We interrupt your viewing to bring you an urgent news bulletin...

Hello! Well, it's not really urgent, but I couldn't really think of a title so...

First of all, I ask my blog readers, who I know are friends with my other friends, to please pass this on to them because, to be honest, the worst part of having cancer and/or major surgery is answering the same questions over and over and over again. It gets quite annoying and boring actually... Sorry, just telling you the truth, you know.

Second of all, the news. I found out that my tumour is inbetween low and intermediate and so I'm getting three to four courses of chemotheraphy. I will lose my hair, so I'm going to cut my hair short and choose my wig. Woohoo! I also have to buy an eyebrow pencil and false eyelashes. How exciting! Or I could just wear hats and scarves around my head... I don't know. Think I'll just do all three so I get variety... :-)

Anyway... By far the worst thing about all of it is that I can't do very much for the next 4-5 months. No job, nothing. Although I will get to do some sports and stuff, so I might just start climbing while I'm here and continue while I'm in Japan. Woohoo!

Oh, and I'm going to be silly now and tell you that the registrar who operated on me with Dr Davis, Dr Burton, is totally HOT! Phwoar! Don't worry, he's married so I'm still chanting my mantra: Boys are are biscuits and biscuits are evil.

Ok, so, I'm going to go now cos I'm hungry and can't eat my computer. :-)

I am FINE!

Hello y'all! I'm alright, really! I've been bombarded with phonecalls all week and now I'm bored of saying the same things. Ah well... Me and the Rose had a wee chat this afternoon about our respective laparotomies (is that the right spelling, medics?) and had a giggle. Although, since she had her surgery before I did, it's less sore for her to giggle, but that's ok. The day I stop giggling and smiling is the day the world ends, so beware! God has given you a clear signal to look out for! (I hope that isn't blasphemy... :-S)

Anyways... I'm actually really at peace and just kinda happy. Well, and sore, but it's not intolerable. God prepared me by making me a woman - as in it's about as sore as period pain after the painkillers, so it's ok. Put up with that all the time. Hope no-one is embarrassed by that revelation, just a fact of my life right now. Hmmm hmmm hmmm....

I'm glad I get to see people soon. Woohoo! Marjorie comes to my house tonight! Yippee! I'm going to bake a cake, which I just found out today I can't eat, but tis ok. Other people can like Marji, my bro and Pete on tuesday. That's if there's any left, Pete... But it won't be my fault! Mwahahaha!

Well, I guess the painkillers are taking over my brain, so see you later!

Thanks for all the email and text hugs! Hopefully I'll be able to have real hugs soon. Yey!

Oh, and anyone recommend any recovery music? I'm sick of my mp3s and am thinking of purchasing itunes stuff. Suggestions?

Ok, I love you, b-bye!

News

As you may or may not have heard, I've been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It was a germ cell tumour on my left ovary and at very early stages. Thank you for all those who were praying for me. You have no idea how much my family and I appreciate it. As you might have gathered, I'm home now but I'm in a lot of pain. What's keeping me going is the fact that it won't be as sore tomorrow.

Praise God for a doctor who cared! He treated me as if I was his own daughter. You male doctors: if you're thinking of being surgeons, remember to treat your patients like family. You've no idea how much it means to be treated like an important human being. Female ones: I'm assuming you find it easier to be nice, but try and make the effort all the same. You medics will make a world of difference to people one day. That's why I love people like Neal and Pete who are going to be doctors. I know your patients will be looked after as well as I have been. Praise God for doctors and nurses! And painkillers! :-)

I'm going to lie down now. Thanks again for praying! I find out the full report on my tumour - which by the way was the size of a rugby ball growing on my poor teeny ovary - on wednesday.

See ya pals!

Ta-ta for now!

Hello! Just to let you know that I won't be blogging for absolutely ages cos I have to go in for major surgery on Thursday. I'll be admitted on Wed morning and have to stay for a week. It won't be keyhole surgery, so I don't know how long I'll be in bed for after. I'd really appreciate it if you prayed for my family in Malaysia who are feeling quite helpless right now, my mum and me.

If anyone wants to visit me, I'll be in the Royal Infirmay Surgical Block Ward 24. Visiting hours are 2.30-3.30pm and 7-8pm.

Also, I've had to withdraw from my course and postpone my trip to Japan because of it, so you have me here for much longer!

And the winner is... [drum roll]

Boyd Orr! Woohoo!

(I think the last count was 3 - 1??)

Anyways... Since Adam loves his name so much, I've decided to name my minging child Boyd Adam Orr. :-)

Now I just want to get better...

Something cheery for a change!

Last night I remembered a conversation I had with Mans about moose-shaped cookie cutters and was, well, filled with child-like excitement as I do with most things... So I thought I would share the joy with you! Plus, I think I've had enough of my evil twin/minging baby/cystoid so here's a moose and the cookie cutter. See if you can tell the difference:

Hey...

Hey, has anyone actually looked at the picture yet? Or rather pictures. Are the red lines all over the bag nerves or veins? And how does a cyst have a pulse of it's own? Any of you medics know?
Can you tell I'm curious?

And on a nicer note - and I nearly forgot:

Happy Valentine's Day!

Steph tip: If you need to smile, put on Spitting Games by Snow Patrol. I'm listening to it right now and it's lovely. :-)

Picture

I'm not going to post it cos it's disgusting, but those who haven't recently eaten and have a strong disposition or stomach may click on this link for a picture of a dermoid cist. Be prepared to be grossed out!

And FYI: Boyd Orr 2 Adam Smith 0

PS: Us honorary CU people are very special - I mean, we can grow gross things in our belly. Amazing! [heehee!!]

Yuck! Yuck! Yuck!

Ok, seriously, if you don't find really gross stuff amusing, please DO NOT READ on. However, if like me you laugh even though you're completely grossed out, then read on:

I was looking on the internet for more information on ovarian cysts. First thing I found out was that it's spelled 'cyst' and not 'cist' - sorry medics! And here's info on the type I have:

'Dermoid cysts: The cells in the ovary are able to make hair, teeth, and other growing tissues that become part of a forming ovarian cyst. These cysts can become large and cause pain.'

And from what I can feel, it's got a very distinguishable pulse. Euuuuuuuugh! So let's have it: Boyd Orr or Adam Smith?

Some news

Hello! I thought I should let you know that I will be going in for surgery in a few weeks because I have an ovarian cist. Those who don't know about them should ask their nearest medic, cos it's just too much for a silly blog. I am fit and well other than looking either six months pregnant or fat, whichever you choose to see. ;-) And that is due to the fact that the cist is now the size of a six month old foetus. Lovely! I met the surgeon while I was in the Southern General - oh, I was in hospital for three days, but only for tests and scans and stuff - and he's really lovely. He's got a moustache that's furry and makes him look like a walrus. He's like a big grandad! :-) He told me that the kind of cist I have contains random tissue like hair and other odd stuff that should not be inside. Exciting!

So here's what I want you to do: I'm really amused about the idea of looking like I'm pregnant and I'm going to take full advantage when I can. So my cist is my little baby that is full of mingingness. I've decided to name it, but I can't decide between Boyd Orr or Adam Smith. Which one is more minging?! I don't know how to make a poll, so you'll have to cast your vote through posts I'm afraid.

I'll find out in a couple of weeks about when I'll be going in, so I'll let you know. :-) I'm going to be a mother of mingingness! Amazing! [giggles]

PS

Just to make last post clear:
Everyone is wonderful because everyone has been gifted! Truthfully! God saw you and thought "I'm brilliant for making (insert name here)!" :-)

I think it's great that even a wee hamster in its little cute, furry, Henry-like way is an example of the glory of God.

Just in case you'd forgotten...

I'm smiling...

...because:
- doctors, teachers, nurses, pilots, technicians, and other such driven, talented, technically amazing people are in the world because God decided to gift them in such ways
- my minister gave amazing teaching on creation vs evolution (2 part sermon on CD if anyone wants a listen)
- I got to see friends that I dearly love and haven't seen for months for coffee and around about uni
- despite there being a lot of pain and suffering in the world, there is a lot of love and for that I am most thankful.

And now on to analysing the future tense... :-)

I found colours!!

Hi! I found colours and fonts. HOW EXCITING!!

Also, another God-incidence that makes me think I'll definitely go to Japan is that a girl from my course has worked with the company I'm going to be working with. How incredible!

Back to work now!

A Compromise

Ok, I should just be away for a few weeks, you know? This whole teaching and lesson planning malarky, while actually learning to do it, is really time consuming... So here's my compromise - IF I have time AND anything interesting to tell you, I'll blog. Otherwise, unfortunately, you won't hear from me. Sorry!

PS I am sooooo excited that Adam, Pete, and all the Reith girls that didn't do an extra year are going to be doctors! Wow! I'm so proud of you. :-)

Yawn

Hello! As no one appears to read my blog, I will refrain from blogging until further notice. Also, I just don't have the time to procrastinate at the moment.

So, goodbye invisible web people. I will speak to you again when I am a qualified teacher.

Oyasumi nasai.

Gay Paris

Ok, so my trip to Paris in very Dishesque bullet points:

Saturday:
- Arrival and first experience of Metro
- Settled down in Clementine's flat before setting off for a wee drink with her friends
- Make it safely back at around 2am and sleep

Sunday:
- Early-ish morning and very French breakfast
- Montmartre (also saw the Sexodrome on the way to Musee D'Orsay - you couldn't miss it. We didn't go in though. What kind of girl do you think I am??)
- Sacre Couer
- Musee D'Orsay
- The Louvre (well, just the outside)
- Notre Dame (just the outside)
- Dinner at Clementine's
- Went to see random French gypsy band perform in little back alley bistro in Arts de Metiers with Marji and Sarah
(If anyone wants to hear any of it, I've got a CD)

Monday:
- Very, very tired, so we slept in
- Eiffel Tower
- Arc de Triumphe
- Champs Elysees
- Stumbling across THE street for designer shopping (and I mean ALL the designers you could think of)
- Photography exhibition of famous French photographer Willy Ruis at the Hotel de Ville
- Dinner and drinks at La Marais, which apparently is the gay area of Paris

Tuesday:
- Another lie in and then off to Gare de Lyon (where I waved goodbye to the lovely Marji) for a quick lunch and train ride to Clermont Ferrand
- Long, long train journey
- Arrival at Clermont's station and a HUGE hug from Rosie!
- Had to wait at the bus stop for AGES to get to her halls
- Finally, arrive and settle in
- Dinner cooked in what is loosely called a kitchen (the cook in me was outraged!), while meeting a few of Rosie's hallmates
- Called round Rosie's Americans and proceeded to La Magma for an official meeting of ALL of Rosie's friends in Clermont. (PHEW!)
- Then sleep

Wednesday:
- A wee wander around the town of Clermont Ferrand and then lunch at Le Companie du Chat Noir - very funky place
- A short tour of the Univeristy du Blaise Pascal then off to a tutoring session with Guillame and Guillame
- Dinner with the Blaise Pascal CU
- Then chilling in Rosie's halls with the homies of Crous

Thursday:
- Late start and bible study on Jude
- Lunch at Crous's cafeteria then a visit to the Notre Dame of Clermont
- Braved the spiral staircases to the top of the church
- I was feeling quite unwell when I woke up and started feeling really quite ill, so we headed back to Rosie's and watched the Sixth Sense followed by the Simpsons

Friday:
- Early start and trek to train station
- 4 hour train ride to Paris
- 6 hour wait at Gare de Lyon (2 of which were watching Lord of War, which was dubbed in French. It was a really surreal experience, as I have never learned any French at all)
- Off to Porte Maillot and Beauvais, where the Ryanair saga began

Tada! Quite a busy trip, actually. And the pictures can be viewed here. (And sorry to all those who know French for my shocking spelling of French words!!)

Good news :-)

As you may or may not have known, I had a really horrible pre-course task to complete, that doesn't count toward my final assessment. I must stress the PRE. It was so horrible and took a whole lot longer than the alloted time of 20 hours. However, I did get it back today and well, I did really well! Jonathan will not be surprised, but hey, I was. Shame it doesn't count tho... Ah well. :-)

The picture is of Rosie beside one of the many fountains of Clermont. Unfortunately, I was quite ill when I was there, so I didn't take any others. Also, I spent most of the time I was there getting to know Rosie's crazy American and French friends. Amazing! They're all so nice! And one of them looked like Christina - which Matt, Kirsty, George and Moira will back up cos they've already met her. :-)

(PS You'll notice that Rosie is gazing upward in the photo. She was looking at this lovely balcony that was overlooking the fountain and I would have taken a picture of it, but then this man appeared out of nowhere on it just as Rosie was pointing out how beautiful it was - I would like to stress pointing because as it turned out, she was pointing right at him! But before he had a chance to think we were two of his biggest fans, we promptly walked away.)

Em...

Hello! At the request of Christina, here is the Potato of Doom. And now you can finally see the picture from my last post!

(I did say I would be away for another wee while, but maybe I wasn't clear. Sorry...)

So, I just came back from Paris yesterday. I was supposed to be back on Friday night, since the flight was leaving at 10.25pm from Paris. However, at 11.15pm, we still hadn't boarded the plane and Beauvais airport is so terrible at providing information. Ah well. We didn't find out till 11.30/11.40pm - can't remember which - that it was cancelled. I'm not sure why they left it so long, but they did. So, we were then told that we had to find our own way back to Paris and find our own hotels, which Ryanair may or may not refund. Uh-huh... Lovely! But in the end, the airport organised a free bus to take us to the nearest hotel and for it to pick us up again and Ryanair decided to refund us the price after all. So, God is good. :-)

As a result, I got a lovely room to myself and got to have to have breakfast while watching the sunrise. Well, it had already risen, since it was 8.30am, but it hadn't gotten very far up into the sky and it was pretty. Also met some nice folk who were also travelling on their own and we formed a little posse. :-) Well, it only lasted the duration of the journey, but still, it was good to have people to talk to. :-)

Yup, so I'm glad to be back at home, though I have a whole load of work to catch up with for my course... Ah well.

Good news and pics from Paris are to follow, along with an interesting information about Vaseline... However, don't be too surprised if I disappear till next weekend. I have my first teaching assessment this week, so...

Sorry for the long absence...

Hello! Thanks to Neal for the plea to come back. I was like AAAAAAAAAAW! I've been away for ages because I have once again entered the world of studying and I was sooo incredibly busy with finishing off my pre-course work. It was horrible! Then I actually started this week on Tuesday, so I've just been really busy. I'll also be away for another while cos I'm going to Paris, so there. You have my reasons for not blogging for ages. :-) Will blog with pics to make you feel jealous. And stories of me getting lost in France probably... [giggles]

The hoppy, hoppy sparrow...

Ok, so I couldn't really think of anything for the title... And I think I might put more of these random cards on my blog because then people will have a smile on their face when they read it. :-)

[How very Steph...]

Anyway... How exciting is this New Year?! Well, ok, maybe not so exciting for many people cos they've got exams, dissertations to finish, possibly even finals... But that feeling of finishing and able to have a guiltless nap/sleep is a great! And also being able to socialise. :-)

I think everybody knows why I'm excited. Yes, it is now just over a week till my teaching course starts, just over 3 months till I become a qualified EFL teacher, just over 3 months tilI I send in my second part of application for Japan, and approximately 8 months till I get there!! I feel like my life is finally beginning again (it felt like it was slowly ending when I was doing my job, but it came to a surprisingly lovely end in the form of gifts and genuine encouragement for the future from a lot of the staff!) Oh, and I'm also going to Paris and to visit Rosie in a couple of weeks! Lovely!

I'm just about to start doing the only thing I've wanted to do since halfway through 3rd year. Brilliant! Plus the huge bonus of having the peace that this is all God's will too! Yey! Praise God! Woohoo!

I really hope you get this much excitement at least about one thing - in, of, with, through God - this year. :-) It's brilliant!

Happy New Year!!