http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/index.php?autocom=blog Community Blog List Syndication Mon, 20 May 2013 15:27:15 +1000 editor@essentialbaby.com.au (Essential Baby) IP.Blog 60


heading to wards my 40's which is nearly 4 weeks away i realise i need a new direction in my life..i have ever been a cleaner from the time i left school at the age of 16..although from time to time i have done other things..but have always stepped back into my comfort job of cleaning, after all its easy, not much thinking to it and i knew its something i was good at..then over 5 yrs ago we concieved our beautiful boy after 1 miscarriage and 3 long yrs of trying, and not trying..now our son is in full day care as im thrust back into the workforce as we cant afford his daycare but i need him in there to look for work..i know i need a new direction..but in reality cleaning is quick easy money for the short term..my real yearing is for child care..something i did do on my one weeks work experince back in 1988 when i was in yr ten..something i regrected over the yrs not following through with..the new direction isnt just with my job, its my out look on life in general..but i guess thats for another day and another blog..its nice to have some where to go to write all this out, even if no-one reads it or even 50 people read it..i feel much better inside to let my feelings out..]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 10:28:00 +1000

Introducing a world first Australian innovation from Huggies® Nappies for your newborn baby

HUGGIES® Newborn Nappies now feature a revolutionary 3D UltraAbsorb* layer which absorbs and contains the spread of babies’ runny bowel movements, leaving their precious skin noticeably cleaner and more protected than ever before. This world first Australian innovation was developed in a collaboration between HUGGIES® Nappies, the CSIRO, and Melbourne based family-owned company Textor Technologies and in research, was preferred by over 7 out of 10 mums versus their current Huggies® Nappy.

Some of our lucky members received a free trial sample pack, and here is what they thought of them:]]> Mon, 13 May 2013 13:52:47 +1000
So yesterday was my ultrasound and more blood work, my levels were 842 on Monday and I didn't find out what they were on Wednesday but the nurse said they had gone up which is good but that I wasn't surging so I needed the trigger shot again (which I assumed).

The ultrasound showed 2 good follicles on the left ovary this time (I've never had 2 before!)

They were 22x24 and 14x16 - my endo layer was 9mm, so I am super excited that we have a good chance of getting pregnant this month, but at the same time trying not to get ahead of myself.. it's frustrating!

So I had my full trigger shot last night and the 1st half of the next shot will be Wednesday 15th and the last half on Saturday the 18th, with a P4 blood test on the Friday.

Yoga was good but I am so not flexible and was getting a headache, but the meditation afterwards really helped it go away and I felt relaxed and looser afterwards.. so am looking forward to next time.

Am going on a 5km fundraiser walk this Sunday for Mothers day, then to brunch and a movie so hopefully keeping busy will keep me distracted. Also have my 3rd Bowen therapy appointment on Saturday morning and that seems to be going well.

bye for now]]> Fri, 10 May 2013 14:56:00 +1000
I am at day 17 and am going for an ultrasound tomorrow morning. My blood work showed my levels are good (and increasing) so I hope to trigger in the next day or so and then make a baby!!

I am off to a new YOga and Meditation class tonight. Hopefully all these things I'm doing help things along (Bowen/yoga/meditation/gluten free/no caffine etc) plus I am hoping to get into acupuncture soon too.

This is just a short entry, will update tomorrow once I get results.

Bye]]> Wed, 08 May 2013 16:52:00 +1000
- Tom Stoppard]]> Wed, 08 May 2013 16:06:16 +1000

Cortisone Free Eczema Treatment for babies and children.

Up to 20% of babies and children under the age of 5 have eczema. It is a genetic disposition which can also be triggered by factors such as allergens, asthma, sweat and irritants. Babies and children with eczema have frequent flare ups and up to now you were relying on cortisone to treat these symptoms.

Dermalex Repair is a cortisone free eczema treatment for babies and children. Its patented formula helps relieve eczema symptoms and forms a protective barrier to avoid new flare ups.


We provided a Dermalex Repair sample to some of our members to try, here is what they thought of the product:

• What were your initial impressions of Dermalex eczema cream?
• Did you think the product was easy to use?
• What was your favourite thing about the product?
• How well did Dermalex manage your child's eczema symptoms?
• Would you recommend Dermalex eczema cream to others?]]> Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:50:00 +1000
I have started my 5th cycle of GonalF as my AF arrived on Monday. Not as depressing as last month but still sad.

Since I track and just talk with the nurses each month, they suggested I make an appointment to see the FS and make a plan if this doesn't work. I am scared that it won't but am more petrified of doing IVF and that not working!!

So but I started the injections yesterday and trying to keep exercising and be positive.

Hubby is seeming a little down lately and not that interested in fun with me.. I hope that picks up .. I love him so much but dont want this to ruin our baby making or have that ruin our relationship.

Bye for now]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2013 22:17:00 +1000 hello everyone, I know I said weekly updates but I have decided to update whenever I have news good or bad. Ok so todays is good news. I bought Blackmore's Conceive Well Gold Pre-conception Vitamins and I have joined Curves . I will start taking the Blackmore's Conceive Well Gold as of today and on Friday it is my first gym workout, actually my first workout ever. So proud of myself though, because 2 weeks ago I weighed 100 KG, finally hopped on a scale to day and guess what... 96 KG!!!! I am so proud of that though it may not seem like much . Still a long way to go until I am at my ideal baby making weight. Tomorrow I also start my zumba routine . That will be my morning workout to kick start my day. Also going to swim twice a week now for 10 minutes as I don't want to overdo the workouts. I pray every night and every morning to god, asking him to bless me with a child when my partner and I start ttc in July. Hopefully not long after we start trying we get that , fingers crossed.

Anyway I'm off to . got to wake up when my alarm goes of in 5 hours nighty night everyone, Wish me luck on my journey and baby dust to all. ]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:30:00 +1000
I'm new to this blog and was just wondering how I upload a photo?

Thank you ]]> Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:26:40 +1000
Back to work after 2 weeks compulsory shut-down. Spent the holiday doing half day trips – Werribee Open Range Zoo, Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Aquarium – I mastered packing the car, getting us there on opening, couple of hours on feet (enough for both the children and for me), passing round vegemite sandwiches sin the car on the way home, and home in time for (late-ish) nap for Toby and I!

12/1/13

10 weeks post-op. Lifted Toby for first time a week ago. Worked nearly full days this week, very tired, fatigue still an issue.

15/1/13

Bought Claudia’s first school uniform, took her out to lunch (chicken & chips and chocolate ice cream) then couldn’t get the dress off her for rest of the day

16/1/13

Claudia started riding her bike without training wheels


19/1/13

6th Zoladex implant this morning, 20 to go. Achey tummy all day around implant site.

20/1/13

Despite my best efforts to look after my chemo-damaged finger and toe nails, I now have an ingrown toenail. Finished chemo 11.5 mths ago. Ouch.

29/1/13

Routine medical oncologist appointment today. She’s happy with me, I don’t have to go back until June, nice to have longer between appts. One piece of news from oncologist – I need to take Tamoxifen for total of 10 years, instead of 5 years. There was a new study released in December showing improved survivability. I can take a break in the middle if I really want to try for another baby (currently I still do, granted there is lots of water under the bridge to go before then).

30/1/13

Claudia had her final orientation for starting school today. It was a 45 minute one-on-one session with her teacher, she was happy to go and all smiles when I collected her and she’s all set for next week’s start.

3/2/13

Reconstruction surgery was 3 mths ago yesterday. Now allowed to stop wearing surgical binder (rib cage to hip post-surgical support, like a big piece of velcro and elastic), will have to wean myself off,

it feels weird and uncomfortable without it. Tummy still tender to touch, small part of it is numb (I assume permanently, as left side of chest is permanently numb), some movements feel uncomfortable, coughing and sneezing hurt. Now allowed back to gym and an exercise I want, have only been walking and doing pilates until now, have a LONG way to go to build up fitness.

4/2/13

Claudia’s first day at school. A and I walked Toby & Claudia to Toby’s child care, and then Claudia on to school. She was quiet in the schoolyard, wouldn't talk to her child care mates, but when J’s daughter S arrived, there was shrieking from both, and a huge hug, which was adorable. Happy for us to leave. All smiles when we collected her at 2pm (2pm finish through February).

5/2/13

When I took Claudia to school this morning, I had Toby in tow, he sat down at a table with her, thought he was staying, reaching for the crayons, I had to pull him out!!

7/2/13

OK so the week so far ...

Claudia is doing SO well at school and so excited and happy about it all. She’s cooperative at home in the mornings and at dinner and bedtime, which won't last of course but it’s a lovely start! I'm so pleased I took this week off work to concentrate on school starting, no rushing to work between drop off and pick up, no worrying about whether it’s a work day or not and who is picking her up etc. I'm so grateful I had the surgery when I did and no later, so I could do this week the way I wanted to. Thank goodness I've been able to walk her to school, thank goodness I saw that, thank goodness I got her that far at least.

Monday we walked Toby to CC and then Claudia to school, which worked well, I'll do the same tomorrow morning. We've walked to school each day and aside from the very hot yesterday afternoon, I've walked her home each day too - she's either walking or on the scooter, we use the promise of the scooter to get her to stay in bed at night (stay in bed = scooter in the morning, get out of bed and come down stairs = walk to school). I'm loving the exercise, and Toby in the pram, although my poor body is so unfit and core strength so pathetic that I'm quite achy too. Diligently doing my pilates on the floor in front of tv each night, hoping they'll start to work and I won't be so weak and achy and have more stamina and energy. After I take her to school I can walk straight across the school yard to the gate on the other side and down one street to the park where Toby can have a play before I walk home, its slightly longer than the route I walk with her to get to school, but lovely walk back through the park and nice for Toby too.

But after all that cheer, I’m now a bit rattled. Had dinner tonight with some of the ladies from the Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow course arranged by the breast care nurse at the hospital I had chemo. One of those ladies has already been diagnosed with mets (secondary breast cancer).Too close to home. I shudder at the thought.

9/2/13

Got permission from my breast surgeon to wear under-wire bras again, took myself off to be properly fitted yesterday and wore a wired-bra today for first time in 11 mths. Felt weird!

11/2/13

The wash up from last week is Claudia had a FABULOUS first week of school, and I loved having the week off to walk her to school and collect her on foot, and she is generally being very well behaved at home. This morning was first time I was trying to get to work, as well as Claudia to school, Toby to CC and Daddy to work, which was trickier. I left at 8am, with both children dressed and ready to walk out the door, and A ironing his shirt, he needs to have them in the car by 8.15 (to be sure to get to school safely for 8.55 bell, via child care) but I reckon he would have run late and just hoped he didn’t get stuck at train crossing for loads of trains, Claudia didn’t need to be late first time Daddy took her! Anyway before I left she was a bit stroppy, just about having her hair brushed, we survived the rest!

I went back to the gym today at lunchtime, for first time post-op (allowed to now I’m 3 mths post-op). It was a BodyPump class and I was thrilled to walk in to find a new instructor (B) allocated to the class, I used to do this guy’s classes in the city after work before I had Claudia, and on Sunday mornings for years, he’s a very good instructor, so I was wrapt to now be able to do class with him again. Everything felt ok, although I’m really weak, and also I couldn’t do the abs work. Legs felt like jelly by the end so I suspect I will hurt tomorrow! Walking Claudia to school will be good recovery for me!

18/2/13

7th Zoladex implant today, 19 to go – not that I’m counting!

22/2/13

Claudia bought home first reader.

23/2/13

Somewhere between the long term effects of chemo, side effects of Tamoxifen, and just plain ordinary getting older, I now need eye glasses for sitting in front of computer (so, just at work). Something else new to get used to! Fortunately I think they actually look ok on me!

4/3/13

I am very tired, had a few bad nights sleep (worse than usual) last week, p[artly Zoladex-insomnia, partly warm weather, partly Toby waking me at night and partly (fair sized part) A snoring. Anyway need to make sure I get some really early nights this week (whether A likes it or not)


I’m sitting here typing this wearing my new glasses, haven’t had to wear glasses before, so its all a bit of a shock, think I’ll have a headache shortly and have to “wean” myself onto them over the next few work days. They do look good, colleagues saying nice things to me, that helps!!


My weekend – Friday night A was out to dinner with a mate so I had to collect C from Mum’s, T from CC, and then home, dinner, bath & bed solo. On the upside the children were relatively well behaved, and I got some lovely me-time on couch watching whatever I wanted, plus playing on laptop & iphone without someone glaring at me!


Saturday A had to work so I took the children to swimming, I had a swim with T while C had her lesson then home again. This was big deal for me, wearing bathers (one piece obviously) in a public place for first time since 2 x surgery, let alone that I am still about 8kg heavier than I would like to be. You can see the upper edges of my “radio-tan” but other than that, I do recognise I look fine, normal,

just feel self conscious. Got undressed and straight into that water, and spent as much time as I could sitting on bottom of toddler wading pool to keep water covering my body, while supervising Toby during Claudia’s lesson.


In the afternoon, C had a birthday party, her “best” friend S from CC last year, A was home just in time so I didn’t need to wake T and drag him with us – phew! However after the party C was in a lousy mood (“S’s house is better than my house” (no its not), “S’s school is better than my school” (no its not), “S doesn’t go to school until she is 5.5 yrs old” (yes she does, she started last month like you did), “NO Mummy you’re WRONG”)and I was quite fed up with her, I got home, dumped her with A, grabbed T and went to do supermarket shop – was exhausted but it needed to be done. He wanted to walk in the supermarket, but he started to misbehave in the fruit & veg section, so I did the usual “if you do that one more time, you’re going straight in the trolley” routine, he did it again, so I dumped him in trolley. He didn’t complain and I then could easily push him round, plus drop a few kisses on his adorable soft chubby cheeks! Sunday morning we went to the Aquarium – C had selected “Sharks” book from school library last week so I ran with the theme! We went in on the train, which both children loved, nice walk along the river, walked back via Centre Place for a crepe lunch then back home on the train. In the afternoon I popped over to Chadstone to pick up my glasses and then we went for an ice cream at Diary Bell. I’m really tired but it was basically a nice weekend!


We have a new Farmers Market in our area, so we now have 2 farmers markets within 5 km of home, one on 2nd Saturday of each month and one on 4th Saturday of each month. Nice! Anyway next one is next Saturday, looking forward to it already (this is the most child friendly one, they have free petting zoo and jumping castle!).


Exercise - I currently do one pilates session a week with the physio, plus exercises on the floor at home maybe 5 out of 7 nights. Plus I’m getting to the gym most lunchtimes from work for BodyPump. Need more cardio on non-work days, TRYING to find energy to get up at 6am for a half hour walk/jog on non-work days. Thinking about it, hasn’t actually happened yet! Hmmmm.


From tomorrow, on Tuesdays M will drop K off at our place at 7.30am and I will walk K & Claudia (and Toby in pram) to school. It means he’s then only in before-school care 3 mornings a week instead of 4, which has to help, as he’s also got after school care a couple of days. Wish I could do more but M has Thursdays off work which is the only other day I have available.


7/3/13

Bit rattled tonight. Just had an email that one of the other ladies in the “Yesterday Today Tomorrow” group the hospital put me in, with other ladies diagnosed about the same time, died last night, from secondary breast cancer.

18/3/13

8th Zoladex implant this morning, 18 to go. Past the “quarter-way” mark – it’s the little things!

21/3/13

Routine appointment with breast surgeon today. All fine. Next appointment with her is due after annual imaging in August, unless I am worried about anything in the mean time.

I’m sporting a large bruise from the Zoladex implant on Monday, plus a large red patch on my upper arm from the flu jab (hot and itchy), bit unusual for me to react or bruise quite so much.

29/03/13

Goof Friday. Had friends round (over a dozen adults and similar number of children) for hot cross bun brunch, and Easter egg hunt for the children. Lots of fun, lovely to see everyone and we were blessed with sunny morning so everyone was out in the garden.

5/4/13

With huge thanks to the Otis Foundation, we had a 4 night stay at Bramere, near Bendigo, lovely comfortable house, and our first family holidays ever (yes, I finally managed to pack us all up and get away!), not to mention obviously first post-breast cancer holiday. My parents joined us for 2 of the 4 nights which meant more help with children and I actually got some rest. Children shared a bedroom, we had to separate them at bedtime until Toby fell asleep, then I moved Claudia back from my bed to her own bed (heavy but I could lift her, probably couldn’t have done it a couple of months ago but am improving in strength).

7/4/13

Took myself for a haircut, third hair cut since hair started growing back over a year ago. I meant for her to just take a teeny tiny amount off the back, as back and sides tend to grow faster than the top, but she took off more than I’d like, felt like I’ve regressed couple of months. She’s trying to give it a decent shape while it grows out but felt like she took too much off, I know its only hair and will keep growing, but I’m feeling bit sorry for myself right now!

12/4/13

Toby turns 3 tomorrow. Where did my baby boy go??!!

We had a mothers group celebration yesterday, I did honey joys, tiny teddy cars, fairy bread plus birthday cake – Claudia sat there saying loudly “my mum is the best cook ever” which is very sweet of her, hope she’s still saying the same thing in years to come! I did a “digger” birthday cake – square chocolate cake, chocolate fudge icing, with TV Snax round the edge as a fence, crushed chocolate ripple biscuits as dirt and 2 toy diggers borrowed from the toy box on top with a number 3 candle. Toby seemed to like it, judging on the big smiles. Tomorrow we have friends and grandparents coming for a party – same food plus sausage rolls, about a dozen children running round the back garden, weather forecast is 25 which is fabulous for mid April.

Must write a card for him!

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