Given the name of the blog, it's no wonder that it hasn't been active for years. The cancer journey - the active part of it - ended long ago. One thing you may not realize is that the passive part of it never ends. Given that Cam's cancer presented with a sore throat, every time he gets a cold I freak out. I imagine he probably does too.
But... I post today on my 50th birthday thinking how much different things are now than they were when I turned 40. I turned 40 the day after a chemo cycle. We didn't make big birthday plans because we weren't sure how I would feel the next day. Turns out I felt ok and we made some impromptu dinner plans for sushi with family & friends.
Since I knew we weren't making big plans for my 40th, I had advised Cam that the ONLY thing I really wanted for my 40th birthday was a 'fancy cake' - like the ones on Cake Boss made with fondant. And not even the REALLY fancy kinds shaped like shoes or castles - but just a round or square stacked cake. I did not get that cake that year. Nor the year after nor the year after nor the year after.... etc. despite my regular smartass comments about my lack of fancy fondant cake. I finally got one after I told my sad story at a party with friends, and one of my besties took pity on me (and maybe on Cam too) and when we all gathered for the next party (a group 50th this past summer), provided a fondant cake for it. Which I SO appreciated. And which is also when I learned that fondant doesn't really taste good...but I LOVED the gesture and ate some cake too. BUT Cam still owed me a cake so I continued harassing him about it, but I adjusted the expectation to just be a 'fancy cake' and released him from the fondant style requirement.
This past weekend, Cam organized a small dinner party at a restaurant - which totally impressed me because he did it himself including making the reservations, reaching out to the invitees and all in advance in anticipation of it being a surprise (except when I asked him if he was planning anything he answered immediately that he was... so.....he wasn't TOO committed to the surprise aspect).
At any rate a handful of friends got to witness the 'big surprise' of Cam presenting me - cleverly - with tickets for a 3 week Europe trip where we fly into Amsterdam and out of Lisbon and will see many things in between including Paris!
Yes, I cried. While anyone may be super stoked at a trip to Europe and cry upon its presentation, to me this was extra special because one of the conversations that Cam and I had many times during my chemo experience, was that when all the treatment was done, we would plan a trip to Europe where I would get to see the Eiffel Tower for myself. This was such a common theme to help get me through the crappy chemo days that I got an Eiffel Tower puzzle in my stocking, and a wire wall hanging of the tower and also an iron candle holder shaped like it. These were all things to keep me going and give me something to look forward to.
If any of you have been to our Kamloops house in the last six months or so, you would see evidence of the Eiffel Tower theme in our basement bathroom where I have used these items to decorate. There is a story behind it - not just random weird French décor....
Anyway, the chemo finished, then radiation started and then I was still off work doing Herceptin treatments etc. I didn't get back to work until 2011. (diagnosed in 2009) So the Europe trip didn't get sorted immediately - and THEN - lo and behold - Cam got cancer in 2012. So that took us right into 2013 when we moved to Kamloops. And things have been a whole new ball of wax since then - and I think I sort of forgot about this promised trip.....
Fast forward to my 50th birthday - and Cam's big surprise. It is special. And more than just for being a 50th birthday present. We are finally going to get our reward for all that chemo! AND.... I officially released Cam altogether from the 'fancy cake' promise after I opened my gift - but when we got home, by goodness - there was A FANCY CAKE waiting for me!!! some kind of chocolate raspberry mousse truffly thing that was absolutely delectable. That guy really hit it out of the park for me. I am SO lucky.
In other birthday thoughts, when I turned 40, I made a blog post that I had announced early in the year that when I turned 40 I would be 'fit and fabulous' - and instead I was bald and fat. And only got fatter as the chemo went on and I was more fatigued and less energetic - but super hungry due to appetite stimulants in the anti-nausea drugs.
In turning 50, I certainly look and feel a lot better than I did turning 40. Many people tell me I look younger than my age. I respond that it's probably my immature attitude that fools them. HA. Of course, what ARE people going to say anyway? It's kind of the rote answer - although my ego will permit me to believe some of it - and especially compared with how I looked at 40. LOL
But the thing I really want to say is that the older I get, the more experiences I have, the more people I meet and love - and who love me back. Especially this past year where I had a steady stream of visitors and loved it all, I am so grateful to still be here to experience it all! Especially group river floats!!
Ten years later, we live in a new town, each have different jobs, an entirely new lifestyle that still leaves people amazed at how we have turned into 'country folk' (which the two of us still marvel at it). Gardening? Canning?? Beehives??? AND having FOUR dogs??? There used to be some extremely adamant opinions about not having more than two dogs.... so much for that.
While I do feel creakier and more decrepit as I age, I try to remind myself that this is better than the alternative (not aging) - and even if I had to depart tomorrow (no, not in the plans....), I know I am so lucky to have the life I have, and the people - LIKE YOU - who are in it.
Thank you all!
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
The Heart Swell: A Tribute to Cooper
This is my first blog post in almost three years.
You will all know by now the loss we suffered in last year when our 7 year old border collie, Cooper, was killed by a car on the road by our house. The loss was and still is devastating. I had intended this post for the anniversary of his death on Jan 12 - but I just wasn't ready to do it then.
The dog people of the world will know exactly what I mean when I refer to Cooper as a 'heart dog'. Others may not. This is the special dog in your life that touched you emotionally or spiritually in a way that other dogs have not done. That does not mean you love your other dogs any less. But there can be a dog that has a little something special that stands out to you.
The cool thing is that Cooper was considered a heart dog by both Cam and me.
I know Cooper was my heart dog because he made my heart swell on a very regular basis. You know that feeling - you watch and your heart fills with so much love it feels like it will burst. I would feel this heart swell during 'upside down time'. In my opinion, 'upside down time' is what actually makes Cooper the heart dog. He would lay on our laps upside down and sleep for hours. Cooper had complete and total trust in us so he could be exposed in that way and know that he had nothing to worry about except getting loved too much.
I would lay in bed and stare lovingly at him, heart swelling (of course) and ask Cam 'do you think he knows how much we love him?' Cam always said yes. I would try to laser direct the heart swell emotion directly at Cooper - just so he would know.
My heart would swell watching him play with a stick or a rope toy on his own. Even when four extra dogs were living with us and everyone was romping outside, Cooper would often beat to his own drum and while everyone else was laserbeamed onto a ball or Frisbee, he would be cavorting on the lawn with his own toy - tossing it in the air or rolling on the ground with it.
My heart would swell watching his joy playing in the snow and tossing a rock in the air & digging it out of the snow again. There was no end to the ways he could cause my heart to swell.
And the heart swell feeling is one that I deeply miss. I love all my dogs. Molly, Neo and Trinity are my babies and they bring me joy every day. But they don't bring me heart swell - at least not yet. I have pondered on this. Often these dogs do the very same things that Cooper used to do to bring that feeling upon me.
When I asked Cam about this, he was very matter of fact about it. He said 'of course your heart won't swell - it is broken'. I think he must be right.
But as the first anniversary went by, I am feeling hopeful that I will feel a heart swell again. There have been a couple of times of late where I could feel a tiny little spark of the beginnings of it before it faded away.
So while I'm not quite there yet, my broken heart is on its way to getting patched up with the help of my other babies. I am grateful every day for them.
I feel like I have turned a corner on this grief process, and I have hope that the heart swell will return. I truly hope it does - God knows the dogs in my life today deserve it.
Cooper, I love you. I miss you every day. I wish always that Neo and Trinity could have met you. I think you would have been great pals. But such is the complexity of life in that if you had not gone away, I may not even have met them.
Life can be so confusing.
If you experience heart swell, cherish the feeling. It may not always be there. Hug your babies.
You will all know by now the loss we suffered in last year when our 7 year old border collie, Cooper, was killed by a car on the road by our house. The loss was and still is devastating. I had intended this post for the anniversary of his death on Jan 12 - but I just wasn't ready to do it then.
The dog people of the world will know exactly what I mean when I refer to Cooper as a 'heart dog'. Others may not. This is the special dog in your life that touched you emotionally or spiritually in a way that other dogs have not done. That does not mean you love your other dogs any less. But there can be a dog that has a little something special that stands out to you.
The cool thing is that Cooper was considered a heart dog by both Cam and me.
I know Cooper was my heart dog because he made my heart swell on a very regular basis. You know that feeling - you watch and your heart fills with so much love it feels like it will burst. I would feel this heart swell during 'upside down time'. In my opinion, 'upside down time' is what actually makes Cooper the heart dog. He would lay on our laps upside down and sleep for hours. Cooper had complete and total trust in us so he could be exposed in that way and know that he had nothing to worry about except getting loved too much.
I would lay in bed and stare lovingly at him, heart swelling (of course) and ask Cam 'do you think he knows how much we love him?' Cam always said yes. I would try to laser direct the heart swell emotion directly at Cooper - just so he would know.
My heart would swell watching him play with a stick or a rope toy on his own. Even when four extra dogs were living with us and everyone was romping outside, Cooper would often beat to his own drum and while everyone else was laserbeamed onto a ball or Frisbee, he would be cavorting on the lawn with his own toy - tossing it in the air or rolling on the ground with it.
My heart would swell watching his joy playing in the snow and tossing a rock in the air & digging it out of the snow again. There was no end to the ways he could cause my heart to swell.
And the heart swell feeling is one that I deeply miss. I love all my dogs. Molly, Neo and Trinity are my babies and they bring me joy every day. But they don't bring me heart swell - at least not yet. I have pondered on this. Often these dogs do the very same things that Cooper used to do to bring that feeling upon me.
When I asked Cam about this, he was very matter of fact about it. He said 'of course your heart won't swell - it is broken'. I think he must be right.
But as the first anniversary went by, I am feeling hopeful that I will feel a heart swell again. There have been a couple of times of late where I could feel a tiny little spark of the beginnings of it before it faded away.
So while I'm not quite there yet, my broken heart is on its way to getting patched up with the help of my other babies. I am grateful every day for them.
I feel like I have turned a corner on this grief process, and I have hope that the heart swell will return. I truly hope it does - God knows the dogs in my life today deserve it.
Cooper, I love you. I miss you every day. I wish always that Neo and Trinity could have met you. I think you would have been great pals. But such is the complexity of life in that if you had not gone away, I may not even have met them.
Life can be so confusing.
If you experience heart swell, cherish the feeling. It may not always be there. Hug your babies.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Fun with Fever
Last Thursday when I came home from work, Cam announced that he felt crappy and I saw he had an elevated temperature so immediately called the cancer clinic after hours line and was told by the on-call Oncologist... (say that out loud - on-call oncologist...hehehe) that if his fever went over 38.3 we must go to the ER.
So a couple of hours went by, and after we got 2 readings of 38.9 and then 38.6, we went in. That was around 7:30pm. At 11:30ish, they admitted him overnight and began administering IV antiobiotics every 6 hours. His neutro counts were at 0.4 which is VERY low.
Here's what a visit to the ER in Surrey Memorial looks like:
Arrive at reception & check in, then wait in the waiting room for a nurse to triage you. Go to the nurse to get your blood pressure & temperature taken & some details, then wait in the waiting room. When your name is called, pick up your paperwork and make your way into the hospital to the Rapid Assessment Zone (ha) and hand them your paperwork - then wait in THAT waiting room (or more likely in a chair in the hallway as the chairs in the RAZ are always full). Then you get called by the nurse to begin whatever round of tests they plan to do. Then you wait for the results. If you are very very lucky, there will be a bed available in one of the rooms. If you are not as lucky, you get punted to a recliner chair in the hallway.
Anyway, that was Thursday evening, overnight and all day Friday for Cam. ECG first, then bloodwork, then urine sample then chest Xray. With his counts so low, they admitted him and gave the antibiotics. The next morning, they did more bloodwork with the promise from the oncologist that if the counts looked like they were moving up, he could go home. We didn't find that out until 4pm-ish.... so that was a long hospital stay. The good news is that at 4:30 in the morning, they found a bed for Cam so he could get out of the hallway chair....
We were told that there was a 30% chance he would end up back in the ER the next day. That didn't happen. HOWEVER, he did end up back in the ER last night. Cam was feeling crappy again - a familiar crappy feeling from the week before, so we checked his temperature and it was 39.2. There really wasn't much hesitation in going at that temperature - so at 10:30 at night, we launched on yet another ER mission.
Amazingly, the ER was way less busy than the last 2 visits. Everything happened basically the same except we got put in a room with a bed right away this time! And the tests happened in different order. But the bloodwork showed Cam's counts to be good (which we actually already knew from a bloodtest earlier in the day). So the difference between last night and Thursday night was simply neutrophil counts. So because the bloodwork was OK, the ER doc decided Cam shouldn't have antibiotics.
At one point, he was measured at 39.1 in the ER, and they said take Tylenol and go home. It was very confusing. But, we were happy to go home. We arrived home at 3:50am. GOOD TIMES!
But the entire ER experience last night was 10:30 - 3:30 basically.... so that's pretty good turnaround!
THEN, Cam had to go to chemo today. We weren't sure if they wanted him coming in with fever, but they said yes and wear a mask. So they sussed it out and decided he could go ahead and get the chemo - and then the oncologist prescribed more antibiotics.
So, today was Cam's FINAL chemo - but it's a bit undercelebrated what with the fever and now they want to give Cam a white count booster which means more self-injections..... And apparently they are $300 per dose! Luckily he will only need a handful of them.
Theoretically, that should be it now. And Lord knows, we both will be happy never to see the inside of the chemo room again.
So a couple of hours went by, and after we got 2 readings of 38.9 and then 38.6, we went in. That was around 7:30pm. At 11:30ish, they admitted him overnight and began administering IV antiobiotics every 6 hours. His neutro counts were at 0.4 which is VERY low.
Here's what a visit to the ER in Surrey Memorial looks like:
Arrive at reception & check in, then wait in the waiting room for a nurse to triage you. Go to the nurse to get your blood pressure & temperature taken & some details, then wait in the waiting room. When your name is called, pick up your paperwork and make your way into the hospital to the Rapid Assessment Zone (ha) and hand them your paperwork - then wait in THAT waiting room (or more likely in a chair in the hallway as the chairs in the RAZ are always full). Then you get called by the nurse to begin whatever round of tests they plan to do. Then you wait for the results. If you are very very lucky, there will be a bed available in one of the rooms. If you are not as lucky, you get punted to a recliner chair in the hallway.
Anyway, that was Thursday evening, overnight and all day Friday for Cam. ECG first, then bloodwork, then urine sample then chest Xray. With his counts so low, they admitted him and gave the antibiotics. The next morning, they did more bloodwork with the promise from the oncologist that if the counts looked like they were moving up, he could go home. We didn't find that out until 4pm-ish.... so that was a long hospital stay. The good news is that at 4:30 in the morning, they found a bed for Cam so he could get out of the hallway chair....
We were told that there was a 30% chance he would end up back in the ER the next day. That didn't happen. HOWEVER, he did end up back in the ER last night. Cam was feeling crappy again - a familiar crappy feeling from the week before, so we checked his temperature and it was 39.2. There really wasn't much hesitation in going at that temperature - so at 10:30 at night, we launched on yet another ER mission.
Amazingly, the ER was way less busy than the last 2 visits. Everything happened basically the same except we got put in a room with a bed right away this time! And the tests happened in different order. But the bloodwork showed Cam's counts to be good (which we actually already knew from a bloodtest earlier in the day). So the difference between last night and Thursday night was simply neutrophil counts. So because the bloodwork was OK, the ER doc decided Cam shouldn't have antibiotics.
At one point, he was measured at 39.1 in the ER, and they said take Tylenol and go home. It was very confusing. But, we were happy to go home. We arrived home at 3:50am. GOOD TIMES!
But the entire ER experience last night was 10:30 - 3:30 basically.... so that's pretty good turnaround!
THEN, Cam had to go to chemo today. We weren't sure if they wanted him coming in with fever, but they said yes and wear a mask. So they sussed it out and decided he could go ahead and get the chemo - and then the oncologist prescribed more antibiotics.
So, today was Cam's FINAL chemo - but it's a bit undercelebrated what with the fever and now they want to give Cam a white count booster which means more self-injections..... And apparently they are $300 per dose! Luckily he will only need a handful of them.
Theoretically, that should be it now. And Lord knows, we both will be happy never to see the inside of the chemo room again.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Cam is Cancer Free!!!
Just returned home from the appointment with the oncologist who reported that Cam's PET scan came back 'negative' and it all looked good!!!
So, no cancer is showing which means he carries on with the original protocol and now has only 2 more treatments - one of them is tomorrow.
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY
Spread the word!
So, no cancer is showing which means he carries on with the original protocol and now has only 2 more treatments - one of them is tomorrow.
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY
Spread the word!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Lots to report...
Yesterday was Cam's 4th of 6 chemos. Just before Cam's 3rd chemo, he caught a cold and along with struggling through the challenge of chemo, also struggled with feeling crappy with a cold as well. Lots of coughing & generally feeling awful. He turned a corner around Wednesday-ish last week - but then the dread was setting in for the next upcoming chemo.
We met with the oncologist on Friday (normal pre-chemo appointment). Everything seemed good to go. Cam is participating in a clinical trial where they will do another PET scan after 4 treatments & use that scan to determine if treatment can proceed as planned (2 more on the current protocol), or switch to a heavier duty protocol & go for 4 more. We, of course, are hoping for the former.
Unbeknownst to me until Monday morning, Sunday evening Cam developed a pain in his left ribcage area. He had no trouble breathing normally but if he took a deep breath or moved in just the wrong way, it hurt a lot.
So off we went to chemo yesterday and in the pre-chemo check of symptoms, he dutifully reported that ribcage pain. Everyone was interested in the minute details of this, and then the oncologist was called in to examine Cam. The onc explained that it is not uncommon for cancer patients to develop blood clots and that the pain he was presenting is a symptom of a pulmonary embolism (PE for short) which is a blood clot in the lung. Although he felt it was extremely unlikely to actually be a PE, he said he wanted Cam to proceed with chemo and then proceed to the ER afterward to investigate the pain.
The 'better safe than sorry' route in this case - so we resigned ourselves to a lengthy ER stay with the thought it would likely show nothing in the end, but in the interest of caution, away we went.
So, after an ECG, blood tests, chest x-ray and then a CT scan, at 11:20pm (yup, that's right) we were informed that Cam indeed does have a pulmonary embolism - thankfully a small one. It is unusual for it to present with no other symptoms than the pain, but there it is.
Cam was admitted to hospital (at 12:30am) and given a bloodthinner shot, and informed that he will now need to be on bloodthinners ongoingly. That news sucks unto itself, however, we also learned that these bloodthinners are administered via needle (as opposed to pills) and he has to give himself a shot every day from now on. And these suckers aren't cheap either. A 30-day supply is $1260! Thankfully we have coverage for this.
Cam sent me home at 12:15, then I was able to pick him up this morning. He basically had no sleep all night but seems to be doing ok now - just resting & grateful to be able to lay down without pain.
So now that the 4th chemo is done (despite the PE drama), he is now booked to have new scans to see how well the chemo has worked on the lymphoma. So we will know around the 19th of Feb whether he continues on current protocol or switches to the harsher one. I suspect that will be a stressful day or so....
So likely I won't make another post until we know what the frack is going on after the tests.
There's the latest!
We met with the oncologist on Friday (normal pre-chemo appointment). Everything seemed good to go. Cam is participating in a clinical trial where they will do another PET scan after 4 treatments & use that scan to determine if treatment can proceed as planned (2 more on the current protocol), or switch to a heavier duty protocol & go for 4 more. We, of course, are hoping for the former.
Unbeknownst to me until Monday morning, Sunday evening Cam developed a pain in his left ribcage area. He had no trouble breathing normally but if he took a deep breath or moved in just the wrong way, it hurt a lot.
So off we went to chemo yesterday and in the pre-chemo check of symptoms, he dutifully reported that ribcage pain. Everyone was interested in the minute details of this, and then the oncologist was called in to examine Cam. The onc explained that it is not uncommon for cancer patients to develop blood clots and that the pain he was presenting is a symptom of a pulmonary embolism (PE for short) which is a blood clot in the lung. Although he felt it was extremely unlikely to actually be a PE, he said he wanted Cam to proceed with chemo and then proceed to the ER afterward to investigate the pain.
The 'better safe than sorry' route in this case - so we resigned ourselves to a lengthy ER stay with the thought it would likely show nothing in the end, but in the interest of caution, away we went.
So, after an ECG, blood tests, chest x-ray and then a CT scan, at 11:20pm (yup, that's right) we were informed that Cam indeed does have a pulmonary embolism - thankfully a small one. It is unusual for it to present with no other symptoms than the pain, but there it is.
Cam was admitted to hospital (at 12:30am) and given a bloodthinner shot, and informed that he will now need to be on bloodthinners ongoingly. That news sucks unto itself, however, we also learned that these bloodthinners are administered via needle (as opposed to pills) and he has to give himself a shot every day from now on. And these suckers aren't cheap either. A 30-day supply is $1260! Thankfully we have coverage for this.
Cam sent me home at 12:15, then I was able to pick him up this morning. He basically had no sleep all night but seems to be doing ok now - just resting & grateful to be able to lay down without pain.
So now that the 4th chemo is done (despite the PE drama), he is now booked to have new scans to see how well the chemo has worked on the lymphoma. So we will know around the 19th of Feb whether he continues on current protocol or switches to the harsher one. I suspect that will be a stressful day or so....
So likely I won't make another post until we know what the frack is going on after the tests.
There's the latest!
Friday, December 21, 2012
How about an update?
Then the pathology came back to our shock and surprise indicating lymphoma. We have since learned that lymphoma isn't really 'solved' by surgery. So if we had some way of knowing this was lymphoma prior, there wouldn't have been any surgery - just the chemo to get rid of it.
But since we DIDN'T know, the surgery is what actually provided the opportunity to find out the irritating lump was cancer.
So then chemo started on Nov 26, and the 2nd chemo was Dec 17 (my birthday) and I was happy to celebrate it by going to chemo. Anything that will get rid of the cancer is a good birthday present.
So here we are in the chemo room, rigged out to kill 4 hours. It is far less boring than you might think. There is always something going on - machines beeping, meds being changed, nurses in & out asking you stuff. New chemo patients arriving to your chemo pod & getting quizzed by the nurses - and there is no privacy for that so we hear everything. Basically, nothing has changed in the chemo room.
I spoke with another patient getting chemo for breast cancer. Only 34!!! With 2 young kids!! This world is going to hell in a handbasket....
Cam has said today that he will be happy when these few months are finished. I don't blame him, either!! But this IS chemo week when you feel your crappiest, so I imagine he is suffering through constant 'blah' feeling and maybe hangover. I can't tell you for SURE b/c he doesn't complain much. So I am asking him regularly how he's doing and usually the response is 'Meh - about as good as can be expected - I didn't expect to feel like a million bucks throught his process'.
I am very proud of Cam and the way he is handling all of this.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Well, here we go again....
You may have noticed a change to the title of this blog.... YUP, add Cam to the mix who has taken the concept of sharing with his wife a little to the extreme.
Cam was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma on Oct 31 and started chemo on Nov 26. Today he went through Round 2 of 6 chemotherapies.
This has been a very scary journey for me. WAY more scary for me than going through my own cancer. I always comforted myself with the thought that my cancer was removed when my breast was removed and all the chemo & radiation after that was 'just for good measure'.
In Cam's case, Lymphoma doesn't get dealt with by surgery. Since the Lymph system is throughout your body, there isn't much point in cutting one area out as the cancer could be anywhere in the lymph system. Cam's lymphoma is in his throat and colon. While having lymphoma above and below the diaphragm is not an ideal situation (of course, I think no one dealing with cancer is really in an ideal situation), we are told that lymphoma is extremely treatable and responds well to chemotherapy. And we also know that Cam's bone marrow is clear thanks to a very scary test he had done where they drilled a large needle into his hip & removed marrow for testing.
We are also told that studies are showing that lymphoma is NOT as responsive to radiation so they are somewhat phasing that out. We believe the chemo is working for Cam as he already felt better with less problems swallowing after the first round.
Cam has a somewhat similar regimen of chemo to mine. He goes every three weeks and has a couple of the same drugs I took. He is undergoing what they call 'CHOP-R'.
His next treatment will be Jan 7. After 3 or 4 treatments, they will do more scans to see how well the cancer has responded to the drugs. Then they will determine further treatment based on those scans.
Cam has been breezing through all of this with seemingly little stress and has been extremely brave. I can somewhat relate as I recall not being all that stressed out when I was going through things. You tend to adopt a 'gitter done' attitude. And he suffered 'hangover' symptoms like I did the week immediately following his first chemo but then increasingly felt better. He even ran some flyball the weekend after, but it turned out that was too much as he was pretty much wiped out for Sunday. So these are the things we learn as we go along.
I was extremely stressed the first month. Since my own cancer, I have been making specific efforts to reduce stress in my life as I strongly believe stress is a big contributor. So I recognized that our situation will NOT be helped if I worry myself sick again so I have been taking steps to mitigate the stress. Massages, counselling, relaxation CDs and deep breathing. It is working - I am far more under control now than the first few weeks.
Of course, the week we found out that Cam's cancer was also in his colon is the same week that our pet bird got sick. He got so sick that we had to make the decision to have him euthanized. THIS was not something we bargained for at the same time of coming to terms with the second circumstance of cancer in our household. So that certainly added to the stress factor.
But it's slowly getting under control with the help of friends & family. Thanks to all who have provided pre-cooked & frozen meals! It really does help take some of life's daily stress away not to have to worry about preparing something.
I have discussed with Cam the benefits of doing a blog. I found my blog very cathartic and asked if he would consider one. He is on the fence. Of course, he is a far different personality to me, but, I really hope he will share his gift with the world - he is an excellent writer and his sense of humour should be shared with the world.
So depending on what he decides to do about a blog of his own, I will later decide if I will continue blogging about him here. I think I probably will, since I already mentioned my stress levels and also how helpful my blog was before. So now that I'm feeling more stress, I think the blog would just be one more way to have an outlet.... Can't hurt, anyway, right?
So, Cam is napping right now as they drug him up with Benadryl on chemo day and I am heating the oven for a turnip carrot casserole.... mmmmm.
That's the update!
Cam was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma on Oct 31 and started chemo on Nov 26. Today he went through Round 2 of 6 chemotherapies.
This has been a very scary journey for me. WAY more scary for me than going through my own cancer. I always comforted myself with the thought that my cancer was removed when my breast was removed and all the chemo & radiation after that was 'just for good measure'.
In Cam's case, Lymphoma doesn't get dealt with by surgery. Since the Lymph system is throughout your body, there isn't much point in cutting one area out as the cancer could be anywhere in the lymph system. Cam's lymphoma is in his throat and colon. While having lymphoma above and below the diaphragm is not an ideal situation (of course, I think no one dealing with cancer is really in an ideal situation), we are told that lymphoma is extremely treatable and responds well to chemotherapy. And we also know that Cam's bone marrow is clear thanks to a very scary test he had done where they drilled a large needle into his hip & removed marrow for testing.
We are also told that studies are showing that lymphoma is NOT as responsive to radiation so they are somewhat phasing that out. We believe the chemo is working for Cam as he already felt better with less problems swallowing after the first round.
Cam has a somewhat similar regimen of chemo to mine. He goes every three weeks and has a couple of the same drugs I took. He is undergoing what they call 'CHOP-R'.
His next treatment will be Jan 7. After 3 or 4 treatments, they will do more scans to see how well the cancer has responded to the drugs. Then they will determine further treatment based on those scans.
Cam has been breezing through all of this with seemingly little stress and has been extremely brave. I can somewhat relate as I recall not being all that stressed out when I was going through things. You tend to adopt a 'gitter done' attitude. And he suffered 'hangover' symptoms like I did the week immediately following his first chemo but then increasingly felt better. He even ran some flyball the weekend after, but it turned out that was too much as he was pretty much wiped out for Sunday. So these are the things we learn as we go along.
I was extremely stressed the first month. Since my own cancer, I have been making specific efforts to reduce stress in my life as I strongly believe stress is a big contributor. So I recognized that our situation will NOT be helped if I worry myself sick again so I have been taking steps to mitigate the stress. Massages, counselling, relaxation CDs and deep breathing. It is working - I am far more under control now than the first few weeks.
Of course, the week we found out that Cam's cancer was also in his colon is the same week that our pet bird got sick. He got so sick that we had to make the decision to have him euthanized. THIS was not something we bargained for at the same time of coming to terms with the second circumstance of cancer in our household. So that certainly added to the stress factor.
But it's slowly getting under control with the help of friends & family. Thanks to all who have provided pre-cooked & frozen meals! It really does help take some of life's daily stress away not to have to worry about preparing something.
I have discussed with Cam the benefits of doing a blog. I found my blog very cathartic and asked if he would consider one. He is on the fence. Of course, he is a far different personality to me, but, I really hope he will share his gift with the world - he is an excellent writer and his sense of humour should be shared with the world.
So depending on what he decides to do about a blog of his own, I will later decide if I will continue blogging about him here. I think I probably will, since I already mentioned my stress levels and also how helpful my blog was before. So now that I'm feeling more stress, I think the blog would just be one more way to have an outlet.... Can't hurt, anyway, right?
So, Cam is napping right now as they drug him up with Benadryl on chemo day and I am heating the oven for a turnip carrot casserole.... mmmmm.
That's the update!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
2012 Run for the Cure
It's coming up on that time of year again. To be honest, I have been very lax in this cause for someone who has been so personally affected by breast cancer. I had my own Run for the Cure team in 2009 and flogged you all for donations back then - but since then have not done another run.
Now my friend Lily, a fellow breast cancer survivor, has formed a team (The Pink Ladies & the T-Birds) and coerced me and Cam to join it.
Of course, any of you who might actually be reading this blog knows WAY too much of my cancer history for me to have to repeat the story.... and so I will spare you all the details.
Suffice it to say, I know have a lot more blog readers out there than followers show, and so if any of you would be so kind as to donate to my run, I would be ever-so-grateful.
Here is the link to donate directly to my page:
https://secure3.convio.net/cbcf/site/Donation2?idb=2139722125&df_id=1605&1605.donation=form1&FR_ID=1469&PROXY_ID=1735806&PROXY_TYPE=20
As far as my physical health goes - so far so good.
Cam and I have been having a great summer, and I went to my 25-year high school reunion in July and had a blast.
That's all, and thanks for your consideration!
Now my friend Lily, a fellow breast cancer survivor, has formed a team (The Pink Ladies & the T-Birds) and coerced me and Cam to join it.
Of course, any of you who might actually be reading this blog knows WAY too much of my cancer history for me to have to repeat the story.... and so I will spare you all the details.
Suffice it to say, I know have a lot more blog readers out there than followers show, and so if any of you would be so kind as to donate to my run, I would be ever-so-grateful.
Here is the link to donate directly to my page:
https://secure3.convio.net/cbcf/site/Donation2?idb=2139722125&df_id=1605&1605.donation=form1&FR_ID=1469&PROXY_ID=1735806&PROXY_TYPE=20
As far as my physical health goes - so far so good.
Cam and I have been having a great summer, and I went to my 25-year high school reunion in July and had a blast.
That's all, and thanks for your consideration!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
June-uary Blahs
Feels like old times - awake in the middle of the night and posting on my blog. Hoping that spring might show up before June 21 but not holding my breath...
I'm not really sure what to talk about... I know that I kept promising that Cam would make an entry to explain his side of the cancer experience, but I asked him several times and he always said he would but he just didn't get to it. And now it seems kind of pointless. And my sphere of influence is considerably diminished on it since I can't really even play my cancer card anymore.... hell - I couldn't get him to do it when I was in the throes of treatment - it seemsly highly unlikely now... OH well...
I guess technically it's Father's Day today - since it's 3am..... Good wishes to all dads out there.
As far as my specific health & wellbeing, I am doing generally well. Had a bout of vertigo and then a bad cold that many of you probably read about on Facebook when I was whining about it.
My back is not nearly as sore as it generally tends to get. Although I have had some issues with the scars around my implant... I think the tissues bind up and massage will help loosen them but it's painful. Plus it's awkward to ask your massage therapist to rub your fake boob..... (but I do it.. HA HA). Technically, I can reach it myself - but I don't have a lot of self-discipline in many things and inflicting pain on myself isn't high on my priority list. Of course, paying someone else to do it doesn't seem right either, however, once I've committed to spending the $$, my cheap side will come out and I'll want to get my money's worth... HURT ME HURT ME HAHAHAHAHA
Yes, I mentioned Facebook. I have become a full convert. I was a FB hater and said many many many times that FB is EVIL and I would NEVER go on FB. Then, Cam made himself an account (not a dog one - a real one)...which got me thinking more about it. Then some friends at a party explained how FB has privacy & security settings that let you pretty much control what people see. So once I bought into that, I signed myself up and am now a daily FB user. The irony here is that Cam never goes on FB. If you ever see activity from him, it's probably me.
The upside of FB is that it's easy to keep in touch with people that you just wouldn't have time to see or talk to generally. The downside is that you could potentially reduce your 'real person' contact based on the fact that you DO know already what's going on in someone's life. And of course, the REAL downside is the damned games.
Before FB, I never played computer games. The only game I ever played was Rock Band on the PS3 and Minesweeper on the computer. Now I am addicted to Bejewelled and Solitaire Blitz and Farkle and Zuma Blitz. I tried a few other games - casino and bingo type but was glad to see that I still hate bingo.... And the casino stuff just made no sense to me - if you're not playing for real money, what's the point?
The time I waste playing FB games is outrageous. However, it is helpful in keeping my mind from whirling around on topics that it shouldn't be. I think about a LOT of things - as I'm sure everyone does. Work, leisure activities, long-term goals, my next vacation (naturally). Typically if I go to bed when tired, I can sleep without issue - but if I am awakened in the night for some reason (like Molly whining at the door), I cannot go back to sleep.
Tonight as an example, I don't know why I woke up at midnight after sleeping for a couple of hours, but here I am still awake at 3:21am. Of course, 10 minutes ago, I realized that I hadn't taken my nightly Tamoxifen at bed time and I wonder if my subconscious woke me up for that reason. Tonight is the first time in almost 2 years that I have even come CLOSE to forgetting to take this pill. I guess when you're brain registers something as life or death, it keeps it pretty high on the list of priorities. So it's a few hours late and in this case, better late than never still applies.
I can't believe it's been 3 years since I found the lump. Hey - I just realized, it was almost right around this time... I think it was June 12 in 2009. The good news is, that date doesn't really stick out for me. I only just remembered it now and not on June 12 - that must be good, I think.
Ugh, I actually just yawned - I guess I'll try that sleep thing again and see what happens.
Last time I blogged, I said I was in a motivation stage & using my treadmill daily. HA - that was shortlived. I think I gained 4 pounds on my trip to Palm Springs.... I was on my way by myself in Feb, but Cam and I went there for Easter too. We love Caliente Hot Springs Resort.... Anyway, still working on those same 10 pounds. My last weigh-in had me within 8.5 pounds of goal, however, we went out for Mexican on Fri night and I had a full meal of leftovers for it too.... so I'm sure it's back to the 10 pounds. CRAP!!! maybe some decent weather would help with some motivation.....
Anyway, I'm off. Until next time, whenever that will be - since clearly I've run out of anything even mildly interesting to say.... haha
I'm not really sure what to talk about... I know that I kept promising that Cam would make an entry to explain his side of the cancer experience, but I asked him several times and he always said he would but he just didn't get to it. And now it seems kind of pointless. And my sphere of influence is considerably diminished on it since I can't really even play my cancer card anymore.... hell - I couldn't get him to do it when I was in the throes of treatment - it seemsly highly unlikely now... OH well...
I guess technically it's Father's Day today - since it's 3am..... Good wishes to all dads out there.
As far as my specific health & wellbeing, I am doing generally well. Had a bout of vertigo and then a bad cold that many of you probably read about on Facebook when I was whining about it.
My back is not nearly as sore as it generally tends to get. Although I have had some issues with the scars around my implant... I think the tissues bind up and massage will help loosen them but it's painful. Plus it's awkward to ask your massage therapist to rub your fake boob..... (but I do it.. HA HA). Technically, I can reach it myself - but I don't have a lot of self-discipline in many things and inflicting pain on myself isn't high on my priority list. Of course, paying someone else to do it doesn't seem right either, however, once I've committed to spending the $$, my cheap side will come out and I'll want to get my money's worth... HURT ME HURT ME HAHAHAHAHA
Yes, I mentioned Facebook. I have become a full convert. I was a FB hater and said many many many times that FB is EVIL and I would NEVER go on FB. Then, Cam made himself an account (not a dog one - a real one)...which got me thinking more about it. Then some friends at a party explained how FB has privacy & security settings that let you pretty much control what people see. So once I bought into that, I signed myself up and am now a daily FB user. The irony here is that Cam never goes on FB. If you ever see activity from him, it's probably me.
The upside of FB is that it's easy to keep in touch with people that you just wouldn't have time to see or talk to generally. The downside is that you could potentially reduce your 'real person' contact based on the fact that you DO know already what's going on in someone's life. And of course, the REAL downside is the damned games.
Before FB, I never played computer games. The only game I ever played was Rock Band on the PS3 and Minesweeper on the computer. Now I am addicted to Bejewelled and Solitaire Blitz and Farkle and Zuma Blitz. I tried a few other games - casino and bingo type but was glad to see that I still hate bingo.... And the casino stuff just made no sense to me - if you're not playing for real money, what's the point?
The time I waste playing FB games is outrageous. However, it is helpful in keeping my mind from whirling around on topics that it shouldn't be. I think about a LOT of things - as I'm sure everyone does. Work, leisure activities, long-term goals, my next vacation (naturally). Typically if I go to bed when tired, I can sleep without issue - but if I am awakened in the night for some reason (like Molly whining at the door), I cannot go back to sleep.
Tonight as an example, I don't know why I woke up at midnight after sleeping for a couple of hours, but here I am still awake at 3:21am. Of course, 10 minutes ago, I realized that I hadn't taken my nightly Tamoxifen at bed time and I wonder if my subconscious woke me up for that reason. Tonight is the first time in almost 2 years that I have even come CLOSE to forgetting to take this pill. I guess when you're brain registers something as life or death, it keeps it pretty high on the list of priorities. So it's a few hours late and in this case, better late than never still applies.
I can't believe it's been 3 years since I found the lump. Hey - I just realized, it was almost right around this time... I think it was June 12 in 2009. The good news is, that date doesn't really stick out for me. I only just remembered it now and not on June 12 - that must be good, I think.
Ugh, I actually just yawned - I guess I'll try that sleep thing again and see what happens.
Last time I blogged, I said I was in a motivation stage & using my treadmill daily. HA - that was shortlived. I think I gained 4 pounds on my trip to Palm Springs.... I was on my way by myself in Feb, but Cam and I went there for Easter too. We love Caliente Hot Springs Resort.... Anyway, still working on those same 10 pounds. My last weigh-in had me within 8.5 pounds of goal, however, we went out for Mexican on Fri night and I had a full meal of leftovers for it too.... so I'm sure it's back to the 10 pounds. CRAP!!! maybe some decent weather would help with some motivation.....
Anyway, I'm off. Until next time, whenever that will be - since clearly I've run out of anything even mildly interesting to say.... haha
Thursday, February 2, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, January 16, 2012
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."
"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."
Saturday, December 17, 2011
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
If you have 10 minutes to burn, please check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUEt0LH6n4s
Thursday, December 8, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, October 14, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, October 7, 2011
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
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
Monday, September 12, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
I look normal!
So the last couple of weeks I've been wondering how this diagnostic mammogram thing works so I finally remembered to call my doc's office & found out that I have to go in to arrange that. So I went in today (I mean, WHY? - I need a mammogram - phone me.....). Anyway, I guess he has to put his kids through college....
So I went and he put in the order - hopefully it's sooner than 3 months since I'm due for my annual on Sep 8. And so I confirmed with him that it is up to ME to remember - no one will track it in a system & make it happen..... UGH.
So he asked me if I was back to work full-time (yes), then he announced "you look normal, how do you feel?", - great to have a professional's opinion - he must be really good.... Then he quizzed me on whether my hair colour was natural or not (it is) - and he expressed surprise that I don't have to dye it.
In fact a lot of people express surprise to know that I don't have much grey hair. Come to think of it, considering who I'm married to, I'm very surprised myself....
I'm looking forward to a flex weekend coming up - I'm going to Tulameen to see Suzy! And even more surprising, Cam is coming too! And then on the long weekend, we're back to Oroville..... we're busy beavers! (anyone want to babysit birds for the weekend?)
It's been a fun summer.... OK - not as fun as last summer since I still wasn't working.... although last summer I was doing and then recovering from radiation treatments.... OK - this one is better.....
So to sum up - I look normal! And more importantly, I FEEL normal! I'm slimming down to where I want to be and I got my vitals done for the BC Generations Project and I'm in pretty good shape - almost....
I'm at 26.5 BMI (should be 25 or under). I'm at 34.8% body fat (should be under 34%).... but my lung function was excellent - no surprise there really..... over 80% is good and mine was at 124%.... and my bone density was in the normal range. Normal is considered minus 1 to 2.5 and mine came out at 0.4. So while it's in the normal range, I still pulled up my brochure on preventing Osteoporosis to refresh myself & get working on strengthening my bones.
Hopefully my mammogram gets booked sooner than later but when I have it, I'll keep you posted...literally!
So I went and he put in the order - hopefully it's sooner than 3 months since I'm due for my annual on Sep 8. And so I confirmed with him that it is up to ME to remember - no one will track it in a system & make it happen..... UGH.
So he asked me if I was back to work full-time (yes), then he announced "you look normal, how do you feel?", - great to have a professional's opinion - he must be really good.... Then he quizzed me on whether my hair colour was natural or not (it is) - and he expressed surprise that I don't have to dye it.
In fact a lot of people express surprise to know that I don't have much grey hair. Come to think of it, considering who I'm married to, I'm very surprised myself....
I'm looking forward to a flex weekend coming up - I'm going to Tulameen to see Suzy! And even more surprising, Cam is coming too! And then on the long weekend, we're back to Oroville..... we're busy beavers! (anyone want to babysit birds for the weekend?)
It's been a fun summer.... OK - not as fun as last summer since I still wasn't working.... although last summer I was doing and then recovering from radiation treatments.... OK - this one is better.....
So to sum up - I look normal! And more importantly, I FEEL normal! I'm slimming down to where I want to be and I got my vitals done for the BC Generations Project and I'm in pretty good shape - almost....
I'm at 26.5 BMI (should be 25 or under). I'm at 34.8% body fat (should be under 34%).... but my lung function was excellent - no surprise there really..... over 80% is good and mine was at 124%.... and my bone density was in the normal range. Normal is considered minus 1 to 2.5 and mine came out at 0.4. So while it's in the normal range, I still pulled up my brochure on preventing Osteoporosis to refresh myself & get working on strengthening my bones.
Hopefully my mammogram gets booked sooner than later but when I have it, I'll keep you posted...literally!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
BC Generations Project
please check out www.bcgenerationsproject.ca to learn about a study that is being done to help learn why how and why people develop cancer over time.
They are looking for people 35-69 to participate. They need 40,000 people and they aren't getting as many men as women so it would be great if you could encourage the men in your life to have a look at this important study.
They will be tracking 40,000 over 25 years to see if they can see any patterns or contributing factors for cancer. So they ask your eating habits, environment, physical fitness levels etc. In some cases, they will get blood samples etc.
I feel this is VERY important research that may help generations to come. The information they learn with my help won't be useful for another 20 or so years, but I will be happy to know that I helped them identify some factors down the road for our young people being born today!
I urge you to consider participating if you are between 35-69 & live in BC.
Thank you!
They are looking for people 35-69 to participate. They need 40,000 people and they aren't getting as many men as women so it would be great if you could encourage the men in your life to have a look at this important study.
They will be tracking 40,000 over 25 years to see if they can see any patterns or contributing factors for cancer. So they ask your eating habits, environment, physical fitness levels etc. In some cases, they will get blood samples etc.
I feel this is VERY important research that may help generations to come. The information they learn with my help won't be useful for another 20 or so years, but I will be happy to know that I helped them identify some factors down the road for our young people being born today!
I urge you to consider participating if you are between 35-69 & live in BC.
Thank you!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Officially full time back to work.
As of Monday July 4. 7-hour days (yup - government) and now I can accrue vacation..... once I got over the shock of the inevitable I just wanted to get back to the grind so I can save up my vacation days and head to Desert Hot Springs! Right now I'm doing basic 7-hour days but on July 18, I'll work a longer day so I can take my flextime. My first flex day will be Tuesday August 2 (tagged onto the long weekend - woo hoo!)
Also, I learned that even though I've been away, my vacation bank still grows because they base your allotment on years of service. So I earned 2 more days while I was away! Of course, I will only get to take one of them since I have to be working to earn vacation and this year I will only be working half..... but 84 hours is better than nothing!
Returning to work has been harder than I thought it would be. At least I think it has..... I'm not really sure how hard I thought it would be but I certainly was NOT looking forward to it. I'm finding it harder to manage the stress of it than I thought. And I also found that I took on some projects during my leave because I had time - but now I don't have that time and so the projects will have to be pared back....
It's a lot harder to fit all the napping in when 7 hours of the day is filled with working. It's rather inconvenient.
Anyway, I'm happy to see the good weather arrive - reminds me of California - and today I got to ride in a 2-seater convertible Audi and it was SWEET! Gotta love a convertible on a beautiful summer's evening.
I've had a couple (few?) meltdowns the last couple of weeks. I'm hoping I can find my centered and happy place and not forget what is important. I guess I didn't learn as much as I had hoped to - but at least I've learned that! (meaning I recognize this and will attempt to improve)
I better sign off before I confuse the hell out of everyone. I'm already there.....
Also, I learned that even though I've been away, my vacation bank still grows because they base your allotment on years of service. So I earned 2 more days while I was away! Of course, I will only get to take one of them since I have to be working to earn vacation and this year I will only be working half..... but 84 hours is better than nothing!
Returning to work has been harder than I thought it would be. At least I think it has..... I'm not really sure how hard I thought it would be but I certainly was NOT looking forward to it. I'm finding it harder to manage the stress of it than I thought. And I also found that I took on some projects during my leave because I had time - but now I don't have that time and so the projects will have to be pared back....
It's a lot harder to fit all the napping in when 7 hours of the day is filled with working. It's rather inconvenient.
Anyway, I'm happy to see the good weather arrive - reminds me of California - and today I got to ride in a 2-seater convertible Audi and it was SWEET! Gotta love a convertible on a beautiful summer's evening.
I've had a couple (few?) meltdowns the last couple of weeks. I'm hoping I can find my centered and happy place and not forget what is important. I guess I didn't learn as much as I had hoped to - but at least I've learned that! (meaning I recognize this and will attempt to improve)
I better sign off before I confuse the hell out of everyone. I'm already there.....
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Tick Tick Ticking Along
So I've been gradually returning to work - adding a bit more time week to week to get myself back up to full speed.
I'm not sure what happened yesterday - maybe a little brain overload - but I was SO tired I couldn't stay awake at work so I left early & came home to sleep. I probably hit the pillow at 12:30 and didn't wake up until 4:45! Just in time for the game - not that it was much to stay awake for....
Wasn't able to sleep until midnight but still got a solid 7 hours of overnight sleep even still. So I guess my body just needed the extra and thankfully it is no issue for me to do so at this time.
Otherwise, work is improving as I am remembering more of my job & getting more and more comfortable.
I've been trying to get more fit but seem to be at a plateau weight-wise. I guess I have to change something up to get that last 10 pounds off.
Don't really have much more to report.
I'm not sure what happened yesterday - maybe a little brain overload - but I was SO tired I couldn't stay awake at work so I left early & came home to sleep. I probably hit the pillow at 12:30 and didn't wake up until 4:45! Just in time for the game - not that it was much to stay awake for....
Wasn't able to sleep until midnight but still got a solid 7 hours of overnight sleep even still. So I guess my body just needed the extra and thankfully it is no issue for me to do so at this time.
Otherwise, work is improving as I am remembering more of my job & getting more and more comfortable.
I've been trying to get more fit but seem to be at a plateau weight-wise. I guess I have to change something up to get that last 10 pounds off.
Don't really have much more to report.
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