I am writing this blog by our pool. It’s a warm 32 degree, sunny Sunday afternoon. One side of the pool is in complete shade and this is where I am sitting. Rod has just had a dip and is luxuriating in the sunshine, like a man with olive skin who’s not had a melanoma diagnosis…

The past month has flown. I continue to remain free from side effects from the immunotherapy. I think though, day to day I am ever so slightly more tired than usual. Certainly the day after treatment I am very lethargic – but this does’t last long. Bloods are stable, so fortunately there’s nothing much to report! I have a PET scan and Brain MRI coming up late March. This will probably have me a little on edge, but it is out of my hands and not worth the overthinking.

I had my 5th (of 13) immunotherapy infusions Thursday and this went without a hitch. Much of the time was spent organising next month’s treatment, as it’s the day after I return from New Zealand. One of my girlfriends, Lydia, is having treatment for breast cancer; she arrived just as I was finishing up. Plenty of time for photos and a catch up! I headed back to work for a few hours and then home for sleep.

Most of my time has been spent in preparation for the cycling challenge in New Zealand. This is a mere 17 days away. With work commitments, family functions and a spell of 35+ degree days coming up, this means my potential training days are dwindling. I’m not necessarily worried about making the distance of 190km, but I’ve never backed up 5 days in a row, not even on annual leave! Already planning a post-ride massage in Queenstown.

I’ve averaged 85km a week on the bike since November, but January has really bumped those numbers up, with nothing less than 100km each week. Rookie numbers to some of my cycling friends, but for mere humans, like myself, this is such an achievement.

My fundraising page has just reached $3399 which is very very exciting! Our team is so close to reaching the set goal of $9000 (actually, I think we’re about $1500 short). We are still selling socks and wine and cycling gear – one lovely staff member made ‘Luscious Blackberry Jam’ to sell and it has been snapped up! I have been overwhelmed by the support from you all – please accept my heartfelt thanks.

I will update the blog from NZ and keep you posted with the happenings on the trail. The fundraising portal will be kept open until we return, so it’s not too late to donate! ANY amount is appreciated!

Much love, Bel

https://melanoma-patients-australia-nz-cycle-challenge.raisely.com/belinda-dunbar