What have I learnt?

 Well here I am almost two weeks after surgery and with a lot of resting I have had a lot of time to reflect.  So what have I learnt from this ongoing detour? I am only sharing this in the hope it might help someone else (as others have for me). I am going to intermingle my thoughts with more joy that I have received in the way of gifts, cards and flowers.....oh and home cooked meals too! I am not going to share those individuals......you know who you are and how thankful I am......thankyou all xxx The first thing I have learnt is how incredibly kind and thoughtful others have been towards me sometimes from the most unexpected places. The postman and delivery guys know us well now! Home baked goodies brought a huge smile to Larry too......

I have learnt that cancer does not discriminate and if you already have a gene defect the statistics are not in your favour. For the record I have triple negative breast cancer with the BRCA2 gene defect which means I already had a 70-80% chance of getting breast cancer (and ovarian). Despite annual checks this sneaky lesion grew to 3cm in a very short space of time and I feel so lucky that I felt it. The down side to having this gene defect is that I may have passed this on to our adult daughters so they too will need genetic counselling and testing............

I have learnt that this surgery is quite uncomfortable! I had to have a double mastectomy and two weeks on I am still very sore but I am so grateful for these beautiful cushions that were given to me in hospital from the Zonta Club of Fleurieu Peninsula Inc.........

I have learnt that a room with a view in hospital is a welcome addition!!.........

Once again I learnt of the value of life saving blood donations given so willingly by strangers to help others. So I had another two transfusions while in hospital........

I have learnt that in times like this one needs to dig deep to find strength and courage. I have to admit that on the morning of surgery I was feeling quite terrified. Having already endured three long months of chemotherapy (and unwelcome side effects!), I think I was feeling quite vulnerable. As the sun came streaming through my bedroom window I suddenly realised I needed spiritual support from elsewhere. I came to realise that Larry and family and friends could only give so much. You have no idea how liberating that was to think that there is a spiritual power greater than mine that was already there to take my hand and help me through..........

I have learnt that one should listen to one's body and accept that sitting at the sewing machine once again is going to take time!! So rest is important and having a hand crocheted shoulder shawl gifted to you is most comforting.........

I have learnt that one's toes are very good at picking things up off the floor and that hanging rails in wardrobes are very high!! I've also learnt that the giving of gifts brings great pleasure to others and that sometimes they seem to know me scarily well and that they want no fuss or thanks!!!.......

I have learnt that dinner cooked by others tastes the very best and that occasionally one can have a treat........

I have learnt how important friends and family can be and having them stand by your side is so essential and I am so grateful......and that my hair (and eyelashes), will grow back again one day!!!!

I have learnt that no matter what the little people continue to grow and that we are blessed to have them in our lives (the image with Beau and Maisie is comparing the first day of school to the last day this year)....

I have learnt that some friends have unbelievable stamina (and a large garden!), by sending me daily photos for four months!.......

I've learnt that birthdays are a significant milestone and many in life don't reach an amazing 64 years like I just did two days ago, so for that I am grateful. I have also learnt that a bunch of lettuce is just as joyous as a plant and a bunch of flowers!.............

And finally I have learnt that peace and contentment is paramount in one's life especially now and for the world in general. I must thank Cathy from New Zealand for sending me these images of the Morris & Co. stained glass windows from St John The Evangelist Church in North Canterbury, New Zealand.....

I have learnt that having faith and a positive attitude (which at times is very hard!!), can pay off when I received the news that the histopathology showed that the chemotherapy had done its job, so no more chemotherapy required!  Most of all I have learnt that I must be patient and that it can take up to 12 months to get over the effects of it all. I still have two more lots of surgery to go but for now I feel blessed. So I wish you and yours peace and love for Christmas (and the future), and once again say thankyou for dropping by xx