60plus and loving life

health and fitness

Mother’s Day, breast cancer, love & well-being…

By Posted on 0 4 m read
two women in a park

Hello my lovelies

It was Mother’s Day in Australia and the US (UK is a different month/day) on Sunday just gone.

I have a tradition whereby I run a 5km fun run that is a fundraiser for breast cancer research. I have entered the fun run for several years now as I’ve always believed it’s a good cause and I have had a number of friends impacted by breast cancer and one friend died last year after contracting it for the third time (plus it had spread throughout her body). She refused any further treatments as she wanted to go out on her own terms. Full respect for her and her decision. She was a beautiful soul.

Last year my daughter joined me for the run (usually we’d catch up for lunch after I completed the run). It was fantastic to have her with me and little did we know that a year later the run would have far more significance for us.

(The main image photo is my daughter and I after we finished the run – the love and bond between us is clear to see. She is the best human I have ever had the honour to know and love and I am so grateful to her for all the support she has given me, plus her quirky humour and kind and generous nature.)

Now I am the 1 in 7 women who has been directly affected by breast cancer. Read about the stats at the link here understanding breast cancer.  My diagnosis was less than two months ago, my surgery (lumpectomy and 5 lymph nodes removed) 8 weeks ago.

I have healed really well and I have returned to all my former pursuits. Running, dancing, gym workouts, hiking and walking my dog. I’m also back at work, I never really stopped, but some of my specialist appointments and my surgery and recovery days were during working days (I work part-time, 3 days/week). My workplace has been super supportive and my boss has said I can take as much time as I need, even if it means I suddenly need to leave work – which actually did happen when I first saw the surgeon and had surgery the following day.

I have also made some changes to my health and wellness routines. I quit alcohol completely, the minute I got the diagnosis, I’m like “I’m done…” alcohol is toxic and my body was unwell and now healing and there is no place for toxins. There is a direct correlation between alcohol consumption and cancer. Studies show that alcohol increases the likelihood of certain cancers, but there is no clear indication that it impacts one after a cancer diagnosis, but the recommendation is to steer clear – see this link for further information alcohol & cancer.

I am currently dealing with two separate cancers (got a diagnosis of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma a couple of weeks after the breast cancer diagnosis). So basically, for me, alcohol is off the menu – permanently and I don’t really care, it’s not something I will miss.  Whether alcohol played any role in my cancers is irrelevant really, my aim is to have optimal health and only consume things that have a positive impact at the cellular level and help with my healing journey.

I truly believe that the lymphoma was stress related. There is research that has found a link with chronic stress and speeding up the spread of cancer. Chronic stress also weakens the immune system – you can read more about it here connection between chronic stress and cancer. There is no direct evidence stress causes cancer (however a weakened immune system due to chronic stress may be a trigger), but it sure as heck makes it grow and spread like wildfire.

Therefore, in addition to rejigging my health and wellness routines, I have eliminated all forms of stress from my life. People who aim to cause me stress are no longer a part of my life, I literally cannot afford to have drama queens/kings causing me distress or trauma. I am meditating daily (it really, really does help in creating an inner peace) and focusing on the positives in my life, of which there are many.

I also decided at the beginning of last week to alter my diet to being entirely plant-based. For years now I have tried to eat only fresh food, mostly plants – but in addition I did eat meat and fish, eggs and some dairy. I feel that this is the right decision for me and my health, wellness and recovery/healing journey. I love finding veggie recipes and already had a bunch of go-to recipes that are plant based. I love chickpeas, hummus is life! So far, I am not missing or craving meat and I am increasing my nutrient intake with more veggies, legumes, nuts and pulses. And yes I am aware that I need to ensure sufficient Vitamin B12 (nutritional yeast for the win!); calcium and iron. I’m good at ensuring I get the right mix of food each day. Plus two tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily. There is evidence to suggest that the lignans in flaxseed have a beneficial effect, particularly in relation to breast cancer. Read about it here: 3 nutrients cancer survivors should know.

I have also eliminated refined sugars, the processed kind, not the sugars that you obtain from fresh fruit. There are different types of sugars and it’s the refined ones that cause damage at the cellular level. There is no direct evidence linking sugar and cancer. However, there is “…accumulating evidence that sugar consumption is associated with increased cancer risk, recurrence, and mortality.” (Reference link Sugar & Cancer UCSF.)

I’ll keep you all updated on my health and wellness journey, particularly with my tweaked nutritional regimen. In the meantime, stay well, stay healthy, stay strong!

 

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What are you grateful for in your life?

By Posted on 0 3 m read
gratitude - photo of woman on a beach

Gratitude is an interesting concept. It’s important to acknowledge what we have in life for which we can be grateful. Sometimes it’s challenging to find something. When life is testing you or presenting you with serious challenges you can lose sight of the good things.

I’ve had a rocky start to 2023. It began with a long-term relationship ending suddenly and abruptly. However, with time to reflect, I have realized it was one of the best things to happen. The person who removed themselves from my life was not good for me and given the things that happened shortly afterwards, I am deeply and sincerely grateful that they decided to end things. It has given me the space and time to reflect, move on and prioritize my own well-being.

In rapid succession I was diagnosed with breast cancer, then non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and a wee bout of Covid thrown into the mix! In the weirdest way I am grateful I found the lump in my breast and eventually got the surprising (and unwelcome) diagnosis of cancer. Because of that I had scans that picked up the non-Hodgkins.

If the other person had not decided to walk himself out of my life – I think my health would have been far worse as the stress and impact on my emotional and physical wellbeing would have been overly taxing!

As for my health journey, I am feeling fantastic. I have a team of medicos looking after me and I have a Naturopath for the complementary treatments and advice. I have tweaked my diet to be even healthier than ever, no alcohol, no refined sugar and exercise daily.

For me gratitude is important. Even if it’s just “hey, I woke up and here I am!” I am meditating daily and I have found that is so helpful in staying centred, calm and balanced emotionally.

What am I grateful for?

  • my daughter (she is my rock)
  • my sister (she is in touch daily and we share health updates and humour)
  • my body (it has allowed me to recover from surgery quickly and it is capable of so many things)
  • my dog (he is awesome!)
  • my job (it’s fun and I have the best colleagues)
  • my meditation app (Balance – check it out and no, I’m not paid to promote it)
  • My gym (I have literally the best trainers and gym buddies)
  • My friends (they know when to get in touch and when to let me get on with things)
  • My dance classes and teachers and dance friends (they are supportive and fun)
  • The place where I live (it is literally paradise on earth!)
  • Running (I love to get outdoors and go for a run, living near the river is a bonus!)
  • Hiking and getting out into the countryside (I find my emotional well-being is uplifted)
  • My medical team (I don’t always agree with them, but they are all fabulous in looking after me)
  • The amazing women and men I have met on this cancer journey (their strength and endurance astounds me, our gallows humour is the best!)
  • And you! All of you 🥰
  • I probably have many more things to be grateful for and I will add to the list when I think of them
  • Lastly, I would like to acknowledge gratitude to the man who walked out of my life at the beginning of the year, he did me a favour by leaving and for that I am deeply grateful. I wish him well in life (far, far away from me!😂)
    .

What are you grateful for? Let me know 🥰

gratitude rituals

 

main image credit: Fernanda Festucci

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Relationships

Healing, healthy, happy…

By Posted on 0 2 m read
This is just the beginning of my journey

Hello, lovely readers!

After years of dealing with partners who were emotionally unavailable, controlling, or downright abusive, I now have incredibly strong boundaries and I will not accept less than respect – that goes both ways!

But let me be clear, healing from toxic relationships is not an easy process. It takes time, self-reflection, and a willingness to confront the pain and trauma that has been inflicted upon us.

For me, the healing process began by recognizing the patterns of behavior that were present in my previous relationships. I had to take a hard look at myself and acknowledge the ways in which I had contributed to these toxic dynamics, whether it was by enabling my partner’s abusive behavior or by suppressing my own needs and desires in order to keep the peace.

Once I had gained this awareness, I began to set healthy boundaries and prioritize my own well-being. This meant cutting ties with people who were toxic or who did not have my best interests at heart and learning to say “no” to situations that did not align with my values or needs.

It has been a difficult and painful journey, but one that was ultimately worth it.

So, if you’re currently healing from a toxic relationship, know that it is possible to move on and find love again. But it requires doing the hard work of self-reflection and prioritizing your own well-being. Trust yourself and your instincts, and don’t settle for anything less than a partner who treats you with love and respect. It’s never too late.

Until next time, keep loving life and moving forward towards the healthy and fulfilling relationships you deserve.

image credit: @espiritu iluminado

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Staying well…

By Posted on 0 3 m read
image of the back of a woman with the text stay strong

Hello and oh gosh, it’s almost the weekend already!

I hope you’ve all had a stellar week and that all is well in your world😁

Y’all know I was diagnosed with breast cancer and then subsequently non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Double-barrel cancer!

The non-Hodgkins is nothing to worry about, no treatment apart from high dose Vitamin D (recommended by the Haematologist) and then a follow-up in 3 months and more blood tests. It’s linked to the ILyAD clinical trials that have shown promising results with Lymphoma patients and Vitamin D. More on that trial here.

The breast cancer is all gone, but the Breast Cancer Oncologist wants me to undergo several rounds of radiation treatment, then go on hormone blockers. I’m waiting to hear from them re when I’m to book in for the radiation. I’m still not comfortable with the idea of that treatment and would prefer not to undergo it.

However, I will make a final decision when I hear back from them. Oh they just called! I’m booked in for a consult with the Radiation Oncologist (yet another specialist!) in a couple weeks time. I’ll go, but I’m still not sure I’ll take the treatment.

The hormone blockers sound horrendous. One sort may cause endometrial cancer the other can crumble your bones to dust! All sounds very appealing (not).

In the interim, whilst trying to decide what to do, I went to see my Naturopath.

She has given me natural oestrogen (estrogen) blocking tablets 2 per day and some natural remedies to detox and strengthen my immune system.

Alongside my super healthy, nutritious and plant based fresh food diet, with healthy carbs and protein. Oh and flaxseeds, ground flaxseeds, my Naturopath recommended them and I had already started to add them to my morning oats or smoothies. I’ve ordered a little electric spice grinder as the mortar and pestle grinding takes to long and essentially I am lazy and when I’m smooshing them I end up with the little feckers flying all over the place! And she recommended oatstraw tea – it’s actually quite delicious, so I’ve added that to my health arsenal.

I have also been having regular Vitamin C infusions. There is research supporting Vitamin C and cancer which I have referenced in my previous post – here’s the link if you’d like to check out the research around this topic wellness journey and research links.

So I’m onto my third week with the Vit C infusions and they have incrementally increased the amount. Starting at 15ml, then 30ml and this week 45ml. Next week it goes up to 60ml (usually it’s 1ml per kg of body weight, I’m around 54kgs, but they decided to round up for me, thanks to my double cancer load!).

The infusions take around an hour to an hour and a half. I’m usually sat in a room with a couple of other clients. Last week and this week I met two women (different both weeks) who are all going through either breast cancer or multiple cancers. They are either going through the full chemo and/or radiation journey with complementary treatment to mitigate the side effects of chemo/radiation, or completely natural treatment (one woman last week) or like myself – surgery and then natural treatments.

It’s good to chat with people in a similar situation to myself, it’s both nurturing and bonding. We discuss the various treatments, both conventional and alternative that we have or are undergoing.

Each woman’s journey is uniquely her own. The beauty of meeting women in this environment is that we sit in no judgement. Whatever path a woman chooses to take for her own health is her unique path and her own choices around what works for her and her body.

I am on my own journey as you are on yours.

I will be your cheerleader, whatever decisions you decide to make.

IV drip

 

 

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My wellness journey…

By Posted on 2 5 m read
image of a woman with the words, nurture yourself with loving kindness

Hello and I hope you are having a good start to your week. This is a bit of a longer read than usual, but it’ll be worth it!

I’ve mentioned in prior posts about being diagnosed with breast cancer – here’s a couple of links, so you can catch up if you are new to my blog, I’ll be here when you come back health update #1  and health update #2

Since then I’ve also been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma – slow growing (they actually call it “indolent” – I apparently have a lazy cancer!😂) And yes, I can certainly laugh about it! I’m seeing a Haematologist today for further information. More on that appointment below.

I’ve been doing some serious soul searching around all of this – I am fit and healthy and I also have cancer. Bit of an oxymoron – but here we are!

I feel absolutely fine and in really good spirits. I am also being brutally honest with myself in searching out answers to what may have caused my body to turn on itself.

The breast cancer is estrogen (oestrogen) sensitive. I was on Hormone Replacement Therapy for some years. There is strong evidence based research that HRT can lead to breast cancer. Here’s a research article you can read which explains the risks a little more. There are different types of breast cancer and some are genetic/hereditary. There is no breast cancer in my family, so I believe that mine is linked with the HRT.

After the breast cancer surgery (lumpectomy and lymph nodes removal), the Oncologist has recommended Radiation treatment, then hormone blockers. I’m taking the time to think about that. Everything has happened so quickly, I literally have not had the time to process and think about what all this means to me and my well-being. I am fortunate and relieved that chemotherapy has been taken off the table. I am also completely supportive of anyone that requires chemo.

As for the Lymphoma, good news on that front. The Haematologist confirmed that it is Follicular Lymphoma, low grade, slow growing, indolent and not requiring any treatment at this stage. He has opted for a “wait and watch” approach. I will have follow-up blood tests and another appointment in 3 months.

In the interim he pointed me to current clinical trials looking into the benefits of Vitamin D on Follicular Lymphoma. He recommended I increase my Vitamin D supplementation regimen. Here’s a link to the research ILyAD (Indolent Lymphoma and Vitamin D) and another article here Lymphoma and Vitamin D    

The link with insufficient Vitamin D is interesting. I live in Western Australia and we get plenty of sunshine and sunshine is a prime provider of Vitamin D (other than food sources like egg yolks and oily fish i.e. salmon, sardines etc.) Check this link for more information Sunshine and Vit D

I regularly get out in the sun, but I generally wear sunscreen which blocks the beneficial UVB that you get from the sun that has Vitamin D. I have been taking a supplement for some time now, however my Haematologist basically told me to double the amount.

It will be interesting to see what my blood work shows in 3 months.

The Haematologist said the cause of the Lymphoma is difficult to pinpoint or determine. He said it could be linked to environmental factors such as heavy metals. He pointed out that western countries have high numbers of people with Lymphoma. Whereas other less developed nations do not have such high rates. Lifestyle also plays a factor in most, if not all, cancers. Being seriously overweight/obese can increase your chances as can poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.

I am not overweight, I exercise regularly and I eat fairly healthily. So those factors are not what contributed to my diagnosis.

I believe that stress plays a massive role in cancer development. Again, there is evidence based research that investigates the links between high/chronic stress and cancer development and progression. Read more here How stress affects cancer risks and here Chronic stress and cancer.

Chronic and unrelenting stress has been a cofactor in my life over many years. I have held down high level, but extremely stressful job roles. I have had to deal with toxic bosses/managers and I have been made redundant from a couple of jobs and that in itself has caused me immense stress.

Unfortunately, I have also had a couple of seriously stressful relationships, with partners that either have anger issues and or controlling/manipulative behaviors.

I truly believe that the chronic stress I have been under for many years has definitely contributed to my cancer diagnosis.

Things that I have done to mitigate these stressors, even before my diagnosis:

Early last year I quit my last high stress/full-time job. I picked up a part-time job that is low stress, a lot more fun (great team members) and generates enough income for me to get by.

I have eliminated toxic people from my life. All of them. I do not allow any negative or toxic or drama-ridden people access to my life.

I have found a life partner who is kind, gentle, sweet, thoughtful, compassionate and loving.

I have family and friends that are supportive of me and I of them.

The other things that I have decided to do in my journey back to optimal health:

I have started having Vitamin C infusions (intravenously). I came to this decision after reading about some very promising clinical studies on the beneficial effects of Vit C and certain types of cancer – see links here for more information Cancer and Vitamin C  and here Vitamin C can kill cancer cells

I will do a separate blog post about that experience.

I am able to return to my exercise regimen after my surgery and Covid that slowed me down a bit.

I’ve been able to dance and go for runs for the last couple of weeks.

This afternoon I am doing my first Body Pump class (it’s been 4 weeks since my surgery). I am beyond excited about doing a proper weights training class. I know I’ll have to go lighter – my head says go the full weights, my body says – not yet!

I’ll build back up to it, but thrilled to be back into it all.

I am doing another dietary overhaul and reviewing all my macro and micro nutrients to see what may be missing for optimal health.

I am seeing a Naturopath this week to talk about re-balancing my hormones and improving my immune system. I’ll give you all an update on that after the appointment.

In the meantime, stay well, be kind to yourself and surround yourself with good people!

 

 

 

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Health, fitness, dogs, dancing and coffee!

By Posted on 0 3 m read
Dog in car

I take my health and fitness very seriously. I am committed to healthy (and balanced) eating and exercising most days of the week. I love to run outdoors and I also love heading to my favourite gym and jumping into a weights, yoga or cardio class. I love my fitness instructors and my workout buddies.

I also love to dance and I have a whole community of dance friends, including my lovely teachers. The older one gets, the more important it is to keep moving, do some resistance training, stretching and balance work.

Sometimes you can get stopped dead in your tracks. I’ve had to take some time out from my fitness regimen as I’ve had a couple of health issues to deal with, including numerous tests, biopsies and a surgery.

When I say time out, I mean from my full on routine. I haven’t entirely stopped. Well, not until Covid bit me again – that stopped me for a whole couple days!

I had to slow down on the weights training after the surgery to give myself time to heal. No problem, I went for super long, brisk walks and a hike in the countryside. Then returned to dancing once the surgeon gave me the all-clear. Which was literally a week after surgery as I was healing so well.

That is why I stay healthy and fit. It helps my day to day life, eases life stresses, keeps me emotionally balanced and prepared me for facing a couple of health scares that I really did not anticipate.

I was back running and hit a cardio class last week. This week I was cleared to head back to weights training.

Then I got bloody Covid again! Seriously?!? I had it last July and not too bad, this time was about the same. I felt absolute garbage for a couple of days with a temperature/fever. Then that cleared and I started to feel better day by day and today I am feeling fine and dandy.

I know that restrictions and isolation rules have ended. However, I am mindful that other folk are more susceptible to getting really sick, so I have spent all of this week at home.

Yesterday and today I was able to get outside and go for a couple of long (6km) walks with George (my dog) and a quick car trip to the drive through coffee place. I took Georgie-boy with me, so he could get his dog bikkie from the server. The pic above is George waiting on his dog treat – that face!🥰

I also have a favorite YouTube exercise woman who does a weights workout that I enjoy. I have weights and exercise equipment at home, in fact, one of my spare rooms is set up like a mini gym. Useful when I can’t run in the dark or on heavy rainfall mornings.

So, for the first time in a while I did some weights training and oof! I am feeling it today, but you know what? I’ma going to do it all over again today. It’s such a wonderful feeling to notice my muscles are in action again!

I am giddily excited at the idea of going back to my full on training next week. Really cannot wait!

I tested negative to Covid this morning, and fortunately so, as I have an action packed weekend coming up. Two dances – tonight & tomorrow night💃🕺

Plus my gorgeous partner has booked us in for a private lesson to learn the Viennese Waltz tomorrow during the day. That’ll be a challenge for me. I can do the basic box step regular waltz. I’ve watched couples dance the Viennese Waltz and it looks so elegant and flowy! I surely hope I can channel my inner elegance and learn this lovely dance routine! I’ll let y’all know how I go…❤️

 

 

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Relationships

It’s been a hot minute!

By Posted on 0 2 m read
Narcissist list of faults image

Hey everyone – hope all is well in your corner of the world…

I’ve been a bit distracted lately with the ole breast cancer (getting better and thanks for asking!) I’ve got radiation coming up in a couple of weeks. But I’m happy to say that the Oncologist has advised me that they got the tumor completely out with healthy margins and one sketchy lymph node (and they took 5 jic!) and she actually used the word “cured” and that was good to hear! Unlikely to come back, but I will need hormone blockers for 5 – 10 years as it was estrogen (oestrogen) sensitive.

Then on top of that I came down with Covid (second time, first time was last July).

I was starting to think the universe was just plain messing with me!

I’ve had the last couple of days off work – I’m symptomatic and don’t want to spread Covid to workmates or other folk I come in contact with…

And as you do, I’ve been at a bit of a loss. Felt a bit too ill and brain foggy to write a blog post. Couldn’t even read my book yesterday (and anyone that knows me, knows I am a total book-worm, so if I can’t focus to read – I must be unwell!). So I’ve been doing Insta, TikTok and FB scrolling for entertainment, until my head hurt too much and I had to stop and have another nap or three!

The above image came across my feed and literally made me laugh and almost spit out my morning coffee! Talk about accurate!!

I mentioned in an earlier post about a previous r/ship I was in whereby the man involved was a narcissistic, gaslighting, manipulative, lying and cheating scumbag (well probably more than one post, but hey!). The one I am referring to is this one here – feel free to have a quick read, then come back. I’ll be waiting for you.

So, suffice to say that the above image really resonated with me. It’s a tactic of toxic people to make you think you are the problem. They sound convincing, but you know in your heart and soul that it is just not true what they are saying.

Trust yourself, believe in your gut instincts. Do not be manipulated. Run.

This man and his entire family were toxic. The way that they spoke to each other was absolutely appalling. He would show me messages from members of his family where they were either abusing him in the most disgusting and degrading manner or abusing each other. It was the most ugly behaviour I have ever had the misfortune to come across in my entire life. Seriously, nothing comes close. Nothing!

not my circus not my monkeys

 

 

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Life & its curve balls!

By Posted on 0 3 m read
image of woman with words "I will overcome"

First up I’d like to say hello to one of my lovely followers, Linda in the UK. Thank you for your kind message Linda. Sorry to hear about your health, wishing you a good recovery and I hope you have a lovely birthday on Friday, I’ll be thinking of you❤️ You are damn right too, we are not going anywhere!!

This is surely an interesting journey that I am on. It’s a bit of a steep learning curve and I’m becoming familiar with new medical jargon and expanding my knowledge of terminology that I am familiar with, but had not really taken the time to fully understand.

I had another biopsy today on my errant lymph node. It was a bit painful, they had to top up the local anaesthetic after the first pass through. That helped. Results from the biopsy will be through by next Tuesday.

I asked if I could go for my morning run tomorrow, but no – can’t risk a haematoma. I was just being unrealistically optimistic😂 I have been going for runs, dancing and aerobic gym workouts, because my surgeon cleared me to get back into it all. It was absolutely amazing to turn up to my spin class at 6 in the morning, I was so happy to see everyone and they were happy I was back.

My fitness instructor had organized a card for me that everyone had written beautiful messages within. She is an angel! I also went to my favorite Tone class (Les Mills fitness) and my beautiful Tone instructor gave me the best hug! I love my gym family and my dance class family and all my other friends – I am surrounded by a warm tidal wave of love and care and I am truly blessed.

My daughter has been by my side at every single appointment, waiting patiently for various tests and procedures and surgery. Just having her presence helps calm me in those moments when it gets a bit overwhelming. Plus I’d be lost without her – like literally lost. Those hospital corridors are so confusing! If she wasn’t with me, I swear I’d still be wandering around looking for radiology!😂

I am also fortunate to have an incredibly caring and compassionate partner, he is an absolute gem. It is such a delight to be with someone who is genuine, considerate and warm-hearted. I am so, so blessed to have him in my life ❤️

My oncologist appointment is tomorrow afternoon, she wanted to see me before the latest test results come through. I’m guessing she’s going to put my treatment plan in place, probably from as early as this coming week. One good thing with our health system is that they sure are speedy! Will be good to get it all underway.

One thing I do want to talk about is how this journey is different for all of us. My journey is not the same as the next woman’s journey. My emotions and how I react to the things going on around me are unique to me. I did have a friend tell me that I am obviously “angry,” “isolating myself” and probably thinking “why did this happen to me?”

Well. First up. No, I’m not angry – this is a random thing that has happened and I am dealing with it rationally. It’s like planning for a long-distance race, I have a plan, I know I have to pace myself, I know I will cross the finish line and I know that something might trip me up on the way, but I’m good at picking myself up again and carrying on regardless.

Second – I am not isolating myself. I am surrounded by family and friends. I am out at the gym, dances, dance class, catching up with close friends for coffee, going out with my partner, hanging out with my daughter, going to work and generally having a bloody good time!

Finally, self-pity is not in my lexicon. This could have happened to anyone. It has happened to me, that is a fact. I am dealing with this in the best way I know and I will overcome and I will persevere! Don’t you doubt it!!

 

 

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…not dead yet and still stylish!

By Posted on 4 5 m read
women in blue hospital gown

Well, as stylish as one can be in a blue hospital gown! I took this selfie right after surgery when I was still a bit lala from the general anaesthetic!

My life has taken a bit of a plot twist and I’m currently busy on a side quest that I wasn’t expecting, but I’m more than ready to deal with, overcome and head back to my main life!

I’m always in training for something. An upcoming run or charity fundraising event. I used to be in Master’s Athletics and competed with others in my age range and I’m proud to say that I did win the occasional race and nice medal.🏃‍♀️

I’m also always in training for life. Running, weight training at the gym for strength, dancing, a bit of swimming and some yoga/pilates for flexibility.

This is my lifelong training for everything. Physical well-being, emotional well-being and joy & happiness in what my body is capable of doing and ageing as well as I possibly can.

Life however, can throw a curve ball at you that you just weren’t expecting.

Fortunately, I have great hand/eye coordination and can catch anything coming my way and throw it right back!

I found a lump in my breast. At the initial scan they said it was probably a swollen lymph node and nothing to worry about. I was advised to have a follow up scan after a few months.

At the second one the radiologist was more concerned and said I should have a biopsy. My GP (regular doctor) sent me off for the biopsy which I had on a Tuesday.

Two days later on the Thursday, I saw my doc’s number come up on my phone and I was like “aaaah shit, that’s going to be bad news.”

He said I had breast cancer in the right breast. He’d made an appointment for me to see him the next morning, at that appointment he told me he’d made an appointment with a breast/oncological surgeon for the following week. He then said that as an “old school” GP he was ordering a CT scan for me (click the link if you want more info on what a CT scan is about) and that most modern medico’s don’t bother with a CT scan for a breast cancer diagnosis. Good he did, more on that below.

Everything then moved at lightening speed. I had blood tests and the CT scan the same day.

I saw the surgeon on the Monday morning, she said I needed surgery to remove the lump/tumor followed by radiation treatment. But that it was one tumor and prognosis was good. She did mention she already had the results of the CT scan and there was “something of concern.” So she ordered a PET scan for the upcoming Friday (more on PET scans at the link if you want/need more info.) I had the PET scan on the Friday of that week, earliest they could book me in. That one is a little more intense than the CT scan and is looking for “hot spots” tissue/cells that “light up” as they are likely cancerous.

The surgeon also said she had availability at the end of her surgery list the very next day after the Monday appointment. She then asked if I had any questions. I asked when I could go for a run and head back to the gym after surgery. She laughed and said most people need encouragement to lift their arm and do some stretches!

So Tuesday morning my daughter drove me to the hospital for admission. I had to have another procedure first whereby they inject a radioactive substance into the tumor (OMG that one really hurt, no local anaesthesia!) To see if it goes to the lymph nodes. If so, then the cancer has decided to have a wander further into the body.

Mine had wandered into one lymph node. So in addition to the lumpectomy the surgeon removed 5 lymph nodes, the sketchy one and a few more “just in case” I still have some – which you need, they tend not to take all of them out these days. The lumpectomy is “breast conserving surgery” aimed at keeping as much of the breast intact as possible, rather than a mastectomy.

Fast forward to one week and one day after surgery (Wednesday of the following week). I had a follow-up appointment with the surgeon. And I also got the results of the PET scan.

So, first up – the surgery was successful, the scar was healing really well. I’d been going for really long walks every day (surgeon said I could), including a hike on the weekend.

Then came the news of the PET scan results. There is a “hot spot” on my abdomen, a tumor there adjacent to my aortocaval close to the coeliac artery & adjacent to the left ureta… and a “lit up” lymph node in my left groin. Oof, that was unexpected.

The new tumor is not related to the breast cancer at all. It’s completely separate and they have no idea of the severity (other than it’s already decided to travel to a lymph node – rude!!)

I will be having a biopsy of the lymph node this week to confirm what it is and what stage it’s at. Then it’s chemo for me.

I will also be sending my lovely GP, Dr Gary, a giant bunch of flowers for ordering the CT scan. If he hadn’t, this new issue would have remained silently making it’s way through my body and creating deadly havoc on the way.

Everyone, my GP, my surgeon, the breast care nurses, my friends are all like “you are so fit and healthy” this is such a shock.

Yeah, it’s a shock to me too. But like I said ^^ I have been in training for living life. I am fit, I am healthy, I do have cancer. I am in the best possible physical and emotional fitness to deal with this and whatever is coming at me in the next few months!

I have the best support and I am so, so fortunate that I have my wonderful daughter who is my rock and has come to every appointment with me and spent hours hanging around the hospital with me. My lovely sister who has offered to fly across the country to be with me. The most amazing friends who dropped off meals for me after surgery and that I can call on at any time. And a beautiful, compassionate, kind and caring man in my life who has totally blown me away with his capacity for empathy and kindness. I am so very blessed!

And to finish on a high note. We are going dancing this Saturday night (doc has cleared me), but only for gentle partner dancing, a bit of jive (no rock n roll) and the odd line dance. I have a cute pink dress ready to wear and bunny ears (it’s is Easter this weekend after all!) Happy Easter y’all, however you may or may not celebrate!🐇🐣

Here’s another pic of a different hospital gown… blue and burgundy seem to be the colour range! I think both suit me 🥰

woman in burgundy hospital gown

 

 

 

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all about the dog

Therapy Dogs: A Paws-itive Impact on Mental Health!

By Posted on 2 3 m read
dog running in the park

Who doesn’t love dogs? They’re cute, cuddly and oh-so-loving. But did you know they can also serve as your personal therapist? Enter the world of Therapy Dogs!

Therapy dogs are trained pups offering emotional support to people in need, whether they be in hospitals, schools, or even airports. These dogs are not the same as service dogs as they don’t perform any specific tasks for a person with a disability. Instead, therapeutic dogs play soothing roles, helping individuals to relax and cope with anxiety, stress, and depression.

It’s not surprising that such furry companions can improve mental health. Research shows that stroking and petting dogs can reduce stress and anxiety hormones like cortisol, while simultaneously increasing happy hormones and feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain (Harvard Medical School. A little wagging of tails, nuzzling, and snuggling go a long way in influencing human well-being.

Dog therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many organizations offering programs for seniors, hospital patients, and school children. Even airports have implemented therapy dog teams to help ease the stress of travel.

One specific group that benefits a lot from therapy dogs is children. Kids have been shown to have better self-esteem and social skills and lower anxiety in the presence of dogs (Fine et al.). The benefits of therapy dogs are numerous, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood and socialization, and increasing physical activity.

One major appeal of therapy dogs is their non-judgmental and unconditional love. They don’t care about our appearance or background, and they don’t hold grudges. A therapy dog simply wants to be by our side, offering their furry warmth and calming presence. Studies have shown that interacting with dogs can even lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

My dog George has been a therapy dog since he was two years old. He’s a Spoodle (Cockapoo, Doodle) and has a beautiful, calm temperament, ideal for working with the elderly and with children.  Everybody loves George and he’s super friendly and chill.

Therapy dogs must pass rigorous health and behavior assessments to ensure they’re well-suited for the role. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), as it’s called, also requires specific training and certification for both the handlers and canine companions (Smith & Matuszek). So, it’s not just about the cuteness factor.

Of course, not every pooch is cut out to be a therapy dog. Some breeds are more naturally suited to the job. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are popular therapy breeds due to their affectionate nature and easy-to-train personalities.

While the process of training and certifying therapy dogs sounds intense, the results make all the effort worthwhile. So, the next time you’re feeling down, instead of picking up your phone and scrolling through Instagram, why not cuddle with your furry friend or visit a therapy pet outside. After all, they say that dogs are a person’s best therapist!

REFERENCES:

Fine, A. H., Tedeschi, P., Elfenbein, H., & Rosenthal, S. (2015). The handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice. Elsevier.

Harvard Health Publishing. (2018). The health benefits of dogs (and cats). Retrieved from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-of-dogs-and-cats

Smith, M. C., & Matuszek, S. (2010). Animal-assisted therapy: An emerging opportunity in oncology. Journal of Oncology Practice, 6(6), e21-e23.

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