3 Too Many

T Day = 6 (Chemo only)

What an awesome way to start the day – nearly 6.5 hours sleep through the night – no foggy feeling, and OMG – almost a normal level of pain.  In fact it is only the back aching around the kidneys and a headache that caused me to get up at 5:45!  Please can I order more nights/starts like this.  No random brain activity either – just normal!  As it’s a big day thought I’d start writing the blog out now so not to disappoint your Saturday reading

I have a good feeling that it’s going to be a great day – especially as it is full on footy day too.  Both boys Lachlan are up against CFTC – so should be a good hard games, then I’ve got to be at Halswell by 1pm as the Premier’s are playing in the first round of the Chatham Cup today against Nomads & they are wearing the Pinkie socks in support of me. Then the Masters Pinkie team have their game against the FC2011 RSA – the way I’m feeling this morning – I’m certain I could go and run a whole game honestly I feel that alive – it is just so bloody fantastic!  I’m not about to though as just taken the Chemo for today – give it 30 mins!  Yep – here go the kidneys starting to hurt Might jump in to a hot shower as that helps, then  have brekky).  I guess this will now be the new standard pain – headaches/migraines out – kidney back pain in – well if it means extra time – it is a small price to pay in my eyes.  Unfortunately Lachlan’s team go down 7-0 & Jacob’s team snatch defeat from victory and loose 4-3!  Both good games though.

Here’s the blurb that went in the game day programme if you want a read –

Welcome all to The Nest for this 1st round Chatham Cup  game. The Chatham Cup is the pinnacle trophy in NZ football as it is open to all NZ clubs. I know the lads will be giving their all out there in a battle for the win aiming to eventually  get their hands on  this equivalent of the FA Cup but also to give the mental boost needed to push their season ahead.

For those whom don’t know me & are wondering why everything is Pink centric today – I’m Antony Edmonds or “Pinky’ around the football circles of Christchurch & Southland. Having played for Thistle AFC (Invers) & of course our beloved Halswell in the last 12yrs.  My time at Halswell has seen me involved as a Player, Gear Manager, & most importantly a Junior Coach which was a highlight as I could pass on the years of the coaching that I have endured & what kept my love the game alive. The commitment to the club is not just from myself with both our sons – Jacob (13B) & Lachlan (11A) playing and my wife Sue being involved in various roles.

As we all know, life, like refs, deliver match changing penalties at the wrong time, & on 30 March I was given my first ever Red Card – a diagnosis of 3 inoperable Brain Tumors. Not the sort of call that can be appealed as there are only 50 of the type in the world per year. 

In true Hawk spirit, the support & care from my Masters Div 1 team mates has come to the fore with shaved heads,  fines , pink socks & wrist bands – and most humbling act of all renaming the team to Halswell Pinkies. The support though is not limited to these fine gentlemen – as I have played alongside a good number of you over the years & I know & embrace the support from all quarters.

I know we have a huge battle ahead & with the same strength that I am taking to my battle, I hope that our lads today can take the same strength into today’s game & come out victorious!

Enjoy the game today and I hope to see you all upstairs in the clubrooms afterwards.

Will roust the boys soon as they will need to fuel up for footy and let it digest before playing  – stops stitch! They must have heard he as can hear their tiny footsteps on the stairs- yeah right – tiny footy steps – thump, thump!! They’d never make cat burglars!

Arrive at Halswell about 1:15 meet the Prem team lads, wish them well & go out to watch the game.  Good game all round with Halswell looking the domanent team all the way – and walk away 2-0 victors.  My team the Halswell Pinkies are on the field next to the big game so change direction to watch them.  The lads walk away victors and 3 points richer with a 3-0 win including 2 goals from Shane! All in all it’s been a very humbling day and incredibly emotional  day  (though kept them in check) with so much attention placed on to you around so many people who have your every intention. And lots of talking with everyone.  All  in all it has been a very long but totally enjoyable big – fun filled day. Just goes to show that the day started brilliantly and continued on like that is wonderful.  Hope everyone else had a fantastic day has been successful in all ways possible.

On a light note – I was ‘allowed’ to move the car further down the car park at footy – well all was going great – pulled into in empty spot and took foot of the break and thought  – odd car not moving as it normally does.  Put in park and leave it .  Get out and realise I’m pushing on the `barrier around the park doh in 12 years I’ve never done that.  So the team ind out about it and I have a special fine imposed on me!!

An interesting to note that without Radiation today I have had so much more energy and lasted all day.  Yay!!!  In away I’m looking forward to Radiation on Monday but not the side effects  – been tiredness.  That said just about falling asleep on the keyboard now, so will sign off for the day. 

Nearly M&D time  too folks.  Remember – Sleep/play/party well.

Kia Kaha.