In less than 2 weeks it will be 8 years since my Dad passed away. We miss this guy so much. There are times when I can feel his love for me...and this is one of those times.  A few days ago a friend of the family stopped by to visit. He was a good friend of my Dad's. He handed me this bone carving necklace that when he started it he remembered my dad telling him the meaning of that design which is a hammerhead shark. Apparently the hammerhead shark is an unrelenting fighter and fights to The Bitter End, never gives up even when caught and in the boat. So when he heard about me he knew this was perfect for me. Mangopare - traditional Maori pattern of Hammerhead Shark. Representative of relentless determination, strength, vigor and fighting spirit, a true warrior. Thank you Steve for this Taonga (precious gift) , it's given me strength from my DAD as I'm about to start Chemo treatments. Okay now to the cancer stuff. I have been recoverin...

I am seriously lost for words just thinking about my Husband these last couple of months especially these last 2 weeks.  This post is going to be about him, because I feel I can't express my gratitude and love for this man to the level and magnitude he deserves.  We've been married 16 1/2 years and over the years he has had his fare share of injuries and surgeries.  A few major knee surgeries, dislocated fingers & Achilles surgery.  No big deal, I'd nurse him back to health and get back to life as usual. I even made him go on our cruise with his severed Achilles because that happened right before the already paid for cruise. I've also had my times of down time like Invitro x4, pregnancies and births & not to mention helping to keep those little humans alive.  And he has always been great with helping me get back to life as usual. This time was different. I've never really had a health issue like this and such a major surgery.  I...

Before I say anything else I did get my PET scan results.  No cancer   cells showed up on the scan. Which means I can move forward with Chemo & Radiation for future prevention of cancer developing again. Te Whanau mo ake tonu   (Families are forever) When I was 1st diagnosed one of the 1st requests I had was Family Photos.  I wanted to take them before all things Breast Cancer Crazy started.   We were fortunate to have my talented cuzzy Elsie Moleni Tolutau takes these right before Christmas.   I love my Family with all my heart and we are so blessed to know Gods plan for us...to be together forever.

Well I survived my radical bilateral mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection .   In other words my surgeons removed all breast tissue and 18 lymph nodes. It felt like a split second had passed but I was told surgery was 4+ hours with 1-2 hours in post-op. My kiddos couldn't be there, so we made sure they saw me awake and talking. I have to mention that on our way to the hospital I watched some videos that my family in New Zealand sent me. It was just what I needed, that last boost of strength before going in.   I love them all. Anyway a big concern I had was the terrible time I usually have coming out of anesthesia. BUT...I was pleasantly surprised when I woke up to a clear head with no nausea & headache. So recovery in the hospital was not too bad. I got to go home the next day.  We came home to pink ribbons on the trees, posters and balloons, flowers & treats that made us feel gratitude for all of the love and support. I feel ...