I cannot believe it is a week already since we landed at the Birdsville Hotel and completed the 2006 Lungevity Challenge.

Well, I am certainly back to reality now. After a few days off to recoup from the trip, copious amounts of washing and sleeping it was back to work for me on Monday. That was hard. To make it through the day, I allowed my mind to sometimes wonder back to the desert, back to the beautiful sunsets, blue skies and wonderful moments we had on the journey and that gave me the extra smile to make it through my first day back.

Having a bank full of wonderful memories to 'withdraw' from really gets you through days that seem to last forever and difficult times.

I am starting to collect my thoughts to write a book about my experience with lung cancer (this trip) and overcoming fear, anxiety and living life to the full. I have been encouraged to write by other patients and friends. I'll see how I go.

I am just so excited by the Kylie Johnston Lung Cancer Foundation and what it will offer lung cancer patients. It has been a dream of mine (and I am sure anyone who has been touched by lung cancer) to have lung cancer support services inline with other cancer groups...and I think this foundation will accomplish that.

Stay tuned for weekly updates on how the fundraising and foundation is going!

Take care always, Kylie

19th October, 2006

It has been over four months since the wonderful trip to the Simpson Desert and it seems so much has been happening! Most recently Nick and I have added to our family with a Golden Retriever puppy. It has been on the discussion table for the last year - and with one trip to the pet store, we simply could not resist. The phrase 'Just do it' comes to mind! You can have the worst day and come home and here is this little puppy, tail wagging, about to burst with excitement to see you - and you feel the craziness of the day melting away!

I think for any patient about to embark on treatment, going through treatment right now, or in the recovery stage, it is just so important to hold tight to the happiest most treasured people, (animals) and moments of your life, and use those to get you through. I cannot emphasise how important it is to continue to plan and have goals - no matter how small or big. For me this has helped keep my mind set on living and loving life. I am excited to say that the first initiative of the Kylie Johnston Lung Cancer Foundation is underway - a book of my trip across the desert plus stories of hope from other lung cancer patients. I really believe it’s going to be an invaluable tool for anyone dealing with a lung cancer diagnosis. Keep watching the Lungevity website as it should be out soon. And remember, November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Please spread the word about Lungevity and the Kylie Johnston Lung Cancer Foundation. With your help we can continue to make a difference to Lung Cancer patients and their families!

Keep Smiling

Kylie