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