Adventures in New Zealand 🦁🏉

[Mrs_Atko]

To all my fellow warriors, old & new,

It's been about 5 weeks since I landed in NZ to follow the Lions Rugby Tour and what a trip it has been so far. We have been fortunate to have followed the whole tour, starting in Auckland, then we nipped up to the beautiful Bay of Islands for a bit, then back to Auckland. Then it was down to the South Island & to Christchurch & Dunedin before hopping back up north and having a mini road trip from Auckland down to Taupo, Rotorua, Hamilton & back to Auckland. We are now nearing the end of our visit in Wellington (2nd test tonight) before flying to Queenstown for 4 nights then finally back to Auckland. The experiences along the way have been some I will cherish forever.

But one thing this trip has done, is enable me to reflect a little on the last 12 months. Whilst I've been away we had my 12 month anniversary from diagnosis and first operation. Second op came in August. During the trip I've continued to have random bleeding, some niggling pain & on/off bloating (I'm putting the latter down to cider though!) so it's very much kept it all at the forefront of my mind at times. I am due to see my Onc in August as well as have a scan so the usual finger crossing etc will occur. Until then, the (constant) worry train can go do one!

You wonderful ladies have never been far from my mind and I have tried to log in from time-2-time to catch up. Reading about some of your struggles (new & continued) certainly makes me value my own health even more right now as we never really know what is around the corner. Cancer has already taken my darling Mum, affected me & now my Dad (who is fighting his own Prostate Cancer battle at age 78). But, for now, I just wanted to send my love & positive ((vibes)) to you all. Ovacome has been a lifesaver for me and for many...continue your great support ladies...it's invaluable to us all.

I look forward to being able to contribute as normal on my return in a few weeks time. Until then, COME ON LIONS!!!! 🦁🏉🦁🏉🦁🏉

Jemima xx

P.s photo is my & the hubby a few weeks ago in Christchurch ready to punt down the Avon 🛶

[Katmal-UK]

Great to hear you are having a wonderful time Jemima, life is for living and you are doing just that. You can deal with the rest when you get home. Hopefully your checkup in August will be good. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Kathy xx

[Hidden]

What a lovely uplifting post to read first thing in the morning, Enjoy the rest of your trip, when you get back will be soon enough to start wondering what will happen next, Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy. xxx Jeanette

[Microbabe]

What a brilliant time your having lots of memories... I continue to watch out for you in Tv lol.... so glad your having a ball ❤️❤️❤️

[Purple-iris]

Sounds amazing what a great trip . Hubby getting ready to watch the match . Enjoy the rest of your trip and you said it.. OC do one !! Too busy having fun 😀 Love Kim x

[Cropcrop]

Lovely post and photo Jemima, great to hear you're having such a good time. Enjoy the rest of your trip, keep well and don't worry about August until August (easier said than done I know). Safe journey home. Finger crossed for the lions 🦁 ❤️Xx Jane

[85live4ever]

Hi Jemima, you are often in my thoughts. You & hubby look very happy & relaxed.

Yes, you are so right we don't know what's around the corner. I am so please to see you are grabbing life with both hands & living it to the full.

Sorry you are suffering with your health I hope its nothing to worry about. The fact you have gone through so much it might be your body trying to heal it self. Take care love Cindyxx

[SusanAM]

Just saw the match on television. Well done Lions!! I am glad you are having such a great time. I really admire your adventurous spirit.

Susan

[Mrs_Atko in reply to SusanAM]

Best match of my life! LIONS LIONS LIONS! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

[Caroles1 in reply to Mrs_Atko]

Wondered if you were still out there lovely,Have been watching all the matches apart from the win,as in Majorca where we are everything is German biased😬

Glad you are having a fab time,don't worry about the health issues,you can't change anything and I'm sure you will be fine,just continue to enjoy yourself,

Lots of love,

Carole xx

[thesilent1]

Wow, what a trip you are having! Way to go girl, life is for living. I've never been to NZ but a friend's sister lives on North Island and from photos, it does look beautiful. Good luck in August with your appointments. In the meantime, Come on The Lions! Ann xx

[IrishMollyO]

Well done Jemima. And the Lions who have just won. You are having a wonderful trip and you deserve it. I miss your cheery posts. I hope your health worries now are just minor niggles. You look great.

XXX

[Jo2305]

Good for you - what a fab trip! 😃

I'm hoping to do Sydney in the new year, then the east coast of Australia and then Langkawi on the way home, health allowing so fingers crossed 🤞🏼

Good luck for your scan in august and enjoy the rest of your trip! Xxx ❤️

[Perthgirl]

So pleased your trip has been such a good one for you Jemima, have been looking out for you in the crowd on TV!! Enjoy the remainder of the trip and the final test and hoping for good news in August, Stacey x x

[Mrs_Atko]

Thanks for all your wonderful posts! Tonight's game was simply awesome! AWESOME!! It means Auckland's 3rd test will be SO much more exciting! Absolutely screamed myself horse every game! Off to Queenstown tomorrow for some heli-rafting, skiing & jet boating!! Woohooooooo OC who are ya?? 😏

💋💋💋

[Solange]

How lovely to hear what a marvellous time you're sharing with your super husband - and all the other Lions supporters. What fantastic memories you're making together. Enjoy the rest of the trip and fingers crossed for your scan in August.

Super photo! Love, Solange x😊X

[Gleedy]

Sounds amazing and why not celebrate your 1 year anniversary in New Zealand! Lovely pic x

[thomas62]

What a lovely photo - glad you've both having a fantastic time.

[Kim1958]

Sounds like an amazing trip! I am on second line treatment, and I have considered time away on vacation to be time away from cancer. I don't let myself think about it when travelling. It has been very therapeutic for me. So, enjoy the rest of your fabulous vacation. Cancer can wait until you get home! Kim xx