Friday, April 26, 2013
LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
20th to 26th April 2013
Yesterday was an extra special day, a day for all Australians to remember those who have fought for our Country; those who have given us freedom, those who lost their lives and those that are still fighting . They are truly courageous heroes.
Anzac day is probably Australia's most important national occasion, it marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The Soldiers in those forces quickly became know as ANZAC's and the pride they took in that name endures to this day.
This week I had to show courage as I said goodbye to my extraordinary Occupational Therapist, Tom. He has been so supportive in helping me with equipment for school and home and he has also been a splendiferous friend. He is off to the Philippines to weave his magic over there, they are so lucky to have him. In life we have people come into our lives who truly make a difference and he is one of those people who I have been blessed to have met as part of my journey.
Another guardian angel in my life is Kaitlyn, my physiotherapist, she is there for me every week, relieving me of my pain. This week she worked on my neck, lower back and that ever troublesome right foot. At the end of my appointment I had those absolutely warm and delightful heat packs on my neck and spine.
I have not felt too well this week with pain, nausea and just not feeling very well. Resting has been an important and much needed activity this week for me as next week is back to rush of school and other appointments.
The appointments that I have next week are one with my Oncologist from Sydney and after seeing him I have an appointment with a Speech Therapist who may be able to offer some suggestions to assist with my continuing and difficult swallowing issues.
I have been listening to Lord of the Flies on a CD for English, we have to have it read before returning to School. It is not really the type of novel that I would select to read for enjoyment. It is an extremely dark and heavy novel, however it is written well and the language used draws you into the story.
Many, many thanks for those followers who have so generously donated to Jarrett's City2Surf fundraising, I am so excited and proud to say that he has now raised $2500. It is so incredible and with 107 days to go until the event, he is hoping to raise even more money. Here is the link again to his Everday Hero page, please pass this onto family, friends, neighbours, around your workplace, school and to local businesses. Together we can make a difference.
http://www.fundraise.city2surf.com.au/Jarrett_Anthoney90
There were not football games last weekend so I am still leading the tipping by one. This week I already have one right because I choose the Roosters against the Dragons in the Anzac Day match. Nana and I have made quite different selections this week so that will separate us by the end of the round. I am hoping that my Wests Tigers can pick themselves up and find an inner strength to push themselves to victory.
Many thanks to Lori and Merran who sent me the most magnificent parcel in the mail this week, it was an envelope filled with the most splendiferous drawings done by students in Prep/Grade 1, their teacher Emily told them about me. They are so special and I will treasure them always, when I looked through them I thought they were the most rainbowiffic rainbows I had ever seen.
I will leave you with some words out of a book that Tom gave me.
"I feel so blessed - of all the billions of people who could have shared my path, I stumbled across you."
Friday, April 19, 2013
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - A TIME TO REST
13th to 19th April 2013
As I sit typing this entry; attempting to keep warm, the wind is howling ferociously outside blowing the lustrous, golden Autumn leaves from the trees and trashing them savagely onto the dry, brown grass.
This is been a most horrible week for tragedy, these events have shaken many people around the world, of course the events I am referring to are: the Boston Marathon Bombings and the Waco Explosions. Innocent lives taken and people's lives changed forever.
Before I tell you about my week, I must thank those people who follow my Blog who have so generously donated to Jarrett's City2Surf fundraising. He is helping me in my continual effort to raise awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Research. My life goal is to do as much as I can to make a difference. A cure will not be found in my lifetime but my wish is that no children in the future will have to suffer as many others and myself have had to. There is no screening tests for early detection for a brain tumour, the treatments are harsh and cause life long cruel side effects and there is no cure.
Here are some facts for you to think about and please pass this on to family, friends and people in your workplace, we are the only ones who can make a difference as funding is virtually nothing for brain tumour research.
I have been relieved to be on School Holidays, School took so much of my energy last Term. I enjoy learning and challenging myself but I am finding it more difficult as my pain and nausea increases.
This week brought a visit to my Paediatrician, who is so very caring, we talked about pain relief, school, my nausea and other issues which are caused by the tumours putting pressure on my spinal cord. I also had my usual physiotherapy appointment, as always I was looking forward to it. Kaitlyn is exceptional and able to provide me with some relief which I am so grateful for.
The other visit I had was from my care nurse, Karyn, she talked about how I am feeling, school, medication and we did a chart that rated my pain, nausea, mobility, general well being, breathing and swallowing. She is also very lovely and I feel very comfortable with her.
One of the extraordinary people in my support is leaving, Tom my Occupational Therapist who has done so much for me has a new job in the Philippines. I am rather devastated as he is someone that I feel really confident and comfortable with. I think he is splendiferous and so wonderful at his job. I will miss him.
I have begun listening to Lord of the Flies, it is written by the English author William Golding, it is about a group of English boys stuck on an uninhabited Island. they try to govern themselves with quite disastrous results. It is about human nature and individual welfare versus the common good.
Stay strong this week, despite any hurdles that may come across your path and many thanks again to those that have contributed to raising funds from brain tumour research.
As I sit typing this entry; attempting to keep warm, the wind is howling ferociously outside blowing the lustrous, golden Autumn leaves from the trees and trashing them savagely onto the dry, brown grass.
This is been a most horrible week for tragedy, these events have shaken many people around the world, of course the events I am referring to are: the Boston Marathon Bombings and the Waco Explosions. Innocent lives taken and people's lives changed forever.
Before I tell you about my week, I must thank those people who follow my Blog who have so generously donated to Jarrett's City2Surf fundraising. He is helping me in my continual effort to raise awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Research. My life goal is to do as much as I can to make a difference. A cure will not be found in my lifetime but my wish is that no children in the future will have to suffer as many others and myself have had to. There is no screening tests for early detection for a brain tumour, the treatments are harsh and cause life long cruel side effects and there is no cure.
Here are some facts for you to think about and please pass this on to family, friends and people in your workplace, we are the only ones who can make a difference as funding is virtually nothing for brain tumour research.
- Brain tumours are one of the most under studied of all cancers, yet receives very little research funding.
- No significant improvement has been made in survival rates in almost two decades.
- Brain tumours are now the leading cause of cancer death in children and young adults.
- Brain tumours strike adults and children alike.
- No risk factors have been identified and no screening procedures are in place.
- Brain tumours carry the highest individual financial burden of all cancers with an average cost been five times higher than any other cancer.
I have been relieved to be on School Holidays, School took so much of my energy last Term. I enjoy learning and challenging myself but I am finding it more difficult as my pain and nausea increases.
This week brought a visit to my Paediatrician, who is so very caring, we talked about pain relief, school, my nausea and other issues which are caused by the tumours putting pressure on my spinal cord. I also had my usual physiotherapy appointment, as always I was looking forward to it. Kaitlyn is exceptional and able to provide me with some relief which I am so grateful for.
The other visit I had was from my care nurse, Karyn, she talked about how I am feeling, school, medication and we did a chart that rated my pain, nausea, mobility, general well being, breathing and swallowing. She is also very lovely and I feel very comfortable with her.
One of the extraordinary people in my support is leaving, Tom my Occupational Therapist who has done so much for me has a new job in the Philippines. I am rather devastated as he is someone that I feel really confident and comfortable with. I think he is splendiferous and so wonderful at his job. I will miss him.
I have begun listening to Lord of the Flies, it is written by the English author William Golding, it is about a group of English boys stuck on an uninhabited Island. they try to govern themselves with quite disastrous results. It is about human nature and individual welfare versus the common good.
Stay strong this week, despite any hurdles that may come across your path and many thanks again to those that have contributed to raising funds from brain tumour research.
Friday, April 12, 2013
END OF TERM 1 AND SOME SPECIAL FUNDRAISING
6th to 12th April 2013
We have had the most incredible Autumn weather here in Canberra this week. There is no season in all the year so beautiful with kaleidoscopic colours, so radiant with the freshness of the breeze or as glorious with a gentle warmth in the air, it is a lovely time of year.
We had to wind our clocks back an hour, daylight savings came to an end. It is so delightful to wake up to see the sun waking and rising also. However, it is also just a little melancholy that the sun disappears behind the horizon that much earlier.
This was the last week of Term 1 at School, it has gone so swiftly, has been so incredibly busy and filled with many academic challenges but at the same time it has been enjoyable, as you know, going to school is important to me.
We have already begun to look at our next unit of work for Sports Science; which is technology and Sports, this is not just about computer technology but also technology in areas of equipment, playing surface and clothing. I think that this unit of work is going to be extremely fascinating.
In Maths we are doing Statistics Work, doing cumulative frequency tables and graphs as well as box plots. Once you understand how to do it, it is quite easy to master.
For English we had to do our presentations for our Money Matters Unit. I did a video presentation based on a current affairs type show for teens where I interviewed 'Steve' who was actually Jarrett who had just got his first job. We discussed how he went about getting it, facts about tax file numbers, superannuation, employment conditions and pay rates and saving the money he would earn. 'Blair' who was Nalani, was an expert from The Australian Taxation Office, giving advice on tax file numbers. It was tiring putting it all together but I was really pleased with the finished product. The next thing to do is to read The Lord of the Flies, I am fortunate enough to have it on CD so I can listen to it rather than trying to read the extremely small print in the novel.
I had my wonderful physiotherapy appointment as usual. Kaitlyn is so fantastic, she worked on my neck which has been terribly painful, then she did a little on my back and finally my foot. She used the voltaren gel with the ultrasound again, this gives it some relief for a while.
Apart from school and physiotherapy I have been helping Nalani study for her exams, doing a little knitting and some Sudoku puzzles.
Now for some exciting news from a fundraising perspective: Jarrett has decided to run in the City2Surf this year, not for himself but to assist me in my fundraising efforts. The race itself is a 14km run along a challenging course in Sydney, including the famous 'heartbreak hill'. It is on the 11th August and Jarrett has secured a Gold Entry place. He is running as part of Team Kids to raise those so desperately needed funds for The Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation Brain Tumour Research Fund. It would be so wonderful if he could raise a huge amount of funds, it is so important that one day a cure is found. The race for Jarrett will be challenging, just as the journey is with a Brain Tumour. This is the link to his hero page -http://www.fundraise.city2surf.com.au/Jarrett_Anthoney90.
Please consider supporting him, you are also welcome to share the link. I believe that together one day we can make a difference to the lives of children and their families who receive the devastating diagnosis of a brain tumour.
I feel so blessed also because I have been sent during the last week the most rainbowiffic and beautiful 'Rainbows of Hope'. Helen from Hugs' n Kisses organised this extra special surprise and fundraising initiative for me. People have sent me the magnificent rainbows with a $5 donation to go to the Brain Tumour Research Fund. I have hung the rainbows from a shelf in my room and each morning when I wake and every night before I go to sleep I see them and they fill my heart with hope and love. Thank you so very much to Helen, Christine, Annette, Marilyn, Janine, Lo and Liz and family, your kindness is astounding and I am so humbled by what you have done and will treasure those rainbows always.
In Footy Tipping I have now slipped one behind Nana, who has now taken the lead. Pop is still a little behind but he is very analytical in his picks so as the season goes on he usually catches up. Poor Benji Marshall is out with a toe injury, the Tigers will miss his extraordinary style of football but I guess if they live by my saying of 'You Have to go Through a Storm to get to a Rainbow', they will find an inner strength to pull through this difficult time.
If you see someone this week that is not smiling, share your smile with them, not only to brighten their day but to also create happiness in every ones lives.
We have had the most incredible Autumn weather here in Canberra this week. There is no season in all the year so beautiful with kaleidoscopic colours, so radiant with the freshness of the breeze or as glorious with a gentle warmth in the air, it is a lovely time of year.
We had to wind our clocks back an hour, daylight savings came to an end. It is so delightful to wake up to see the sun waking and rising also. However, it is also just a little melancholy that the sun disappears behind the horizon that much earlier.
This was the last week of Term 1 at School, it has gone so swiftly, has been so incredibly busy and filled with many academic challenges but at the same time it has been enjoyable, as you know, going to school is important to me.
We have already begun to look at our next unit of work for Sports Science; which is technology and Sports, this is not just about computer technology but also technology in areas of equipment, playing surface and clothing. I think that this unit of work is going to be extremely fascinating.
In Maths we are doing Statistics Work, doing cumulative frequency tables and graphs as well as box plots. Once you understand how to do it, it is quite easy to master.
For English we had to do our presentations for our Money Matters Unit. I did a video presentation based on a current affairs type show for teens where I interviewed 'Steve' who was actually Jarrett who had just got his first job. We discussed how he went about getting it, facts about tax file numbers, superannuation, employment conditions and pay rates and saving the money he would earn. 'Blair' who was Nalani, was an expert from The Australian Taxation Office, giving advice on tax file numbers. It was tiring putting it all together but I was really pleased with the finished product. The next thing to do is to read The Lord of the Flies, I am fortunate enough to have it on CD so I can listen to it rather than trying to read the extremely small print in the novel.
I had my wonderful physiotherapy appointment as usual. Kaitlyn is so fantastic, she worked on my neck which has been terribly painful, then she did a little on my back and finally my foot. She used the voltaren gel with the ultrasound again, this gives it some relief for a while.
Apart from school and physiotherapy I have been helping Nalani study for her exams, doing a little knitting and some Sudoku puzzles.
Now for some exciting news from a fundraising perspective: Jarrett has decided to run in the City2Surf this year, not for himself but to assist me in my fundraising efforts. The race itself is a 14km run along a challenging course in Sydney, including the famous 'heartbreak hill'. It is on the 11th August and Jarrett has secured a Gold Entry place. He is running as part of Team Kids to raise those so desperately needed funds for The Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation Brain Tumour Research Fund. It would be so wonderful if he could raise a huge amount of funds, it is so important that one day a cure is found. The race for Jarrett will be challenging, just as the journey is with a Brain Tumour. This is the link to his hero page -http://www.fundraise.city2surf.com.au/Jarrett_Anthoney90.
Please consider supporting him, you are also welcome to share the link. I believe that together one day we can make a difference to the lives of children and their families who receive the devastating diagnosis of a brain tumour.
I feel so blessed also because I have been sent during the last week the most rainbowiffic and beautiful 'Rainbows of Hope'. Helen from Hugs' n Kisses organised this extra special surprise and fundraising initiative for me. People have sent me the magnificent rainbows with a $5 donation to go to the Brain Tumour Research Fund. I have hung the rainbows from a shelf in my room and each morning when I wake and every night before I go to sleep I see them and they fill my heart with hope and love. Thank you so very much to Helen, Christine, Annette, Marilyn, Janine, Lo and Liz and family, your kindness is astounding and I am so humbled by what you have done and will treasure those rainbows always.
 |
| The splendiferous 'Rainbows of Hope' that people have sent to me. I will treasure them always. |
In Footy Tipping I have now slipped one behind Nana, who has now taken the lead. Pop is still a little behind but he is very analytical in his picks so as the season goes on he usually catches up. Poor Benji Marshall is out with a toe injury, the Tigers will miss his extraordinary style of football but I guess if they live by my saying of 'You Have to go Through a Storm to get to a Rainbow', they will find an inner strength to pull through this difficult time.
If you see someone this week that is not smiling, share your smile with them, not only to brighten their day but to also create happiness in every ones lives.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
WEEK 9 AT SCHOOL
30th March to 5th April 2013
Easter was a special time, a time to be grateful for what we have in life. Easter Sunday marks the day Jesus was resurrected. This is a joyous day for all and reminds us of the promise for eternal life and God's love for us all. As I reflect on Easter, I think of my journey over the past few years, they have been difficult and challenging, yet also a time of many joys and new wonderful friendships. My journey, which I believe that God has given me for a reason, has inspired me not only to raise awareness about brain tumours but also the so desperately needed funds so that researchers may one day in the future find either a cure, a way of early detection and more successful treatments.
This has been a short week at school which was a relief because after competing in the Cross Country I have been extremely sore and fatigued.
In Maths we have continued our work on Money Matters, including doing some work with excel spreadsheets. We wrapped up our unit in Sports Science by listing what improves and diminishes an athletes fitness. In English we have been working on a Money Matters unit and researching things like tax file numbers, bank accounts, credit, industry awards, buying a car and superannuation. We have our new novel which we have to read before the first week back at school next term. The novel we are reading is Lord of the Flies.
It was wonderful to have physiotherapy this week, with the amazing Kaitlyn working on my right heel and foot using voltaren gel and the ultrasound to try to provide some relief from my stinging pain and swelling. She also did some work on my neck which is stiff and painful. Then those absolutely fabulous heat packs provided me with some more relief.
I also had a visit from my care team nurse, my oxycodone has been increased by another ml, I now take 8ml four times a day and can have 4ml breakthrough doses as required. My panamax remains at 10ml as that is the most I can take of that, as it can cause liver problems if you take too much of it when you have it regularly. She talked about getting me a lovely soft and comfortable cover to go over my mattress to make it softer, my bed is beginning to feel hard and uncomfortable for me.
My throat still feels so restricted, it feels as though it is as thin as a straw and I find it frustrating and it is not only when I am eating, it feels that way if I am swallowing saliva and sometimes when I have my neck turned to look at something.
In footy tipping I am still leading but just by one to Nana, poor Pop has fallen behind, but he is known for his comebacks and it is early yet so he is still in with a chance. My Tigers are playing Storm this week, I believe in them and hope that they can dig deep and produce a win.
I sent a cheque off to The Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation Brain Tumour Research Fund this week, it is such a wonderful feeling to be contributing and trying to make a difference. Every little bit counts, imagine if every person in Australia gave just $1, that would be an amazing $22 981 979.00, this is what our current population is.
To all the people who have been helping me in my endeavour to raise those desperately needed funds, you are all splendiferous, your hearts are truly filled with love and kindness and I wish you many rainbows throughout your lifetime.
Easter was a special time, a time to be grateful for what we have in life. Easter Sunday marks the day Jesus was resurrected. This is a joyous day for all and reminds us of the promise for eternal life and God's love for us all. As I reflect on Easter, I think of my journey over the past few years, they have been difficult and challenging, yet also a time of many joys and new wonderful friendships. My journey, which I believe that God has given me for a reason, has inspired me not only to raise awareness about brain tumours but also the so desperately needed funds so that researchers may one day in the future find either a cure, a way of early detection and more successful treatments.
This has been a short week at school which was a relief because after competing in the Cross Country I have been extremely sore and fatigued.
In Maths we have continued our work on Money Matters, including doing some work with excel spreadsheets. We wrapped up our unit in Sports Science by listing what improves and diminishes an athletes fitness. In English we have been working on a Money Matters unit and researching things like tax file numbers, bank accounts, credit, industry awards, buying a car and superannuation. We have our new novel which we have to read before the first week back at school next term. The novel we are reading is Lord of the Flies.
It was wonderful to have physiotherapy this week, with the amazing Kaitlyn working on my right heel and foot using voltaren gel and the ultrasound to try to provide some relief from my stinging pain and swelling. She also did some work on my neck which is stiff and painful. Then those absolutely fabulous heat packs provided me with some more relief.
I also had a visit from my care team nurse, my oxycodone has been increased by another ml, I now take 8ml four times a day and can have 4ml breakthrough doses as required. My panamax remains at 10ml as that is the most I can take of that, as it can cause liver problems if you take too much of it when you have it regularly. She talked about getting me a lovely soft and comfortable cover to go over my mattress to make it softer, my bed is beginning to feel hard and uncomfortable for me.
My throat still feels so restricted, it feels as though it is as thin as a straw and I find it frustrating and it is not only when I am eating, it feels that way if I am swallowing saliva and sometimes when I have my neck turned to look at something.
In footy tipping I am still leading but just by one to Nana, poor Pop has fallen behind, but he is known for his comebacks and it is early yet so he is still in with a chance. My Tigers are playing Storm this week, I believe in them and hope that they can dig deep and produce a win.
I sent a cheque off to The Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation Brain Tumour Research Fund this week, it is such a wonderful feeling to be contributing and trying to make a difference. Every little bit counts, imagine if every person in Australia gave just $1, that would be an amazing $22 981 979.00, this is what our current population is.
 |
| Raising much needed funds for The Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation Brain Tumour Research Fund at my Rainbow of Hope for Brain Tumours Stall |
To all the people who have been helping me in my endeavour to raise those desperately needed funds, you are all splendiferous, your hearts are truly filled with love and kindness and I wish you many rainbows throughout your lifetime.
Friday, March 29, 2013
SCHOOL FAIR AND SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY
23rd to 29th March 2013
Today is Good Friday which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and is a day of mourning for Christians. It is a very important day in church calendars as the sadness of the Crucifixion and the joyous Resurrection of Jesus are central events in Christian beliefs. I would like to wish everyone many blessings for Easter, may this be a time that you treasure your loved ones and life.
The School Fair was on Saturday, the weather was absolutely perfect, the weather fairies were certainly looking after us! I had rested up in readiness for the day. I was so excited as I was having a stall called 'Dainere's Rainbow of Hope for Brain Tumours'. It is my greatest wish to raise awareness and funds, in the hope of one day a cure being found for this horrendous disease.
The day was long and tiring, I had to sleep during the Fair but Mum, Nalani, Jarrett and Gail looked after my stall for me. Through the donations people had given me and my own contributions I was able to raise a little over $1000 for The Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation Brain Tumour Research Fund. With many thanks also to those people who made a purchase from my stall, together we can make a difference one day. Thank you also to Monique who helped with packing up after such a huge day.
The Fair had exhausted me, so Sunday was spent trying to rest and recuperate. I had to finish working on my Sports Science assignment also, which I wanted to be of the highest quality possible. Then soreness and nausea made me feel so ill, it is such a dreadful feeling, I try to cope with it by distracting myself but this time I just slept.
I was unable to attend school on Monday because I was still unwell and needed the extra day of rest before returning to the hectic school routine.
With Easter, I then only had three days at school this week. In Maths we worked on our Money Matters Unit, doing work on compound interest and learning how to use Excel Spreadsheet to calculate compound interest.
In English we have begun our work on Money Matters, researching about tax file numbers, opening bank accounts, industry awards and other issues relating to starting a job for the first time. We have an assignment to work on which we have to present during Week 10 at school.
I did not have Sports Science this week, instead it was our School Cross Country. I was so fortunate to be able to compete in it, I used my electric wheelchair and was able to do 3km (which is what AWD athletes do for Cross Country) doing laps of the oval. The course from last year was just too bumpy and my fragile spine would not cope with it. Even doing the 3km on the oval was not ideal. I completed the laps with a humongous smile of achievement on my face but behind the smile I was in pain. My spine, my neck and my foot ached terribly and then I began to feel so horribly nauseous. I had to take an ondansetron, but it did not seem to help. Competing had meant the world to me, I won a 1st place blue ribbon and was able to earn valuable points for my House Guraguma, but the most important thing to me was that despite my situation, I was having a go showing others that there are no obstacles to competing. Mum was awarded a personal best ribbon for being there supporting me, often having to pick up her pace to jog alongside me and being my lap counter. The school community were also splendiferous as they cheered me on during each lap and applauded me as I came down the chute to the finish line.
Jarrett competed in the Cross County also, he was unable to run at his usual super sonic speed, because of his hamstring injury he had to jog on the flat and power walk the hills and bumpy parts. As he always wins the Cross Country it was difficult for him to do it this way but he also wanted to show others that despite his injury he was still having a go. The boys in his age group who would normally not run in the long distance race took the opportunity to have a go, they could actually then say they beat Jarrett, the fastest in the School. Jarrett still holds the school record though for the 4km, I don't think that will ever get broken.
I had a visit to my family doctor for a check up and he looked at my foot to see if he felt I needed to be referred to an orthopaedic specialist. There are no boots which they often use for stress fractures that would fit my tiny foot and having it plastered would only be detrimental as it would make my muscles much weaker and ultimately cause more problems. Surgery is often used when someone has multiple re-injuries but they said that is out of the question. So physiotherapy, compression bandage, rest and voltaren gel are the options. As I am osteopenic that also means that bone injuries take longer to heal than that of a person with normal bones. I am going to have my flu injection on 17th of April, as it is important for me to have it as I would get extremely ill if I got the flu.
This week I also had my physiotherapy appointment, which I was relieved to have, my right heel has been re-injured, it is so painful and weak. Kaitlyn worked on it, whilst I had heat packs on my spine and neck. She used the ultrasound with voltaren to try to assist with the inflammation and pain. On days when I feel so awful, Kaitlyn is my extra special guardian angel, caring for and helping me.
In footy tipping I am leading by just one point to Nana and then Pop is a few points behind. My poor Tigers did not have much luck in their game in terrible, wet conditions last night, I was so disappointed but it is early in the year, they have plenty of time to improve and move up the ladder.
Today was a true Autumn day, sunny but cool, the leaves on the trees are beginning to change to a gorgeous golden colour and it is becoming darker earlier.
'Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today, make yourself a list and start ticking off things that you would love to do or achieve, don't let any challenge stop you for having a go'
Today is Good Friday which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and is a day of mourning for Christians. It is a very important day in church calendars as the sadness of the Crucifixion and the joyous Resurrection of Jesus are central events in Christian beliefs. I would like to wish everyone many blessings for Easter, may this be a time that you treasure your loved ones and life.
The day was long and tiring, I had to sleep during the Fair but Mum, Nalani, Jarrett and Gail looked after my stall for me. Through the donations people had given me and my own contributions I was able to raise a little over $1000 for The Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation Brain Tumour Research Fund. With many thanks also to those people who made a purchase from my stall, together we can make a difference one day. Thank you also to Monique who helped with packing up after such a huge day.
The Fair had exhausted me, so Sunday was spent trying to rest and recuperate. I had to finish working on my Sports Science assignment also, which I wanted to be of the highest quality possible. Then soreness and nausea made me feel so ill, it is such a dreadful feeling, I try to cope with it by distracting myself but this time I just slept.
I was unable to attend school on Monday because I was still unwell and needed the extra day of rest before returning to the hectic school routine.
With Easter, I then only had three days at school this week. In Maths we worked on our Money Matters Unit, doing work on compound interest and learning how to use Excel Spreadsheet to calculate compound interest.
In English we have begun our work on Money Matters, researching about tax file numbers, opening bank accounts, industry awards and other issues relating to starting a job for the first time. We have an assignment to work on which we have to present during Week 10 at school.
I did not have Sports Science this week, instead it was our School Cross Country. I was so fortunate to be able to compete in it, I used my electric wheelchair and was able to do 3km (which is what AWD athletes do for Cross Country) doing laps of the oval. The course from last year was just too bumpy and my fragile spine would not cope with it. Even doing the 3km on the oval was not ideal. I completed the laps with a humongous smile of achievement on my face but behind the smile I was in pain. My spine, my neck and my foot ached terribly and then I began to feel so horribly nauseous. I had to take an ondansetron, but it did not seem to help. Competing had meant the world to me, I won a 1st place blue ribbon and was able to earn valuable points for my House Guraguma, but the most important thing to me was that despite my situation, I was having a go showing others that there are no obstacles to competing. Mum was awarded a personal best ribbon for being there supporting me, often having to pick up her pace to jog alongside me and being my lap counter. The school community were also splendiferous as they cheered me on during each lap and applauded me as I came down the chute to the finish line.
Jarrett competed in the Cross County also, he was unable to run at his usual super sonic speed, because of his hamstring injury he had to jog on the flat and power walk the hills and bumpy parts. As he always wins the Cross Country it was difficult for him to do it this way but he also wanted to show others that despite his injury he was still having a go. The boys in his age group who would normally not run in the long distance race took the opportunity to have a go, they could actually then say they beat Jarrett, the fastest in the School. Jarrett still holds the school record though for the 4km, I don't think that will ever get broken.
I had a visit to my family doctor for a check up and he looked at my foot to see if he felt I needed to be referred to an orthopaedic specialist. There are no boots which they often use for stress fractures that would fit my tiny foot and having it plastered would only be detrimental as it would make my muscles much weaker and ultimately cause more problems. Surgery is often used when someone has multiple re-injuries but they said that is out of the question. So physiotherapy, compression bandage, rest and voltaren gel are the options. As I am osteopenic that also means that bone injuries take longer to heal than that of a person with normal bones. I am going to have my flu injection on 17th of April, as it is important for me to have it as I would get extremely ill if I got the flu.
This week I also had my physiotherapy appointment, which I was relieved to have, my right heel has been re-injured, it is so painful and weak. Kaitlyn worked on it, whilst I had heat packs on my spine and neck. She used the ultrasound with voltaren to try to assist with the inflammation and pain. On days when I feel so awful, Kaitlyn is my extra special guardian angel, caring for and helping me.
In footy tipping I am leading by just one point to Nana and then Pop is a few points behind. My poor Tigers did not have much luck in their game in terrible, wet conditions last night, I was so disappointed but it is early in the year, they have plenty of time to improve and move up the ladder.
Today was a true Autumn day, sunny but cool, the leaves on the trees are beginning to change to a gorgeous golden colour and it is becoming darker earlier.
'Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today, make yourself a list and start ticking off things that you would love to do or achieve, don't let any challenge stop you for having a go'
Saturday, March 23, 2013
WEEK 7 AT SCHOOL AND A VISIT FROM MY CARE TEAM
16th to 22nd March 2013
The clouds were grey and dismal, the rain came falling like tears from
heaven, the winds ripped and roared, today was such a dreadful day. Then as if by magic in the afternoon the sun
pushed determinedly through the heavy clouds and the skies turned blue. I breathed a sigh of relief, for tomorrow is
our School Fair, I am so looking forward to having my stall and hopefully
raising as many funds as I possibly can for The Sydney Children’s Hospital
Foundation Brain Tumour Research Fund.
Last weekend was spent working on assignments, it is important to me to do
my very best, I can’t work solid, I do a little then have to have a rest,
before I can do anymore, so for me it takes so much longer to complete a
task. So what someone can do in an hour
would take me the whole day.
This week at School for English I got to see Bell Shakespeare – The
Players, Macbeth Undone performance. I
thoroughly enjoyed it; there were four actors, two females and two men who were
able to portray the story splendiferously. They put a modern day twist on the
classic and it made it so much easier to absorb. I especially loved the characterisation the
actor who played Lady Macbeth did, she was so believable and strong, which is exactly
how she should be played. I would highly
recommend this group to any school who is studying Shakespeare.
In Sports Science we have been working on components of fitness and
investigating different types of training, like continuous training, circuit
training, resistance training and plyometric training, just to name a few. Next week we are doing a circuit training
practical lesson and also our school cross country.
In Maths we have begun our new unit on Money Matters, we are looking at
simple and compound interest at the moment, we have worksheets to complete and
some work on the computer. Money Matters
is a unit that covers day to day maths that we all really need to understand.
I was so thrilled to have my physiotherapy appointment again this week,
Kaitlyn worked on my buttocks and neck.
I did not feel as much relief as I normally would but that is probably
because I missed a week. However those
heat packs, they are just wonderful, I wish they never had to be taken off.
I also had a visit from my care team.
I now have my panamax and oxycodone at the same time so I am getting a
double hit of pain relief at the same time rather than trying to spread them
out. My oxycodone has also been increased
and I can have break through doses when required. The team were looking at slow release pain
relief that lasts longer, but due to my swallowing issues, this was not an
option. My nurse is going to check on me
again next week to see how I am going and the doctor has written up morphine on
my medication chart, in case my pain is unable to be controlled with the
present medication.
I am leading the footy tipping competition, last week I got six correct
and it was so exciting that my Tigers won their game, Benji Marshall was just exceptional.
Many thanks to Kay, Anna, Stuart and Monique for their contributions to my
Fair Stall, you are all so wonderful and together we will hopefully make that
difference through the funds that we can raise to help researchers continue
their work.
Two very special people lost their battles with disease this week, Rodney
and Sylvia, my prayers and sympathy goes out to their families during this
difficult time, may you be comforted by the special memories that you hold in
your heart always. Life is so precious we do not know how long each of us have,
so live each and every day to its fullest.
This special quote comes from a little box of beautiful and inspiring quotes
given to me this week by Elizabeth; it was extra special meeting you.
‘With each good thought that we offer to mankind, we perform a new miracle’
Saturday, March 16, 2013
CANBERRA'S CENTENARY AND THE FINAL INTERCLUB FOR THE SEASON
9th to 15 March 2013
A huge event occurred in Canberra this week, we celebrated our Centenary. One hundred years ago Lady Denman, the wife of the then Governor General Lord Denman, stood upon the newly laid foundation stones and announced that the name of the new Australian Capital would be Canberra.
Canberra was not the first choice to be the Capital City of Australia, both Melbourne and Sydney were seen as the preferred cities. Melbourne was seen as the obvious choice at the time as it was Australia's largest city, however Sydney was older than Melbourne so it was thought to be the better choice. So because of the constant debating and rivalry between the two, Canberra was the chosen place.
A variety of names were thought of for the new Capital City including: Olympus, Paradise, Captain Cook, Shakespeare, Kangaremu, Sydmeladperho, Eucalypta and Myola. But on 12th March 1913, at midday Canberra was finally the name chosen.
The Centenary of Canberra celebrates many things but mostly the history and heritage of our bush capital as well as looking to the a bright future.
On Saturday, my family and I went to the lawns of Parliament House to welcome an extraordinary person, Gavin to Canberra after a two day bicycle ride from Sydney raising awareness and funds for Still Birth and SIDS. He and many other riders who had lost babies and young children to either Still Birth or SIDS were riding for such a special cause, being carried by the wings of their angels as they rode. He was so surprised and happy to see me there cheering him on, he was exhausted yet he managed to smile and give me a wonderful hug. I think it was a very proud and special moment, he inspires me and he says I inspire him. His lovely wife Gill was there also cheering him in, with their absolutely gorgeous baby girl, Adia. The official amount raised is yet to be announced but it looks like they have raised around $90 000 for the cause, which is a huge effort.
The rest of my long weekend was spent working on homework, with it been Week 6 at school our workload is quite large and demanding. So Nalani, Jarrett and I were all working extremely hard on our work.
At school this week we finished our Algebra unit in Maths and next week we are starting Money Matters which I am looking forward to with great anticipation. In English we watched the Roman Polanski movie of Macbeth, at times it was a little violent and very dark but that is the story itself, it is not one of hope. In Sports Science our work has continued on our fitness programs for our chosen sport. I have been doing heaps of research and finding it so interesting and now I can hardly wait to put my program together.
Karen, my Canberra care nurse visited this week and we talked about how I have been feeling; my pain, nausea, restricted throat and other things. Next week I am going to have a visit from the doctor and also my CNC nurse Wendy as well as Karen. They are going to make sure that I am well looked after and that all my needs are met.
Nana, Pop and I are doing footy tipping again this year, well the first week we all had dismal results. Pop and I got 2 and Nana is just leading with 3. So far this week I have not done too well either with losing the Thursday and Friday games. My Tigers did not have a good start to the season, however Benji said they can only improve from now on.
It was the final Interclub for the Summer Season of Athletics, there was only one event, Shot put because in Canberra at the AIS this weekend the Relay for Life is taking place and the many tents have been erected in the centre of the the track and that is where the throws areas are.
Nalani and I both were throwing, Jarrett had given us a distance to aim for, for me it was 1.11m and Nalani had a goal of 5.55m. We had six throws each as there was only the one event and also not as many competitors as usual. I ended up throwing 1.24m and Nalani threw 5.96m, both distances over what Jarrett had set us, so we were really excited.
The final Interclub was also extremely special for me because Louise Ellery was there, she had an official role this week but she still gave me 'high fives' and encouraged me. Having someone so inspiring there supporting you really makes you try your best. I was also again told that I had one of the best techniques that the officials had seen, that put a huge smile on my face.
I have experienced pain, nausea and some other issues this week but I always hold my head high, there are people who are suffering more than I am and I won't give up and let these things stop me from doing what is important to me.
Next weekend is our school fair, I am going to have a stall called 'Dainere's Rainbow of Hope for Brain Tumours', I will be raising funds for The Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation Brain Tumour Research Fund, it is so important to me that one day a cure for this horrendous disease is found and the only way this can happen is through research and without funds there can be no research. My vision for the future is that no child will have to suffer like I have, that the treatment and its effects will be lesser and perhaps one day a test may available as a early indication of a brain tumour and then a mild treatment can be given before the damage is done. Ultimately that anyone that is diagnosed with a brain tumour will have a 100% cure rate.
Any cancer is terrible, it not only affects the person who has it but also those who love them the most, their family and friends. Congratulations to my friend Ally, who shaved her head this week for The World's Greatest Shave, she is helping to raise funds and awareness for leukemia.
There is a magic within each of us to achieve the impossible, we only have to bring that magic out through our hearts and thoughts and we can make a difference.
A huge event occurred in Canberra this week, we celebrated our Centenary. One hundred years ago Lady Denman, the wife of the then Governor General Lord Denman, stood upon the newly laid foundation stones and announced that the name of the new Australian Capital would be Canberra.
Canberra was not the first choice to be the Capital City of Australia, both Melbourne and Sydney were seen as the preferred cities. Melbourne was seen as the obvious choice at the time as it was Australia's largest city, however Sydney was older than Melbourne so it was thought to be the better choice. So because of the constant debating and rivalry between the two, Canberra was the chosen place.
A variety of names were thought of for the new Capital City including: Olympus, Paradise, Captain Cook, Shakespeare, Kangaremu, Sydmeladperho, Eucalypta and Myola. But on 12th March 1913, at midday Canberra was finally the name chosen.
The Centenary of Canberra celebrates many things but mostly the history and heritage of our bush capital as well as looking to the a bright future.
 |
| Gavin and I, after his ride from Sydney to Canberra, he is extremely inspiring |
On Saturday, my family and I went to the lawns of Parliament House to welcome an extraordinary person, Gavin to Canberra after a two day bicycle ride from Sydney raising awareness and funds for Still Birth and SIDS. He and many other riders who had lost babies and young children to either Still Birth or SIDS were riding for such a special cause, being carried by the wings of their angels as they rode. He was so surprised and happy to see me there cheering him on, he was exhausted yet he managed to smile and give me a wonderful hug. I think it was a very proud and special moment, he inspires me and he says I inspire him. His lovely wife Gill was there also cheering him in, with their absolutely gorgeous baby girl, Adia. The official amount raised is yet to be announced but it looks like they have raised around $90 000 for the cause, which is a huge effort.
The rest of my long weekend was spent working on homework, with it been Week 6 at school our workload is quite large and demanding. So Nalani, Jarrett and I were all working extremely hard on our work.
At school this week we finished our Algebra unit in Maths and next week we are starting Money Matters which I am looking forward to with great anticipation. In English we watched the Roman Polanski movie of Macbeth, at times it was a little violent and very dark but that is the story itself, it is not one of hope. In Sports Science our work has continued on our fitness programs for our chosen sport. I have been doing heaps of research and finding it so interesting and now I can hardly wait to put my program together.
Karen, my Canberra care nurse visited this week and we talked about how I have been feeling; my pain, nausea, restricted throat and other things. Next week I am going to have a visit from the doctor and also my CNC nurse Wendy as well as Karen. They are going to make sure that I am well looked after and that all my needs are met.
Nana, Pop and I are doing footy tipping again this year, well the first week we all had dismal results. Pop and I got 2 and Nana is just leading with 3. So far this week I have not done too well either with losing the Thursday and Friday games. My Tigers did not have a good start to the season, however Benji said they can only improve from now on.
It was the final Interclub for the Summer Season of Athletics, there was only one event, Shot put because in Canberra at the AIS this weekend the Relay for Life is taking place and the many tents have been erected in the centre of the the track and that is where the throws areas are.
Nalani and I both were throwing, Jarrett had given us a distance to aim for, for me it was 1.11m and Nalani had a goal of 5.55m. We had six throws each as there was only the one event and also not as many competitors as usual. I ended up throwing 1.24m and Nalani threw 5.96m, both distances over what Jarrett had set us, so we were really excited.
The final Interclub was also extremely special for me because Louise Ellery was there, she had an official role this week but she still gave me 'high fives' and encouraged me. Having someone so inspiring there supporting you really makes you try your best. I was also again told that I had one of the best techniques that the officials had seen, that put a huge smile on my face.
I have experienced pain, nausea and some other issues this week but I always hold my head high, there are people who are suffering more than I am and I won't give up and let these things stop me from doing what is important to me.
Next weekend is our school fair, I am going to have a stall called 'Dainere's Rainbow of Hope for Brain Tumours', I will be raising funds for The Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation Brain Tumour Research Fund, it is so important to me that one day a cure for this horrendous disease is found and the only way this can happen is through research and without funds there can be no research. My vision for the future is that no child will have to suffer like I have, that the treatment and its effects will be lesser and perhaps one day a test may available as a early indication of a brain tumour and then a mild treatment can be given before the damage is done. Ultimately that anyone that is diagnosed with a brain tumour will have a 100% cure rate.
Any cancer is terrible, it not only affects the person who has it but also those who love them the most, their family and friends. Congratulations to my friend Ally, who shaved her head this week for The World's Greatest Shave, she is helping to raise funds and awareness for leukemia.
There is a magic within each of us to achieve the impossible, we only have to bring that magic out through our hearts and thoughts and we can make a difference.
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