Hi Everyone,

It has been a few weeks since i last posted, I had chemo number 11 on Wednesday soon I will be half way through exciting stuff. Alot has happened over the last few weeks, CT scans, blood tests, and appointments in Sydney booked. I made the decision following a chance meeting from a lovely lady who contacted me after reading about the cricket game, she had HIPEC surgery in 2010 from Professor Morris in Sydeney. It was fantastic listening to her story and how she is living life to the full, it strengthened my resolve to go and talk to Professor Morris, which me and Sam are going to do on Tuesday so pretty exciting stuff! I am also greatful for the support of my oncologist here in Christchurch, Bridget is wonderful and she has been so helpful in trying to understand my particular type of cancer and then decide on the right treatment. I feel a lot of comfort going to seek opinion from someone who has made appendix cancer research his passion, I feel that when we get back to Christchurch a lot of the mystery will hopefully be resolved.

The ongoing generosity continues to blow us away the support we are recieving is unbelieveable the freedom to choose the right pathway is the outcome of all the friends and family that have contributed to helping my cause it is quite a incredible feeling.

The side effects from the chemo continue I am very lucky I have such an understanding workplace my colleagues have been so understanding and it is brillant to have the freedom to be able to go home when I am struggling and also be able to spend time away from work due to the large number of medical appointments and tests.

I am also so lucky to have such an amazing wife, it is really hard when i blow out due to the chemo the large load that is bringing up 4 children falls on Sam I just hope one day I can be there for her the way she has for me.

I will finish with the amazing strength I am getting from little kids at the moment watching my children with their friends is giving me so much joy, I just love the way kids have no apprehension in expressing how they are feeling they laugh when happy, cry when sad, yell when angry I think us adults can learn alot from our little ones they have it spot on!

Next time I post hopefully I will have a few more answers to my questions!

Take care

Steve

Hi Everyone

What a weekend! It is so difficult to write words that describe the way me and Sam and my wee clan feel right now. I feel I am so lucky that I have been able to feel so much love and support from so many people during the weekends amazing events. The best way i can describe this is normally you have to wait till you die and have a funeral before all your friends and family come toget...her to celebrate your life and say you are a good bloke, I feel I have dodged the death part and been able to be at my own funeral!!!

On a more serious note I would like to thank some individuals for the organisation and time they put into the events over the weekend. Firstly Milsy, Tam and Ness thank you so much you guys have your own very busy lives bringing up your beautiful children thank you for organising the 24 hour fun run it was so amazing. And thanks to all the runners that put there bodies through the hard grind right through the night it was unbelieveable. Thanks to my best mate Hamish who created a great day on Sunday it was awesome thanks mate you are a legend! Thanks to Mike and Chris for putting together a star studded team list I know my kids loved getting up close to the players and getting autographs! The players were amazing standing out in the rain to finish the game thank you so much. There are so many people that helped man the stalls,created the playing kit, donated items and money it is out of this world.

I read so often in the media that there is a breakdown in modern society with the way communities look after each other. Both events over the weekend truly show that strong community connections and the best of human spirit are well and truly alive and kicking. The huge amounts of money raised has been mind blowing and really help give us some great options for treatment but the real value from the weekend was the togetherness, the hugs, the smiles, the tears, the laughs, the people. I feel like I am on a wave and i know i talk on behalf of Sam that we both feel on top of the world.

Bring on chemo number 9 on Wednesday!!

Until next time.....
Steve

 

Hi everyone

Today I had chemo round number 8 they are flying by it is great I am handling the side effects and my mind is strong, it is going well. I had some good news that my blood tests came back all good which was exciting, it is nice to think my body is doing a good job at the moment. I was blown away to see my name in the sports pages in Monday advertising the Steve Hart cricket test i feel famous!! It has been so overwhelming and mind boggling the level of support we have recieved from cards wishing us well, e-mails, FB comments, people donating into my fund, home made cooking, firewood, food parcels, our families on call 24-7 to look after the kids and of course the huge amount of work that has gone into the organisation of two big events this weekend the cricket test, and a 24 hour run in the Ilam fields. When I reflect on the support we have recieved it is no wonder we are feeling good and fighting back against this cancer. I just hope that I will be able to return the favour in some way in the future.

I have started back at work this week it has been great seeing all of my work colleagues and concentrating on many of the mundane tasks that need to be done to get a school ready to be opened for students. I never thought i would look forward to these tasks so much! Monday morning in the Hart house was brillant, kids wild, Sam trying to get everyone fed and clothed me wandering around aimlessly trying to remember how to get ready for work... I think you get the picture, it was great to see the chaos of normal family life it is something I have missed for a long time. It is great to get into the grind and start worrying about minor insignificant things and not be concerned with the scary stuff that we were bombarded with.

It is going to be a massive weekend I still can't believe all the work evryone has gone to in organising everything I really feel that I am not worthy of all of this special treatment, but I hope that both events are going to be a great excuse for our community to come together and enjoy each others company. It is that amazing feeling you get when you are around caring people that always lifts your spirits and reminds you what life is all about, it is time to forget about health, forget about earthquakes, forget about all those minor details that are constantly on our minds and just enjoy being in the presence of each other enjoying the time we are able to spend together.

Untill next time......

Steve

Hi everyone,

Happy new year! it has been two weeks since my last post time flies when you are having fun! I hope everyone has had a chance to relax and enjoy the holiday period with your friends and family. I would like to start today's post with a big thank you, it is a word i use a lot lately as i am just continually overwhelmed with the amount of support we are receiving it really lifts our spirits and helps us move forward as we work to beat this cancer.

I have had two rounds of chemo since i last posted and it has been a mixed bag, it seems so far that there is no clear pattern as to when and if the side effects are going to impact me. It seems to me the best way to work through this is simply to carry on as if I am not having chemo, even though there are days where i struggle to get off the couch or out of bed it actually helps to just carry on and when you do it actually feels better. The worst side effect that has eventuated as i have got into the weekly grind of chemo treatments is that i become a real grumpy bugger, some of you might be thinking yeah right you can't blame that one on the chemo!! I am just so fortunate to have a very understanding wife who ignores the grumpiness and is just always there for me, to pick me up when I am feeling down, to tell me to pull my finger out and get off the couch when I am feeling lethargic, and there to be the wonderful mother she is to our four beautiful children when I am struggling to be the Dad that they need.

I have been watching a bit of the Australia vs India test cricket that is on at the moment, I was really taken by the response Glenn McGrath got on Day 3 of the Sydeney test. It is traditionally named the Jane McGrath day after his wife who lost her battle with breast cancer. They raise awreness and much needed funds for those dealing with breast cancer it is truly an amazing foundation he has set up in honour of his wife. He was being interviewed during the day and made a comment when talking about his wife and the way she lived her life "life is about quality not quantity" I have thought alot about that comment lately. What does this mean? I have interpreted the quality part to be about not what you have but more about what you have given and the impact you have had on the lives of others, and when I put that into the context of the statement life is about quality not quantity it makes alot of sense. I know that when I get on the otherside of this cancer the whole experince certainly has changed the way I visualise the future to be. 

When I think about what this future is going to be it has to be about the people being there for our friends and family, at the moment I am on the receiving end of so much support and love I only hope that I can one day be there for you in much different circumstances.

I always get a bit carried away writing these updates!!

Take care

until next time.........

 

 

Hi everyone,

I trust you all had a restful day on the 25th and enjoyed the company of family. It was great watching our kids wake up all excited and unwrapping their presents it was absolutely priceless. The older generations often remind me how exciting it is to be in a house of youngsters on christmas day and to enjoy it because when they are all grown up you really miss it, I can fully understand what they mean.

If last week was a mint choc, then this weeks was the scummy chocolate that is left in the box that no-one else wants to eat!! It was a tough week this week I was wiped out on Friday I had to go back to bed at 10.00am and only woke at 1.58pm when the house started rocking! I think Tui lager ad people should come up with a new billboard... The earthquakes in Christchurch have finsihed.....yeah right! The only positive for me was the adrenlin rush from the big shakes took my mind off the nausea! On a more serious note it was scary to have all of those emotions and thoughts bought back into our minds from the devastating Feb earthquake, still you have to love the resilience of Christchurch young and old it is so inspiring the sense of community tough dark times bring.

I have really enjoyed my good days this week I started to feel good agin on Monday and I have decided to try and be as energetic as possible on these days as it helps with the positive mind set. It helps when my boys get scooters and surfboards for christmas! I have had three magnificent days this week with my family, my eldest son Thomas at 7 years old decided he is going to be the next Kelly Slater so we have been surfing three times it has been an amazing time with the two of us in the ocean spending such special time I have really cherished these moments this week. Today my 6 year old wanted to take me on a mystery scooter ride so he packed his bag with lunch and a few other supplies and off we went to the local park to have some lunch, it was once again magical and very funny when on the way home we cut through the local primary school and Jack told me we were gangsters because we took the short cut through the school!! it is great that he thinks the worst thing ganagsters do is take short cuts through primary schools! Once we got home my 3 year old Charlie also wanted to take me on a mystery scooter trip but we only got half way down or street when he told me we had to go back cause he needed to go to the toilet!! My wee princess Isla continues to bring us so much joy I was saying to Sam today that someone knew we needed a wee sparkle in our lives this year she is just too cute.

I am back into the Chemo suite tomorrow for number 4 dose only 21 to go! Bring it on I will knuckle out a couple of tough days following that then get back into the good days enjoying my lovely family. And Sam my best friend will be there to pick up the pieces and then be part of enjoying the good days again!

I wish you all a happy new year go on over indulge I think you all deserve it especially Christchurch people. Next time I write we will be in 2012, who knows what this year will bring, but I think we can all agree it HAS to be better than 2011 ( except the All Blacks winning the world cup that is hard to beat!!)

until next time........

Take care

Hi everone,

I guess chemo treatment is going to be a bit like a box of chocolates............ If it is this week has been like getting chocolate mint! I have had very little side effects this week it has been great to enjoy the first week of the holidays with very little nausea and tiredness i was only wiped out for one afternoon. It must be all that love and prayer that is being fired at me at the moment!

I had a great feeling that my body felt invincible again this week. I went to play some golf with two very good friends I thought i would try 9 holes and my mates were going to carry on and do 18, after 9 i dug my toes in and went the 18, it felt so good to achieve something physical again it really lifted my spirits. It was such a good feeling to wake up the next day with some muscular soreness from exercise and not sickness or stomach pain. I felt as strong as i did prior to all of this starting.

It has been tough reading in the media this week the stories of two strong people with young families losing their battle to cancer. What amazing people Jason Richards the racing car driver with two beaultiful young girls and Natalie Murphy the strong mother with her beautiful son such sad news reading of their journey. What inspirational people the way they lived their final moments with such positivity and zest for life. They both will be so sadly missed but their legacy will live on I personally have gained a lot of strength from reading about them both. It really hits home how important it is to live each moment in life to fullest to enjoy each of the little moments that make up our days for the treasures that they are.

It has had me thinking about all of the massive support i have received over the last three months it is so unbelieveable I really feel fortunate to have had to go through this ugly experience. I have been thinking about all of the people that have gone through cancer already in their lives and those that will go through this in the future especially those with young families. I would love to some how help support and share the experience I have had. The fundraising and donations that have come my way are truly mind boggling, they create a sense of freedom in seeking alternative treatments. When I beat this cancer remaining funds will be used to assist young families in their battle, I am not sure how yet but it is a exciting project to think about.

The events of this week have really hit home a key point that I listened to earlier in the year at a DP's conference in Wellington. Nigel Latta was speaking on the last afternoon of the conference most people were bleary eyed and tired from working so hard! His key message was stop trying to seek happiness because it doesn't exist!! Instead enjoy living in the now enjoy all of the good times and recognise the sad times really be present during all of the small moments stop your mind from drifting back to work or the next big plan and just enjoy living in the moment. This message has been something I have thought alot about lately maybe i will become a Buddhist!!

I had a real treat last night my Brother took on my three boys for the night i hope Mike and Bec survived! I am off to pick the wolf pack up now then off to get my third dose of chemo I hope i get another mint choc!

Take care enjoy Christmas day and being around those that you love

for now.......see you next time

Steve

Hi everyone,

Just a quick update the trip up to Auckland to get another opinion from the private sector proved to be a very good move as I started a chemotherapy treatment the next day! The medical oncologist I met with was able to assure the oncologists I am working with here that it was the right way to go. It is a great feeling to have started the battle, I had my chemotherapy on Thursday it takes about an hour to administer the nurses are fantastic very caring and knowledable. The side effects kicked in Thursday night through to about Saturday afternoon, I have never felt so happy about feeling nauseous and fatigued to me it now feels I am fighting back! I am back in again on Thursday and then every week for 6 months bring it on i say!!!At this stage I have put plans for HIPEC treatment on hold until I get through this 6 month cycle of chemotherapy.

I have been so totally overwhelmed by the support we have recieved it is the most amazing feeling to have so many people wishing me good luck along the way. It is also unbelieveable to imagine the level of geneoristy we have recieved via the fund which my good friend Hamish set up it really allows me the freedom to investigate various approaches to dealing with my cancer treatment.

As we see all the christmas trees go up it is getting a lot closer to the time the big man tries to find some chimneys in Christchurch to slide down! I know the excitement is building in our house with christmas lists getting a little out of control! I hope you all get the opportunity over the holiday period to spend lots of time with your loved ones. It is certainly something that has been in the forefront of my mind throughout this journey that we often get caught up in day to day life and forget the big picture which is enjoying the company of our friends and family. Forget about the christmas shopping and the christmas lunch and try to make some time to enjoy each others company over the festive period.

till next time take care

Steve

 

 

Hi everyone,

I would like to start this post with a huge heartfelt thank-you, I have been overwhelmed by the many supportive e-mails and messages. It is incredibly uplifting to know I have so much support behind me in taking on this battle. Thank you to all of those who have donated to my fund I am blown away and extremely appreciative of your help, I know how financially demanding christmas time is, your help gives me the freedom to explore all possible alternatives in this fight.

Yesterday I flew up to Auckland to meet a medical oncologist who deals predominately in the private sector he is also on a number of boards in the medical sector. The great thing about meeting this guy is his knowledge of whats available in the private sector.  He agreed with previous advice I have recieved that my tumour is unusual ( a bit like me really!) and that it is difficult to know exactly whether it will behave like an appendiceal tumour or a Bowel cancer. The main issue is the possible direction it might spread an appendiceal cancer is more likely to spread to the abdominal cavity and a bowel cancer more likely through your internal system i.e liver, lungs etc. I got a lot of very good information from him with regards to different chemotherapy treatment and also his point of view on HIPEC surgery. His suggestion with regards to HIPEC surgery was that it comes with a very high risk, and perhaps it is better to try and see how I respond to chemotherapy treatment first before having further surgery. It is another piece of information to add to the confusion, which has been quite stressful.

The good news was he was quite optimistic about my chances and said my age and fitness ( I had better work on this one!) are all key contributors to beat this thing so that was very encouraging indeed.

Both Sam and me have been blown away by the level of support we have recieved it is so comforting to feel so supported it is very humbling. I hope you are all well and looking forward to christmas I hope you all have a fantastic christmas with your families and loved ones and chance to slow down and really enjoy the spirit of christmas.

Until next time.......

Steve