Okay, so I have worked in the ‘traditional’ media for the bulk of my adult life.
Earlier tonight I posted an update on social media – Instagram/Twitter/Facebook (InstaTwitFace:-) regarding the next surgery….
The amount of ‘likes/shares’ have made me sit up straight…Seriously?!
I’m pretty pleased to be at this point!!
Thank you………..KCx
Another bit of ‘not so light’ reading on Tamoxifen. Although there’s a bit in here, there’s a lot that’s not.
I’ve written about it before.
I’m still not used to this drug. Don’t know that I ever will be.
What a week it’s been!
I’ve seen a Rheumatologist to try and get on top of this bone pain. Cortisone injections, and all manner of other medications….Exhausted just thinking about when to take what. I guess that’s just part of my life now.
I also caught up with a good friend who’s a journalist. Happy to say she was enthralled with the whole concept of ‘Pink Polar’. Knows a good story alright!
Then, a call to my dear friend at the McGrath Foundation, explaining the intention behind the Expedition. It was so wonderful to be so warmly received. There are some incredibly special people working in this field and this lady is one of them:-)
Paul and I shared a truly memorable dinner with Geoff, his wife Sarah and children Jade, Java and Kitale. What an amazing family! I know I’ll write more on them in the future, but for now – my head and heart are full as a result of our time together.
A networking breakfast provided more inspiration from Steve ‘Ando’ Anderson (three-time Olympic Beach Volleyball Coach, Olympic Gold and Bronze Medal Coach) – who encouraged us all to ‘be deliberate’. So, deliberate I was in telling him (and anyone else who’d care to listen) about this amazing project!!
The next buzz came from the McGrath Foundation – confirming interest in what we have proposed. That’s a good thing!! ’cause I know there are some organisations which would run a million miles from the ‘potential controversy’ a project like this could bring. Surely they also realise our intention is good, that there are two dedicated souls involved and that my cancer experience could be used to assist in continuing Jane’s legacy (my goodness I feel presumptuous even thinking that let alone writing it – but I hope you understand what I mean).
Top off this week with a visit from Mr Hickson. Two old ‘media tarts’ (to borrow a phrase from former Qld Premier Peter Beattie [or Peety Betta as I once accidentally called him on air!]) having a good old fashioned catch up on the world.
Tired? Yep. Inspired? Yep. Determined? You have to ask?!!!
The trauma of having a Sentinel Node Biopsy (for the first time) will never leave me. I congratulated myself for having made it through that dreadful experience by reassuring myself that I would never have to experience the procedure again.
WRONG!
Same hospital, same doctor, same nurse, same bloody room……..same feelings of utter dread, disbelief and indescribable, unbelievably excruciating pain.
I politely asked if Paul could be in the room with me. When the answer came back as being ‘no, for everyone’s safety…..’ blah, blah. I turned into a pain in the arse patient, firmly, defiantly demanding his presence.
To further complicate things, they also had to perform a ‘hook wire’ procedure, where they use ultrasound to guide a wire directly into the tumour, so it’s easy for the surgeon to identify in theatre.
I sobbed so hard, taking a breath in hurt.
Some things are similar this time around, but the gravity of the situation is different.
I left the rooms where the procedures were done and gingerly headed for the room I would stay in after surgery. I was met by two of the key figures in the recovery from my previous surgeries. Nurses Margaret and Andy (Andrea) both told me they didn’t know what to say.
I was just happy to see their familiar faces.
My sister also came. With her baby Harrison.
Everything is different……
Big thanks to the team at MyGC for the opportunity to have a chat about the upcoming Australian Transplant Games.
Picture this – a sweltering Gold Coast afternoon, 25 individuals who have been to the brink and not only recovered – but are thriving examples of what organ and tissue donation, and a health focused life can be. Last weekend, a very special event occurred and I was lucky enough to be part of it. […]
This body is so capable – but it’s been through enough. I truly believe that, which is why I’m not completely terrified of a ‘suspicious mass’ recently discovered in my mouth. It’s coming out in a few days time. The surgeon is highly experienced and during the necessary scans and tests of late has become […]
Sometimes the most difficult battles require a peaceful, gentle focus. A huge shoutout to my Mum and friends Nerida, Lina and Ian for letting me have this lately while I’ve been unwell. Sincere apologies to everyone I’ve unintentionally snubbed. Please know when I say I’m ‘average’ or ‘not the best’, I’m not just looking for […]
KATE CARLYLE is weighing-up the best way to document her experiences with BREAST CANCER, LEUKAEMIA and BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT.
After years of blogging, she’s now finding it too taxing and believes social media updates are probably enough. However, the 38-year-old is often encouraged to write a BOOK.
KATE will continue sharing her story of survival via appropriate awareness campaigns and charity events, but wonders why so many people think she should put fingertips-to-keyboard, what is it they really want to know and what they hope to get out of such a work?
Encore Performances 