Saturday, February 21, 2009

Group 33 Luncheon

This picture (a bevy of beauties) was taken by a staff member today at the Mattara Hotel Charlestown at the conclusion of our monthly Breast Cancer Support Group luncheon. I am wearing the buttercup yellow T-Shirt.

We lovingly refer to ourselves as Group 33; coming after 32 previous groups at the Mater Hospital Waratah.

Interestingly, about half of the group come from the Newcastle region while the remainder reside around Maitland. We agreed that it was prudent to alternate the venues allowing us equal travel distance over time.

Our introduction to the group was early 2006 which means that most surgery was performed in 2005. It was common to find members absent while undergoing chemo/radiotherapy during the course.

It is a blessing to find all in good health with no re-occurence. It seems I am the only one to have any issues with my health and, as I do not want to let the team down, it is important to find a reason for my constant pain which is eased only by the use of morphine.

Thank you to Lisa for kindly sending me new followers. Probably a good idea to do a brief summary (if that is possible.) I believe an overview would give a better understanding...

I write because I can and have found it to be good therapy, saving on counselling and psychotherapy costs. How much more enjoyable to know that there are readers and new friendships waiting to be formed.

Bloggers unite....

20 comments:

Unknown said...

yes my friend- never alone. I do know the beautiful SONJA and the doors of my Cottage are always open to you and your ladies xxx

Daria said...

That is a lovely picture.

I too find blogging very therapeutic. I don't know where I would be without it.

Yes I agree ... bloggers unite.

Anonymous said...

That is a lovely picture. You must have had such a nice afternoon. Yes, blogging is good for the soul. And one of the things that I appreciate the most is that I can be 100% honest about what I am thinking and feeling - that is so therapeutic! And I have met some lovely people through it.
Looking forward to hearing more of your stories!
xoxoxo

Cheryl said...

Lisa, I am delighted to have found you simply by surfing which is not something that I normally find time to do.

We will meet both here and at ROSE Cottage. I have the most amazing anagels surrounding me..

Cheryl said...

Morning from Australia Daria. Group 33 is good for me, so too is blogging. I also have wonderful friends from the Memory-of site set up for Jeremy.
Why did I wait so long to begin blogging?

Cheryl said...

So true Audrey; we can be honest and true to ourselves.
I have met and made friends with some very special people and find myself constantly amazed that they provide the love and support that some of my long time friends have been unable to provide.
It is such fun...

mandy said...

Good morning Cheryl, well don`t you look a picture of beauty....Nice to see you all together and hope the day was enjoyable.....
Even though I haven`t been up for much in the way of blogging I find it a great release for whatever feelings are going through me at the time.....I find this is my third year of blogging...My gosh and usually i`m never lost for words...lol...

Cheryl said...

Afternoon Mandy
I must have been hiding in the closet for some time as I really only learned about Blogging just prior to commencing myself.
I think it is very therapeutic. Also very time consuming. Guess the trick is trying to balance everything.
Interesting Mandy that you have found yourself at a bit of a loss for words. I guess those of us that follow your writing would be inclined to say that you have had your fair share of highs and lows lately. You do great work recording them but somehow I suspect they take their toll.
Did I say somewhere that melancholia seems to be the order of the day.
Many blessings from me to you..

Anonymous said...

Hi my dear friend,
First off I have to say....What a beautiful group of ladies in this photo, and so colorful! I love that! You my dear in your bright lemon yellow shirt...look gorgeous!!! I do want a good photo of you close up by the way....been meaning to ask you for that!

Just happy to see all of ladies meeting this way and sharing your individual journeys with one another. It has to be of such great comfort to you all! You are ALL survivors, Cheryl... you will find your way to the help you need for this pain and the cause of it also.

Going to bed now...happy spaghetti & meat sause dinner tonight! hehehe

Love ya my special friend,
Diane
xox

Anonymous said...

Ah! A photo Diane. I am reflecting on the time at the beginning of this journey when the group first got together with a facilitator. We were given many opportunities by way of gift vouchers etc. One of them was for a 'Photo Opportunity'
I remember thinking at the time it would probably be a good idea knowing that I would like a nice pic for the Order of Service when the time comes.
I then put the thought out of my head. Maybe I will revisit...
We have great women in the group. We all tend to make the monthly lunch a priority.
Spaghetti sauce was excellent. I used more herbs and garlic than I would normally. You are a champion! Kai loved it also.
Now you will be sleeping your little head off and I think even I will be in bed a little earlier tonight.

Anonymous said...

Hey Ladies wish my sister had this group to go to even know she does talk to alot of women that are going through what you do, but it is through appt. and some through fund raises they do for breast cancer.. Cheryl you will always be in my heart and always read your blog as my dear closer friend will. xoxo

Cheryl said...

Karen, what a joy to see you leaving a comment. Has your sister chosen not to belong to a support group or are they something that is not common over there?
My reading tells me that belonging to a support group increases your chances of survival.
I guess it is a little like the Memory-of sites for those of us that have chosen to be a part of the huge Angel Family network.
I find that, once again, blogging has opened up so many new doors.
I have said to you previously my friend, some days I rely on the strength of my friends to get me through. It brings so much comfort to know that you are there...

Starry said...

God bless group 33. I like the number 33 by the way, it is my house number.
I have just caught your status comment on facebook, about the pain, oh Chez, if only I could wipe the pain away.
I can only hope that a true cause of the pain can be identified so that the cause can be treated, not just the effect.
Love and hope always, Starry

aaaaaaaaaaa said...

Hello Chez, I have finally seen the link to follow your Blog my beady little eyes could not see it last time,I'm sorry to hear you are feeling bad,I don't have anything useful to say about that but I hope you feel good soon,take care, P.S you look very fresh and cute in the yellow in the pic!

diane b said...

Glad to see you belong to a support group. It must be give you a sene of relief that others know what you have been through.

Unknown said...

Chez- 52 doorways is now avaialble from my blog, in the sidebar xx
Lisa xx

Anonymous said...

So nice to see a group of women who have been through so much gathered together. You can feel the cemented friendships forged shining through on smiling faces. It's a great picture Cheryl, and yes...the yellow top is gorgeous!Debra Reagan once said to me 'Go with what works and abandon what doesn't.'...and blogging definitely works for you...keep writing!

Anonymous said...

Lol...forgot to leave my name on that last one!

Unknown said...

hello you- very quiet over here- is all ok ?
Lisa xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Cheryl,

I am getting worried as you ahven't been anywhere for 2 days not on this blog, facebook, emails....nothing...not even memory of...

Please just type you are ok.....

Love you and praying you are just busy...
Diane
xox