Well, not a whole lot has gone on these past two weeks. Which is nice at times!
Last Saturday (the 17th), we went to The Grands picnic. This was the casino Brian used to work for for many years. Nice to run into old friends and of course my cousin was there and I hadn't seen her in 2 years. She looks fabulous! Some of the gang hadn't seen me in a few years, so had to explain the story and got some very welcome support.
Last week I was interviewed for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundations for their fundraising letter which thy send out before Christmas. This year, the story will be my story and my picture. I think it is kinda cool. I have gone over a few drafts of it so far. Will be nice to see the final letter once all the powers that be, have a look over it. I am also looking forward to doing some speaking on behalf of the foundation
This Friday was a chemo Friday. Now you know, that I normally take someone with me. Well - this time I didn't - whoops! I had had to fast for 12 hours for a glucose sugar test as my numbers were a wee bit hit. Well, then they give you this horrid stuff to drink - sweet and very carbonated. On an empty stomach. Then they tell you to drink more. So went down to have my chemo, but the nurse suggested holding off as the anti-nausea meds have a lot of sugar in them so that wouldn't help my test. So we waited an extra hour before doing the chemo. Got the chemo done, ate my yogurt and banana and went home. That is when things sort of went down hill. I felt horrid. At one point felt as if I was going to blank out - and there is no real spots to pull over on this particular section of the highway. But made it into Port Moody and pulled into a side street and puked and puked and puked. I phoned Brian to let him know I would be home in a few minutes. Duh- stupid move on my art - should never go to chemo alone - just for reasons like this! I lay down for a couple of hours and just ate some plain noodles for dinner. Even Saturday didn't feel that great, but was ok for Sunday. So, yes, I have my drivers booked for the next two Fridays that I need to go to chemo.
Sunday - our annual bbq - and what a great time we all had. Had a short visit from Samantha and her Mom, Cathy was great to see them both - Samantha is such an amazing young woman and her Mom is keeps the house organized and straight as well as keeping track of where Sam has to be all the time! Including the firemen! How to make your bbq smokin!!!! The little kids loved it, they got to sit in the truck and play with the bells and whistles and horns. Tried on the fireman's uniforms - they were so tiny in the outfits! We didn't have as many people this year which was unfortunate, but there is alawys next year for sure. Think we had, including kids about 55. So down a wee bit but still a lot of fun! And tons of great food - thanks everyone for all the yummy dishes that were brought. And thank you Mike, for the funky bottle of wine from Tunusia - Brian and I can't wait to try it for sure! The kids were in and out of the pool though more just splashing. It will be there for when any of them come over again or when Gammie wants to wiggle her toes in some cool water.
I did have a visit from my home care nurse earlier this week - and she got after me for not managing my pain management. So I did go and see my family doctor she changed some of the meds and it does seem to have helped. I was supposed to have had a visit today from the OT, but so far, she has not appeared. My home Care nurse wants me to have a safety bar put into the bath and she figures she can get it put for free, if there is a recommendation from the OT. And for those of you who hae seen how I have to get into my tub, it could be a a done deal. When I as talking with Jackie my home care nurse, she said that normally you only get put on the palliative care program if you have less than 6 months 0 her comments was, yeah right, you ain't gonna be gone that soon!
My friend Heather had surgery this week, so we are praying that she gets good results and that they can get on with their lives and building a family.
And hoping that Shannon's foot is feeling much better, not a fun place to get a cut - barnacles on a clam shell ripped her foot apart - owie! Sent her home with a bug bag of Epsom salts and hope that made her feel a little bit better!
Well, time to add in some pictures here and then go and have a wee nap!
More in two weeks unless something exciting happens!
6 comments:
I LOVE Ryan's hair - my grandson used to get his buzzed short like that when he was little. He hated having sweaty hair...lol. I have often wondered how you manage to drive yourself to chemo - I don't know anyone else who has ever managed that. I feel so bad that you had to go through the extra glucose test - been there, done that and hated it! That has to be the most putrid stuff anyone ever invented! It would bring anyone to their knees!!
Your bbq sounds like it was fun and the pics look great. The kids always steal the show,, don't they!! Glad you have the pool to use to cool off - I'd be in it every day :-))
Roni - I'm so proud of you for sharing your path with us - it takes guts and I'm sure you don't feel like it some days - but there could be no more worthy or fitting spokesperson - People need to hear what you have to say!! You make a difference in someone's life every day as it is - it blows me away the people you will be able to reach and touch when you speak at events.
Sleep well, my friend and enjoy that wine you mentioned you got!
Love, Mavis
I'm sorry I missed the barbeque!! Sounds like it was a lot of fun. I'm sure Ashton would have enjoyed playing on the firetruck.
The pics are awesome. Ryan and Maddie or so big!!
Ashton is getting more and more vocal everyday. Pointing to this and to that saying what's that?? It's cute but he sounds like a broken record!! I can't wait to come home in a couple of weeks. Maybe we can get together!!
Stay strong Roni. *hugs*
TTYS
Hey Roni,
How are you feeling now? See from your blog that you have learnt a very good lesson about going to chemo with a driver. In Victoria they pretty much insist on it!
Sounds like the bbq was fun.
We just got back from camping at Nanaimo Lakes Campground. It is a forestry campsite so you have to bring in your own water, and it has pit toilets only but it was worth every single minute of being there. We were there for 5 days and the scenes, lake, river and mountains are so spectacular! Great swimming and hiking too. Not everyone's cup of tea with no running water but most definitely worth all the sacrifices of modern camping.
How is Shannon's foot? I know I can go on facebook and do all this but I never go on it!! I don't get that much time on the computer. Anyway I will post some of our pics to my page anyway.
Let me know if you are coming to Victoria anytime because, as you know we all love to see you. Can't get over to the mainland. We have finally booked our trip to the Bahamas and we leave Victoria on Thursday December 23rd and get home on December 31st (at 11:45pm!) Happy New Year!! I am dying to go and we are having to save save save to pay for it but I don't care I am going come hell or highwater!
Ashley just found out she has been given a job at Bluenotes and I hope that her travelling with us is not going to be a problem especially since we have already paid for the airfare. Anyway it is exciting. Has Patrick told you she is seriously considering the Navy as a career? She has looked into it quite extensively and would like to join the humanitarian branch of the Navy. She is going to talk to the recruitment officer to find out what she has to do and she has also spoken to Patrick who gave her some important info. I guess we will see if this actually pans out!! As much as I love her I can honestly say that she has a tendency to be a procrastinator (McIlveen trait as you know) as well as losing her enthusiasim along the way. Never know but she has obviously seriously looked into it. Anyway let me know how it is going other than what is on your blog. I don't keep in touch with you as much as I should! You are always in my prayers and thoughts,
Luv
Elaine
Hey Mavis
I learned my lesson for driving to chemo - hae the next two sessions booked with drivers! Which means, we will be having drinks!!!
Ryan loves his hair short - and it is much easier for Meghan to look after as well.
Think I am going to put my toes in the pool and do my word search and keep cool that way.
Thanks you so very much for your suport as well - the word has to be spreadand if this helps at least one woman then it has worked!
Elaine - I may take you up on your offer to stat - there are too many I want to see and who have asked for me to come and visit them - especially Auntie Shirley - she amd I talk back and forth lots and it is great!
Tamara - yes, come on over when you are out here in August! Would love to see you, Jay and Ashton!
I just had to put this video up for all to see. It is so cute - will make you smile and giggle!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=528035729#!/video/video.php?v=10150240220285643&ref=mf
Lots of love
Gammie
I intended to write when I read this last week but forgot (at my age that is a good excuse.
How did you make out with the tub? I have to tell you what happened to me. I've been taking showers for years but one day last year I was feeling rather achy so decided to get in the tub. It felt great but...when I went to get up as I used to do, I couldn't do it. There I was with only Carly in the house, no phone near the tub and I was stranded. I finally wiggled around and managed to get on my hands and knees and push myself up and out. Needless to say I haven't tried it since. Now I use the tub to put the waste basket in so Carly doesn't get into it and eat the Kleenex. Love, Viv
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