Amazing Summer White Christmas in NZ!

[Bettybuckets]

My BC returned after 16 years... I’m now 6m into my MBC treatment and so I’m pleased to have completed a 3 day hut to hut trek despite Mets to spine both hips and ribs. From Xmas Eve to Boxing Day my hubby and I trekked the Routeburn Track. Amazing views and it snowed on Xmas!

[stardust1965]

Hi Bettybuckets, I love this picture! Wow, what an achievement even for someone without your mets! I’m originally a Westcoaster and when I was diagnosed I was actually booked in to do the beautiful Able Tasman track. It was more optimism over reality and we had to cancel it. I didn’t think I could do it with my three back mets. Over a year later we did make it to NZ in March this year. We went out on my sisters boat from Nelson instead. We also did a South Island road trip and I got to Mount Cook for the first time. It was so beautiful and was eerily quiet as it was March and tourist had stopped coming. Our departure from NZ was delayed by a week due to Covid! NZ’ers are getting to enjoy their country while the boarders remain closed to tourists. Go you! 💪🏻👏🎉. Vicki x

[Bettybuckets in reply to stardust1965]

That is so great that you made it to nz! Too bad you didn’t get stuck here.... like one American couple we met on our hike. They are so happy they came to visit in March and didn’t make it out and so are living safely here!

[stardust1965 in reply to Bettybuckets]

IKR, but it was such an uncertain time and I didn’t want to be stuck in NZ for an indefinite period so far from my three daughters. If it wasn’t for them I would have been so happy to stay in NZ where all my family live. Once life returns to normal I will plan another visit for sure. Vicki

[Wintervt]

Wow! You inspire me! How was it hiking with bone mets? I

[Bettybuckets in reply to Wintervt]

Not bad! During the hike the gorgeous scenery completely distracted me! When I finished I took a big dose of naproxen 750mg. Ans At night my hips ached a bit more so I took just a bit more sleeping pill... then I was good to go the next morning!

[Bettybuckets in reply to Wintervt]

Not too bad! I had been in Faslodex since June then added in Ibrance soon after... but only just had my 2nd xgeva shot as I have been worried about fractures. My Dr says these are the good years ans she is right! So we had one nights rest snd hopped on our bikes and am now doing the Otago rail trail for 5 days!

[jersey-jazz in reply to Bettybuckets]

God bless you!

[Teddielottie]

Sounds amazing and well done you !

We did a trip to New Zealand but it was a long time ago ... my brother -in -law had his wedding on a beach there in Auckland’s Browns Bay and we then flew out on tiny planes to Great Barrier Island with family . It was beautiful! x

[Bettybuckets in reply to Teddielottie]

Funny world! One year ago today, we moved from Brown’s Bay to waiheke island!

[13plus]

How awesome! Way to go! As long as you don't overdo it I swear the exercise helps!

[Bettybuckets in reply to 13plus]

I think so too! Most of my pain comes when I sit on hard surfaces

[AnnaP668]

Excellent job!

[Justme153]

Wow Great!!! The scenery looks amazing!! Very Nice Pic of you and hubby!! I to believe exercise is very important in this fight against cancer.

[Hidden]

That is amazing, well done. I remember you saying you missed your mountain walks. What an achievement. Are you planning your next?Clare x

[Bettybuckets in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Bella! One day after hike we started our 5 day bike trip on the Otago Rail Trail. So far so good!

[Hidden in reply to Bettybuckets]

How amazing, I would love that. We use the Otago exercise programme that was founded in NZ - lots of very fit older people there!!!Enjoy

Clare x

[Rhwright12]

Totally awesome way to spend Christmas!

[Bettybuckets in reply to Rhwright12]

It sure was!

[SusieIM]

Very nice! So glad to hear that you and hubby got to go on vacation!

[viennagirl]

Good for you Betty. You are a really trooper and will overcome this bout of mbc too. Trekking is very healthy. I was in New Zealand for six months in 1974 with a boyfriend. We travelled around in a Van so I got to see quite a lot of NZ. I loved it and now I wish I had stayed there. When I look out my window to the rainy, slushy winter scene I especially wish I was in New Zealand. But I am grateful to be doing quite well on my medication and dream of the day when they have a cure. I recently heard on our CDN news that there is an isotope called actinium 125 that is curing tumors. Apparently, a Canadian University has found a way to make the isotope which is very rare. So maybe we will all be able to see the end of this debilitating illness soon. Keep on hiking. Hugs Marlene

[Bettybuckets in reply to viennagirl]

Hi Marlene, that is such good news that there is hope. Please post a link to the article!

[mariootsi]

You are amazing! Congratulations on your achievement.

[Bettybuckets in reply to mariootsi]

I’m taking you all with me! Just finished day 3 of the Otago Rail Trail!

[Topood]

So great! I just did 4 pretty rugged miles by our beautiful Gunpowder River here in Maryland....I’m 23 years from my first diagnosis and 2 years from the MBS diagnosis...so we’re somewhat similar! I hope I can be as tough as you when I head to Montana in September! So grateful to my doctor and Xeloda for making me healthy enough to hike at all....Happy New Year! Enjoy the biking...that’s next on my list!

[Bettybuckets in reply to Topood]

I am grateful for Ibrance and xgeva for keeping me going! Today- day 3 of Otago Rail trail was remarkable similar to Montana so said people who have been there. I will try to post more pics but haven’t figured out how.

[Hidden]

Thank you for sharing this great photo. I’m so sorry you’re in our club but glad you found us.

I too have bone MBC after 2 previous BC episodes, first in 2004 and 2014. MBC dc 6/18. Heckuva blow.

Like you I’m enjoy being active. So far I continue to hike and especially enjoy my e-bike when we aren’t in the midst of winter!

I appreciate hearing you are able to remain active despite this. I worry about not being active as this progresses, so your news is welcome.

I wish you continued adventures and well being.

[Bettybuckets in reply to Hidden]

Hi Martha’s Vineyard! We do have so much in common... let’s chat some more... I have kept a tiny cottage on a pond near you on Plymouth when we sold our Duxbury house and moved to nz in 2014. I came home every summer til CV! I know all the oncologists at the Cape Cod Hosp... prob you had some treatment there. Hope you are doing well and can we catch up by email or text?

[Itisfinished]

Live Love Laugh! Keep moving forward and dont look back! Gods got you! Be blessed!

[Gypsypublisher]

That is truly inspiring and freeing! So glad you shared!