Wordless Wednesday : Of scales, claws and the beating of drums.

Our new, beautiful 12-metre long dragon boat arrived !

 ' Champion' racing boat !

With customised dragon scales on the hull in our club colours , a new drum and complete with an ornately carved and painted dragon’s head at the bow and a tail (not shown yet) at the stern. Our old dragon head looks like a school project next to it

I'm not sure when our maiden paddle is and there is a special ceremony to dot the eyes.

It's large; large enough to seat up to 20 paddlers, a sweep stands on the rear . During races a 'drumme' balances upon a small wooden seat on the bow. Then we battle it out to the beating of drums. The paddlers represent the claws. 


Lifting the new boat is a piece of cake (with a few strong women and men) compared to our older boats. They arrive on 40ft sea containers in packs of ten (on a slow boat from China)

An InLinkz Link-up

♥

Are we ever really cancer free ? ..the buts and ifs

It's here.
Not , less than 10 days to Christmas.
I feel anxious, though I have no reason to be.
My scans are stable , except they have yet to scan my thigh where the malignant tumour MPNST was.
I will be asking for that to happen.

My husband and I head will travel 400kms to Sydney to see the Radiaiton oncologist for 6 monthly follow-up appointments, tomorrow, with Radiation Oncologist at The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Care Centre Westmead (what a mouthful)

We are so thankful for the Oncologists and other medical Drs who kept (keep) us ticking. This morning I read an article that nails it and helped me understand some of my own feelings.



This is a snippet.

I would always figure out what needed to be done and then did the best I could to move on, happy and worry-free. But now, not so much. I worry about my health, along with every ache and pain. I think about all the possibilities of what could attack my body. I think about my kids, my hubby, and my family. I think about cancer finding its way back into my life. Although I am a strong person and live a healthy and active lifestyle, I feel physically vulnerable all the time. What if the cancer never left? I sometimes fear that it will never be gone. Is anyone ever truly "cancer-free?"

I feel more emotionally vulnerable. That gut wrenching feeling is with me every day. Little aches and pains send subconscious shivers through my soul. I can't brush the worry off.

No amount of therapy would help because the fear is intense. I deal with it as best I can. I keep busy.

But the moment you are sent home with your "get out of jail free" card, you are alone, unsupported, and left to deal with the after effects no one really warns you about. No one tells you that you will come down from that adrenaline rush to a place where you don't know what you feel, think or how to move forward in your life.

http://www.ihadcancer.com/h3-blog/07-12-2014/Are-We-Ever-Really-Cancer-Free

I hope that it may be of some help to you, to understand too.

♥

Wordless Wednesday : Pan Pacific Masters Games - If you think a minute goes quickly

Not #PPMG14

 My Gold Medal

Paddling with this Cancer Survivor team (plus ringin's)

This was Great Grand Masters 10's (not my race) 500m

1st 500m Race Cancer Survivors Team #PPMG14

An InLinkz Link-up

Sorry, I missed you all last week I was away 5 days - paddling !  ♥

Then she ripped my eyebrows off...why I'm not a beauty blogger.

Last week I thought it was time to commence the summer beautification of my body. Any improvement was bound to be a gain.

I loved being hairless during chemo ; the silver lining of the poison that ripped through my veins.

I booked in with a beauty school dropout student 'beautician' . She completed my slightly hairy arm pits with no dramas.

We chit-chatted and I admired her dandelion tattoo . I had just the previous day been envying them on Google images while searching for a post title or quote for my Wordless Wednesday dandelion photos.

I confess my secret desire for a real tattoo but I am too chicken to ink. I have six tiny dots , 2 on my left thigh, my right and left hip and 2 about my pubic bone that were radiation markers.

Then she called her tutor over to ask about my brows.

Oh oh o...kay.

The tutor explained and started the process of waxing my eyebrows. Then she left the BSD to complete the mammoth (pun intended) task.

The waxing itself wasn't painful but then I felt immense stinging and thought , that doesn't feel right. OUCHY.

I came home and they were still burning , red and puffy.

The next morning I had scabby side brows - I'd been eyebrow scalped , skinned alive. It's taken 5 days for the scabs to fall off. To think I paid $7 for this treatment ! I didn't see it coming and never had it happen before.

Was it worth it - no way ! I'm not doing that again, or there. I think I'll try threading.

Lesson #2 - I open my emails this morning - the offer for a free manicure and pedi was too good to be true because I suck at applying nail polish. What could go wrong ?

I was dressed and out the door in 5mins. Same venue different Beauty school student.


The mani was relaxing, I almost feel asleep during the filing , buffing and slight shaping.Then she applied hot pink nail varnish - only not all the way to nail base edge only up to the crescent 'moon' shape and not evenly. I asked why ? and she said they weren't allowed to cover it.

I think my eight yr olds could do better ... I excel at exaggeration !

Well, I loved the neon pink colour and I thought briefly about coming home to fill the ugly gap ...but seriously my nail-polish-applying abilities would be tested. I scrubbed it all off instead with nail polish remover.

This is the look I wanted (after the ugliness of unpainted half moon) - a half moon mani as seen on celebrities and catwalks

The pedicure was reasonable - my ugly runner's toe nails look marginally better in black polish - it covers my hideous bruised black nails from the half marathon. Not many people will see them because I live in my Asics runners due to ongoing Plantar fasciitis in my right foot.

I guess it isn't everyone's desire to handle smelly feet (I wiped mine with baby wipes prior to leaving the car haha) - kudos to her. She did soak them , the water wasn't warm enough for me and the foot spa didn't do anything.

I'm jealous the other ladies got a longer foot massage. I also missed out booking a hot stone massage - hopefully someone else cancels.

Undecided about risking any other treatments - though my friend assured me she has the works 'burger' there ...

Have you had beauty treatment disasters ?
Do you trust students to save a buck ?
On a scale of 1-10 what is your score for nail-polish-applying abilities ?
Got any tips for me ?

 ♥

This is their story ~ Relay For Life

Once a year , all through the year , communities across Australia come together to walk (run and wheel) alongside carers, survivors and supporters - fun and friendship ensues.While there is a truly sad side , it also is a time of celebration.

The Cancer Council took to the track to ask our Relayers to explain in their words - What is Relay For Life?

This is their story and this is Relay For Life #ThisIsRelay

Whether you Relay to honour a loved one, to show how proud you are to have survived cancer or simply because you want to make a difference. Every Relay has a story.

I am sharing this because I am passionate about Relay for Life -



 ♥

A Scoby of Kefir Milk - What the ?

A friend from the local group of women (& kits) I run with offered me a Scoby of milk kefir.

I had heard of it but until this week I had no idea what it actually was, what it did or what it looked like. Kefir is a delicious probiotic beverage.

A Scoby is a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeasts !


It has opened up a whole new world to me ! 

I took her up on the offer Wednesday afternoon and I am hooked. She also shared some of her garden with me - raspberry and strawberry plants , peppermint and I have more offers of plants when my garden is ready. As she showed me around her garden and her chooks - I was most envious and ready to stick a cracker under my husband inspired to dig deep .

Now - I've joined the local Plants and Gardens Facebook group. More plant , garden and information sharing.

There is also so much to learn and the community of fermenters (not a bit like dementers) is so supportive. So what are kefir grains ?

Alex Lewin, ‘Kefir grains are combinations of yeasts and bacteria living on a substrate made up of a variety of dairy components.’ 

The live kefir grains look a bit like cottage cheese or cauliflower florets. They have a gelatinous in texture - mine was a soft blob. Don't be put off. 

credit - wki pedia.

 Milk kefir , rich in beneficial bacteria, contains phosphorus, vitamin K, biotin and folic acid - all essential nutrients to health and well-being.

The best site for information I have found - which has everything you need to know about fermenting and preserving is Cultures for Health - this is about Kefir


Another Facebook friend added me to this Australian group when I asked - PRESERVING, FERMENTING and HEALTHY EATING - Australia.


This was my first batch - last night.

 You can get Water kefir too - I didn't get any of this yet because it is much slower to grow.

My interest is the research (I admit I've only just started reading the literature ) that Cultured dairy foods potentially play a role in the prevention of cancer as they exhibit anti-tumoural effects.

Tell me have you heard of Kefir ?
Do you ferment or preserve food ?


  ♥

5:2 Baked Parmesan crust Chicken Schnitzel with no oil

I recently started the 5:2 lifestyle with 2 days of fasting* (loosely followed at the moment).

After, watching the full documentary Eat , Fast and Live Longer from Michael Mosley and the science made sense to me with my nursing background. It is also recommended for those who want to reduce their cancer risk.

You can forge your own 5:2 path with any type of healthy 'diet' - Paleo , Vegan / Vegetarian using this basic plan. Google it , there is so much to learn.

There are 5 days of week to eat normally (obviously not pigging out excessively if you want looser pants) and 2 days of only 500* calories (women) 600 (men).

I am also joining in with Kirsten and Co for #operationloosepants - be careful with the #hashtag though #operationlosepants sounds more fun.

Last week was #4 and I'm late to the party - the mission to get looser pants by Christmas.

I've been following my own #operationskinnyjeans path and already have weeks 1-3 nailed.

I am in perpetual motion - doing 70,000 steps a week running , walking and incidental exercise. Plus I've been following a 30 day (day 25/30)  challenge involving sit-ups, lunges, push-ups, planks, wall sits and tri-dips. I've passed 600,000 in only a few months.

Paddling training will also resume 3 days a week now it's daylight savings (if I make it to all sessions). 

As Kirsten says - it's all about little steps…that don’t lead me to the fridge

 I digress - Week Four:  Try A New Recipe = get in the kitchen and give a new recipe a go!

Without a drop of oil ...I made healthy Chicken Schnitzel with Parmesan crust

I used this 5:2 recipe found at Lavendar and Lovage - for inspiration -  around 300 calories a serve (about 2 pieces because I used tenderloins here).

I didn't have time to style my food because my husband thinks eating food is more important than instagramming or photographing it.

Serves 2

250 - 300gms Chicken Breast or Tenderloins
1 egg white lightly beaten.
2-3* Tablespoons Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
2-3* Tablespoons Dried Breadcrumbs (I used homemade with wholemeal bread toasted)

(I prefer more crumbs and to have some over then trying to get every last crumb)

1. Slightly flatten your chicken breast or tenderloins until they are an even thickness.
2. Lightly beat one egg white.
3. Rub breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese together - put them on a plate.
4. Dip the chicken schnitzels into egg white , then crumb mixture and coat evenly.
5. Place the onto a non-stock baking tray or onto baking paper (then bake in the oven until golden and cooked through (depending on thickness of chicken used) . I used my Actifry and they took 12mins.

I decided to use lightly beaten egg white to bind my breadcrumbs because the Actifry has a grooved base. I skipped the garlic and herbs this time because of my fussy lad.


Parmesan Crusted Chicken Schnitzel passed the particular husband test too !Served  with steamed vegies or grilled tomato - it was so delicious.

The ActiFry 2 in 1 made it so easy and it took 12 mins. I have used a similar recipe in my oven before. 

Today, I made a tasty chicken schnitzel, avocado and rocket sanga for lunch with leftovers.

Linking up to #IBOT and Essentially Jess

  ♥

What I think about Pink.

I celebrate the diversity of life and that we make up our own minds when we make a purchase.

It's Pinktober again.

I've come to dislike the plethora of pink merchandise  - commercialism of pink ribbon and breast cancer for profit.

I'm just over two years out from my Breast cancer and two days into October I've seen some bizarre campaigns to promote awareness or in the name of donating to research.

Several breast cancer bloggers I follow are disgusted about one hotel chain's plan to raise money and awareness for breast cancer - by promoting a woman in a provocative pose with their  “Get into Bed for the Cause” campaign offering guests luxurious pink sheets, pink robes ...

I am just as appalled.

Each year an increasing number of pink products are being pumped out and pimped with a pretty pink ribbon.

Breastless and bald doesn't make an advertising campaign. The all things pink and pink ribbon has been hijacked by some  unscrupulous and well meaning companies whose purpose is to boost sales, push products on the public because they will donate 10 cents to cancer research or awareness.

Yes, while contributing only a fraction of the profits they proceed to lure people into buying for a good cause - yet are you really donating to charity or to the cure ?

Make a bigger difference by donating directly to your Cancer charity of choice.


We're aware. Please find a cure for my friends diagnosed with 'terminal' secondary (breast and other) cancers that will ultimately cut short their life and give them grief and suffering trying to outlive the treatment.

Many were diagnosed early and it made no difference. The cure is what we need.

This is what breast cancer really looks like, not a woman in bed, legs in the air - adorned in a pink robe.

 I'm a survivor of life,  and all its challenges so far . I don't know if I will survive my two different cancers. I say I had Breast cancer , if someone wants to know and I'm a warrior not quite a survivor. I will live in it's shadows always.

My battle scars from the storms and wars I've weathered remind me every day. There is no avoiding it I feel even when my clothes cover the scars. 




  ♥

I Touch Myself Project

I started to see news of this project featuring Chrissy Amphlett's “I Touch Myself” filtering through my Facebook feed last night.
It is too close to my heart. It stopped me in my tracks.

• Talking to strangers or people in my real life about my boobs or lack there of. I feel a bit creeped out weird about what I overshare ; things I wouldn't have dare previously said out loud  to people about in real life .

Right now I have a pain in heart and a tear in my eye. I'm living in fear.

As Chrissie rode out on a horse called Music , she left us this legacy (sorry Willie) when she passed away almost a year ago

Early detection is vital.
My friend the dear Mrs Woog is an ambassador for

I Touch Myself Project.

Go ahead and check it out , then check yourself I'll wait.

Not sure how ?

One of the reasons I am blogging about my breast cancer journey is to raise and spread awareness. I know that reminding people to check their breasts could save their life.



Right now - I have a tortuous and terrifying 8wks wait (for a PET SCAN to see if the nodules found recently on my lungs are something to worry about - related to Breast cancer (or my MPNST Sarcoma) or nothing. They are too small right now to biopsy . The fear is crippling me. I wouldn't wish it on anyone - so please take note and touch yourself.


Touching yourself is healthy habit that should be as much a part of your daily routine, like showering, dressing and looking in the mirror. 

You don't need to wait for a special day, check your breasts wherever and whenever works for you but do it regularly. A minimum of monthly is recommended.


I was always a little Breast Aware but even so I was slack and hap hazard about checking.
I wasn't aware of all the changes to look for ...it isn't just a lump.

Most breast changes aren’t due to cancer - but if you find a change that is unusual for you, see your GP to make sure.

I had 2-3 symptoms at diagnosis - though my breasts were always lumpy. I found this website which tell you what to look for

A new lump or lumpiness, especially if it's only in one breast. A change in the size or shape of your breast. A change to the nipple such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion. A nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing A change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling. An unusual pain that doesn't go away.

I had 2-3 symptoms at diagnosis - pain, discharge on squeezing (because I had pain) and my breasts were always kind of lumpy. I did see my GP immediately, both times I had nipple discharge. May 2011 it wasn't breast cancer (that I know).

How do you reduce your risks ? 

How do you calculate your risk based on evidence ?
Calculator

 I didn't know that an inherited faulty gene only accounts for 5% of all breast cancers. Even then breast cancer is so common that it need not be a faulty inherited gene that causes BC within the same family.

I thought it couldn't happen to me , though I've had several mammograms and ultrasounds despite that misguided belief...just for reassurance.


So have you felt yourself today ...you can never be too busy !


 I'm sorry if this makes your uncomfortable !

Watch the video and share it with all the women (and men) you know.

Thanks to Allie's suggestion - yes there is an app for that .

a fun one - Your man reminder

http://www.ibreastcheck.com/  in App store and Android.

  ♥

The C word and marking time.

My life is marked with big medical events on the calendar ...but at the same time not.

The perils of being at the mercy of public health system. (I might add a great system when it works in your favour. The local base hospital were prompt to treat and drain my haematoma , by ultrasound -twice this week.I am very grateful)


Yesterday, one Sydney hospital called to organise my PET scan - first I needed the dates for when my radiation would be starting and finishing. The PET scan needs to be 12wks after I finish radiotherapy - though the Radiation oncologist wanted me to have it in 2.5 months time ???

Um *$#@ !

I called the Radiation unit where I have radiation [2hrs away] - no dates yet, no deal and instead of 4wks I was told - it might actually be 

6wks before I start, 

+ 6-7wks of radiation - 

add 12wks recommended wait after I finish radiation (due to inflammation)

 =25wks

They weren't able to give me much information , too early in the process.
 
So ? almost 6 months before I can get the PET scan.
Um *$#@ ! , *$#@ !, *$#@ !

It will be eight months since I was diagnosed, 7 months since the Chest CT showed things we weren't expecting ...the nodules on my lungs and lesion in my neck ? maybe my liver. 

The PET is supposed to monitor them and check for growth or NOT; it probably can't tell if Breast cancer or Sarcoma related ?

I re-called the PET suite, while I was on hold they rang one doctor (Not THE Dr I saw 2 weeks ago-she is away) and he said they could do it 6wks after I finish radiation.The lovely lady was 'confused' and is going to follow it up further.

Still till long.
Still too scary.
In six months a lot can happen.
I don't even want to think about it.


Today's quote

“The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.”
― Abraham Lincoln

Enjoy each day and dwell not so much on tomorrow - because if I worry think too far ahead my heart will break. !

So I am taking things one day at a time, it is the logical thing to do and worrying isn't going to hasten the process.

Cancer is a process, like all disease and illnesses.

In cancer we're always marking time , making decisions or being subject to decisions.
There are choices to be made, different treatments, many impossible possible options, with breast cancer and especially now with sarcomas. Different doctors have their own demarcation lines. It sucks they can't agree.

Waiting is *$#@ !* it is difficult to not let things get to me. 
Cancer (twice in 21 months) is a haunting situation; it feels like I will never ever relax again.

In happier news in the last few days many kind words have uplifted me, the Nurses at oncology, a few friends and church acquaintances, receiving in the mail :a daily devotional book from my SIL, several card (from the same friend) and a little peaceful thoughts kit and purple butterfly ring from a lovely blogging friend.

 ♥

Stepping out of my comfort zone, Naturally - RedBalloon review

 RedBalloon review

I was stepping out of my comfort zone when I decided to choose a Scientific Naturopathic consultation for my next RedBalloon experience ...I possibly needed a detox after eating all that chocolate and fudge.

What ?

Hands up who wouldn’t want more Sleep Abundant Health, Energy and Vitality!

I‘ve always had the understanding that  Naturopathy focuses on naturally occurring substances, minimally invasive methods, and encouragement of natural healing. I wanted to know more as I travel the path to recovery .

I trusted the fact that because they were a Redballoon experience they must be reputable. In the past I may have been sceptical about some alternative medicines with my nursing background / career. I know diet and natural therapies play a big role in healing in many cultures.

I had already booked this experience when I discovered my son’s new girlfriend, was ‘training’ to be a Naturopath. [A four-year Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy degree. She was telling me how much she loves microbiology one day...not my favourite health subject ]

Interesting, hmmm, I hope she curbs his junk food addiction.

I arrived early and was given a lovely cup of green tea (Of course)

My consultation with the scientific naturopathic practitioner began with a detailed questionnaire, then a patient interview focusing on my diet and lifestyle, health concerns , medical history, emotional journey {right now especially with cancer } and physical features like height and weight, skin , BMI and muscle mass. All information basically to give her a full picture of how I manage my health. She put me at ease and listened...not like some Drs who care less about the whole person.

The information I gave , used in conjunction with my results from the testing, helped determine my health priorities. The testing package includes a zinc mineral test, (zinc is one of the most important minerals for long term health and longevity) and the highly regarded cellular health test.

I was deficient in zinc and I had a few areas to work on with my nutrition.

I’m still under the Oncology team and having Herceptin treatment every 3 weeks so I'm always going to be cautious. All the advice I received was sensible . She actually asked more questions about my health and diet then they ever have. A lot of the advice was similar to what a renown nutritionist recommended a few weeks ago.

I got feedback on the health and energy of my cells, my body composition and the biological age of my body (I have the body of a 42yr old – hurrah). My body weight was spot on, but I’m lacking muscle mass. I’ve lost muscle mass since my breast cancer diagnosis.

After my Naturopath practitioner collated the results, she gave me a tailor made program including a few nutritional/dietary changes and supplement recommendations to target my specific health concerns and assist my body in returning to full health and vitality.

When I told my husband I needed more sleep ...he agreed 110% !
He said "Turn off the computer. Go to bed earlier  – you are not sleeping in".

I've really been trying to give a go but being sick the last week with a respiratory infection has not been easy.

I would highly recommend this experience. I trusted my practitioner's advice and I purchased a few recommended supplements, though there was no pressure to do so.

Personally, I wouldn’t advise anyone ever to rely on this type of treatment alone for cancer. Serious consequences may result avoiding or delaying conventional medical care. Also, if you are visiting a Naturopath, be sure you know what kind of training and education the person has. 

Thanks to RedBalloon and Radiance Healthcare  It was so easy to book a suitable time. A day later, when I wanted to move my appointment from 3pm to 4pm  , it was no problem to change with Radiance.

RedBalloon have the ultimate in 2500 + different experiences across Australia. The variety of experiences that cater to all ages ,and lifestyles means there is something for everyone to choose.

If you can't decide on an experience buy a gift voucher. RedBalloon vouchers are perfect for any occasions ...I really don't need 217 reasons to take a mini break this winter ! One would suit me perfectly.

There is a special deal for My Little Drummer Boy readers!

• Offer: Spend $129 or more on any RedBalloon experience, and receive $30 off.
• To redeem:  Visit www.redballoon.com.au and enter the promotional code REDMUM12 at the checkout to receive your discount.
• Terms and Conditions: Offer valid until 31/12/13. Promotional Code can only be used once per person. All purchases are subject to Red Balloon T&Cs, for full details see www.redballoon.com.au/help/terms-conditions

Disclosure: Thanks to the team at Digital Parents Collective for inviting me to be a part of the Red Balloon Experience Program. I will be sharing more awesome experiences with you over the coming months. Stay tuned!  As always, all opinions are my own however the experiences are complimentary.
I paid for my own supplements.



Linking with Essentially Jess #IBOT


 ♥

Wordless Wednesday ~ Found my camera - lost in the fog.

Next run I'm getting my tutu on too.

I noticed tonight these two kids have consecutive numbers to me - random snap taken by hubby - 35 secs ahead of me.

I was happy to see my Boys nearing the Finish line.

I've lost the purple'ish glints *sob*

♥