Here’s a link to my blog from one year ago, the day my stem cells were returned to me after four days of chemotherapy to suppress my immune system. Stem cell transplantation day It’s hard to know what to say. It’s been a tough year in many ways, and the roller coaster we all talk … Continue reading One year ago →

This journey of recovery, wherever it takes me, is definitely a holistic approach. I've kept in touch with a few people who have been through the treatment, and it seems pretty clear that there's a few basic themes for those doing well. Not everyone reacts well, and there are non-responders, so please be aware this … Continue reading Holistic approach to recovery →

A year ago, I was in Russia, going through testing prior to commencement of my treatment. I’ve found myself looking back, and reflecting, way more than I’d anticipated. Sure, I thought I’d celebrate on my stem cell birthday, but I hadn’t realised how much time I’d spend thinking about the decision, the time in Russia, … Continue reading Reflections →

I was admitted to the hospital a year ago yesterday, and testing started a year ago today. Just a few photographs from that period of time, and the posting from that day here; https://mylongestjourney.blog/2018/09/11/first-days-at-the-pirogov-centre/ What a journey this has been, and I’m still travelling. I’ll write a longer update in the next days, but how … Continue reading Testing – 1 year ago today →

Firstly, a photograph of the prettiest manicure I think I've ever had ! I found myself thinking, after three weeks of more strenuous and technical physical activity than I'd dreamed I could accomplish again, about the weight I needed to lose. Really ?? After managing Handrail Gorge, and some days around 12,000 steps, also swimming … Continue reading Weight or fitness ? →

We have just travelled through the slowly changing bush of the Great Northern Highway, from Karijini to Perth. Is this journey boring , or is it a slow meditation on geology, time and the incredible scale of creation ? This is one of my landscapes now, I love the young, mountainous, jagged, spectacular scenery of … Continue reading The long way home →

The last few days have all been about spectacular gorges, hiking down into them, swimming in cool water then hiking back out again. The scenery here in the Pilbara is just spectacular, arid and dry above, lush and green below in the gorges. It's been a lesson on geology, I am very happy to be … Continue reading Karijini; gorges, hiking and swimming →

Other than a geriatric campsite with an unsavoury odour of sewage occasionally wafting across from the drains, and caravans cheek to jowl in every spot of space, Exmouth has been fantastic. I have to say, I felt a little underdressed going to the campsite toilets in my pyjamas when all the other women wore matching … Continue reading Exmouth, above and below ground →

One hard part of this holiday is the realisation of how much strength and coordination the MS has taken from me. I find it hard to climb up and down from the bed, and to get into the far reaches of the car, or to leap to my feet on the paddle board is impossible. … Continue reading Strength and assistance →

This is going to be a long post, for a couple of reasons There is no internet connection here or wifi or even phone reception, so I’ll just keep adding to the post each day then upload in one goThe journey in and first night are in direct contrast to the rest of the stay. … Continue reading Ningaloo; harsh and beautiful →