Radiation, Surprise Visitors and more

Hello everyone,

Christmas is just around the corner and I figure I should update the blog! – It has been a while, hasn’t it!

Last week, Brian and got to go to the 2010 Grant Recipient Reception for the CBCF for doctors who are doing various type of research with respect to breast cancer. It was a nice short and sweet event. No long speeches – just two and they were done within 45 minutes including handing out the monies and plaques. Was fun chatting with various staff from the foundation – all different levels. It was held at the Bill Reid Art Gallery and standing amongst his artwork as amazing – just wish I could afford some of it – but you could feel his spirit within the building. For those of you who do not know who he is, he is a renowned Haida Gwaii artist and is known all over the world. I also got my letter which is going out to over 100,000 people as one of the foundations big fundraiser and I proud to have my name attached to it.

Things at the BCCA have not changed from when I left them in March. As mentioned in the previous update, Dr. Sasha sent an email to Dr. Kwan at the agency for my appointment. Nothing. I had to call the agency and ask if there was an appointment to meet with him – and yes there was, they just hadn’t phoned me to let me know. So Brian and I met with him and a young student doctor. The appointment took almost 3 hours – long – never had so many questions asked!! They said I would get a call for my first appointment – they would do the brain first. Guess what – I had to call them to get the appointment – they were too busy to call patients with their appointment times. But I did get my times slowly but surely and radiation began. It was an interesting experience for sure. I felt like I was under the “K-Mart” blue light special! And it was warm. There were five treatments for the brain and then he decided he was not going to map neither the spine nor the hip. He told me to tell Dr. Klimo to order a bone scan!! Let’s just say, Dr. Klimo is not impressed – he knows there is something in the spine and hip! So, I have a bone scan on Monday afternoon. If I had to wait for the BCCA to book one it would be at least one or two months. Klimo orders and it is done! He had wanted it done yesterday but they were booked – and I am glad!

Chemo has started again and I am so glad. Gotta fight the dang tumours in my body. And also the extra drugs to keep the red and white counts where they should be – and that means bonus Airmiles at Safeway – wahooo!! Chemo starts today and then the next session is Christmas Eve – that will be the 3^rd one that has landed on that day! At least it is being done!!!

Went out to Club Colour the other day with my neighbor and painted a few pieces of ceramics for gifts for some of the staff at the clinic – will pick them up next week – and yes, will take pictures of them and post here. It is always so relaxing doing the painting and a lot of fun.

I finally applied for my handicap parking pass – now just have to take it into the office which I will do today on way home from chemo, if my driver had time! Will make things a lot easier when going out and not having to worry about running out of steam within a few feet – there are lots of spots where I grocery shop and at the mall.

The tree is up with the lights on – no decorations as of yet – will have to get on that. The lights are in the windows and on the pony wall. Just need to move the decorations from the boxes to the tree! Maybe I can get some volunteers!!! Patrick and Brian put the lights on the tree! And then get started on my Xmas baking. Have started making some chocolates and think tomorrow will be mincemeat and butter tarts. Then lots of little cookies with my Mom’s really old cookie press – can do lots of shapes for the shortbread and make some other cookies from the recipe book that I remember as a child. Then into the freezer they go.

We have another birthday party for one of our granddaughter’s. Ayla turns 2 on the 17^th, but her party is tomorrow, so will be lots of fun – a whole bunch of little kids running around!! Noise level should be interesting in the building they hold it in, but it is warm and that is good!

Christmas will be a little different this year. Brian has to work on Christmas Dad, but it is an afternoon shift so really not that bad. I am going to my former neighbor’s for dinner that evening – her daughter and son-in-law live a few blocks from here so they will take me. My kids will be at their father’s house. I will be hosting our Christmas dinner on Boxing Day – pot luck and can’t wait. Always fun to have the family over for dinner, especially when there are little kids around.

We had surprise visitors yesterday afternoon. My neice Elaine and her husband Jim had driven down from Clearwater to do some shoping and visit with his son who just lives up a few blocks from us. They were headed back home today so was just a short visit with us but tha tis ok. We don't get to see each other very often so the time we had was special.

Well, guess I should sign off for now, need to make a few phone calls before I go out and go out onto the deck and clean up the mess the Gloria made – she managed to knock over the recycle can and plastic is everywhere – silly cat. Write some cards and mail a gift.

So, if I am not on before Christmas – A Very Merry Christmas to everyone and lot of a peace and love. Looking forward to comments – they really do brighten my day when I read them.

Roni