Today was my follow up Mammogram. The days leading up to the appointment were fraught with anxiety and questions. Would they find something? Is there more cancer? Another lump? Am I lump free?
So now the mammogram has been done, they tell me nothing and the anxiety is mounting. Did they find something? Is there more cancer? Another lump? Am I lump free?
Now the wait begins. My oncologist appointment is not until the 16th of October. That is six weeks away! Can I really wait that long? If they find something will they call me before that?
Oh the wait!!! how stressful!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Great Breakfast - Jasna Cafe
In case you didn't already know, Phil and I love to find new places to eat. Well, Phil likes the finding, I like to experience the eating!.
Some people have a favorite restaurant that they return to over and over. We are more like, "we've been there, where shall we go next". Phil will do the research, read reviews and carefully choose the next place we will go.
Yesterday was no exception. We wanted to go out for breakfast, so Phil got on his computer and started researching a place we had noticed as we drove home one day. The place is called is Jasna Cafe, at 10320 Whalley Blvd, Surrey, BC.
Many reviews that Phil found said try the Eggs Benny. So we did! And Wow! They were good. We had three choices of hash browns (deep fried cubed, homemade shredded and homemade pan fried) or fruit with a full eggs benny for $6.95. We both had the shredded hash browns, and they were delicious, crispy on the outside and soft in the middle YUM YUM! My eggs were cooked perfectly, poached medium, served on a slice of ham and toasted english muffin and topped with perfect hollandaise sauce. One of the best hollandaise sauces I have tasted in a long time, nice citrus touch, not too much butter, great balance.
The decor of the place is interesting, looks like a japanese sushi place, complete with rooms on one side. The menu is standard diner fare with a bit of an asian influence. The coffee was good. The service was friendly and quick. May have to go back one day to try their lunch menu, there is a Ruben sandwich that caught my eye.
So, if you are lookng for a good breakfast at truly reasonable prices - try the Jasna Cafe. We ate breakfast for under $20.00.
One more bonus -- they have WiFi so we were able to plan out our day while we enjoyed breakie!
Some people have a favorite restaurant that they return to over and over. We are more like, "we've been there, where shall we go next". Phil will do the research, read reviews and carefully choose the next place we will go.
Yesterday was no exception. We wanted to go out for breakfast, so Phil got on his computer and started researching a place we had noticed as we drove home one day. The place is called is Jasna Cafe, at 10320 Whalley Blvd, Surrey, BC.
Many reviews that Phil found said try the Eggs Benny. So we did! And Wow! They were good. We had three choices of hash browns (deep fried cubed, homemade shredded and homemade pan fried) or fruit with a full eggs benny for $6.95. We both had the shredded hash browns, and they were delicious, crispy on the outside and soft in the middle YUM YUM! My eggs were cooked perfectly, poached medium, served on a slice of ham and toasted english muffin and topped with perfect hollandaise sauce. One of the best hollandaise sauces I have tasted in a long time, nice citrus touch, not too much butter, great balance.
The decor of the place is interesting, looks like a japanese sushi place, complete with rooms on one side. The menu is standard diner fare with a bit of an asian influence. The coffee was good. The service was friendly and quick. May have to go back one day to try their lunch menu, there is a Ruben sandwich that caught my eye.
So, if you are lookng for a good breakfast at truly reasonable prices - try the Jasna Cafe. We ate breakfast for under $20.00.
One more bonus -- they have WiFi so we were able to plan out our day while we enjoyed breakie!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Grape Escapes Wine Tour
Best day of our vacation! A wine tour with Grape Escapes - check out their website here http://grapeescapes.ca/naramata-bench/.
Our driver/teacher was Dino and he was incredible! Full of information and fun facts. He was well respected and received with warmth at every winery we went to.
We went to 7 wineries and tasted many wines. Some we really liked and some we could leave on the shelf. We ended up buying 13 bottles of assorted wines. It was so much fun.
We added that to our purchases from the day before and this is what we have! And apparently, we have a few more wineries to visit on our way home. Phil and I have decided to head home via Highway # 3 and there are more wineries to be found on that route.
Now I have to go and pack up all the wine! See ya later! Oh wait we didn't go to that winery!
LOL
Our driver/teacher was Dino and he was incredible! Full of information and fun facts. He was well respected and received with warmth at every winery we went to.
We went to 7 wineries and tasted many wines. Some we really liked and some we could leave on the shelf. We ended up buying 13 bottles of assorted wines. It was so much fun.
Now I have to go and pack up all the wine! See ya later! Oh wait we didn't go to that winery!
LOL
Monday, August 6, 2012
Vacationing in style
Driving south on Highway 97 this morning, it dawned on me that my whole family was vacationing today. Tanya, Andre, Brian, Warren and Xavier are relaxing on the beach in Pornichet, France. Tara and Chris are enjoying the Okanagan for the weekend, and Phil and I are exploring the south Okanagan wine country, one winery at a time. I think this is the first time every we have all been on vacation at the same time.
Can't speak for the others, however, I can tell you that Phil and I are having the best time!
Had a wonderful visit with Tineke and Tyler, and their adorable little girls. It was so nice of them to open up their home to us.
Sunday afternoon we have the chance to connect with Terry and Aaron. So much fun catching up with old friends. Top that off with a great lunch at The Peacock Perch pub in Summerland and the day was picture perfect.
Phil and I planned our week away to explore wine country and we are off to a great start. We started at Deep Creek Estate Winery, where we had a lesson in old world wine making, tasted some lovely organic wines and bought a gift for a special someone.
Phil and I have decided to only stop at wineries with names that we like. So far, we have been to, Deep Creek, Greata Ranch, Okanagan Crush Pad, Blasted Church, Hidden Chapel, Tangled Vines and Kraze Legs. We have 13 bottles of wine in our hotel room!
Tomorrow we are going on a wine tasting tour. I wonder how many more bottles we will add to the collection? Keep you posted!!
Can't speak for the others, however, I can tell you that Phil and I are having the best time!
Had a wonderful visit with Tineke and Tyler, and their adorable little girls. It was so nice of them to open up their home to us.
Sunday afternoon we have the chance to connect with Terry and Aaron. So much fun catching up with old friends. Top that off with a great lunch at The Peacock Perch pub in Summerland and the day was picture perfect.
Phil and I planned our week away to explore wine country and we are off to a great start. We started at Deep Creek Estate Winery, where we had a lesson in old world wine making, tasted some lovely organic wines and bought a gift for a special someone.
Phil and I have decided to only stop at wineries with names that we like. So far, we have been to, Deep Creek, Greata Ranch, Okanagan Crush Pad, Blasted Church, Hidden Chapel, Tangled Vines and Kraze Legs. We have 13 bottles of wine in our hotel room!
Tomorrow we are going on a wine tasting tour. I wonder how many more bottles we will add to the collection? Keep you posted!!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
The Recovery Phase
Last week I saw the Medical Oncologist and this week I saw the Radiation Oncologist. The Medical Oncologist told me I was doing well and now we are in the follow up and recovery phase. He scheduled a mammogram for September and a follow up appointment with him for October.
The Radiation Oncologist told me in the nicest way possible that she hoped to never see me again! That was good news to my ears. She was so pleased with the healing that she saw in my skin. She told me she was so happy to see me looking so "peppy" and energetic!
Both of them told me that I can expect the recovery process to take up to a year and not to be too hard on myself.
I talked with the Medical Oncologist about what he called "balancing" surgery. Reduce the big one to match the little one. Not sure I am ready for surgery yet.
On the weekend I went to my favorite bra store to buy new bras and I asked them for a suggestion on how to fill the little side so I dont look so lopsided. They are the best!!! The lovely lady there hooked me up with a silicone "foob" to stuff my bra. And if you didnt know I was doing it, you would never know! Of course, now EVERYONE knows (like everyone reads my blog, what an ego!) cause I posted it here!
I am thinking my "foob" needs a better name. Any suggestions? I thought of Nancy - but I am not convinced my hunk of silicone looks like a Nancy. Want to help me name it? Come on - you know you do!!!
The Radiation Oncologist told me in the nicest way possible that she hoped to never see me again! That was good news to my ears. She was so pleased with the healing that she saw in my skin. She told me she was so happy to see me looking so "peppy" and energetic!
Both of them told me that I can expect the recovery process to take up to a year and not to be too hard on myself.
I talked with the Medical Oncologist about what he called "balancing" surgery. Reduce the big one to match the little one. Not sure I am ready for surgery yet.
On the weekend I went to my favorite bra store to buy new bras and I asked them for a suggestion on how to fill the little side so I dont look so lopsided. They are the best!!! The lovely lady there hooked me up with a silicone "foob" to stuff my bra. And if you didnt know I was doing it, you would never know! Of course, now EVERYONE knows (like everyone reads my blog, what an ego!) cause I posted it here!
I am thinking my "foob" needs a better name. Any suggestions? I thought of Nancy - but I am not convinced my hunk of silicone looks like a Nancy. Want to help me name it? Come on - you know you do!!!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Done like Dinner!
Today was the last treatment! No more getting up every morning and driving to the Cancer Centre for me.
All my radiation treatments are done. My skin is pretty beat up! and apparently it is going to get worse before it gets better. I have an arsenal of wonderful creams and lotions that are supposed to help.
It has been a long 7 months from diagnosis to finishing treatment, but I am happy to report, I did it!
This morning my Radiation Oncologist shook my hand and said "Congratulations, you should be proud of how you came through all of this." And you know, I am proud of myself.
Of course, I would never have been able to get through this treatment if it wasn't for the love and support of friends and family. You have all been awesome! Thank you!
The biggest thank you goes to my husband and kids. Without them I would never had been able to have treatment and keep up with working! They are the best!
So happy it is all done and so looking forward to recovering and feeling normal again.
All my radiation treatments are done. My skin is pretty beat up! and apparently it is going to get worse before it gets better. I have an arsenal of wonderful creams and lotions that are supposed to help.
It has been a long 7 months from diagnosis to finishing treatment, but I am happy to report, I did it!
This morning my Radiation Oncologist shook my hand and said "Congratulations, you should be proud of how you came through all of this." And you know, I am proud of myself.
Of course, I would never have been able to get through this treatment if it wasn't for the love and support of friends and family. You have all been awesome! Thank you!
The biggest thank you goes to my husband and kids. Without them I would never had been able to have treatment and keep up with working! They are the best!
So happy it is all done and so looking forward to recovering and feeling normal again.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Never said I could add!
So --- I never professed to be a wiz at math. And all of my friends are way too polite to point out my failings in the math area!
As of today it is 13 down 17 to go! So that would make yesterday 12 - 18! See told you I have math issues.
Still a crazy game! But at least I only have 17 more treatments to go! That sounds way better than the stats of yesterday.
Thank you for being so kind and not pointing out my horrid math skills. I could blame it all on left over chemo brain, but honestly, I am just that bad at adding.
As of today it is 13 down 17 to go! So that would make yesterday 12 - 18! See told you I have math issues.
Still a crazy game! But at least I only have 17 more treatments to go! That sounds way better than the stats of yesterday.
Thank you for being so kind and not pointing out my horrid math skills. I could blame it all on left over chemo brain, but honestly, I am just that bad at adding.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
12 DOWN - 28 TO GO
Sounds a bit like a score in game. I guess in some ways it is. My game of "radiation race". I wonder if we could market it? Doubt it - no one really wants to play, trust me!
Today I am finding the race to be tedious. I know I shouldn't complain, but the "getting up in the morning, shower, get dressed, drive to cancer clinic, undress, get zapped, apply protective lotion, get dressed, drive to work, repeat 30 times" has gotten old already. And I am at 12-28. Yikes!!
Time for an attitude adjustment I guess. I am thankful that this treatment is available to me and so close to home. I drive past the cancer clinic on my way to work on a regular day as it is. I am also thankful that the side effects have been minor so far, just a little pink skin, feels like a mild sunburn and mild fatigue. Today has been the worst fatigue day. I would love to just curl up on the couch in our reception area and have a nap. Unfortunately the unladylike snoring would be a bad first impression for our clients!!! LOL. So I will have another cup of coffee, to get a caffeine boost and carry on!
And that dear friends is my update! 12-28 and hanging in! Thanks for all your prayers and support!!!!
Today I am finding the race to be tedious. I know I shouldn't complain, but the "getting up in the morning, shower, get dressed, drive to cancer clinic, undress, get zapped, apply protective lotion, get dressed, drive to work, repeat 30 times" has gotten old already. And I am at 12-28. Yikes!!
Time for an attitude adjustment I guess. I am thankful that this treatment is available to me and so close to home. I drive past the cancer clinic on my way to work on a regular day as it is. I am also thankful that the side effects have been minor so far, just a little pink skin, feels like a mild sunburn and mild fatigue. Today has been the worst fatigue day. I would love to just curl up on the couch in our reception area and have a nap. Unfortunately the unladylike snoring would be a bad first impression for our clients!!! LOL. So I will have another cup of coffee, to get a caffeine boost and carry on!
And that dear friends is my update! 12-28 and hanging in! Thanks for all your prayers and support!!!!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
I "Heart" Phil!
I don't think it comes as a surprise to anyone who knows me. But sometimes it is a good idea to publicly declare it. I LOVE PHIL! The kind of love that causes you to carve your initials in a tree trunk, even when you know deep down inside it is not in the best interests of the tree. The kind of love that causes you to say YES and walk down the aisle all dressed in white lace. The kind of love that causes you to think that a houseful of kids is a good idea.
I have never doubted that he loves me.
The past six months have revealed another level of love. His love for me. I know that he loves me, have never doubted that in the 38 years that we have been together. But in the last six months he has demonstrated a love for me that brings tears to my eyes.
He loves me enough to:
make all my meals
drive to the store at the craziest hours to get me the latest craving
wash my clothes, dry, fold and put away
make all my meals
drive me to work in the morning
drive all the way back to my office to pick me up after work ( even on the really short days)
do ALL the grocery shopping
make all my meals
bring me drinks
go out at all hours in search of the perfect smoothie
bring me pillows
cover me with a blanket
did I mention - make all my meals?
comfort me when chemo made me sick
listen to all my fears
let me cry
pray for me
go to all my medical appointments
sit with me while I had Chemo
regardless of his own fears, hold my hand and tell me it will be alright
and so on and so on.
The list could go on for many many pages.
I am so blessed to have Phil as my life partner! I thank God daily for him. So on this Valentine' Day I am taking a moment to say "Phil, Will you be my Valentine? I love you?"
I have never doubted that he loves me.
The past six months have revealed another level of love. His love for me. I know that he loves me, have never doubted that in the 38 years that we have been together. But in the last six months he has demonstrated a love for me that brings tears to my eyes.
He loves me enough to:
make all my meals
drive to the store at the craziest hours to get me the latest craving
wash my clothes, dry, fold and put away
make all my meals
drive me to work in the morning
drive all the way back to my office to pick me up after work ( even on the really short days)
do ALL the grocery shopping
make all my meals
bring me drinks
go out at all hours in search of the perfect smoothie
bring me pillows
cover me with a blanket
did I mention - make all my meals?
comfort me when chemo made me sick
listen to all my fears
let me cry
pray for me
go to all my medical appointments
sit with me while I had Chemo
regardless of his own fears, hold my hand and tell me it will be alright
and so on and so on.
The list could go on for many many pages.
I am so blessed to have Phil as my life partner! I thank God daily for him. So on this Valentine' Day I am taking a moment to say "Phil, Will you be my Valentine? I love you?"
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
And Radiation Begins!
Yesterday was day one of radiation treatment. I will be having 25 treatments plus 5 boosts. 30 trips to the radiation therapy department in all! Everyday, Monday to Friday, for 6 weeks.
So I am 2 down, 28 to go. This week all my treatments are early enough in the day that I can make it to work on time and the Cancer Centre is going to do their best to keep all my appointments early.
I am hoping that I can get through this treatment with minimal side effects.
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
So I am 2 down, 28 to go. This week all my treatments are early enough in the day that I can make it to work on time and the Cancer Centre is going to do their best to keep all my appointments early.
I am hoping that I can get through this treatment with minimal side effects.
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Next Phase - Radiation
Met my Radiation Oncologist yesterday. She is very nice. Great bedside manner. She talked about radiation and how it can reduce the risk of a local re-occurrence. Decision was easy to make. Radiation treatment is my next step in my treatment. (and hopefully the last step) The Doctor told me that after the time I had with Chemo, radiation should be a cake walk. Very few side effects, mostly fatigue and some mild burning of the skin, like a sunburn. And she is going to give me some creams to help with that!
Radiation treatment is everyday - Monday to Friday. It should start the first week of February and will last for 6 weeks.
So happy to be moving on with this final step of treatment. Looking forward to my hair growing back!
Radiation treatment is everyday - Monday to Friday. It should start the first week of February and will last for 6 weeks.
So happy to be moving on with this final step of treatment. Looking forward to my hair growing back!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Round 4 Is Kicking My A**!
Wow! I was told that the effects and side effects of Chemo can be cumulative. That is an understatement if I ever heard one. Since last Friday, I have been battling nausea and a tiredness the defies description.
Have only managed to get to work for a total of 4 hours. I have been living on anti nausea drugs and gravol tablets. So, I eat so I can take the anti nausea pill and then I sleep. Then I wake up, have a bite to eat so I can take more anti nausea drugs, and take another nap. And that is how I spent New Years Eve and every day since then.
I am so very thankful for my wonderful husband, who has catered to my needs and wants, taken care of the house, undecorated from Christmas (with Tanya's help), made sure Brian gets to school on time, music lessons, driven me to and from work, and generally takes care of me! I guess this the worse of "for better or worse".
The one bright spot, no more chemo for Me!!! Tomorrow I see the radiation oncologist to see if I need radiation treatments. And once that is done - no more cancer for me!!!
So, every day is one day closer to being finished, one day closer to feeling like my old self!
Thank you all so much for your continued support! I truly appreciate it!
Have only managed to get to work for a total of 4 hours. I have been living on anti nausea drugs and gravol tablets. So, I eat so I can take the anti nausea pill and then I sleep. Then I wake up, have a bite to eat so I can take more anti nausea drugs, and take another nap. And that is how I spent New Years Eve and every day since then.
I am so very thankful for my wonderful husband, who has catered to my needs and wants, taken care of the house, undecorated from Christmas (with Tanya's help), made sure Brian gets to school on time, music lessons, driven me to and from work, and generally takes care of me! I guess this the worse of "for better or worse".
The one bright spot, no more chemo for Me!!! Tomorrow I see the radiation oncologist to see if I need radiation treatments. And once that is done - no more cancer for me!!!
So, every day is one day closer to being finished, one day closer to feeling like my old self!
Thank you all so much for your continued support! I truly appreciate it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
