Know the title of this posting seems a little out of season. After all, giving thanks is something many of us associate with autumn, turkey, and all that stuffing. Turns out, this year at least, that April is proving to be far more an appropriate time to offer thanks.
Today I took a carload of stuff to St Hilda's for their annual thrift, plant and book sale. The event is a major fundraiser for the parish and a wonderful opportunity to clear the clutter about my house while also increasing the church's revenue. The latter incentive hits especially close for me as without the good people of that church, I have no idea how I might have weathered the last few years. I don't have a lot of money, but I can still give something in addition to my regular offering. If only in a small way, I feel it's a chance to pay back some of the kindness and generosity that has been shown to me at my times of need.
Had a similar experience last week when I was among those feted by Capilano University for helping support their students and programs. I was not able to attend the actual awards presentation however (thank you, chemo side effects), but do know that one Elizabeth Murdoch was given my bursary for this year. Best of luck, Elizabeth re your fibre-filled future.
I also received word from Simon Fraser University regarding the winner of the award I've established at that august institution. Congrats to Laura Sterian. Best wishes for your future endeavours as well.
Some time ago I was asked by SFU to speak publicly about why I give. As if setting a pattern, I was unable to attend that event but was able to convey my thoughts via someone else reading my remarks (thanks, Doug Puffer). In the time since I first established the university bursaries several people have asked why and how I did such a thing. For me, it was something of a no-brainer. Check the video link below for my full explanation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_atBrigcgI
Friday, April 27, 2012
In a Spin
Minor thrill for me yesterday. I attended the local guild's spin-in an actually spun using my wheel (Ashford "Traditional") for the first time in 10 years! Took a while to remember how to do it, but am very pleased with the result thus far. Maybe now I'll be able to reduce the stash of fibre lurking in my closet?
Started feeling a tad unwell on the ride home. A bit dizzy, but nothing too worrying. Started vomiting shortly after dinner, and have been under the weather ever since. Suspect the last round of chemo is to blame as it was the first double-drug dose I've had in a few weeks. I felt quite similar after the first dose back in January and wondered at that time if I might have the flu. Same kinda feeling now. Hope it doesn't last much longer. Had hoped to be in Vancouver on Sunday to spend some time with a former boss (diabetes researcher from Ottawa) who is in town for a conference.
Guess this is what I get for thinking of doing something to shed a few more pounds. When will I learn to be careful what I wish for?
Started feeling a tad unwell on the ride home. A bit dizzy, but nothing too worrying. Started vomiting shortly after dinner, and have been under the weather ever since. Suspect the last round of chemo is to blame as it was the first double-drug dose I've had in a few weeks. I felt quite similar after the first dose back in January and wondered at that time if I might have the flu. Same kinda feeling now. Hope it doesn't last much longer. Had hoped to be in Vancouver on Sunday to spend some time with a former boss (diabetes researcher from Ottawa) who is in town for a conference.
Guess this is what I get for thinking of doing something to shed a few more pounds. When will I learn to be careful what I wish for?
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
So Infectious
Yes, yes. I know my smile and laugh are highly infectious. Although modesty has never been my strong suit. However, the title of this post refers to much more tedious forms of infection.
Seems I'm turning into something of an infection expert. Have now had two bad and one minor eye infections since Jan 1. Add infections to the bladder, left inner ear, and one nostril, and you might have some idea re what things have been like over the last few months in my little world. Did I mention that I'm also having to apply artificial tears to my very dry eyeballs? Not that I'm complaining. Much. Mercifully none of the infections developed into anything terribly serious and medical experts both in Japan and subsequently closer to home have taken measures to ensure things stay that way. Still, it's a bit of a bummer in that I now realize how much my immune system has tanked over the last while. So please forgive if I seem somewhat reclusive these days - don't want to get too close to anyone with a cold, flu or other potential contagious condition.
Nonetheless I've managed to keep on the chemo schedule as planned. No recent delays or cancellations of treatment, so that's a good thing.
Some of the results of pre-chemo bloodwork does muddy the picture, however. For example, my white blood cell count seems to be holding steady if not improving while my red count is dropping markedly. So much so that I may require my first ever blood transfusion along with the next or following chemo treatment if things don't improve there. Tumour markers appear to be in good shape, certainly improved over the last few months, but continue they rollercoaster to the point where they are no longer trusted as reliable indicators of my situation (seems some of the antibiotics I've been taking for the various infections may affect those results). At least the lymph nodes in my neck - the most consistent gauge of spread/regression/stability of the cancer to date - appear to be unchanged over the last few months. Headaches and anxiety have also diminished greatly since the last change in meds. As for fatigue, well that's become something of a norm, albeit to varying degrees, these past for years. Overall, I think things are going quite well. Now, if I can only reduce the amount of bruising and welt development in my mid-drift due to the deltaparin injections. Is it any wonder that I never pursued a nursing career?
Seems I'm turning into something of an infection expert. Have now had two bad and one minor eye infections since Jan 1. Add infections to the bladder, left inner ear, and one nostril, and you might have some idea re what things have been like over the last few months in my little world. Did I mention that I'm also having to apply artificial tears to my very dry eyeballs? Not that I'm complaining. Much. Mercifully none of the infections developed into anything terribly serious and medical experts both in Japan and subsequently closer to home have taken measures to ensure things stay that way. Still, it's a bit of a bummer in that I now realize how much my immune system has tanked over the last while. So please forgive if I seem somewhat reclusive these days - don't want to get too close to anyone with a cold, flu or other potential contagious condition.
Nonetheless I've managed to keep on the chemo schedule as planned. No recent delays or cancellations of treatment, so that's a good thing.
Some of the results of pre-chemo bloodwork does muddy the picture, however. For example, my white blood cell count seems to be holding steady if not improving while my red count is dropping markedly. So much so that I may require my first ever blood transfusion along with the next or following chemo treatment if things don't improve there. Tumour markers appear to be in good shape, certainly improved over the last few months, but continue they rollercoaster to the point where they are no longer trusted as reliable indicators of my situation (seems some of the antibiotics I've been taking for the various infections may affect those results). At least the lymph nodes in my neck - the most consistent gauge of spread/regression/stability of the cancer to date - appear to be unchanged over the last few months. Headaches and anxiety have also diminished greatly since the last change in meds. As for fatigue, well that's become something of a norm, albeit to varying degrees, these past for years. Overall, I think things are going quite well. Now, if I can only reduce the amount of bruising and welt development in my mid-drift due to the deltaparin injections. Is it any wonder that I never pursued a nursing career?
An Active April
So much has happened since my last posting. Cannot imagine where the last month has gone, but have most certainly had some fun times along the way.
Phil and Ellen arrived, although Ellen's stay was short due to the need to return to NB in time for Holy Week goings on. I have kept Phil very busy since. As part of the ongoing renos around my house, he has punched a hole in the kitchen/dining room wall to make way for a counter-high pass through.
He is also ripping up the wall-to-wall carpeting and replacing it with cork. Can breath better already!
I'll add more photos of the projects as they near completion. In the meantime, suffice to say that I'm thrilled with the results thus far. These are two projects I've wanted to do since buying the house 10 years ago! Many, many thanks, Phil!
Of course, we waited until after Easter to start on the work. No joy in entertaining folks amid the demolition work. Donna and Karen came up for the weekend, and we had a great time. Had some pleasant drives around the local area, watched the eagles soaring above the landfill, and generally hung out doing little other than relaxing and chatting. Mom and Phil were over every day. Jon, Penny and Roz joined the rest of us for an early Sunday dinner before those from off Coast headed back home. All in all a very pleasant time. I had so much fun I totally forgot to take any photos!
Did, however, have my camera on hand the following weekend when I joined Jo Ann for a short holiday in Sidney - that's the seaside community on Vancouver Island, NOT the land down under.
The Sidney trip had been in the planning ever since I had my initial cancer diagnosis. Something else always seemed to put it on the back burner - mostly my erratic schedule. In any case, it was well worth the wait. Heck, I even got Jo Ann to cross the threshold of Mineral World - was so shocked, I forgot to take a photo.
We stayed at the Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa, a very comfortable well-kept waterfront establishment that had as many canine clients as humanoids. Bonus: The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre (http://www.oceandiscovery.ca) is located in a wing of the same building. While not nearly the size and complexity of the Vancouver Aquarium, the Salish Sea showcase was still very impressive. We both enjoyed the simulated "submarine dive" (best elevator ride EVER) that transported us from the lobby to the aquarium galleries. I had huge fun watching the octopus slither about its extended tank (part of which bridges the area above a hallway between two large tanks) and was enchanted by the ethereal grace of a number of species of jelly fish. There were a lot of touch ponds (something that I've enjoyed on past visits to the Vancouver Aquarium with Cathy), but due to my compromised immune system I opted to chat to young aquarium visitors about what they thought of the experience.
Of course, one of the biggest attractions in Sidney is the great selection of bookstores. My best find was obtained not from the tempting array of used/antique bookstores but from Tanner's, THE place in town for new releases. The book is Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The lost legacy of Highclere Castle by the Countess of Canarvon. I've only recently discovered the PBS Series Downton Abbey, and am already a big fan. Amazing how much fact is mixed in with the on-screen fiction. And the setting in Highclere Castle is a wonderful addition to the series.
Also managed to find someone who was willing to give directions to other sights in the Sidney area.
Jo, you couldn't have picked a better area representative (one of the many sculptures in the seaside park behind the hotel). Even though we didn't visit the fish market, we did enjoy a wonderful dinner at Haro's, the hotel's restaurant (can now cross deep-fried Oreo cookies off my bucket list, although they weren't nearly as interesting a dessert as I had hoped). A visit to nearby Muse Winery helped round out the trip. Capped off winery tour with a pleasant ride 'round Pat Bay - got a chuckle from the signs next to Holy Trinity Church (1885) which read "Thou Shalt Not Park". Biggest surprise of the weekend: a gift of flowers delivered to our room courtesy of Jo's friend (someone I know time enduring SFU's PDP program) Margie Leary, who now lives in the Yukon. A very thoughtful touch that came from a friend from both our pasts, the flowers also underscored the fact that neither Jo nor I ended up considering the trip so much a holiday as a celebration of 33 years of friendship. Even though our lives have journeyed down different roads, the love and support remain as strong as ever, if not more so. Jo, I lift a glass of Muse "Legally Blonde" pinot gris in your honour. With much love and thanks. Here's to the next 33 years! Can I drive next time?
Phil and Ellen arrived, although Ellen's stay was short due to the need to return to NB in time for Holy Week goings on. I have kept Phil very busy since. As part of the ongoing renos around my house, he has punched a hole in the kitchen/dining room wall to make way for a counter-high pass through.
 |
| Destructo Dude |
 |
| Uplifting experience |
 | ||
| Bedroom with old carpet on floor (yes, Momzy, I'll make my bed before taking any more photos) |
 | ||
| Bedroom with cork flooring and new baseboard rad |
Of course, we waited until after Easter to start on the work. No joy in entertaining folks amid the demolition work. Donna and Karen came up for the weekend, and we had a great time. Had some pleasant drives around the local area, watched the eagles soaring above the landfill, and generally hung out doing little other than relaxing and chatting. Mom and Phil were over every day. Jon, Penny and Roz joined the rest of us for an early Sunday dinner before those from off Coast headed back home. All in all a very pleasant time. I had so much fun I totally forgot to take any photos!
Did, however, have my camera on hand the following weekend when I joined Jo Ann for a short holiday in Sidney - that's the seaside community on Vancouver Island, NOT the land down under.
The Sidney trip had been in the planning ever since I had my initial cancer diagnosis. Something else always seemed to put it on the back burner - mostly my erratic schedule. In any case, it was well worth the wait. Heck, I even got Jo Ann to cross the threshold of Mineral World - was so shocked, I forgot to take a photo.
We stayed at the Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa, a very comfortable well-kept waterfront establishment that had as many canine clients as humanoids. Bonus: The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre (http://www.oceandiscovery.ca) is located in a wing of the same building. While not nearly the size and complexity of the Vancouver Aquarium, the Salish Sea showcase was still very impressive. We both enjoyed the simulated "submarine dive" (best elevator ride EVER) that transported us from the lobby to the aquarium galleries. I had huge fun watching the octopus slither about its extended tank (part of which bridges the area above a hallway between two large tanks) and was enchanted by the ethereal grace of a number of species of jelly fish. There were a lot of touch ponds (something that I've enjoyed on past visits to the Vancouver Aquarium with Cathy), but due to my compromised immune system I opted to chat to young aquarium visitors about what they thought of the experience.
 |
| Say, doesn't that strategically located sea urchin make it look like the octopus is having something of a bad hair day? |
Also managed to find someone who was willing to give directions to other sights in the Sidney area.
Jo, you couldn't have picked a better area representative (one of the many sculptures in the seaside park behind the hotel). Even though we didn't visit the fish market, we did enjoy a wonderful dinner at Haro's, the hotel's restaurant (can now cross deep-fried Oreo cookies off my bucket list, although they weren't nearly as interesting a dessert as I had hoped). A visit to nearby Muse Winery helped round out the trip. Capped off winery tour with a pleasant ride 'round Pat Bay - got a chuckle from the signs next to Holy Trinity Church (1885) which read "Thou Shalt Not Park". Biggest surprise of the weekend: a gift of flowers delivered to our room courtesy of Jo's friend (someone I know time enduring SFU's PDP program) Margie Leary, who now lives in the Yukon. A very thoughtful touch that came from a friend from both our pasts, the flowers also underscored the fact that neither Jo nor I ended up considering the trip so much a holiday as a celebration of 33 years of friendship. Even though our lives have journeyed down different roads, the love and support remain as strong as ever, if not more so. Jo, I lift a glass of Muse "Legally Blonde" pinot gris in your honour. With much love and thanks. Here's to the next 33 years! Can I drive next time?
New View
See that Blogger, the program that publishes my wee blog, has added some new features and made some revisions to how you and I view the contents of my minor musings. Among the new features that I have access to is a "traffic report" that tells me which postings get the most/least views, how many views the whole blog has had to date (11,000+ !!!) and where those viewing the blog are located around the world. Seems nearly 100 folks in Canada have found their way to my writing along with five people in the US, a similar number in the UK, three in France, two in Germany, and one in Egypt. Golly but I didn't know I had that much to say that would have been of interest to my 21 followers let alone the rest of those checking in. I just write what's going on in my little life and hope it helps and inspires someone out there. A huge thanks to all of you who do check in, who offer your wonderful support and kind words. To paraphrase John Donne, none of us is an island, and it's comforting to know that there is always someone in my corner, especially on the bad days. Blessings to you all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)