Life's direction can change literally in seconds...mine changed with just one picture...
I remember vividly my first really serious accident on the Harley Davidson coming out of SanteFe on a brisk summer morning in 2004 where two of us came off the bikes at 70MPH on an Interstate Highway. By the time I stopped rolling the 100 yards down the tarmac the first of 5 appliances had arrived. We both should be dead, but we aren't. In fact we straightened out the bikes, (with the help of the State Patrol's jemmy bar) and limped into Albuquerque where I went to hospital and I licked my wounds.
I was riding with no helmet, hands free and videoing at the time, and this was an amazing wake up call. The view's were good though!
Anyway, lately I have been feeling a bit tight in the chest and had some acid like pain, so after a few goes I had an investigative endoscopy on the morning of Tuesday 8th May 2012. This happened to be the day of Toop&Toop's 27th birthday which is always celebrated with a party for all the team....so it was a big day.
The pictures taken by these little camera's are certainly clear, and the images remain etched in my mind, a growth 180 degrees round and half way down my esophagus. Unbeknown to me, Sylvia was asked to meet the Doc at 10am, she was expecting to be called to pick me up whenever she was ready but the instructions seemed definate, the time set and one sure sign something was up was an invitation to park onsite at St Andrews in the reserved parking area.
I woke to Sylvia at the end of the bed and the Doc...and my life changed forever in the ensuing seconds.
Pictures were produced in vivid colour. An explanation that more investigation was needed as a matter of urgency. Just in case there was any confusion as to how serious this was, the Doc explained that the details would in time be placed before a panel of Doctors where a decision moving forward would be made. I figured it was game on.
I must say, one did not need to be a Doctor to understand all was not well.
And so began an entirely new journey, one travelled by so many others, and yet something seemingly so distant to anything contemplated by me.
This blog is for those who may want to follow this entirely new journey, so let the story begin...
(btw I'm here on Kussy's computer - she's teaching me how to use this blog thing!)
I remember vividly my first really serious accident on the Harley Davidson coming out of SanteFe on a brisk summer morning in 2004 where two of us came off the bikes at 70MPH on an Interstate Highway. By the time I stopped rolling the 100 yards down the tarmac the first of 5 appliances had arrived. We both should be dead, but we aren't. In fact we straightened out the bikes, (with the help of the State Patrol's jemmy bar) and limped into Albuquerque where I went to hospital and I licked my wounds.
I was riding with no helmet, hands free and videoing at the time, and this was an amazing wake up call. The view's were good though!
Anyway, lately I have been feeling a bit tight in the chest and had some acid like pain, so after a few goes I had an investigative endoscopy on the morning of Tuesday 8th May 2012. This happened to be the day of Toop&Toop's 27th birthday which is always celebrated with a party for all the team....so it was a big day.
The pictures taken by these little camera's are certainly clear, and the images remain etched in my mind, a growth 180 degrees round and half way down my esophagus. Unbeknown to me, Sylvia was asked to meet the Doc at 10am, she was expecting to be called to pick me up whenever she was ready but the instructions seemed definate, the time set and one sure sign something was up was an invitation to park onsite at St Andrews in the reserved parking area.
I woke to Sylvia at the end of the bed and the Doc...and my life changed forever in the ensuing seconds.
Pictures were produced in vivid colour. An explanation that more investigation was needed as a matter of urgency. Just in case there was any confusion as to how serious this was, the Doc explained that the details would in time be placed before a panel of Doctors where a decision moving forward would be made. I figured it was game on.
I must say, one did not need to be a Doctor to understand all was not well.
And so began an entirely new journey, one travelled by so many others, and yet something seemingly so distant to anything contemplated by me.
This blog is for those who may want to follow this entirely new journey, so let the story begin...
(btw I'm here on Kussy's computer - she's teaching me how to use this blog thing!)
Well done Toopie - off and running xx Good luck
ReplyDeleteHey Ticka,
ReplyDeleteYour a real journeyman mate, and I'm sure you'll front this one with the customary energy, good humour and drive to punch through!!
Looking forward to sharing the road and to lend a hand where needed. The tool kit's always handy, remember. Cheers,
Hi Anthony, You are not travelling this journey alone, there is an army of us there with you every step of the way in this fight.
ReplyDeleteHi Anthony Serg Belleli here,I dont have a blog page so I have to comment anonymously.Although I dont work for you, as the partner of someone who does, I do feel part of the "Toop" family. As a fellow realestate practitioner I have always had a high degree of respect for you and your company.
ReplyDeleteI would like to express my sincere best wishes on a full and speedy recovery
To true Sue, Anthony we will be backing you 100% mate. If you need a hand for anything give us a call.
ReplyDeleteSo grounding to hear you speak today, candid & honest just as you portray yourself in business. As life deals you a rough hand, take comfort in the immense support team you have around you, & how much we all wish you a speedy recovery. As hard as it might be to take direction from others... Listen to your doctors!!! Take care, Karen & Grantley Stevens xx
ReplyDeleteHi Anthony, just sharing a little motorbike story, when I was 15 my next door neighbour (girl) bought a bike, Gillera (italian bike) after riding for a week she took me for my firtst ride! exiting!! within 200 metres she ran over a dog and we ended up under a bus, not sure how we didn't get killed. I wasn't to kin to get back on a bike after that. Little did I know that 4 years later I would meet my future husband, a pom with a love for vintage english bikes. Had to get over my fear of bikes pretty quickly. In our first rental we kept a BSA, Royal Enfield, AJS and a Triumph, all in bits in our down stairs toilet, we managed to get our full bond back, obviously the property wasn't being managed by Toop's!!! I guess what I am trying to say is that is the love of family, friends and the funs stories that will get you through the next few months. Stay positive, it is great that you are sharing your journey with us. Love Silvia x
ReplyDeleteAt least this blog will still allow me to keep an eye on you!! You're an absoulute legend in my eyes, we will hold the fort at work while you focus on kicking some ass :) xx
ReplyDeleteWith your legendary determination, courage and competitive spirit we are sure you will have this new challenge in your life sorted out soon. Wishing you, Sylvia, Gen and Suz all the very best over the coming weeks and months ahead...
ReplyDeleteHi Anthony, I know I am only a small fish in a big toop pond but just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you (as we all are over here at golden grove ).You are the most positive , outgoing person I know , so if anyone can get through this I know you can. Your family and friends are right behind you.
ReplyDeleteWe're all behind you Anthony, let us know if we can do anything to help.
ReplyDeleteDaniel Toop
Hey Anthony, you're always up for a challenge and I’m sure you’ll meet this one head on and come out on top! You’re a fighter and that’s what we love about you! Stay positive and maybe use the CROWS as your inspiration!! :) Take care xo
ReplyDeleteAnthony, Sylvia and family, we would like to add our voices to the positive energy here. Thanks for the courage to share your journey with us. Our hearts and thoughts are with you for a speedy recovery to continue the good you do in the world. Keep smiling :) Sylvia and Alan Holzapfel
ReplyDeleteHi Fellow Bloggers, finally got to read your blogs, very cool. I so love to hear from you guys and thanks heaps for being so generous in your comments. I have finally had a chance to get the blog going properly, thanks Marcus and Kussy. Now you can stick an email alert in or just pop in every now and then. Pretty long posting today, I promise they will get shorter.
ReplyDeleteLove you guys. And last night I had some awesome news, it appears the cancer has not spread and the opperation is going to proceed. Who ever would have thought I would want an opperation!!
Anyway, I have my girls home at the moment, Gen is here to stay, Suz is still working through what is happening....been pretty full on with all the Doctors and I am starting to feel I am going to crash a bit...still running on adrenaline.
Thanks again to our bloggers.
AT x
Hi there Anthony..... Have said a little prayer for you, but if there is anyone who can beat this, write a book and turn it into a best seller it's you....... And I want my book autographed ! Love Mon & Grant x x
ReplyDeleteNice Blog Anthony, even better than reading the real estate pages. As for that cancer thing - remember the Tibetain flag.
ReplyDeleteAnthony
ReplyDeleteWe have been on some amazing journeys with you (and Sylvia) in the past. This one is of a very different kind but we want you to know that we are here for you over all the bumps in the road. Anything you want....anytime...
Love and frienship always, Ali and Phil Hoffmann xx
Hi Anthony, Well they can't say you havnt had your fair share of challenges but this one would have to be the biggest you have had to face. I have to commend you on the manner in which you broke the news to the team as I know it must have been tough! Great that all the family is back in town it's times like this when you need them. We are here for you to.So just concentrate on getting better and listen to the Doctors. We will make sure we will kick some serious ass at Golden Grove while you are away. All our love Len & Julie xx
ReplyDeleteHi Anthony and Sylvia, I know from personal experience how hard this can be, but always remember that family will get you through anything that life throw as you. You have fantastic Management and staff who truly have your Business and best interests at heart, just put all of yuor energy into supporting each other xoxo
ReplyDeleteHi Toopie,
ReplyDeleteThis is Michael [Looch] & Cheryl...
I received Sylvia's email yesterday regarding your situation.
This has come as a complete shock to us as it would have done so a million times more for you guys.
We truly hope we can give you the strength to fight this through, via our wishes and willing you to fight through this.
Our love and sincerest of best wishes to you Toopie...from Looch and Cheryl.
PS: I emailed Sylvia a very interesting article you may wish to read...it just may assist in some way.
Take care with lots of Love & best wishes from Looch & Cheryl..xox
Hi Guys,
ReplyDeleteI am a slow learner with the blog, just saw your lovely comments, thank you so much. I have a little tear in my eye!
AT xxx
Hi Toopie & Sylvia.
DeleteThanks for your courage in sharing your journey with us. Our hearts and positive thoughts are with you all.
A real BIG hug & kiss to you both & remember apart from the chemo & radio...stay aggressively positive and have a good belly laugh every day...
Our Love & all the best wishes from Looch & Cheryl..xox