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rob's blog

Rob's blog 

1/22/2017

10 Comments

 
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Tuesday, 24th January at 9.00am is the date and time we’ve just been advised we will meet the oncologist. In this meeting we will be told the histology and the type of the cancer we are dealing with. All incredibly scary stuff. Apparently we’ll be seeing the radiologist next week too, but haven’t been told the extent of what is to come at this stage.

I’m not sure how and what I should be feeling but to be honest I’m certainly trying not to worry or think about it: what’s the point, how would it help anyway, what purpose would it serve so let’s get on with enjoying ourselves.
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As I am writing this, I am aware that the rest of life goes on in it's wonderful way. My beautiful girl Molly’s sixth birthday has taken over the house, which gets matters in perspective. Her excitement is infectious and engulfs us all.
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Molly had the whole day planned, starting with breakfast in bed being attended by her courtiers then presents. Come the afternoon, Gravity trampolines with her ten mates meant a truck-load of squeals and hot faces!

I’ve been loving getting out with Zorro, my 9-year old German Shepherd guide dog, for our daily perambulations gradually increasing the distance until now we’re up to around 6/7km. For an international athlete of nearly 35 years I reckon I’m being incredibly sensible and restrained not trying to do more. The first couple of weeks I found it a little uncomfortable to walk much more than a mile or so as my backside was so stiff. My understanding is that the surgeons needed to move me around during the 5 hour surgery and I am wondering if my sore hips and butt are from the aerobics I was doing when I was knocked out. I’ll need to research what this entailed with the surgeons when we finally meet up next week. Suffice it to say I’ve been stretching and gradually it’s getting better and easier.
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Unfortunately, Zorro had to have his own surgery at the vet’s yesterday for a procedure to remove an uncomfortable skin tag on the point of his left front elbow. The result of this is that he is stitched and bandaged up and is now sporting a small inflatable life raft preventing him from worrying the area.  So he also has time off work , what a pair we make !
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The sense of freedom of being able to simply walk independently with just my guide dog is brilliant giving me such a sense of joy and mobility. While I am out walking I forget that anything is wrong with me, it’s just business as usual.  Sarah had been really uncomfortable about me going out alone given my recent memory loss prior to surgery I seemed to have lost my internal map of my familiar areas despite being so close to home, it felt like being caught in a maze.  However I’ve been able to demonstrate that even though I can’t recall the road names I remember the roads and directions once again. Sarah was also concerned about me hitting my head on all the low hanging tree branches on my walking routes. As there are residual scars from my previous encounters. I keep assuring her I would be fine, anyway the surgery was to the back of my head and any tree branch would impact the front not the back which is hardened to the knocks ; no sweat:  and I headed out the door.
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After taking in the scenery of Maddels Farm and the beach on Tamaki Drive I stopped for a short while to enjoy listening to the waves lapping on the shore, to smell the scent of the trees and enjoy the warmth of the summer sun. Cam Watts a really good friend had been my running guide runner between 2006:2009 joined me for the walk. We ran the 2006 Auckland marathon together in 3 hours and 6 minutes, which even though my British Record is 2 hours 47 minutes it seemed tougher possibly because it was number three that year and I wasn’t as fit. We had run several half marathons and many 10k road races together our fastest half marathon was 1 hour 20 minutes two weeks after the Auckland marathon. 

It’s now three weeks since the operation and I realise how far I’ve come. I’m feeling better than I have in months. Getting rid of the tumour really is a weight off my mind. It’s crazy to think that I didn’t even know it was living there or that I didn’t click that something was wrong with me. Had I been able to see I’d definitely have known something was wrong as my sight would have been affected by the pressure on the optic nerve. 

I’m impressed with how well the scar is healing becoming flatter and less obvious. But the strangest sensation is the occipital lobe, the left hand back of my head feels numb as though it’s had a dose of novocaine.
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I really am feeling positive and determined to do whatever it takes to win this race and get on with our lives. I know I am going to get through whatever the specialists throw my way.
Cheers until my next post…..

10 Comments
Tim Glover-Poultney
1/23/2017 02:50:34 am

A great read, thanks for sharing Bob. Lots of love from Winchester, UK.

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GORDON JONES
1/23/2017 07:16:33 am

Thanks for your blog Bob.Your so positive I so hope it's good news,you are amazing an inspiration.All Best Wishes.


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Dave Hurst
1/23/2017 02:55:30 pm

Hi Bob Chris and I are reading and enjoying your blog and we are sending you all the positive vibes we can muster.

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Kate Smith link
1/23/2017 12:02:17 pm

Hi Rob!
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis and hope you got good info from your oncologist and that the way ahead is clear. I was diagnosed with ovarian and endometrial cancer last year, and like you, I had no idea the tumours were there until they were both quite large (one the size of a mango!). I had surgery and then 6 months of radio and chemo therapy and I'm now in remission having 3 monthly check ups. I'm convinced that being fit and healthy (other than the cancer!), helped me recover fast from surgery and cope with the treatment. 6 months on, I am almost back to full strength and energy. Sending you good vibes and wishing you well.

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Liz Hermse
1/23/2017 05:10:10 pm

Rob - Cathy and I send you heaps of good wishes - your unfailing optimism is inspiring and encouraging to all your friends who are keeping an eye on what happens next .... Hope Zorro heals well. I love German Shepherds ....

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Joan Dwyer
1/23/2017 07:44:43 pm

Hi Rob! Sending best wishes and positive vibes for your continued healing! ♡ You are such an inspiration!!! Love to you, your beautiful family and Zorro xx
Joan and Kevin ( U.S.A.friends of Sue and G.P.)

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Sara
1/23/2017 10:03:43 pm

Hi Rob and Sarah,
I read you painful news the other day and just wanted to offer my best wishes for a good recovery and outcome for you, and hoping your oncologist had some good news for you.
I met you Rob when we both went for a sail with the paralypian sailors back on around 2013. I see you walking with you lovely Zoro around St Heliers, but worry about saying hello, not wanting to put you off your stride, let alone being able to catch up with you.
By chance I saw you and Sarah this morning the 24th Jan walking along the waterfront at St Heliers, which reminded me to send all my good energies your way.
All the best for you both
Sara

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Pauline
1/24/2017 03:18:06 am

Hi Bob
Don't know how this blog appeared on my FB but am really glad it did. My what a time you are having! Sorry to hear of your woes but really loving the picture of your daughter. I have recently returned to working 'in the field' and am loving it! My thoughts are with you on your journey. Big hugs to you and your family. PK

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Jim Johnston
1/24/2017 02:58:32 pm

Well, well, well. It's been a long time between runs. If I remember correctly about 28 years. It was a typical warm West Indies day with the Trade Winds blowin a cooling breeze. We were side by side, connected by a tether, climbing our way up the old road from Oyster Pond. Steep, really steep. I am leading, but actually just trying to keep up. I remember glancing over my shoulder at you and marvelling how easily you were moving. You were chatting away, asking me this and that, I am only able to offer monosyllabic ( look that up ) answers. Because there is only a limited amount of air available, at this point it's run or talk, can't do both. As we we round a turn it levels, I can see ahead to the summit 500 metres up a very challenging grade. I am gassed and say We're at the top. Rob say's, "No we're not finished yet".
That's Rob. "Not finished yet"

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Rob Matthews link
1/24/2017 09:23:48 pm

Hey Jim, it has been a long time ! I agree I'm not finished yet... loved your story and comments and the memories it evoked. Will keep you posted mate.
Rob

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    Rob Matthews MBE.  Paralympian
    Inspirational Speaker
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