Blogging for Boredom

So, it's been awhile since I posted anything meaningful. HMMMM - have I ever posted anything meaningful?? I guess that's subjective.

As an update, I am doing great physically, mentally and emotionally - most days.... PMS still takes its toll, but that area has improved greatly after my surgery last year so things are going well.

I recently had bloodwork done so I could get a 'baseline' for myself - I wanted to check my cholesterol etc. Everything seemed to be within normal range - although some things on the high side of the normal and some things on the low side. Generally pretty good though. My iron is still only 28 - but that's a marked improvement from the number of 4 that I initially had when I figured out I was iron-deficient.

I am currently taking steps to improve the iron even more (actually, I am meaning to do this but haven't yet) - ie, iron supplements.... I have them, I just have to start taking them. I am happy to report that I am now taking my multi-vitamin daily instead of bi-monthly. So hopefully I'll get there with the iron too.

Once I learned from the doc that it's ok to take the vitamin with my nightly Tamoxifen, I never forget it. But I wouldn't be able to take the iron then -I have to squeeze that in during the day sometime.

Of late, I have made a concentrated effort to get back in shape as far as fitness goes and have been diligently using my treadmill. Pretty much daily for the last two weeks. Am hoping the results will start to show on the scale soon - it's slow progress these last 10 pounds. Any tips or advice would be appreciated. I've gone thru all the 'usual' since I go to TOPS and hear the logical things - but now I need something unique or radical or world-shaking so I'll actually notice it and do it. No Pressure, everyone... HA

I am counting the sleeps until my next trip to Caliente (9 as of today). Cam stays home so any creeps reading this blog & thinking they can ransack my house will be sadly disappointed. Just a week, but it is well needed as I am getting somewhat restless.

I have been curling weekly with a ladies team. We do not have a great success record but we still mostly have a good time.

I've been seeing the chiropractor and massage therapist a LOT in last 1.5 months as I finally decided it was time to solve an issue in my right thigh - being a numb tingly feeling that the docs have been telling me is 'meralgia parasthetica'. So they are trying to free the nerve from being pinched causing the loss of sensation. I am also getting an MRI for this on February 10. (sorry mom, 8pm - right in the middle of any potential birthday dinner plans!!). I really hope the MRI can identify the specific problem area so my therapists can target it instead of 'hunting & pecking'. Which gets a little dicey when you're talking about your upper thigh.... who am I kidding - anyone who has had this kind of treatment knows it's basically torture regardless of where they are digging.....

I got to meet up with some old high school chums a few weeks ago and it was great to see them again and get reacquainted. The circumstances could have been a little better - it was a funeral - but I think out of a sad situation came some laughter and good times.

Well, it's sad but I don't really have that much to say these days - except to report that I'm feeling good and enjoying life!

Ciao!

Gain a New Lease on Life with Exercise

The following is an interesting article by David Haas:

"Cancer impacts a patient physically and emotionally and that emotional distress can take a toll on them. This debilitating disease eats away at a person's spirit and it can be hard to handle. However, there is a way to lift your spirits, as you are going through this difficult time. Being a cancer survivor is a major accomplishment and getting through the cancer treatments is a feat in of itself. When cancer survivors get through these hurdles, there is another aspect of life to accomplish: making sure that cancer does not return. One of the ways to stay healthy and hopefully keep cancer away is through exercise.

The Physical Benefits of Fitness:

Exercising and staying fit can improve the overall quality of life of a cancer survivor or an individual who is undergoing cancer treatments. It is said that high levels of physical activity has the potential to reduce the risk of cancer from returning. Movement can increase the energy levels in an individual and has the ability to release tension in the body. Exercise will also help individuals build muscle mass, stamina, flexibility and endurance. Cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment can exercise based on their comfort level. For example, people can start with a basic exercise regimen of weight training and cardio. It may be best for individuals to start slowly and build up to a more rigorous exercise plan as they increase their strength. It is believed that people who exercise after undergoing and completing treatment live longer. Whether an individual is suffering from breast cancer or undergoing mesothelioma treatment, there is a high possibility that exercise can prevent recurrence.

The Mental Benefits of Fitness:

Exercise has the potential to boost the mood of an individual and increase self-confidence. These factors are extremely beneficial for people undergoing cancer treatments. A regular exercise routine can help promote a healthy mind. As cancer patients are going through this extremely difficult time, exercise can make them happy and make them think about positive things in their lives.

Positivity can be fostered through movement. Individuals who have survived cancer or going through cancer treatments need positivity to go through their daily lives. It is amazing to know that a simple practice of exercising the body can change and rejuvenate a person and give them a new lease on life."

Flyball Video

Our team has produced a video to explain flyball....

If you have 10 minutes to burn, please check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUEt0LH6n4s

I don't have cancer!

So, it's mostly official that I don't have breast cancer.

Thankfully, no one really noticed the time lag between my 'special date' for my Nov 1 mammogram and the lack of posting.....

I had the mammo on Nov 1, but then went to California for two weeks and on my first day back my doc called me in to review the report. HMMMMM, I thought - that's never a good sign when the doctor calls you in to discuss results.

So I had a mini-meltdown, called Cam at work who reassured me that they would take more pictures and confirm nothing was wrong.

So we met with the doc that afternoon who did indeed report that the mammo had showed a 'shadow' on my right breast (the real remaining one) and the mammo people want me back for a close-up just to be sure. So of course he was telling me not to worry - they were just being extra cautious due to my history.

HOWEVER, as much as someone tells you not to worry, it is still at the back of your mind - particularly because the stats all say that 80% or more of breast lumps aren't cancer too and I already lost with those odds.....

Anyway, I think I did pretty damned good at NOT worrying, and then waited a couple of weeks for my 're-take' appnt to be booked but when they still hadn't called, I got on the horn to the clinic and basically demanded an appointment - which they obliged me within 3 days. (LADIES- IT PAYS TO BE PUSHY WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH). Well, for that matter, I'm sure it does for men too.....

So today was the day, and when I explained to the tech that I already had breast cancer, she made a point to track down a doctor so he could review the film immediately. And he did, and gave me the all-clear.

So that put me in a FINE FINE mood today!

And of course I did not post anything so as not to worry the world, and mom didn't find out until today once I got the all-clear because I really didn't want my family freaking out for nothing. (very glad I did it).

So now you can all know the story after the fact..... with a happy ending.

And I think I got the opportunity to help someone today with some reassurance at the centre who is just starting her process - a pre-op meeting before her mastectomy..... so it seemed like I was the right person in the right place at the right time. At least I hope so anyway.......

So yay me - my first official 'no breast cancer' result post-treatment. Merry Christmas!

I'm officially back in the swing of things

How can I tell? I'm awake at 5am thinking about work. Not in a bad way - I seem to have overcome my initial overwhelming crying every day freakout period. Of course, it was unfortunate that had to happen for many reasons, but the main one being that every day when I come home from work, Cam asks me if I cried today. Irritating!

So last weekend we went to the movies. We saw 50/50 and Moneyball. 50/50 is the one with the guy who has cancer and the movie trailers show him trying to use that angle to pick up chicks. EXCELLENT movie! However, it was an emotional ride for me. These comments are not spoilers because my reaction throughout the movie was not related to the events occurring in the movie itself, but just because they were all so familiar and since I really didn't have too much issue going through cancer treatment itself, I certainly didn't expect to get emotional watching a fictional character go through it.

But, alas, I did - and once I started it was SOOOO hard to stop. And it was embarrassing because it wasn't just tears streaming down my face, but full on sobbing that is hard to do quietly. Cam was trying to comfort me but it just wouldn't stop! I have theorized to a few people that in my real-life situation, all I see and know of the reactions of my friends and family are what they choose to show me. In the movie, they have the ability to show the background stories of friends and family that don't involve the main character and gave me some thought to what other people around me must have been going through as well.

I know for a fact that the scene where he and his friend were shaving his head (also in the trailer so no spoiler there), was very relatable - Cam was cringing because that is the one part of my treatment that really hit him hard. You may remember that post describing how Cam was really affected by the head shaving because that's when it hit him that this cancer thing was a reality. Which is weird because by that time I had already had my breast removed - that should have been a big hint. HA HA. So that tells you something about our sex life if he didn't notice that... KIDDING geez....

In reality, it shows that Cam really didn't care about me losing a breast and while he does pretty much ignore the fake the one in breast-related activities (meaning, him grabbing mine not for any 'fun' reason but just because he knows that it irritates the hell out of me). I have discussed this issue with some close friends so believe me, I know that I am not alone. Men are fascinated with boobs whether or not it relates to sex. But I don't really blame him for this since I basically have no feeling whatsoever on that side, so why bother? Meaning, why would he bother if it doesn't irritate the hell out of me? Which of course is his goal in life on any given day. Luckily (or stupidly), I love him in spite of this. HA HA HA.

I met a woman recently who will remain anonymous in all ways for obvious reasons. Within minutes of first speaking with her, I learned that she had a breast reduction which has caused her nipples to be permanently erect and what's worse, they aren't symmetrical so her husband calls her Marty Feldman. I loved the fact that she would share this with a basic stranger. And also told her that if I HAD 2 nipples and they pointed in different directions, I know for a fact that my husband would also call me Marty Feldman. He just totally would no doubt about it. Permanently erect nipples! Whadda ya know about that!

But, I have digressed quite thoroughly from the movie...... I eventually did stop sobbing but I was quite exhausted afterward. But not too exhausted not to sneak into the other movie for free afterward.... YUP - we're movie stealers, what can I say.... We don't get out to the movies much so whenever there is a situation where there are TWO movies out worth seeing, we do it. It's so easy at our local theater. There are some in the neighbourhood where this task would be much harder, but this one is easy-peasy. And of course my theory is that probably all the workers there know we've done it but the 17-year-olds making minimum wage likely don't give a crap. Plus, Cam is 6'3" and my seem somewhat intimidating to a high-schooler....

That reminds me of a story from years ago when Cam injured himself at ball. We were sure his pinky was dislocated and one guy said he normally would put it back but Cam is a 'big guy' and he didn't want to be near when someone tried to relocate it. Of course, like all of us, Cam is somewhat bigger than he was 10 years ago, but only one size! And I found it weird because I never really thought of him as a 'big guy' - probably because he's slender. Of course he would say 'WAS' slender - which is a bunch of crap because he is still in fantastic shape, but he's almost like a woman the way he always thinks he's too fat. But in reality, 6'3" IS pretty big..... and we're very glad they guy didn't try to relocate the pinky because as it turns out, it was broken. So the guy probably WOULD have had to run for his life in that situation!

Wow, Cam seems to be a main character in this blog..... I think this was meant to be about the movies....

Oh yeah, the second movie we saw was Moneyball with Brad Pitt. It was good too but the first movie was better. I will be curious to know if any other cancer survivors react the same way I did in watching 50/50.

On another note, I am curling this year. My own team has pretty much folded due to injuries so I was happy to get a call from a ladies team who needed a player. So I'm curling Tuesday nights & doing very well so far - except my curling muscles haven't been used for quite some time so my massage therapist is getting a lot of custom these days.

I think that's it. Hell, I think that's MORE than enough!

Don't Forget to Wash your Hands!

You already know I'm a big advocate of this from past posts, but now it's flu season and it's extra important.

Of course, there is the no-brainer of washing your hands every time you use the toilet - but you should also be washing before and after preparing food.

And in 'sick season', you can wash them just randomly to be extra cautious.

Last week, I was in Petsmart and paid for my items by credit card. I handed it to the teller and she was sniffling and coughing. Then she rubbed her nose & then handed me back the card. EW! I immediately used hand sanitizer when I got into the car.

Hand sanitizer is a handy thing - everyone should carry some in their car or purse for those occasions when you can't use soap & water.

So chemo is what triggered my heightened awareness of hand-washing since it is vital to not get sick while immuno-compromised - and it worked! So if it works when you're on chemo, it will definitely work when you're healthy. And it's easy - and hygienic! So why not?

Oh yah - one last thing.... I recommend washing your hands after entering a washroom for any reason. When you think about it, everyone using a washroom touches a door handle or tap faucet before getting the chance to wash their hands. 'Cooties' are everywhere in a washroom - so even if you haven't officially used the facilities, if you've entered a washroom for any reason, you are subject to 'Cootie-ness' - so wash 'em off!

Which of course means that you need to be prepared with a paper towel to turn off the faucet after washing your hands - and opening the door to get out.

Many people at my work are falling extremely ill with a very bad flu going around - so I'm doing my part to help prevent it.

These hints aren't just for public washrooms. Be safe at home too!

End of lecture..... LOL

Is Chemo Brain Contagious?

Today was my flex day.... a day off every two weeks - my "Golden Monday". I treasure it! So I started my day today by reading an email from an online promotional sales site that I had placed an order from recently.

I was trying to add one more item to the order and so had sent an email to the art department that I communicated with previously. They replied that they can't help me and I should talk to Customer Service. So I emailed customer service and they emailed back and said they can't help me, I have to phone Sales. So I phoned Sales and they said they can't help me I have to talk to Customer Service. So I explained the sordid circle to them and she put me on hold presumably to look into it. After several minutes, the phone went dead. So I tried to use their online chat help and explained the circle on THAT and the woman told me she can't help me and I need to talk to Sales. So I explained the story AGAIN that all those departments said they aren't the right one so she said 'sorry - why don't you try Customer Service?' - AAAAAACCCCCCCCKKKKK OK I realized in a hurry that besides this not being the right person to help me, she REALLY wasn't the right person to help me... clearly not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. So in the end, I tried the Sales number again & went through it all with another person, who promptly helped me and resolved the issue within a few scant minutes. So I ended up with some competency in the end, however, it was looking a little dicey there.....

So my next chore was to book a rental car with Airmiles. In speaking with my rep, she asked me if I had coverage for insurance or will I need to buy it. I said I was pretty sure I was covered- but she didn't think that was a good enough answer and encouraged me to put her on hold and call my insurance company using my cell phone. This was very gracious as Mondays are the busiest phone days for Airmiles and I already waited a long time on hold to get through. So I DID call my insurance company and was assured that I had coverage for the one car. So as a back-up I asked him about my second car to make sure that if I used that insurance instead, it would still offer the same protection. He then proceeded to inform me that my second car's insurance expired MAY 15!!!!! WTF?!? Ummm It's September 12..... that is FOUR MONTHS of driving without insurance! Yup - that's right - it's not like the car was sitting idle.... we've been using it as our second car - and NEITHER of us had any clue we were driving with expired plates. (hence my Post Title - since Cam didn't notice either).

So after I freaked out upon hearing the news, my insurance guy calmed me down, told me he would renew it online right there & then DELIVER it to me within 10 minutes!!!! Holy Crap - who does that? And remember, my Airmiles lady was still holding for me..... so I went back to her, explained my freakout and thanked her for encouraging me to phone the Insurance company..... Then got my rental car booked, and then had my insurance papers delivered TO MY DOOR minutes later. Wow. PRIME INSURANCE in FLEETWOOD. Go there!

Sometime before all that, I found time to put a first coat of paint on my deck stairs - task that has been overdue for several years now. When we first built the deck, I only ever got one coat on with the intention of adding another when the weather cooperated - but never got around to it. So today was the day. After my Airmiles/Insurance freakout, I had to zip over to New West to get my (newly insured) car sorted out at the mechanic's. When I came home, I put the 2nd coat of paint on and have been feeling pretty damned smug all day about my accomplishments.

I even squeezed some other tasks in like arranging for roof replacement quotes - yup - it's time. Our roof is trashed and all our neighbours have had it done - so I guess it's our turn.

And most people know I'm heavy into flyball these days (sucker....) and got several flyball chores done today as well. There is NEVER nothing to do.... And I keep telling everyone over and over - working REALLY interferes with my personal life.... It's hard to squeeze everything in.

Yesterday we did a Demonstration of Flyball at the SPCA Paws for a Cause fundraiser in Richmond. We couldn't get our whole team out there so we patched something together with a mish-mash of people and dogs. And the results showed..... our flyball demonstration was a bit of a fiasco with dogs running down the wrong lane & dogs refusing to run and dogs missing the jumps... but the crowd was amused at any rate, until we finally got our 'S' together and ran some decent races for the crowd. But they seemed to enjoy it. For those who forgot, check out our website at www.flyingsquad.ca. As a reminder, our team is always collecting items to raffle off at our November tournament. If you have anything you want to donate, please just let me know. New & gently used accepted!

On the long weekend, Cam and I took the dogs to see our good friends in Oroville and had a wonderful weekend relaxing on the mountaintop ranch with a view of the lake. SO serene and beautiful.

The weekend before, we met Suzy at the cabin in Tulameen and enjoyed Otter Lake daily! The weather was so awesome - I'm really enjoying summer - it reminds me of Palm Springs.....

Our next trip is booked - leaving Nov 7 & returning Nov 20. Got the flights booked (and of course, the rental car). Dogs are staying home this time (THANKS MARK & VIKKI!)

Well, I think that's it - I'm pooped. Just got home from flyball practice too..... Yup - flyball BBQ on Friday night, flyball practice Saturday morning, flyball demonstration on Sunday (12 - 5) and then flyball practice Monday night. PHEW. We're glad for a rest until Saturday..... (we practice 2x per week). The dogs love it, but the humans get a little tired of it....especially this human.....

So that's about it.... actually, it's enough - this post is enormous! You're basically caught up now..... Ciao!