How are we all? I hope the universe is listening to all your requests and assisting your journeys towards brighter and healthy futures. Its been a busy few months with health and lifestyle. I’ve been co-ordinating a community event for the past year and its finally coming to an end with the unveiling to the public at the end of February and a big celebration event in March. Also working in Retail, continuing on with my studies and building on my Art Therapy skills.  I have had my recent visit to my endocrinologist and although my levels had increased slightly (Prolactin 1187 ; up by 92. Cortisol 497; up by 200) its nothing to be too concerned about as its minimal in a 6 month period. Although the endocrinologist has recommended I consider trialing medication (The Pill, Dostinex, Bromocriptine) to regulate my hormones. Over the next few months before my next checkup I’m going to try to regulate these hormones and improve my health by altering my daily food intake.  I hope this change in my daily intake will make a significant difference to my levels, as I have already tried this medication earlier on in my treatment and it lead to having brain surgery to remove the tumor. I want to avoid the medication because of the side effects I experience that left me feeling quite unwell and disrupted my lifestyle. Also my anxiety i’m trying to manage with limiting food triggures, performing daily exercises, using aromatherapy and learning Yoga and Mediation skills. That’s it for me for now. I’ll post another update soon.  (Positive energy brings opportunities towards a brighter future ~ Toll-Art)

This is such a busy time of year for all. Its been a couple of months since my last post and quite a lot has happened. Where do I start?  My Community Project is well on it way to being completed for the Guinness World Record attempt. Also looking for employment and studying. Unfortunately some of my schedule has been put on hold and I need to focus more on my health, as my stress levels and anxiety has been quite extreme to the point where I need to ask for assistant and seek treatment. The increase of my stress and anxiety has been caused due to an unexpected event in my life. The death of my father on November 7th at age 61 has had a huge impact on my family and I’m using Art Therapy to help me through this time. I make my own Christmas decorations for the Christmas tree every year and give out as a small thoughtful gift hand-made to everyone, which they thoroughly enjoy. This year I’m making decorations using right-handed techniques, (as I’m left-handed) this is a small challenge but the results have exceeded my expectations and others who have received these decorations. Wow I think i’m ambidextrous with my artwork, as a few years ago I couldn’t use my left hand for nearly 12 months and I was able to still do my artwork and completing some paintings with my right hand and my journey series with both my left and right hand. I guess it shows an example to others that no matter your restrictions you are still capable of anything you can imagine as being possible instead of impossible with slight alterations.

My studies are progressing with not many modules to complete, but with my stress and anxiety levels it has been recommended that I take a break over Christmas, as a stressed Counsellor can’t help others unless they are in the right frame of mind to be able to do so.  February I will resume with the case studies, seminars and placement etc and be officially qualified to help others in more depth.

Also i’m getting organized for Christmas with quite a lot of reminders of my Dad is a little difficult but I need to have my health as #1 priority as I’m due to see the specialist early February and I’m a little concerned this stress and anxiety may have an impact on my results. I’m looking forward to spending Christmas Day and Boxing Day with family and enjoying  no fighting.  Life’s to short to hold grudges, anger and past issues that should be left in the past, move on and enjoy your family while they are alive rather than arguing, not talking to each other and making your life miserable with no resolution and awkward encounters when you need to come together as a family.

That’s it for me for now.  Toll-Art Therapy would like to wish you all good health and hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with your family, friends and loved ones filled with joy, laughter, gifts and eat, drink and be merry.

I am using Art Therapy in my current workplace. I’m doing art projects with the local community and this is quite beneficial. Not only is this bringing the community together, we are attempting to break a Guinness World Record for the for the longest knitted toy snake. This is great Art Therapy for everyone. We are getting Friends, Family, schools, Aged Care Facilities, Retirement Villages, Disability Organisations and many other members of the Community to participate. Using their creativity skills and ideas to contribute to kniting together 1 metre lengths of  a snake body, some learning new skills and concentrating on getting each stitch sewn can allow the creativity to flow. Also getting joy out of seeing the completed piece without any worry, stress, aches or pains to enter into their mind. Art Therapy can be any form of art. Whether listening, doing or viewing something can help heal, relax and turn a negative thought into a positive thought. Although I do have a creative flair, having created paintings, drawings, jewellery pieces, scrapbooking, leadlighting, and mosaics, I have never experienced this new wool medium for myself. I’ve been in charge of this art programs for nearly 11 months and watching others get joy out of this medium I decided it was time I learnt a new skill and medium. While watching family and the community knit with wool, and watching a few clips on YouTube and Google tips I decided to invest in some knitting needles and a few balls of wool. After several attempts at this, and giving up a little. I persisted and I can knit a few basic things. I have knitted a snake piece for this Guinness World Record attempt and now as thank-you gifts to the community for participating in this wonderful event and outstanding contributions the next project is “Plant Pockets” which I am also attempting. I’ll include some pictures and any relevant links too.  Learning a new skill that I am finding very therapeutic I would highly recommend to others. If not Wool, then any other form of art therapy to assist you on your journey to good heath and harmony.

How are you all today? My journey is continuing in a good direction.  I felt positive about my results. I have done my best with limiting sugar from my diet, by giving up chocolate for 5 months. ( I’m having some chocolate now, but not as addictive as daily!) Also my stress / anxiety levels are up and down depending on the circumstance, but with the help of Rescue Remedy and love and support of special people in my life I get through some obstacles that occur. Now onto my visit to the Endocrinologist. i’m very pleased to say that in 6 months my Prolactin levels have only increased by 55 (from 1040 ~ 1095. This is a small amount meaning that although its increased its stable but still well above the regular range of (0-500) .  This is really good for not being on any medication for my hormones. The endocrinologist is happy with the stability of my hormone levels, although has asked if I can gain 5-10 kilos to be more healthy in the next 6 months. I’m sorry but that is one thing that does annoy me when she wants me to be fat to be healthy. (Sorry if that offends anyone) but i’ve been slim all my life and the weight i’m at now is healthy for me, so unfortunately I refuse to attempt to double my food intake to gain weight and expand my waste-line to be healthy in the endocrinologists eyes!  I feel healthy, exercise daily, eat healthy, splurge occasionally and enjoy being happy within my own skin. I’m enjoying life. I have a great job working with the community, I’m a third of the way through my studies to becoming a counsellor and sharing my story with everyone who visits my site gives me joy that I can assist those with similar health concerns and those interested in my journey. Until my next post, I wish you all good health and harmony for now and the future. Just remember you are never alone with your troubles, there is always someone by your side whether it be family or friends to help you through your journey to happiness.

Well its coming up to 5 and a half years since my surgery and i’m feeling like things are improving. In 2 months i’m scheduled for my next appointment to the  endocrinologist. I’ll have my blood-test at the end of next month and fingers crossed my levels are keeping under control. I’m keeping positive as I think it helps in some way for positive results. I hope!  At the moment everything is going well for me. I’m keeping busy. I’m working in retail and doing art projects with the local community.  I’m also studying Counselling, looking to be running creative classes in the local community and planning to progress with my new career path.  The next few months ahead will be keeping me busy, with no time to stress about my upcoming appointment. Although with lots going on i’m still trying to keep my anxiety under control by eating reasonably healthy, taking vitamins and rescue remedy. Also I’m trying to keep my stress and anxiety under control by  listening to some tunes to relax, chatting to friends and family and those with similar health issues, and doing creative projects. I’ll write more again soon. I’m sending you all peace, hope, harmony and good health for the coming months.

Hi everyone,

To those new to this sight and any regular visitors, here is a useful video I found which is quite informative and worth watching to learn more about the pituitary. Very educational

What is Art Therapy?

How can it help?

Art comes in many forms.

• Painting

• Drawing

• Art & Craft

• Music

• Drama

In Art therapy it is used to express any emotions most of us keep hidden from the world, and those around us, in fear of being judged by these feelings.

Expressing these emotions through art can create some magnificent pieces. By transferring these emotions into an art form leaves your mind, body and spirit free to be more positive, calm and relax in your everyday life. If these feelings are suppressed, over a long period of time, it will require constant work at this therapy to gradually release this build up.

Art therapy  can be used in any industry including, Aged Care, Child Care, Community Service, Counselling, Hospitals, Rehabilitation, Schools and many more as well as in your own personal life.

When people see Therapy  in the title they automatically assume is only for those with serious mental health issues, but in fact it can help everyone. If you  are looking to improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being why not consider Art Therapy.  You don’t need to be talented to be able to use Art Therapy. Its an expression of your emotions that are released into an art form. Eg. sad could be expressed in a colour -blue, uncertain could be expressed a spinning motion in a dance movement, etc.

 ”The Journey” ~ By Tollarne Graham

(This is an original entry created and based on my own experiences. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to use the contact form. Any feedback is highly regarded. )

Hi everyone,  I hope your all having a lovely day and Welcome to those new to my site. If you have any questions, suggestions for new content, any concerns, comments etc, do not hesitate to contact me via the contact page, GuestBook, or on Facebook / Twitter. Please browse the pages at your leisure and enjoy Toll-Art Therapy.

Ok now here’s a brief update on my progress. (Please refer to previous posts for further background knowledge and information) . I had my most recent visit with the endocrinologist. I attended the appointment on my own, with excellent news. All my results are normal (for the first time in many years)  with the exception of the Prolactin levels dropping by 200, but still out of the normal range but stable. I have lost 2 kg, which is a little concerning but its because of my stress and anxiety. The endocrinologists solution ( i’m not to pleased with) is to gain 5-10kg to have a better chance at fertility (although a child can risk my health) and being healthier with my hormone levels. Grrrrr……..so frustrating when she doesn’t listen when I have told her several times I do not ever want to have kids!!!!!!! Also to try and reduce the anxiety and stress , which has increased over the past few months, is to get some counselling,  or as a second option is to go on anxiety medication (which can elivate my hormone levels). I will have a think about both options and continue to use Rescue Remedy.

Another positive is my next appointment will be in 6 months and no MRI every 12 months, instead will be in 18months time!!! Yay!

That’s it from me for now. Will update you again soon.

I wish you all Peace, Hope, Happiness and Good Health.

 I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and celebrated the new year with new beginnings.

I had a wonderful Christmas with my family and a friends.  Filled with yummy food and lots of fun and laughs. Also working in retail was a busy time for me.

Its been a busy start to the year with my job and being on placement in Community Service taking up most of my time. But I still managed to try to catch up with family and friends (even if I don’t see in person Facebook is excellent for this. )

An update on my health. First I want to mention that its coming up to 5 years on 25 January since I had the Pituitary Macroadenoma removed via Transsphenoidal Surgery!  Wow the time has surly flown with a few ups and downs. Coming up on February  12 is my 6 monthly checkup with the endocrinologist. I will schedule a boodtest in the next week or 2 with a visit to the local doctor for my results. My anxiety has been really bad but I try to keep that under control with Rescue Remedy and Exercise. Although my weight , as mentioned in my previous post, has dropped to 43.5 kg. I think because I have a few things on and no time to rest. Apart from the anxiety, I have been a tired, low blood preassure and feeling dizzy or confused sometimes. I think this is mostly symptoms of the anxiety but I will surely mention this to the endocrinologist on my next visit.

On a happy note. Coming up in February I will be also be turning 30 and  have a small celebration with my family .  I’m really looking forward to having a girls night out filled with fun and laughs.This will also be 10 years with my bf and 4 years of sharing my life with my cat. They are my best friends, and i’m so grateful to have had by my side to love, care, support and relax with anytime I need that pick me up and comfort.

I’m very thankful to have love, comfort and support from my family and friends throughout my journey and lifes ups and downs. I hope you all have the support and love from similar people in your life.

That’s it from me for now. I hope you are all traveling well on your journey. Thinking of you always. Sending Peace, Hope and Harmony to you all. Will update again soon.

How are you going with your journeys?  Lots has happened over the past few months. I finished the Community Service course, and i’m doing placement  2 days a week at a Community Support Centre. I also had quite a few interviews and job opportunities, with 3 job offers for over Christmas. My Anxiety has been extreme with lots of stress over the past few months, but it has eased a little. Although from the start of November I have had 2 days placement and 4 days of training in my new job.

Last week I started my new job in sales and being quite a busy time of year for retail I have been taking 2 rescue remedy pastels a day, 2 cups of Camomile Tea, 3 cans of Peps Max Cans, and back on having chocolate everyday (I gave up for 3 months but too much stress in my life I needed sugar and caffeine to calm the nerves, although it causes more anxiety).

I’m feeling quite healthy but I don’t think my specialist will be too impressed that I have lost 2kg since I saw her in August. (Currently 43.4kg) I’m at my weight I was at in year 7 but I haven’t lost weight intentionally. I have just been eating at odd times and exercising the same. I guess because i’m busy with lots going on I don’t really have much time to sit down, and i’m eating junk food and healthy.

I have quite a lot on my plate at the moment so I will see how my results are when I see the Endocrinologist in February.

Well that’s it from me for new. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas with your friends and family. I’ll update you soon on any new progress.