3 weeks ago I underwent some pretty brutal surgery, surgery that I knew was risky but had to be done. I went to sleep after being told they would have to remove my left kidney, spleen, left ovary, part of my bowel, the 1kg liposarcoma and I’d have a “chemo washout” . I was so scared. It is so daunting being on your own and being faced with this. I also had an epidural prior to being sedated which brought back horrible memories of my birth but the team made me as comfortable as possible and gave me alot of reassurance which helped me in so many ways. . . I was extubated early as the surgery went well and I’m “fit and healthy” , the tumor was removed much easier than anticipated and they managed to keep the majority of my organs. I woke up with drips and drains coming out of everywhere – Arterial lines, central line, indwelling catheter, 2 abdominal drains, nasogastric tube, 3 intravenous cannulas, TPN, epidural infusion, and an oxycodone PCA. . . The next day, I had a cardiac arrest requiring CPR – I came round to a busy room full of medical staff racing around, working hard. I was told I would need a temporary pacing wire and the possibility of a pacemaker being inserted. After discussions with the cardiologist- they wanted to monitor me but attached to the defibrillator, an echocardiogram showed I have a bicuspid aortic valve with regurgitation (something I wasn’t aware of). . . After 5 or 6 days in ICU I was finally moved to the ward – a few days in I developed an acute onset of new pain – I’d rather have back to back births than this pain again – I had an urgent CT at midnight to show I had pancreatitis. I was started on a continuous ketamine infusion which unfortunately made me hallucinate and I became agitated – that was stopped within 24hrs. After a couple of days things started to settle. Day by day, more drips and drains were being removed. I was in bed for 12 days so mobilising feels very weird and wobbly. . . This has certainly changed me – physically and mentally. I’ll grow from this, I know it – but first I need to focus on getting my independence back and allowing myself to heal.
3 weeks ago I underwent some pretty brutal surgery, surgery that I knew was risky but had to be done. I went to sleep after being told they would have to remove my left kidney, spleen, left ovary, part of my bowel, the 1kg liposarcoma and I’d have a “chemo washout” . I was so scared. It is so daunting being on your own and being faced with this. I also had an epidural prior to being sedated which brought back horrible memories of my birth but the team made me as comfortable as possible and gave me alot of reassurance which helped me in so many ways. . . I was extubated early as the surgery went well and I’m “fit and healthy” , the tumor was removed much easier than anticipated and they managed to keep the majority of my organs. I woke up with drips and drains coming out of everywhere – Arterial lines, central line, indwelling catheter, 2 abdominal drains, nasogastric tube, 3 intravenous cannulas, TPN, epidural infusion, and an oxycodone PCA. . . The next day, I had a cardiac arrest requiring CPR – I came round to a busy room full of medical staff racing around, working hard. I was told I would need a temporary pacing wire and the possibility of a pacemaker being inserted. After discussions with the cardiologist- they wanted to monitor me but attached to the defibrillator, an echocardiogram showed I have a bicuspid aortic valve with regurgitation (something I wasn’t aware of). . . After 5 or 6 days in ICU I was finally moved to the ward – a few days in I developed an acute onset of new pain – I’d rather have back to back births than this pain again – I had an urgent CT at midnight to show I had pancreatitis. I was started on a continuous ketamine infusion which unfortunately made me hallucinate and I became agitated – that was stopped within 24hrs. After a couple of days things started to settle. Day by day, more drips and drains were being removed. I was in bed for 12 days so mobilising feels very weird and wobbly. . . This has certainly changed me – physically and mentally. I’ll grow from this, I know it – but first I need to focus on getting my independence back and allowing myself to heal.
3 weeks ago I underwent some pretty brutal surgery, surgery that I knew was risky but had to be done. I went to sleep after being told they would have to remove my left kidney, spleen, left ovary, part of my bowel, the 1kg liposarcoma and I’d have a “chemo washout” . I was so scared. It is so daunting being on your own and being faced with this. I also had an epidural prior to being sedated which brought back horrible memories of my birth but the team made me as comfortable as possible and gave me alot of reassurance which helped me in so many ways. . . I was extubated early as the surgery went well and I’m “fit and healthy” , the tumor was removed much easier than anticipated and they managed to keep the majority of my organs. I woke up with drips and drains coming out of everywhere – Arterial lines, central line, indwelling catheter, 2 abdominal drains, nasogastric tube, 3 intravenous cannulas, TPN, epidural infusion, and an oxycodone PCA. . . The next day, I had a cardiac arrest requiring CPR – I came round to a busy room full of medical staff racing around, working hard. I was told I would need a temporary pacing wire and the possibility of a pacemaker being inserted. After discussions with the cardiologist- they wanted to monitor me but attached to the defibrillator, an echocardiogram showed I have a bicuspid aortic valve with regurgitation (something I wasn’t aware of). . . After 5 or 6 days in ICU I was finally moved to the ward – a few days in I developed an acute onset of new pain – I’d rather have back to back births than this pain again – I had an urgent CT at midnight to show I had pancreatitis. I was started on a continuous ketamine infusion which unfortunately made me hallucinate and I became agitated – that was stopped within 24hrs. After a couple of days things started to settle. Day by day, more drips and drains were being removed. I was in bed for 12 days so mobilising feels very weird and wobbly. . . This has certainly changed me – physically and mentally. I’ll grow from this, I know it – but first I need to focus on getting my independence back and allowing myself to heal.
3 weeks ago I underwent some pretty brutal surgery, surgery that I knew was risky but had to be done. I went to sleep after being told they would have to remove my left kidney, spleen, left ovary, part of my bowel, the 1kg liposarcoma and I’d have a “chemo washout” . I was so scared. It is so daunting being on your own and being faced with this. I also had an epidural prior to being sedated which brought back horrible memories of my birth but the team made me as comfortable as possible and gave me alot of reassurance which helped me in so many ways. . . I was extubated early as the surgery went well and I’m “fit and healthy” , the tumor was removed much easier than anticipated and they managed to keep the majority of my organs. I woke up with drips and drains coming out of everywhere – Arterial lines, central line, indwelling catheter, 2 abdominal drains, nasogastric tube, 3 intravenous cannulas, TPN, epidural infusion, and an oxycodone PCA. . . The next day, I had a cardiac arrest requiring CPR – I came round to a busy room full of medical staff racing around, working hard. I was told I would need a temporary pacing wire and the possibility of a pacemaker being inserted. After discussions with the cardiologist- they wanted to monitor me but attached to the defibrillator, an echocardiogram showed I have a bicuspid aortic valve with regurgitation (something I wasn’t aware of). . . After 5 or 6 days in ICU I was finally moved to the ward – a few days in I developed an acute onset of new pain – I’d rather have back to back births than this pain again – I had an urgent CT at midnight to show I had pancreatitis. I was started on a continuous ketamine infusion which unfortunately made me hallucinate and I became agitated – that was stopped within 24hrs. After a couple of days things started to settle. Day by day, more drips and drains were being removed. I was in bed for 12 days so mobilising feels very weird and wobbly. . . This has certainly changed me – physically and mentally. I’ll grow from this, I know it – but first I need to focus on getting my independence back and allowing myself to heal.
3 weeks ago I underwent some pretty brutal surgery, surgery that I knew was risky but had to be done. I went to sleep after being told they would have to remove my left kidney, spleen, left ovary, part of my bowel, the 1kg liposarcoma and I’d have a “chemo washout” . I was so scared. It is so daunting being on your own and being faced with this. I also had an epidural prior to being sedated which brought back horrible memories of my birth but the team made me as comfortable as possible and gave me alot of reassurance which helped me in so many ways. . . I was extubated early as the surgery went well and I’m “fit and healthy” , the tumor was removed much easier than anticipated and they managed to keep the majority of my organs. I woke up with drips and drains coming out of everywhere – Arterial lines, central line, indwelling catheter, 2 abdominal drains, nasogastric tube, 3 intravenous cannulas, TPN, epidural infusion, and an oxycodone PCA. . . The next day, I had a cardiac arrest requiring CPR – I came round to a busy room full of medical staff racing around, working hard. I was told I would need a temporary pacing wire and the possibility of a pacemaker being inserted. After discussions with the cardiologist- they wanted to monitor me but attached to the defibrillator, an echocardiogram showed I have a bicuspid aortic valve with regurgitation (something I wasn’t aware of). . . After 5 or 6 days in ICU I was finally moved to the ward – a few days in I developed an acute onset of new pain – I’d rather have back to back births than this pain again – I had an urgent CT at midnight to show I had pancreatitis. I was started on a continuous ketamine infusion which unfortunately made me hallucinate and I became agitated – that was stopped within 24hrs. After a couple of days things started to settle. Day by day, more drips and drains were being removed. I was in bed for 12 days so mobilising feels very weird and wobbly. . . This has certainly changed me – physically and mentally. I’ll grow from this, I know it – but first I need to focus on getting my independence back and allowing myself to heal.
Life… what a crazy thing huh?! . . 4 years ago, I was the first woman to be awarded a full lift of the famous dinnie stones – making history, an amazing day filled with the best emotions. . . Since then – it’s been a battle – pregnancy, marriage breakdown, single motherhood, unemployment, death of my mum, family dramas, legal dramas, financial dramas. It’s been a tough slog at times but I’ve managed to grind through the rough parts and make a stable life for Mackenzie and I. . . But, my biggest battle is right now, I almost lost my life last week after my heart stopped. I’m currently fighting Sarcoma and have had a 1kg cancerous mass removed aswell as part of my bowel with a few complications along the way.THIS has been a major challenge for me because my life is in other people’s hands, I struggle not being independent, I struggle ALOT. . . I’ve had a couple of really tough days in hospital and today is one of them – I’m in a shit tonne of pain and I got to see my wound for the first time – as superficial as it sounds – it’s decreased my self esteem big time – it’s massive and ugly looking. I know with time it will settle and I should “feel lucky” that we caught this in time and I still have my life but it doesn’t take away the emotions that I feel today. . . I’m glad I’ve developed resilience over the years of hardship, I feel its helping me get through this right now. I miss my daughter beyond words but each day that goes by is another day closer to being back home with her. I could write some bullshit about only looking at the positives 100% of the time and being mentally rocksolid but that would be a lie – to me showing strength is showing EVERYTHING, showing the ability to feel all emotions and admitting that sometimes things are just a big giant bag of dicks. . . I’m here, I’m fighting and I’m just having a shit day, which is ok. #fuckcancer #igotthis #keepfightingthegoodfight
10 weeks post surgery. Getting to know my new body image has been one of the hardest pills to swallow. In most of my training videos I wear a sports bra – this is part of scar exposure therapy. I’ve been so incredibly self conscious about it and at times felt really down BUT I’m getting there… slowly. This wasn’t by my own doing, I can’t change it but I can move forward and hopefully get to a point where I feel proud that I survived all I have. I’ll keep putting in the hard yards and whatever the future holds, I’ll just keep fighting !
We get tested throughout life, it’s up to us how we react to it. Just.. keep.. at.. it.. Through the good days, through the bad days and through the soul destroying days. ❤️
Forever grateful for having the biggest reason to keep fighting ❤️. #unconditionallove #motherdaughter
Well, I feel that I’ve been here before – last time it was recovering from an emergency c – section. I’ve done it before, I can do it again but this time I’m armed with more knowledge and education. Round 2 … FIGHT. #canceraintgotme #rehab #insta #lifeexperience #resilience #strongwoman #rebuildbyleigh #practicewhatipreach
One day I’ll find my strength soul mate 😂 #strongwoman #single #readytomeetmymatch #illkeepmanifesting #coffeeinbed #gym #strength #insta #ijustwantadeadliftdate #strong #reels #girlswholift
Can’t believe it’s been six weeks since I’ve been back at the gym. Juggling recovery, work, mum life and everyday life is a little chaotic and I need to stick to a tight time schedule to be able to achieve what I want through out each day (which doesn’t always happen) but I’m doing what I can. I can feel myself healing and it makes me so excited ! 😊
Back in the Motherland 🏴. Where my heart truly lives. #scotland #forevermyhome #thehighlands
Decided to Vlog my surgery journey. It’s been a wild ride. Full of good, bad and scary scary times. I will be uploading it over the next few days so keep an eye out ! #instareels #insta #vlog #surgery #therealdeal #thegoodthebadandtheugly #part1
GET READY FOR THE SBD PHANTOM LIMITED EDITION. Tomorrow at 6:00 AM! Online only. Reposted from @citystrength
Putting together my wild journey.
NEW PHANTOM RANGE FROM SBD @citystrength @sbdapparel
Week 5 – Check in last week, progressing ok – can add some isolated core work… just.. keep.. going.
🌟2 DAYS LEFT TO BUY TICKETS 🌟 DONT MISS OUT – SISTERS IN STRENGTH WORKSHOP SEPTEMBER 17TH SYDNEY – MARRICKVILLE https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sisters-in-strength-sydney-17th-september-2022-tickets-331590053777?utm_campaign=post_publish&utm_content=shortLinkNewEmail&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite #sistersinstrength #strongwomanaustralia #strongwoman #mindsetworkshop #buildingeachotherup #Sydney #girlswholift
There is something so special about watching someone succeed. It honestly brings me so much happiness seeing other people achieve goals, better themselves and live a happy life. Being part of the @sisters_in_strength_aus workshop was fantastic. Watching women walk out with their heads held a little higher was just amazing. The next workshop will be held in Broken Hill, Feb 4th. Don’t miss out ! @sisters_in_strength_aus @strongwoman_australia #gym #selfdiscovery #sisaus #strongwoman #mentalhealth #physicalstrength #wellness #strength #workshop #strongwomanaus #girlswholift
✨WIN WIN WIN ✨ WIN a FREE ticket to our next Sisters In Strength event in Sydney 17th September WIN an incredible SBD apparel lifting pack with Liquid chalk, a pair of deadlifting straps and a T-shirt ✨🫢 How to enter: 🔸Follow 👇🏼 @sisters_in_strength_aus @citystrength @citystrength_hq @sbdapparel 🔸Tag 3 friends who you think would absolutely LOVE to attend our next event! 🔸Share on your stories & Tag 🏷 us City Strength SBD apparel We will announce the winner on the 1st of August! So get tagging away! You won’t want to miss this huge event! Reposted from @sisters_in_strength_aus
🎙New episode of Strong Chat 🎙 This episode we chat with Leigh & Lauren about Postnatal depression. Thank you to both of you for sharing your experiences to help others feel less alone and encourage women to seek support ❤️ Both of these ladies also run businesses to support women pre and postnatal – check them out and give them a follow 📍 LINK IN BIO Leigh’s services: @rebuild.by.leigh Laurens services: @womensfitnesscollective @herhealth_physiotherapy Perinatal depression service: https://panda.org.au/about/about-panda https://www.perinatalwellbeingcentre.org.au @mel_ricko @ali_d1972 @kay_cbfitness.strongman_boxing #strongwomanaustralia #strongertogether #postnataldepression #supportnewmums #breakthestigma Reposted from @strongwoman_australia
