Grocery delivery

Had a big box of groceries and a couple of flats of water delivered from Stong's.  Took hom three trips up the stairs.  Better him than me.  Had a Cori's Kitchen lasagna for dinner and it was really good.

Updated iPhone and iPad to IOS 7.  Really like the changes.  Worth the time it took and couldn't have been easier.

Very little sleep last night so kept falling asleep all day.  Still coughing and have a bit of a sore throat.  Tonight I'll swig some cough syrup before going to bed.  Don't have a cold, just my usual synus thing.

Drug working?

The swelling isn't going down yet.  My left ankle looks broken, but doesn't hurt.  The overall pain is less.  Tumours in the groin haven't hurt all day.  Haven't needed Tylenol or ice.

Did a big order from Stong's that will come tomorrow afternoon.

Fatigue

Did a bit of shopping at Safeway.  Was so tired that I got them to carry the two bags to the car.  Go takeout Japanese bento bc next door and split it between lunch and dinner.

Fatigue is one of the listed side effects of my drug.  Dozed a lot in the afternoon.

Foggy days

Haven't seen the sky for two days as the fog is sticking to the river.  Thunderstorms this afternoon but not here.

Watched tennis and football.  Lions game was fun.

Had a shower but decided to have another quiet day.  Talked to Lori and Pam in Bali on FaceTime.

Another day

This is my fourth day on the new medication.  I'm doing pretty good except I am dozing a few times through the day. My leg is still huge and it is hard getting out of my chair.  Decided to stay in and give it a good rest again.  The pain seems a bit better.  

Watched tennis, golf and soccer.  Davis Cup doubles were the best of the day.  See if we can win one of the singles games tomorrow to move on to the final.  Best Canada has ever played.  

Triskaidekaphobia

Survived another Friday the 13th.  Trying to get up earlier to eat and have breakfast so dinner 12 hours later isn't too late.  Felt okay today but kept falling asleep.

Decided to just stay in and rest he leg.  My foot gets really irritated when I go out.  Watched the Davis Cup.  Doubles tomorrow.  We're tied 1-1 with Serbia.

Sleepy day

Restless night and finally moved to living room.  Fell asleep in my chair finally.  Maureen came by to take a couple of bags of laundry.  Just too much to go up and down the stairs a few times with this big leg.

Felt sick after taking this morning's pills, but it migh have just been a stuffy apartment.  We broke heat records yesterday.  Opened the sliding door and turned on the fans.  Also popped a Gravol. Slept on and off for the rest of the day.  Tonight's pills didn't bother me.  

First day

Have to start getting up earlier as I am supposed to take my 5 pills (1800 mg) after eating and 12 hours apart.  No reaction with my first doses.  I'm coughing, but still have a cold.

Had a good day of rest.

New plan

Finally got my hair cut short this afternoon.  Had let it get far too bushy.

Saw my medical oncologist, Karen Gelmon.  Wasn't pleased with my leg.  The fluid added 13 pounds. No wonder it's getting hard to walk.  Immediately cancelled plans for radiation in case it made things worse.  Also stopped my drugs as I am not improving.  Sent me to the BCCA pharmacy for my new drug - paid for this time.  The $6,000/month was eating into my Extended lifetime cap.

The new drug is Capecitabine, a much harsher choice than what I've been on.  Karen went over the side effects and hopes it will shrink the tumours and ease the pain and swelling.   The pharmacist took me into an office and went over the side effects and danger in detail.  I have to avoid the sun, any injury, crowds...   But I can  drink 🍷

Picked up dinner at Max's.  Decided to start the treatment in the morning.  4 pills at breakfast and 4 more at dinner.  Should be 12 hours apart, so I must start getting up earlier.  

Finally managed to get some cream on my right foot by squirting it on and rubbing it in with the other foot.  I know there's a gizmo, but haven't found I yet.  Will make calls tomorrow.

Email

Tattoos

Met Dr. Voduc, my radiation oncologist this afternoon.  He went over the plans again.  I'm having 10 days of radiation. It'll take a couple of months before any effect is shown.  Should help with the pain and hopefully the swelling.

Then had a CT Scan of the area.  Bladder wasn't full enough so had more to drink and went back to my book. Second try worked.  Ended with 3 tattoos.  Whole thing took 2 hours & cost $10.50 for parking.

Picked up Japanese bento box on the way home.  The leg is really uncomfortable.  Trying to figure out how to put cream where I can't reach.

Hitchcock marathon

Watched several Hitchcock movies on TMC.  They're playing 46 this month.  I'm sure I hadn't seen some of today's.

Groceries from Stong's arrived on time.  Just need some produce tomorrow. Like picking it out myself.

Still have a cold.  Tylenol Cold takes away the worst of it.  A swig of cough syrup takes care of the night.

Shopping on my iPad

Took a swig of cough syrup last nightbandvgotb good sleep.  Took a Tylenol cold pill that got me through the day.  Not so bad tonight.

Decided it was tie for a Stong's order.  So cool to do it on the iPad.  Groceries should arrive between 10 and 12 tomorrow.

Lions and Whitecaps disappointing with losses today. No spark.

Cold returns

Coughing a bit during the day and knew my cold had come back by bedtime.

Met Pru at Starbucks for lattes and then to the Agency for bloodwork.  So east when they use my port.

Picked up Chinese food at Oakridge.  Someone was parked next to me in a handicapped spot. Obviously just waiting for someone.  I asked if he had a handicapped card and pointed to the big sign. He smiled and nodded, pretending he didn't speak English.  I took out my phone and pretended to take a photo of his license plate.   Amazing how quickly he understood that and moved.

Stormy

Big thunder and lightning storm just as I went out for dinner at Elaine's.  Sat in the car for a it to let one deluge subside.  Lightning went on for ages.

Had a great dinner and visit with Elaine & Rick.  He kindly did up my will, power of attorney and representation agreement.  All is now signed and witnessed.  So handy to have a lawyer in the family.

 Not feeling great tonight.  Leg is achy and I can't get comfortable.

Mixed day

Got up at 5 and moved to my chair.  Dozed off again around 10.  The day after that wasn't bad until after supper.  Love my Tylenol.

Saw the trailer of 12 Years a Slave and bought the original book on Kobo for $1.99.  Took just a couple of minutes buy and download.  Love the technology.

Rainy start to school

So nice to sleep in on the first day of school.   It was raining bu stopped by the time I headed to Safeway for groceries.  I've started going to 25th & Oak as it isn't as far to walk as Oakridge.  Got a BBQ chicken that I tor apart for lunch and should get several meals out of it.

Still sore and uncomfortable, but it seems a bit better.  Still passed on the VESTA first day of school brunch and a BBQ for TLs on Friday.  Sitting too long makes things worse.

Last day of holidays (for some)

Love not having  to worry about starting school tomorrow!

Spent the day watching golf and tennis.  No newspapers was a shock.

Did a bit of housework but am hurting so back to the chair with Tylenol, ice bag, remote & a good book.

Quiet Sunday

Didn't get dressed today.  Wouldn't you know new caches appeared close to home.  Where were they yesterday?

I have a big bruise on the back of my knee.  Guess it is the swelling popping something.  Doesn't hurt but the skin is scaly and I've been putting cream on it.

TCMC is running Hitchcock movies every Sunday.  Watched Shadow of a Doubt and Psycho.  Have more recorded.

31 days of caching

Did it!   Found a cache every day this month.  Took a few tries to get one today but got one put out by a Cub troop off Joyce St.

Had a FaceTime chat with Pam & Lori from Melbourne.  They got their 31 as well.

Tough sleep last night. The right leg is so uncomfortable.  There's a big purple bruise behind the knee. That doesn't hurt but the tumours at the top of the leg and my ankle do.

One day to go

Went to Fraser foreshore park in Burnaby and parked just a few yards from the cache. Clue was magnetic and there was only one sign in sight.  A littl snake led the way.

Bought chicken noodle soup and a wrap at Quizno's on the way home.

Still have a cold but it's much better.  Leg and ankle hurt all day.

Rain

Lots of rain today. I can hear thunder in the distance tonight.  Just started pouring.  Should be sunny tomorrow afternoon. http://globalnews.ca/news/811663/gallery-lightning-storm-lights-up-vancouver-sky/

Went out while the rain wasn't so hard for the nearest cache.  It was in Burkeville, near the airport.  Two more to go.

Third day in a ro I've tried fighting my cold with soup - miso, chowder, sweet & sour.  Yoday was Chinese takeout that did me for lunch and dinner.

The radiation oncologist called to say there were no signs of clotting in my legs.  The plan is to do a CT Scan next week and then 6 to 8 radiation treatments on the tumours at the top of my legs.   It should shrink them, but there is no guarantee that the lymph system will drain the fluids.  Worth the risks I think.

Martin Luther King

Wednesday was the 50th anniversary of the I Have a Dream speech.  Watched a couple of hours on CNN. Obama made a great speech.

My cold was too bad to go to the event in Coquitlam and for dinner with Georgina. Found a quick one in Burnaby instead.  Took longer than is should but finally got it.

Cold

Can't believe I woke up with a cold.  Bought orange juice and oranges.  Had miso soup for lunch since it always feels like it should cure such things.

Found n easy cache in Steveston.  Supposed to be 1 m high but I had to reach up for it.  Owner fuzzy on metric.

Bad night.  Got up at 3 to play cards and doze in my chair.  The leg tumours were just aching.  Finally went back to bed and felt better.

Cloudy day in Delta

The sunshine is gone for a while.  It's actually been raining.  Headed to Delta for today's cache and met a couple of women on the same quest.   Five days to go!  Bought groceries at Thrifty's and then home.

Cousins called from New Brunswick - Janet & Marilyn, Daphne, Patience & Murray.  

Tumours sore most of the day.  Did manage to fall asleep for a while in the afternoon.  

Day # 25

Didn't find the first cache I looked for in Burnaby but now have a hint from another cacher.  I should have trusted my GPS and ignored the wasps.  The second one was easier.  Hidden right where I figured it was.  Only got snagged a few times by the prickly vines.

Picked up chicken at Nando's for lunch and had the leftovers for dinner with a salad.  Great way to get to meals with little effort.

My left foot is now really swollen.  Can't win.

Blitz event

Attended event to give out prizes hidden during the Blitz period this year.  It was in the park in front of the Burnaby library near Metrotown.  Free underground parking and n elevator but no here I could sit, so didn't stay long.

Leg did feel a bit better this morning, but is bad again tonight.  Fell aleep for a while this afternoon.

Cache #23

Found today's cache by Emily Carr on Granville Island.  Nice easy one.  Bought some meat and produce at the Market.  The trick in the summer is to shop around 10, before the tourists arrive.  Was home by 11.

The Province printed the first and last paragraphs of my letter re excessive speeders having their vehicles impounded on the hwy beyond Hope.

I love the arrogance and sense of entitlement of the drivers whose cars were impounded for excessive speed. 

The speed limit is the highest speed you can go. You can't exceed it because you're passing or going downhill. Good on the RCMP for trying to save lives.

My leg and foot are really bad today.  Almost gave up trying to get in my car.

Ultrasound

Arrived at the Cancer Agency at 2:30 and left at 4:30 - $10.50 for parking.  Had bilateral Dopler ultrasound on my legs.  Boy, did that hurt on the swollen one.  At the top and around the lower body, it felt like there were big needles on her gadget.  I expected the pain when she pressed on the tumours, but not that.  Persevered and we got through it in 1 1/2 hours.

Staggered out and grabbed a quick cache near Macdonald & 16th.  Picked up Japanese food and listened to first quarter of the Lion's game.  They managed to lose by 1 on last play.

Shaw

Man from Shaw came and replaced my TV hard drive and it is working perfectly.  Had to lose hours of recorded shows.

Went to a geocaching event at 7:30 in Coquitlam tonight.  Stopped at White Spot for dinner.  Realized many were being seated ahead of me and the wait was already double what the girl predicted.  Her excuse was they were waiting for a small table, but that should have been factored into the time she gave.  Had to leave and had a quick dinner at MacDonald's.

Met Georgina at Blue Mountain Park, just a couple of blocks from where we lived in the 50's.  stayed for a while to catchup and was home by 9.

My leg has been really sore tonight.  

Radiation?

Met with my new radiation oncologist, David Voduc.  Very impressed.  The plan is to look for clots with ultrasound on both legs.  If that show nothing, we'll try radiation on the top of both legs to try and shrink the tumours and get the lymph system draining better.  It might work and there could be side effects but it's worth the risk to get more mobile.

My TV is still acting up.  I called to get the little box that holds the PVR recording to work.  Then the PVR started rebooting over and over.  The next fellow gave up and is sending a service person tomorrow.  He suggested unplugging the little box and he was right.  Stopped rebooting.  Afraid this is going to mean sacrificing all my recorded programmes.  I had several movies and a few series I hadn't watched yet.

Delta

Found a quick cache in Delta.  Lunch at Sharkey's.  Bought a bunch of fruit at Richmond Country Market on the way home.

Swelling still bad.

Quick outing

Found a cache near Carleton Elemntary this morning.  Couldn't get the pill bottle open but took a photo of it in my hand if the owner wants proof.  Home in abou 1/2 an hour.

Didn't sleep well.  Diarrhea back this morning.  Had a quiet day with ice packs.  Watched 5 episodes of The Newsroom.

Happy International Geocaching Day

Didn't find a cache at the main library.  Over thought it.  It should have been in the Ref section but I've had a tweet saying it isn't.  It does take a stool so I couldn't have reached it with my big leg.  Grabbed an easy one in Kits.

Bought groceries at 25th & Oak Safeway.  Also got some Japanese takeout at a new restaurant in that strip mall.  Pretty good.  Fast and friendly service.  Even gave me tea while I waited.

Watched Lions and some of he White Caps.  Hate it when games are the same time.

Why plan?

Most of my plans this week have been in vain.  Today. Was going to Delta but the fire alarm inspection didn't happen until almost 3.  By that time, the traffic reports easily convinced me to go in the other direction.  Found a neat cache by the community gardens near Arbutus & 5th.

Had an early dinner at George's on Arbutus and was home by 5.

Still sore and swollen.  Icing helps.

Coffee with Chris

Grabbed an easy cache near MacDonald and 16th for #15.  Met Chris E. at Beans Around the world by 57th & the Boulevard.  Sat for 2 hours.  Grabbed Chinese food at Oakridge on the way home.

My leg is huge.  It was hard swinging it into the bathtub but getting into the car was a bit easier today.

What sunset?

My drugs were delivered today.  Such an efficient pharmacy in Coquitlam.

Stayed in all day and then went to adult Pirate Pack Day at the White Spot.  Couldn't even get close to the door and was in no shape to stand in line.  Had a steak sandwich at the X-Site Grill and Bistro on Hastings instead.  

Arrived at the parking lot at the top of Burnaby in time for a sunset event.  Cloudy and drizzling.  Didn't stay long.  Day 14. 

Day 13

Went to COSTCO for water and pens.  Not too busy. No one near to pick up the flats for me.  Sometimes I get lucky.

Third day in a row I couldn't get to my first choice as the terrain was too hard.  Climbed ivermectin small rocks and discovered a pile of crap (and paper) next to Ground Zero.  Gave up before I broke something.  Had to stop at a pub for the bathroom - should have eaten there.  Grabbed an easy cache by the IGA and picked up a taco salad on the way home.  Too bushed to buy groceries.

ICBC

Went to the ICBC Claims Centre to have my accident evaluated.  Couldn't believe that it's going to be    over $1500 to fix.  There is a dent and the bumper wheel well panel and assented door need painting. Also need a new mirror.  No delectable to pay and I'll get a courtesy car (so I can keep geocaching).  Think I'll wait until I've seen the radiation oncologist next week.

First cache I looked for was out of reach over some boulders (NOT 1.5 terrain) but I got an easy one at Rupert Park.  Picked some Japanese food for lunch and dinner.

Fire alarm went off so I carried the garbage out on the way to meet my neighbours outside.  Apparently this was the second time today.  No sign of fire.  Stayed outside until the fire fighters turned it off as it was so loud.

Tea with Mary

Tried unsuccessfully to reach a cache at UBC on the way to Mary's for tea.  Sat on the deck watching the hummingbirds come to te feeder.  Perfect Vancouver afternoon.  Passed on a ride in her new sports car as I'd never have gotten out of it as it was too low down.

Should have tried for a first to find on Sea Island but a thunder storm opened up just as I was getting up to go.  Drove right up to it on the way home.

My foot and groin were not happy by the time I got home.  Elevation, ice, Tylenol.

Tennis and soccer

Went to East Vancouver for today's cache.  Picked up lunch at the White Spot and was home in time for the tennis.  Hard to cheer when both are Canadians.  White Caps won in a good game.

No improvement in swelling.

Day of waiting

They were starting at 11 to check our smoke and heat detectors.  The alarms went off from time to time but they never made it to my suite.  The van left at 4:30 so I headed out.  The plan for the day was shot.  Found another cache on the dike at the end of Frances.  Easier when you know what you're looking for.

Decided to try Pajo's for halibut & chips.  No lineup and even got a picnic table on the beach.  

Leg and foot still big.

Richmond dike

Found a cache on the dime at the end of Steveston Hwy.  Another cacher stopped with a nudge in the right direction.  Picked up some essentials at London Drugs on the way home.

Cancer Agency called with an appointment on Aug. 20th with Dr. David Voduc.  He'll decide if some radiation might shrink the big lymph node at the top of the right leg to allow more drainage.  Still have a big foot and leg today.

Fat leg

Found an easy cache in a birdhouse on River Road in Richmond.  Picked up some Cinese on the way home.

Been icing my foot but my whole leg is swollen tonight.

Check up day

Met Lori at a dog park in Queensborough for today's cache.  We then had lunch with Anni and Gunnar at a nearby Tim Horton's.  They must have been stuck in a horrible crush of traffic as a truck was stalled in the middle of the bridge.  I headed west on the Connector and was at my appointment early.

Saw Karen for the first time in ages.  Tumour markers are 46 and my weight up a bit. The CT Scan results weren't back so she'll call me.   My foot was really swollen.  The tumours in my groin are still big and hurt most of the time.  There are about 6 of the new skin mets.

The plan is to see if a radiation oncologist thinks shrinking the tumours will help the leg drainage.  My next appointment will be in a month instead of two.  I'm to start icing the foot as well as keeping it up.

Picked up a BBQ chicken at Safeway.   Should last a few meals.

Last cache with Pam

Met Pam in Champain Heights for today's cache.  She brought back 2 bags of laundry.  Tomorrow she leaves for Australia to visit her son.  Won't be back until Sept. 26th.

Stopped at Dairy Queen for a treat and then home to put my swollen foot up.

Lunch with Chris

Found today's cache at South Memorial Park.  First time I've driven in - there really is a memorial.

Had lunch with Chris and Yuriko at his place.  Nice to sit outside now it isn't so hot.

My right foot is still really swollen so I spent the rest of the day keeping it up.

New dog

Left home just before 1:00.  Picked up a latte and headed to Matt's.  Found today's cache just off Clarke Rd.  was supposed to be. 1.5 terrain but it was much harder.  Once I spotted it hanging in a tree, I couldn't give up.  Should have used the grabbers.

Bought some stones at the Village Toy Shop to go with the book on rocks I was giving Lily for her birthday.  Also gave her a couple of dog stories.  Met Lulu, their new chocolate lab cross.  Very calm dog.  They are fostering her for a few weeks to make sure she's a good fit.  She's 2 1/2 and from a rescue place.  No sign that she's been mistreated. The man who owned her in the U.S. just couldn't look after her.

Bought some groceries at Thrifty's and was home just after 5:00.  The drive felt good but my righ foot has been swollen the last few days.

August #2

Met Pam at a cache this afternoon.  We both have our second out of 31 possible caches for August.

We went to the Little Mountain Coffee Company at 33rd and Main for a visit.  I'll go back as the service was friendly and the latte was good. Also like the gay friendly password for the WiFi.  Pam took two bags of my laundry to do before she leaves for Australia. 

Did some shopping for Lily's birthday at Kidsbooks and then picked up some Chinese takeout at Oakridge Mall.  

Fire

Just heard someone yelling fire.  A car was burning one apartment building away.  I called 911 and watched from the safety of my window.


Today is the beginning of a challenge to find a cache every day in August.  Grabbed a new one near a mansion in Shaughnessy that was owned by a whisky baron.

Met Louise, Gwen and Wanda at Shizenya on Broadway for dinner - I ate a lot.  Always good to get caught up.

Car accident

Was driving on Alderbridge next to Landsdowne Mall just after 2 this afternoon.  A woman driving a red SUV changed lanes and hit me.  I could see the front of her car coming towards my front passenger side so drove over a little cement bumper onto a grassy medium.  Managed to avoid the trees!   I must have been in her blind spot.  She was very upset that I might be hurt but I don't think so.  Got a headache and my leg hurt but that's normal these days.  It might have made it worse.  My right ankle and foot are swollen again but don't hurt.

My mirror has no glass and it left a big black scrape on her car, as if the plastic melted as we scraped past.  We both have streaks of white - not sure why.  She is missing the door handle on the back door.  Would have been a lot worse if I hadn't swerved away.

I continued on to meet Moira for coffee.  By the time I got home, the other driver had done her ICBC report and said just what I did.  Love honest people.  Because my car is 10 years old, I can't just go to a body shop.  My appointment at a claim centre isn't until Aug. 12th.  Really hard driving without that mirror.  I'm trying not get into to many situations where I have to change into the right lane.

Summer tires

Finally took my car in for servicing at Open Road Toyota in the Richmond Auto Mall.  Arrived at 9:45 and left at 3:10.  A long day and it cost $740.  So glad to have the summer tires on.  Haven't been driving much and was way below the mileage for the regular servicing.  Didn't have to pay for the airbag recall.  Walked across the street to Fenders for lunch - great egg salad on rye.

My toaster oven gave up the ghost while doing my toast this morning so bought a new one at London Drugs.  Also upgraded my Kobo to the Kobo Aura HD at Chapters.  Never can find the clip on light when I need it.  This one is built in.  The screen is also bigger.

Got home just in time to see Toronto demolish the Lions.

Didn't sleep well last night.  Lost of aches.  After sitting for 5 hours today, the tumour at the top of my leg was really sore.  It seems to have settled down now.

CT Scan again

Usually have CT Scans a few months apart but had one today. Guess Dr. wants see if there is anything getting worse after being off my drug for a few weeks.  Went quickly.  I always wear clothes with no metal to save having to change.  We warmed my arm in a hot blanket and a vein was easily found.

Did some shopping at Granville Island (trick is to go before 11:00) and Safeway.  Used my cart to carry everything up the stairs.

Baseball and Golf

Watched the Blue Jays win and the end of he Canadian Open.

Busy week coming so decided to stay in this weekend.

Still no rain

We might get through July with no rain at all.  We need rain soon for the forests.

Felt better today.  Watched 4 hour mini series on Lewis & Clark.  History is so much more interesting in the hands of Ken Burns.

I have ankles

Nearly all the swelling is gone.  Gave myself another day of sitting in my Lazy Boy.

Now my problem is I'm not going to th bathroom.  Can't win.

I hate Canadian Tire

i decided tomgive Canadian Tire another chance. As usual they didn't seem to have what I wanted (folding lawn chair), there was no one to ask and it is hard to get out.  Went to London Drugs for some good service.

Sat in the shade by the river for a bit.  Finally came home as my headache started up.

Coffee with TLs

Busy day today.  Visited my dentist for my 6 mo. checkup.  Once I retired, my extended dental plan stopped paying for two a year.  I pay anyway as they check my lymph nodes and look for anything funny in my mouth.  Problems are a side effect of one of my drugs but they found nothing wrong.

Joined a weekly meeting of teacher-librarians at a coffee shop near 57th and the Blvd.  first one I've been able to attend.  There were 6 of us and we sat outside for a couple of hours.  Bought 1/2 a roasted chicken at Capers to take care of a few meals.

My right ankle still has some swelling but I was able to graduate to wearing sandals.  Felt good to be out.  Still having some pain in one tumour and some cramping but am improving every day.

Too hot

Okay, enough!   I want some rain to cool me down and water the plants.   Didn't feel well again in the afternoon and think it is the heat.  My fans do a good job but it has been hot all month.

Better day

Felt better today.  Could even see some of my ankles.  The right one puffed up tonight but not as much as last week.  The headache still pops back when I stand up but doesn't last.

Lazy Sunday

Watched the British golf this morning.  Spent the day reading and watching TV.  Caught up on The Killing - watched 5 in a row.

Feet still improving.  Gut a bit upset and the headache kept trying to come back.

Slow day

Think the swelling in my feet is slowly getting better.  Didn't feel great today and just listened to music and read.

Finished J.K. Rowling's The Cuckoo's Calling.  Really enjoyed it.  She is still a good storyteller.

Fresh produce

Went to Richmond for blueberries, raspberries, peaches, fresh local corn...  Picked up a bento box on the way home that took care of lunch and dinner.

Feeling better than yesterday but still have a bit of a headache.

Not a good day

Went to bed last night with a headache and it has lasted all day.   Tried to doze as much as possible.

It was a weird day.  Couldn't read the newspapers at the library site.  PressDisplay wanted money.  After a few hours it started being free again.  My TV went black in the middle of the morning news.  Finally got someone at Shaw to reset everything and got the signal back.

Definitely a good day to hide inside with the fans going.

Busy morning

I had to be at the Cancer Agency at 9:30 for bloodwork.  Always easy with my port.

Found a chair with a stool so I could put my feet up until my mets group at 10:30.  Comforting to be greeted at the door by the same two volunteers who make me a cup of tea.  Large group today.  One person needed to talk a lot so others didn't say much.  I was tired and my feet were uncomfortable.

Bought food for lunch and dinner at Max's on the way home.  Slept part of the afternoon.

Hot day

Good thing I have efficient fans.  Spent the day inside where it was relatively cool.

Feet seem worse tonight.

Drug restart

Today I started taking my Afinitor again.  We're trying it every second day for a while to see if I get sick again.  Fingers crossed!  

Quick visit to Byrne & Marine.  Bought bunch of stuff at London Drugs and some bread and lemon tarts at Cobs.  Brought home a 1/4 chicken from Nando's.  ate part for lunch and finished it off with a side salad at dinner.

Feet and ankles still swollen.  Just have to be patient.

Quiet day

Spent the whole day with my feet up. Still swollen.

Eating well. Getting used to three proper meals a day.  Hard to break decades old habits.

Geocaching Get Outdoors Day

Actually went out this morning to find a cache for Geocaching Get Outdoors Day.  Picked an easy one at Columbia Park (43rd and Alberta).  Stopped at my little Safeway storefront for a couple of prescriptions.  Grabbed a latte and a scone on the way home.  

Spent the rest of the day with my swollen feet up.  Luckily, my apartment is cool with the fans going.  

Granville Island

Arrived at Granville Island at 10.  Not many people yet and lots of parking.  Bought some bacon, Okanagon cherries and a few other things, including an egg salad sandwich for my lunch.  Dropped of a prescription at my Safeway and was home by 11.

Feeing a bit better today except the swollen feet.  Kept them up most of the day.

More cancer

The doctor called to say the biopsies showed the breast cancer has spread to the skin.  Apparently, it does happen.  If it is odd, I'm the one to do it.  She's been in contact with Karen and we have a plan.  If I'm feeling well, I'm to start the Afinitor on Sunday or Monday and take it every second day. I'll have bloodwork next week and have a tentative appt.  the next week.  If I'm feeling okay, we'll cancel that one and I'll see Karen the next week when she comes back.

Felt a bit queezy all day but ate well.  Bad sleep last night with the swollen feet, but dozed off a few times.  Went to Richmond this morning for some groceries and local berries.

Biopsy

Saw one of the doctors working with Karen this morning.  My diarrhea is back so they decided to have me start the Afinitor on Monday and only take it every other day.  I have more growths in a line across my abdomen, along my hysterectomy scar line.  Might be skin cancer so I went to the Agency for a fine wire biopsy

The doctor was really skilled at putting me at ease just by chatting.  He did the two largest lumps - 2 wires in one and 3 in the other.  Simple procedure and hardly hurt.  Didn't even need band aids.

Drove straight home and kept my puffy feet up for the rest of the day.

GP checkup

Drove myself to se my GP.  He said to keep my feet up to help the swelling go down.  They are a bit better each day.  Gave me orders for fasting blood test for diabetes and I have to grow out my toenail (cut it today) so they can test a clipping for fungus.  No rush for either.

Stopped at the 25th & Oak Safeway for some groceries.  Got a BBQ chicken that will last a few days.

Sleep

Had a long sleep.  It was nice not to have blood taken at 5am.  Felt a bit sick in the afternoon but it passed.  Just took a Tylenol for a beginning headache and a few sore tumours.

Did all the dishes I'd left in the sink and dealt with a pike of mail.  Tried not to stand too much as my feet were starting to swell more.  They were bad when I went to bed but smaller this morning.

The hospital called to make sure I was okay and the Cancer Agency gave me an appointment for Wednesday.

Home from 9 days in hospital

I was getting sicker, so Pam & Lori took me to the doctor on Thursday, June 27th.  Mine was booked up so I saw another.  He ordered tests and said he'd call on Saturday.  When he talked to me he said to go to emergency.  Moira took me to VGH.  Iwas actually past the waiting room and lying Dow in about 10 minutes - triage works.  I was severely dehydrated and my heart was racing.   A few hours later I was in a private room with a killer view of downtown and the mountains.

They started pumping fluids in. I had to be quick to unplug my pole and roll it to the bathroom.   Luckily they used my port right away so I didn't have too many pokes.  Can't believe how much blood was drawn.  Different types of specialist kept coming and the GI fellow did a colonoscopy.  After a couple of week of barely eating or drinking, it was impossible to chug 4 liters of the prep.  Did enough and the test showed nothing.  They took a bunch of biopsies but I don't know the results.

Started feeling better and eating properly.  Things aren't back to normal, but moving in the right direction.  My biggest problem is swollen legs and feet and the pesky fungus infection in my toe.

Pru brought me home.  We stopped at Max's and bought stuff for lunch and dinner.  Even have leftovers for tomorrow.

I'm off my Afinitor and talked by email with my oncologist this afternoon.  I'm going in a week Tuesday to see what to do next.  Will see my GP this Tuesday.  The hospital thinks this could have been a reaction to the drug or that I just picked up a strange bug that they couldn't find.

 

Not hungry

Still not feeling well.  Haven't eaten much for days.

Ordered groceries from Stong's online.  Should come tomorrow.

Still sick

Felt a bit better Monday but threw up a few times in the morning.  Managed a bit of soup for dinner.

Headache put me in bed at 9.

Another bad day

Sunday was not a great day.  One of those nights where I had to decide whether to sit or kneel.

Finally went to bed at 8 pm.

Shaky day

Didn't really feel well all day.  Probably a result if yesterday morning.

No energy so didn't do much.

Bad start

Woke up this morning with bad diarrhea that lasted all morning. A side effect I don't welcome.

Met Matt at VanCity and made him co-owner of all my accounts.  Haven't checked to see if he's cleaned me out.

After a bathroom stop at the nearby Starbucks, I headed home with a scone and a latte.  

Geocaching in the rain

I met Maureen at Lori's and we went to Coquitlam for a specific cache.  Found a few more (I logged 2 & they had 5).  Pouring rain so they were wet enough for one day.  

Lori had some magazines to drop off at Anni's.  She fed us lunch.   Always a treat to see her.  

Made it home before the traffic got bad.  It had taken an hour to get to Lori's in the morning instead of 20 minutes.  

TV off

My mets group this morning was a large group.  Useful as usual.

Picked up Japanese food at Applause and split it between lunch and dinner.  Manage to spill something on me every day.  Must do laundry.

TV signal all messed up tonight.  PVR plays so I know the TV is okay.  Better be.

Checkup

You can always tell things aren't perfect when the doctor goes to fetch Karen Gelmon.  My tumour markers are slowly dropping and my weight has stayed the same. The CTScan shows most tumours are the same and a few have grown.  There's something in both lungs but it could just be leftover from my infection in March.  I showed them 3 new growths that I can feel and they found another in my neck.

It was mostly good news and Karen doesn't like jumping to change medications.  I'll have another checkup in 6 weeks instead of 8.  While it wasn't all good news, it could have been a lot worse.  I pointed out that I can manage my side effects and they weren't enough to make me want to stop this treatment.

Treated myself to halibut and chips at Pajo's on the beach in Steveston.  Finally got some local strawberries on the way home.

Day off

I've had a busy couple of weeks, so Monday was a lazy day.  Reading, TV and card games on my iPad.   Too many games!  

Father's Day

Lots if posts on Facebook, so I added some photos of my Dad.  He died 44 years ago.


Had a great lunch at Chris's. he and Yuriko  did some BBQ chicken & salad.   Can't remember when I've eaten so much.  No nausea today.  We sat outside for several hours.

Haircut

Friday was a busy day.  Stopped at VanCity when I realized I had no cash at all.  Also got some U.S. money to pay for a package and wine in Point Roberts this week.  Finally got a haircut.  It was the longest in years.  Mae was excited by the curls and wave at the back.  I was happy to have a cooler head.

Bought a bag of  groceries at IGA.  My manager came charging up the stairs behind me, grabbed the bag and left it at my door.

Had a long nap and then Moira called to ask me to go for dinner at the White Spot.  It is their 85th anniversary and they have a menu of oldies.  Chose Chicken Pick'ns.  The batter brought back memories.  I would have that and my Mother would eat Chicken in the Straw.  Remember kneeling in the back seat to reach the tray.

Shaky day

Decided it was a long week and im feelin off, so I needed a day of rest.

Sad news about Michele's cancer.  She's had it as long as I have.

CT Scan

Picked my prescription and had a CT Scan at the Cancer Agency.  The line kinked and they had to take it out and try again. My veins are a challenge at times.  The tech was a parent at Weir. Always easier with a friendly face.

No point in planning anything else after drinking so much water, so I came home.  Slept for part of the afternoon.  Feeling a bit sick tonight.

Long night

Stayed in my Lazy Boy until 6 and then back to bed until 9:30.  In the end, I got a lot of sleep and the pain went away.

Arranged with Janet and Marilyn on Fridaybto see them today but guess they forgot.  Glad to have the day in (and close to the bathroom).

UBC Caching

Lucky I went early to te Cancer Agency for my bloodwork as it took an hour. My dermatologist gave me an order for nutrition and thyroid test and said it should be easy to add to regular test - NOT.   They has to phone my oncologist as only a staff doctor could order tests.  The orders had to be redone and more labels made.  Gave up 8 vials of blood and finally left with the nurses still doing paperwork.  Last time I'll do that to them. 

Was late getting back home to meet Lori and Maureen but they used the time to find a cache.  We worked our way along to UBC.  Good lunch at Togo Sushi, but very salty.  Got home just after 4 and drank a whole bottle of water.  Fell asleep a couple of times while waiting for the others.  

My leg started hurting and I went to bed at 8:30.  Slept for a few hours and have now moved to the chair.  Still hurting but not as much.  

Good intentions

I was going to get a haircut and groceries but ended up staying in.  Did a few chores.

Busy day tomorrow so lazing around seemed the right thing to do.

Tony night

Slept in and then listened to an amazing interview with Temple Gradin about autism.  A brilliant woman who admits if she had been born 20 years earlier, she would have been institutionalized, not a professor.

Watched several episodes of Game of Thrones and then the Tony Awards.  Best award show on TV.

Seasons in the Park

Today was Pru's 65th and a bunch of us took her to lunch at Seasons in the Park.  First time I've seen the renovations and they are spectacular.  We sat outside with a view of the mountains.  They couldn't make a good cup of tea, but the food and service were very good.  I had the Andouille Sausage corn bread, poached eggs & charred pepper puree.

Some of them went to the races in a stretch limo.  I didn't know about it beforehand and decided to skip it.  Judy seemed to be running everything and I find her very tiring.  Too loud!

Watched some hockey and soccer.

Dermatologist

Saw my dermatologist at 11:45.  My skin is doing better.  She said to try Veralac on my nails.  I just have to get the Witchcraft off first.  My big toe still looks gross. The bruising on the nail is actually green and a fungus infection.  Have to stop the salt soaking and try vinegar and water.  

Picked up bread for dinner at Granville Island.  Also added some meat loafs and bacon. Then to Liberty wines for Pru's birthday present.  Got the Veralacat Shopper's on the way home. 

Family dinner at Pru's to welcome Janet and Maureen. I arrived at 5.  Finally met Jack.  Cute and well behaved baby.  I was done in by 8 and soon left.  

Disappointing day

Janet and Maureen hoped to finish the rehearsal in time to meet at the White Spot at noon.  Got up and sipped some tea while waiting.  It didn't happen.

Finally, I drove to Byrne Rd and shopped at London Drugs, Cobs & M&M Meats.  Needed my cart to get the stuff upstairs.  Enough effort for one day.

Was starving, so got some chicken at Nando's.  Finally ate after 2.  Saved the salad and some chicken for dinner.

Recovery day

Someone called early (8:30 is early when you stay up late) and woke me up. Didn't even look to see who.  Dozed on and off for a bit and finally realized I didn't have to go to my mets group.  Needed a day of nothing.

Solved some puzzles, played games and watched TV.  All of a sudden it was dinner time.

To the North Pole

Lori and Pam picked me up at Ironwood (#5 & Steveston) and we picked up Maureen in Surrey.  Found several traditional and puzzle caches in North Surrey.  Dropped off Maureen Nd Pam to look after Maureen's grandson until a parent got home.  Lori and I had lunch at White Spot on Scott Rd.

After stopping at her house, we headed through the tunnel in the HOV lane.  What a difference - you miss all the merging.  Picked up my car and we all converged on Garry Point in Steveston at 4:30 where sweetmarie was waiting.  Lori kayaked over to the lighthouse to sign the log for the North Pole.  When she came back for water and nuts, i got really tired and headed home with some halibut & chips.  Lori continued down Shady Island to sign a few more logs for the others.  They moved the vehicles down to the weir to wait for her - she didn't finish until about 7.  I never would have lasted that long.

My leg started hurting again but I took some Tylenol right away and it settled down.

Pills

Talked to Afinitor in Ottawa about my pills.  They called Pacific Blue Cross while I was on hold.  PBC will now cover me and the company will pick up my share until I reach $1,000 each year.  The drug costs $6,000/year and I will reach my $200,000 with PCB in 2 1/2 years.  That will mean no more coverage for anything - drugs, physio, ambulance...   Doesn't seem fair to sick people.

Better day

Ended up getting about 8 hours keep last night.   Still fell asleep again during the day.

Watched women's soccer lose 3-0 to U.S.  They have such a strong bench. Hard to compete with such a big country.

Love Sunday night T.V.!

Port Moody

Drove to Matt's today.  I finally gave Sadie her birthday present.  She didn't seem to mind the late delivery.  We went to the White Spot for lunch.  Only managed half my meal.

Bought some groceries at Thrifty's on the way home.  Didn't feel too tired when I got home.

Tonight my left leg started hurting.  Went to bed at 8:30 for a while.  Finally got up and seemed to settle.  Still hurts, but not as much.

Cactus Club

Met Sarah and Louise at the Ash & Broadway for lunch.  Wasn't feeling well at first but polished off most of my food.  Nice to spend a couple of hours catching up.

Too tired to do much else, so headed home for a long nap.  Pacific Blue Cross woke me up to say they will cover my drug.  Very nice woman.  Too late to call the company in Ottawa so have to wait until Monday.  I want to know if I have to pay 20% myself.

Note to self - don't move to Oklahoma.