I’m writing this update mid-flight on my way to Greece, heading into a month of rest and time with family after a tense few weeks of health updates.

Health

I was hoping for clear answers on 25 June, when I received the results of both my biopsy and PET scan. The biopsy brought the best possible news: no signs of cancer or pre-cancerous cells, just the expected tissue damage from past surgeries and strain. The PET scan, however, was a bit more complicated.

Thanks to an internet outage across St Vincent’s Hospital and the Kinghorn Cancer Institute, I had to wait three days to get the full scan results, which arrived in fragments.

The conclusion? Inconclusive. PET scans highlight parts of the body that are consuming more energy—cancer typically shows up brightly for this reason. My scan showed activity in the throat, but this was likely due to healing from surgery just 10 days earlier. There’s no way to confirm this without another scan once the area has fully healed.

Since PET scans involve nuclear medicine, they aren’t done lightly—but this one is necessary. It’s already booked for the morning I return from Greece on 30 June, and I’ll be taken straight from the airport to the hospital. I’m feeling hopeful, though a bit of unease lingers with any health unknowns.

There are a few other minor issues, but I’m trusting the Greek sun to help take care of those.

Personal

Since my last update, I’ve been in full recovery mode – resting, healing, and making sure I was well enough for Kirsten’s birthday and this trip.

Kirsten turned 50 on 24 June. The day was filled with family, flowers, and thoughtful surprises. I spent most of it at the hospital for scans and treatment, but I think she felt very loved on the day and I know she was especially appreciative of friends close and far reaching out to wish her happiness in old age 🙂 😊.

The kids have been busy, too performing in school bands, choirs, and drama productions. Zoe even took on her Choir Captain duties like a pro. Plenty of proud parenting moments all around.

Oh and I’ve officially completed my photography courses. I’m ready to hit the streets, camera in hand, and see what stories I can capture next.

Now it’s time for Greece: rest, recharge, repeat.