23rd to 29th July 2011
On the weekend I felt a little anxious about returning to school for term three, so I was pleased to have a few distractions to take my mind off my worries. We had running training on both Saturday and Sunday, I made the most delectable strawberry cupcakes with strawberry icing and sprinkles on top and I had a special visit from Heather and her mum Carole. Heather had Medulloblastoma when she was six and this year she turns twenty six, so she is a twenty year survivor. Her Medulloblastoma was very different to mine because it was growing upside down and was slower growing and it had not spread at all. She had surgery and radiotherapy only as her treatment. I found her visit to be very inspiring for me as she is one of the longest survivors of the disease.
With butterflies in my stomach I returned to school on Monday for a brand new term, it felt like we have not had a break because we were back into work. In Maths our new unit of work is Algebra, I really enjoy Algebra, in English we are continuing looking at Shakespeare works and we are reading through and listening to The Merchant of Venice which is like an olden day Neighbours or Home and Away with the many different story lines. I have new electives this Semester, they are Textiles and Music, I am very excited about Textiles because I have a flair for arts and crafts. In Integrated Studies our topic is Human Impact on the Global Environment and Science we are looking at Chemical and Physical Properties. Something sensational we are doing is our Athletics Carnival in September, I am very eager to participate in at least the field events and because I have the disability classification I hopefully can represent the school as a disabled athlete at Zones. After a tiring week at school I was euphoric that the first week of school was over!
This weekend it is only three weeks until Cross Country Nationals, Jarrett has recovered from all his illnesses and has been able to train at full capacity. Nalani has continued her progress and is increasing the amount of training she is doing, she is hoping to compete at the Athletics Carnival, I think she will be able to achieve that goal.
It was very inspirational to see Cadel Evans win the Tour de France, he has faced much adversity, in the form of injury, mechanical problems and self doubt, his dedication, determination and courage is a superlative example to us all.
Canberra had its coldest overnight temperature for July since 1994, it was minus nine degrees, the ice was thick on the ground and chilled everyone to the bones. However we have had some delightful days filled with golden sunshine and crystal clear blue skies, there are even some trees beginning to bloom with delicate pink blossoms. Golden yellow wattle flowers are also starting to bloom ready for Wattle Day on the first of September.
My Tigers had a magnificent game last night, coming from certain defeat against Manly (my Mum's team) to be victorious by two points, I was elated! Poor Nana and Pop tipped Manly to win so that's one game up to me.
Next week on Wednesday I have to go to Hospital to see my Cardiologist and Endocrinologist then on Sunday Mum and I are off to Sydney for more appointments and tests. I hope everyone has a splendiferous week filled with many rainbows.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
THE FINAL WEEK OF THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
16th to 22nd July 2011
'Those who succeed are not necessarily the most gifted, they are the ones who never give in, no matter what the obstacle, opposition, how long it takes they find the inspiration and perseverance to see things through'
This has been another quiet week with a variety of weather conditions raging from heavy rain, icy gale force winds and some beautiful sunshine. I have had some obstacles this week with pain and a locking knee, however I always try to look on the bright side each and everyday.
Some of the activities I have done this week are playing Upwords, doing sudoku puzzles, find a words, decoupage, reading and watching movies. On Wednesday we went to the hairdressers, as you all know because of the high doses of radiotherapy I had there are many areas of my head that are bald, where hair has grown it is thin, wispy and ratty so the hairdresser and I decided to cut it all very short hoping it will grow back more evenly. Luckily I have my glamorous collection of wigs, which means that I can have a different style, length and colour everyday, I bet lots of people would love to be able to do that!
On Friday I had my physiotherapy appointment with Rhiannon, she checked my heel and gave me the fantastic news that I can now put more weight on it as it is just about healed. She also did some work on my right knee that keeps locking up and she taped it for extra support. The new tape she uses is terrific for my sensitive skin and means I can keep the tape on longer so it helps more. I see Rhiannon again in two weeks which is just before I have to go to Sydney again. Everyday I do my physio exercises, ride the exercise bike and do arm weights, these help me to become stronger and will contribute to assist me to reach my goal of being able to run again.
Fran mentioned a little boy her sister teaches who has just been diagnosed with a brain tumour, since I found out I have one I have been passionate about raising awareness and funds for brain tumours. Every year around 1,400 new cases of primary (malignant) brain tumours occur in Australia , including 100 in children.
This number excludes an estimated 2,000 benign brain tumours that may cause disability or (rarely) death. Brain tumours are the second highest cause of death for children aged 0 – 14 years from all causes – second only to accidental drowning and the highest cause of death in this age group from cancer. It is the highest cause of death from cancer in people aged 0-39 and there have been no significant changes in five year survival rates. It has the largest lifetime financial cost of any cancer type, at $149,000 per person, and highest lifetime economic cost of any cancer type, at 1.89 million dollars per person. Brain tumour research funding is low in relation to the burden of the disease.
On a lighter note, in the footy tipping I got all of the games right, I now lead both Nana and Pop by six points. The best thing about last weeks games was the Tigers winning by so much!
Next week is back to school, I am a little bit nervous about returning but I will remain positive to do my best. Wishing you all a splendiferous week and thank you for your continued words of encouragement.
'Those who succeed are not necessarily the most gifted, they are the ones who never give in, no matter what the obstacle, opposition, how long it takes they find the inspiration and perseverance to see things through'
This has been another quiet week with a variety of weather conditions raging from heavy rain, icy gale force winds and some beautiful sunshine. I have had some obstacles this week with pain and a locking knee, however I always try to look on the bright side each and everyday.
Some of the activities I have done this week are playing Upwords, doing sudoku puzzles, find a words, decoupage, reading and watching movies. On Wednesday we went to the hairdressers, as you all know because of the high doses of radiotherapy I had there are many areas of my head that are bald, where hair has grown it is thin, wispy and ratty so the hairdresser and I decided to cut it all very short hoping it will grow back more evenly. Luckily I have my glamorous collection of wigs, which means that I can have a different style, length and colour everyday, I bet lots of people would love to be able to do that!
On Friday I had my physiotherapy appointment with Rhiannon, she checked my heel and gave me the fantastic news that I can now put more weight on it as it is just about healed. She also did some work on my right knee that keeps locking up and she taped it for extra support. The new tape she uses is terrific for my sensitive skin and means I can keep the tape on longer so it helps more. I see Rhiannon again in two weeks which is just before I have to go to Sydney again. Everyday I do my physio exercises, ride the exercise bike and do arm weights, these help me to become stronger and will contribute to assist me to reach my goal of being able to run again.
Fran mentioned a little boy her sister teaches who has just been diagnosed with a brain tumour, since I found out I have one I have been passionate about raising awareness and funds for brain tumours. Every year around 1,400 new cases of primary (malignant) brain tumours occur in Australia , including 100 in children.
This number excludes an estimated 2,000 benign brain tumours that may cause disability or (rarely) death. Brain tumours are the second highest cause of death for children aged 0 – 14 years from all causes – second only to accidental drowning and the highest cause of death in this age group from cancer. It is the highest cause of death from cancer in people aged 0-39 and there have been no significant changes in five year survival rates. It has the largest lifetime financial cost of any cancer type, at $149,000 per person, and highest lifetime economic cost of any cancer type, at 1.89 million dollars per person. Brain tumour research funding is low in relation to the burden of the disease.
On a lighter note, in the footy tipping I got all of the games right, I now lead both Nana and Pop by six points. The best thing about last weeks games was the Tigers winning by so much!
Next week is back to school, I am a little bit nervous about returning but I will remain positive to do my best. Wishing you all a splendiferous week and thank you for your continued words of encouragement.
Friday, July 15, 2011
THE SECOND WEEK OF THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
9th to 15 July 2011
My second week of the School Holidays was a relaxing one, I have spent most of the time reading books, doing some decoupage, knitted a teddy bears cardigan, watching DVD's and playing my favourite game Upwords. Our weather has improved on last weeks blizzard like conditions and we have actually had some sunshine.
Both Nalani and Jarrett returned to running training this week, Nalani after seven months away following her knee surgery and Jarrett after his virus. I am waiting for the day that I can return also to my running which I love so much before I found out that I had a Brain Tumour. I will not run the same as I did before because the tumour, surgery and treatment have left me with several side effects. I do have a disability classification, it is called T/F36, this means I compete against other athletes with the same classification.
This week I have been able to ride the exercise bike without my heel hurting, I am so pleased because this will help my leg muscles to build back up and strengthen so I will be able to attempt walking again with my rollator. Having the stress fracture in my heel has been not only painful but also frustrating, it is something that takes time and patience to heal.
Next week is the last week of the School Holidays then it is back to school for term three, during term three I have an appointment with the Cardiologist, Endocrinologist as well as having to go to Sydney for various appointments and procedures.
I have been praying for the families of two precious angels who were taken from the earth this week, Charlene a young mother and Layla just a baby, God decided to take them to be with him.
Thank you to everyone who writes lovely comments on my Blog, I wish you many rainbows throughout the coming week.
My second week of the School Holidays was a relaxing one, I have spent most of the time reading books, doing some decoupage, knitted a teddy bears cardigan, watching DVD's and playing my favourite game Upwords. Our weather has improved on last weeks blizzard like conditions and we have actually had some sunshine.
Both Nalani and Jarrett returned to running training this week, Nalani after seven months away following her knee surgery and Jarrett after his virus. I am waiting for the day that I can return also to my running which I love so much before I found out that I had a Brain Tumour. I will not run the same as I did before because the tumour, surgery and treatment have left me with several side effects. I do have a disability classification, it is called T/F36, this means I compete against other athletes with the same classification.
This week I have been able to ride the exercise bike without my heel hurting, I am so pleased because this will help my leg muscles to build back up and strengthen so I will be able to attempt walking again with my rollator. Having the stress fracture in my heel has been not only painful but also frustrating, it is something that takes time and patience to heal.
Next week is the last week of the School Holidays then it is back to school for term three, during term three I have an appointment with the Cardiologist, Endocrinologist as well as having to go to Sydney for various appointments and procedures.
I have been praying for the families of two precious angels who were taken from the earth this week, Charlene a young mother and Layla just a baby, God decided to take them to be with him.
Thank you to everyone who writes lovely comments on my Blog, I wish you many rainbows throughout the coming week.
Friday, July 8, 2011
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS BEGIN WITH ARCTIC WEATHER
2nd to 8th July 2011
School Holidays have begun, they are a time to have a well deserved break away from the pressure of school to spend quality time with family and to restore energy and spirits. However the start of the holidays also was the beginning of horrendous blizzard conditions in Canberra, the winds howled like a wolf crying at the moonlight, tiny pieces of frozen ice fell from the heavy dark clouds and the sun refused to appear.
Jarrett ran in a 4.5km point score Cross Country Race, he started off very quickly but as the race progressed he found his whole body ached and he felt terribly ill, he still managed to come third. He went to the doctors and found out he had a flu like viral infection with a cross infection also, he has not been able to train for the whole week, which is frustrating for him with Nationals only six weeks away this weekend.
On Sunday we had a special visit from Michelle, Josiah her little boy and her Mum, it was lovely to catch up with them all. The rest of the weekend was spent watching DVD's and playing some PlayStation games.
With the disastrous weather and both Mum and Jarrett being ill, we have spent the first week of the School Holidays indoors attempting to keep warm and recover from all our ailments. I decided to make some scrumptious chocolate chip muffins to cheer everyone up, they put a smile on everyone's face especially when they were heated in the microwave with smooth vanilla custard.
I have been waking with headaches every morning which make me feel quite nauseous, they have often lasted throughout the whole day varying in intensity, panadol and rest seem to offer some relief from them. I'm not sure why I'm getting them, maybe I am coming down with another infection, perhaps Mum and Jarrett have spread their germs!
Today I had physiotherapy, Rhiannon gave me some magnificent news that my stress fracture in my heel is almost healed, she taped my calf and heel with special tape so that pressure is relieved as I try to put a little bit of weight on it. She also did some work on my neck and shoulder which have been a bit sore and stiff, I had heat on my neck and it felt sensational. I think Rhiannon is the best physiotherapist in the world!
You might remember me mentioning to pray for Chris and his family, he has just recently been diagnosed with T-Cell non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, his story is going to be on television tonight on ABC 7.30 ACT (it use to be called Stateline) and Chris is the person who interviewed me to tell my story. I think you will find that he is another truly inspirational person. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-08/topic-of-cancer/2787914
School Holidays have begun, they are a time to have a well deserved break away from the pressure of school to spend quality time with family and to restore energy and spirits. However the start of the holidays also was the beginning of horrendous blizzard conditions in Canberra, the winds howled like a wolf crying at the moonlight, tiny pieces of frozen ice fell from the heavy dark clouds and the sun refused to appear.
Jarrett ran in a 4.5km point score Cross Country Race, he started off very quickly but as the race progressed he found his whole body ached and he felt terribly ill, he still managed to come third. He went to the doctors and found out he had a flu like viral infection with a cross infection also, he has not been able to train for the whole week, which is frustrating for him with Nationals only six weeks away this weekend.
On Sunday we had a special visit from Michelle, Josiah her little boy and her Mum, it was lovely to catch up with them all. The rest of the weekend was spent watching DVD's and playing some PlayStation games.
With the disastrous weather and both Mum and Jarrett being ill, we have spent the first week of the School Holidays indoors attempting to keep warm and recover from all our ailments. I decided to make some scrumptious chocolate chip muffins to cheer everyone up, they put a smile on everyone's face especially when they were heated in the microwave with smooth vanilla custard.
I have been waking with headaches every morning which make me feel quite nauseous, they have often lasted throughout the whole day varying in intensity, panadol and rest seem to offer some relief from them. I'm not sure why I'm getting them, maybe I am coming down with another infection, perhaps Mum and Jarrett have spread their germs!
Today I had physiotherapy, Rhiannon gave me some magnificent news that my stress fracture in my heel is almost healed, she taped my calf and heel with special tape so that pressure is relieved as I try to put a little bit of weight on it. She also did some work on my neck and shoulder which have been a bit sore and stiff, I had heat on my neck and it felt sensational. I think Rhiannon is the best physiotherapist in the world!
You might remember me mentioning to pray for Chris and his family, he has just recently been diagnosed with T-Cell non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, his story is going to be on television tonight on ABC 7.30 ACT (it use to be called Stateline) and Chris is the person who interviewed me to tell my story. I think you will find that he is another truly inspirational person. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-08/topic-of-cancer/2787914
Friday, July 1, 2011
OFF SCHOOL AND AUSTRALIAN HEARING APPOINTMENT
25th June to 1st July 2011
'Never leave it too late, remember how much your parents have given you, be grateful for their sacrifices. Shower them with love, enjoy their company and enhance their lives'.
Family are really important, we should all treasure each other. My family have looked after me this week while I have been unwell with yet another viral infection. I have felt miserable and been unable to go to school at all this week. Instead I have spent the week taking medication and resting in the hope of recovering from my illness.
I did have one appointment this week and that was with Australian Hearing for an audiology review. The test was very thorough and went for over an hour. Initially we discussed any issues I had experienced with my hearing, background noise even when wearing my hearing aid has been a major issue for me with my hearing because when there is background noise I do not hear clearly and it makes it difficult to become involved in conversations. The audiologist tested my hearing and found that my right and left ears have both had serious deterioration in hearing levels at the middle to high frequency ranges. It is the type of chemotherapy drugs that I was on, particularly the cisplatin that have caused the hearing loss. She then checked how I hear sounds and my ability to repeat sentences with background noise with nothing, a hearing aid and an FM transmitter. The FM transmitter was the test with the more encouraging result as I could hear and repeat most of the sentences I was given without having to strain or try to guess what I had heard. Once the testing was completed then my hearing aid was recalibrated using the computer results from my tests so that I will be able to hear a little more clearly. I was then advised that I need to wear my hearing aid all the time and use my FM transmitter all the time in a classroom situation or even when I am out where there is extensive background noise. If my hearing in my left continues to deteriorate then it is most likely that I will also need a hearing aid for that ear also. I have to be retested again in twelve months however if I feel that my hearing worsens at all or have any other difficulties then we have to let them know and see them sooner.
Jarrett has recovered from his croup and is racing in a 4.5km Junior Pointscore Cross Country Race tomorrow. Nalani's knee is becoming stronger everyday and she is looking forward to competing in some races soon.
We are now on School Holidays, we have a three week break, I am hoping to get over my infection so that we can enjoy some activities together. The weather forecast for next week is not too promising with rain, gusty winds and bitter temperatures, I guess that is what we should expect being the middle of Winter.
In the footy tipping I am still leading by just four points, Pop had an exceptional week last week getting all of the games right and caught up with Nana.
Wishing everyone a splendiferous week and thank you for all your encouraging comments.
'Never leave it too late, remember how much your parents have given you, be grateful for their sacrifices. Shower them with love, enjoy their company and enhance their lives'.
Family are really important, we should all treasure each other. My family have looked after me this week while I have been unwell with yet another viral infection. I have felt miserable and been unable to go to school at all this week. Instead I have spent the week taking medication and resting in the hope of recovering from my illness.
I did have one appointment this week and that was with Australian Hearing for an audiology review. The test was very thorough and went for over an hour. Initially we discussed any issues I had experienced with my hearing, background noise even when wearing my hearing aid has been a major issue for me with my hearing because when there is background noise I do not hear clearly and it makes it difficult to become involved in conversations. The audiologist tested my hearing and found that my right and left ears have both had serious deterioration in hearing levels at the middle to high frequency ranges. It is the type of chemotherapy drugs that I was on, particularly the cisplatin that have caused the hearing loss. She then checked how I hear sounds and my ability to repeat sentences with background noise with nothing, a hearing aid and an FM transmitter. The FM transmitter was the test with the more encouraging result as I could hear and repeat most of the sentences I was given without having to strain or try to guess what I had heard. Once the testing was completed then my hearing aid was recalibrated using the computer results from my tests so that I will be able to hear a little more clearly. I was then advised that I need to wear my hearing aid all the time and use my FM transmitter all the time in a classroom situation or even when I am out where there is extensive background noise. If my hearing in my left continues to deteriorate then it is most likely that I will also need a hearing aid for that ear also. I have to be retested again in twelve months however if I feel that my hearing worsens at all or have any other difficulties then we have to let them know and see them sooner.
Jarrett has recovered from his croup and is racing in a 4.5km Junior Pointscore Cross Country Race tomorrow. Nalani's knee is becoming stronger everyday and she is looking forward to competing in some races soon.
We are now on School Holidays, we have a three week break, I am hoping to get over my infection so that we can enjoy some activities together. The weather forecast for next week is not too promising with rain, gusty winds and bitter temperatures, I guess that is what we should expect being the middle of Winter.
In the footy tipping I am still leading by just four points, Pop had an exceptional week last week getting all of the games right and caught up with Nana.
Wishing everyone a splendiferous week and thank you for all your encouraging comments.
Friday, June 24, 2011
MORE COLD WEATHER AND A SAD LOSS
18th to 24th June 2011
This has been a week of many storms, dark clouds have not only filled our skies here bringing rain, blizzard like winds, sleet and flakes of soft white snow but our lives have also been touched by clouds bringing much sadness.
Jarrett could not compete in the ACT Cross Country Championships because of his croup, my goal had been to compete at them also but was unable to due to my stress fracture and Nalani's rehabilitation was not quite at the level to be able to race either. Instead Jarrett and I were spectators and Nalani assisted as a recorder at the event. Next year we are all hoping to be able to compete together and show everyone just what we are all capable of.
Sunday Mum, Nalani and I were all been treated to a special pamper day which Camp Quality had invited us to. We had an early start at the Diamant Hotel where we were told we were going on a little mystery trip to do something special. We piled into the Camp Quality Van with other excited Mums and daughters, our mystery surprise was that we were having a jewellery making session at The Bead Barn at Federation Square. We made a necklace and earrings, we got to choose which beads we wanted to use, I chose red and black and used gold string and clasps, the lady running the class said my choice was very regal. We had a splendiferous time although I held everyone up as I was a little slow with my fine motor skills but no one seemed to mind. After we finished our jewellery making we were taken back to The Diamant Hotel for lunch, it was a Spanish Tappers meal, where you get several dishes to sample, when the food arrived it looked liked something out of Master Chef, some of the dishes I found a little too spicy for me however I especially loved the dessert which was a stick made of doughnut and coated liberally with cinnamon sugar and you could dip it in chocolate, it was absolutely scrumptious. After a creamy hot chocolate we were then taken away for our special pamper, Nalani and I had our makeup done, I don't wear makeup but it was fun having it done, I felt like a model and so did Nalani and she looked really gorgeous. Then Nalani got to have her hair done, she had some loose curls done and they looked really pretty. Unfortunately, I could not have my hair done because I have virtually no hair. I am so lucky to have all my beautiful wigs so that I can have whatever hairstyle, colour or length I wish to have. Mum was treated to a facial and she glowed after having it, she told us that she had not had one done in over twenty years. The Diamant Hotel is a heritage listed building and it is unbelievably majestic. The whole day felt like a fairytale and we felt so fortunate to be given the opportunity to be part of it.
We had nearly not gone though because just before we were about to leave to go we received the unexpected and shocking news that my Grandad, who is my Dad's father had passed away. It was so sad, and left us all quite numb. He passed away on 19th June, the next day would have been his Birthday. One comfort for us all was that he did not suffer, he just went to bed on the Saturday night and did not wake up on Sunday morning.
This is a special verse I found that I think is so lovely and I dedicate it to my Grandad.
'We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone;
for part of us went with you the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,
and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.'
Dad has spent the week in Brisbane, we were not able to go but our hearts will always hold Grandad close.
At school we are winding down, as next week is our last week of Term 2, in Science we were looking at pulley's and how the more pulley's you add then the less effort you have to use so even someone like my teacher would be able to remove a car engine if there were heaps of pulleys with little effort. In English we are now doing work on Macbeth and we looked at the Banquet Scene when Macbeth saw the ghost of Banquo. In Maths we are just doing revision work with numbers, fractions and ratio's.
Nalani had the rest of her Year 12 exams this week and after doing an AST practise today she has now finished school for this Term, lucky her, she has four weeks holidays. Jarrett is actually also doing Macbeth so we have been able to share ideas and thoughts about it.
The cold weather has brought many illnesses to Canberra and on returning to school, I have now picked up another infection, I have a terrible middle ear infection, it is extremely painful and whenever I swallow my ears pop and throb. I am again on antibiotics to try to clear it up, I think the holidays will give my body the chance to try to recuperate and hopefully I won't be as ill next Term. The weather is supposed to improve over the weekend, with frost overnight but beautiful crystal clear days with pleasant temperatures.
I had physiotherapy today and every time I see Rhiannon I am so grateful to have such a talented and wise physiotherapist looking after my welfare. My heel is slowly mending but I am still unable to put full weight on it with stabbing pain, it is only five weeks on Sunday since I injured it though so I must remain patient and it will mend. Today I had a tight achilles and calf which felt so wonderful when they were released then I did some upper body work with weights to help continue strengthening my upper body, when I do any exercises I notice that my right side is weaker than my left, this will remain with me always but I can make it as strong as it can possibly be by doing the exercises that Rhiannon gives me, I do them everyday. So many people are often given tasks to do like physiotherapy exercises but have a million and one excuses not to do them, yet the only way to help yourself is to make yourself do them because it will pay off in the long run.
I had a dreadful week in footy tipping, I only got two right, Nana got five and she is now only four points behind me, I must admit I am a little concerned now, Nana said her good fortune came because her Birthday was on 21st June, then Pop requested extra points because his Birthday is not during football season but both Nana and I firmly told him NO! I do hope that I do a little better this week, I am very disappointed that Benji has a knee injury and I am hoping that the Tigers can find inner strength to beat the Bulldogs.
Earlier in the Blog I mentioned our fairytale day at The Diamant Hotel, late yesterday afternoon there was a destructive raging fire there, no one was injured in the blaze which was so lucky, there were five fire pumpers, a Bronto Skylift hydraulic platform and a specialist breathing apparatus unit brought in to fight the massive fire. Smoke billowed over the city as one of the two buildings which make up the complex burned and many key roads were blocked. Today they are saying that 85% of the Hotel was damaged, they are hoping to rebuild it in the future and they are investigating how it happened.
So as you can see this week has been quite a devastating one, filled with storms, however in the back of my mind I always keep remembering that after a storm there is always a rainbow, so hopefully next week will see a huge rainbow to take away the pain.
Friday, June 17, 2011
COLD WEATHER BRINGS ILLNESS
11th to 17th June 2011
We were extremely lucky to have a long weekend to celebrate the Queens Birthday, our weather improved and we were treated to some sunshine on Saturday which was fortunate because Jarrett was running in a Cross Country Point Score Event, it was a 3km one on a very hilly, gravel course. It was his first race since his asthma attack and I knew that he was fairly anxious before the start. He had a terrific start and led the field through the croaked eucalyptus trees, up the first hill and out of sight. A smile formed on my face when we spotted him coming back, running strongly to win by over one minute. In fact it was hard to say who had the largest smile, me because I was so happy he had not had any problems and was running, well to me when he runs it is like he is flying, Mum because she is so close to us and feels all our pain and excitement or Jarrett whose smile was one of relief and joy.
Sunday we went to running training, the morning started off sunny and still but towards the end it had become dreadfully dark and gloomy with strong, gusty winds. Nalani managed to actually do some running, six months after major knee surgery she has worked so courageously and determinedly to make it to this point. I think that her smile on this day matched all of ours from the day before.
This week was week seven at school, we only have two more weeks until School Holidays and then we get a three week break which I think many students will need because with our drastically cold weather there is so many illnesses going around. In Integrated Studies the class are still working on problem based solving questions, in English we are looking at various aspects of Shakespeare works and in Science our Physics unit and we looked at levers, I also had to do a Science test which was extremely demanding as most of the questions required quite detailed answers and I am so slow at handwriting.
When you are at school and have low immunity you can very easily pick up any germs that are present in the air, I have ended up with another cold, after I have barely recovered from my bout of bronchitis. I am not the only one though, Jarrett has a viral infection and croup, he has been rather unwell and has had to miss running training, school and this weekend is unable to run in the Athletics ACT Cross Country Championships this weekend, which of course he is devastated about. Earlier in the Year I had a goal to compete in this event also but of course with my stress fracture which is still healing I am not able to achieve that goal however I have set that same goal for next year now.
Nalani has begun her Year 12 exams, she is constantly studying as she hopes to do exceptionally well in her subjects, she has already done her PE exam and her Maths exam, next week she has her other exams then has an AST practise on Friday, once that is over she is finished school for this Term, so she actually gets a longer holiday than Jarrett and I. This afternoon she sang with the choir and they were live on the radio, the song they sang was called They Rhythm of Life.
Today the day started off with the sun streaming in the windows promising a delightful Winter day, however the sun was teasing us because as the day progressed the weather deteriorated quickly, low, heavy grey clouds appeared and suddenly the temperature dropped, then sleet began to fall ever so gently like little chips of ice that melted as soon as they touched the ground that the earlier sun had warmed. The icy winds then whipped up even making ripples in the bird bath out the front, it was truly a cold Winters day.
There is a very special person that I would like to ask you to pray for, it is Chris and his family, he did the interview with me on Stateline, he is not well at the moment, he is another extraordinary person who has been given a difficult journey and I hope that with our prayers he will be able to go through his journey more easily.
I have heard tonight from my Endocrinologist and I am afraid to say it is not all good news, some of my some recent tests show that I have a growth hormone deficiency which I will need to have injections everyday for which Mum will have to administer however approval has to go through for them before I can begin them. I also have extremely high cholesterol, problems with my liver function, some thyroid issues and an insulin resistance. There is one concern with giving me growth hormones and that is that they can cause tumours to become aggressive and there is concern about the remaining tumour however if I don't have them then there are several other serious issues that could arise so they will try the growth hormones and see what happens. More challenges but they will only make me stronger, I have learnt that been positive and seeing a challenge as a positive on this journey has been important. You have to try to have a positive outlook on your life and those little aches and pains are nothing compared to what some other people are going through.
We were extremely lucky to have a long weekend to celebrate the Queens Birthday, our weather improved and we were treated to some sunshine on Saturday which was fortunate because Jarrett was running in a Cross Country Point Score Event, it was a 3km one on a very hilly, gravel course. It was his first race since his asthma attack and I knew that he was fairly anxious before the start. He had a terrific start and led the field through the croaked eucalyptus trees, up the first hill and out of sight. A smile formed on my face when we spotted him coming back, running strongly to win by over one minute. In fact it was hard to say who had the largest smile, me because I was so happy he had not had any problems and was running, well to me when he runs it is like he is flying, Mum because she is so close to us and feels all our pain and excitement or Jarrett whose smile was one of relief and joy.
Sunday we went to running training, the morning started off sunny and still but towards the end it had become dreadfully dark and gloomy with strong, gusty winds. Nalani managed to actually do some running, six months after major knee surgery she has worked so courageously and determinedly to make it to this point. I think that her smile on this day matched all of ours from the day before.
This week was week seven at school, we only have two more weeks until School Holidays and then we get a three week break which I think many students will need because with our drastically cold weather there is so many illnesses going around. In Integrated Studies the class are still working on problem based solving questions, in English we are looking at various aspects of Shakespeare works and in Science our Physics unit and we looked at levers, I also had to do a Science test which was extremely demanding as most of the questions required quite detailed answers and I am so slow at handwriting.
When you are at school and have low immunity you can very easily pick up any germs that are present in the air, I have ended up with another cold, after I have barely recovered from my bout of bronchitis. I am not the only one though, Jarrett has a viral infection and croup, he has been rather unwell and has had to miss running training, school and this weekend is unable to run in the Athletics ACT Cross Country Championships this weekend, which of course he is devastated about. Earlier in the Year I had a goal to compete in this event also but of course with my stress fracture which is still healing I am not able to achieve that goal however I have set that same goal for next year now.
Nalani has begun her Year 12 exams, she is constantly studying as she hopes to do exceptionally well in her subjects, she has already done her PE exam and her Maths exam, next week she has her other exams then has an AST practise on Friday, once that is over she is finished school for this Term, so she actually gets a longer holiday than Jarrett and I. This afternoon she sang with the choir and they were live on the radio, the song they sang was called They Rhythm of Life.
Today the day started off with the sun streaming in the windows promising a delightful Winter day, however the sun was teasing us because as the day progressed the weather deteriorated quickly, low, heavy grey clouds appeared and suddenly the temperature dropped, then sleet began to fall ever so gently like little chips of ice that melted as soon as they touched the ground that the earlier sun had warmed. The icy winds then whipped up even making ripples in the bird bath out the front, it was truly a cold Winters day.
There is a very special person that I would like to ask you to pray for, it is Chris and his family, he did the interview with me on Stateline, he is not well at the moment, he is another extraordinary person who has been given a difficult journey and I hope that with our prayers he will be able to go through his journey more easily.
I have heard tonight from my Endocrinologist and I am afraid to say it is not all good news, some of my some recent tests show that I have a growth hormone deficiency which I will need to have injections everyday for which Mum will have to administer however approval has to go through for them before I can begin them. I also have extremely high cholesterol, problems with my liver function, some thyroid issues and an insulin resistance. There is one concern with giving me growth hormones and that is that they can cause tumours to become aggressive and there is concern about the remaining tumour however if I don't have them then there are several other serious issues that could arise so they will try the growth hormones and see what happens. More challenges but they will only make me stronger, I have learnt that been positive and seeing a challenge as a positive on this journey has been important. You have to try to have a positive outlook on your life and those little aches and pains are nothing compared to what some other people are going through.
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