Last night went well again and the day has passed without too much drama. Funnily enough this time around I don’t feel too sick and have managed to get more sleep.
The only real excitement for the day was changing the dressing on the Hickman line, which I have compiled as a photo essay below (warning – only for the brave hearted). This happens once or twice a week subject to how it stands up to showering and general ‘wear and tear’.
The game of choice this afternoon in the Ward 7B Game Session was Celebrity Heads and the patients and staff seemed to get into it quite well. My nominated person was Marilyn Munroe which I managed to nail after 6 or 7 rounds. It was quite fun for an hour or so and a great relief from the routine of the Ward.
At today’s session I sat next to an older bloke, Rob Marshall who was in caring for his wife who is having a long battle with Cancer. As it turned out he is a farmer and near neighbour to us in Tassie. Such a small world really – who would have thought. We had a great chat about the farms in the Fingal valley and farming in general.
I also managed 4 sessions on the gym equipment with my sister helping out on the odd occasion.
I managed to watch the Wallabies overcome the All Blacks last night and it made me think a little bit about determination. The team certainly showed lots of determination in that game and it was so good to watch and not feel at any stage like they were going to give up.
Which brings me to my situation:
Determination is a big part of my journey. Determination is defined as “Firmness of purpose -succeeding because of sheer grit and determination” and also very interestingly “the process of establishing something exactly by calculation or research” – very apt for the scientific approach my team have with my health.
There are times on this journey that you could easily say it is all too hard and look at the alternative of not participating.
However for me this is a foreign concept – I guess I am a fairly determined person. Some might say this is one of my stronger traits.
I am determined to follow through on all the treatment. I certainly do not feel sorry for myself or blame anyone for my condition. It is what it is and it took me only a matter of minutes to accept this when diagnosed back in August. For me it is all about the way forward.
I am determined to keep pushing through each day – no matter how slow it appears to be going. I have found many ways to keep myself occupied. Some have asked how many movies I have watched. The answer is none, as with reading, listening to radio, exercise and knitting I haven’t found (or made) time for movies. It must be a low priority for me!
I am determined to keep in touch with family and friends and keep them informed of my progress – no matter how slow it is going. Hence this blog.
I am determined to walk out of this hospital with the prognosis of a great outcome – no matter what that takes.
So like resilience and persistence, determination is a trait that in times like this comes into its own and helps with the recovery process.
Geoff Beats Leukemia 
Well I must agree – you exhibit the Traits of resilience, persistence, and determination.
This weekend went on a great Wagga Aero Club flyaway to HARS in Wollongong and Victor 1 flight up the coast this morning. HARS is a testament to volunteers with persistence and determination. Wow – what they have achieved and have in their vision is amazing.
LikeLike
Hi Geoff
Just want you to know we are following your blog and are with you on this campaign. You are an inspiration. Cheers Tim
LikeLike
Xx c x
LikeLike
Hi Geoff and Jan,
Apologies for not responding this week – have been flat out.
Determination – anything worth doing requires determination. Today more than ever. Why, because there are so many out there who would rather find the negative than work for the positive. Consequently, even more determination is needed to success.
Col’s comment about HARS is a very good example. Without the determination of people like Bob De La Hunty and the other members of the HARS Board so many great aircraft of historical significance, engines and components even plans drawings and manuals would be lost forever.
Bob works long hours every day for HARS. His wife Joan works at the Museum six days a week and cooks for the cafe at home on the seventh (both are in their late sixties /early seventies). All done as volunteers. And like all volunteering, it actually costs those involved real money to provide their services for free. I take my hat off to them and all the HARS volunteers – some 500 of them.
If you haven’t been to HARS at Illawarra Regional Airport, Geoff, put it on your list for when you are back flying.
We flew the Bonanza from Wollongong along the coast to the Hawkesbury and back this morning at 500 feet above the ocean – Victor One. Wow! We missed doing a Harbour Scenic, but it was an incredible view of Sydney’s skyline, beaches and sandstone cliffs. Pretty high workload with little room for error even with the autopilot on with alt control – it would take only seconds to descend the 500 feet into the water at almost 300 kph!
We really enjoyed it as did our two Wagga passengers.
More work on the lupin mill project this week – this requires determination.
Sleep well and good luck with the chemo…
Cheers
G
LikeLike
In addition to your own determination,loyalty,resilience and persistence you got the full package on 16.04.1988.
LikeLike
Thank you for your latest blog Geoff.
I look forward to reading each step in your progress and find inspiration in every one.
Continue your march to recovery knowing that while you may not hear your support village, they are all out there cheering you on loudly!
GO TEAM GEOFF!!!
Hugs and love Amanda xxx
LikeLike
Back at work today Geoffrey and great to catch up on your blog.Glad the chemo isn’t knocking you out as bad as round one. Was great to catch up last week and was amazed we were able to grab a feed at the pub.Stay positive hope to get down again before Christmas.Shaz,Brad and Em send there regards.
LikeLike
Geoff, Jock and I have been reading your blogs with enormous interest and admiration for your positive and ongoing determination to beat this ugly cancer! I printed off your post on ‘resilience’ and have read it several times. I know the boys are also following your journey and hope these thoughts had a positive reaction with them! Keep up your spirits and help all of us to do the same.
LikeLike
We are finding your blogs extremely interesting and informative Geoff. By the way, are you a listener to Norman Swan’s ABC Health? There has been an interesting discussion on haematologists on the 2 most recent editions. Quite thought provoking. I imagine it has led to vigorous discussion among the staff treating you.
We hope things continue to look positive with your treatment. It sounds as though you are in one of the top hospitals in the world.
Regards
Ann and Roger
LikeLike
It’s all about grit. Such an important quality to have. Stay gritty Geoff!!!
I have no doubt 16.4.88 is your wedding anniversary. Yes?
LikeLike