Turtle Surprises - Photos Through the Eyes of a Turtle

Pink66
Pink66 Dragonfly Posts: 366
edited July 2015 in Day to day

Waving everyone...
I always thought hearing the words You have breast cancer would be the worst thing I ever heard but I was wrong. I am getting closer and closer every single day to it being three years since I heard the words You have Secondary Breast Cancer and we cannot cure you.  It took a while to sink in and even now I may have days of frustration, fatigue and sadness I still have not had a day where I am angry about the fact that I woke up one day and found myself living with squatters.  I work hard on having way more days that are warm, loving and interesting it is a hard task some days but so very well worth it.

It is not an easy path to tread but I cannot change it and at every possible opportunity I make the most of it and live life to the full (and yes the definition of "full" can and does change on an almost daily basis!!!).  Some day it can be like there is very little going on inside me and I can do lots of things (in moderation) and other days, just getting out of bed is a serious challenge.  I no longer (well mostly) get frustrated with myself for not achieving everything on the agenda.  That alone has been a seriously huge adjustment for an organizational entrepreneur such as myself.

My previous work position was extremely intense (no surprise for those who know me) but my squatters and the subsequent treatments put an abrupt and sudden halt to it..  mmm..  looking back, who needs 12-14 hour days with calls at 3am to sort out issues and computers?? 

As I travel on I find that when chemo is not trying to slow me down my mind is missing something.  There is a huge part of me that is lost in a black hole..  I need something else. An interest that is exciting and challenging and until recently I have had to put my camera away as my old life robbed me of the time it takes to get out there and see the world around me.

So I have enrolled in a course to brush up on and learn new skills.  I have my camera and lenses ready with a sexy new camera back pack (birthday present) and I extended my blog from p1nk66 to incorporate a new one just for photography.  Turtle Surprises    and the blog posts can also be found on my  P1nk66 page on Facebook.

So I invite you to visit and choose to like or follow me and hopefully enjoy my pics as much as I do taking them.

turtle hugs all round, Sharon

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Comments

  • rowdy
    rowdy Member Posts: 1,165
    edited July 2015

    Hi Sharon I have just read your post and can feel the positive vibes coming through. Every day we have is a blessing, it is fantastic for you to have found something you love that gives you so much joy. I will look for your turtle surprises. Sending you hugs and a smilexx

  • Melhay
    Melhay Member Posts: 157
    edited July 2015

    Thankyou for sharing such a raw & honest post Sharon. 

    Your positive outlook is an inspiration. 

    Look forward to seeing more photos as you feel better & can get & about more. Macro & Nature photography is one of my hobbies too :) 

    Mel xx

  • kazza4450
    kazza4450 Member Posts: 159
    edited July 2015

    Hi Sharon. 

    So sorry to hear that it's been such a hard time and hard diagnosis for you.

    I'm a string believer in never giving up and always looking forward towards your miracles.

    I too find much joy in my photography and look forward to sharing this with you. 

    You will be in my prayers and thoughts often. 

    Love and smiles to you. 

    Cheers, Karen xxx

  • Jen McD
    Jen McD Dragonfly Posts: 22
    edited July 2015

    Hi Sharon,

    I had the same diagnosis only about 5 months ago - and am so impressed with how you are coping and your attitude.  Plus ... you have made me very happy tonight after looking at your great pictures.  I grew up at Lake Tyers, within hearing of the sea, and love any opportunity to return to the Lakes Entrance area.  We live a bit inland and westish now, and I miss the sea, but hubby bought a voucher for several nights in Lakes before diagnosis - you have inspired me to act on these and make the trip again soon (800 km round trip is not that far for a couple of nights, surely???)!!   Keep doing what you enjoy and thank you for spreading the joy.

    Jen

  • Loubegg
    Loubegg Member Posts: 73
    edited July 2015

    So inspiring Sharon!  Looking forward to following you on Facebook!

    Big hug

    Lx

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Orbost, VictoriaPosts: 0
    edited July 2015

    That's awesome Sharon, and good on you. Looks like you are an excellent photographer. Will certainly follow you on Facebook.

    Hoping that you are feeling a bit better soon. Sending you a big cuddle, Tracey B ??

  • Pink66
    Pink66 Dragonfly Posts: 366
    edited July 2015

    Hi Jen, My Sister in Law and family live down there..  Such a beautiful part of the world..  (I am 3 1/2 hrs away from Lakes)..  Perhaps contact the place where you are going to stay (pull the cancer card if you need to "wink") and see if they will add a night or two at the same price!!!   worst case, they can say no and you still have the couple of nights..  I am so very glad that I have been able to make you happy through my pictures..  thank you xoxox

  • Pink66
    Pink66 Dragonfly Posts: 366
    edited July 2015

    Hi Rowdy, sending huge hugs and smiles right back at you xoxox

  • Pink66
    Pink66 Dragonfly Posts: 366
    edited July 2015

    Hi Mel..  how cool is taking pictures!!!  I always knew but think I had just forgotten how cool it is..    as for the raw and honest bit.. the turtle makes me do it :):):)

  • Pink66
    Pink66 Dragonfly Posts: 366
    edited July 2015

    Hi Karen, I live in hope, and always will..  it is the only way I know how to :).it is just the crazy and unpredictable rollercoaster that is SBC that keeps me guessing .   

    so glad you enjoy photography too..  it is such a great and calming influence .  xoxox

  • Pink66
    Pink66 Dragonfly Posts: 366
    edited July 2015

    Thanks Lou xoxox 

  • Pink66
    Pink66 Dragonfly Posts: 366
    edited July 2015

    Thanks Tracey,  and sending a huge hug back to you xoxoxox

  • Karel01
    Karel01 Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2015

    Thank you Sharon for this positive post. I thought the ground had given away when I was told for the third time I had breast cancer. Being told I had secondaries in my bones and lung was devastating.

    I start chemo next week and am very apprehensive . Your attitude and truthfulness about your feelings has given me strength to be more positive. Positivity has been few and far between. I have a great support network but I still feel quite isolated and hearing from others I a similar boat helps. I hope I can find an activity like yours to brighten my days. Thanks and keep strong

    Karel??

  • Danielle_BCNA
    Danielle_BCNA Member Posts: 64
    edited July 2015

    Gorgeous pictures Sharon. You are an absolute inspiration to women living with secondary breast cancer and a true BCNA champion. Great to see you doing something for yourself that gives you so much pleasure. Am proud to know you. Enjoy!! Danielle xx

  • Pink66
    Pink66 Dragonfly Posts: 366
    edited July 2015

    Thank you Danielle xoxox