24th to 31st December 2011
I hope that everyone had a splendiferous Christmas and that it was filled with many special memories that your will treasure throughout the coming year.
My Christmas was an extraordinary one because I spent it in Queensland with my Nana and Pop, it is the very first time ever that we have been away from Canberra for Christmas. We thought we were not going to get there though because on the day we left Canberra we arrived at the airport to be informed that our flight had been delayed due to a mechanical problem, so we waited and waited and finally almost two hours after our flight was orginally supposed to leave, we were on our way. It was so exciting to be staying with Nana and Pop at their house and seeing their dog Chifley, who was so cute and friendly. On Christmas Eve we gathered around the television singing Christmas Carols, I think some of us were a little off key but it sounded triumphant, we then shared some funny memories of past Christmases which made us all laugh. Then on Christmas morning we all sat in the lounge around the glistering Christmas Tree while Pop enjoyed handing out the Christmas gifts.
Santa had visited us the week before, he even sent a letter all the way from the North Pole telling us that he makes special trips at this time of year to children who are going away for Christmas and would not be able to carry their gifts back with them, it is a tricky thing to do when you are flying. This year on Christmas Day as I sat with a smile on my face enjoying seeing the gifts that the rest of the family and I received I thought how very lucky I was to be sharing that moment, at that time with my family. So much has happened in the past couple of years and I am just so grateful for every day that I have on this earth, I think that many people take life for granted and waste it by not making the most of it or doing things that really are not right or hurt other people. We should always wake up each day wanting to make it a special day, one where we smile at others, appreciate those people around us, try to help out others in any way and spread happiness and love.
The weather in Queensland was almost perfect, the sun shone radiantly in a crystal clear, sparkling blue sky, a gentle breeze came up to cool the air when it was just a little too warm and light, wispy white clouds floated luxuriously about in the blue sky. We only had one day of rain but it was still warm and pleasant.
We spent time at the surf beach and at the calm waters, we were very fortunate because many beaches had to be closed along the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast however at Bribie Island which is near where my Nana and Pop live it remained opened. The waves were a little rough and unpredictable and piles of sea grass was been tossed up in the waves but it was warm and refreshing and as the waves rolled in over my legs and feet they tickled a little and felt so lovely.
The sand on Queensland beaches is so soft and white, it is fun to run it through your hands or scrunch your toes up in it although I felt just a little uncomfortable when it stuck between my toes and scratched. During our time in Queensland we had icecreams by the water front, they were melting as we ate them in the heat, I had a sorbet as icecream is one of the food items that really upsets my stomach. We watched people fishing, they did not seem to be catching anything but were enjoying themselves, we had fresh fish and chips for dinner one night and found a cane toad in Nana and Pop's backyard which Pop stabbed with his special stick while Jarrett put dettol on it, they are really strange looking animals. On our last day we saw some tiny clear jelly fish in the water, they were bobbing around near the edge of the water looking ever so graceful and peaceful.
Our time away was extremely restful and enjoyable, it was so fantastic to be with Nana and Pop at their house and spend Christmas with them. It is a time that I will treasure and it was so wonderful not to have to have doctors appointments or treatment.
However now we are back home I have a series of appointments and my growth hormone treatment to contend with. Having some time away from all of that was such a relief, it was almost like being normal, most people my age don't have to face every day what I have to. I know I was given my journey for a reason and I will keep fighting to help others each and every day.
My first week in January, I have a physiotherapy appointment which I am looking forward to, because while I was in Queensland my right foot became extremely sore and swollen on the top, it is so painful to touch and to move. I am hoping that the rough waves did not do any damage to it, because it is after a day that the waves were really forceful that it became painful. I also have Interclub again, I will be throwing in javelin and shot put.
Wishing you all a magnificent last day of 2011 and I hope that 2012 will be a splendiferous year for you all, thank you for all your support and assisting me in raising awareness and funds for brain tumours, I hope that in 2012 we can all continue to make a significant difference and maybe one day my dearest dream of doctors finding a cure for brain tumours will become a reality.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
ALMOST CHRISTMAS
17th to 23rd December 2011
"Wouldn't it be splendiferous if Christmas was forever, not just for one day. People would be loving, sharing and giving all year through. Remember the good you do for others makes you feel good in yourself."
It is almost Christmas day, such a magical time of year, it always puts a huge smile on my face. The lead up to Christmas has been filled with events and special visitors.
At interclub on Friday, I competed in discus and shot put, I threw 5.41 metres in discus and 2.27 metres in shot put. Even though these weren't PB's I was ecstatic with them, as it was the first time I have thrown since my last seizure. Nalani also threw and got a PB in shot put, poor Jarrett still can't race yet.
Monday was Nalani's Year12 Graduation, it was exceptional, she also received two awards, an academic excellence in Maths and an application in PE. I was so proud of her!
On Tuesday I had my physiotherapy appointment, Kaitlyn worked on my lower back which had been stiff and sore. Next time she is going to do a pelvic release as my right side of my body is pulled up higher than my left side. My Year 7 teacher also came and visited me, it was so lovely to see her again.
I have been busily making Christmas cookies and other food ready for a delicious feast. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a joyous and healthy New Year.
"Wouldn't it be splendiferous if Christmas was forever, not just for one day. People would be loving, sharing and giving all year through. Remember the good you do for others makes you feel good in yourself."
It is almost Christmas day, such a magical time of year, it always puts a huge smile on my face. The lead up to Christmas has been filled with events and special visitors.
At interclub on Friday, I competed in discus and shot put, I threw 5.41 metres in discus and 2.27 metres in shot put. Even though these weren't PB's I was ecstatic with them, as it was the first time I have thrown since my last seizure. Nalani also threw and got a PB in shot put, poor Jarrett still can't race yet.
Monday was Nalani's Year12 Graduation, it was exceptional, she also received two awards, an academic excellence in Maths and an application in PE. I was so proud of her!
On Tuesday I had my physiotherapy appointment, Kaitlyn worked on my lower back which had been stiff and sore. Next time she is going to do a pelvic release as my right side of my body is pulled up higher than my left side. My Year 7 teacher also came and visited me, it was so lovely to see her again.
I have been busily making Christmas cookies and other food ready for a delicious feast. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a joyous and healthy New Year.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
A SPECIAL AWARD AND FINISHING YEAR 8
10th to 16th December 2011
Only nine days until Christmas, what a special and busy time of the year it is. We should not forget that Christmas is not just about presents, it is a day to rejoice and celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is a time to reflect and to think of those we have loved and lost this year and a time to share happy memories with our families.
Last Friday night was our Middle School Celebration, it was a night to thank our teachers for all the wonderful work they have done in nurturing and educating us this year. It was also a night where students are rewarded for their efforts. So you can imagine how surprised and honoured I was when my name was called out for an award. I had never thought that I would ever receive an award and the reward that I received was such an extraordinary one. For I was awarded the 'Pathfinder Award', it is an award for a student who has contributed to school life by 'blazing a trail', showing courage and exemplifying both the Middle School core values and the school motto of Grace, Commitment and Wisdom. Receiving such an award is something that I will treasure always.
On Monday Nalani had her exam for her massage course, I had helped her practise on the weekend and she remembered everything so I knew she would do exceptionally well. In both her practical and theory she achieved a high distinction, which is the highest mark you can get. I think that she is going to make an excellent sports/remedial massage therapist in the future.
This was my last week at school, it was a little emotional to be finishing Middle School, next year is Senior School and there will be many new challenges. We still were doing work this week however there were no pressures of exams. In Maths we worked on probability and on our last day of maths we played Black Jack just for fun. In English we were still looking at Mass Media and learning that many Current Affairs and news programs are quite 'fake'. We ended English by watching some of a television series called 'Frontline'. In textiles I made a candy cane fortune cookie using felt and in Integrated Studies we were looking at careers and how to write resumes.
On Wednesday night it was Jarrett's Year 10 Formal, he looked really splendiferous all dressed up in his black suit, black with white pin striped shirt, Jack Skelington tie and black pointy shoes. He was only allowed to have two members of the family attend pre-dinner canapes and the Year 10 Certificate presentation and he chose Mum and I. The evening was rather cold with a chilly southerly breeze, I think the boys were much better attired than the girls who all seemed to have goose bumps because they had really pretty summer dresses on. When Jarrett received his Year 10 Certificate I was so excited for him, he did stupendously well and looked proud of himself. We had to leave after the presentation and the Year 10 students and teachers then had dinner and dancing. He now only has two more years left at school, I know that he will continue to do well in all his studies.
On Thursday I had a special day with my friend Ally, we went out to lunch together, we had American Style pancakes with cream and ice cream, they are really scrumptious but very filling. We then looked around the shops for a little while. The shops are so busy and noisy at the moment, but we still managed to have lots of fun.
We had a house inspection on Friday and we passed with flying colours, I think I have mentioned before that Mum is a cleaning fanatic, our house is always so immaculate. We also had a special visit from Tess my starlight wish granter and her sister Anna. They are both such caring and wonderful people, it was lovely to be able to catch up with them before Christmas.
Our weather is certainly not like Summer at the present time, although the sun is shinning today, the temperatures are well below average, in fact we have had the coldest start to Summer in Canberra in forty seven years!
Tonight is Interclub, it is the last meet for 2011, I am competing in discus and shot put, I have not competed for a few weeks so I am hoping that I am able to throw somewhere near my personal best. Next year I will be trying to get a season best, with no school until February I will not be as fatigued so that may help. Nalani is also throwing tonight, she has been getting some terrific personal bests so she hopes she can get another one tonight. Poor Jarrett, he is not able to compete until next year, he is running again but has to stay off the hard surface of the track just to make sure he has healed properly. He is so frustrated when he can not run as it is something he loves so much. I know exactly how he feels I am often faced with the challenge of not being able to do things that I really love or were able to do prior to having my brain tumour. You have to set yourself different goals and remain positive and determined.
I wish you safe travel if you are going away for Christmas, take time out to reflect on the year and the many rainbow moments you have experienced as well as the times that you were challenged. It is those times that help us become stronger and more determined people. Remember in life we don't know what may be just around the corner, so make the most of each and every day and be the best person you can be always.
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| Excited and honoured after winning the Pathfinder Award |
Only nine days until Christmas, what a special and busy time of the year it is. We should not forget that Christmas is not just about presents, it is a day to rejoice and celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is a time to reflect and to think of those we have loved and lost this year and a time to share happy memories with our families.
Last Friday night was our Middle School Celebration, it was a night to thank our teachers for all the wonderful work they have done in nurturing and educating us this year. It was also a night where students are rewarded for their efforts. So you can imagine how surprised and honoured I was when my name was called out for an award. I had never thought that I would ever receive an award and the reward that I received was such an extraordinary one. For I was awarded the 'Pathfinder Award', it is an award for a student who has contributed to school life by 'blazing a trail', showing courage and exemplifying both the Middle School core values and the school motto of Grace, Commitment and Wisdom. Receiving such an award is something that I will treasure always.
On Monday Nalani had her exam for her massage course, I had helped her practise on the weekend and she remembered everything so I knew she would do exceptionally well. In both her practical and theory she achieved a high distinction, which is the highest mark you can get. I think that she is going to make an excellent sports/remedial massage therapist in the future.
This was my last week at school, it was a little emotional to be finishing Middle School, next year is Senior School and there will be many new challenges. We still were doing work this week however there were no pressures of exams. In Maths we worked on probability and on our last day of maths we played Black Jack just for fun. In English we were still looking at Mass Media and learning that many Current Affairs and news programs are quite 'fake'. We ended English by watching some of a television series called 'Frontline'. In textiles I made a candy cane fortune cookie using felt and in Integrated Studies we were looking at careers and how to write resumes.
On Wednesday night it was Jarrett's Year 10 Formal, he looked really splendiferous all dressed up in his black suit, black with white pin striped shirt, Jack Skelington tie and black pointy shoes. He was only allowed to have two members of the family attend pre-dinner canapes and the Year 10 Certificate presentation and he chose Mum and I. The evening was rather cold with a chilly southerly breeze, I think the boys were much better attired than the girls who all seemed to have goose bumps because they had really pretty summer dresses on. When Jarrett received his Year 10 Certificate I was so excited for him, he did stupendously well and looked proud of himself. We had to leave after the presentation and the Year 10 students and teachers then had dinner and dancing. He now only has two more years left at school, I know that he will continue to do well in all his studies.
On Thursday I had a special day with my friend Ally, we went out to lunch together, we had American Style pancakes with cream and ice cream, they are really scrumptious but very filling. We then looked around the shops for a little while. The shops are so busy and noisy at the moment, but we still managed to have lots of fun.
We had a house inspection on Friday and we passed with flying colours, I think I have mentioned before that Mum is a cleaning fanatic, our house is always so immaculate. We also had a special visit from Tess my starlight wish granter and her sister Anna. They are both such caring and wonderful people, it was lovely to be able to catch up with them before Christmas.
Our weather is certainly not like Summer at the present time, although the sun is shinning today, the temperatures are well below average, in fact we have had the coldest start to Summer in Canberra in forty seven years!
Tonight is Interclub, it is the last meet for 2011, I am competing in discus and shot put, I have not competed for a few weeks so I am hoping that I am able to throw somewhere near my personal best. Next year I will be trying to get a season best, with no school until February I will not be as fatigued so that may help. Nalani is also throwing tonight, she has been getting some terrific personal bests so she hopes she can get another one tonight. Poor Jarrett, he is not able to compete until next year, he is running again but has to stay off the hard surface of the track just to make sure he has healed properly. He is so frustrated when he can not run as it is something he loves so much. I know exactly how he feels I am often faced with the challenge of not being able to do things that I really love or were able to do prior to having my brain tumour. You have to set yourself different goals and remain positive and determined.
I wish you safe travel if you are going away for Christmas, take time out to reflect on the year and the many rainbow moments you have experienced as well as the times that you were challenged. It is those times that help us become stronger and more determined people. Remember in life we don't know what may be just around the corner, so make the most of each and every day and be the best person you can be always.
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| Jarrett and I before his Year 10 Formal |
Friday, December 9, 2011
SECOND LAST WEEK OF YEAR 8
3rd to 9th December 2011
Even though this is my second last week of Year 8 we have still been working at school. In Maths we are doing probability, in English we are doing Mass Media which is very interesting, we have looked at the beginnings of newspapers through to news on the internet, in Science we are now doing Botany and have been looking at the structure of flowers and in Textiles I completed my felting project and did the evaluation sheet. I think next week will be a little quieter as we only have four days and there are a few events throughout that week.
I had my first physiotherapy appointment with my new physiotherapist Kaitlyn. I was a little apprehensive as I had felt so confident with Rhiannon. We went over some of my history, if we had to do it all, I would have been there all day! Then Kaitlyn worked on my foot, knee and legs which had all been giving me some trouble. She is really nice and I think we will build a good relationship, but I do still miss Rhiannon, my physiotherapy guardian angel.
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| Nalani at her Formal |
In our lives we often underestimate the true power of a smile, a touch, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment and the act of just caring. These all have the potential to turn a life around so in the rush of life as we head towards Christmas take the time to reach out and change a life.
Today I sent off a cheque to the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation Brain Tumour Fund, from the middle of the year I had been saving five cent coins and was amazed to discover that those coins added up to $72.50. I know that every little amount of money that I can raise through different ways will go towards one day finding a better treatment for children's brain tumours and hopefully a cure.
Last Friday night was an extremely special event for Nalani and our family, it was her Year 12 Formal. During the day she had her hair beautifully done as well as makeup which she hardly ever wears, when she put on her dress and tiara she transformed into a beautiful princess. Her friends met here and they waited for the arrival of their transport. As the majestic white stretch Hummer pulled up out I was in awe at how colossal and brilliantly shiny it was. Photographs were taken and then the group headed off for a tour around town prior to heading to the formal venue. We headed to the venue so we could see them arrive, then we finally saw the glistening white Hummer pulling in, it was so exciting to see Nalani embarking from it in what would have been like a fairytale for her. It was a most splendiferous occasion that she will remember for a long time.
Even though this is my second last week of Year 8 we have still been working at school. In Maths we are doing probability, in English we are doing Mass Media which is very interesting, we have looked at the beginnings of newspapers through to news on the internet, in Science we are now doing Botany and have been looking at the structure of flowers and in Textiles I completed my felting project and did the evaluation sheet. I think next week will be a little quieter as we only have four days and there are a few events throughout that week.
I had my first physiotherapy appointment with my new physiotherapist Kaitlyn. I was a little apprehensive as I had felt so confident with Rhiannon. We went over some of my history, if we had to do it all, I would have been there all day! Then Kaitlyn worked on my foot, knee and legs which had all been giving me some trouble. She is really nice and I think we will build a good relationship, but I do still miss Rhiannon, my physiotherapy guardian angel.
We are so lucky to live here in Australia, in many Countries children are suffering and disadvantaged, one of the people, Gavin who was really involved in making my book a reality is actually doing an 800km bike ride in January, it is called Thailand - Hands Across the Water, it is a Charity Ride to raise money for disadvantaged children in Thailand. He asked if I could let you all know and put up the web address if any one is interested in supporting it, the address is http://www.onyourbikegav.com/. Because Gavin worked so tirelessly on my book I wanted to assist him in his fund raising endeavour.
Tonight is our Middle School Celebration, it is a night to celebrate the successes of students and teachers, I rested today so that I would be able to attend, if I have a big event on then I have to rest during the day otherwise I become too fatigued to enjoy it.
Nalani has been doing an Introduction to Massage Course and I have been fortunate enough to have her give me some relaxation massages, she is so talented at it, she is hoping to go further and do remedial sports massage as well as fitness in the future.
Jarrett went back to running and he was doing exceptionally well you could not even tell he had had an injury but last Saturday at the track he felt a twinge in his foot so he pulled up. So for the rest of the year he is not going to run on any hard surfaces, only grass that will ensure that he experiences no more twinges. I am looking forward to watching him run again next year in races, I think he is going to run many personal bests.
Wishing you all a week filled with many rainbow moments and I hope that you are not too stressed and busy as this time of year can be very tiring. Remember to smile, care, reach out, compliment and listen then you could make a difference to a persons life.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
GROWTH HORMONE EDUCATION
26th November to 2nd December 2011
Summer commenced this week but our weather was certainly nothing like Summer, on Tuesday night we had a massive storm with fierce, rumbling thunder and jaggered fork lightening that lit the entire darkened night sky, the winds ripped through the air and bent some of the trees almost in half and the rain tumbled down in what seemed like bucket loads. It was extremely humid and difficult to sleep, the rain and storms continued into Wednesday, then on Thursday and Friday we experienced cool, overcast conditions.
School this week has not involved any exams, we have been finishing off tasks. In Maths we worked on probability which is quite enjoyable. In English we worked on different languages used in text; formal, semi-formal, colloquial and slang. Then we had to do our own dialogue based on the novel Lochie Leonard, the dialogue was a discussion between two of his teachers in the staff room at lunch time. In Textiles my felt piece was finally finished and then I had to design a pattern and cut the felt out. We are making a mobile phone/ipod pouch. We then sewed the two pieces together using blanket stitch, all I have to do now is the finishes touches and write up the assignment sheet. In Science we were using the microscopes and looking at living creatures from swampy, foul smelling water. There were various types of worms that you could see their digestive system working, tadpoles and little insects.
Jarrett went back to running training this week and was running like he had never had an injury, Nalani also is back training again, although she feels a little unfit she is running well. I did some throwing practise on Thursday, my hand is still a bit weakened from my seizure so I found my throws a little more difficult than I had been.
Nalani is doing an Introduction to Massage intensive two week course, she loves it and we have been lucky enough to have her practise on us. One night I fell asleep because it was so relaxing, she is going to make a terrific sports/remedial massage therapist in the future.
The big event this week for me was my visit to the Hospital for my growth hormone education session. My growth hormone is called Genotropin. Hormones are chemical messengers that circulate through your body. Hormones do many different things, some control how much sugar is in your blood and others control how much calcium is in your bones. Hormones are made in your body by special glands, these are called endocrine glands. Endocrine glands are found in different parts of your body and are like hormone factories. All of your endocrine glands form your endocrine system. The pituitary gland is the main endocrine gland, as well as producing eight important hormones it also controls many other glands in the endocrine system. The pituitary gland makes growth hormone and releases it into your blood where it is carried through your body. Growth hormone helps you grow properly, it tells your liver and kidneys, muscles and bones to produce growth factors and controls how much muscle you have, it also has a lot to do with how much energy you have and how you feel.
Normal growth stops for girls when the growing ends of the bones close which is usually at the age of fifteen to sixteen and for boys it is seventeen to eighteen. So Genotrophin is a synthetic version of a growth hormone, it is produced in a laboratory by a process called genetic engineering. Genotrophin helps to promote the growth of long bones in the body, it affects how your body deals with carbohydrates, fats and proteins, it helps keep the body healthy, it helps grow good strong bones and it helps build muscle. It can only be given by injection because it is a protein and would be destroyed by the acids in the stomach if it was swallowed. So every night I have to have the injections because the human body makes growth hormone mainly at night the injection is given then to copy the process.
At the education appointment Mum and Dad had to practise injecting it into a practise rubber piece of skin. Mum has done it all before with my GCSF injections that I had to have following my stem cell transplants during chemotherapy so she was really comfortable doing it. She is the one that will give me my injections every day. Mum even had to inject an injection without any medication in it into her leg so she could see it was not painful. She said it did not hurt going in however a little while later the area around the injection site was a little sore. I am not worried about injections at all, I have been through so much already they are a breeze. I am on a high dose, surprise, surprise, I also seem to have to be on a high dose treatment, because my growth hormone levels are very low. As with all medication there are side effects and the higher the dose the greater chance of effects. The effects are headaches, nausea, vomiting, visual problems, limping, swelling of the arms or legs, extremely painful joints or muscles, unusual muscle stiffness, tingling or numbness in the fingers, hands or feet, extreme tiredness, a change in thirst or appetite, curvature of the spine (which I already have due to radiotherapy) and of course there is a high chance that it can stimulate tumour growth. If I experience headaches then I will have to be checked immediately in case it is the residual tumour growing or new tumours growing, so they would do an MRI quickly to check that possibility. I also have to have regular check ups to be measured as well as blood tests as part of monitoring whilst I am on the growth hormone injections.
I was supposed to have a dietitians appointment today but it was cancelled, I now have to wait until January to see her again. She is going to put me on a different elimination diet then as it could make me not feel well if I am eating mainly the additives and preservatives that are causing me problems.
Today is also Nalani's Year 12 Formal, she has been busy attending appointments. it is so very exciting, and I know that she is going to look just like a princess out of a fairytale tonight, she and some friends are going to be arriving in style because they are going in a white stretch Hummer.
On a sadder note a couple of people we know of have passed away this week from brain tumours which they have been fighting for quite some time. Hearing this news makes me more determined to continue to try to raise as much awareness as I possibly can and also those much needed funds. So many groups of people and charities ask for money but I feel that this cause is one that really needs the support because it is the most devastating cancer, a cure has to be found.
Summer commenced this week but our weather was certainly nothing like Summer, on Tuesday night we had a massive storm with fierce, rumbling thunder and jaggered fork lightening that lit the entire darkened night sky, the winds ripped through the air and bent some of the trees almost in half and the rain tumbled down in what seemed like bucket loads. It was extremely humid and difficult to sleep, the rain and storms continued into Wednesday, then on Thursday and Friday we experienced cool, overcast conditions.
School this week has not involved any exams, we have been finishing off tasks. In Maths we worked on probability which is quite enjoyable. In English we worked on different languages used in text; formal, semi-formal, colloquial and slang. Then we had to do our own dialogue based on the novel Lochie Leonard, the dialogue was a discussion between two of his teachers in the staff room at lunch time. In Textiles my felt piece was finally finished and then I had to design a pattern and cut the felt out. We are making a mobile phone/ipod pouch. We then sewed the two pieces together using blanket stitch, all I have to do now is the finishes touches and write up the assignment sheet. In Science we were using the microscopes and looking at living creatures from swampy, foul smelling water. There were various types of worms that you could see their digestive system working, tadpoles and little insects.
Jarrett went back to running training this week and was running like he had never had an injury, Nalani also is back training again, although she feels a little unfit she is running well. I did some throwing practise on Thursday, my hand is still a bit weakened from my seizure so I found my throws a little more difficult than I had been.
Nalani is doing an Introduction to Massage intensive two week course, she loves it and we have been lucky enough to have her practise on us. One night I fell asleep because it was so relaxing, she is going to make a terrific sports/remedial massage therapist in the future.
The big event this week for me was my visit to the Hospital for my growth hormone education session. My growth hormone is called Genotropin. Hormones are chemical messengers that circulate through your body. Hormones do many different things, some control how much sugar is in your blood and others control how much calcium is in your bones. Hormones are made in your body by special glands, these are called endocrine glands. Endocrine glands are found in different parts of your body and are like hormone factories. All of your endocrine glands form your endocrine system. The pituitary gland is the main endocrine gland, as well as producing eight important hormones it also controls many other glands in the endocrine system. The pituitary gland makes growth hormone and releases it into your blood where it is carried through your body. Growth hormone helps you grow properly, it tells your liver and kidneys, muscles and bones to produce growth factors and controls how much muscle you have, it also has a lot to do with how much energy you have and how you feel.
Normal growth stops for girls when the growing ends of the bones close which is usually at the age of fifteen to sixteen and for boys it is seventeen to eighteen. So Genotrophin is a synthetic version of a growth hormone, it is produced in a laboratory by a process called genetic engineering. Genotrophin helps to promote the growth of long bones in the body, it affects how your body deals with carbohydrates, fats and proteins, it helps keep the body healthy, it helps grow good strong bones and it helps build muscle. It can only be given by injection because it is a protein and would be destroyed by the acids in the stomach if it was swallowed. So every night I have to have the injections because the human body makes growth hormone mainly at night the injection is given then to copy the process.
At the education appointment Mum and Dad had to practise injecting it into a practise rubber piece of skin. Mum has done it all before with my GCSF injections that I had to have following my stem cell transplants during chemotherapy so she was really comfortable doing it. She is the one that will give me my injections every day. Mum even had to inject an injection without any medication in it into her leg so she could see it was not painful. She said it did not hurt going in however a little while later the area around the injection site was a little sore. I am not worried about injections at all, I have been through so much already they are a breeze. I am on a high dose, surprise, surprise, I also seem to have to be on a high dose treatment, because my growth hormone levels are very low. As with all medication there are side effects and the higher the dose the greater chance of effects. The effects are headaches, nausea, vomiting, visual problems, limping, swelling of the arms or legs, extremely painful joints or muscles, unusual muscle stiffness, tingling or numbness in the fingers, hands or feet, extreme tiredness, a change in thirst or appetite, curvature of the spine (which I already have due to radiotherapy) and of course there is a high chance that it can stimulate tumour growth. If I experience headaches then I will have to be checked immediately in case it is the residual tumour growing or new tumours growing, so they would do an MRI quickly to check that possibility. I also have to have regular check ups to be measured as well as blood tests as part of monitoring whilst I am on the growth hormone injections.
I was supposed to have a dietitians appointment today but it was cancelled, I now have to wait until January to see her again. She is going to put me on a different elimination diet then as it could make me not feel well if I am eating mainly the additives and preservatives that are causing me problems.
Today is also Nalani's Year 12 Formal, she has been busy attending appointments. it is so very exciting, and I know that she is going to look just like a princess out of a fairytale tonight, she and some friends are going to be arriving in style because they are going in a white stretch Hummer.
On a sadder note a couple of people we know of have passed away this week from brain tumours which they have been fighting for quite some time. Hearing this news makes me more determined to continue to try to raise as much awareness as I possibly can and also those much needed funds. So many groups of people and charities ask for money but I feel that this cause is one that really needs the support because it is the most devastating cancer, a cure has to be found.
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