The weekend before it all starts!

Before I start writing about what we have been up to there is something I need to say.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you all for your amazing support!  We have been overwhelmed by how much love has come from and family and friends both near and far, both old and new. Some of you we see often and some not near often enough but you have all shown us how much we mean to you in different ways and we will be forever grateful.  It means so much to have this emotional support xxx

Saturday

Started off with me nagging Paul for food! So he braved the cold (and cold it was) to try the bakery all by himself.  After going to 3 different places he settled on his new favourite little supermarket and bought (what looked like) croissants, a bag of little savoury rolls and bananas.  Now I made one stipulation before he left and that was that I don't really like things with filling and especially not fruit filling. The "croissant" was more like a hard bread pastry which was okay until the "apricot fruit filling" oozed out, that was okay I'll try one of the "savoury" rolls, NOT, they also had apricot bits in them!! But not so much, they were okay and with a cup of tea and a banana a good breakfast was had!!
 

 

So today I wanted to get to the Red Square as we had heard there was a demonstration planned for Sunday so definitely didn't want to be in there for that.  Thought about getting a taxi to make it easier on me but decided we'd do the metro as, if I could, I wanted to experience it.  Paul had it figured out, blue line, 5 stops.



Me, normally being the over preparer, had left it up to him as I think I had prepared so much before coming I had nothing else to give.  Bought tickets, easy (and cheap).  The platforms are amazing, you feel like you are in a museum.  There is marble and statues and history everywhere, just beautiful.  So we got off in the right spot and walked around to the Red Square, well what an amazing sight this is!!  A remarkable piece of history which I definitely need to read about so I can understand some more.  We walked the length of the square to St Basil's cathedral but unfortunately I didn't have the energy or physical ability to explore the inside of any of the attractions as it was just too hard.  Was so glad I came to see but I needed to sit down so we found a lovely cafe that looked out onto the square and had a lovely lunch together which was very special.

It was a tough walk back to the metro and hotel but we made it.  I was exhausted although happy as the outing was well worth the effort and since I am going to spend the next 4 weeks in a hospital bed hopefully I'll get some rest there.  The rest of the day was pretty uneventful as I needed to sleep and then too tired to go out for dinner so room service Club Sandwiches were on the menu and American Hustle on the computer..


For anyone heading to stay at the Vega, the Club Sandwiches are yum and for anyone who hasn't watched American Hustle put it on your watch list, it's a great watch!!  Oh my god did Amy Adams wear some sexy outfits!

Sunday

Woke up early, not sure the body clock has quite adjusted yet but it's definitely getting there and considering I never really sleep that well due to discomfort I guess I can't really tell which it is.  Facetime with the kids, it's so great to be able to do this as you feel like you are constantly in touch.  Love seeing their happy smiling faces xx 

On the list to do today is the Izmailovo Markets - oh yes I do need to get a little tourist shopping and these are a manageable walking distance from our hotel which is a bonus..

Inside the GUM shopping centre

We headed out with Libby and Jenny, I may have already mentioned them, Libby is Emma's mum (Emma went into isolation on Friday) and Jenny is Libby's friend travelling with them.  From all their stories they are not only looking after Emma in the hospital but the other girls who have travelled alone.  Very special couple of ladies!  Probably a 15 minute walk to the markets (faster if they weren't walking with me) and what a sight to behold.  Babushka dolls, Faberge eggs, hand painted Christmas decorations, fur hats, fur jackets and much, much more..  We hadn't got very far and Paul was trying on a hat and then I was, they were amazing and of course I wanted to buy straight away but my level-headed restrained husband made me wait.  What are they made of we asked "sheep wool" well that's okay, next one "silver fox", oh okay well do we want to buy a hat that's a silver fox, we are a bit unsure about that one!  Moved on and looking at lots of Babushka dolls it's really hard to figure out which ones you want as there are just so many and also many varied qualities.  The other thing that I couldn't stop looking at were the fur wraps, made of  Mink & Silver Fox mmmmm, not sure I can?  Scarf and hat/headband I love and it's so soft, ooh can I have this one, it's Chinchilla - um I'm feeling very confused on whether I should buy any of this I mean we've been brought up not to buy real fur and everything is faux fur at home so does it feel right to buy it, very confused because it's everywhere here so why shouldn't I??  Anyway, will do some research and think about it.

Would you believe we left the markets without buying a thing!!  The girls however did quite well.. I did have a good look and made lots of notes of what I like and the plan is that Paul will go back when he's not so cold..  It got really cold there so we all wanted to come back for a hot drink.  Hot drink (and cake), toilet stop, extra clothing and time to go back to the markets!  I had to go back again - after all it's my last chance as I'm not sure I'll want to venture this far from hospital on the days you can go out.  And you know me, I have to make a purchase!!  It was easier this time as we pretty much new the things we were after and purchased a few lovely souvenirs, no fur as we haven't done our research yet so we'll see about that!

Found a bigger supermarket on the way back to buy a few supplies then back to the hotel to collapse again although this time we thought we'd collapse in the bar.  Had a nice chat to Mum and Dad on Facetime, they seem happy and the kids are happy so that's fantastic!!

Dinner tonight was in the hotel restaurant with the Aussie family that is here.  Samantha (Aaron's wife), Neil & Marilyn (Troy's carers) and Libby & Jenny, 7 of us in total.  Our waiter Ivan was full of smiles so although Paul had some issues, wine not available, meal not available and then undercooked chicken, which was rectified no problem, it was still a lovely evening.

The Russian people are lovely.  There is not a lot of English spoken outside of the hotel and they don't always smile but seem to be very gentle and considerate.  It was funny in the markets as even though they knew you couldn't speak Russian they would continue to tell you all about their product in Russian and adding the occasional English word, it's lovely to hear.  I must say there was quite a lot of English spoken in the markets as well and whilst they want you to buy their goods they don't hassle you if you walk away and it's a very pleasant experience.

So.....  tomorrow I check in to Pirogov and it all really begins.  Feeling anxious, excited, nervous, hopeful, so many things, wish me luck !!!

The first few days...

The idea was that I would post a little bit each day but since we didn't have the blog set up before leaving I guess this first one will be a catch up of the first few days.  Let me go back....

Wednesday

Departure time from house was 7pm - made for a long day!  We've been preparing for this for quite sometime so we only had a few little things to do.  Everyone kept asking me how I was feeling but I couldn't explain, maybe I was blocking it out so I didn't feel anything too soon.  I often think I find I keep things in as I don't want others around me to worry and I especially didn't want to upset the kids at all.  Not that they were bothered as they had distractions.  My brother, his wife and their children had arrived on Sunday night so the kids had been playing with their cousins all week so hardly noticed we were in the house, so very grateful that they came to stay as it made leaving so much easier for the kids.  Two of our closest friends, and their children, arrived at 5.30pm to say goodbye and also help with the distraction of the kids.  We wanted to make sure the house was a happy place as we left so they didn't feel it too much.  One of the kids, yes you know who you are, had us all in stitches!!  

The Emirites driver arrived on time at 7pm and I was really not looking forward to this goodbye.  Paul and I are rarely away from the kids.  We love spending time with them and holidaying with them, it's going to be far to soon that they will be more interested in spending time with others that I don't want to miss out on the time we have together.  Seb was keen to come to Russia, he said "do you know Mum, they have one of the most diverse environments in the world" or something profound to that effect!  Anyway I digress as you will find I will do often!  (oh and I like exclamation marks!!)..  Saying goodbye wasn't easy, I held each of them as long as I could and squeezed them as hard as I could (without causing any injury) and told them how much I loved them.  They will be fine, I know.. Mum and Dad are flying home from Europe the following night to spend the next few weeks with them and they will be so well looked after, I have no doubts about that, only that I will miss them terribly.

So the pain of leaving the children was definitely bearable once we were on the plane in our Emirates business class seats.  WOW is probably the best way to describe it, I'm really not sure that I'll ever be able to fly economy again!  The food was amazing and the Moet was a flowing so I was a very happy camper or should I say a very happy business class flyer!!  14 hours flying time to Dubai, with some sleep achieved which was great.

Thursday

Arrive Dubai about 5.30am local time.  Not such a great exit from the plane as we parked on the tarmac and I had to go down some steep stairs - I had been offered a lift but thought I'd be okay, hindsight I should have taken the lift.  I had wheelchair assistance which was great although the wheelchair drivers are fast, I had to only hope that Paul was keeping up behind.  A very comfortable stay in the Emirites lounge for 4 hours with a couple of glasses of Moet to get me through...  I know it was 6am but that was lunchtime at home so well why not!!  Oh and remember I will be giving it up on Monday for maybe 3-6 months - don't forget that promise of Cristal, Owen!!

Another speedy ride in the wheelchair to get back on to the bus and out to the plane for the next leg to MOSCOW - really can't believe it..  I think I ate and drank my way to Moscow, there was an Arabic Mezze plate on this flight that was to die for, best dips I have ever eaten, oh and on this flight uh oh no Moet, but it was okay there was Veuve, oh yes I'm enjoying this!.  I was so excited when the Captain said he was beginning his descent to Moscow - I looked at Paul and said "we are about to land in Moscow, we are here!!", he yawned!! Nice... but to be fair he had just woken up.  And then...  another speedy ride in the wheelchair through back doors and into passport control - held my breath as the customs guy looked at me, actually got a smile, no questions and through to pick up our bags.  I think I always had this slight fear that I would get all the way here and turned back at the last minute.  I want this so much that I get scared that I won't get there.

Our driver wasn't waiting for us but after a panic message to Anastasia, the young Russian lady who is Dr Fedorenko's assistant, Anastasia was quick to let us know he was only 10 minutes away and had just got stuck in traffic.  Anastasia is often referred to as an Angel in the ways she cares for everyone, she also went through HSCT just a couple of years ago so understands MS completely!  An hour drive to the Vega hotel and settled in at what will be Paul's home for the next few weeks.

Tried to stay up so we could catch up with Samantha, our new friend and "Warrior Wife", who's husband, Aaron, began treatment on Monday but couldn't do it.  Room Service and lights out by 8.30pm..

Friday

I really will need to do this each day if I'm going to remember things as even though this was only yesterday, so much seems to have happened in these last few days!

Got to catch up with Samantha this morning before she headed of to hospital and it was great to see her.  We had met once briefly at Kristy's meeting in Brisbane back in April (I think it was) and have chatted a lot on Facebook, but it was like seeing an old friend.  We also met another couple, Neil & Marilyn, who are here as carer to their friends son, Troy, and Libby & Jenny who are here for Emma.  They gave us lots of tips and updates on the three patients, feels like we have this amazing Aussie family who will also support us in the coming weeks as I'm sure we will them.

Breakfast in the hotel was lovely and then we decided to go and check out the local area.  We found about 4 24hr little supermarkets in the local area, food is pretty cheap and easy places for Paul to be able to eat and buy snacks while here.  We ventured off to find the markets but found ourselves in what seemed to be the old Vodka Museum, lots of stretch hummers out the front, overly decorated and lots of brides around, must be a registry office there maybe, very interesting - even a statue of our own Hugh out the front dressed as "Wolverine".

Came out of there to move on to the markets and Paul said "I really don't think it's a good idea, you're tired", me "I'm fine, lets find markets", Paul "I can hear you leg dragging", me "You are right, let's go back"..  And yes he was, by the time we got back I was exhausted!

Rested for a bit then managed to test our skills at buying things at the supermarket.  Not a lot of English spoken outside of hotel.  Through pointing and Google translate we managed to buy tea, cereal and milk and Kebab's for $3.50 each!  Even managed to get a smile from the shop assistant, not an easy feat.. 

Dinner out with Samantha, Neil and Marilyn at an Italian restaurant nearby.  Really nice Pizza and wine and a lovely evening of chatting and getting to know each other with the main topic obviously being HSCT..  Note to self..  Stop being obsessed with talking HSCT and get to know these lovely people as well!!

I guess that's about it for those 3 days..  Now I hate to disappoint but I'm not sure my Sex and the City quotes are going to live up to expectations.  They will happen but may not be the ones you expected...  You see the funny ones, the really funny ones that make me laugh until it hurts seem to be a tad inappropriate, especially since I may have a PG audience!!  I reeled off a few to Paul last night, and although we laughed he said "You can't post that"!! You'll just have to imagine which ones!!

It's all in a name...

I always wanted to write a blog on my journey so I could keep a record of this amazing experience and also for our family and friends so they could see what was going on and be with us through it all.  The one thing though I couldn’t figure out was what to call it.....

I wanted something a bit different so the choices came down to:-

• Born to Drink Bubbles (if you know me well you will understand!)
• An Australian Girl in Moscow (a pun on the last episodes of Sex and the City, “An American Girl in Paris” – again if you know me.....)
• Be Strong, Be Brave, Be You!

Over the past 6 months I’ve had lots of beautiful comments on my Facebook posts but one stuck with me.  It was from my cousin, Mark, and was in reference to a hat that my lovely Aunty Hazel had embroidered for me.  It said “Will keep u warm and thinking about all those who love you as u head on this journey... Be strong, be brave, be you!!!!”

After consultation the day before leaving with my sister in law, Trudy, and my husband, Paul it became clear that “Be Strong, Be Brave, Be You” was the winner!  (thanks Mark xx)

So my thinking went a bit like this..... 

I can Be Strong and I’m pretty sure I am.  I have to be otherwise I’d just crumble and let this disease consume me which, let me tell you, would be pretty easy to do, but I can’t do that I’ve got a job to do and that’s raise my beautiful children and be the best mother and wife that I can be..  I owe it to Paul, Isabelle and Sebastien.

I can Be Brave and I think I am, everyone keeps telling me that I’m so brave going to Russia which makes me feel so good about myself and what I am doing. 

Be You, well that is the hard part...  I want to be me but it’s hard when you have something stopping you Be You.  If I was to be me I’d be dancing around the house with the kids, jumping on the trampoline, walking my dogs, playing in the park, running with my husband (I know that might not sound like me but I had started to about 2 years ago and i would love to again!)..  I know these things may only seem like the physical but they move onto so much more that can stop you Being You! 

You don’t know what you have until it’s gone...

You don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone...

If you can move I say move, If you can run I say run, If you can dance I say dance and IF YOU CAN WEAR HIGH HEELS THEN YOU SHOULD WEAR HIGH HEELS !!  (I know in the grand scheme of things High Heels don't seem that important but it's just another thing taken away that you wish you could..)

(Note:-  This may seems strange but I may quote Sex and the City every now and again.  Now they are obviously not profound and have nothing to do with MS, disease, getting healthy but they make me laugh and laugh and I just love that and that’s got to be the best medicine!!)