Bar Call

Finally got the towel bar/handrail installed in my bathroom. It's 87" long and runs from the door to the bathroom to the back wall of the shower. A portion is situated above the radiator, so towels can be made toasty during the winter months. I can also easily reach the towels from inside the shower area - the water from the shower head doesn't spray against the railing wall.

What a difference the railing makes to the look, sound, and accessibility of the room. Had a good laugh when Penny and Jon came to check it out. They thought it would be the perfect ballet bar and proceeded to test it for suitable a la plie. Jon almost got permanently stuck in a demi-plie, but his dear wife managed to rescue him in time. Penny did much better with her rendition of a demi-pointe the releve! Too bad the room is too small to record the pair's antics. It really was quite comical.

Playing Catch-up

At long last I've managed to gather together some pictures from Dan's visit here in late April/early May. Dan (a dear friend from my days in Ottawa) is curator of marine history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax. As such, no visit to the Sunshine Coast would have been complete without a pilgrimage to our local shrine of all things related to the near coastal waters.

As luck would have it, Dan was on hand for the annual April Tools event in Maderia Park. What a hoot! It was my first time attending as well, and we had a great time watching the various teams construct their, um, vessels using only a sheet of plywood, duct tape, glue, and string. My GP, Dr J, and his team opted to use hand power (literally) rather than rely on the more common oar method of propulsion. This technique entailed the contestant (Dr J or another of his team members) to lie upon a sheet of plywood cut to resemble the outline of a ship's hull. Short lengths of wood were tied to the hands of the participant to aid in the paddling process. Remarkably, this was one of the few entries that didn't totally capsize (with or without help from competing entries). I think they finished in a very respectable sixth place - all the more respectable because most other entries didn't float let alone finish navigating the race circuit. In addition to the "boat" race, there were many interesting booths pertaining to various aspects of local marine history.

Another water-related activity saw us making a visit to the Maritime Museum in Vancouver. It was a chance for Dan to meet his West Coast counterpart, and an opportunity for me to donate several family documents to the museum's collection. When my father died back in 2004, several of his photos and papers were placed in the museum's care. Since Mom moved to Sechelt, we've been going through various photo albums and other documents and unearthing several articles of interest to the museum. Among them, a large collection of information and photos pertaining to the Tolmie, the Kingsley, and other well-known Vancouver-based vessels. A scrapbook of newspaper articles relating to the installation of the "new" railway bridge next to the Second Narrows/Iron Workers Memorial Bridge in Vancouver were also included (Dad was responsible for getting the three sections barged into place without mishap. The middle section, the last to be placed, had only a few inches clearance on either side. Manoeuvering the section was considered a major feat, so much so that Molson's made a beer ad based on Dad's performance. I think it was Red Cap beer.)  There was also an ample album of photos from the time when Dad served as mate on the Klondike, an old paddlewheeler that now sits as a national historic site in Whitehorse, Yukon. Dan took this photo of the museum's archivist and me sorting through the documents I was leaving in her care. Must say I was rather envious of the library, to say nothing of the extensive collection of artifacts in the holding area across the hall.

Of course, no visit to the Sunshine Coast would be complete without taking in some of the local natural sites. I wasn't up for a hike in to the Skookumchuk (Dan got part way in himself on another day. Would have managed to get all the way to the rapids, but he was kinda pooped after first climbing Mount Daniel), but we did have some lovely walks around Sargent's Bay, Cooper's Green, and other shoreline walks. Saw an astounding variety of shore birds including oyster catchers and scoters. Couldn't resist also popping in to Cliff Gilker Park for a glimpse of the waterfall!

There were some land-based activities during the week as well, some of which did not include water of any description. For example, we sought out two public art pieces by Dan's brother, Peter Conlin. The first (along a greenspace on west side of Nanaimo at 40th in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage area). It is essentially a house without walls, only windows and doorways above each of which there is a pronoun (e.g., yours, mine, ours, his, hers).

Peter's second piece is situated a few blocks south on opposite corners at Clarendon and 45th. This work was an interesting variation on weathervanes. Interesting because the pronoun-based signs rotated above a newly installed bike lane - and few things are as controversial and polarizing these days as Vancouver bike lanes.

Anyone interested in reading the artist's statement can check out the Public Art Registry page at
http://app.vancouver.ca/PublicArt_net/ArtworkDetails.aspx?ArtworkID=429&Neighbourhood=&Ownership=&Program=

All in all it was a very nice visit. Only thing that would have made it better would be having Dan's wife Pat along, too. Sadly, she couldn't make the trip. Guess I'll have to find a way to get back to the Maritimes for another visit.

The following week, Trudy (recently of Malmo, Sweden) came for a visit. I've just realized that we didn't take any photos while she was here. Likely too busy talking. And Trudy was cooking up a storm. My freezer is happily stocked so I don't have to worry about cooking if I don't feel up to it - at least not for a very long time. Lucky me to have friends who are such good cooks!

On the Pills

After two days of sleeping 20 hours each day and several more days with extended (3-4 hour) mid-day naps, I'm starting to feel more like myself. (Must say I would be rather more distressed should I start feeling like someone else, but that's a different matter.) Having been reminded by the oncologist that side effects of Capecitabine and Lapatinib are cumulative, mid-day naps will be a regular thing for me from now on. If they don't produce the much-sought-after beautifying results, there is always the hope that regular naps will help reduce the chance of another attack on some poor innocent. Am currently attempting to make peace with my inner hellcat and once again look on blister-packed pills as my friends, although sometimes I seriously wonder about the latter part of that statement. In case you, gentle reader, have ever wondered what my pharmacy order looks like, here's a glimpse at my med supply for a three-week period. Several more blister packs of Lapatinib (the bigger pill) are inside the box. Note painkillers, anti-depressants, antacids, anti-nausea meds,  Magic Mouthwash, and various creams were not included in this photo.

Must say I was a bit taken aback when I first say the warning labels on the bag. Now, it's pretty much old hat.

Wish I could include a photo of the nifty horsetail salve several members of the local spinners/weavers guild brewed up for me, but it kinda looks like sludgy tea so not much to photograph. Heated up the brown slightly viscus liquid and soaked my feet and hands before heading to bed. A noticeable change in the condition of my skin after the first soaking. Have also found it to be effective re calming the inflammation and rash on my inner arm - a side effect from the last infusion of CT contrast fluid. Many, many thanks to all who collected horsetails on my behalf and to Penny who took on the chore of stewing up the brew. If the guild is ever in need of a fund-raising idea, suggest you bottle some and sell to others with irritable skin conditions.

A Crack in the Delicate Veneer of My Life

The reality of my own situation seems to have suddenly hit me. Had a meltdown yesterday while waiting for my meds at the Cancer Agency. The trigger was a delay in getting the prescription filled (I've been kept waiting between 2 and 4 hours each time I go to get the drugs - yesterday I waited nearly 3 hours because the pharmacist-in-training filled the order incorrectly and had to start all over again - twice - which also meant checking over my lab results to ensure proper dosage was given and filling out the various trial/study forms each time). While the delay was frustrating, I can't believe it was the sole reason for my going into a full-tilt rage and subsequent sob-fest. I'm made an appointment to see one of the Cancer Agency's counsellors and have also made an appointment with my psychiatrist. Can't believe that after four years of dealing with the day-to-day crap of the disease I'm suddenly upset. Don't worry. I have the good sense to get the help I need. One fleeting thought of suicide is more than enough for one life-time, thank you very much.

On a happier note, got the latest CT scan results yesterday. While there is MINOR spread, there is also a slight reduction in the size of some of the pre-existing lesions. On the main, the oncologist considers it to be an "unchanged" reading. Which is very good.

Also learned that I will be seeing the oncologist every three weeks for the rest of the time I am on these drugs. For some reason thought I wouldn't have to do that after the summer. This will have an effect on any future travel plans, but I'm sure I can adapt.

I'll share photos and stories from my last couple of weeks - when I enjoyed the company of Dan and later Trudy - in a few days. 

Joy in Giving

Just before Easter I had the great pleasure of attending an event at Capilano University. It was an opportunity for scholarship/award winners and their donors to get together. You may remember a mention in an earlier post on this blog in which I described two awards that will be presented from proceeds coming from my life insurance policy. Well, I wasn't willing to wait until after I embark on the journey called my after-life-time. I put up a small sum (equal to less than $50/mon for one year) so I could have the joy of knowing that someone out there is benefiting from the gift during my lifetime. As luck would have it, the textile arts award I set up at Cap was presented to Rebecca Fisher (aka Rebecca Lavall), the woman who taught me to felt some 10 years ago! Rebecca and I have crossed paths many times over the past decade. We received our cancer diagnosis within two weeks of each other - mercifully, 'Becca is okay now. So it was quite the reunion that afternoon at Cap. We talked the better part of three hours, and still have loads to catch up on.

Here's a shot of Rebecca and me with Mary Lou Trinkwon, co-ordinator of the textile arts diploma program.

Healing Hands

While the current regime of drugs is doing wonders re battling the nasty bits that are overtaking my body, the cumulative side effects are becoming something of a trial in themselves. The blisters that plagued my hands and feet a few short weeks ago have given way to callouses and cracking, neither of which can be relieved by the prescribed cream no matter how much is applied. Hence my silence of late - it was just too darn painful and awkward to type. In an effort to provide some relief, my oncologist gave me this past week "off" the Capecitabine - since the skin issue will only get worse over time, she felt it best to get things under control sooner rather than later. I'm happy to say things have improved, although my right thumb and index finger continue to lack much in the way of feeling around the tip. As a result, my handwriting looks much as it did in the third grade. I was trying to do a bit of sewing yesterday, and had to pick the needle up with my left hand, and then transfer it to my right (dominant hand) to do the stitching. Things may be a bit awkward and uncomfortable, but they aren't painful. I see the oncologist again tomorrow. If she deems the Capecitabine "holiday" a success, I will resume the trial drugs as before albeit with another reduction in the Capecitabine.

This trip to Vancouver could prove to be a tad challenging for another reason. My friend Dan is arriving from Halifax tomorrow and is due to land at the Sechelt float plane dock at 5pm. If the Cancer Agency's pharmacy is as slow getting the meds together as they were last week (it took four hours to bundle 35 pills that were already pre-packaged in blister packs!), he might end up sleeping on the dock! On the upside, I might have a chance to take in the Vancouver Public Library's annual book sale before hopping the bus back to Horseshoe Bay.

Despite the challenges of cracking finger tips, I continue to enjoy life. In fact, this was one of the most enjoyable Easters I have in some time. The Easter Sunday service at St Hilda's was very uplifting. Felt so energized, I hosted a dinner for "Easter orphans" including my mother, Jon, and Jill. While the beer-infused onion soup, chicken in wine & mushroom sauce, and scalloped sweet potatoes with spinach were all well received, it was the "bunny cake" that proved to be the highlight of the meal. Inspiration came from the Easter cakes Momzy made for the family when I was very young.

Measure for Measure

The study nurse just called to give me a report re today's blood test (which I had done at the local lab). Everything continues to look good there. Jayne also provided some results re the CT scan that I had last week, the one that couldn't be reviewed before I saw the oncologist due to a tight turnaround time. Comparisons for only two of the lesions were given to me, but they represent the overall affect of the current drug cocktail. Lesion #1 is located in the lower lobe of my left lung. Before starting the drug trial, the lesion measured 12mm. Today, it is a mere 4mm. The sample lesion in the right side of the trachea began the study at an imposing 15mm but has since shrunk to 8mm. Yup, that does provide a pretty compelling reason to keep on the drug trial. Besides, other than some dryness/callousing on feet and fingertips (a post-blister effect) I've had no adverse side effects this week thanks to the reduced dose of Capecitabine. Nose hairs crossed that we've found the magic dose. I had great fun helping Penny celebrate her 60th b-day this past weekend, and fully intend to out-do the festivities come my own 60th. In the meantime, I'm sure I'll find other excuses to live life large with my amazing circle of friends.