I am still a woman - Confessions of a twice cancer survivor - my journey by Nina Ann McCurley

Well Australia has been in the news for all the wrong things this week. Sadly media and supporters are playing out this causality. It's sad 😭 should never have happened. But it did happen. The punishment has been dished out. Like it or hate it we have to let this go. The families of these boys are coping alot of negative attention. Sadly this can't be changed. The punishment is set now we need to leave it alone. The mental health is very important now. As a police contractor I see every day what happens to the mind when it's compromised. Live and let go. Don't let the innocent players be dragged into this. We are Australian we always pull together in tough times. Why aren't we doing it now? Feeling for all the innocent in this battle, if you have missed it here is the scoop.  https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/underbelly-australian-grade-cricket-warner-tampering-20180331-p4z77m.html #candicewarner #sydneymorningherald #cricket #aust...

So what believe means to me. On a girls night the girls asked me why did I get a tattoo on my neck that says believe. It's got a a pink ribbon in the middle of course it's the breast cancer ribbon. They loved it so much. You know I promised myself if I survived I would get this tattoo. Beautiful - this life Enjoy - this life Love ❤️ - this life Iconic - this life Everything - this life Value - this life Exactly - my journey #believe #symbollic #survivor #iamstillawoman

In a cancer battle ! A stem cell transplant is a treatment for some types of cancer. For example, you might have one if you have leukemia, multiple myeloma, or some types of lymphoma. Doctors also treat some blood diseases with stem cell transplants. In the past, patients who needed a stem cell transplant received a “bone marrow transplant” because the stem cells were collected from the bone marrow. Today, stem cells are usually collected from the blood, instead of the bone marrow. For this reason, they are now more commonly called stem cell transplants. Why is it important ?  A part of your bones called “bone marrow” makes blood cells. Marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones. It contains cells called “hematopoietic” stem cells (pronounced he-mah-tuh-poy-ET-ick). These cells can turn into several other types of cells. They can turn into more bone marrow cells. Or they can turn into any type of blood cell. Certain cancers and other diseases keep hematopoietic stem...

“ Judge tenderly, if you must. There is usually a side you have not heard, a story you know nothing about, and a battle waged that you are not having to fight.  Traci Lea Larussa #quoteoftheday #iamstillawoman #survivor #tracilealarussa

At a party one night in all the cheers and all the happiness of being together, I see a vulnerable husband. My friends husbands are great and I life seeing my friends happy, what I also love is that men get as scared about cancer as us ladies do,  I may be wrong but maybe they don't have the same resources we do,  the coffees the sharing Journies etc. so my friends husband tells me he has only one testicle. He talks about a scarey voyage as we share voyages, also just to put something amazing on this they are both happy on there second marriages. Also they have had a child. So that's fantastic news that you can come through a scarey battle, still produce. So look here is what we spoke of: What are the symptoms of testicular cancer? A hard lump in either testis is the usual symptom of testicular cancer. The lump is usually painless but in about one in 10 men it is painful or tender. In a few men, constant backache, coughing or breathlessness, and enlarged or tende...

Basically I heard so many words I didn't understand. What do they mean? So many choices, ouch which one shall I use. They all seem ok but they all have ups and downs, my mind is whirling, what to do and what not to do.  You will make the right choice. But for me this was it.  #sharing #awareness #iamstillawoman #myjourney #survivor  During implant reconstruction, if you're having the implant inserted at the same time as mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) and enough tissue is available to cover the implant, your plastic surgeon will place the breast implant under your chest muscle after your breast surgeon has removed the breast tissue. If a large amount of skin is removed during mastectomy or you're having the staged approach to implant reconstruction (delayed-immediate reconstruction), your plastic surgeon places a tissue expander between the skin and chest muscle after your breast surgeon has removed the breast tissue. A tissue expander is an implant that’s...

I am still a woman - Well everything that makes you a woman is still here. Missing lots of body parts to a war that I won is scarey but ok now. In the beginning of this second journey, loosing body parts was pretty scarey. Gee not only that but I may loose my life. Well that's really scarey. I said to my great friend Zu, I bet my boobs come back before my hair... yep that's the thing. Loosing hair for a woman is really scarey. Men look unreal with bald heads, don't get me wrong woman look amazing too but I just wasn't comforted by the thought of having no hair. Wigs I had 3 wore them out all the time. Bandanas are cool so they were great for home, at night when you don't realise that hair keeps your head warm. Those Indian type hats were great 👍 I had a red one for night. It had a little white apple on it. Hence to say my kids christened me apple iPod. The boobs happened in stages actually I am about to share in my next blog. The voyage and stages of that Turn...

Ovarian cancer begins  in the  ovaries . ... Most  ovarian  tumors are epithelial cell tumors. Germ cell tumors  start from the cells that produce the eggs (ova). Stromal tumors  start  from structural tissue cells that hold the  ovary  together and produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Several studies show that even early stage ovarian cancer can produce these symptoms. Bloating. Pelvic or abdominal pain. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly. Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency) Ovarian cancer can also cause other symptoms, such as: fatigue. indigestion. heartburn. constipation. back pain. menstrual irregularities. painful intercourse. dermatomyositis (a rare inflammatory disease that can cause skin rash, muscle weakness, and inflamed muscles.  #cancer #ovariancancer #iamstillawoman #awareness  Hysterectomy is this the answer?  It is also the initial treatment for the  c...

It's one of those things, life how long will we last. When do we die. The beauty is we don't know, but we hope it's a long time of an old age and we die in our sleep. Nope sadly mostly that didn't happen. You look at longevity it changes all around the shop. Looking at family history is interesting is there any illness in the family. For example heart disease and cancer can run in families, but seriously it's not worth worrying about it, you certainly don't need that concern. None of us do. Just enjoy life and what do they say dance like no one is watching. My Aunty Anna is a cool and spiritual lady. I love her outlook. Her thing with me there is a candle lit when we are born. When it goes out that's  the end. Makes perfect sense. So because we don't know our path, which is probably a good thing. Then we don't have to worry. Just getting on with all the things that make us happy, thus providing a life full of everything we live and hope for. As...

  QUOTE OF THE DAY "You do not lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership."  Dwight D. Eisenhower   #quoteoftheday #iamstillawoman #leadership #quote #dwightdeisenhower

  “ I love myself exactly as I am. I no longer wait to be perfect in order to love myself. ” —LOUISE HAY #iamstillawoman #selfworth #louisehay #quoteoftheday

Why I am still a woman?? Because through my battle loosing everything from hair, boobs, uterus, ovaries, eyelashes, eyebrows. Yep it started to occurred to me I may be becoming a boy, omg. Now I guess if you ask me year to year what happening how are you? My oh my it's been a ride. Let me share something now that I must have been going through years ago. I sat with a friend and he made this for me. So you will get goosebumps I guess seeing this. I did. Sharing a journey #iamstillawoman #love #survivor #family #cancer #omg 

Ok hair. It's a dead thing on our heads. We spend lots of time and money on this. Oh boy isn't that the truth.  In 2008 I started my Chemotherapy and that thing called hair which I love. Went dry and started falling out. Yep you got it as my Chemotherapy progressed to time 2. In the middle of the night it stuck together like someone has glued my hair with super glue. Oh boy what a dam mess.  In a horrible shock last year when I moved house. The vanity in the bathroom had a beautiful Estée Lauder make up bag at the back, I pulled it out overjoyed to think what a beautiful bag. Then I pulled it out and could see my old hair. Why did I do that store it in a bag. I was upset about loosing my hair. What was I thinking omg 😲  Ok so a little shook up. I am then like wow my oh my look how far I have come, that's amazing. Still can't remember how or why I saved it. But I guess I coped really well when it reminded me of a battle    That's finished.  I then...

Ok so here we are. The trials of life and tests of making it. Here I am. Any survivor will tell you it's a hard yard. When does it get easy. Now it does.  I am on a quarter of an acre paying off a house again. Bringing all in what a joy. My life is peaceful and I am loving having the animals and my youngest son still living at home.  There is a sense of joy at family dinners looking around the dinner party crew. Smiling happy seeing that all willl be ok.  I have raised 3 sensational men. Now one married and bringing me the greatest next chapter my gorgeous grandchild.  When you look at your life and you see yep there have been some bad hard times. But look at all the good. It's so amazing to think we give life. They grow up and go out and also thrive.  My biggest joy is being a mother and grandmother. Through the hour glass we see time is certainly going very quickly, but oh what a ride.  We all have so many challenges in this life. But the good...

Preparing for a chemotherapy roller coaster. No way you can prepare for this sadly. When I was diagnosed the second time I was like no..... can't possibly do that. For me choosing the double mastectomy was paramount. Silly me thought I would dodge a bullet no chemo, my Doctor - Doctor Robilliard was a small stature grey haired balding man. He had a stronge direct personality. Some people hated him and some loved him. Me, I thought his way was good for me. Sitting in the office that afternoon expecting to hear you don't need chemo, I was absolutely sure I had avoided that talk. Nope! He says to me urgently need to start chemo. 2 different types on the same day~~ WTF In shock I say ohhhh no way am I going to do that again. I still have nightmares from the first time. Tears now in my eyes. I want the floor to open up and swallow me!!! He says in a year when it's everywhere and you are begging me to save you. What shall I say!!! Ohhhh crap My response arghhh ok when do...

How  Does Chemotherapy Affect  the Mouth? ... These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects include problems with your  teeth  and gums; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; and the glands that make saliva (spit). Well after having 2 lots of chemotherapy in 19 years I knew exactly what would happen to my mouth. I booked into my local dentist for a pre cancer treating my teeth nicely session. I think this helped me definitely. Teeth are amazing and they are not fun to loose. Lots of my friends in late 40's to 50's are certainly loosing their teeth up to 3. So it really is worth a little care.  As we know chemotherapy has a big job to kill cancer. So imagine what it does to all that good stuff, worth the hundreds $$$ at the dentist. I absolutely think so. #dentist #oral #cancer #chemotherapy #iamstillawoman 

Ok for years and years people would say I had a hysterectomy. I am Like wow that's pretty full on. Then going through it a 44 they say you need a hysterectomy... I am like no way!! The horror stories around this are in the millions, I was so shook up. But guess what all my fears it was a breeze. Yep painful for awhile but looking back none of the bad things happened that I was expecting like. Grey hair, drying up ohhh and that's mild the list goes on. Firstly there are 3 different types of hysterectomies - I thought it was just one. If your a ovarian or breast cancer survivor you will have probably had this. So what's the difference? Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It may also involve removal of the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes and other surrounding structures. Usually performed by a gynecologist, hysterectomy may be total or partial. There are different types of hysterectomy: Total hysterectomy—The entire uterus, including the  cervix , ...

Someone told me you can keep your own nipples and recycle them. Oh wow that's pretty cool I thought. So I asked the doctor 👨‍⚕️ can I please keep my nipples? He says no!! Cancer cells can hide we could put the nipples on and there could be some hidden cells to come back later. Ok I thought that will do me, no way. This may not be the same for everyone - remembering it's when the cancer is found. How far it's gone etc. Trusting your doctor is everything. So what is nipple sparing ? Nipple-sparing mastectomy keeps the nipple and areola intact along with the breast skin. There are many different incisions used to do this surgery. One incision is made under the fold of the breast. Other incisions begin near the areola and extend towards the outer portion of the breast. Vertical incisions from the breast fold to the nipple are also sometimes used. In all cases, all visible breast tissue is removed. In the past this was called a subcutaneous mastectomy. No matter what inci...

This is a tough one. To nipple or not to nipple? By the way this is a personal choice. Looking back for me. I don't think it's necessary! I think at the time I was just not sure. Probably trying to replace everything I had before. I am so confident that I didn't need them. But of course happy I have them they look really good. You make up your mind - this year 2018 is the 10 year anniversary so you choose. For nipples! They look normal. They help to get you thinking your body is getting woman hood back. Against nipples! Another surgery more money. Another 6 weeks no lifting and no using arms normally. They are always erect - so you need to wear a bra. Now my next endeavour is to find out if 10 years I need to replace my boobs anyway. With so much happening back then, I think they said that they only last 10 years. I will do a doctors visit and get back to you on that one. Vanity boobs are made of different and stronger material. The cancer ones I had put in a...

They used to say have this test every 2 years. I think even it doesn't even hurt to do it yearly if your concerned.  What is a pap smear ?  A Pap smear is used to  screen  for cervical cancer. The Pap smear is usually done in conjunction with a pelvic exam. In women older than age 30, the Pap test may be combined with a test for human papillomavirus (HPV) — a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer in some women. How is a Pap smear done?  A  Pap smear  is performed in your doctor's office and takes only a few minutes. You may be asked to undress completely or only from the waist down. ... Then your doctor will take samples of your cervical cells using a soft brush or a flat scraping device called a spatula. This usually doesn't  hurt . As we know prevention is better than cure.  New findings they are exploring new ways to do this testing! Through DNA  DNA screening for the HPV virus...

QUOTE OF THE DAY "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." -  Agatha Christie  

Womb: what is it?   The womb (uterus) is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen between the bladder and the rectum. The narrow, lower portion of the uterus is the cervix; the broader, upper part is the corpus. The corpus is made up of two layers of tissue. Well it does an important job. What's it all about. #uterus #womb #woman #fertility #iamstillawoman 

Fertilization happens when a sperm meets and penetrates an egg. ... Within about three days after conception, the fertilized egg is dividing very fast into many cells. It passes through the fallopian tube into the uterus, where it attaches to the uterine wall. The placenta, which will nourish the  baby , also starts to  form . It's such a miracle and we all feel very happy to find out we are pregnant, it's the best thing ever. But then what happens. Ever wondered what takes place? I think it's a precious time and today I thought I would share a u tube on the creation of our babies.  Enjoy #creation #babies #iamstillawoman #life #pregnancy #fetus 

The  placenta  is composed of both maternal tissue and tissue derived from the embryo. The chorion is the embryonic-derived portion of the  placenta . It is composed of fetal blood vessels and trophoblasts which are organized into finger-like structures called chorionic villi. When does the placenta form?  Placenta  and Embryo at 8  Weeks . At 8  weeks  of pregnancy, the  placenta  and fetus have been developing for 6  weeks . The  placenta forms  tiny hairlike projections (villi) that extend into the wall of the uterus. Blood vessels from the embryo, which pass through the umbilical cord to the  placenta ,  develop  in the villi. When you see the placenta at the end, it's quiet big. But when you think of the mission it has. It's a biggie. They weigh it too. They say there are so many nutrients in there.  #placenta #birth #creation #embryo #iamstillawoman 

The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall to allow nutrient uptake, thermo-regulation, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother's blood supply; to fight against internal infection; and to produce hormones which support pregnancy.  I remember that needle that just helps the placenta come out a bit quicker. Which certainly speeds up that waiting. Because let's face it your so excited to see your baby.  How is the placenta delivered? If you deliver your baby vaginally, you'll also deliver the placenta vaginally — during what's known as the third stage of labor. After you give birth, you'll continue to have mild contractions. Your health care provider might massage your lower abdomen to encourage your uterus to contract and expel the placenta. You might be asked to push one more time to deliver the placenta, which usually comes out with a small gush of blood. The placenta is typically delivered in about fiv...

LIFE is pretty amazing. I grew up in the country in the 60's in a time where all the country folk only drove a Ford or a Holden. In a time where there was no one competition every one had the same. I think that's why they call it the good old days. It was the good old days for so many reasons but mainly because it was the simple life. Now finally in my 50's I am back in the simple life. Friends that have the same goals and living the beautiful calm of a treasured life. So where from here, I remember telling everyone that I will pull my life  together in my 50's and I have. I am the Phoenix risen from the ashes. I think when a cancer patient fights so hard to be here, they also want to be around all the beautiful things in life. So turning 50 is the best don't panic. Fun 50's Here goes; #You Don't put up with crap #Bitching is for 16 year olds throw out the trash friends #Your watching kids go from strength to strength yay #Rewarding knowing you hav...

I thought this was great to share. It's amazing and shows the process this miracle before birth.  #iamstillawoman #beforebirth #miracle #journey #fertilisation

But the "classic" vaginal childbirth is described by practitioners in three tidy stages: First Stage: Dilation and Effacement of the Cervix. Second Stage: Pushing and Birth. Third Stage: Delivery of the Placenta. #childbirth #delivery #miracleoflife.   #iamstillawoman I can remember that in your first instance of the unknown. You get through because you don't know, then the second time the minute the first contraction starts you remember. It's really amazing that you forget and then the memory brings it all back. Hope this helps you. With modern technology you know so much now. In the old days {thought I would never say that} it was different as they didnt know as much. But overall the same because it's up to you what choices you make. I remember thinking no pain killers first time then it's a given they may be ordered in the car park next Time. What a miracle bringing a baby into the world. It's the best thing ever.  I loved being pregnant some...

I think for years and years we have been trying to guess the sex of our babies. Wives tales were many in our day. Seems even now it's still getting around with all those same wives tales. So what do you think? Did you hear these same tales. See what you think. #iamstillawoman #babies #guessingsex #oldwivestales #isitagirl #isitaboy

Because of the large amount of  antioxidants  present in this spice, such as vitamin A,  lutein and  zeaxanthin , it's already clear that paprika benefits you by helping prevent diseases that damage your eyes. In addition to these  nutrients , the existence of vitamin B6 in paprika also helps keep your eyes healthy. It has a pungent taste when heated that evokes its peppery origins. The red spice most familiar to Americans as a colorful garnish for deviled eggs and roast ham,  paprika  is made from ground bonnet pepper, or Capsicum tetragona, a relative of chili peppers and bell peppers and native to South America. Shake On Some  Paprika .  Paprika helps  promotes  weight loss  as well. According to Foodie Goodie Magazine by Ayushveda.com,  paprika  not only boosts your metabolism, but this red spice that is usually reserved for decorative effect, may also help reduce your appetite and...