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.
Friday, June 17, 2011
After Surgery
Wow, it has almost been a week since my last post. I guess preparing for surgery (mentally) and doing a bit of recovery has taken some time.
Things went swimmingly well. I was a little concerned finding out the day before that they had a bed booked for me overnight. That wasn't in my plans, especially since the Canucks were supposed to win the cup that night - and my lovely man was waiting for me at home.
Never having been in surgery before (lucky me), I had no idea what to expect. I don't do all that well with drugs although they are effective in my almost pure body. After being hooked up to the IV, I was told that I would start feeling a little different soon. I started to panic a little bit and just told myself, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and meditate. That is the last thing I remember. Magic!
As it happened, my surgeon was able to take out the least amount of lymph nodes possible and I was able to go home that afternoon. Very excellent!
Ricardo and I left home for a walk up-town yesterday morning to unfortunately witness the destruction of the night before - how embarrassing - and, to do a little window shopping. We were home 5 hours later. I was pretty impressed with our stamina. Today I have far more mobility and far less pain. It's a little disappointing. I thought I was going to be able to milk this a little longer. I am not allowed to carry anything of size on my left side for the next two weeks though so that should slow me down a little bit.
Well, it is a gorgeous day and we are off to Langley for our country weekend. Perhaps I can help direct Ricardo in some of his packing needs for his move next Saturday. Very exciting stuff.
till next time
Things went swimmingly well. I was a little concerned finding out the day before that they had a bed booked for me overnight. That wasn't in my plans, especially since the Canucks were supposed to win the cup that night - and my lovely man was waiting for me at home.
Never having been in surgery before (lucky me), I had no idea what to expect. I don't do all that well with drugs although they are effective in my almost pure body. After being hooked up to the IV, I was told that I would start feeling a little different soon. I started to panic a little bit and just told myself, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and meditate. That is the last thing I remember. Magic!
As it happened, my surgeon was able to take out the least amount of lymph nodes possible and I was able to go home that afternoon. Very excellent!
Ricardo and I left home for a walk up-town yesterday morning to unfortunately witness the destruction of the night before - how embarrassing - and, to do a little window shopping. We were home 5 hours later. I was pretty impressed with our stamina. Today I have far more mobility and far less pain. It's a little disappointing. I thought I was going to be able to milk this a little longer. I am not allowed to carry anything of size on my left side for the next two weeks though so that should slow me down a little bit.
Well, it is a gorgeous day and we are off to Langley for our country weekend. Perhaps I can help direct Ricardo in some of his packing needs for his move next Saturday. Very exciting stuff.
till next time
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Social Media and me
By the way!!! The Answer for Cancer Tour starts today. The team was sitting at the border 23 minutes ago as per their website.
My very dear friend, Claudette, and another "Simone Team" supporter, has just about convinced me to get on FaceBook. I have always been an extremely private person but I guess this blog blows that. Since eHarmony was my first social media foray and it seemed to turn out fairly well :) maybe it is time.
I just logged into the Answer for Cancer Tour and it seems they may be posting by other means other than blogging so I'm going to have to get myself up to speed. Noted that this has also forced me to educate myself in other realms and although big brother is watching, what does he really care about little old me?
This is getting interesting and just a little bit fun.
till next time
My very dear friend, Claudette, and another "Simone Team" supporter, has just about convinced me to get on FaceBook. I have always been an extremely private person but I guess this blog blows that. Since eHarmony was my first social media foray and it seemed to turn out fairly well :) maybe it is time.
I just logged into the Answer for Cancer Tour and it seems they may be posting by other means other than blogging so I'm going to have to get myself up to speed. Noted that this has also forced me to educate myself in other realms and although big brother is watching, what does he really care about little old me?
This is getting interesting and just a little bit fun.
till next time
Medical and other Concerns
As most of us are aware, we as Canadians are incredibly lucky to have the health care system we are blessed with. The care, compassion, professionalism and speed of service I have received through the Rapid Breast clinic at Mnt. St. Joseph's hospital has been amazing.
In this province of British Columbia, we do pay for medicare - about $60 per month per adult individual if your employer does not have a benefits package paid for you. The fee is mandatory but the province does provide subsidy for those whose income under a certain bracket, depending on taxes filed for the year previous. This is called, "Premium Assistance". Also, we have a program called "Fair Pharmacare" which works in conjunction with assistance through Medical Services Plan which will offer coverage with a small yearly deductible on prescribed drugs that are not covered through MSP. Apparently, cancer treatment pharmaceuticals are not covered which of course is kind of freaking me out. Out of work, and unable to pay for treatment drugs. Not such a nice feeling.
Anyway, MSP also has a program called "Temporary Premium Assistance" for those who out of no foreseeable circumstances are able to achieve an income (for a short period of time) within a category of being able to pay for medical coverage and, Pharmacare also provides a similar program. This is great news and news that I think many of us do not know about so I wanted to pass it along. I shall be applying for both in the next couple of weeks.
I had my last shift at the restaurant last night before my "vacation". Sad that some of us need health reasons to take one. Although I do have the tendency for overwork and have just come out of a period that I did just that for a couple of years, that comment is actually a bit tongue in cheek. Ricardo and I had a beautiful 2 week holiday in January through the Yucatan peninsula where I got to sit back and let my Latin love take the reigns. Anyone who knows me well enough know that I usually do not sit back and let anyone take the reigns but I am getting soft in my old age of 45.
I will be taking off at least a week from the restaurant during which time Ricardo has agreed to be my nursemaid. Do I get him an outfit? Tempting. Poor guy. I know he is going to go squirrely being unoccupied but maybe that will be excellent motivation for me to get up and move around. I hope the drugs are good. Maybe he'll be able to beat me in cribbage.
This weekend will be filled with children and hopefully some time to do some major cooking. I'm hoping to prepare a couple of soups, a pasta sauce, and perhaps a casserole, although I am also hoping that I won't be very much interested in eating. I am one of those people when going through stress and crisis think first of all whether or not my pantry is stocked well enough. I'm going into this one a little "rounder" than I like to be. My extreme 90 day workout plan with p90x was thwarted. So much for the bikini body I had planned out.
I have to thank Trena, another of my girls on the "Simone (get well) Team" who offered to stock up on easy meals for me. How awesome is that!! I am going to keep that one for when I really need it.
Well, all, have a fabulous weekend!
till next time
In this province of British Columbia, we do pay for medicare - about $60 per month per adult individual if your employer does not have a benefits package paid for you. The fee is mandatory but the province does provide subsidy for those whose income under a certain bracket, depending on taxes filed for the year previous. This is called, "Premium Assistance". Also, we have a program called "Fair Pharmacare" which works in conjunction with assistance through Medical Services Plan which will offer coverage with a small yearly deductible on prescribed drugs that are not covered through MSP. Apparently, cancer treatment pharmaceuticals are not covered which of course is kind of freaking me out. Out of work, and unable to pay for treatment drugs. Not such a nice feeling.
Anyway, MSP also has a program called "Temporary Premium Assistance" for those who out of no foreseeable circumstances are able to achieve an income (for a short period of time) within a category of being able to pay for medical coverage and, Pharmacare also provides a similar program. This is great news and news that I think many of us do not know about so I wanted to pass it along. I shall be applying for both in the next couple of weeks.
I had my last shift at the restaurant last night before my "vacation". Sad that some of us need health reasons to take one. Although I do have the tendency for overwork and have just come out of a period that I did just that for a couple of years, that comment is actually a bit tongue in cheek. Ricardo and I had a beautiful 2 week holiday in January through the Yucatan peninsula where I got to sit back and let my Latin love take the reigns. Anyone who knows me well enough know that I usually do not sit back and let anyone take the reigns but I am getting soft in my old age of 45.
I will be taking off at least a week from the restaurant during which time Ricardo has agreed to be my nursemaid. Do I get him an outfit? Tempting. Poor guy. I know he is going to go squirrely being unoccupied but maybe that will be excellent motivation for me to get up and move around. I hope the drugs are good. Maybe he'll be able to beat me in cribbage.
This weekend will be filled with children and hopefully some time to do some major cooking. I'm hoping to prepare a couple of soups, a pasta sauce, and perhaps a casserole, although I am also hoping that I won't be very much interested in eating. I am one of those people when going through stress and crisis think first of all whether or not my pantry is stocked well enough. I'm going into this one a little "rounder" than I like to be. My extreme 90 day workout plan with p90x was thwarted. So much for the bikini body I had planned out.
I have to thank Trena, another of my girls on the "Simone (get well) Team" who offered to stock up on easy meals for me. How awesome is that!! I am going to keep that one for when I really need it.
Well, all, have a fabulous weekend!
till next time
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Update on Biopsy 2
So I had my hour date with my bag of peas and my hour and a half nap and woke up with just enough time to make it to work and I was IN PAIN. Apparently, there was a little more digging around going on with this one than the first one. Work was fantastic about being okay with me not going in but I felt terrible. Hope all went well guys!!
My advice is to take the day off if this ever happens to you. The first time I was exhausted but I think it was more of an emotional thing. This time it was physical. poo.
Now, I don't want to name any names but someone is a little concerned with how much they have been fondling themselves since they've heard my news. My advice on that one is, relax and enjoy it.
till next time
My advice is to take the day off if this ever happens to you. The first time I was exhausted but I think it was more of an emotional thing. This time it was physical. poo.
Now, I don't want to name any names but someone is a little concerned with how much they have been fondling themselves since they've heard my news. My advice on that one is, relax and enjoy it.
till next time
Comments on my Blog
Hello, all,
I know that a few of you have had difficulty making comments to my blog - INCLUDING me. I was trying to show Ricardo my difficulties on the weekend and had no problem with his computer. When I mentioned this fact to my "Simone team sista", Susan, the computer guru, she said, "the fact it is not holding your login credentials is going to end up being a browser setting most likely with cookies, sessions, or web page caching. it is going to be around that area. he is using Safari most likely i expect as he is on a mac, i am not familiar with the default settings on the browser on a mac. he would also have a more recent browser than you i suspect. are you on IE8 or IE9" Yah, right?!
Anyway, I tried using Safari as my browser and had no problems at all. If you can decipher the above and the response comment of "could probably work through the browser setting required for Internet Explorer", good on yah. I have opted out to using Safari for my blog.
I know that a few of you have had difficulty making comments to my blog - INCLUDING me. I was trying to show Ricardo my difficulties on the weekend and had no problem with his computer. When I mentioned this fact to my "Simone team sista", Susan, the computer guru, she said, "the fact it is not holding your login credentials is going to end up being a browser setting most likely with cookies, sessions, or web page caching. it is going to be around that area. he is using Safari most likely i expect as he is on a mac, i am not familiar with the default settings on the browser on a mac. he would also have a more recent browser than you i suspect. are you on IE8 or IE9" Yah, right?!
Anyway, I tried using Safari as my browser and had no problems at all. If you can decipher the above and the response comment of "could probably work through the browser setting required for Internet Explorer", good on yah. I have opted out to using Safari for my blog.
Now, if anyone out there is still having difficulties and wanted to comment on anything I have blogged about, please email me your comment to bosomfriend@hotmail.ca and I will post it for you.
till next time
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Biopsy 2
Hello, all,
I spent a really lovely weekend in the country - what fabulous weather we have finally been given! Wow. I just made it into the city and went in for my second biopsy.
The first one was quite traumatic. Since I have been blessed enough to never have had to have surgery, I was a bit freaked out. I figured it was going to be the most invasive procedure of my life. Well, I guess I was saving up for the big time!! Biopsy 2 was a breeze but I have to say, I am a little pooped.
I came home today to copious amounts of beautifully loving emails which, I am sorry to say, I am going to have to put on hold until tomorrow. I promise to check my emails from now on when I am with Ricardo just to keep up. All of your support has really given me a lot of encouragement and strength.
But, right now, I have about an hour date with a bag of frozen peas (to keep the swelling down) and at least that much of a nap before work.
till tomorrow.
I spent a really lovely weekend in the country - what fabulous weather we have finally been given! Wow. I just made it into the city and went in for my second biopsy.
The first one was quite traumatic. Since I have been blessed enough to never have had to have surgery, I was a bit freaked out. I figured it was going to be the most invasive procedure of my life. Well, I guess I was saving up for the big time!! Biopsy 2 was a breeze but I have to say, I am a little pooped.
I came home today to copious amounts of beautifully loving emails which, I am sorry to say, I am going to have to put on hold until tomorrow. I promise to check my emails from now on when I am with Ricardo just to keep up. All of your support has really given me a lot of encouragement and strength.
But, right now, I have about an hour date with a bag of frozen peas (to keep the swelling down) and at least that much of a nap before work.
till tomorrow.
Saturday, June 04, 2011
A Beautiful day in the Neighbourhood
It is exactly that today. We have been waiting patiently for summer, as we Canadians are fond of doing, and it looks as if at least spring may have arrived!
I am off to the "country home" this weekend to spend blissful moments with Ricardo - and moments of high entertainment with his kids. Let's hope that the big "c" won't come in to dialogue or thought as often as it has in the last week and a half or so. Has it only been that long since I found out? Wow. It seems like a lifetime ago, but in a good way. I am definitely working through it.
I am thinking that these next couple of weeks are going to be fantastic. I have a new lease on life. The flowers are brighter, the sky bluer, the foilage greener - or maybe that is because the sun is out. Never the less, all is good.
I want to thank everyone, once again, for all of your support. You guys have been awesome. For Angela, I have a confession to make, I was able to stay off coffee for about 6 whole hours on Thursday and then the surgeon said, "there have been no clinical studies to support...", and I drove home and made myself a glorious americano. I can say no to almost everything else. I am certain one day I will concur the god of the bean but not this week.
Till next time
I am off to the "country home" this weekend to spend blissful moments with Ricardo - and moments of high entertainment with his kids. Let's hope that the big "c" won't come in to dialogue or thought as often as it has in the last week and a half or so. Has it only been that long since I found out? Wow. It seems like a lifetime ago, but in a good way. I am definitely working through it.
I am thinking that these next couple of weeks are going to be fantastic. I have a new lease on life. The flowers are brighter, the sky bluer, the foilage greener - or maybe that is because the sun is out. Never the less, all is good.
I want to thank everyone, once again, for all of your support. You guys have been awesome. For Angela, I have a confession to make, I was able to stay off coffee for about 6 whole hours on Thursday and then the surgeon said, "there have been no clinical studies to support...", and I drove home and made myself a glorious americano. I can say no to almost everything else. I am certain one day I will concur the god of the bean but not this week.
Till next time
Friday, June 03, 2011
Can you Eat to Starve Cancer?
Susan has just left a comment of congrats and a mention to remember "my greens". Her mother has survived ovarian cancer twice. Susan and her mother have done a ton of research on nutrition and cancer. What she is talking about is greens+.
Since letting my "peeps" know about my new dilemma, I have been reading and receiving SO MUCH information on nutrition and health and what you should and should not eat as a cancer patient.
Another dear friend of mine, Angela, has introduced me to the idea of making my diet heavy in alkaline inducing foods to not allow cancer to have anything to feed off of (acid .. bad!!). My buddy with big shoulders, Del, has reminded me also that sugar is cancer's life blood.
The day that I was diagnosed, I found out that Del has been working with a small core of very close friends to set up a phenomena called the "Answer for Cancer Tour". He and three friends are touring on their bikes (motor) across Canada and the States to communicate the need in our world to catch cancer BEFORE it starts and apparently this is possible.
On their website, found at answerforcancertour.com there is a myriad of information about doing just that but the one that really struck home with me was a video by Dr. William Li within the blog "Can you Eat to Starve Cancer?"
All of the food types that both Susan and Angela were talking about are mentioned here in a process that starves cancer by starving it of a blood supply (that doesn't mean it stops your arteries from working in good health). It is called "anti-angiogenic therapy". Exactly....HUH?
Natural inhibitors are:
I am sure there is more but that is what I could poach off Dr. Li's slides. I think EVERYONE should watch this video. It is incredibly interesting and I am going to incorporate immediately.
By the way, anyone can ride with the troupe for a leg of the ride if they are interested. Check out the site.
I will continue to update on health and nutrition if I find something I find worthy for both you healthy and otherwise folks out there!!
Till next time.
Since letting my "peeps" know about my new dilemma, I have been reading and receiving SO MUCH information on nutrition and health and what you should and should not eat as a cancer patient.
Another dear friend of mine, Angela, has introduced me to the idea of making my diet heavy in alkaline inducing foods to not allow cancer to have anything to feed off of (acid .. bad!!). My buddy with big shoulders, Del, has reminded me also that sugar is cancer's life blood.
The day that I was diagnosed, I found out that Del has been working with a small core of very close friends to set up a phenomena called the "Answer for Cancer Tour". He and three friends are touring on their bikes (motor) across Canada and the States to communicate the need in our world to catch cancer BEFORE it starts and apparently this is possible.
On their website, found at answerforcancertour.com there is a myriad of information about doing just that but the one that really struck home with me was a video by Dr. William Li within the blog "Can you Eat to Starve Cancer?"
All of the food types that both Susan and Angela were talking about are mentioned here in a process that starves cancer by starving it of a blood supply (that doesn't mean it stops your arteries from working in good health). It is called "anti-angiogenic therapy". Exactly....HUH?
Natural inhibitors are:
- red grapes (and wine reasonable doses!)
- soybean
- green tea
- strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, cherries
- oranges, grapefruit, lemons, pineapple
- bok choy, kale, parsley, sea cucumber
- maitake mushroom
- tumeric, gin sing, licorice, nutmeg, lavender, garlic
- pumpkin, artichoke, tomato
- tuna
- olive oil, grapeseed oil
- dark chocolate!!!
I am sure there is more but that is what I could poach off Dr. Li's slides. I think EVERYONE should watch this video. It is incredibly interesting and I am going to incorporate immediately.
By the way, anyone can ride with the troupe for a leg of the ride if they are interested. Check out the site.
I will continue to update on health and nutrition if I find something I find worthy for both you healthy and otherwise folks out there!!
Till next time.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Meeting with the Breast Surgeon
Wooo Hoooo! It looks like I'm going to keep the girls!!
I never thought I could be this excited about the prospect of surgery. My surgeon is awesome by the way, and looked too adorable in her scrubs, clogs and hair net - not to mention authentic.
It seems I have been diagnosed, so far, with a grade 1 carcinoma, which means that it looks like Ricardo caught it early. I have been penciled in for surgery to take out the lump on June 15 and will find out for certain tomorrow about the date. Following that will be radiation and depending on if they find there has been any spreadage to the lymph nodes, most probably no chemo.
The only sticky part is that there is another lump on the other side of the nipple (same breast) which seems to be totally benign as far as everyone involved can see, but my surgeon would like to have it biopsied to make absolutely certain before she opens me up.
If god forbid, we do find cancer in the 2nd cyst, we'll have to back pedal a bit but we'll take it as it comes.
My lovely man was with me for the good news. It looks as though I've gotten out of helping him move into his new country house on the 25th! It was a bit of a drastic measure, but I figured I'd find a way. City girls PAY someone to move for them.
This city girl is looking forward to some day soon, teaching herself to garden.
Till next time
I never thought I could be this excited about the prospect of surgery. My surgeon is awesome by the way, and looked too adorable in her scrubs, clogs and hair net - not to mention authentic.
It seems I have been diagnosed, so far, with a grade 1 carcinoma, which means that it looks like Ricardo caught it early. I have been penciled in for surgery to take out the lump on June 15 and will find out for certain tomorrow about the date. Following that will be radiation and depending on if they find there has been any spreadage to the lymph nodes, most probably no chemo.
The only sticky part is that there is another lump on the other side of the nipple (same breast) which seems to be totally benign as far as everyone involved can see, but my surgeon would like to have it biopsied to make absolutely certain before she opens me up.
If god forbid, we do find cancer in the 2nd cyst, we'll have to back pedal a bit but we'll take it as it comes.
My lovely man was with me for the good news. It looks as though I've gotten out of helping him move into his new country house on the 25th! It was a bit of a drastic measure, but I figured I'd find a way. City girls PAY someone to move for them.
This city girl is looking forward to some day soon, teaching herself to garden.
Till next time
Breast Cancer, My History
I consider myself to have been single most of my life. After about 10 years of my friends trying to convince me to date on line, I met the man of my dreams almost one year ago today on eHarmony. It was father's day on our first encounter which lasted over 7 hours (and included our first kiss).
Unfortunately, for him, this amazing man is now having to help me through a very traumatizing time - but if this is what I have to do to get to my "happily ever after", sign me up!
I have an area on my left breast that has had a lump for at least 15 years which has never raised any alarms in the past, but Ricardo, my guy, was concerned about it. After some debate, he actually said to me, "If you love me, you will have it checked". We laughed, and we laughed, and we laughed, at his technique but secretly, I wanted to be able to pull that card on him in the future if I needed it, so I booked an appointment to see my general pratitioner (who is fantastic by the way).
So, we arranged to have my breasts squashed between two little plates - may I say, ladies, I do not know what the big fuss is all about. DO IT. I also had an ultrasound during which the technician did warn me that since I was admitted through the "Rapid Breast Clinic", they would probably want to put a needle in it. Oh great. Ricardo was in big trouble now. (if anyone wants to know more about the Breast Clinic, let me know)
To make a long story short. They found cancer and that is really all I know at the moment.
The hardest part for me in the last week or so was figuring out how to tell my friends and family. In the end, it was my saving grace. I congratulate myself for choosing such amazing people over the years to share my life with. The response of support and love I've received has been almost overwhelming. I now feel strong enough to fight anything that comes my way.
I have a consulting appointment with a surgeon today to see how much of my breast she wants to take. I'm hoping that it won't be much because I have to say of all my body parts, I really love my breasts, and I wasn't planning to discard them for fake ones. But, maybe I'll get a free tatoo out of the deal (my first).
I asked Ricardo not that long ago, what the hell he saw in me, which of course new lovers do, and he said, "I wouldn't want anyone other than you by my side in a bar fight (which I have to say is extremely unlikely but never say never) and I know that you would pick me up off the ground, dust me off and get me on my way no matter what ever happened to me" And, you know what, he's right. It looks like, unbeknownst to either of us, this is what he is going to have to do for me.
I owe you big time, my big love.
till next time
Unfortunately, for him, this amazing man is now having to help me through a very traumatizing time - but if this is what I have to do to get to my "happily ever after", sign me up!
I have an area on my left breast that has had a lump for at least 15 years which has never raised any alarms in the past, but Ricardo, my guy, was concerned about it. After some debate, he actually said to me, "If you love me, you will have it checked". We laughed, and we laughed, and we laughed, at his technique but secretly, I wanted to be able to pull that card on him in the future if I needed it, so I booked an appointment to see my general pratitioner (who is fantastic by the way).
So, we arranged to have my breasts squashed between two little plates - may I say, ladies, I do not know what the big fuss is all about. DO IT. I also had an ultrasound during which the technician did warn me that since I was admitted through the "Rapid Breast Clinic", they would probably want to put a needle in it. Oh great. Ricardo was in big trouble now. (if anyone wants to know more about the Breast Clinic, let me know)
To make a long story short. They found cancer and that is really all I know at the moment.
The hardest part for me in the last week or so was figuring out how to tell my friends and family. In the end, it was my saving grace. I congratulate myself for choosing such amazing people over the years to share my life with. The response of support and love I've received has been almost overwhelming. I now feel strong enough to fight anything that comes my way.
I have a consulting appointment with a surgeon today to see how much of my breast she wants to take. I'm hoping that it won't be much because I have to say of all my body parts, I really love my breasts, and I wasn't planning to discard them for fake ones. But, maybe I'll get a free tatoo out of the deal (my first).
I asked Ricardo not that long ago, what the hell he saw in me, which of course new lovers do, and he said, "I wouldn't want anyone other than you by my side in a bar fight (which I have to say is extremely unlikely but never say never) and I know that you would pick me up off the ground, dust me off and get me on my way no matter what ever happened to me" And, you know what, he's right. It looks like, unbeknownst to either of us, this is what he is going to have to do for me.
I owe you big time, my big love.
till next time
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