Chemo Today

I just got back from chemo and feel pretty good except for being a bit tired. It's been a long day ... so will make this a short post with more details tomorrow.

This And That

This past weekend we were away visiting family in Southern Alberta. The drive was enjoyable and the scenery beautiful as always. It was great to see everyone. We had a nice relaxing visit and before you knew it ... it was time to go back home.

In preparation of my chemo tomorrow, this morning I had to make a quick stop at the clinic to have my blood pressure and temperature taken. The blood work and oncologist visit from last week meant I could skip it today.

Tonight is the first day of school for me. I must admit I’m a bit excited. I like it because it keeps my mind busy and worrying about school stuff instead of cancer stuff.

I’m also excited because as far as television goes, this week a new season starts. I’m a bit tired of watching reruns. As a matter of fact, as I’m writing this post; I’m watching the first show of the Fall season of the View. I kind of like those spunky ladies and their Hot Topics.

Shout Out To N.E.D.

Here is a portion of the email I received that describes what N.E.D. is all about:

I thought you’d be interested to know about a new rock band with a purpose: N.E.D. The group is comprised of six musically talented gynecologic cancer surgeons hailing from all four corners of the U.S. (N.E.D. is an acronym for "No Evidence of Disease"- a phrase that every gynecologic oncologist hopes to tell a patient after undergoing cancer treatment.) The band's mission is to enhance knowledge about women's reproductive cancers, bring hope through rhythm for women undergoing treatment, and raise awareness & money for the fight against the disease.

One of the ways they will be doing this is through their six-song EP with styles ranging from indie rock, to arena rock, to jam/band to folk-rock. Net proceeds from the sale of the CD will be donated to the N.E.D. Cancer Foundation in association with the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) to educate the public about gynecologic cancers and support promising research. Both the physical and digital EP include an informational booklet about gynecologic cancers entitled, “What Every Woman Should Know.”

The album is slated for release on September 8th to coincide with Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.

Please visit the website: http://www.nedtheband.com/

Recording Your Life History

Have you ever considered writing a book?

I have but had no idea where to start. I know if I was to write a book it would likely reflect my life experiences and especially my cancer experience. One day as I was surfing the net, I came across this bit of information.

It is a guide to Recording Your Life History written by Inova Health System.

I thought it was pretty good and therefore ... thought I would share it with you.

Off To Get My Book For School

Thursday I decided to go to the college and get the book I needed for my course on Tuesday. I drove myself because I wanted to see if I could still walk from the street parking to the college. I ended up finding a parking spot quite close. The college was less than a block away but it is on a slit uphill and the temperature was 33C (91F) which made it very difficult for me. Fortunately there were many concrete seats along the way to stop and rest. I made it into the college and into the book store where I sat down at the couch to cool off and rest. I looked around and noticed many people looking for books but the line-up at the tills was minimal to none. I was real excited about that because I’ve seen those line-ups at 40 or 50 deep.

While sitting at the couch I went through the directory to find out which book I would need for my particular course. I went and found my book and then sat back down at the couch for a quick rest. I looked over at the line-up and noticed not one person was there. I got up and headed straight over and waited for the first till. I was out of there in no time.

On my way back to the car, once again the heat got the best of me and I was just about in tears because I felt so spent. My mind became flooded with negative thoughts and I even questioned if I really had the energy to take this course.

Once I got back home and into a cool house I felt better. My thinking started to improve and I thought to myself, there is no way I am not going to take this course. I can do this. I will do this.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

I copied this from the Canadian Cancer Society's website ...

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and the Canadian Cancer Society encourages women to take an active role in learning more about this type of cancer.

What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer starts in the cells of the ovary or ovaries. The ovaries are 2 small, oval-shaped organs that lie deep in the pelvis on either side of the uterus (womb), close to the end of the Fallopian tubes. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer in its early stages often does not cause any symptoms at all. If there are symptoms, they are usually vague or very mild. Possible symptoms include pressure of pain in the abdomen (lower stomach area), pelvis, back or legs. You may notice a swelling of the abdomen caused by a buildup of fluid or have digestive problems such as nausea, gas bloating or indigestion.

Less common symptoms may include unusual vaginal bleeding, shortness of breath or fatigue. There could also be changes to your bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, or changes to your bladder habits, such as needing to pass urine more often.

Often, these symptoms are caused by other less serious health problems, not cancer. Testing is needed to make a diagnosis.

Canadian Cancer Society's website ...

Got My Wheels Back

Yesterday D dropped me off at the dealership so that I could pick my car up. After paying for the work I went out and started the car. I opened all the windows to let some of the heat out. I thought I smelt something burning. It was nice to drive home but as I parked the car in the garage I once again smelt something burning. I decided to back the car out onto the driveway. D came home and took it for a drive ... there was no more smell. Looks like it must have been some oil on the hot exhaust. Sounds like I know what I’m talking about ... not ... D said that is what it probably was.

While I drove home from the dealership, D went and got a burger and a shake from Burger Baron. He came back home and we sat outside on the patio in 30C (86F) and ate.

I was quite anxious to go for another drive, so I went to Sears to see if I could find a wheeled backpack. I remembered luggage and backpacks to be on the main floor right inside the doors ... well that must have been a while ago as they weren’t there. I don’t have the energy anymore to look for stuff so I just left. I then drove to another mall as I once again remembered there was a luggage store in a particular spot ... well I just kept driving as the mall and parking lot is under construction and everythings a mess.

It is a good thing I don’t consume much because I can’t really shop for anything anymore. I would have to get a walker or scooter and I’m not ready for that. Not sure if I will ever be.

The Truck Ride

Yesterday we dropped my car off at the dealership for maintenance. D’s vehicle is a ¾ ton truck and can I tell you ... it felt like the seat was a mile off the ground. When we first dropped the car off, I was just able to hoist myself up into the passenger seat ... those grab handles came in handy.

We then headed over to Office Depot to look at backpacks with wheels for school. I’m finding I don’t have the strength to carry school books and laptop. In front of the store and in front of everybody, I couldn’t get into the truck. I had worn myself out walking through the store. D had to get out of the truck, come around the passenger side and boost my butt up into the seat ... not a pretty sight.

On the way home we then stopped for a nice supper at Moxie’s Restaurant where we sat on the patio. It occurred to me that D parked too close to the front of the restaurant and I would be embarrassed getting in the truck in front of all these people. Our plan was for D to drive a couple of parking rows down away from the front of the restaurant and use the truck as a shield and get in on the opposite side. Again, another boost was required to get me in.

Did I mention I’ll be glad when I get my car back today?

Quiet Day

I had an excellent sleep last night. Tho I did wake up with a sore left shoulder this morning ... oh yes ... that tetanus shot. No biggie.

Today is just a quiet day watching TV and spending time on the computer. I thought I’d share a YouTube video that has been around for a while but is always inspiring to watch. Hope you enjoy it!