Up Front by Emma Hart

Read Post

Up Front: Adric and the Art of Asking

32 Responses

First ←Older Page 1 2 Newer→ Last

  • Lilith __,

    Just to confirm what y'all already suspected: The Isis Knot is fucking amazing. This woman is so talented.

    Dunedin • Since Jul 2010 • 3895 posts Report Reply

  • Louise Hall,

    I have never met you but always enjoy your writing and own 'Not Suitable For Work'.
    I will be keeping everything crossed for you and look forward to reading your novel.
    Serialising - great idea!

    Dunedin • Since Mar 2007 • 8 posts Report Reply

  • Raymond A Francis,

    Oh shit
    Life can throw some ( or maybe that is lots) of the above
    So all the best, if anyone can beat this you can

    45' South • Since Nov 2006 • 578 posts Report Reply

  • Hebe,

    Hell Emma, I had no idea about all this...Kia kaha and all that. You'll be hearing from me.

    Christchurch • Since May 2011 • 2899 posts Report Reply

  • David Herkt,

    Attitude is everything, Emma, but you already know that, I figure. I suspect it is exactly the same approaching a novel or a big operation. It is that old the-stance-of-the-archer-about-to-shoot-the-arrow Zen thing. Get the beginning right and everything else follows in accord.

    Auckland • Since Sep 2007 • 53 posts Report Reply

  • Hilary Stace,

    Best wishes with all that treatment and preparing for it, Emma. You will be getting positive healing messages from all over NZ. In the evidence-based world technology is getting more precise and efficient all the time. Most people in the field are experts and nice too. And it will eventually be over. But still tough to go through.

    That link to the mask thing reminded me of when my just 6 year old had to have one in order to zap the central nervous system as part of treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (they don't do that treatment any more). Hers was perspex and she kept it for many years until it finally went during a house shift. I didn't realise how much that mask would affect me too. I wrote a little about it this year (and sorry if this is insensitive).

    The radiographer fits the mask over her face and clips it in place. S hates that mask. They made it last week by wrapping bandages over her face and then covered them with plaster of paris. When the plaster set they took it away to make a perspex mould. The plastic form now fits tightly over her head with holes for her nose and mouth. There are indelible marks on it to line up with the beam from the linear accelerator; precision in this dangerous treatment is vital. I know she will stay very still. The adults have to leave. The radiotherapists go into their lead lined room to press the right buttons and watch through the darkened window. I go back into the windowless waiting room. I can still hear the buzzing of the machine, which goes on for ages. I visualise the zapping of any stray leukaemia cells that dare to exist.

    Wgtn • Since Jun 2008 • 3229 posts Report Reply

  • Bruce Hopkins,

    Thankyou Emma for posting that. what an amazing take you have on something I cannot even begin to imagine. I try to live through and express gratitude every day for the smallest of blessings, your writing has magnified the need for me to make sure I continue to do so. all my love goes to you. Thankyou

    New Zealand • Since Oct 2013 • 6 posts Report Reply

  • Emma Hart, in reply to ,

    You could get your brain 3d printed which would be cool.

    Ooo... See, this time they've done something called a STEALTH, which combines my MRI and CT scans to make an incredibly detailed and accurate model of my brain. It would be kind of great to get that printed out. "See, here's the bit that has the ideas, and here's the bit that notices incorrect apostrophes, and here's the bit that fails to stop me saying really 'funny' things..."

    Christchurch • Since Nov 2006 • 4651 posts Report Reply

  • wendyf,

    Emma - I feel punched in the gut at your news. One of those times I want to scream "Not fair!!!".

    I'm emanating positive thoughts to you, and I'll be reading your novel.

    Christchurch • Since Nov 2006 • 88 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Campbell,

    I think I speak for everone when I say that we all look forward to you developing some appropriately weird super powers after your next bout with radiation, perhaps the ability to reach through the internet and slap people with fish or something similar

    Dunedin • Since Nov 2006 • 2623 posts Report Reply

  • Emma Hart, in reply to Hilary Stace,

    I didn't realise how much that mask would affect me too. I wrote a little about it this year (and sorry if this is insensitive).

    Oh Hilary, yeah, there's something about the mask - though mine will be one of the mesh ones they show in that article I linked to. Much of this process is quite claustrophobic, and this seems to emphasise that. And I think there's something quite... because it's my head, it feels much more invasive. My head is the part of my body I identify as being most Me.

    OTOH (and this is where readers of a sensitive disposition should look away) recreationally I find being restrained very soothing. I am used to being unable to move, and I enjoy it. So maybe this'll just tap in to that and I'll be fine.

    Christchurch • Since Nov 2006 • 4651 posts Report Reply

  • sandra,

    Hi Emma,

    Good luck with the treatment. I toured a brand, spanking new radiation treatment centre last Saturday. The invariable reaction from the 200 or so people on the tour was: "What a great place, I hope I never set foot in it again". A surgeon who was speaking later said, referring to this reaction: "You must come through these doors with optimism. Everyone here is working for you, to help you."

    I hope you are optimistic. It sounds like you are. The very best of luck.

    tauranga • Since Dec 2011 • 72 posts Report Reply

  • Moz, in reply to sandra,

    recreationally I find ...

    Now you just have to turn the jackhammering noise into some kind of avant-garde electronica and you're away. Or do the new machines not do that?

    And yeah, superpowers! Even (especially?) NSFW ones.

    Sydney, West Island • Since Nov 2006 • 1233 posts Report Reply

  • JacksonP,

    I should check my 'Isis Knot Privilege', but I'm so excited everyone else gets to read this wonderful book.

    Emma, if there is anything we could do to help you in your coming months of trials and tribulations, I do hope you would ask.

    Arohanui.

    perhaps the ability to reach through the internet and slap people with fish or something similar

    Didn't we trademark the 'Emma Slap™ ' some time ago? :-)

    Auckland • Since Mar 2011 • 2450 posts Report Reply

  • Bart Janssen, in reply to Emma Hart,

    I am used to being unable to move, and I enjoy it.

    Enjoying it too much during treatment will confuse them.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 4461 posts Report Reply

  • Gregor Ronald,

    Best wishes Emma,
    My wife's just come through a breast cancer experience - we know the anxiety and the imagination at times like this. You can control that, I'm sure - and it will make you stronger.

    Christchurch • Since Nov 2006 • 103 posts Report Reply

  • Chris Waugh,

    Kia kaha, Emma.

    Wellington • Since Jan 2007 • 2401 posts Report Reply

  • JTweedie,

    I don't often comment Emma but my thoughts will be with you. I look forward to your posts and they always touch a chord with me and often bring a smile to my face and even a laugh. The very best of wishes!

    NZ • Since Nov 2006 • 3 posts Report Reply

  • Rob Stowell,

    Best luck Emma. Hoping for a happy summer.

    Whakaraupo • Since Nov 2006 • 2120 posts Report Reply

  • Emma Hart, in reply to Bart Janssen,

    Enjoying it too much during treatment will confuse them.

    My tattooist has kind of got used to it. I'm sure they will too.

    Everyone here is working for you, to help you.

    All my experiences with staff at Christchurch Hospital have been just so wonderful. I fully expect that to continue. I just have this small problem that every time my oncologist comes into a room I have to fight the urge to say, "Welcome to Rivendell, Doctor Anderson."

    And I want to take a minute to just thank everyone for their kind words and support and lovely money. All of it makes a very tangible difference.

    Christchurch • Since Nov 2006 • 4651 posts Report Reply

  • Ross Mason,

    I'm always stunned to find out what can live alongside the brain inside that small skull and we can seem to carry one for quite sometime before a diagnosis eventually exposes the enemy within. Hang in there, the magic neutron, beta and alpha bullets have got pretty good odds attached to them that I would accept as well! Anyway, I want a few more books signed!!!!!

    Upper Hutt • Since Jun 2007 • 1590 posts Report Reply

  • Miche Campbell,

    If a person wanted to knit you a hat, what size should they knit it, and what's your favourite colour? Also, are you allergic to any types of fibre?

    Dunedin • Since Feb 2011 • 79 posts Report Reply

  • Emma Hart, in reply to Miche Campbell,

    If a person wanted to knit you a hat, what size should they knit it, and what’s your favourite colour?

    About the size of my head, I guess. It’s this big. Y’know, about head-sized. I like jewel colours: burgundy, royal blue, forest green, deep purple, etc. I do have issues with dermatitis with ‘hairy’ fibres like mohair. If someone were to do that.

    I have just done an interview with a lovely reporter from The Press, which should be in on Tuesday. Best get Chapter Two sorted then. Spent quite a lot of time talking about how fucking lovely you guys are.

    Christchurch • Since Nov 2006 • 4651 posts Report Reply

  • hamishm,

    Best of luck Emma. When you get a 3-d brain model, make one in pink blancmange and snack on it during meetings.

    Since Nov 2006 • 357 posts Report Reply

  • Miche Campbell, in reply to hamishm,

    You can buy brain-shaped jelly moulds from Thinkgeek. Translucent green brain-jelly with gummy worms embedded in it anybody?

    Dunedin • Since Feb 2011 • 79 posts Report Reply

First ←Older Page 1 2 Newer→ Last

Post your response…

Please sign in using your Public Address credentials…

Login

You may also create an account or retrieve your password.