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


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De - Stressing in the Garden

One of my favourite ways to de-stress is to get into the garden. It is of the best ways I know of reducing my stress ( discounting the thorns on my rose bushes which has me muttering and 'ouch'ing a few choice words out loud) .

Is there a better way to celebrate the arrival of Spring ?

Aug 30th 5.30pm

Love our garden seat -we are taking it.

Mia using my  foam Herb box for scratching post.

I didn't take this pic of our Backyard - taken in May

With the weather warming up over the last two weeks, it meant we have been able to get a lot done in Charlotte's garden and the backyard garden. I have taken cuttings of all our roses, pruned and tidied it all up. It looks very bare now. I'm only planting herbs at the moment so no vegies except maybe tomatoes if I can find someone to water them.

Whether you love tending roses, native shrubs, caring for your lawn or pot plants , or even just pulling out a few weeds it burns a few calories too. Gardening for me works off stress and brings  a little peace to our hectic lifestyle and more important the results are pleasing to the eye.
 
The wattle at the farm is blooming already (but going) and I have to think about our garden plans there.

My favourite garden magazine is ABC Gardening Australia magazine. I have stacks of back issues I keep stashed away (a lot were given to us).

I received a copy of September issue of  ABC Gardening Australia magazine in the mail yesterday. 

GARDENING AUSTRALIA magazine is born from the TV show, is the bible for novice gardeners and green thumbs, and is Australia's leading gardening title.)  This issue has so many ideas for me to start rolling up my sleeves , donning my gloves and pulling on my work boots.

I was excited to see there is an article about transplanting and moving an entire garden.

TRANSPLANTING A GARDEN
Imagine moving home and taking your entire garden with you, roots and all. 

Credit -click this link to see the issue

Also, in September, I like these green ideas  -

Gardening Australia explores the changes readers are making to reduce waste within their homes, with simple (and economical) ideas such as:

• Nude Food - When shopping, choose low or no packaging and take your own bags (Nude food, was a term used by a 7 year old boy who wrote in, quite catchy!);
  

•  Boxed Goodies – use empty cardboard food boxes to place vegie peelings and worm scraps in each day, then put the whole page into the worm bin- the worms eat the scraps and the box so there is no emptying and washing of buckets.
  

Out now , the September issue of ABC Gardening Australia magazine is available from ABC Shops, newsagencies, supermarkets or by subscription.
A perfect Father's day idea as subscriptions are 40% until 17/9 ~$47
Subscribe today on 1300 656 933 or see the website http://www.gardeningaustralia.com.au/
for more information too.

I received a complimentary September copy only.
I chose to write this post myself because I enjoy the magazine.


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Thankful for small things

Small things and big thankfuls.

Yesterday I had to take my BAHA (hearing aid) into Darlinghurst for repair. I had a huge problem with the stupid %&$*#@ ticket machine at the train station. The short story - a boy about 17, dressed in the local High school uniform, came to my assistance and swapped his $1 coin for my change. My train was coming and I caught the train with 2 secs to spare.
This local HS has a poor reputation but the young guy's RAK was amazing.
Remind me to send the school a message about something GOOD !



Last week when my hubby went to the farm he noticed one of our eleven cows were missing.
This morning when he did a head count - still only ten.
Damn ! 
It meant cow number #12 (because #11 died after breaking her leg in the cattle crush) might be dead or with neighbours cows or gone ! It means possibly hours of searching too.
 
This afternoon a neighbour , from 1.5 kms down the road, drove up to say our missing heifer was on his property ...he could read our property name on the tag but not the phone number. A HUGE RELIEF !
Now we just have to work out how to get the cow back to our property.


It's good to be here at the farm. I am thankful .
There is so much stress in our life right now - I just feel a little bit calmer...
Tuesday's post is just not working !

 What are you thankful for ?

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10 ways to stress less while your husband is having an MRI

My husband is off having an Brain MRI right now , hopefully as we speak.

He had a follow up appointment with the Radiation Oncologist at Cancer care centre , all seems good. A huge relief .

Then he saw a Neurologist because of the the ongoing headaches. They decided they would do another MRI just to rule out anything, it's been 11 months and 1 weeks since his last one.

It was supposed to be 3 weeks ago but 15 mins after they booked the scan (7pm the same day after the appointments) by the time he had walked up to give/receive informative the machine had broken down.
They think it is more likely stress, and they told him to adjust his medications too.

I am not stressing. 


Last week , when Sam had his annual Neurofibromatosis  [NF1] review at the Children's hospital clinic . We saw the Specialist not just a registrar . She decided Sam needs a brain MRI too. Again just to rule out anything causing his vision changes.

The eye appointment 3 weeks ago shows his eyesight is slightly worse in left eye. The eye they can't see the optic nerve in because of the myelinated nerve fibres covering the disc.

In children his age they give them a trial mock MRI first to see if they will cooperate and lie still enough without a general anaesthetic. When I mentioned we were going away for 2 months in 3 weeks, she said let's try to get it done before you go...have n't heard yet.

If he can have it done without a GA the wait will not be as long. I am not stressing ... !

How do I stress less ?




(Just what I am doing)

I said to myself "I can manage at least a few of these every day" ...

He just called and is on his way home.
How do you cope with stress ?

Edited to Link up with Sif @ At the bottom of the garden's 10 things on Tuesday.
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What happened next -

Of course things never go to plan.
I could cry and rant about it but I save my tears and tissues for bigger issues.
It's not a disaster , not a catastrophe - just very disappointing.
Very. 
Yesterday less than 24 hrs after we left Dubbo we got an urgent phone call.
An email was sent.
Our only major business client has changed the dates requiring our business 'services'.
They want it to happen Saturday instead of Monday.
I kid you not.
Worse timing ever ? possibly ?
DH needs to be back, in Sydney, Saturday morning early.
Blogopolis day ...

It's a big name brand and we are only a SMALL cog in their 'production' wheel ; important, none the less.
NO 'room' to move or option to say NO.
There could be other repercussions if we tried.

I plan on staying I will not miss Blogger's Brunch and Blogopolis.

I could tow the caravan but I have yet to learn how to reverse it or back it into position.
Strike that idea. It is a damn long way too.
Plus , DH was going to have our boys on Saturday.

Can I fly home by myself and find some where to sleep

 find my way around ? ... of course I can.

The answer is easy but inconvenient and stressful.
I don't like the unexpected , changes stress me out and I've never been alone traveling before interstate.

My DH is stressed about my stress and his own fragile stress levels.

 
It's time I tried something new since I do plan to have a good time - it's not all bad news.
I just need someone to hold my hand...
I need advice on flights that allow checked luggage (twitter has been helpful). 
Onwards.
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How to be happier ~ Cope better with stress

Have you ever had weeks days on end where things seem to be crumbling around you  ?
More lows less highs.

Momentarily it can make you unhappy and very stressed .

My list of woes is as long as a piece of string ; some days I feel like I dangling on the end of a frayed rope.

• Yesterday we one sick little fellow , vomiting half the night & through the day. Ensuring that I had a mountain of extra washing (at the farm in a tiny machine...still better than hand washing).

• Last night, we had to euthanise one of our 12 cow$ after she broke her leg. Lucky DH called a neighbour and he did the deed (we have no guns-thank goodness). Consequently, DH was in a very snappy mood. I know it was unavoidable but he felt terrible. We were both tired too from sleep interruption with the spewy boy in our bed from 3am.

• I was also 'enlightened' about a few facts - I didn't know about before and that I can't talk about. Not fair.

• The Teen lost his well paying job due to tardiness in arriving at work and a day off without notifying them. He also had 2 sick days earlier the same week. DH rang and they said though he was a good worker and worked hard but they couldn't rely on him to turn up.

• Wednesday morning we got a call about a house inspection . We rushed about to get everything immaculate and an hour later it was cancelled.

• Thursday I thought I'd 'lost' one of my 4yrolds in the caravan park in/at the National park - no less.  Surrounded by tents/campers, caravans & cabins and trees & bushes .Sam was playing hide & seek with his twin in the playground one minute right in front of me, the next minute he was missing. Joel & I called for him - no response. I rushed 100ms down the hill to where hubby was ...not there. I ran back up the hill screaming for him , my heart racing with fear .!Then I saw a little bit of red [cap]. The little bugga was hiding behind the BBQ's. I was very angry with him , instead of being relieved. He didn't answer when we yeelllllllllllled at top of our voices called his name100 times. It was not my finest moment as a mother as I grabbed him and marched him back to DH.
• There is more but I'll stop here before you nod off.

Multitasking though one of my strong points (at times) , makes me a very cranky mum when I start  to drop the balls I am juggling. I am short ,snappy and exasperated with them for minor transgressions. 

I saw this at Muddled up Mumma.Yesterday.
I am glad I did.
I know it is my choice to be happier or NOT .
To be stressed or less stressed or manage and cope with my stress better.
How do you cope with stress ?
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Ups and Down

Somedays when we feel we could all use a little more
♥

Leunig

1. Guided Imagery like this
2. Journaling ... blogging
3. Sex (I didn't write this)
   
4. Laughter( Lol Cats and dogs are a good start)
   
5. Music Therapy & Listen To Music
6. Take a Walk I have been every day
   
7. Plant a Garden - I love my rose garden
8. Eat a Balanced Diet
9. Enjoy Aromatherapy ..stop and smell the roses or a dab of Lavender
10. Reduce Caffeine Intake
11. Drink in Moderation
12. Don’t Procrastinate
13. Learn Assertive Communication Skills
14. Share a funny joke about Extra Sauce or watch some Youtube funny & cute baby videos
    thanks Lily
    This has to be the cutest little boy rocking to Florence and the Machine's 'The Dog Days are Over' or
    

Just don't try it all in one day !


A few of my other favourites are

1. Pray ... talk to God it works for me !
   
2. Dance to your favourite music when doing the housework or to drown out the kids' noise.
   
3. Take to the waves for real ... sea air, salt water the sound of waves and the wind in your hair all contribute to a growing sense of calm...this is on my very soon to do list !
   

See more Thursday 13 here or here
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Slipperiness & Solace

Do you ever find yourself so completely overwhelmed by things that you have no real control over ? I guess I can't be completely alone.

Yet I find complaining somewhat unproductive and unattractive, do you ?
I know we all do it !
It's normal to want to 'vent our spleen' and rant 'n' rave.
Surely, if I tried I could easily find something every day to whinge and whine about.
Though who wants to do that or even read about it ?
Some waste their entire life whining and complaining.
Do it often enough and everyone around won't be able to stand you.

So I had a break from everything (my own and others whining...not you my dear readers)

Dealing with a diagnosis of malignant cancer , and then treatment, can bring on tremendous fear and anxiety in all involved.
I've been absent from blogland for 3 weeks trying to find solace.
Time has rushed by the last 3 weeks too, we've been so busy.

It was Time to go back and spend more of my available hours in the real world.
Painting (well DH actually).
Wallpaper bordering.
Scraping off old borders.
Cleaning & scrubbing.
Decluttering & packing.
Garage sale'ing & throwing out junk.
Mothering two small busy boys and an unwell husband.
Drowning in teenage hostility that is so hard to live with day in day out.

Then there was the first followup appointment for my husband with the Radiation oncologist 14th Sept.
It's been 6 weeks since radiation finished.
I really didn't expect her to say much.
Dh still didn't feel well, he is tired (of course with all he has been undertaking it is no wonder) and wound up generally.
He has had persistent headaches, weariness and other chest pains.

She booked him an urgent MRI. To rule out 'anything' else and check for 'brain swelling' or inflammation from the radiation therapy. She prescribed medication just in case.

DH had that Friday 17th night at 9.45pm ( was supposed to be 8.00pm) but they didn't know about his titanium clips ('Tumour' removal margin markers from his surgery). They refused to do it till they could find out.

It was at another Sydney hospital and they were ringing the Cancer Care Centre Hosp (a major hospital) and a major private hospital where he had the surgery.It's hard to get information at 9pm on a Friday night. A private hospital whose medical records were by luck still open at 10mins to 9pm. Even the MRI lady was amazed as most private hospitals close their medical records dept at 5pm.

Unfortunately,the specialist surgeon hadn't detailed the type of clips in the operation/ medical records. The newer model MRI machines have a stronger magnet they are ' 3' whatevers and the others are '1.5' ... I think they thought they would rip the clips out or displace them? .

I know they were just doing their job but it was frustrating. In the end at 9.20 pm I said "Look I'll call the Surgeon myself" and I did. I called the switch lady at the major Sydney hospital to ask her to put me through to him. She put me on hold to call the Dr and cut me off accidently. I called straight back and she answered and knew it me ...amazingly. Then she put me through in 60 secs. She was so extraordinarily helpful.

The Specialist Dr spoke to the MRI guy on my mobile phone . He confirmed it was ok to go ahead with the MRI but they made DH sign our referral letter to say he had spoken to Specilaist Dr and it was 'okay'. DRAMA. We just wanted it over with and not be left waiting another week.

The Radiation oncologist was going overseas for 3wks so she wanted to know what was going on before she went Tuesday. DH dropped the scans back to the hospital Sunday for her to look at Monday. The actual report takes 8 days. It was just stressful waiting for her call, holding our breath all weekend. The worry causing more sleeplessness (than the small boys coming into our bed.)

I just hadn't the time, let alone the desire to blog or come online.(Ok I lie I did want to)

The relief was overwhelming when the Dr called back Monday afternoon to say it looks ok to the Oncology team, they can't see anything and thinks it might be nerve pain because of surgery. He had fluid in his sinuses too. ??
They will repeat the MRI in a few months.
It was a huge relief but the headaches are still a 'pain'. DH also has been dizzy , and had other odd symptoms at times.
Maybe its stress and exhaustion too. He is just feeling unwell all the time.
It's hard not to be in control.
For both of us.
I feel powerless to do anything to help him.
Like I am stuck fast in mud.

(after the car was unstuck)

Out of control not unlike like the slipperiness of mud.
That DH sunk the 4WD into the other day.


We had gone to the farm for a few days on Sunday (till Thursday) for solace ... and because we had family visiting.
The wheels kept turning but going nowhere except deeper into the sludge.
There was no way forward or back.
Sunk up to and over the axles.


With his Mother in the car too...I could go to town on that one ;). LOL

It was in a back paddock ,'Spring Dam paddock", DH was giving his mum a tour.The boundaries of the farm property are wide (almost 2000 acres in total -2 farms) with patchy phone reception. Fortunately the mobile phone worked.
DH's uncle was at the farm and knew where to find them (DH,the small boys & MIL) They left the car there overnight - stuck fast in the mud.
It was funny and fun getting the car out the next morning.
The laughter was good.

Anyway,our house is still a huge mess.We have boxes everywhere.
Furniture everywhere out of place ...new carpet is coming Monday. We always seem just to 'finish' before we sell LOL.
The house is upside down and inside out ( yep half the furniture is outside or in the garage) but Monday (after new carpet gets laid) will be a turning point and putting things back in some sort of order will bring more solace.
Though it is scary we will be closer to selling.

It will be okay... this, too, will pass.
I am just so grateful for family & friends and hand holding ...xo.

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Stressless ..stress less ...less stress ?

Tough decisions.
Who cares ...really.

flickr

Some days I just want to crawl under the blankets and hide from the world ...since burying my head in the sand is not as pleasant an option!


I saw a poster






I said to myself "I can manage at least a few of these every day" ...

5 positive things ...

1. The beautiful friend who sent me a $urpri$e gift depsite her own turmoil.
2. The small wild things who slept the whole night in their own beds last night ( first time in a month)...then made me read "Where the Wild things are" while we snuggled under the blankets at 7am.
   
3. DH's Sister who is coming to bringing dinner when she minds my little boys this afternoon.
4. My Husband, his grace and inner strength.
5. My gorgeous little wild things who say "I love you Mummy"
   

Update : Dh radiation treatment for his facial/head cancer - today's countdown 5 weeks completed and one week to go (5 days of treatments).It's gone quickly and smoothly so far, though he is suffering (quietly) a few side effects but he soldiers on regardless.

My own last thoughts ...

#11 way to stress less... Only surround yourself with people that will lift you higher. People who will celebrate your highs and support you through the lows ...

#12 Pick more ...

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I ♥ my friends.

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