An update from taking a soul enriching month off in New Zealand

[Bettybuckets]

I have loved every minute of being back in Nz and want to share some exploits. When I last wrote, I still managed to leave for nz even after my dog knocked me flat in my back and then mistaken didn’t correctly MRI my lumbar region but still gave me the thumbs up to go… then phoned next day ti so over but I was half way to Nz… I worried that my L1 tumor had finally fractured… but luckily I improved AND even managed my fav old hike through the bush mostly downhill from the high point of my small island (waiheke island) to the sea! Such joy! My fav adventure was treating my 5 BFFs to 3 days at the most beautiful old gingerbread style 1910 house with gorgeous sea view.. We made great meals and had a lovely afternoon at a vineyard. Every moment to be treasured.

While I no nz, I also had an hour and half visit with my former oncologist who gave me a big hug and great advice and then insisted on not charging me as I no longer have NZ insurance. (From that meeting she is encouraging me to consider oopherectomy( ovaries out) At 62… long story happy to tell you if you have questions )

I am just back from 4-5 days in a big camper van around the far north with my close friends which was so beautiful! And brave since I am on Verzenio and found myself saying “ well I’m off across the paddock to go to the long drop”. Interpretation- I’ll just walk across this field to the out house… and realizing that is not a phrase ever uttered by many American ladies!

Meanwhile I am getting ready to make the long journey back to Boston in 2 days. It will be hard to say goodby to NZ and my many old friends. I’m bravely taking the new Auckland direct flight into NYC which is 17 hrs long! I feel fortunate to have been able to pay extra and I upgraded to a sky couch…which I call poor man’s first class since I get to lie down across three seats.

I wish all my sisters could take a month long solo break like I have and somehow snap back into my old life…. while giving my poor husband bak in the USA a break from my constant internal dialogue about pain levels or new symptoms thst I can’t manage to turn off.

[stardust1965]

That’s a great photo of you enjoying your bush walk!

I’m so glad you were able to enjoy New Zealand again and temporarily snap back into your life there. You are a great example to those doubting their ability to travel with this disease.

I did the same in February 2020, 15 months after I was diagnosed and I never regretted it. I did bring the husband along though.

I would love to get back there but the flight from the U.K. is sooo much longer.

I would be very interested in the conversation you had with your NZ onc about the oopherectomy. PM me if you prefer.

[Bettybuckets in reply to stardust1965]

hello miss star dust- happy to PM but how do I do that?

[Bettybuckets in reply to stardust1965]

I’m going to see my oncologist on Oct 18th and discuss having ovaries out. Will share any info I get.

[stardust1965 in reply to Bettybuckets]

Many thanks. I’d be interested to know why it was suggested in the first place too.

If you click on my avatar (name & pic) options come up to “follow” but next to that if you click “message” then you can send a private message. Vicki

[Fiercefighter13]

I’m so glad to see that you had a lovely, fun and restful trip! These are the moments that are gifts in life, true treasures! Godspeed home and I hope you continue to thrive and find joy back home in the U. S. Take care and safe travels!

[Bettybuckets in reply to Fiercefighter13]

I surely will find joy in my reunion with my hubby and daughter and coming back to see my new home in PLymouth mass. After being away, I always see more beauty in returning home!

[Andersl]

What a wonderful boost to your health all that sunshine and laughter with friends will have given you.

... and inspiring to others managing life with cancer.

Thanks for sharing. So appropriate as im from UK and visiting my grandson in Hawaii 'as we speak'

[Bettybuckets in reply to Andersl]

how wonderful! Hawaii always had such perfect weather snd a grandchild for me would be a joy! Hope you are locking every min!

[Contrarielle]

Wow Beth, you look amazing and your holiday sounds fantastic! So sorry never got tocatch up with you, I've had an incredibly busy but good month. How lovely re your old onc and so nice to get opinion from someone who knows you so well. Hope your flight is super smooth xo

[Bettybuckets in reply to Contrarielle]

yes it was so good to catch up with Dr Karen Aimes. I think you are in Whangarei? And my fav doc up their is named Vincient.. has a slug he limp and such a caring man!

[Contrarielle in reply to Bettybuckets]

Hi, he was my mother's onc. We are very lucky up here!

[Beryl71]

What a super read, such a regenerating trip! Try to keep the voices in your head switched off when you get back and just reflect on those lovely experiences. X

[Bettybuckets in reply to Beryl71]

Beryl such good advice. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Tracy and me

[8576]

What a lovely trip. Glad you were able to go and had a nice place to rest on the way home. The upgrade will be worth it. Nz sounds lovely. I once had a pen pal there many years ago and enjoyed it very much. We never got to visit but every time I read about Nz. I wish we had.

Also, as an aside, I receivd the news yesterday that my bones are stable from my bone scan. Now, I just have to get a CT for the top half. Hope it is the same. I am on Verzenio and Tamoxifn and it working.

[Bettybuckets in reply to 8576]

hello miss 8576, how unusual to give you news about only one half of your body but glad the news was stable.

Ocean

[love2golfwell]

I just love your posts. So happy you had this time to spend with your friends and do so many activities that you love. I'm glad your back issue did not stop you from hiking. I have never been to New Zealand. It is on my bucket list as I have heard how beautiful it is there. Take care of yourself and best wishes. Sending hugs

[Bettybuckets in reply to love2golfwell]

It is a beautiful county… lots of interesting golf including one course that has hot steaming natural vents as hazards!

[love2golfwell in reply to Bettybuckets]

I actually did not think about playing golf there, sounds like a very interesting course! I was going there more for the nature and other beautiful scenery as I love to take photos, but I may just have to bring along my clubs if I get the chance to travel there!

[AvidBooklover]

So so happy for you! You are beaming! Here's to smooth travel.home and reentry to normal life with brilliant memories!

[Kruza]

Wow, glad you got to take your break and enjoy it . Keep well my fellow warrior.

[Tolife_18]

Such a beautiful picture! so happy you’re able to go to NZ and enjoy the old friends and a beautiful scenery. We need to nurture our soul, not just our bodies.

Wishing you many great adventures ahead!

[MoUtOrWaNc]

So glad you made it back to NZ! And that your back is healing- wow, what a crazy journey that must have been. I am there now visiting my daughter and her family who did finally move to Cambridge and they love it. Actually, we all flew across the ditch today to Sydney for a week holiday, and then we return to NZ. I am staying through the holidays and leave in early January. Want to do it while I still can and the grandkids are little. I am hoping I get to do a hike or two before we leave. Went to Blue Springs when we first got to NZ - amazing how beautiful the water is, the greens are greener, and the sky somehow feels closer. Stunning country, it is no wonder you love it so much. Safe travels home. Our next trip we might try that flight out of NY. Let me know how it goes. 17 hours is crazy long!

[Bettybuckets in reply to MoUtOrWaNc]

hi sister, glad you are getting to spend time in beautiful Cambridge! Love it around there. But it will be so sad to leave! I do recommend the straight to nyc trip if you can get it and the sky couch. I was able to lie flat for much of the trip and so really didn’t have much trouble with jet lag. I am so goofy that I brought my satin PJs and slippers and changed immediately into them and wore the whole time! And then when presented with a long line at customs I explained I had MBC in my bones and wouldn’t be able to stand so long… and was allowed to go ahead. I didn’t want to do the wheel chair but I did need that help and I suggest you ask for it. Happy travels. Would love to hear what you are getting up to. I am hoping to come back in jan- March.

[MoUtOrWaNc in reply to Bettybuckets]

Satin PJs. You are so funny! Hope we get to actually meet some day, either in US or NZ - I’m not particular.

[mariootsi]

So happy to hear about your wonderful trip!

[Bettybuckets in reply to mariootsi]

thanks marioots! I made it home safely!

Plane

[Katie9898]

What a wonderful trip! I’m so glad that you were able to go. I spent a month in NZ many years ago and would love to return.

Take care !

[NPmary]

Happy for you.

[Tam-56]

Thank you for sharing your awesome trip! What a wonderful distraction!

[Bettybuckets]

dear miss Tim Tam… I had quite a few Tim tams but never enough while there. I’m just landed in NYC after my sky couch all the way which was very comfy to lie flat. I just have one more flight to get home to boston.. it was surprisingly ok. Guess my body just rose to the occasion. Plus I wore my colourful socks that say “She travelled far”… I literally couldn’t travel further without actually getting closer the other way!

[viennagirl]

Wonderful to hear of your adventures. You remind us all to keep smiling and keep going! Hugs Marlene