Hidden Treasure

I am still having some problems but things are getting better.

Through everything there is definitely hidden treasure to be found.

Yesterday I received an email from Dawn asking if she could provide supper for us. I was not about to turn that offer down, I hadn't even begun to think about what supper would be and my Costco trip for the week has been postponed indefinitely. A wonderful supper of Caribbean chicken and Snap Pea salad arrived as well as some Turkey soup and a special treat of pistachio nuts for Rod. In addition was a new book for me to read, very timely as I had just finished the book I was reading about 30 minutes prior to Dawn's arrival.

Regarding my Mom's room at the lodge and arrangements and packing I now have several volunteers  coming to help pack on Wednesday and Friday afternoons as well as boxes to pack everything in. What a blessing. This will be so helpful in getting things in place for her for long term care.

I also received a phone call from my friend who is sharing this breast cancer journey with me, she just had her third FEC treatment last week and will move forward to the Taxotere and Herceptin next round. How wonderful to talk to each other and share a few laughs and a few tears over things that only someone going through the same experiences would understand. From what she tells me she also has great friends who are supporting her and helping out, when she lets them. We did talk about how hard it is to ask for help and yet how willing we have found others to provide that help when they know we require it. God is good and this is definitely a learning experience.

I hope you are all able to find the hidden treasure in your lives today.

Take care, everyone.

Hit from Behind

Yesterday was not a good day for me. I woke up to nausea and stomach cramps and things did not get better, I will spare you the details. I also find that my nose is tending to bleed so I need to keep on top of that.

This means that I need to find things to smile about again today. It is a very grey day with freezing rain here -

• Rod will be the first person who makes me smile, what a sad weekend for him and yet he keeps on being there for me through all of it
• Wade and Gayle came over yesterday afternoon, who knew that all I would need to get a kiss on the cheek from Wade all these years was to look and smell my worst
• Deb popped over with a wonderful roast chicken supper accompanied by spaghetti squash and sauce with delicious pears as the dessert, this offering was from her and her partners in her Real Estate business. Steve, one of the partners also sent hugs and kisses 
• Justin sent a new video of my youngest grandchild being cute, I've watched it several times already and made my company watch it yesterday. He also posted new pictures from a family hike on Facebook which have also made me smile, more than once
• Magic bags and Tylenol have given me reason to smile this a.m., as well as the knowledge that, although I didn't want to, I can postpone my plans for my Mom's room at the lodge for a day or two 
• The knowledge that this isn't forever and that after chemo 1 I wondered if I would be able to get to chemo 2, yet here I am post chemo 4 with only 2 to go - and now I will be more prepared for day 5 and 6 next time

Take care, everyone

Good Day to Stay Inside

It's a cloudy, grey day today and there have been flurries overnight.

I gave myself my second Neulasta shot yesterday at noon and I am definitely feeling the effects of that combined with Tuesday's chemo. I was teasing Rod as I was moving around this morning that what I was doing could really be considered slow for a snail. This means that I didn't make it to the wig fitting and that an additional 10% off at Compassionate Beauty is not enough to entice me out this afternoon. I came downstairs to my recliner about 10 and I am now writing with a movie on in the background. Ambitious, eh? ;)

Robbie has vacuumed and Rod has cleaned up the kitchen and started more laundry prior to going out to get his hair cut. Kenny is out playing laser tag for his friend's birthday, which means that there are no demands on me whatsoever at this moment in time. I think I can handle that.

Take care, everyone.

Quick Update

I haven't posted for a couple of days, but thankfully it is not because I was not feeling well. I have been pleasantly surprised that so far, so good with this chemo regimen.

For the past couple of days, probably fueled by steroids, I have had quite a bit of energy and tackled some housework, laundry and cooking as well as some errands yesterday. I did find that by the time I sat down in the dentist's office to wait for Kenny during his appointment yesterday, I was wondering if they had a bed somewhere that they would let me use, but the energy returned enough to get us home and get supper on the table.

Caleb and Leisha came over for supper. While we were sitting around talking after supper I did find that my legs suddenly felt achy and I was tired, and I anticipated that I may not possibly have a return of energy like earlier in the day. With this in mind, I got up and moved around, cleaning up and closing the kitchen for the night, moving did help with my leg pain.

This a.m., I think I am beginning to feel the first signs of peripheral neuropathy in my fingers, one of the side effects of the Taxotere. They are just a little numb and tingly on the very fingertips, kind of a weird sensation as I type this. I have read that Alpha Lipoic Acid can help with this so I plan to ask my oncologist is she is agreeable to me trying it out.

As I look forward to the week ahead, it promises to be a busy one. I am hoping to get to a wig fitting tomorrow a.m. for one of the lovely ladies on my breast cancer forum who will be starting chemo soon, there is also a sale on at Compassionate Beauty, if my energy holds out.

On Monday, I will be going to my mother's lodge and signing forms required for her transition from the lodge over to a longer term care facility. The transition coordinator and a social worker contacted me the day of my chemo to let me know that Mom had been approved for long term care. Next steps for us are to sign the forms at the lodge, pack and move her things and clean out the room and her storage closet there. The transition coordinator and the lodge were very good to work with me regarding timelines and Mom's concerns re: finances. She didn't want to be charged for another month at the lodge as well as having to start paying for the long term care. To enable this, the lodge will charge on a per day basis from this point on and the transition coordinator won't add Mom to the waitlist until I give her the heads up that everything is complete at the lodge. I will also need to go over with Mom the various facilities available and help her identify her first choice. She may be moved to first available when the time comes, but with her first choice identified once a spot is available there, she will be moved to it.

I also have a few meetings in regards to work and a couple of appointments with doctors to round out my week. Boring is not a word in my vocabulary yet in this process ;)

I am thankful for God's provision and goodness and will take one day at a time, one task at a time - and not forget to find Joy and look for the hidden treasure.

Take care, everyone.

Two Thirds of the Way Done with Chemo

Today was a long day in the Medical Day Care area but I am now officially two thirds done my chemo and happy to be there. Not sure what tonight and the next few days will bring but so far so good. I won't have a long post but wanted to update people. This new regimen doesn't even give a premed for nausea, the biggest concern they have with these drugs is possible allergic reaction so I had increased steroids and Claritin to help prevent. So far, so good - and no nausea :)

As promised, we did get a good amount of snow overnight. Rod wanted to run into his shop first thing so he could get them set up for the day. I sucked it up and told him I would drive over and pick him up, then placed myself and the day and the driving into the Lord's capable hands and set about getting ready and on my way. We made it to my appointment only 5 minutes late, they were still processing the patients who had been late for their 0830 appointments, so I didn't do too badly. Rod's shop is always busier on days where the weather is bad and I knew that chemo would take longer today so I told him he could go back to the shop and I would text him with updates. He was reluctant but acquiesced ;). He was worried about who would get me water and food should I need it. Turns out I was very well looked after by the volunteers with lovely cups of tea in beautiful china cups and saucers, with cookies and kind smiles on the side.

I really wanted to have something to distract me as they started my first chemo. First they told me all the signs to watch for in regards to potential reaction and gave me a call bell. It's hard for me not to self monitor a little too much when told these things. The Lord provided again. Just as the infusion was starting my friend and former co-worker Patsy arrived to save the day. She distracted me with not one, but two big hugs and talk of family, friends and sunnier climes.

I checked Facebook regularly, sent several emails, read a book and rested through the morning and early afternoon, keeping Rod updated. He showed up about 2:15 just as I was finished and ready to be disconnected. Great timing. Rod seems to know people everywhere we go and today was no different. The man in the bed beside me turned out to be an old customer of his and they started chatting. As a result Rod ended up with some new business coming his way.

Now I'm home and Kenny is once again Mommy-sitting while Rod has returned to close things up at the shop, but not before providing me with water and a nice late lunch/early supper.

Take care everyone!

Finding Joy

Following our return last week I found I was in a bit of a low energy mode but still managed to have some good days and good visits, including a wonderful book club session on Thursday afternoon with some very lovely ladies and a lunch with my friend Liz at Joey's on Friday afternoon. It was nice to catch up with Liz, she is looking forward to the arrival of her first grandchild in early January and talked of the warmer climates of Arizona, where she and her husband have a place.

Today's reading in the book 'Jesus Calling' by Sarah Young is quoted below -

"No matter what your circumstances may be, you can find Joy in My Presence. On some days Joy is generously strewn along your life-path, glistening in the sunlight. On days like that,  being content is as simple as breathing the next breath or taking the next step. Other days are overcast and gloomy; you feel the strain of the journey, which seems endless. Dull gray rocks greet your gaze and cause your feet to ache, yet Joy is still attainable. Search for it as for hidden treasure.

Begin by remembering that I have created this day; it is not a chance occurrence. Recall that I am present with you whether you sense My Presence or not. Then, start talking with Me about whatever is on your mind. Rejoice in the fact that I understand you perfectly, and I know exactly what you are experiencing. As you continue communicating with Me, your mood will gradually lighten. Awareness of My marvelous Companionship can infuse Joy into the grayest day."

I was challenged to put this into practise first thing this morning when I looked outside and realized that it was indeed an overcast and gloomy looking day and, on top of that, it was snowing and I could hear from the radio that the roads were slippery. I gave my worries about driving on slippery roads to the Lord and continued to get ready to go for my pre-chemo labwork and oncologist visit.

As part of my morning, I had arranged to have coffee with a lady I had been in contact with through my autism work at 1100. In the past, with a 0730 lab appointment and 0900 oncologist appointment, there has been ample time to accommodate an 1100 coffee date. Today, it was pushing it and my feet did literally ache by that time.

Normally, the lab is open a little before 0730 so people can grab a number, run next door to the Outpatient Clinic area for their lab requisitions and return in time for the number to be called. Today they were behind, possibly due to the road conditions, the area where the numbers are obtained had a see through locked panel around it. There were several people already waiting so I continued on to the Outpatient area to get my requisition without a number. The clerk seemed a little rattled and told me that I would need to take a seat while she did a few other things. One of the things that seemed important to her before looking after me was turning on the TV, not my priority but I tried to put myself in her shoes and took some deep calming breaths. Once my requisition was in hand I went back to the lab area, where the original 'wait-ees' continued to wait along with some new ones. The lab still wasn't open so I sat down and chatted to the lady beside me. When the lab did open I found it interesting that a couple of the last people to arrive in the area were the first people to rush into line for a number. I offered to get a number for the lady beside me as I got in line myself. We didn't do too bad, numbers 6 and 7. In order to 'look for the hidden treasure' I gave her the number 6 and kept 7 for myself. We had our blood drawn in chairs right next to each other as we continued to chat. She was new to the whole routine so I was able to fill her in.

When I went back to the Outpatient Clinic area for my 0900 appointment, I was informed that the lab tech hadn't taken enough blood and they hadn't been able to complete my CBC so back I went to the lab for another try. I was getting serious practise in finding Joy and beginning to get seriously behind in my timing for the day. Once back at my appointment, rather than being given a prescription for an outside pharmacy, I was given one to take to the Cancer Center Outpatient Pharmacy. Once again I waited. I continue to be amused that in our Cancer Center I am treated like a kindergartner by the generally elderly population in the area. There are not too many places where this 'almost senior herself' is made to feel like she is too young to be there. I was finally called to talk to the pharmacist who provided me with instructions for taking the premeds for my new set of chemo drugs. This time the meds were to begin this a.m., but not until I had the go ahead from my blood results.

Back to the Outpatient area I went to see if they had received my new results. No luck. The first dose of the premed was supposed to be 24 hours prior to my chemo time of 0930 tomorrow morning, I was now already behind in that timing and about to get more behind. I had forgotten my cell phone so they wouldn't have a way of contacting me about the results until I returned home. I still had my coffee date to attend and no way to contact her to cancel. More searching for hidden treasure ;)

I had thought I would have time to talk to the Parking office about suspending my payments while on disability and go and see my mother before I left for the coffee date. Not anymore. I talked briefly to the parking people and rushed over to the Second Cup I had agreed to meet this lady at.

Once there, I was very glad I was able to meet with her. She was experiencing some struggles and, even though I had only met her briefly once, there was no stiffness in our conversation. The Joy for me in this encounter came when, as we got up to leave, she turned to me and said "I feel refreshed".

I have since been home to hear the news that chemo is on, my counts were good, yay Neulasta! I took my premed, had some lunch, ran over to my office to give the group some treats (they were looking a little gaunt when I was there on Friday a.m.) ;) Next I tackled Costco where I bought too much (but what a Christmas it is going to be!), and worsened my aching feet situation. On returning home I put the groceries away and my aching feet up - in that order.

Tomorrow it seems I will once again be challenged to find Joy - there is a snowfall warning in effect, we are expecting 10 - 15 cm of the white stuff overnight.

Take care everyone!

God is amazing

While we were on Vancouver Island, we wanted a chance to have Vic and Barb out to the cabin, we knew the minute we walked into the cabin that they would love it and we really wanted to be able to show them our appreciation for them accommodating us with such short notice and showing incredible grace and hospitality.

We called Barb on Tuesday and arranged for her and Vic to come out on Saturday afternoon for lunch and Barb invited us to be her guests at the Royal British Columbia Museum where she volunteers. Friday morning seemed to be a good day to arrange to meet her there.

The minute the invitation was extended my mind went to what we should serve them, wanting the meal to be special but knowing that we were leaving the next day. Anyone who knows me well knows that I can get anxious about entertaining and that I am not always the best cook. The Lord seemed to be whispering in my ear "Trust Me" and so I did. I looked in the fridge and got the skeleton of what we would have and needed to use but still didn't want the meal to seem like leftovers to Vic and Barb.

Our trip to see my on-line friend Liefie provided us with the means to round out the menu and make it special with her gift of cheese, candied salmon, crackers and potato chips.

With what we had in the fridge I realized that wraps would be a perfect way to present our 'leftovers' in a fresh way and Rod kindly drove into Sooke on Thursday afternoon for these additions as well as a couple of packages of ice cream. We knew from our stay at their house that Barb enjoyed her ice cream, no matter the time of day and had tried to tempt Rod into a late night bowl with her. He resisted ;)

Friday morning found us at the museum and Barb was a wonderful hostess, accommodating my need for rest breaks and our interests in what she took us to see.

I felt strongly on Friday that before we went back to the cabin that I should contact a good friend that had worked with me through about twenty-five years of our nursing careers prior to her moving to Victoria with her husband. I hadn't seen her since the move and didn't know if I would be able to locate her but with my first attempt we were able to do this and she instantly 'demanded' that we come to her place and spend Sunday afternoon and evening after leaving the cabin. I don't think this was coincidence, neither was it coincidence that they just happened to live very close to the airport or that they would have company that weekend that was leaving on the same flight as us and that we could give a ride to the airport.

On Saturday morning, Rod and I tackled the housekeeping in the cabin and then set to work on the meal preparations. Here is where I need to confess that I have never made butternut squash soup before and that there were limited seasonings and ingredients on hand. My qualms were settled with another "Trust me" and so I set to work, starting with the chicken broth and the cubed butternut squash. To this I added some no salt seasoning, some salt and pepper, a few threads of saffron and two cinnamon sticks. I let this simmer for a bit while I made the tuna and egg salad fillings and Rod sliced up steak, tomatoes and sweet red peppers. When the squash was soft, I found an immersion blender and started blending the soup, forgetting that I had cinnamon sticks in the pot and had meant to pull them out before blending. I thought I had a disaster on my hands, once again heard the words "Trust Me"  so I fished out all the pieces of the cinnamon sticks I could and then blended well again. I tasted it and it wasn't bad but I didn't trust my own tastebuds due to the chemo effect.

Vic and Barb arrived and we gave them a brief tour of the cabin and the deck area. When we sat down to lunch, I was already apologizing in advance for the soup and telling them if they didn't like it there was no requirement to eat it. I had drizzled cream into the bowls of soup and used a knife through the cream to make a leaf pattern a la Starbucks so it presented well. As for taste, the soup was amazing! Everyone had two helpings and I think they may have had more if, with Rod's second helping, he wasn't scraping the bottom of the pot. The rest of the meal seemed just as amazing and was so relaxed with Vic and Barb insisting on taking turns doing dishes between courses (the cabin had limited bowls, etc.). The admonition to 'Trust Me' was well worth taking and made everything so much more enjoyable than my own efforts would have been.

Following our meal we drove down to a hiking trail at Sandcut Beach and spent about an hour exploring the trail and the beach and talking non-stop (OK, that was me and I blame the steroids, Barb was very patient to listen ;)

On Sunday we did our final clean-up of the cabin and said a sad farewell to this wonderful place. On the way into Victoria Rod stopped to allow me to take one last picture, then we stopped for lunch at a Mexican restaurant for salads before we made our way to Diane's.

 Diane and her husband have a beautiful place right on the ocean with incredible land-scaping and the only way I can describe her home is 'show-home'. It is so interesting how friendships can be, even though we hadn't seen each other for so long we were able to pick right up where we had left off and share the goings on of our lives and catch each other up.

Amazing trip, amazing people, amazing God.

Here is a video that I also found amazing and has to do with a subject near and dear to my heart - Autism and helping people with autism discover their potential and use this potential to bless others. Enjoy and take care.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX-xToQI34I

The Green Eyed Monster

On the Thursday of our vacation we took it easy after the busy Wednesday, I find I have to guard my energy levels carefully these days and if I have an ambitious day I will need some time following to renew that energy. Ambitious is not what it used to be either ;).

I am learning to accept that and the other changes chemo has brought but I can't say that I am always happy with how I am impacted by these changes. Throughout our vacation my eyelashes and eyebrows could be found on my face in places that they shouldn't be, like sitting on my cheek or chin. Losing your hair on your head is one thing but when the eyebrows and eyelashes start to go, the eyes have a bit of an unframed look, appearing a little lost on the face.The time required to look 'normal' has become more of an effort and easier to see through if people look closely. On vacation, when it was just Rod and me alone, I often didn't make the effort and went for ease and comfort instead. That's where my problem started.

I had noticed in the restaurant the night before that Rod seemed to find Natalie very attractive. On Thursday afternoon, I decided to put on my other wig which for some reason I have called Halle and once again, I noticed that Halle was also getting the type of attention from Rod that Natalie had. By Friday morning, I was in a bit of a funk and realized that I was actually feeling a little jealous of both Natalie and Halle. By the time we were preparing to go to the Harbour House Restaurant in Sooke and I was once again transformed into Natalie, Rod casually mentioned that he didn't know 'who' he liked better - Natalie or Halle. This precipitated a pity party on my part where I told him that my preference would be that he liked Laura best. Poor man, how confused he must have been by that reaction.

Supper was lovely, in spite of my weird mood. Each course looked and tasted like it was a present, prepared especially just for us by the incredible cook. The finale was dessert and it definitely looked like a celebration on a plate. The waiter seemed to appreciate our appreciation of the meal and was very attentive throughout.

The following morning, Rod and I had a good heart to heart about how I was feeling and all was well as we prepared for a wonderful afternoon and early evening with Vic and Barb.

I realize that I have taken my identity for granted in the past, somehow believing I was defined and possibly of more value due to my appearance and the things that I accomplished in my personal life and through my work. What I have been learning through this process is that those things really don't define who I am. God made me and loves me just as I am, not because of any efforts on my part or any physical features I may or may not possess. This is something I can rest in as the changes continue. God is good.

Take care everyone.

Goats, going gourmet, great company and tired grins

Path from cabin to beach

I'm afraid I can't tell you that I won't bore you with talk of food again in this post today as it did play a pleasant part of Tuesday and Wednesday of our trip.

 Monday was laid back, I got up early to watch the day break over the ocean, I loved how the colors changed from a monochromatic black/grey/white, gradually shifted to pastel hues of  blue, pink and lilac and then progressed to full fledged vibrant colors of the new day. This never became boring and was made more pleasant by a warm quilt wrapped around me, a crackling fire built by Rod and hot coffee, also 'built' and served by Rod. After lunch we made our way down to our beachfront and enjoyed exploring; while I had my afternoon nap Rod ventured into Sooke to check it out and reconnect with the world. We didn't have cell coverage or internet and I think he was going through a little bit of withdrawal. Evening found us watching one of the old videos with the fire crackling in the background.

View of beach from path

 Tuesday we both ventured into Sooke. There was a nice walking path in Whipplespit Park right on the beach and we stopped at Sooke Harbour House and made reservations for Friday evening on our way back up to the main road. For lunch, we looked for the restaurant with the most vehicles around it and weren't disappointed in our choice. On the way back to the cottage we stopped at French Beach Provincial Park, explored different hiking paths and just sat for a while looking at the ocean and reading. Very relaxing.

Whipplespit Beach

Wednesday was one of the highlights of the trip for me. I belong to a breast cancer forum and there is a lovely group of ladies I connect with regularly on the 2012 Sisters thread of the forum. One of my favorites on the thread is a lady whose online name is Liefie, after a favorite cat. Liefie means 'little darling'. We had discovered we were both Canadians and one of Liefie's sons lives in Calgary. When plans were made for us to go to Vancouver Island Liefie said we had to meet. While in Sooke on Tuesday I checked the forum and there was a private message from her, giving me her phone number so we could firm up our plans. She suggested that we might like to meet in Port Alberni in order to also take in Cameron Lake, the Cathedral Forest and the town of Coombs. It was a great suggestion and we were provided with a very scenic and interesting trip.

French Beach Provincial Park

We met Liefie and her husband at the Tim Horton's in Port Alberni. I'm not sure how many people remember the commercial a while back for Tim's where two guys drove across Canada visiting Tim Horton's. The Port Alberni Tim Horton's was featured in this commercial so it was neat to visit it ourselves. As they walked in, Rod and I both said to each other that this must be Liefie and her husband and it seems that they thought the same, there was immediate recognition on their parts and it was like meeting with old friends. Liefie and I exchanged a wonderful hug to start things off and then we all sat down and talked ... and talked. Liefie's husband was so generous to take time from his work to come and visit. He and Rod shared about their experiences as husbands of women going through breast cancer treatment, while Liefie and I caught up on that plus each other's families, how she and her husband met and how they came to be in Port Alberni. She also caught me up a bit on happenings on the forum so I didn't get too far behind on the 'going's on' of our regulars like Tazzy, Ramols, jpmomof 3, Juneaubug, Scorchy and many others.

Goats on the Roof store in Coombs

At the end of our visit, she very kindly posed for a picture with me and then produced a box of food items that were carefully chosen from the 'Goats on the Roof' store in Coombs. Crackers, cheeses, candied salmon and specialty potato chips were all packed inside and sent along with us with a promise to contact us when they come to Calgary again.

The box of goodies was enough of a teaser for us to make sure we did visit the store on our way back. There really are goats on the roof and they graced us by coming out of their shelter and posing for a few pictures. We bought the horseradish here that caused the problems with airport security going home, as well as a few other items that looked interesting.

Arbour leading to entrance of Mahle House Restaurant

Next stop was Nanaimo and the Mahle House Restaurant, highly recommended by our friends Kelvin and Jane after their visit earlier this year. We were not disappointed. First, though, it was naptime in the parking lot. I slept for an hour, then transformed into Natalie. The meal we ordered is featured on Wednesday evenings and is called 'the Adventurer'. It consists of six courses with a guarantee that for a party of four people, no two people will be served the same item for each course. It was a wonderful way to try out a good variety of the restaurant's offerings, everything was delicious and well presented. I was rapidly fading by the end of the two hour meal so it was a quiet ride back to the cabin, I spent the time reviewing my day, which put a big smile on my face.

Take care everyone.

Food for Thought

Before I start I have a post-script to yesterday's post regarding the medicinal horseradish.It was because the horseradish was in a glass jar that it was being questioned, a person could potentially break the jar and use the glass as a weapon. From Rod's response to the horseradish at supper last evening the horseradish itself could also potentially be used as a weapon; his eyes and nose both ran - making him a very happy man, exactly the way he likes his horseradish :).

Now I will qualify today's post. It may be very uninteresting for some. Many people have asked about the diet that Rod lost his weight on and how we are able to stay on it even while on vacation so I thought I would incorporate some of that information into my post on our first days in Victoria.

When we landed in Victoria I was so glad that we had arranged with Vic and Barb to stay overnight.Vic and Barb's hospitality was wonderful to 'come home to' at the end of the flight and a long day. Vic's brother Phil and his girlfriend Sherry were also spending the weekend there so we got a nice chance to all visit together - all four of us are from Calgary but we had to go somewhere else to get a chance for a good visit ;)

In church the next morning I had a lovely alto voice singing directly behind me to harmonize with and I took full advantage of it, thanks Kylie-Ann :). I found it interesting that Phil shared Phillippians chapter 4. My recent observations on verse 4:13 fit right in.

Back at Vic and Barb's we changed clothes and I rested while the others prepared lunch. We all sat on the deck and visited in the beautiful sunshine until close to three at which point Rod and I said our goodbyes and went off to get groceries at Costco and a whole foods market in Langford. I will itemize what we bought and how we used these items during the week. The diet allows for a cheat day once a week, we had one on Sunday and one on the last Saturday;  we stretched that a little during the week for a couple of really good meals out.

We invited Vic and Barb out to the cottage for Saturday lunch where we either used up the remaining perishable food or sent it home with them along with a few extras. The menu for Saturday lunch was butternut squash soup, make your own wraps (fillings described in food list), followed by 'fill your own' waffle bowls with two types of ice cream, greek honey yogurt and blueberries as fillers. As an additional treat, Saturday lunch was very much enhanced by some of the food items gifted to us by my on-line friend that we met on Wednesday.

Protein 

• one package of six sirloin steaks (two steak dinners, two steaks broiled and sliced thinly for Saturday - wraps)
• two cooked rotisserie chickens (supper for night we arrived at cabin, Curry Lentil Chicken Soup - 2 meals, remainder cut up and frozen for Saturday wraps)
• 2 1/2 dozen eggs - 8 hard-boiled, omelettes for one meal, three breaksfasts and egg salad filling for wraps)
• six cans of tuna - two cans used in Asian Coleslaw salad for one meal, two cans used for tuna salad filling for wraps, two cans sent home with Vic and Barb)
• one package bacon - used for omelettes and with eggs for three breakfasts
• one container mixed nuts - snacking
• one container cottage cheese - used as side dish  with Curry Lentil Chicken soup
• two containers (Costco) Greek Honey Yogurt - cheat day treat with blueberries, part of Saturday lunch dessert
• small pkg. shredded Parmesan - sprinkled on omelettes, curry soup and available for wraps

Fruit and Vegetables

• one package of avocados - used in protein shakes - four mornings
• one package of frozen organic wild blueberries - protein shakes, cheat days with Greek honey yogurt
• tomatoes - salads, sliced for Saturday wraps
• one large bag garden salad mix - salads with chicken and steak dinners, filler for Saturday wraps
• one large bag coleslaw mix - Asian coleslaw salad, filler for Saturday wraps
• container of cubed butternut squash - 1/4 used mashed as side for steak dinner, remainder used in Saturday's butternut squash soup
• one large clamshell baby spinach - used in protein shakes, omelettes and salads
• one package sweet red peppers - used in omelettes, salads, wraps and Curry Lentil Chicken Soup
• one package frozen mixed vegetables - steamed and used for sides 
• one small package sliced mushrooms - omelettes, sauteed and served over steaks, salads

Other items

• one small jar organic no sugar mayonnaise
• two small containers different flavored hummous - Rod mixed with cooked lentils, available for spreading on wraps
• one package dried red lentils - large casserole dish made up for use with egg/bacon breakfasts, side dish; remainder used in Curry Lentil Chicken Soup
• one six pack container low salt chicken broth - Pacific brand - used for soups, cooking lentils, three containers sent home with Vic and Barb
• one six pack container of almond milk - used for protein shakes, two sent home with Vic and Barb
• cream - used in coffee and drizzled in Butternut squash soup
• ice cream - one quart chocolate chip mint, one quart caramel nut - Saturday lunch dessert
• waffle bowls - Saturday lunch dessert
• three packages of black licorice (Costco) - cheat days :), one package brought home, one package sent home with Vic and Barb, one pkg left at cottage)
• two packages of wraps - spinach and plain - Saturday lunch - wraps, remainder sent home with V & B
• salsa - used as condiment - eggs, omelettes
• balsamic vinegar - salad dressing
• olive oil - salad dressing
• no salt seasoning

We brought some stevia and protein powder from home for our protein shakes.

There you have it. I reserve the right to edit this post if I realize I forgot something in my lists - I'll blame chemo brain, it's a wonderful excuse ;)

Take care everyone.

Be It Ever So Humble ...

View of sun setting over the ocean from our cabin deck

We are home. I have mixed feelings about that, I will miss the people and places of Vancouver Island but it was time to get back home also.

We arrived at the airport last evening about 1030 pm and home about 1130 pm so I am tired today with low energy (or is that procrastination about unpacking coming into play?) ;) Kenny is one smart 17year old. The house was in reasonable shape, letting us know that it was OK to leave him for a week on his own however there were enough things that needed attention that we knew he still needs his parents for a bit longer. The final endearing touch was a big hug from him and a request for steak dinner this evening with the comment added that he was getting tired of making grilled cheese sandwiches. Guess what we're having for supper tonight?

I will tell of different parts of our vacation in separate posts from this but wanted to mention my security encounters coming and going from the Island. On the trip out I thought it would be more comfortable wearing a hat rather than a wig for the plane trip. What I didn't realize was that they would ask me to remove my hat as I went through security, I'm not sure who was more startled - myself on hearing I would have to do this or the security person I removed my hat for.

On the way back, I decided a wig was the way to go. I had packed some of the gifts and food items we bought for family and ourselves in my carry-on. I knew that no more than 100 ml of fluid was allowed but wasn't aware of other food restrictions. So much was happening all at the same time as I went through that I'm sure I looked like a deer in the headlights. There was a fan that was threatening Natalie's position on my head and then there was a beep as I went through security and a security person coming up and telling me that my shoes were really cute but that I'd have to remove them and try again. Then my carry-on was suspect so I had to go to the side and open it with a security person and show it's contents. My medications and supplements were in there, as well as various head coverings and the food items. I explained I was going through chemo. She held up the extra hot horse radish Rod had bought for himself and stated 'this is a one of your required medications'. I corrected her and said that no, it was merely horseradish. Once again she stated 'it's medicinal'. I looked at her like she was crazy and then got it when she firmly stated again 'you need this for medicinal purposes, it is a cleansing agent', winked and closed my case. I quickly agreed that it had definite medicinal and cleansing properties, took my carry-on from her and found Rod.  He enjoyed the story created about his horseradish and we proceeded to our gate with no further issues.

Take care everyone.

'Shirley' Goodness

A quick post while we are in Sooke for lunch. Our cabin is in Shirley, which is a little farther down from Sooke and we have no cell, Internet or TV. God has been showing off for us again, both through the people He has blessed us with visiting and with the beautiful scenery. We are right on the ocean and we have a wall of windows that face it from our living room at the cabin. The ocean has many different sides of itself that it has been showing us throughout our days here so far, one of the things I look forward to is rising early and watching the daybreak over the ocean while sitting wrapped in a quilt on the sofa.

I know you are all waiting with baited breath to find out how I was able to pack just one smallish suitcase and one carryon and still stay well dressed and accessorized for the trip ;) but that information will have to wait for another post.

What I would like to share is just how good God is and how He is so much better at looking after the details when I leave it to Him. Side effect wise from the Neulasta and chemo - either I am one of the fortunate ones who doesn't get the severe bone pain or the Claritin is working but so far the minor achiness is definitely tolerable and I think that now that this is my third chemo I am just learning to pace myself activity wise and rest when my body tells me it needs to. There is so much beauty to look at that I have no problem sitting and just admiring God's handiwork.


I shared this with some friends already but will share here also. A verse that has meant a lot to me throughout chemo is Phillippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. There are ten words for each of my ten fingers when things are at their absolute worst (thanks for pointing this out to me, Ev - numbers amuse her ;). I find it interesting that the word 'do' is used (I can do) - it seems to imply action where my experience is that it is when I cease from trying to take action and release my desire to control and manage and simply trust and rest in God that I can then do all things.

My next post may be a few days from now due to Internet coverage. Having a wonderful time and feeling very blessed.

Take care everyone.

Thanksgiving

We are quickly approaching leaving for our trip to the cabin on Vancouver Island. Things seem to be falling into place quite smoothly, making me extra thankful during this Thanksgiving season.

I was able to get out and about early today without too much tiredness and visit my Mom, stop off at Compassionate Beauty where I found two nice hats I will probably live in on our trip and run over to Rod's shop. 

I was a little nervous about my Neulasta shot which I was self-administering and so waited until after I arrived home to take it. First, I took the Claritin which my oncologist was agreeable to me trying. I had read from many of the ladies on my forum that it is helpful in controlling the muscle and bone pain and if this can be avoided, I am all for it, especially with our trip looming. I took the Neulasta out of the fridge and let it sit for 30 minutes while I refreshed myself on subcutaneous injections and assembled my other supplies. As I read the instructions from the pamphlet supplied with the injection I thought it rather casual of them to suggest that if the needle accidentally became contaminated or blood was withdrawn on needle entry that I was to discard the injection and start over with a new one. At over $2700 a shot, I was not going to take any chances.

All went well with the actual injection process and so far, over 6 hours later I am still feeling OK. For that I am very thankful. 

I also just received a phone call from my long term disability insurance caseworker telling me that she reviewed my case with her manager this afternoon and that I am approved. it is so nice to know this prior to my going away and unusual that on a Friday before a long weekend anyone was still working at this time and took the time to call and update me.

We have good friends in Victoria working out a one night stay for us for tomorrow evening. When I realized the flight was evening and not daytime we didn't want to have to find the cabin in the dark, apparently the road to the cabin is quite a twisty one, contributing to nausea for people who aren't taking chemo. On top of a plane trip I wasn't looking forward to testing my stomach that much in one day. Now we will also get in a nice visit with these friends before we tackle buying groceries and then the road, all after a good night's rest.

God is good! Wishing all my Canadian friends and family  a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

Take care, everyone.

Smiling

I thought it would be a good time to list some of the things that have made me smile today.

• seeing little handprints on my windows from some special visitors this weekend, I am very reluctant to wipe them away so I think I'll leave them for a bit, very precious
• looking out my kitchen window and seeing that my strawberry plants are still providing their beautiful sweet fruit for my eating pleasure
• feeling well enough to eat the strawberries and anything else I want and have it taste good :)
• seeing progress with my insurance submissions, they are either through and approved or well on their way from all appearances. So thankful for this!
• getting emails from friends like Dawn who provide songs and encouragement to touch my heart
• getting emails from co-workers keeping me in the loop on things, including the yummy fundraisers they are helping their children out with. My freezer and Christmas goodie basket will be well supplied and I have coupons to use to help with other things
• thinking of and planning for my trip to Vancouver Island with Rod, very much looking forward to it and looking at the actual trip information and realizing that we leave about 7 pm rather than 7 am on Saturday made my day!
• thinking of my lovely niece Tiffany who always made me smile. She is missed, 9 years ago today
• a sunny blue sky that is beckoning me to get out and get on with my day, must do that ;)

Take care, everyone - hoping that your day is also providing you with opportunity to smile. :)

Half-way

I am now officially half-way through the chemo as of today's treatment!

I am starting to feel the effects of the chemo and otherr meds already; this time I seemed to feel more side effects even as the meds went in as opposed to later in the day post treatment as in the last two sessions.

I have my prayer shawl around my neck, comfort quilt over me, lunch on board, along with Tylenol and gravol, and grand children's pictures on hand. I am prepared!

Watching the movie 'Courageous' on TV now with Rod.

I will share a verse that was shared with me today -
Nahum 1:7 - The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in Him.

Postscript - added at 4:15 pm - A huge thank you to all who have been praying about my Neulasta injection and insurance coverage. I received a phone call 30 minutes ago from the pharmacy that insurance approval has gone through today and they are now ordering it, I will have it for Friday without having to pay for it myself! Answered prayer :)

Take care everyone.

Passing the test

I appear to have passed the blood test I had this morning to see if I would be able to have my chemo tomorrow. I will be heading over to the Cancer Centre in time for my treatment to start at 0930. Not looking forward to it but wanting to get it out of the way. This will be the last chemo treatment using these three drugs and then I move on to a different type using two other drugs.

I know that I am sharing a lot of songs lately but I have found music and songs really helpful during this journey. Here is another one that I will listen to this evening and tomorrow prior to going for my chemo. I hope it speaks to you as it has to me. I found Matt Hammitt's album - 'Every Falling Tear' on iTunes as a genius pick for me and once I'd listened to a few of the songs I downloaded the whole album. Here are the lyrics and the link to the video is below it. There is an ad at the beginning of the video but you can skip it.

Verse 1
Lest I'm tempted to forget
I'll tie Your love around my neck
I'll write Your words upon my heart
Lord I won't forget how good You are

Verse 2
I'll dwell upon Your faithfulness
I'll rest within Your promises
And when I'm walking through the dark
Lord I won't forget how good You are

Chorus
I will trust
I will trust You
I will trust You Lord with all my heart
And I won't forget how good You are
No I won't forget how good You are

Verse 3
You gave me everything I have
And my whole life is in Your hands
When what I fear is closing in
Lord Your faithfulness will never end
Your faithfulness will never end

Bridge
And even in the darkness
Even in the questions
Even when the hardest times of life are at hand
And even in the darkness
Even in the questions
Even in the times that I'm not meant to understand

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maRMivc5vB4&playnext=1&list=PLE74B87787A248597&feature=results_video