Life changes
We had a great time in May, walking in the northern Flinders Ranges. First the second part of the Heysen extension, from Owiendana to Terrapinna Tors (although I didn't complete the last couple of days' walks): remote country, 4WD support vehicles, tents, 6 or 7 hours' walking each day. Then a camp at Arkaroola with about 60 bushwalking friends from our club. Fabulous country.
If you want to see pictures, look at
flickr.com/photos/acmarita
I wasn't feeling really well, for the whole of the trip, but I didn't suspect I had anything life-threatening.
Less than two weeks later, I'm feeling quite grotty and I know I have advanced, inoperable cancer affecting the stomach, a kidney, an ovary and the peritoneal cavity. More tests today, chemo starts tomorrow. And I'm wishing that I'd pushed harder for it to begin today.
My oncologist is very experienced, very supportive, willing to listen to my requests (demands, actually, for an immediate start to the chemo) and answer my questions. I have heard of a number of cases where people with a similar level of metastasized cancer have gone into remission for considerable time, or even where the cancer has disappeared.
My family has been incredible. C, R (and S at weekends) and F are taking wonderfully good care of me. We've wept quite a bit, but we've laughed a lot as well, and shared special times together.
I have decided to post updates here, as I'm not finding the energy or the time to reply individually to all the wonderful emails and phone calls. Your messages of love and support have been crucial in helping me to feel nurtured and strong. Thank you.
I'll post updates here, or ask C or R to post them for me, to simplify my life. Feel free to give the address to any of interested family or friends.
Love to you all.
If you want to see pictures, look at
flickr.com/photos/acmarita
I wasn't feeling really well, for the whole of the trip, but I didn't suspect I had anything life-threatening.
Less than two weeks later, I'm feeling quite grotty and I know I have advanced, inoperable cancer affecting the stomach, a kidney, an ovary and the peritoneal cavity. More tests today, chemo starts tomorrow. And I'm wishing that I'd pushed harder for it to begin today.
My oncologist is very experienced, very supportive, willing to listen to my requests (demands, actually, for an immediate start to the chemo) and answer my questions. I have heard of a number of cases where people with a similar level of metastasized cancer have gone into remission for considerable time, or even where the cancer has disappeared.
My family has been incredible. C, R (and S at weekends) and F are taking wonderfully good care of me. We've wept quite a bit, but we've laughed a lot as well, and shared special times together.
I have decided to post updates here, as I'm not finding the energy or the time to reply individually to all the wonderful emails and phone calls. Your messages of love and support have been crucial in helping me to feel nurtured and strong. Thank you.
I'll post updates here, or ask C or R to post them for me, to simplify my life. Feel free to give the address to any of interested family or friends.
Love to you all.