. You not just a patient. You feel like family.
So this won’t be my last blog by no means but I feel like I need to thank some special people. It will be brief but they need to know how special they are. In no particular order they are (in point form cause if you know me that’s how my brain works)
Caroline – thank fuck (excuse my language) you are close by. I would have been lost without you close by. The universe knew💞💞💞 Love you lots and lots.
Andrew – thank you for your hugs and support always
Mom- not sure what to say cause you have been the best. Sister Fran kicked in immediately and looked after me every day. Thanks mom. Love you to the moon and back (except that one jab😂😂😂)
Josh – my new driver and also hug giver. Love having you here with me💞💞 love you lots
Sarah – my most amazing friend. For driving me to chemo, you and melody making me head scarves and pjs and just being there all the time. You are amazing. Thank you. Bring on Djuma💞💞
My musketeers Linda and Candy – what can I say? You two are there every day and have just been amazing support. I love you girls to bits. Bring on Djuma💞💞
Helen – my milk tart dealer. You have been the best. Driving me to chemo and being there all the time. I miss my running buddy so much and it has broken my heart seeing you run alone. I can’t wait to be back. Special mentions to Chris, Nic and Matt who always give me big smiles and hugest hugs 💞💞
Coach Fred – for keeping me going and encouraging me to do as much physical activity as I can. I have tried my best to keep as fit as possible and meeting up with all the mindful runners before they go on their runs in the mountains has been amazing. Just kept me going. This will continue. I can’t wait for my vaccine so I can start face to face gym again. This zoom gym needs to end now. Thanks Covid 🙄 thanks for all the support from all the mindful runners. You know who you are💞
My special bubbly girls for always being there. I love you girls💞💞
Ilze – you are just my special! For the pretty blommies and the many chats. 💞💞 and seeing you win Mac Mac 100 just made me smile wider than ever!! A definite chemo side effect drug I can recommend. Made me forget how shit I felt. 🤗🤗
Sally – for always checking in, asking to go for a walk. And making me my beautiful bag that came with me to every chemo. Thank you for spoiling me🤗🤗🤗
My riding girls. I have been able to ride throughout and it has been such good therapy. All the girls have been so great helping tack up and looking after me every step of the way. Missed you Sammy and Lainy but you were there in spirit of course. Thanks Tam, Kimmi, Phillipa, Sarah. Caleb, jadie, Nix, Jenna and Chane💞💞
Haley – this is a special one. Haley is battling breast cancer herself and fighting with every inch of her soul. Yet she always had time for me. I love this lady too much. My Haley you are so special and Thank you for everything. 💞🎀💞🎀
Magdel in Melbourne- dankie vir jou boodskappe en chats. Waardeur dit so baie. Ons gaan weer saam hardloop!! 💞💞
Jalene and Ed- thank you for all your love and support and for letting me stay in your beautiful home. It has been so good for my soul. You are both very special to me. A special mention to Carla and Ian for all your messages too. Love you two 💞
Ronel and Sam. My beautiful colleagues/ friends who have been with me every step of the way. Ronel wants to do my job for me and hers😂😂 I have to bat her off. Sam and her beautiful kids for all their love and support 💞💞 Ronel has also been feeding me which is also a win🎉🎉🎉
To all my work colleagues Jannie, Dumi and all the SHE team as well as colleagues from other depts, thank you for being so awesome. I am so lucky to work with such amazing people. It is so appreciated.
To all the family in SA and Ireland thank you for the constant messages. Ilse, Rita, Letchen, T Bets, Arlene, Mai, Patricia, Karen and all the other family I know are with me in this. Love you all. 💞💞
My Marie. I am so sorry for this last week! I am sending you lots of love. Thanks for all the messages and love.💞💞💞
My Chessie💞💞💞💞 I love you my friend! You have been with me from day one! Literally 😂 bring on salsa. Thanks my friend 🤗 and special mention to Aunty Ot you got this too!!! 🤗🤗 uncle Gerrie thanks for my new bed💞💞💞
Last but not least to every one else who has joined me on this journey. I will be here all day if I thank you all. Zoë you got this!!!! Irene dankie vir my hoedtjies, Tracy it’s good to have you back💞Nell thank you for my daily funnies 💞
You have all made my journey a breeze. I say it again, I am very privileged to have you all in my life.
So here’s to my new boobs – watch this space!!!
Road to Ultra 