{ Boot Camp for Breast Cancer }

Laughing. like real honest, from the heart laughter.

Sweating.

Smiling.

Boogieing.

Breast holding. ( your own )

All with a group of strangers. And all for a good cause.

That was how I spent my Sunday at the Boot Camp for Breast Cancer.

It was so so so enjoyable.

People of all ages, dressed in pink, sweating it out to raise money for the Nelson Regional Breast Cancer trust.

$13,000 raised. All staying in the region to help patients and families who are finding themselves confronted with Breast Cancer.

I would so recommend you all to get involved next year.

Its low impact. And its fun.

So much fun.

A.x

{ Check up: Check! }

So it has come and gone. My first check up.

I am happy. and slightly elated to say that I am still all good.

I will admit that these last couple of weeks leading up to this check up, I have been a little off. Cranky even.

The 'what if's' were totally buggin'.

I quite liked seeing my Onco again. Was nice to chat without the chemo talk.

My test results were great and she had a wee feel around my neck area and all is well.

Perfect may have even been said. But hey. I am not bragging.

She mentioned that she showed her husband my blog post with my scan images.

He was quite blown away by what she does. haha. He had never seen actual visual evidence of what she deals with before and she said it was quite funny seeing his response.

"Oh so you helped get rid of that? Wow."

Made me chuckle.

I had a couple of things that I wanted to discuss but I was put at ease.

One of things: my breathing when exercising. Raspy and the inability to talk while doing the hard slog was a concern.

I am however going to have a lung test just to double check everything.

Will probably just come down to the obvious fact that: Yes I have had chemo and yes it may take my body a wee bit to get back into the swing of things.

First check up outa the way. Another wee milestone. Done.

The sweet tunes of the MPeople sprung to mind as I happily walked out of the hospital. Resisting the urge to boogie my way out....

"Movin' on up. Moving on up."

A.x

{ Shave for a Cure }

Philippa.
Phil.
Sweet Chily Phily.
Flipper.

My Friend.
She is pretty kick arse.

She was my go-to person throughout treatment. She always knew what to say. Or knew when not to say anything.

Phily has been a huge part of my recovery.

Think she's amazing? Just you wait.

Phily has bravely decided to participate in Shave for a cure.

She is going to shave off her luscious locks in December. Rock the chrome dome for a good cause.

She has set her target high. But thats what you get with high achievers!

She wants to raise: $ 5,000.

What a babe.

I wanted to let everyone know. Please spread the word. and if you're feeling generous - Donate some pennies.

Heres the link to her page: http://www.shaveforacure.co.nz/view_event_profile/7929

Please take a look.

I am so proud of you Phily. You are doing such a great thing.

A.x

{ Ponytail Dreams }

I have a confession to make.

I have been dreaming of Ponytails.....My very own Ponytail.

Some dreams completely revolve around the Ponytail.

And others dont. But. I have a ponytail. Always.

Its not long. Just a cute little one. And I quite like it.

The hair is topic for conversation lately.

"Oh! I like your hair."

Thanks. I like it too.

"Can I touch it?"

Yup.

Its back. Yes.

Its straight. Yes

And yes. Its a lot lighter than it was before.

I am LOVING the different stages of hair growth. Thankfully I dont look bad with short hair....well that is what I have been told and I am happy to claim the ability to rock any hair length.

Today I had a blood test. The first in what feels like forever!

I went to the hospital to have my bloods done like I always have.

Do you know. It was nice that the nurse taking my blood didn't recognise me.

Yuuuuussssssssss! Its not my hang out anymore.

This blood test is needed for my first 3 month check up - which is happening next week.

Cancer free. For three months. Yuuuuussssssssssss!

Lets rain on the parade for just a second.

R-E-L-A-P-S-E. 

Its an icky, make your skin crawl type of word. Like moist.

Its almost classed as a swear word in my eyes.

The return of a disease or the signs and symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement.

The word plays on your mind.

You try not to even let it be a factor in life but its there. Hiding away in the back of your mind.

I have felt great. No symptoms or signs jumping out at me.

But I will admit that I have been obsessively going over myself with a fine - tooth comb. Feeling for lumps.

I dont even notice I am doing it sometimes.

and I am searching in places that aren't even where I had the tumor.

I know that this fear is normal and over time it.will.get.easier.

Its all part of finding and adapting to your new normal, that they tell you about.

Things are changing.

I am going to be making some changes to my diet. Completely cutting out some nasties.

Bad Sugars. Some say its the root of all evil.

Yeah. We aren't going to be friends anymore.

Bit of a Detox in the works. I hear its going to make me feel energised and amazing.

Exciting times.

Watch this space.

Crazy to think that next month - Twenty Third of November -  It will be a year since I was diagnosed.

What a difference a year makes.

Full circle.

Sick. Diagnosed. Treatment. Recovery. Cancer free. Kicking arse.

A.x

{ Back in the Game }

Today was refreshing.

The rain has stopped and the breeze is crisp.

And I got to Photograph a couple of beautiful ladies who I have photographed before.

I met Kathleen and wee Sophia when Sophia was about 3 months old.

She is now One and she is just adorable.

A mover and a groover.

I loved seeing them again.

And slowly. Slowly. I am getting back in the game.

It feels good.

Happy Birthday Sophia.

You are so loved.

A.x

{ Good night heart }

"I would say I’ll see you in the morning

but I know all the good will be gone

it is clear you sadly have to leave now

so I wave good bye good heart

when the night is slowly sleeping and we come to the final tune

I hold you close to me darling and I hope to see you soon"

To a special lady. 

My Inspiration. 

and I know she was for a lot of people.

Another beautiful lady taken far too soon.

Your words will stay in my heart Lovely.

A.x