Hey Phil, it’s more of a slow tap than a dance, but I’m still moving and digging the tunes so all good here! How’s it going over your end?  We’re in lockdown (level 3) and have been for what feels like a lifetime, occasionally offset by drives to our town border, as we think about making a break for it. But being responsible adults we turn around (via the bottle shop) and head home for night 287 in watching Netflix. Good thing for TV and book deliveries. Oh also- did you know that there are companies that deliver cheese from around the world to your DOOR? I do and so does my waist. But there’s literally nothing better than sitting down to a head shaped slab of Brie to kill time and arteries. Big news is that both my husband and I have no jobs. First time I’ve been unemployed since I was out of Uni- 20yrs ago. I got made redundant late August- 12 yrs with one company though so it’s a healthy golden handshake. I’m now officially a lady of leisure.  Who also homeschools- that doesn’t quite have the same ring to it really!  anyway, would love to hear what you’re up to.  Xx Ginger x ... View more

Hey @Lampwork54 , Checking in to see how things are going given circumstances- from your last post you were waiting for new plates, how did that go? hows everything else?  over here it’s turned ‘crispy cold’ and I’m waiting to see what happens with the easing of restrictions. We haven’t seen anyone other than my mum in months- which is the safest way I think. Funnily enough, and I’m sure you’ll know what I mean when I say it, but I’ve felt quite calm and overly prepared for it. Only a few short months before This all started I was housebound, Keeping away from people, making sure there were enough meals and medicines to not run out etc. Funny how it turns out. in other news, I like a hundred thousand other people have mastered the art of sourdough bread making and my waist is expanding in direct proportion to my ability.  today I called a ‘stop work’ on the bread and switched back to green juices. Ugh. They are nowhere near as indulgent as Hot bread and butter, but I’ll take it. hope you’re doing well! Xxx    ... View more

Hi @EmmaP , apologies for getting back to you so late. I’m hoping you’re coping okay? No doubt you’ve gone through the wringer already, it’s okay to feel whatever you need to, anger, sadness, fear, relief, all of it! Whilst I can’t offer any sage advice about your treatment, because everyone goes through such different stuff, I can say that this forum is pretty amazing- and the support crew and contributors are an absolute wealth of knowledge, and most importantly- have a great sense of humour too. It might not be time to laugh just now, but know that they are here to chat as we all are. Xx keep us posted if you feel like it, claire  ... View more

@PhilPepper How is it going over there? Had any frosts yet? How’s the health?  I’m currently on a week off work, Calling it a ‘well-being week’ which is code for ‘I’m going batshit crazy, on new meds and juggling homeschool with part time remote work‘ so I’m resting the tap shoes for ugg boots, a cup of tea and several back to back doona days. Sometimes that’s the only thing that’ll fix it. jeez this thread has become a monster! Who would have guessed that 9 months ago we’d end up here? Or here? Just here!  👊🏽🙌🏻 ... View more

Better late than never- congrats Phil! Excellent news 🙂 hope it’s still all going okay, amidst the covid craziness? ... View more

Phil! Gang! Kenny was such a legend. I dunno about you but the gambler is probably one of my fave songs. How are you? What’s been going on? How are you coping with the end of days? I’m not dead- that I promise. Bored yes, dead no. I disappeared down the rabbit warren of trying to work, keep my medical appointments up, survive the insane bushfire season and was just starting to feel a little cocky- then BAM, a freaking pandemic. At this stage, I’d love some friends to hit me with a stick. Or anything actually. As it is- we’re just FaceTiming dinner, sunsets, banal and beautiful stuff like dew drops on spider webs and watching Way way way too much Netflix. Bonus is I’m getting fat. Like good and proper podge. Dunno about you, but that’s a good thing. Means I’ll survive rationing for a bit longer. Too early? Is it too early for jokes. Probably yes. But you know what? I reckon us cancer kin have two secret weapons, humour and experience. We’ve faced this sort of stuff before- like we’re the oracles of apocalypse- we’ve totally bunkered down away from people, we’ve had to go without certain foods or meds, we’ve faced mortality head on. We’ve had to limit visitors, been unable to take public transport. The list goes on and on. I’m feeling quite chipper considering. By the way, sorry I disappeared for a bit- no excuses, just needed to step out. Sure you know the feeling! ... View more

Hey Phil! Sounds like a lot of shit to deal with. Way too much, but I’m hoping it’s  all behind you. Far far behind.  Apologies for being tardy, been navigating a different kinda shit and also some good shit too. I made it to Hawaii for my brothers wedding, but I’ve been laid up most of the time battling chest infections, overall nausea and super tiredness- mental health and physical weakness has meant I’m a super crap travel partner, but hey I made it! I got to see him the happiest he’s ever been and that was totally worth it!! After a few months of trying to get the meds balanced, (still working it out and I’m a bit over it tbh) I still reckon I have absolutely nothing to complain about.    Its now only a few weeks to Christmas- are you at home? @Lampwork54 how are you? @sch @RJG hows it going?  Sorry for hitting radio silence- I will be honest and say I came unstuck a bit, it’s weird, I thought I was okay but then it crept up on me and smacked me around the head- I had nothing positive to say to anyone about anything and figured that’s a shit contribution considering!  miss y’all- let me know how it’s going- all of the bits!  claire    ... View more

Oh Hey Lampwork,    Sending you some hugs over the interwebs. Had a bit of a cry when I read your post, you're one tough lady, it's okay to not be okay for a bit. Can tell your kids that you're not 100% and ask for a break in duties? It does sound like you need that extra TLC /mental break for a bit.   I've noticed that friends/family/colleagues just assume everything is normal unless you say, um Nope... It's like a horrible sneaky little trick, our ability to be all resilient, and positive, and navigate such intense stuff- that sometimes (and I speak for myself) those around us see a return to before. But there is no before, there's just now and the real stuff happening second to second.    I have a theory... I'm thinking that maybe the low energy is our protection. We superhumans need to return to the cave and recharge batteries to conquer the world again right? It's like the body and its subtle way of saying- hey, stop. You need this. Then it's a bounce back. Maybe not in the same way as before, more fierce even....that's my hope anyway. Did I just go too Waa waa on you?    BTW-Really love that you're actively using your anxiety to create beautiful gifts for others who have less. It's just such an incredible testament to the grace you're showing when feeling so crap. Any of the above theories you can tell me to blow out my ass. Sending you more hugs today! xx   Claire ... View more

It’s so good to hear you’re up and able to attempt the combo Sunday challenge, even if it’s still a painful mess, I’m pretty sure I’m speaking for everyone on the thread- we’ve been worried about you, and the reaction to ‘sucks balls’ Chemo, so any update no matter how small is a win. Even knowing you’re moving onto cycle 4.  How are you holding up?  Me, I cannot shake this virus/illness. The cough and my lungs/guts are just driving me a bit batshit crazy.  I’m not getting much rest due to coughing, my back, chest and now even my surgery scars are hurting, but at least I’m home so I can lie down if I need. Seems all the aches and pains are both attributable to my surgery and maddening menopause, but also sudden onset bursitis in my major joints. I’m kinda happy that I’m not going crazy and there is something i can do to treat it. It’s nothing on all the stuff you’ve been going through though.  Anyway, in other news- my husband just purchased a weeping cherry tree to plant outside our bedroom window. The guy has got serious moves! Oh and another olive tree, which is even sweeter because he despises olives. Reckon I’ll have to keep him around a bit longer.  happy Tuesday- keep us posted!  ... View more