Pippa Rea

Pippa's Journey with a Brain Tumour

Nov 14

Noosa

by Virginia Rea

We went to Noosa for a week. Technically it was to have a lovely little break with some friends but in reality I knew it was to watch the subtle decline of Pippa. Things started to happen that affected Pippa’s speech, her walking and the movement in both her eyes. She had already lost the ability to swallow liquids and had been on thickened drinks for a few days. We were there to spend some time focusing just on her and being just with her and the boys. Our friends we holiday with are the type that can just be in the background and let that happen and I thank them for that.  The beach and sand were too difficult making her unstable but the pool with its weightlessness was a lovely respite for Pippa even though just 10 minutes did wear her out.  Pippa was watched over and protected by her beautiful brothers.  Such special boys.   Even though she was tired she was looked up to and adored as always by Kate and she had a surprise visit from Claudia

Teaching Kate to jump in the pool
Love you Claudia

Pippa did visit the beach once.  She quietly went to the water’s edge and wrote on the sand……..P&M 4 Ever.

Silly me asked her who M was – Mummy……..

 

We returned from Noosa to the Children’s Hospital and Peter Mac for scans and planning.  We’re not taking this lying down just yet.

 

Updates

2 Comments »
Oct 1

Just cruising…….

by Virginia Rea

We are currently cruising (without Internet) around Croatia, Turkey and Greece. James, Patrick and Pippa are loving seeing the different cultures and ports we stop at.
Libby and I are currently suiting dockside in Kusadasi enjoying some delicious Turkish food before we set sail tonight…..

20140930-180439-65079014.jpg

20140930-180440-65080576.jpg

Updates

3 Comments »
Jan 25

A Little Driving Holiday

by Virginia Rea

After the last chemo cycle we decided to pack up the car and take a little driving holiday visiting lots of wonderful friends.  A blood test on the Monday morning to check all was OK and we were on our way.  Also coming along with us was the recent heatwave!  We started by taking the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento, then went across the peninsular to Ballnaring, up to the Yarra Valley, across to Seymour and then back down to Melbourne and home.

Part of Pippa’s treatment plan is actually to be as normal as possible and have fun.  Her oncologist has spent a lot of time with Pippa and quickly realised  how much she gets out of life.  We often seem to be sitting in front of him with a bit of a smirk on our faces knowing that he will roll his eyes, shake his head at her and just end up saying, “Well, did you have fun young lady?”

Our next visit will be no exception.  Pippa has listed her favourite things she did on our holiday……..

Going on the inflatable behind the boat at Sorrento

Driving the John Deer and riding the horse at Ballnaring

Relaxing in the creek and swimming in the dam at King Lake

Getting thrown around the pool at Tallarook

Rock Climbing in Melbourne

She scaled 18 metres with ease.  Her brothers were considerably impressed but I was not surprised at all to look around the room and only see one pint sized rock climber 3 storeys high!  Pippa has no fear and will always give anything a go (and is usually pretty good at it too!).

Fun Stuff

1 Comment »
Blog at WordPress.com.