A Good Sunday

Still have a stuffed head and a deap cough but can breath through my nose and feel pretty good

Tonight I was reading The Luminaires on my Kobo (really enjoying it), listening to the Whitecaps winning their last game and watching Boston
win the World Series game.  Perfect.

Cookies

Matt delivered my order of Girl Guide cookies that we forgot about last weekend.

Went to Safeway for some groceries and brought home a bento box from Osaka Sushi.  Mentioned that I was missing the California roll the last time.  They were very upset and gave me double.  Saved it for my dinner.  

Still have the cold but it is much better.  Thought the miso soup would help. 

Go Canucks & Lions

Woke up coughing but I'm feeling better tonight.  Kept falling asleep all day. 

Canucks and Lions provided the entertainment tonight.  

Sick day

Slept well but cold is worse.  Drank lots of juice and had an apple and an orange. Going to knock it out with Vitamin C.

Lots to watch on PVR & then enjoyed Canucks game.

Round 3, Day 1

Started taking my chemo today.  My cold has also grown.  Lucky I have a couple of boxes of Kleenex and plenty of food and juices.

Really tired all day in spite of a good long sleep.  Kept dozing off.

Checkup day

Had an appointment at Fairmont at 9:45 this morning.  Saw one of the doctors working with Karen.  She was very pleased.  My tumour markers are down to 38 and I'm tolerating the drug well.  I showed her a new crop of tumours on my left shoulder.  Probably skin cancer.  Don't need a transfusion so on to the third cycle of chemo.  Karen stopped in to say hello.  My back has been sore so they booked a bone scan.  Got the call before I got home to say it's booked for Oct. 31st. No waiting when you have the right doctor.

Off to the Agency with my prescription.  It was an hour wait.  Went to the cafeteria for tea.  Had my hand on the cup when I had a duh moment.  Back up to the sixth floor and the free tea in the lounge.  Read for an hour and then picked up the chemo.  Woman ahead of me was on the same drug but her bloodwork wasn't good enough and she had to wait a week and try again.

Couldn't get parked at the Safeway on Oak, so went to Oakridge.  Decided to fill the cart and have it delivered.  Took a BBQ chicken home for lunch.  I'm getting a cold, so bought lots of juice.

Foggy day at UBC

Lori, Pam and Maureen picked me up at 9:30.  They dropped me off at the Cancer Agency for my bloodwork.  Met several friends at the elevator.  Good place to get hugs.  

Called Lori when I finished and we found a few nearby caches and then worked our watpy back to UBC.  Didn't see blue sky all day.  Mix of clouds and fog.  Good lunch at Togo Sushi.

Was home at 4:00.  Pretty tired as I didn't sleep much last night.

Port Moody

Drove out to Matt's this morning.  Met Eddy for the first time.  Really impressed.

Ready for Halloween

They took me to the White Spot for lunch. I demolished an order of Eggs Benedict.  

Stopped at Thrifty's for some groceries.  Got a parking spot right outside Earnest Ice Cream on Fraser St.  Bought a jar of Cinnamon Ice Cream to put on the pumpkin pie I bought at Liberty yesterday.  It was perfect.

Liberty Bakery

Met several former colleagues from the VESTA Status of Women Committee at Liberty Bakery.  Amazing how seating magically appears as we need it in such a small place.  Brought home a piece of their famous coffee cake for breakfast and a pumpkin pie.

Slept really well last night so felt much better today.

Poor night

Didn't sleep much last night.  My legs weren't sore, just restless.  Cancelled a movie with Chris.  Kept  dozing off.

My right leg is getting a bit bigger, I think.  My feet and ankles area bit sore tonight.  Spent the day keeping them up.

Above the fog

Headed to the PNE area with Pam, Lori & Maureen.  We rose above the fog that was at my place.  It was still there when they took me home.  Spent most of the day caching in Burnaby.  Only messed up the navigation once and we ended up in North Van.  No one hit me.  Had a good lunch at X-Site on Hastings.

Felt pretty good all day.  Was yawning a lot when I got home.

Joey Broadway

Met Louise for lunch at Joey Broadway.  Best part of the meal was the Key Lime Pie withTahitian vanilla whipped cream.   Next time I'll try Louise's Happy Ending - 70% dark chocolate, dulce de leche, maldon salt.

Went to Granville Island for some apples and dinner for a couple of nights.

No sign of loss of appetite.  

 

 

Foggy

Looked cloudy but I realized it was fog.  A bit chilly.

Did some shopping at Byrne Road.  Like this mal. I was at London Drugs, Marks, VanCity, M&M Meats & Cobs.  Parked next to each so didn't have to walk far. Came home with a good taco shell salad for lunch.

Last day of chemo for a week.  Right leg still bigger than the left and both feet and ankles are swollen.  Still wearing clogs.  Nearly out of the cream Pam brought from Australia but found Udderly Smooth at LD.  Feet are getting prickly but no sores yet.

Thanksgiving flop

Not a great Thanksgiving.  Lunch didn't happen yesterday and I couldn't go to the family dinner tonight as someone had a cold.  Had a turkey TV dinner instead.

One mire day of pills and then 7 days of rest.  Can't wait to sleep in.

Indian Summer

Best time of the year when the sun is shining.  Trees are starting to turn so the colours are great.

Did some shopping at IGA in Richmond.  Bought a taco to bring home for lunch.

Felt pretty good all day.  Seattle Seahawks provided the entertainment.

Sunshine

Forecast is 5 days of sunshine.  Glad I'm going for a drive tomorrow.

Slept well.  Didn't want to get up but have to pay attention so I take my pills on time.

Another loss for the Canucks.

Poor sleep

Didn't sleep well.   My feet weren't sore, were swollen and uncomfortable.  Finally got up at 3 and read for a while.

Bought groceries at Safeway and bought a bento box next door.  Kept the Californua Roll for dinner.  Love my grocery cart for the stairs.

Lions lost.  All my teams have lost.  Am I a jinx?

Spanish Banks

Went out with Pam, Lori and Maureen today.  We found caches near Jericho.  Stopped for really good fish and chips at Spanish Banks.  Good day for lunch at a picnic table on the beach.

I was out for 6 hours and felt pretty good.  Fell asleep for a big when I got home.  Some pins and needles in my feet and hands.  Hope wearing sheepskin clogs and slippers is helping.  Haven't had shoes and socks on since June.

So cool that Alice Munro won the Nobel Prize for Literature today.  Always loved her writing.

Guess the Canucks can't win every game.

Whitecaps rule

Whitecaps win over Seattle was a great game.  Hope they keep it up.

Quiet day inside.

I can hear again

Went back to my GP this afternoon to tell him that the olive oil didn't get rid of the wax in my ears.  I was totally deaf in the left ear.  He sent me a nurse to clean them out with water.  Didn't take too long and only hurt a bit.  Always love the difference.  Bought groceries at Granville Isand.

My right leg and feet are still swollen but so much better.  Nothing is hurting and I seem to be tolerating the chemo.

Lunch wth Jane

Was supposed to pick Jane up at the Bridgeport bus loop. You can't stop anywhere near it.  I parked near the Casino and she actually found me.  Haven't seen her since November but we do talk almost daily. We had lunch at Applause.  I devoured a bento box.  Dropped her at the Cambie & Marine Canada Line Station.  Took the finished library book to Pru and then straight home.

Keep falling asleep, so off to bed without the late news.

Library

A real book was waiting for me at the Marpole VPL branch.  They're closed Mondays so I went at 1:00 today.  Easier to park on a Sunday.  Took out a couple of books. Started reading Light of the World but James Lee Burke.  Knew Pru would want it, so I read through the Seahawks, Pirates, Canucks and bits of the Whitecaps.  Turned TV off and let the PVR take care of the evening.  Finished all 548 pages by 1:30 in the morning.

Bought Chinese food for lunch and had the leftovers for dinner.  Still have my appetite.

Boundary Bay Airport

Up early and had some toast and cheese so I could take my pills.  Got to the Boundary Bay Airport at 9 for a geocaching event.  Lori and Pam saved me a seat and I really enjoyed some Eggs Benedict.  Haven't lost my appetite yet. Wore my new lamb skin clogs.  They fit better early in the day.  Won a door prize!  It's a Baggie of swag.  Home at 10:45.

Slept on and off through the afternoon.  Great Canucks game.  A lot different from the last game.

 

New footwear

Bought lambswool slippers and clogs today.  They threw in a pair of gloves.  I'm using lanolin cream on my hands and feet and thought these made sense.  My old slippers were in tatters.  Still can't get shoes and socks on.

Got everything on my list (Buy me a pie app) at London Drugs.  Had to get an electric shaver as I'm not supposed to use a blade while on Capecitabine.  Checked the test done on my left big toe online and there is no sign of a fungus infection.  Good thing my GP wouldn't treat it without being sure.  Picked up a taco salad before heading home.

Tired, but feeling well.  Starting to get intermittent stinging on the soles of my feet.

Geocaching again

Went for lunch at the White Spot with Lori, Pam & Maureen.  We then found 6 new caches in various  small parks.  I navigated and they searched.

Really enjoyed my legendary burger at lunch and felt pretty good all day, except being tired. Bad sleep last night as my ankle hurt.  Moved to the chair for a while.  My leg is almost back to normal. I can get in and out of a car without having to plan how.

Pam brought me some lanolin based cream from Australia.  Just what is recommended for Hand-foot syndrome (HFS), also called palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE).  I'm starting to feel twinges.  

Poor old Canucks.  

Round 2, Day 1

Took my pills this morning.  Felt pretty good except for my ears.  Was even hungry at dinner.  

Day of breaking and dropping things.  My car GPS is toast.  Not spending money on much beyond groceries.  Can't find the recept so might as well buy a new one.

God, the Republicans are stupid.

Checkup day

Bloodwork at 10 today.  It was sent to the lab so I had to retrieve the order and take it to the 6th floor so they could use the port.  If I don't use it, they still have to flush it every month.

Karen wasn't at Fairmont as her mother had died and the funeral was today.  I knew the doctor I did see and like her.  She was very pleased with the improvements - the leg isn't as big (I lost 15 pounds), the pain in my abdomen and groin is gone, the main tumour at the top of the right leg is smaller).  The only worry is my hemoglobin is down and I might need a transfusion next time.  Round 2 starts tomorrow for 14 days.

Stopped at Safeway for groceries.  BBQ chicken will do several meals.

Headaches suck

I've had a headache for days but it got worse last night.  Felt lousy all day and keep taking Tylenol every 4 hours.  Eating in spite of no appetite.  Kept falling asleep.

Glad new shows have started.  

GERD is back

I got a prescription Thursday for Ranitidine to replace the bottle that fell into my tea but was too tired to find parking at 69th & Granville during rush hour.  Kept putting it off - big mistake.  Spent the night sitting up.  Threw up a couple of times.  Was smart enough not to panic the first time.  Must throw out the spicy ketchup.  No red the second time.  The good news is I was able to kneel on left leg and get back up.

Went out before the big storm arrived thus morning and have a big bottle of pills.

Didn't eat much and think it has settled down.  Big black mark on the bottom of left big toe.  Just like the one I had on the back of my right knee.  Something burst.  Have had a mild headache for days.  Glad I see my oncologist Tuesday.

Wild weather

First of two storms came today with lots of rain and wind.  Good day to stay in.  Another one is right behind.

Didn't really feel well all day.

Lions rule

Woke up at 10.  Still tired all day.  My ears are humming away.  Put drops in, but not sure that's enough.  Might have to go back to the doctor.

Didn't have the energy to go out, so another lazy day.  The Lions provided the entertainment   Bighill is my new hero.

Obama talked to the President of Iran. Amazing.

Here's Matt - 2nd row from to with beard.

Matt's Award

Matt was in Victoria for dinner at Government House with the Lieutenant Governor.  The program he ran for PLEA, Career Path, was awarded an Award of Excellence.  Well deserved.  He really made a difference to some of the youth he got working.

Saw my GP this afternoon. Was finally able to reach my left big toe to get a nail clipping for testing to see if I really have a fungal infection.  Nails on the right foot will just have to keep growing as I can't reach them.  Getting closer.  Forgot to tell him about my sore back.  Had to get a new prescription for my stomach pills as I dumped the bottle into my cup of tea. A lot of pills dissolved.

Bought groceries at Granville Island.  Got a cream with lavender and honey to treat my dry leg.  I like if as it doesn't leave a greasy film.

Eh?

My ears have been irritating on and off for some time.  Today I can barely hear out of the left one except for the constant humming.  Putting in olive oil and seeing doctor tomorrow.  Slept until 10, except for a few bathroom visits.  Deafness has some benefits.  Fell asleep a few times.  First day off the chemo.

Travellers

Mae left for Paris this morning and sent a text from Toronto.  Pam and Lori sent an email from the airport in Perth as they left for home.  They've logged a cache in Singapore.  Next will be Beijing and then home.   More than 40 hours without a bed.

Got some fruit and vegetables and stuff from M&M Meats this morning.  Chinese take-out did lunch and dinner.

Slept in this morning which messed up my drug schedule a bit.  Took the last 5 tonight.  Sure was easier getting in and out of my car.  My right ankle is sore tonight.  But of a headache all day.  Canucks didn't help it.  

New TV season

Bit headachy last night and my leg ankles hurt. Finally gave up about 3 and read for a while.  It worked and I got some sleep.  Dozed a lot today.

First full day of fall was mostly blue skies.  New TV season started tonight.  Loved Spader in Blacklist.

Lost tooth

A tooth on my upper plate came out while I was eating lunch.  Luckily, it is at the back.   One more thing to deal with.

Stormy day, so I stayed in and watched some golf and then a great Lions game that was won with a walk-off field goal.  Saskatchewan had gone ahead with 39 seconds left, but we won!

Found a website http://tvonline.cc/tv/m.htm# that shows free TV shows.  Watched a couple of episodes of Game of Thrones on my iPad.  I'd lost them when my PVR hard drive broke.

My leg was sore today and the feet and ankles still pretty swollen.  Two more days of chemo and then 7 days of rest.

Apple ID

Still having a problem with my Apple ID.  They made me change my password twice today.  That makes it a few dozen times since Christmas.  Next week I'll try phoning.  There is no help at all at their website.

Good Whitecaps game today.  Spent the day reading.  

My leg is still swollen and is crampy tonight.  Took some Tylenol and off to try the bed.

Bushed

Fell asleep after breakfast and was dozy all day.  One of the warnings for my chemo is to not drive if I'm tired.  Decided to take it to heart and didn't get dressed.

Feet and ankles still really big.  Back hurt a couple times but it didn't last long.

Starbucks

Maureen brought back my laundry and we drove to a cache to fill the day on her calendar.  Then to Starbucks. Sat outside.  Probably the last day to do that for a while as the weather is changing.

Got my mail for the first time this week.  Moved the laundry to the door of the bedroom.  Fell asleep for a bit.

Feeling somewhat better.  Pains in the groin and abdomen hardly ever come.  Do have some new back pain but it doesn't last long.  My feet are still big and my ankles feel like they're wrapped with bandages.  The leg is sill big but is going down.  I really noticed it last night while getting into bed.  It wasn't as heavy swinging it up on the bed.

Starting to feel some pins and needles on the bottom of both feet that I think is a side effect of my chemo.  Got my appointment card today and will see Karen on October 1st.  My 14 days of the first cycle ends next Tuesday.  I then get a 7 day break to recover and should start the next 14 days on the 2nd.

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.