Well, that's it for me - I hope anyway. Radiation treatment is complete, woo hoo!! And hopefully that phase of my life is in the past. There will be drugs for the next five years to help ensure we don't see cancer again but that is a small price to pay.
I've been meaning to get on an extremely healthy eating regime to battle the possibility and prevention of any more scares but the last few months have been all about trying to be happy and relaxed and anyone who knows me knows that such a thing must include cinnamon buns, pies, and such. When I do get on it, perhaps I will continue blog about health but in the meantime, if you are interested, I completely recommend googling Kris Carr's and her book, documentary and website entitled "Crazy Sexy Cancer" for inspiration and tips.
Thank you all for your support and love and just for being interested.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
One Down!!
Has anyone ever noticed how impossible it is the "breathe normally" when someone asks you to? I've just finished my first radiation treatment and came out light headed, I think because I was hyper ventilating. Too funny.
Observation: I was noticing in the mirror the other day when I was a bit chilly that my nipples are just a tiny little bit off now. Odd. I hadn't noticed that yet. Under greater scrutiny, I realized that the surgery on my left side gave me a little lift!!! Major bonus. As we age I guess it is inevitable that gravity will eventually affect - even with my size. I'm not sure if thinking that surgery on the other side may have its benefits is a good thing but I guess there are pros and cons to everything :)
Till next time.
Observation: I was noticing in the mirror the other day when I was a bit chilly that my nipples are just a tiny little bit off now. Odd. I hadn't noticed that yet. Under greater scrutiny, I realized that the surgery on my left side gave me a little lift!!! Major bonus. As we age I guess it is inevitable that gravity will eventually affect - even with my size. I'm not sure if thinking that surgery on the other side may have its benefits is a good thing but I guess there are pros and cons to everything :)
Till next time.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Radiation Schedule
Hello all,
Well, I've finally seen the radiation oncologist and had my ct planning session.
I have to say, I hope I never have to have an MRI. Not too fond of enclosed spaces - and although the CT is not enclosed and pretty quick, all that was visible was the machine around me. On the bright side, the radiation therapist wasn't sure if my nerves were working properly because I didn't flinch for the tatooing. Yah, a free tatoo or two! Nothing to show off unfortunatley. No skull and crossbones or anything fun like that. Just a couple of little freckles used to line me up on during the radiation blasts.
It will be nice to get it all started - and all over with. If everything goes as planned, I should be done by Sept 20 and I would REALLY like to have a little holiday from it all.
Haven't been working my tail off and I think I am taking it pretty well. I feel lucky. But I can't say the whole situation has hasn't been a little draining.
Everyone is different but all I should be experiencing is fatigue - not nausea - and a bad sunburn. Sounds okay to me!!
That's it for now.
till next time
Well, I've finally seen the radiation oncologist and had my ct planning session.
I have to say, I hope I never have to have an MRI. Not too fond of enclosed spaces - and although the CT is not enclosed and pretty quick, all that was visible was the machine around me. On the bright side, the radiation therapist wasn't sure if my nerves were working properly because I didn't flinch for the tatooing. Yah, a free tatoo or two! Nothing to show off unfortunatley. No skull and crossbones or anything fun like that. Just a couple of little freckles used to line me up on during the radiation blasts.
It will be nice to get it all started - and all over with. If everything goes as planned, I should be done by Sept 20 and I would REALLY like to have a little holiday from it all.
Haven't been working my tail off and I think I am taking it pretty well. I feel lucky. But I can't say the whole situation has hasn't been a little draining.
Everyone is different but all I should be experiencing is fatigue - not nausea - and a bad sunburn. Sounds okay to me!!
That's it for now.
till next time
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Radiation Oncologist
My meeting with the radiation oncologist went well. Nothing really all that new to report. She would like to see an ultrasound done on my right breast so I guess that will happen some time next week.
I go in next week again sometime for a CT scan and a little more info on how to deal with the radiation but they are not anticipating any real side affects. After that apparently I will start quite soon after on 4 weeks of radiation - 20 sessions - Monday to Friday. Am looking forward to a little vacation after this is all said and done.
My buddy who is completing the "Answer for Cancer Tour" has just found out that our Major has proclaimed August 13 "Answer for Cancer Day". They will be completing their ride in front of City Hall Vancouver at 3pm this Saturday. I am going to try, try, try to be there but I work that evening and am not sure I can fit it in to our day. I hope so. They have done an amazing thing.
Well, we are finally getting summer days. I hope you are all enjoying the few weeks before "back to school"!!
Till next time.
I go in next week again sometime for a CT scan and a little more info on how to deal with the radiation but they are not anticipating any real side affects. After that apparently I will start quite soon after on 4 weeks of radiation - 20 sessions - Monday to Friday. Am looking forward to a little vacation after this is all said and done.
My buddy who is completing the "Answer for Cancer Tour" has just found out that our Major has proclaimed August 13 "Answer for Cancer Day". They will be completing their ride in front of City Hall Vancouver at 3pm this Saturday. I am going to try, try, try to be there but I work that evening and am not sure I can fit it in to our day. I hope so. They have done an amazing thing.
Well, we are finally getting summer days. I hope you are all enjoying the few weeks before "back to school"!!
Till next time.
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Back After Major Hiatus
Hello, all,
I am very embarrassed to have dropped off the face of the planet like that. No excuse is a good excuse, especially as my very good friend Susan pointed out, I have everything at my fingertips with my new cellphone.
I have been spending more than half of my time out in the burbs with Ricardo and am feeling, I must say a little too nomadic, living out of a suitcase. It has been good though because I have had the opportunity to work with some very good customers at the restaurant who needed administrative help getting the logistics of their 3 month long journey together. It has been good to do something that isn't as physical as the night work at the restaurant but I will be back to it now since their journey has started, as of yesterday.
Now, I have finally have a little word on follow up treatment for my particular cancer case. My consult with the Cancer Clinic oncologist was today and I have been extremely good news. No Chemo!! Yowza, that is awesome. I have an appointment with the radiation oncologist next week who will set me up with a schedule for radiation treatment which will be 5 days a week for 3 weeks and then because my breast cancer was estrogen positive, I will be taking "tamoxifen" daily for 5 years. YES 5 years. That is a bit much but I guess it must be done. I don't know all that much about it yet but was sent home with a bunch of info. Apparently one of the side effects is hot flashes - what every woman looks forward to.
That is all for now. Once again, I am very sorry for not keeping it up. There has been a lot of waiting around though with not much to report.
Till next time
I am very embarrassed to have dropped off the face of the planet like that. No excuse is a good excuse, especially as my very good friend Susan pointed out, I have everything at my fingertips with my new cellphone.
I have been spending more than half of my time out in the burbs with Ricardo and am feeling, I must say a little too nomadic, living out of a suitcase. It has been good though because I have had the opportunity to work with some very good customers at the restaurant who needed administrative help getting the logistics of their 3 month long journey together. It has been good to do something that isn't as physical as the night work at the restaurant but I will be back to it now since their journey has started, as of yesterday.
Now, I have finally have a little word on follow up treatment for my particular cancer case. My consult with the Cancer Clinic oncologist was today and I have been extremely good news. No Chemo!! Yowza, that is awesome. I have an appointment with the radiation oncologist next week who will set me up with a schedule for radiation treatment which will be 5 days a week for 3 weeks and then because my breast cancer was estrogen positive, I will be taking "tamoxifen" daily for 5 years. YES 5 years. That is a bit much but I guess it must be done. I don't know all that much about it yet but was sent home with a bunch of info. Apparently one of the side effects is hot flashes - what every woman looks forward to.
That is all for now. Once again, I am very sorry for not keeping it up. There has been a lot of waiting around though with not much to report.
Till next time
Monday, June 20, 2011
Back in the City
Well, I made it home safe and sound after a wonderful country weekend. Ricardo dropped me off at the skytrain in Burnaby and I was horrified to find out when I arrived home that I had forgotten my keys at his place. I've been doing so little for myself over the last few days, I've forgotten how to manage. How embarrassing. My building manager wasn't too impressed but is working on a temporary set for the next few days.
We were able to get quite a bit of the house packed up for the move on Saturday - me one-handed of course. Ricardo is so excited, and so he should be. He has purchased a four bedroom house with a nice patch of grass all by himself and apparently it feels like Christmas is approaching. I am so very happy for him. It is a beautiful place. We'll have to try and keep him busy for the next few days though because he just can't stand the wait.
Today is the anniversary of the first day we met for coffee on Granville Island. This turned into a day of window shopping, lunch, and learning about each other's lives. Even though he was 45 minutes late, I was very impressed (it was Father's Day and he had a good excuse - he also looked pretty nice in his jeans). And, he made me blush like a school girl when he asked me for a kiss. Still to this day walks on the outside of me.
So now the problem is trying to figure out what for dinner. I am at the moment happy that I am sequestered at home with no keys but it could get problematic. I've managed to arrange for dinner at home most days but we have had Indian twice and Pho and White Spot once each for lunch. Ordering in or going out may not be the way to go tonight. I am feeling lazy.
Well, wish me luck in the pantry hunt.
till next time
We were able to get quite a bit of the house packed up for the move on Saturday - me one-handed of course. Ricardo is so excited, and so he should be. He has purchased a four bedroom house with a nice patch of grass all by himself and apparently it feels like Christmas is approaching. I am so very happy for him. It is a beautiful place. We'll have to try and keep him busy for the next few days though because he just can't stand the wait.
Today is the anniversary of the first day we met for coffee on Granville Island. This turned into a day of window shopping, lunch, and learning about each other's lives. Even though he was 45 minutes late, I was very impressed (it was Father's Day and he had a good excuse - he also looked pretty nice in his jeans). And, he made me blush like a school girl when he asked me for a kiss. Still to this day walks on the outside of me.
So now the problem is trying to figure out what for dinner. I am at the moment happy that I am sequestered at home with no keys but it could get problematic. I've managed to arrange for dinner at home most days but we have had Indian twice and Pho and White Spot once each for lunch. Ordering in or going out may not be the way to go tonight. I am feeling lazy.
Well, wish me luck in the pantry hunt.
till next time
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Recovering
Ricardo and I just finished listening to Vinyl Cafe with our morning coffee - yes still drinking it. Apparently, along with sugar, a big no-no with cancer patients. A few more books I have been reading have supported Angela's alkaline diet idea, balancing out the pH in your body. Although you'd think that lemon would be an acidic addition to your chemistry, it actually turns alkaline upon ingestion and the best way to start your morning is with a big glass of lemon water.
Those of you who have not ever listened to the Vinyl Cafe stories by Stewart Maclean on CBC, it is a must. This is a Saturday morning tradition that Ricardo started with his kids and has included me in. The stories are fabulous. The podcasts can be found above if it's too much to be able to schedule it in 9am Sat mornings. It is for me usually. Stewart has been writing stories about a Canadian family of four for years which are hilarious and touching. Included in the program are up and coming musical guests and stories from people who write in across this great country of ours.
What a beautiful way to start a rainy morning. We've got a lot of things on the agenda today as the big move is next weekend and I am feeling more and more up to it. I get to shower today which is a bit scary but I can't wait. Knowing I couldn't shower for a few days was my biggest horror. The sponge bath I was given yesterday worked out quite well though.
till next time.
Those of you who have not ever listened to the Vinyl Cafe stories by Stewart Maclean on CBC, it is a must. This is a Saturday morning tradition that Ricardo started with his kids and has included me in. The stories are fabulous. The podcasts can be found above if it's too much to be able to schedule it in 9am Sat mornings. It is for me usually. Stewart has been writing stories about a Canadian family of four for years which are hilarious and touching. Included in the program are up and coming musical guests and stories from people who write in across this great country of ours.
What a beautiful way to start a rainy morning. We've got a lot of things on the agenda today as the big move is next weekend and I am feeling more and more up to it. I get to shower today which is a bit scary but I can't wait. Knowing I couldn't shower for a few days was my biggest horror. The sponge bath I was given yesterday worked out quite well though.
till next time.
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