Wednesday, April 30, 2014

30 April 2014 Oncology visit for results of recent scans - not the best result!

I kept myself busy this morning with housework, social media and sorting paperwork out until about midday.

Keith suggested a drive up to Mt Macedon in 'his' car prior to the appointment late afternoon with my oncologist.   So we enjoyed a nice drive in the hills and a coffee/chat with friends while there.

By mid afternoon I was stressing out with trying not too stress out - if that makes any sense!  On arrival at my oncology appointment there was a delay of an hour in the waiting room - I tried to calm my mind doing light meditation while Keith read a car magazine (his way of keeping calm) .... .

With my oncologist we spoke about my recent trip to Washington, DC and ADAO's 10th annual Asbestos Awareness Conference then he said to please hop on the table and I will examine you.   As soon as he felt my tummy area his comment was that there was quite a bit of fluid there.

So results in simple form:
 A big mass just under the left hand side of lung area that was not there 6 months ago.  Elsewhere a lot of fluid/tumours growing .... .

What to do??   
A team talk at the Austin hospital in Melbourne with other specialists.
There are 2 trials at the moment however I most probably will not be a candidate due to having both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, have had numerous surgeries and also heaps of chemotherapy.

Treatment:
Next Tuesday or Wednesday I will start chemotherapy of Carboplatin and Alimta.
(Cisplatin would be better however my body is now too toxic due to all the Cisplatin that I have had in the past).

Mesothelioma is again showing its ugly head!   A fight on my hands once again to live with it and with quality of life, hopefully until my next birthday April 20 2015!  I still have a lot of asbestos advocacy, education and support work to do!

I WILL NEVER NEVER GIVE UP WITHOUT A FIGHT!!





Sunday, April 27, 2014

My autumn weekend in the Macedon Ranges 26 and 27 April 2014 and scanxiety!

Saturday was very overcast, cold and wet during the day so we stayed inside our home and kept warm.   At 3pm we braved the cold and head up to Mt Macedon for an exhibition by the wonderful metal sculpture artist Russell Petherbridge held at Mt Macedon Nursery.  I am so glad that we made the effort to go - it was wonderful!   A beautiful French garden nursery setting - it was the perfect place for Russell's works to be shown amongst the garden.
Photo

Hay bales to sit on by the iron braziers to keep us warm, local wines served with cocktail nibblies and listening to a wonderful jazz band - Nicholas on the base and violin with the most wonderful jazz singer who had just returned from a few years in New York - her voice was gutsy and so easy to listen to - similar to Renee Geyer's voice.

A dinner invitation up the Mount with friends and home at 11pm to a crying Charlie wanting his dinner!  All in all a fabulous afternoon that turned into a wonderful evening with friends.

Today a visit to Honour Avenue, Macedon for a look at the beautiful pin oaks with their Autumn leaves and a pitstop at one of the local cafes before discovering a secret garden Nursery at 31 Margaret St, Macedon that is only open on the weekends.  Well worth a visit - there is a small sign outside saying garage sale.  Step inside and view the beautiful secret garden!
Honour Avenue, Macedon (Photo: Ange Cordell)
Home and while the sun was shining we did some gardening - moving wheelbarrows of fallen bark and tree branches ready to burn any day now.   Charlie was happy to sit on the veranda and watch us work!

In Georgia USA Michael Bradley's 5k fundraiser was held in his honour - a very emotional and hard time for his family and many friends and warriors who attended including Linda Reinstein who flew in the night before and bravely read out her speech.  Michael even though you did not make it in person you were there smiling down at everyone I am sure.  (Michael lost his life to deadly mesothelioma - asbestos cancer at the age of 29 years) just a few days ago.


Gail goes into hospital for painful surgery on her shoulder in a couple of days.   Her soulmate Steve lost his fight with mesothelioma a few months ago - he should be with Gail and helping to get her through this surgery, instead she has to valiantly do this on her own.   So many other soulmates and families have had their lives torn apart thanks to no fault of their own - we can blame asbestos and greed for this!   No one should be diagnosed with deadly asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.   It was known by governments and companies in the very early 1900s of the deadly dangers of asbestos and yet through greed it was continually used and eventually banned totally in Australia in 2003.  Unfortunately this is not the case around the world including America where it still is not banned. 

A global ban on asbestos will eventually halt mining and manufacturing stopping innocent workers and their families from being exposed to deadly asbestos fibres. Management of removal and disposal is vital as is removal and disposal becoming heavily subsidised otherwise we will continue to get these dodgy operators, illegal dumping and home renovators removing asbestos from their homes. Education, awareness and research is very vital and ongoing. In Unity this will happen!

On another note - I have a major CT scan tomorrow peritoneal and pleural area, my last one was 6 months ago.  Luckily I won't have to wait long until results - I will see my oncologist Allan Zimet on Weds 30th April!  Funny how scanxiety starts to creep in - when we have these scans - I have been keeping myself busy today and now thinking about the fluid intake that I need prior to this scan all of a sudden it becomes reality - it is always the deciding factor in living with mesothelioma having a scan and our life is in the hands of our oncologist to decide if there is stability, shrinkage or if the tumours/fluid are growing.  If we receive the news from our oncologist that there is tumour/fluid growth immediately our minds go into overdrive:
Is this it?  Have I run out of options for further palliative treatment?
Am I going to die?  

I have been lucky and am in my 11th year since treatment!  Lucky!!!  I have had my share of surgeries, chemotherapy treatments and have come so close to dying and yet I am still here!  Why I ask myself when others have not been so 'lucky' - I just know that I live in the moment and let the universe take care of itself, I have become a Voice in the asbestos world and stand up for those warriors who have lost their lives to deadly asbestos (including my dad), for those who are living with an asbestos related disease and for those who are yet to be diagnosed.  Also for the many carers and families - we are in Unity fighting for an asbestos free world and one day this will happen!  Change is possible.

Please sign this petition and ask other colleagues, friends and family to do so. A National Mesothelioma day on Sept 26 would help to create a worldwide ban on asbestos by making everyone aware of the deadly dangers of asbestos. There is no safe asbestos - asbestos kills.


(Please copy and paste this website below)

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/901/918/684/create-a-national-mesothelioma-awareness-day-in-australia-september-26/?taf_id=10054603&cid=fb_na

Thursday (Sept 26th) is National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. We take time to humbly remember those we lost and to continue the fight against this horrible disease in UK and USA!  Australia does not have a National Mesothelioma Awareness Day - we need to be part of this global day!  This is our chance to create awareness, advocacy and educate innocent people on the dangers of deadly asbestos fibres.  The more knowledge and awareness we have, the less likely your children and their children of the future will die from deadly mesothelioma asbestos cancer.


Thursday, April 24, 2014

ANZAC Day - Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

Photo: Thank you to all those who attended this morning’s service, and a big thank you to all of our wonderful supporters and volunteers, without whom we would not be able to put on this important event. Lest We Forget.
This year’s Dawn Service will explore the theme of the first and the last of Australia’s national wars to date. To reflect this there will be two ‘Voices from the Front’ from World War 1, a piece from Afghanistan, as well as a song to honour the memory of all Australians killed in war over the last 100 years – now exceeding 80,000. There will be a hymn, a prayer, a formal wreath laying ceremony with bagpipes and the traditional Last Post and a minute’s silence.

The above picture is our beautiful cross on top of Mt Macedon where our annual dawn service on ANZAC day was held this morning.  We can see this beautiful landmark cross from our home.  At night there is a light beaming from there and at times it is very surreal and peaceful.

Anzac Day

An Australian Army soldier salutes at an ANZAC Day dawn service.

Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important national commemorative occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

About the Anzac Day

Catafalque Party at the beginning of the Lone Pine Service at Gallipoli in 2011. The Catafalque Party made up of members from Australia's Federation Guard, mount the Catafalque at the beginning of the Lone Pine Service at Gallipoli.
When is Anzac Day?
Anzac Day falls on the 25th of April each year. The 25th of April was officially named Anzac Day in 1916.

What does 'ANZAC' stand for? 'ANZAC' stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became know as Anzacs and the pride they took in that name continues to this day.

Why is this day special to Australians? On the morning of 25 April 1915, the Anzacs set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and an ally of Germany.

The Anzacs landed on Gallipoli and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Their plan to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months.

At the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli and the events that followed had a profound impact on Australians at home. The 25th of April soon became the day on which Australians remember the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.

The Anzacs were courageous and although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy.

What does Anzac Day mean today? With the coming of the Second World War, Anzac Day also served to commemorate the lives of Australians who died in that war. The meaning of Anzac Day today includes the remembrance of all Australians killed in military operations.

Australian Federation Guard at the Australian War Memorial Members from Australia's Federation Guard form a catafalque party around the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier at the Australian War Memorial.
What happens on ANZAC Day? Anzac Day remembrance takes two forms. Commemorative services are held at dawn – the time of the original landing in Gallipoli – across the nation. Later in the day, ex-servicemen and women meet to take part in marches through the major cities and in many smaller centres. Commemorative ceremonies are more formal and are held at war memorials around the country.

A typical Anzac Day ceremony may include the following features: an introduction, hymn, prayer, an address, laying of wreaths, a recitation, the Last Post, a period of silence, either the Rouse or the Reveille, and the national anthem. After the Memorial’s ceremony, families often place red poppies beside the names of relatives on the Memorial’s Roll of Honour, as they also do after Remembrance Day services.

Rosemary is also traditionally worn on Anzac Day, and sometimes on Remembrance Day. Rosemary has particular significance for Australians as it is found growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula. Since ancient times, this aromatic herb has been believed to have properties to improve the memory.

The Anzac Biscuit During World War One, the friends and families of soldiers and community groups sent food to the fighting men. Due to the time delays in getting food items to the front lines, they had to send food that would remain edible, without refrigeration, for long periods of time that retained high nutritional value; the Anzac biscuit met this need.

Although there are variations, the basic ingredients are: rolled oats, sugar, plain flour, coconut, butter, golden syrup or treacle, bi-carbonate of soda, and boiling water.

The biscuit was first known as the Soldiers’ Biscuit. The current name, Anzac Biscuit, has as much to do with Australia’s desire to recognise the Anzac tradition and the Anzac biscuit as part of the staple diet at Gallipoli.

The Anzac biscuit is one of the few commodities that are able to be legally marketed in Australia using the word ‘Anzac’, which is protected by Federal Legislation.

RIP 29 year old Michael Bradley lost his battle with mesothelioma

A brave and young mesothelioma warrior Michael Bradley aged 29 years lost his battle with mesothelioma.   His pain and suffering was unbearable at times, as his mum Sandy said to me a few times "to see Michael in a foetal position curled up in a ball on the floor in so much pain was heartbreaking''.   Michael is resting in peace.  His family are left to pick up the pieces without their beautiful young son.   My heart goes out to them so much.  Michael you will never be forgotten and we promise you that our fight will continue to ban asbestos globally.  A global ban on asbestos will halt mining and manufacturing stopping innocent workers and their families from being exposed to deadly asbestos fibres. Management of removal and disposal is vital as is removal and disposal becoming heavily subsidised otherwise we will continue to get these dodgy operators, illegal dumping and home renovators removing asbestos from their homes. Education is very vital and ongoing. In Unity we will make it happen.

Below is an ADAO Memorial Dedication from Linda Reinstein - thank you Linda.


Tragically, Michael Bradley lost his courageous mesothelioma battle this morning. Please join me in sending sincere condolences to Michael’s family. Michael helped many patients and family members during his mesothelioma battle and will be remembered for his efforts to raise awareness. Michael was extremely loved by our community and his presence will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Michael, you will live on in my heart and work forever. http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/archives/21524
Posted on April 24, 2014 The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) mourns the loss of our beloved Mesothelioma Warrior, Michael, who passed away...
 
Michael
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) mourns the loss of our beloved Mesothelioma Warrior, Michael, who passed away today, April 24 2014, after a courageous battle with mesothelioma. Michael, a former student at North Metro Technical College, was from the state of Georgia. He is survived by his parents, grandparents and siblings. On February 1, 2014, Michael received the ADAO Special Recognition of Valor Award due to his extraordinary commitment to finding a cure for asbestos diseases and banning asbestos.
“It takes a brave and courageous man to open up his life and to share as you have,” said Dr. Richard Lemen, retired Assistant Surgeon General and ADAO Science Advisory Board co-chairman, in a message to Michael when he received his award.
Michael’s courage and perseverance throughout his illness were an inspiration to many and his story “Asbestos Has Changed My Life” is featured on ADAO’s website. Our ADAO community was deeply moved by his dedication to supporting fellow Mesothelioma Warriors around the world.
Michael’s spirit shined through in this blog posting, “Thank you God for helping me through the rough days so that I can enjoy the good days. … Thank you everyone for your prayers. Love you!! Have a good day.”
Last September, Michael entered a tuition giveaway competition. In keeping with his positive attitude, he was enthusiastic about college, and told his story, Cancer Changes Everything. “I was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma cancer in February 2012 and was told that I would not make it three months. Well, I decided to fight with everything that I have,” he wrote. “Over a year has passed and after rigorous treatments I am still here. I now spend most of my time advocating against asbestos, which is what caused my cancer.”
ADAO grieves with Michael’s family and friends. The loss of Michael to mesothelioma, an entirely preventable and senseless disease, reinforces why we must have a global asbestos ban. We are eternally grateful to Michael for dedicating so much time at the end of his short life to advocate against asbestos. As we mourn, we must now continue that fight in his memory.
As Dr. Lemen said, “Michael, thank you for being who you are and for showing all of us how life’s most difficult challenges can be faced with courage and dignity. Your experiences will make a difference.”
In honor of Michael’s wish, mission, and dreams, I will fly out to Georgia on Friday in support of Michael’s Miracle 5K on April 26th.
With sadness,
Linda
Social Networks
View Michael’s 2014 Special Recognition of Valor Award Acceptance Speech Video:
Michael
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) mourns the loss of our beloved Mesothelioma Warrior, Michael, who passed away today, April 24 2014, after a courageous battle with mesothelioma. Michael, a former student at North Metro Technical College, was from the state of Georgia. He is survived by his parents, grandparents and siblings. On February 1, 2014, Michael received the ADAO Special Recognition of Valor Award due to his extraordinary commitment to finding a cure for asbestos diseases and banning asbestos.
“It takes a brave and courageous man to open up his life and to share as you have,” said Dr. Richard Lemen, retired Assistant Surgeon General and ADAO Science Advisory Board co-chairman, in a message to Michael when he received his award.
Michael’s courage and perseverance throughout his illness were an inspiration to many and his story “Asbestos Has Changed My Life” is featured on ADAO’s website. Our ADAO community was deeply moved by his dedication to supporting fellow Mesothelioma Warriors around the world.
Michael’s spirit shined through in this blog posting, “Thank you God for helping me through the rough days so that I can enjoy the good days. … Thank you everyone for your prayers. Love you!! Have a good day.”
Last September, Michael entered a tuition giveaway competition. In keeping with his positive attitude, he was enthusiastic about college, and told his story, Cancer Changes Everything. “I was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma cancer in February 2012 and was told that I would not make it three months. Well, I decided to fight with everything that I have,” he wrote. “Over a year has passed and after rigorous treatments I am still here. I now spend most of my time advocating against asbestos, which is what caused my cancer.”
ADAO grieves with Michael’s family and friends. The loss of Michael to mesothelioma, an entirely preventable and senseless disease, reinforces why we must have a global asbestos ban. We are eternally grateful to Michael for dedicating so much time at the end of his short life to advocate against asbestos. As we mourn, we must now continue that fight in his memory.
As Dr. Lemen said, “Michael, thank you for being who you are and for showing all of us how life’s most difficult challenges can be faced with courage and dignity. Your experiences will make a difference.”
In honor of Michael’s wish, mission, and dreams, I will fly out to Georgia on Friday in support of Michael’s Miracle 5K on April 26th.
With sadness,
Linda Reinstein

Today we took the roof off Keith's pride and joy and went for a run up to Mt Macedon and across to the lovely little village of Woodend.   We visited a little resting place at Mt Macedon and had a few minutes there in silence to remember Michael and his brave battle at such a young age with this deadly cancer.


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

My birthday celebrations and thank you to family, friends and social media for making it so special!

Sunday 20 April 2014 I woke up to so many wonderful birthday messages on my phone, facebook, email and twitter pages and they kept coming throughout the day.

Keith took me out to breakfast at our favourite little café - Trading Post, Mt Macedon, it is a short drive through beautiful country forest and takes about 10 minutes from here, going past the award winning Lloyd William's horse stud park.

The Mt Macedon Trading Post is the hub of the Mt Macedon community, specialising in excellent coffee, award-winning pies, tempting housemade cakes, local produce & wines and beautiful giftware. We are also the home of Mount Macedon Kitchen preserves and biscuits.


The small township of Mount Macedon lies part way up the mountain of the same name, located between the town of Macedon at the base and the actual mountain peak which soars to a height of just over 1,000 metres above sea level.
The Mount Macedon town centre includes a hotel, general store, a church and several plant nurseries.
Stanley Park, accessed via Waterfalls Road or Salisbury Road, contains a native grassland area, diverse vegetation, and several picnic areas. Turitable Creek, which runs through the park, cascades down a rocky ledge into a dense bush gully. While there's a lookout platform at the top of the waterfall, the best views are from the gully below.
In the Mount Macedon area are a number of historical grand Victorian homes with exquisite English gardens that most attractive in autumn when the leaves of the many deciduous trees transform into bright and blazing colours.
The Macedon Regional Park surrounds much of Mount Macedon and features a number of attractions. The most popular is the Memorial Cross Reserve, located at the end of Cameron Drive, which includes picnic and BBQ areas, and the Top of the Range Tearooms. A short walk along a sealed path from the tearooms takes visitors to the 21 metre tall Memorial Cross which was erected to honour those Australians who lost their lives in wars. Good views can be enjoyed from the cross and also from the Major Mitchell Lookout, which is located on a side-track before the cross.
The Camels Hump is the highest point in the Macedon Ranges, located near the start of Cameron Drive. Several walking tracks depart from the Camels Hump car park, with the most scenic being the steep 500 metre path that ascends to the peak. The viewing platform at the peak offers panoramic views to the north and west.
Sanatorium Lake is accessed via Lions Head Road which is almost opposite the entrance to Cameron Drive. The drive along this gravel road passes through the attractive Days Picnic Ground and then to the car park at Sanatorium Lake. A 250 metre walk from the car park along the Eco-Tourism Walking Trail takes visitors to an information shelter and the adjacent lake. Other picnic areas and walking trails are located near the lake.

We returned home after a lovely breakfast.   While waiting for family to come at midday for my lunch celebration I cooked roast lamb with vegetables and set the table giving it a birthday theme.

An enjoyable lunch was had by all, then a lovely home made carrot birthday cake (thanks Cheryl) with the lighting of candles and me making a special wish and blowing them out!  I think everyone knows what my wish is!!

Next across to our neighbours/good friends for a celebratory birthday drink then home where more birthday wishes were waiting for me via the phone and social media.

I would like to say a big thank you to family, friends and those on social media who sent/phoned and in person with birthday messages - I am overwhelmed and thank you from my heart - you inspire me, keep me enjoying my life and fighting for the cause!   I will never give up!

Sunday, April 20, 2014

My trip to Washington, DC 2 April 2014 ADAO's 10th Annual Asbestos Conference, speech and receiving my Award.

2 April 2014
5am out of bed, 6am left home for Melbourne, Australia airport.  7am met my sister in law Linda (Lil) at the Qantas check in counter.
Customs and Immigration went smoothly.  A big thanks to a friend who allowed us into the business class lounge where we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, read some magazines and relaxed until our flight at 10am.  14.5 hours flight from Melbourne, Australia to Los Angeles Airport (LAX).
2 hours to get through Customs at LAX.  Then a 5 hour wait until our flight with Alaskan Airlines to Washington, DC.
Arrived 9pm - hotel shuttle bus to the conference hotel (Marriott) and in our room by 10pm.

3 April 2014
After a well earned and restful sleep we went to breakfast and caught up with Linda Reinstein (ADAO), Fernanda (Brazil), Ellen (ADAO), Marilyn (ADAO) and Sinem (Turkey).  A look around the shops and posting some postcards, plus a drink at Starbucks where I got talking to a young guy visiting friends from New York.  He thought that asbestos was banned in America and was surprised to learn that it was still very much everywhere in homes and buildings.  He now is following this blog!

2pm Raya (a very talented artist, friend and meso warrior) picked us up from the hotel, and after a lovely drive along the beautiful river where we saw deer grazing, ended up at her home for a toast of champagne and a lovely afternoon tea.  Thank you Raya - we both had such a nice afternoon with you and loved yr home.

Mexican dinner (Yvonne from Netherlands requested this restaurant), and a few others from the conference - a great fun night of lovely company, wine and food - thank you ADAO and to Linda Reinstein for making this happen.

4 April 2014
11.30am tour of Washington, DC and the monuments.   A wonderful tour and I was amazed at the beautiful architecture and just how impressive all the monuments were.  The cherry  blossoms were out in full bloom.
Ellen Tunkelrott's photo.Ellen Tunkelrott's photo.

Photo: FABULOUS day!  Patients, families, and international speakers gathered for a private tour of many DC monuments.  Thank you Emily McLean Bankhead for hosting this special tour and being the 2014 Diamond Donor!  You gave us a a day we will always remember. Herman Hamilton, your planning was picture perfect.  oxox
Linda Reinstein's photo.
That evening a lovely dinner for invited guests and honourees.  I had blue crab cakes with real crab - they were to die for! In Australia crab cakes are made of manufactured ground up crab and additives added.  A good night with beautiful company!

5 April 2014
The main day of the conference beginning with breakfast at 8am and seated by 8.30am for the start of the conference.  I spoke at 9.20am 'I Will Not Die In Vain'.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O_TeS05Tzs&list=PLs2LMXRPgSM7mGRSRi515S51rj07OQ_QW&index=12

Photo: Acting Surgeon General Rear Admiral (RADM) Boris D. Lushniak, M.D., M.P.HKeynote Speaker:
Rear Admiral Boris Lushniak, Acting U.S. Surgeon General.

6.30pm Gala dinner and awards.   I was honoured along with Heather Von St James and the late Janelle Bedel (Wonder Woman) to receive the Alan Reinstein award.  Receiving my award I was very emotional as being there at the conference in America and accepting this award was a very special and beautiful moment in my life that I will always cherish with love and fond memories.
(The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is proud to announce that Janelle Bedel, Heather Von St James, and Lou Williams will be recognized with the 2014 Alan Reinstein award on April 5, 2014 in Washington, D.C. ADAO is deeply grateful to each of these women for their dedication and commitment to education, advocacy, and support to patients and families around the world.)
Link below is my award speech on Utube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpPURKWmqyY&list=PLs2LMXRPgSM7mGRSRi515S51rj07OQ_QW&index=53
Linda Reinstein's photo.Dr Richard Lemen.
Linda Reinstein's photo.Lou, Linda, Heather,
Jessica Mattmuller's photo.

2014 ADAO Utube Conference Presentations for all speakers.
http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/archives/26491https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs2LMXRPgSM7mGRSRi515S51rj07OQ_QW


6 April 2014
Unity and Remembrance Brunch and candle lighting.   A very beautiful, moving and powerful brunch where we reflect and come together in unity and remember those who have lost their lives to an asbestos related disease and for us warriors living with an ARD.
Linda Reinstein's photo.Linda Reinstein and Lou.
Linda Reinstein's photo.Linda Reinstein's photo.
Jill Cagle "Blessings"                             Heather "The Power in Our Voices"

The afternoon we had some free time to explore the local area.  That night we met up with friends from the conference and enjoyed a beautiful dinner and shared laughter, tears and good memories of a fabulous conference.

7 April 2014
A meeting with Mary Hesdorffer (Executive Director at Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation), then we were on our way to the airport.  American Eagle flight to New York (JFK) arriving mid afternoon.  Shuttle bus took 2 hours due to traffic buildup into Port Authority where my dear friends Kez and Mike were waiting for us.   A quick bus ride on the Spanish bus to New Jersey/West New York and our stay with Kez/Mike for 4 nights.  Dinner at a lovely Colombo restaurant near where we were staying.


8 April 2014
Bus trip through the Lincoln Tunnel to Soho/Greenwich for a long walk and lunch also visiting Washington Park and 5th Avenue.  That evening Mike/Kez's American friends came over to meet the Aussies and shared dinner with us.

9 April 2014
Mike drove us down to the river area of New Jersey where we shopped at a couple of stores, had a light lunch and back home late afternoon after a wonderful and relaxing day spent with friends. 
Dinner at a Spanish restaurant near Mike/Kez's place.



10 April 2014
Bus into downtown Manhattan/Times Square and the beautiful Bryants park with a carousel ride of course!   Linda did a bus tour while I wandered on foot around NYC and bought some presents for the grandkids to take back home. 

11 April 2014
Time to leave New York and fly to LAX arriving late evening at our accommodation in Manhattan Beach.   A light soup for dinner and we were asleep by 9pm exhausted!

12 April 2014
Linda did a tour of Hollywood while I wandered around the local neighbourhood/shops before heading back to the hotel room and reading Julie Stafford's wonderful and inspiring book - The Seagull. 

4.30pm we were picked up by Ellen and Brad.  A tour of downtown LA and Hollywood before reaching our destination of the Magic Castle!  What a place/what a night!!!   Unbelievable magic/beautiful food and the best company.   Again a night of living in the moment and enjoying every minute of it.  Thank you Ellen and Brad - we loved every minute of it!
Linda (Lil) and Lou at Magic Castle, Hollywood.


13 April 2014
The shuttle bus picked us up at 8.50am for a visit to DISNEYLAND!  Linda had never been there - she loved it!  I loved going with her and we arrived back at the hotel at 11pm.  A perfect day of sunshine, walking, riding a few rides, seeing the parades and also the fireworks.

14 April 2014
We had a late checkout of 2pm as our flight back to Melbourne, Australia was at 11.30pm!

Upon boarding at 10.30pm we had fingers/toes crossed for an upgrade and bingo - our wish came true!  We were upgraded to business class!  16 hours of pure bliss!  Our own space to lie back and watch premiere movies.  I had about an hour's sleep - so the last few days I have spent catching up on sleep/jetlag.


We both thoroughly enjoyed our Thelma and Louise holiday/conference and would like to thank ADAO and Linda Reinstein, Office of Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, Ellen and Brad, Kez and Mike and everyone else we came into contact with who made this trip to America possible and so magical! We loved every minute of it!