Well, Happy New Year. I am using my good china every day now and while it would seem that was a New Year's resolution, it was not. This may sound corny, but like Mary Poppin's can't ignore the "winds of change"! ...Oh those winds have been stirring things up a lot this year and some changes have not been so good while others are rather refreshing and inspiring!
Back in the fall I simply had an epiphany and wondered why do I not use my china more, especially when it is stored in the bottom of the buffet and quite a chore to get out for those few special occasions? That very moment I rearranged my kitchen cupboards, moved the corelle to storage in the basement and filled my cupboards with collected pieces to build on what was started from my Grandmother Rowden's dishes; divided among us, and a complete set from John's Grandmother Nevin. I love them both and blend both sets at our table and they look great together.
I did keep a small few pieces of Corelle next to the microwave for heating purposes, but once the microwave is "toast" we will go back to a toaster oven.
Yes, events of the last year; health related, did influence my decision to use the china and enjoy it daily! Cliche perhaps but it's true that we don't know what comes next so that was just one thing I felt I really wanted to change. I am changed and now too are my cupboards!
Happy New Year to you and may it be a glorious one!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
In the ring and battling it out.
It's been a little while since I have post anything and am now in my 5th month of maintenance with the Interferon-Intron Apha 2b.
I recently FINALLY saw the Dermatologist which went well and that right after having had the "mole mapping" photos done through the hospital! Well that was interesting! The photographer and volunteer had me feeling very much at ease in no time! While with the Dermatologist I did have one mole removed from the back of my leg and learned too that if there is hair growing from a mole that is a good sign, as a rule hair will not grow where there is melanoma. I haven't heard back on that one but haven't been too worried about it as the Derm didn't seem concerned at all and I think took it off for my peace of mind. I will return in six months.
Overall in this process I thought I wasn't doing too badly and did return to work but that really didn't go so well; one week and three days. Co-workers had tried to convince me to stay off, but financially I felt I needed to return and also in feeling like so much has changed I felt I needed to try, thinking somehow I might feel more of a "normal me" in getting back into the swing of things.
Headaches here and there, appetite is so-so; eating very small portions, fatigue...well, ongoing and always but the hardest thing to deal with is the emotional fragility I have been feeling. What a roller coaster and it seems it changes without warning.
I don't like the way I've been feeling at all, it scares me and waking up in the morning is not a pleasant time; though the alternative is not at all a pleasant thought either. It's a fight every morning just getting past the "physically ill" feeling that takes over as I enter into awakedness! Not to worry though upon "crashing down" recently was in touch with my family doctor and also the social worker I have had in my corner since the Induction phase of the treatment. I saw my oncologist for my bi-monthly checkup last week and a follow up with the social worker as well. I also had a follow up my family doctor.
For others out there, yes it can be difficult to share that you are feeling what may be depression, but during an Ultrasound last spring the tech shared her experience with her brother who had been on Interferon and advised me to be aware of feelings of depression; it is a listed possible side effect, and not to wait to talk with someone and if needed antidepressants can help. I'll admit to being a little worried about taking such meds, but know with my "team"; oncologist, social worker, family doctor, I can withdraw gradually once treatment is complete and have a great deal of support. The antidepressants at this point are taking a lot out of me; I sleep a lot, and have no ambition at all and there is nauseasness and extreme fatigue . I know it is that my body is adjusting and the oncologist did say it could take from ten days to 4 weeks before I am feeling really good. The social worker will be doing frequent follow up with me.
I'm working hard at staying in the ring with this fight! I'll just have to be patient with myself This has been a very difficult period for me this last month or so, but I hope I can work through it and celebrate like there was no tomorrow when I complete the run!
Still fighting the battle! I've lost count of the rounds and another round straight ahead.
Be good to yourself.
I recently FINALLY saw the Dermatologist which went well and that right after having had the "mole mapping" photos done through the hospital! Well that was interesting! The photographer and volunteer had me feeling very much at ease in no time! While with the Dermatologist I did have one mole removed from the back of my leg and learned too that if there is hair growing from a mole that is a good sign, as a rule hair will not grow where there is melanoma. I haven't heard back on that one but haven't been too worried about it as the Derm didn't seem concerned at all and I think took it off for my peace of mind. I will return in six months.
Overall in this process I thought I wasn't doing too badly and did return to work but that really didn't go so well; one week and three days. Co-workers had tried to convince me to stay off, but financially I felt I needed to return and also in feeling like so much has changed I felt I needed to try, thinking somehow I might feel more of a "normal me" in getting back into the swing of things.
Headaches here and there, appetite is so-so; eating very small portions, fatigue...well, ongoing and always but the hardest thing to deal with is the emotional fragility I have been feeling. What a roller coaster and it seems it changes without warning.
I don't like the way I've been feeling at all, it scares me and waking up in the morning is not a pleasant time; though the alternative is not at all a pleasant thought either. It's a fight every morning just getting past the "physically ill" feeling that takes over as I enter into awakedness! Not to worry though upon "crashing down" recently was in touch with my family doctor and also the social worker I have had in my corner since the Induction phase of the treatment. I saw my oncologist for my bi-monthly checkup last week and a follow up with the social worker as well. I also had a follow up my family doctor.
For others out there, yes it can be difficult to share that you are feeling what may be depression, but during an Ultrasound last spring the tech shared her experience with her brother who had been on Interferon and advised me to be aware of feelings of depression; it is a listed possible side effect, and not to wait to talk with someone and if needed antidepressants can help. I'll admit to being a little worried about taking such meds, but know with my "team"; oncologist, social worker, family doctor, I can withdraw gradually once treatment is complete and have a great deal of support. The antidepressants at this point are taking a lot out of me; I sleep a lot, and have no ambition at all and there is nauseasness and extreme fatigue . I know it is that my body is adjusting and the oncologist did say it could take from ten days to 4 weeks before I am feeling really good. The social worker will be doing frequent follow up with me.
I'm working hard at staying in the ring with this fight! I'll just have to be patient with myself This has been a very difficult period for me this last month or so, but I hope I can work through it and celebrate like there was no tomorrow when I complete the run!
Still fighting the battle! I've lost count of the rounds and another round straight ahead.
Be good to yourself.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Part 1 Getting the Skinny on my skin!!!
Photo Cd in hand and ready to share...o.k, with a Dermatologist ONLY, I finally have my appointment with the Dermatologist today! I'm almost giddy with excitement, well perhaps not quite, but this appointment was made months ago and apparently that's the way it goes.
One week ago I had an appointment with a photographer at Lakeridge Health, for a "Mole Mapping" session! Hmmm sounds intriguing at least doesn't it? Not your "Glam Shots" kind of session but as important in relation to what's been happening in my life as the usual photo shoot is to the resume of an actor or celebrity. It wasn't so bad and surprisingly didn't find myself at all nervous once in there. There was the photographer and a hospital volunteer who was pretty cute in her manner and had a great sense of humour. I think looking back, that the photographer was more nervous than I. He was a gentleman and explained everything from the get-go. My Oncologist will have a cd for his records and I will have mine.
From the photos my dermatologist can view each mole and then exam them in their actual location on my person, assess and from here we will both make note and compare any future changes with these lovely little spots. I have one which may raise some level of concern and a possible second one that she too may feel the same about, but we will soon know. I know all too well, even if there is anything to be concerned about I won't necessarily know today but will have to wait a couple of weeks! I don't think I will ever get used to the waiting!
I've been to this dermatologist before but the nature of this visit is very different than my last visit; so many changes and in what seems like a very short time period.
The story continues...stay tuned! : )
One week ago I had an appointment with a photographer at Lakeridge Health, for a "Mole Mapping" session! Hmmm sounds intriguing at least doesn't it? Not your "Glam Shots" kind of session but as important in relation to what's been happening in my life as the usual photo shoot is to the resume of an actor or celebrity. It wasn't so bad and surprisingly didn't find myself at all nervous once in there. There was the photographer and a hospital volunteer who was pretty cute in her manner and had a great sense of humour. I think looking back, that the photographer was more nervous than I. He was a gentleman and explained everything from the get-go. My Oncologist will have a cd for his records and I will have mine.
From the photos my dermatologist can view each mole and then exam them in their actual location on my person, assess and from here we will both make note and compare any future changes with these lovely little spots. I have one which may raise some level of concern and a possible second one that she too may feel the same about, but we will soon know. I know all too well, even if there is anything to be concerned about I won't necessarily know today but will have to wait a couple of weeks! I don't think I will ever get used to the waiting!
I've been to this dermatologist before but the nature of this visit is very different than my last visit; so many changes and in what seems like a very short time period.
The story continues...stay tuned! : )
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Gathering topics and ramblings of late ...to return soon!
I haven't written in a couple of weeks now, but DO have many a thought filling my head so will get back in the next couple of days! There is much happening, and plenty for me to ramble on about, though I hope it doesn't come across as rambling!?
I know there are times as one/I, roll into a subject/conversation and one thought leads to another, leads to another and yet another! One certainly does not mean to but in the excitement, amazement or simple pondering of initial topic of conversation, it happens!
Having noted this I shall do my best in delivering in a non-rambling fashion!
See you soon!
xo
I know there are times as one/I, roll into a subject/conversation and one thought leads to another, leads to another and yet another! One certainly does not mean to but in the excitement, amazement or simple pondering of initial topic of conversation, it happens!
Having noted this I shall do my best in delivering in a non-rambling fashion!
See you soon!
xo
Monday, October 15, 2012
Officially 50 - and Ontario Health Care knows!
Yep, I'm officially 50! I received a letter from Cancer Care Ontario today to remind me that once I reach 50 my risk for Colorectal Cancer rises!
It's o.k, I've had this discussion with my family doctor last year, she made a point of it after glancing down at my medical file. Since so much has happened since then and I've been through a barrage of medical tests it hardly seems much to get worked up about. My hubby has already had this test as he is just a tad ahead of me in birthdays and it really wasn't so bad. I had him all set up and comfy for the pre-test preps and I think that is the hardest part! That part starts out slowly and then of course everything changes very quickly...lots of 'urgent' trips to the lieu! He was set up in the room closest to said location. With only one lieu available, he was of course given priority in availability!
On one hand it's like crossing some kind of border into a new foreign land, hearing so much about it but not truly knowing just what to expect with this new MAGICAL land called "50". On the other there is the thought that "Wow" I'm here and I think I should feel privileged, wise; in some degree, and it does in fact scare me a little because of course there is much reflection to be seen from here. I think I'll grab the world by the 'hiny' and get what I can out of the next several years even if it includes 'Age Privileged' medical testing in ensuring the extension of my physical existence!
Well, here's to turning 50 and receiving additional Birthday Wishes of sorts. If you are going to be turning this magic number soon, keep this in mind. For more information please go to:
ontario.ca/coloncancercheck or call, toll free at 1-866-662-9233
Take care of yourself!
: ]
It's o.k, I've had this discussion with my family doctor last year, she made a point of it after glancing down at my medical file. Since so much has happened since then and I've been through a barrage of medical tests it hardly seems much to get worked up about. My hubby has already had this test as he is just a tad ahead of me in birthdays and it really wasn't so bad. I had him all set up and comfy for the pre-test preps and I think that is the hardest part! That part starts out slowly and then of course everything changes very quickly...lots of 'urgent' trips to the lieu! He was set up in the room closest to said location. With only one lieu available, he was of course given priority in availability!
On one hand it's like crossing some kind of border into a new foreign land, hearing so much about it but not truly knowing just what to expect with this new MAGICAL land called "50". On the other there is the thought that "Wow" I'm here and I think I should feel privileged, wise; in some degree, and it does in fact scare me a little because of course there is much reflection to be seen from here. I think I'll grab the world by the 'hiny' and get what I can out of the next several years even if it includes 'Age Privileged' medical testing in ensuring the extension of my physical existence!
Well, here's to turning 50 and receiving additional Birthday Wishes of sorts. If you are going to be turning this magic number soon, keep this in mind. For more information please go to:
ontario.ca/coloncancercheck or call, toll free at 1-866-662-9233
Take care of yourself!
: ]
Wind swept meanderings...I'm under the influence!
This morning; late, just after getting up for the day and about to shower I peer out the bathroom window and see a woman in the parking lot at the Legion next door. This is not so unusual as there is always someone walking a dog or setting up for some event there, etc., but she has no dog and I try to decide if her meandering is just that or she is under the influence; of something we all wish we had!
I couldn't help but feel a sense of mystery, intrigue and my imagination was spurred on!
There she was, all dressed in black, a black dress, black stockings and black, heeled shoes. The bottom of the dress was of alternating lengths of long and short; like arranged handkerchiefs, which fluttered and waved so eloquently in the wind. Walking onto the gravel road leaving the parking lot and leading up past our house, I noted she wore the large maroon shawl or scarf draped around her shoulders. She was raising it above her head and in circular motion then brought it down around herself and back onto her shoulders. Such a dance, as the light fabric lifted and fell again gracefully and wildly. Her steps looked a little awkward and I wondered if she was just enjoying a very slow "meander" or that she was as I said under the influence of one form or another and perhaps influenced by the wonderful winds that blow today.
I teetered on whether or not to step out and offer assistance but she was doing fine, just not completely convincing in the manner with which she took each step. Her legs awkwardly criss crossed in very slow, almost sideways but still forward steps. She might wonder if I was well had I given the opportunity for my being judged as well. My hair not done, in my bath robe and not well put together at that point.
I thought about what it all meant. Was she in a distraught state of mind and feeling completely depleted? Was she preparing to bid someone near and dear farewell at a service later this morning. Maybe I was even a little envious of the way she so free spiritedly moved and let herself be taken in by the wind and just letting go! If she wasn't burdened with great sadness, maybe she was actually in a state of emotional relief and didn't care to be hurried any longer and simply in some form of blissful thought, caring less about everything.
Whatever her thoughts, state of being I hope she's alright and maybe the wind simply just inspired a sense of carefree. That's what it's doing to me this morning, despite my knowing I have many tasks at hand and a couple of them involve being timely in their completion! Oh well I am finishing lunch and then taking a few minutes; if not longer, to linger outdoors throwing my cares to the wind! I can't wait and I must give thanks to the young woman's inspiration this morning. I know we all get so caught up in our busy busy little worlds and need be reminded to just stop and smell the flowers, breath, dance, jump in a puddle, feel the wind, be a little carefree now and again! Go on, let go!
xo
I couldn't help but feel a sense of mystery, intrigue and my imagination was spurred on!
There she was, all dressed in black, a black dress, black stockings and black, heeled shoes. The bottom of the dress was of alternating lengths of long and short; like arranged handkerchiefs, which fluttered and waved so eloquently in the wind. Walking onto the gravel road leaving the parking lot and leading up past our house, I noted she wore the large maroon shawl or scarf draped around her shoulders. She was raising it above her head and in circular motion then brought it down around herself and back onto her shoulders. Such a dance, as the light fabric lifted and fell again gracefully and wildly. Her steps looked a little awkward and I wondered if she was just enjoying a very slow "meander" or that she was as I said under the influence of one form or another and perhaps influenced by the wonderful winds that blow today.
I teetered on whether or not to step out and offer assistance but she was doing fine, just not completely convincing in the manner with which she took each step. Her legs awkwardly criss crossed in very slow, almost sideways but still forward steps. She might wonder if I was well had I given the opportunity for my being judged as well. My hair not done, in my bath robe and not well put together at that point.
I thought about what it all meant. Was she in a distraught state of mind and feeling completely depleted? Was she preparing to bid someone near and dear farewell at a service later this morning. Maybe I was even a little envious of the way she so free spiritedly moved and let herself be taken in by the wind and just letting go! If she wasn't burdened with great sadness, maybe she was actually in a state of emotional relief and didn't care to be hurried any longer and simply in some form of blissful thought, caring less about everything.
Whatever her thoughts, state of being I hope she's alright and maybe the wind simply just inspired a sense of carefree. That's what it's doing to me this morning, despite my knowing I have many tasks at hand and a couple of them involve being timely in their completion! Oh well I am finishing lunch and then taking a few minutes; if not longer, to linger outdoors throwing my cares to the wind! I can't wait and I must give thanks to the young woman's inspiration this morning. I know we all get so caught up in our busy busy little worlds and need be reminded to just stop and smell the flowers, breath, dance, jump in a puddle, feel the wind, be a little carefree now and again! Go on, let go!
xo
Friday, October 12, 2012
...So I'm 50?... where to from here and the "C" Word!
There's a fork in the road and I'm wondering which path to follow...I feel like I really need to at least go down the one I know less just to see where it leads me! Thoughts so many thoughts and just thinking about true happiness and what that means. When I think about being happy I picture my hubby and I on our wedding day and feeling so very happy to know from that day forward I had the most wonderful man right there by my side! Sounds so corny I know but I really was so excited to know he was mine...and 28 years later still is and I'm feeling the very same way! Picturing each of my children's faces makes me incredibly happy, especially thinking back to when they were very young and watching them discover the wonders all around them, including things that as grown ups we have long taken for granted and completely overlook any more! Suddenly you find yourself rediscovering everything through your children's eyes and the world couldn't be more perfect, all over again! They're young adults themselves now and I still find myself seeing the world through their eyes and it's still so amazing, well most days!
I had my 50th birthday recently and while that alone could make me think about so much in life, the life I've had in the past, and what lies ahead for me, this year in addition to my 50th birthday I am celebrating just being here, as anyone should but sometimes life throws you a really fast curve ball and it REALLY makes you take a good look at what's happening and it makes your head spin. In February I was diagnosed with melanoma and that alone changes so much and while you might think in a negative way, it has over time since then also changed much in a positive way! Initially of course the news made my head spin and I really didn't know what to do with that news, aside from thinking, "I have to call my doctor!"!
Two surgeries; having the tracer dye injected was more painful than the surgeries themselves, one month of daily Chemo at the hospital, and in the middle of my second month of self injections done three times weekly, which will continue until next July provided my liver continues to tolerate the Interferon and I'm doing pretty good.
I have found a program which I fell head over heals for right away, but people didn't tell me about out of concern in relation to the nature of it. "The Big C" with Laura Linney is my new favourite show and you guessed it, it is about Cancer!!! In particular and ironically it's about a woman named Cathy...yes, with a 'C', who has been diagnosed with Melanoma! Laura Linney's character, Cathy is Stage 4, I am Stage 3. There are certainly moments for shedding tears in this program but it's so cleverly funny, poignant, there is such sharp wit and I love it! If you haven't seen it, I warn you there is adult content, there is swearing, etc., but that's what makes it so exceptionally great, it's just as we are, imperfect and trying to find our way while life hurls rotten tomatoes at us! She is trying to figure out how to deal with her prognosis, as Stage 4 carries a much more uncertain future and one looking to ensure as much time as possible will with their oncologist seek out all options available in treatment, clinical trials etc. . She does at first go a little to the extreme; or not at all, in how she deals with everything and then begins to see a new perspective and perhaps later another one yet. Yes the sad parts will make me cry but I feel stronger for that in allowing for tears and then laugh out loud in the funny moments and walk away from it with a will to be as spunky and strong a fighter as Laura Linney's Cathy.
I'm only recently beginning to question just what it all means, now having gotten past the initial shock. That's the thing, in the early days following diagnosis, seriously you can't help but wonder how much longer you have on earth and that's scary shit! You know how they say when you think you're dying and you see your life flash before you!? Yes. I also couldn't help but see everything I hadn't done, wanted to do and hoped I'd get the chance!
In sorting through the emotions in dealing with this I have been painting and writing just as I once did so many years ago but of course it feels different now and the genre of how and what I am painting or writing is all new! I also am trying to be more brave in going after new experiences and am not sure how I feel about returning to previous ones. Time will tell! I don't know what lies ahead, but HEY nor does anyone else! Of course a lottery windfall would be nice, a trip somewhere beyond nice too, we'll all just have to wait and see!
It's like stimulation overload to have had melanoma happen and turn 50 all in the same year! My thought is, well, melanoma distracted any concerns I may have had about the impending 50! I have to take from this whatever I can and if I live to be 100 I want to be sure I've done everything I can to have had another great 50 years of life even when life throws rotten tomatoes at me!
Go ahead, "Hit me with your best Shot!"!
xo
I had my 50th birthday recently and while that alone could make me think about so much in life, the life I've had in the past, and what lies ahead for me, this year in addition to my 50th birthday I am celebrating just being here, as anyone should but sometimes life throws you a really fast curve ball and it REALLY makes you take a good look at what's happening and it makes your head spin. In February I was diagnosed with melanoma and that alone changes so much and while you might think in a negative way, it has over time since then also changed much in a positive way! Initially of course the news made my head spin and I really didn't know what to do with that news, aside from thinking, "I have to call my doctor!"!Two surgeries; having the tracer dye injected was more painful than the surgeries themselves, one month of daily Chemo at the hospital, and in the middle of my second month of self injections done three times weekly, which will continue until next July provided my liver continues to tolerate the Interferon and I'm doing pretty good.
I have found a program which I fell head over heals for right away, but people didn't tell me about out of concern in relation to the nature of it. "The Big C" with Laura Linney is my new favourite show and you guessed it, it is about Cancer!!! In particular and ironically it's about a woman named Cathy...yes, with a 'C', who has been diagnosed with Melanoma! Laura Linney's character, Cathy is Stage 4, I am Stage 3. There are certainly moments for shedding tears in this program but it's so cleverly funny, poignant, there is such sharp wit and I love it! If you haven't seen it, I warn you there is adult content, there is swearing, etc., but that's what makes it so exceptionally great, it's just as we are, imperfect and trying to find our way while life hurls rotten tomatoes at us! She is trying to figure out how to deal with her prognosis, as Stage 4 carries a much more uncertain future and one looking to ensure as much time as possible will with their oncologist seek out all options available in treatment, clinical trials etc. . She does at first go a little to the extreme; or not at all, in how she deals with everything and then begins to see a new perspective and perhaps later another one yet. Yes the sad parts will make me cry but I feel stronger for that in allowing for tears and then laugh out loud in the funny moments and walk away from it with a will to be as spunky and strong a fighter as Laura Linney's Cathy.
I'm only recently beginning to question just what it all means, now having gotten past the initial shock. That's the thing, in the early days following diagnosis, seriously you can't help but wonder how much longer you have on earth and that's scary shit! You know how they say when you think you're dying and you see your life flash before you!? Yes. I also couldn't help but see everything I hadn't done, wanted to do and hoped I'd get the chance!
In sorting through the emotions in dealing with this I have been painting and writing just as I once did so many years ago but of course it feels different now and the genre of how and what I am painting or writing is all new! I also am trying to be more brave in going after new experiences and am not sure how I feel about returning to previous ones. Time will tell! I don't know what lies ahead, but HEY nor does anyone else! Of course a lottery windfall would be nice, a trip somewhere beyond nice too, we'll all just have to wait and see!
It's like stimulation overload to have had melanoma happen and turn 50 all in the same year! My thought is, well, melanoma distracted any concerns I may have had about the impending 50! I have to take from this whatever I can and if I live to be 100 I want to be sure I've done everything I can to have had another great 50 years of life even when life throws rotten tomatoes at me!
Go ahead, "Hit me with your best Shot!"!
xo
Friday, September 21, 2012
Music to your Ears? Alfie-Cat is still deciding!
Watching a clip from X Factor that a friend had posted I thought I'd share this with you here-not quite so inspiring; setting, etc., but it was impromptu. I do love to sing, at this point mostly around the house, in the shower and when in the car. I need to brave up, I'm turning the big Five O' very soon and with things that have happened in the last several months, it's like a wake up call to do what you really want NOW! Fear is likely the only thing holding me back, it's time to buck up and get past the fear!!!
This was a few months back and the second video I have shared but hidden away in the mass of youtube videos. The first a practice run for a competition to sing at the Roger's Cup. The video posted then saw my cat Alfie jump up on me while singing Oh Canada-which perhaps one day I shall sing at an event!? It's on the 'B' list!
This time I thought I'd brave up and try singing another song and who should come along again, ...Alfie Cat! I'm trying to decide whether he appreciates or does not appreciate it when I sing!?
Hmmmmm!?
I hope you find it at least somewhat pleasant and it doesn't hurt your ears!
http://youtu.be/sB_lPkn4CKg
Every Day is a winding road, I get a little bit closer...the "c" word Day 218
Holy Autumn, we're about to enter into October!!! I'm o.k with that, I love the fall and winter doesn't scare me either! Love the cooler seasons! This is premiere 'grab the camera, jump in the car let's go for a drive and maybe stop somewhere for a little treat and who knows where we'll end up' time of the year! It kind of feels like a 'falling in love' all over every year, when while the crazy world goes on; as one sees/reads in the news, there is a beautiful world happening all around us that allows us to believe the very best and feel so wonderful in taking it all in! I'm ready to 'stoke the fire'; even if it's only a little electric cast iron remake, make the hot chocolate and don a favourite slightly oversized cozy sweater and curl up next to my honey! I'm not opposed to jumping into a very large pile of leaves or a walk in the aroma of an Autumn evening's crisp air.
At this point I begin to contemplate a return to work, but try not to let it be the focus of my daily thoughts because it kind of stresses me out a bit. I did have visits with many of our centre families and staff this week for our annual trip event to the Burnham Family Farm Market and very much enjoyed seeing everyone! It might have been just what I didn't know I needed. Buying a little produce, including homemade fudge just added to how good I felt that morning! I WAS only buying one block of fudge when the girl mentioned the buy two get one for free! She didn't know how very aware of that deal I was and have been for a very long time AND have caved before! I had thought I could get past the idea this time! LOL, I should have known better! I am happy to report I wrapped two of the blocks and have frozen them! If my daughter should read my blogs she is sure to show up soon and I will happily send some away with her! : )
I am two weeks into a new prescription for what began a year ago as indigestion/heartburn and now may be stress related. I am hoping it subsides in the next two weeks or there is likely to be a 'scope' involved. A scope...a scope, that just doesn't sound like any form of fun that I'd like to be a part of!!!! I had contacted my Oncologists office and a nurse returned my call to say that my oncologist didn't feel it was related to my Interferon injections but I should get an appointment with my family doctor and have it checked. I did and hence the prescription for Tecta, another form of the Panto prazole I was previously on, but with magnesium versus sodium this time. What I experience is the sensation of very dire hunger, though there is a difference in that there isn't any growling of the stomach and it hurts much more and makes one feel ill. It occurs even right after having eaten a meal and experiencing the sense of being full! For one afternoon this week I thought it had gone only to have the effects return. My doctor feels it is most likely stress related, in light of the treatments and everything I've been going through. I hang on!
Today I drove to Oshawa. Not a big deal but it's been some time; June, since I have driven myself that far....alone! I was off to Lakeridge Health to pick up my next round of Interferon. I was thrilled to use the handy dandy travel kit they give you for the medication, with it's own ice pack etc. and tucked in my constant companion water bottle! Off I go! I was happy to have additional tunes on cd in the car to occupy my thoughts and keep me singing!
After picking up my prescription I did as I had on my way into the hospital and scanned the cafeteria crowd for a friend of mine and her husband. I briefly thought to myself that they could have been here much earlier or perhaps had much later appointments, and then ta-da there they were! Her husband was facing my direction and waved! I was pretty pleased with myself then that I had looked for them! She is getting her treatment underway very soon. We had a good visit as they had just finished lunch and I was packing a dutchie bun and chocolate milk from the Auxillary cafe!
While we chatted I took the opportunity to pay forward the very helpful information a friend of mine had thoughtfully shared with myself as my husband and I headed into such a very different chain of events one is never prepared for following my diagnosis and preparation for treatment.
Tomorrow it's off to Toronto to wish my son Chris well as he heads to Boston next week for the Boston Fashion Week where he is a featured designer; one of only two Canadians to be INVITED! Pretty cool! My sister will accompany me on the train and we'll have a little "girl" time and time with my son before he heads off! We wish we were going to be there to cheer him on, but it's not possible at this time. I know Chris is very thankful for the support he has received in ensuring he CAN go to Boston, but John and I have to express our thanks too, as we have been watching as this drew closer and closer to actually happening and wish to extend our very heartfelt appreciation in the generousity people have shown in helping make this dream opportunity actually happen!
Well that's a lot for you to read, but if you're still here, I thank you for listening and being here as as I rambled on! I'm going to have a wee nip of fudge now; sounds like someone about to have a wee nip of booze doesn't it!?
Take care of each other! <3 br="br" nbsp="nbsp"> xo
At this point I begin to contemplate a return to work, but try not to let it be the focus of my daily thoughts because it kind of stresses me out a bit. I did have visits with many of our centre families and staff this week for our annual trip event to the Burnham Family Farm Market and very much enjoyed seeing everyone! It might have been just what I didn't know I needed. Buying a little produce, including homemade fudge just added to how good I felt that morning! I WAS only buying one block of fudge when the girl mentioned the buy two get one for free! She didn't know how very aware of that deal I was and have been for a very long time AND have caved before! I had thought I could get past the idea this time! LOL, I should have known better! I am happy to report I wrapped two of the blocks and have frozen them! If my daughter should read my blogs she is sure to show up soon and I will happily send some away with her! : )
I am two weeks into a new prescription for what began a year ago as indigestion/heartburn and now may be stress related. I am hoping it subsides in the next two weeks or there is likely to be a 'scope' involved. A scope...a scope, that just doesn't sound like any form of fun that I'd like to be a part of!!!! I had contacted my Oncologists office and a nurse returned my call to say that my oncologist didn't feel it was related to my Interferon injections but I should get an appointment with my family doctor and have it checked. I did and hence the prescription for Tecta, another form of the Panto prazole I was previously on, but with magnesium versus sodium this time. What I experience is the sensation of very dire hunger, though there is a difference in that there isn't any growling of the stomach and it hurts much more and makes one feel ill. It occurs even right after having eaten a meal and experiencing the sense of being full! For one afternoon this week I thought it had gone only to have the effects return. My doctor feels it is most likely stress related, in light of the treatments and everything I've been going through. I hang on!
Today I drove to Oshawa. Not a big deal but it's been some time; June, since I have driven myself that far....alone! I was off to Lakeridge Health to pick up my next round of Interferon. I was thrilled to use the handy dandy travel kit they give you for the medication, with it's own ice pack etc. and tucked in my constant companion water bottle! Off I go! I was happy to have additional tunes on cd in the car to occupy my thoughts and keep me singing!
After picking up my prescription I did as I had on my way into the hospital and scanned the cafeteria crowd for a friend of mine and her husband. I briefly thought to myself that they could have been here much earlier or perhaps had much later appointments, and then ta-da there they were! Her husband was facing my direction and waved! I was pretty pleased with myself then that I had looked for them! She is getting her treatment underway very soon. We had a good visit as they had just finished lunch and I was packing a dutchie bun and chocolate milk from the Auxillary cafe!
While we chatted I took the opportunity to pay forward the very helpful information a friend of mine had thoughtfully shared with myself as my husband and I headed into such a very different chain of events one is never prepared for following my diagnosis and preparation for treatment.
Tomorrow it's off to Toronto to wish my son Chris well as he heads to Boston next week for the Boston Fashion Week where he is a featured designer; one of only two Canadians to be INVITED! Pretty cool! My sister will accompany me on the train and we'll have a little "girl" time and time with my son before he heads off! We wish we were going to be there to cheer him on, but it's not possible at this time. I know Chris is very thankful for the support he has received in ensuring he CAN go to Boston, but John and I have to express our thanks too, as we have been watching as this drew closer and closer to actually happening and wish to extend our very heartfelt appreciation in the generousity people have shown in helping make this dream opportunity actually happen!
Well that's a lot for you to read, but if you're still here, I thank you for listening and being here as as I rambled on! I'm going to have a wee nip of fudge now; sounds like someone about to have a wee nip of booze doesn't it!?
Take care of each other! <3 br="br" nbsp="nbsp"> xo
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
A Road Side Sighting-Autumn represent
Heading North, even as close as Peterborough, fall comes into evidence at the very top of many trees. Crimson and Amber leaves prominent decor and looking so lovely.
Sitting at the intersection of Hwy. # 7 and the off ramp for the 115 I notice a stand of Poplars and already turned leaves of golden yellow shimmer and dance in the breeze. Then 1, 2 and 3 leaves separately one after the other flutter with grace down, down to the ground below.
Autumn represent!
xo
Sitting at the intersection of Hwy. # 7 and the off ramp for the 115 I notice a stand of Poplars and already turned leaves of golden yellow shimmer and dance in the breeze. Then 1, 2 and 3 leaves separately one after the other flutter with grace down, down to the ground below.
Autumn represent!
xo
Monday, September 3, 2012
Huh, I hadn't thought of that...Saving your own Skin
Funny, though not really...
Yesterday I had a random 'epiphany' thinking to myself and out loud how having melanoma gives new meaning to the term 'Saving your own skin'!
That I found this funny seemed wrong but I think I really only laughed about it because I wondered how I hadn't thought of how literally the term seemed in relation to melanoma.
Hey, I take the 'laughs' as they come!
xo
Yesterday I had a random 'epiphany' thinking to myself and out loud how having melanoma gives new meaning to the term 'Saving your own skin'!
That I found this funny seemed wrong but I think I really only laughed about it because I wondered how I hadn't thought of how literally the term seemed in relation to melanoma.
Hey, I take the 'laughs' as they come!
xo
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