Only 3 precious days left and we( my very supportive hubby Rick and BFFs Dan and Cindy from RI, have come back to my favorite place on earth which is Waiheke island-which is known as the Isle of Wine - it is just a 35 min beautiful ferry trip from downtown Auckland.
It is famous throughout nz for its vineyards, beaches and hikes. I will post a map and some pics down below. When I lived here I was a volunteer guide on Waiheke’s walking Festival and guided a group for 22 miles over 3 days… when I first knew I was MBC.
Three years into this journey sans the waves are prob too much for me but I just love it. But with bone Mets in the hips spine and ribs, I tried to be careful. I have found that the sea and sand take away the red blistery feet caused from Capecitabine…
I will put some pictures below… I feel nostalgic for this beach where I had my home until one year ago and this beach which I walked swam at every day. Wish I could just bottle it up and take with me.
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Bettybuckets
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Dear Bettybuckets---Thank you so much for the travelogue. It is wonderful to see that beautiful place. It is understandable that you have very mixed emotions about going away from it, maybe forever, and it is admirable and sensible that you are returning to the USA to complete your life near your mom and your child. I too love the ocean with the waves on the East Coast.
Another wave lover here! Honestly I couldn’t imagine leaving this little piece of heaven(I feel the same when I visit my home country.) but I’m thrilled for you that you were able to get the most out of this trip back there. And look what wonders it has done for your soul!
I went for a trip to a beautiful island place for a week over Christmas. It was mostly calm water (not my usual style) but like you, due to my METS I have a new concern about waves so I was thrilled to be able to swim “laps” every day in the perfect water. So absolutely refreshing!
And no effect on my TM markers but in hindsight review I now see my neutrophil counts were WAY higher than usual right after that trip! Proof in the pudding to me of the goodness of such trips
The beach and waves are wonderful and you look very fit and happy. Is there anything stopping you going back next year? Of course our health is always an issue but something to look forward to is beneficial. My heart tugged when I saw your post hugs Chris
I wish I could count on being well enough to come back! I don’t think it is in the cards but maybe if I get home and then my next scan is good and that will show that cape is working. That would be nice… but it is spread all around my peritonaeum liver and wrapped around intestine… but what is for thinking about later.. I am truly living in the moment in this glorious moment of hearing the waves crash at night and then playing in the waves until my body is achey… then lying down in the tall green grass with clear blue sky over head. Magic!
Stab and me in the tall grass just up from the beach
I know that feeling very well, but Europe is the place where I belong. It’s hard to have a heart in one place and our body in another 😩I was lucky enough to live there for 17 years, so I shouldn’t complain, but it’s a real difficult feeling for sure. Glad you are having a great time!
I too have my own little narnia in the uk that I retreat too whenever possible. I had a photographic picture wall made of my favourite view of it in my bedroom so can feel immersed when having a down day. Enjoy your last few days- loved hearing about your travels.
I grew up on Galveston Island and just had to say how wonderful it was! Also wanted to mention that when my mama had her toenails removed, first thing she did was go wading in the water because saltwater does heal and FAST! Sorry your days in paradise have to end, isn't there some way to do BOTH? Have the house in the ready in U.S. but also stay on there indefinitely? Stupid question I know but you flourish there and that's a lot to give up! forgive my naivety! <3 God bless you and heal us all in Jesus name, amen!
such a nice idea! I have been doing the back and forth like you suggest… but until just last year, I was an American living on my small NZ island and flew back to USA each summer. But then the silly MBC, caused me to swap. Now I live in USA back near family so that when I pass my American hubby won’t have to relocate back to USA..still while my health is good, I vacation in Nz and live in USA. And I feel this is best for my hubby. Would not have wanted him to pack up our Nz house by himself. And when I pass he will be happier to be with family. So for the best really.
So good to hear from you after all the reports of earthquakes in NZ I was concerned, but then read how only minor shaking could be felt and was so happy everyone was alright! Speaking of hubbies, mine is in the same situation. He is from Southampton and will be all alone in the USA if I pass first ... but he says he wants to stay in the USA and he did become a naturalized citizen so ... best I can do is scrimp and save so when that day comes, he can sell out and leave if he decides to. Irony is, we set everything up with the thought that he would pass first. He is 4 years older and has had 5 heart attacks and a stroke before I ever knew I had MBC. I always think of that saying, "if you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans". At least I know that nowadays the insurance is begging to send people to the house for checkups and such and we keep telling them, "we're not there yet but thank you". So he will at least have that option of folks checking on him but when you let people into your home, that is also a two-edged sword as they can decide your standards of living aren't up to snuff and move your old arse into a nursing home. I think people should be able to live anyway they want in their old age, as long as they're eating and and so forth. It happened to a lady and her hubby, I saw it on tv, this social worker decided he wasn't getting proper care and started a nightmare for the couple with social services. When I broke my leg in 2018, the doctor tried to make me go into a rehab nursing home and I had to get a patient advocate and that is when I learned that the insurance pays for an ambulance to get you BACK INTO YOUR HOUSE after a stay in the hospital, that is, if you have stairs and such that keep you from being able to do so. I had my brother there to help hubby take care of me those first few days, but I'm telling you they tried to force me to go into a nursing home! nuff said! God bless and heal us all in Jesus name, amen! <3
Sounds like we are on a similar path. I have had bones Mets for 3 years. Tried so many drugs , I have lost count. Currently on vacation in Florida. Going to Ireland in May. I feel good right now. I know the next scan may change my future. This is the life we live. Enjoy it, love it, embrace it!
Denise- does sound similar! I booked to see my son in Switzerland in May… hope so anyway. Loved Ireland- we walked the Dingle Way prior to MBC.. that was a great trip with our BFFs who are here with us in Nz too. Enjoy Ireland! And post me a pic please!
Thank you for sharing. I wish I could get back to New Zealand. I was there in 1974 for 6 months. It was paradise and I promised myself I would go back so maybe I will. What a beautiful photo! Hugs Marlene
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IV treatment after Ibrance & Faslodex quit working round 1 done ! 
