Better day

Ignored my afternoon appointment and showed up in radiation at 7:45 as suggested by one of the techs last week.  They had a big section of free time at 8:30.  They ended up running late and called upstairs to say I would be late for chemo.  Not a problem.  Too bad the appointments clerks can't be so flexible.

Stopped at Max's for some food on the way home.  Felt pretty wiped by noon, proving why I didn't want to wait hours for radiation.  Got really cold and slept on an off for a few hours.

Victoria Day

Quick trip to Burnaby this morning.  Filled up with gas $1.49!   Shopped at London Drugs and Cobs. Brought home some chicken from Nando's for lunch.

Afternoon latte

Met Mary Locke for lattes today at Beans Around the World.  Had a good visit.  Sat outside it was so warm.  Stopped at Safeway on the way home.

Quiet day

Stayed in to recoup today.  Watched Habs implode.   Finished a good mystery and caught up on taped TV shows.

Tired but feeling pretty good except for a bit of a headache tonight.

Fucked up

Had six calls from three people on two phones today about next week's treatment.

Went in at 3:45 for radiation.  Just realized that the appointment on Tuesday are screwed up again.  I was told to come in before 8 but now realize the card says 1:45.  Chemo is 9:30, so I'll be screwed by then.  I'm going to arrive at 7:45 and see what they say.  If it's no, I'll have to go home and take a cab back.  So pissed.

Appointment fix

My radiation today was at 2:35.  The staff quickly fixed the scheduling problems next week.  I was going to have to go for chemo early and then wait hours for radiation.  I wouldn't be feeling well enough to drive and would have to keep telling staff to clean bathrooms I used.  Now I go for radiation before the chemo.  So simple, but impossible for the booking clerks yesterday.

My treatment was quick and easy.  I was in and out in about 20 minutes.  Stopped at MEC for a new bag I liked online.  Grabbed a smoothie at Starbucks and was home quickly.

Feeling pretty good today.  Missed out on geocaching.

Radiation

My first radiation treatment was at 2:35.  Didn't realize that a whole new treatment area had been built under the back of the building.  The radiation technologist met with me first to explain everything.  It took a few minutes to align my three tattoos and less time to do the treatment.  I was back in my car in half an hour.  Sounded like a ray gun zapping me but felt nothing.  Four more to go.

I might have a skin reaction in a week or two.  There won't be any visible change to the tumour for a month or more.

My leg is certainly better this week.  It is hardly draining at all and seldom hurts.  I'm feeling much better today than I have for a few.  Quicker recovery during the break from the Taxol.

Chemo day

Had the Reolysin at 9:30 today.  Stopped at Canadian Tire to buy a toaster and grabbed lunch at Starbucks & Quizno.  My drink was the free one for my birthday.

Head was really sweaty last night.  Today I had a bit of fever and the two hours of shivering.

Chemo

Just had the Reolysin today.  The pharmacy was behind so it took longer.  Parking was $10.50. So unfair.  I was alone in the room and dozed off.  Saw Mae and Darline.  Quick stop at Granville Island.

Had lunch but started feeling cold.  Kept falling asleep and have a little fever.  Didn't eat dinner but had some yoghurt and drank Ginger Ale.

Deliveries

Pam dropped off my laundry today.  Shortly after, Stong's delivered my groceries.

Decided to stay in to rest up for tomorrow's chemo.

Van Dusen

Had lunch with women from the VESTA Status of Women Committee today.  There were six of us and we went to Truffles at VanDusen Gardens.  Company was great and we stayed for three hours with a good view of the gardens.  The food was pitiful and I won't go back.  They gave me Starbucks and Chapters cards for my birthday.  Also got a Starbucks card from Jane in the mail.  Generous friends!   Think I'll use the Chapters card to subscribe to electronic Maclean's and Chatelaine.  

Tired and sore but a lot better than I've been.  Eight hours sleep helped.  

Plan in place

Felt stronger today.  Had my first shower in a week and there was no bleeding.

Went to the Health Unit in the afternoon and got more supplies.  The nurse took a look and said the wound looked okay.  Stopped at Safeway on the way home.  Also put in an online order at Stong's for heavy stuff.

I just have Reolysin on Monday and Tuesday next week and Tuesday and Wednesday the following week.  The Taxol and bloodwork are cancelled.  Radiation starts on Wednesday for five days.  I then have a week off.  If I start having problems, they might stop the Reolysin.  Glad to know the plan. 

Geocaching

Lori, Pam and Maureen picked me up this morning.  Lori had done some laundry and Pam took another bag.  We stuck to South Vancouver and Burnaby.   Tried having lunch at Romer's Burger Bar but the only seats left were outside (it was cloudy) and high stools.  No way I was getting up on those with a hole in my groin.  Gave up and went to White Spot.

Had to cone home early as I was feeling shaky.  Yesterday should have been my chemo recovery day. So relieved to get home.   I think all the prodding made the tumour quite sore.  It has settled down tonight.

Prepping for radiation

Met with Dr. Voduc.  We then met the man doing the radiation.  I had a CT Scan and gained another tattoo.  The plan is to stop the Taxol for the next two weeks, but keep on with the Reolysin.  I'll have 5 days of radiation, starting next week.  There won't be any noticeable result for a few weeks. Might have some problem with raw skin.

Came home for lunch and then went to the Health Unit to meet the wouldn't nurse.   She took off the dressing and stretched the skin for a look and it started bleeding.  Almost had to go to the hospital.  They sent me home with pads, a spray and Gelfoam to stop any more bleeding.  If it starts up with any vigor, I'm to go to emergency.  I can now have showers!  

New plan

Went to Health Unit to have the dressing changes.  My Reolysin was at 11.  Picked up some food at Max's.

Shivering started at 2:30 and lasted a few hours.

New plan is radiation every day and no morevTaxol.  I meet Dr. Voduc tomorrow and will have a CT Scan to help him map the treatment. I'll still have the Reolysin on Monday and Tuesday.

Too tired to blog

Monday was a long day. Freemasons picked me up at 9:20 and had me home at 3:55.   Those of us on Reolysin are now being treated together and can only use the bathroom in our room.  I had wondered about the danger of spreading the virus.  It's not airborne, so it's safe to walk around.

The nurse was able to avoid an allergic reaction.  They seem to have a good handle on how to slow down the Taxol.  Of course it takes longer so the cafeteria was closed.  I had tried to come early but my driver had to pick a couple up in Dunbar.  I got to the Agency right on time.  One of the nurses changed the dressing on my leg. 

I had so much Benedril that I slept a lot there and at home.  Went to bed early.  

Taxes

Finally did my taxes the day before the deadline.  I'd like to procrastinate, but I keep putting it off.

Had the dressing changed at the Health Unit.  Yesterday's didn't last long.  This one has to make it until Tuesday as I can't drive tomorrow.

Love a Sunday night TV.  So choked thar tonight was the end of the season for Bletchley Circle.

South Community Health Center

Went to the Health Unit ar 49th and Knight to have my dressing changed.  It went well and the wound looked fine.

Next week is so complicated.  I'm supposed to visit the unit every day to have the dressing changes.  I'll skip Monday.  I'm to have chemo on Monday but don't know if I'm still on the trial or if I'll just get the Taxol or nothing.  I don't know if and when they'll do radiation.  It would also be every day.

Stopped at London Drugs on the way home.  Dozed off a few times this afternoon.

New plan

Was at the Cancer Agency for bloodwork at 9:00.  They took several tubes for the study I'm on.  Convinced the nurse that I needed more and she found the orders buried under the trial papers.   Saved me a trip back.  Had breakfast in the cafeteria.

Karen and my trials nurse are both in Toronto.  The replacement nurse and a resident started the exam.  Eventually, two men and four women poked and prodded and photographed my groin.  The CT Scan showed some of the tumours are shrinking.  They weren't happy with the bleeding, weeping tumour sticking through the skin on the top of my leg.  My bloodwork results arrived.  The only problem is low hemoglobin.  Must eat liver.

The replacement oncologist came in and said that she thinks I'll be taken out of the trial as the one tumour looks 20% bigger.  That's the threshold the study sets.  She also want radiation that should start next week.  In case there is an infection, she took a swab and started me on antibiotics.

The photographer came to take photos for the study.  Two nurses then put on a big dressing.  They didn't have what they needed to do it properly.  I thought I could do it myself but they said it was impossible.  It needs packing to encourage healing.  I agreed to home care.

Met Pru for lunch at Trafiq on Main.  So good I brought hone soup for dinner and some desserts.   Stopped at Safeway for some groceries and the prescription.  

Amazing how much better walking was with the dressing on.  Most of the pain is gone.  It really hurt this morning.  

Started cleaning a bit to get ready for the nurse but I got a call that I go to the South Community Health Center at 49th and Knight on Saturday and Sunday.  Will try cleaning the hall, bedroom and bathroom in case they need to come here on chemo days.  

Karen and my regular trials nurse will be back on Monday and then I'll know the new plan.  Right now I go at 10:15 for the treatment.  Remembered to book Freemasons.  

No geocaching

Had to miss caching on the warmest day of the year so far.  Not bleeding as much.  Stayed quiet with the leg up all day.  Doctor tomorrow.

Shaky day

My tumour started bleeding this morning and has been seeping all day.  It hurts to walk, so I spent the day in the Lazy Boy.

Cancelled geocaching tomorrow.  Don't do that very often.

CT Scan

Was at the Cancer Agency at 8:45 for a scan and home again by 9:30.

Pain in my leg is making it uncomfortable to walk.  Cancelled lunch with Jane.  Fell asleep for a while. Bit feverish tonight but my temperature is dropping now.  Will they stop the trial since it's not working on the one tumour?  Today's scan will let them measure some of the others.

Extra caching day

Lori picked me up this morning and we set out to clean up odd caches.  We covered Van Dusen, North Van, Point Grey and Dunbar.  Didn't log many, but they were quality.

The tumour on my leg is biggest and painful.  There is now swelling on the pubic bone.  Scan tomorrow.

Quick cache

Met Pam at a nearby new cache.  I couldn't find it yesterday and she went right to it. I checked that tree but I'm loosing my geosenses.  Picked up some lunch at Oakridge.

Love TV on Subday night - Bletchley, Selfridge, Midwife, Game of Thrones...   Watched the first two episodes of Foyle's War on my iPad this afternoon.  Comfort TV.

My leg is seeping much more than before and hurts.  Will try a shower tomorrow.

Geocaching breakfast

Attended a geocaching breakfast event still the Boundary Bay Airport.  Good crowd came.  They moved on to pick up garbage at a CITO event.  The CO told me to count it even if I couln't walk and pick up garbage.  Too many germs with no immune system.

Bought some goodies at Cobs on the way home.  Tired enough that I fell asleep for a while.

Bloody morning

Had a shower and brushed my teeth before heading back to the bedroom.  Suddenly realized both legs were covered with blood.  Had to get back in the shower and then wash the floor.  Talked to my trials nurse later and she thinks the hot shower started the bleeding where the tumour in my right leg had broken through the skin.  It usually just seeps a clear fluid and has only bled a few times.  Nothing like today.  It stopped fairly quickly so I didn't panic and stayed quiet all day.

Recovery day

Pretty tired after yesterday.  Woke up for a bit around 4, but did sleep in until 9:30.

Worked my way up to a chicken sandwich for dinner.  Feeling a bit sick and my leg is hurting more tonight.

65!

Well, I am now an old age pensioner.  I celebrating by having chemo.  Took a cake from M & M Meats for the nurses - TOO TALL^® Tuxedo Truffle Cake.   The treatment went well and was only an hour.  

Had a hamburger at White Spot on the way home.  Had my couple of hours of shivering later in the afternoon.  Really didn't feel well.  Am better now, but weak.  No geocaching tomorrow.  I plan a quiet day.  

Got a big basket of Purdy's goodies from Janet $ Marilyn.  Arrived just before I went out.  It contains several of my favourites.  

Long day

Freemasons picked me up at 8:15 and I was home at 3:45.  My bloodwork was at 10.  Had a scone and yoghurt in the cafeteria.  Spent the rest of the time in a waiting room with tea and my iPad and Kobo.  I take the iPad on the long days to read the newspapers.

Had the same nurse as last Monday.  She tweaked the delivery of the prep drugs and the a Taxol.  Made it through without the allergic reaction.  Slept a bit as I was so full of benedryl.


Slept again when I got home.  Was able to make dinner and all the dishes are done.

Easter Monday

Filled my little cart at Safeway and pulled it up the stairs. I'm good at estimating how much to buy.  Got a BBQ chicken that will last days.

All set for tomorrow's treatment.  Patience sent beautiful flowers for my birthday.

Easter lamb

Had a quiet day and then headed to John's for a family Easter.  Jesse cooked a great lamb dinner.  Don't get that very often.

Home by 9 and really tired out.

Lazy Saturday

Out for a bit of shopping at London Drugs and M&M Meats.  Dull day but I avoided the rain.

Really tired tonight.

Sunshine

Beautiful day.  Went to Richmond for some groceries and a drive to enjoy all the Spring colours.  Came home with a taco salad for lunch.

Still feeling good.  Just really tired.

A good day

It was raining, so Maureen and I spent the day at Pam's.  It  took over an hour to get to Ladner as a semi jackknifed just before the tunnel.  We worked on Maureen's netbook and on a few puzzles.  Pam fed us tomato soup and egg salad sandwiches - my favourites.  She also did my laundry.

The rain stopped for a bit so we found two caches for me an two for Maureen.  I left about 4:30 for home. It was a long group of lines converging on the tunnel but it didn't take too long.  Everyone was polite about merging into one lane.

Feeling pretty good tonight.  I'm tired and my leg is still hurting and seeping (yuck) but the rest of me is okay.

A better Wednesday

Felt better today than the last couple of Wednesdays.  Was awake for a while around 4 but slept until 9:30.  Able to eat a bit all day.  Hopefully this is a trend and I'm tolerating the Taxol.

Lost file

Drove to the Cancer Agency for my 10:15 appointment.  The nurse hooked me up to a saline drip but couldn't find my file.  Yesterday it was put on the shelf for returning patients.  They looked for a couple of hours and finally got a verbal okay from the trials nurse and oncologist covering for mine.  The file mysteriously showed up on the desk at 12:30.

Picked up a latte and sandwich on the way home.  Started shivering at 3:00.  Wrapped myself up in the electric blanket and it lasted about 3 hours.  Feeling a bit better tonight.

Another reaction

Had to get up early this morning. Freemasons picked me up at 7:45. Bought a scone and a yogurt after my bloodwork.  Sat in the lounge with my Kobo, iPad, iTouch (music), iPhone and wireless headphones.

Started chemo at 10:20.  Doubled up on pretreatment drugs.  Got half was through the Taxol before allergic reaction.  Started with shortness of breath.  I called the nurse as it started.  My face flushed dark red and my back ached.  By the time the on call doctor arrived, I was much better.  I was really drunk on all the drugs.  We started again once everything felt normal

Freemasons had me home by 3.  Slept on and off after eating a bit.  Really thirsty.

Chores

Felt pretty good today.  Bought a bunch of stuff at Safeway.  Tried to anticipate what I might drink or nibble on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Finished with Chinese takeout at their deli that took care of lunch and dinner.

Sorted through several piles of paper.  The tax date has been moved a week so I'll do it next weekend.  Think I have everything and will try simple form on an app.

 

Late birthday

Finally bought books for Sadie's birthday yesterday.  Drove out to Matt's in the afternoon.  Lots of traffic.  Spent the afternoon and then Andrea made pizza. Really tasty.  Spent quite a bit of time sitting on the deck.  A breeze drove me in.

Was home just after 6.  A much calmer drive.  Ate another piece of that pizza.  Kept switching between hockey and soccer - both lost.

Sunshine

Renewed my driver's license this morning.  Took all of 10 minutes.  My new photo is perfect - no smile, no glasses, no hair.

Picked Pru up at John's, which was only a few blocks away.  Had Eggs Benny at the Sunshine Diner.  Took her back and went to Kidsbooks for birthday presents.  Got parked right outside the door.  Great help and free wrapping.

Headed straight home.  Was really tired.  Jesse made me some soup that made for a perfect dinner.

Much better day

A perfect spring day in Vancouver.  I slept well but didn't feel well this morning.  I stuck it out and went geocaching with Pam, Lori & Maureen at 10.  We worked around UBC and ended up at Spanish Banks by fish and chips.  I had a small order and really enjoyed it.  I did get pretty cold as there was a bit of a breeze.  The bald head wants heat.  We found a few more snd I was home by 4.  My angels delivered a bag of clean clothes and took another.

I'm feeling much more normal tonight.  I just have to plan better for the cycle of side effects.  At least they are predictable and I know they only last a few days.

Lost day

Felt sick all day.  Kept falling asleep.  Feeling more normal tonight.  Not eating much.  At least it should wear off tomorrow.

Electric blanket

Drove myself to Tuesday's treatment.  It went well and I was done in an hour.

Got really cold in the afternoon and started shivering.  Wrapped myself up in my new electric blanket.  Way better than last week.

Another attack

Luke drove me to the Cancer Agency this morning.  I took a Dexamethasone with breakfast to see if it would help keep the allergic reaction at bay. The predrugs took an hour and then the Tamoxifen.  Three minutes in, the pain started in the right sloulder and across my chest.  It was hard to breathe and mt face was dark red.  The nurse called through the hole in the wall for help.  She stopped the drip and pushed in more Benadryl and some Hydrochortizone.  The othe one crook my vitals and the on call doctor came to check me.  I had a sore back but not last week's spasms.

Once I felt better we tried again.  Went well and the Reolysin took another hour.  Freemasons took me home.  Left at 9:45 and got back at 3:30.  Really doped up and slept a lot.  Bit feverish tonight.

Hats

Went to the newish mall on Marine Drive.  Don't know what to call it.  Bought a hat and a couple of tops at Sport Chek and a couple of hats at Mark's.  Rounded the trip off with a latte and a Quizno's beef dip.

Head is at the prickly stage.  Forgot to book a ride on time Friday.  Hope to get a ride with Lucas but haven't heard from him.  Correct that.  He is picking me up.

Hairless

My pillow and bath towel are full of hair!  Finally got to my hairdresser and she buzzed me.

Wasn't too bad as Mei was gentle.  

Bought a new hat at Granville Island and a couple of bags of groceries.  

Pretty tired tonight and my head is a bit prickly. 

Checkup

Fell asleep last night before the news without blogging or charging.  Woke up at 1:20 and went to bed.  Slept until 9:00.

Bloodwork was at 10:00.  Spent an hour at Kits watching the clouds give way to blue skies and reading.  Started out my doctor's appointment with a long interview by my trial's nurse.  A doctor then examined me.  Karen then came in to look at my leg.  The tumour has been seeping and bleeding where it broke through the skin.  I looked with a mirror today.  Now I know why I didn't look before. However, the consensus was that it is smaller.

All in all, Karen was pleased, so we carry on.  Will start my 3 weeks of chemo again on Monday.  I'll take a Dexamethasone tablet on Monday mornings.  It's one of the 3 drugs I get intravenously before the Taxol.  The delivery of the Taxol will be slowed down.  This, hopefully, will prevent another allergic reaction.

Had a great lunch at the Sunshine Diner and went to Safeway to fill the prescription.  Brought home a bunch of groceries.

Hair is everywhere.  Combed out a bunch at the beach and left it for the birds.  My pillow is now bushy.

Hair everywhere

My hair is falling out.  Mei is back from holidays but can't see me until Saturday.

Slipped out before the rain for a latte and a taco salad.

Bluetooth

Finally made it to my mets group this morning.  Not well enough the last couple of Wednesdays.

Glenn found a Sony Bluetooth headset at Walmart, so I drove to Queenborough to buy them.  Way better than the one that stopped working.  Like not having wires during chemo when I listen to music on my iTouch.  

Great lunch at Boston Pizza.  Caesar salad and a 6" pizza.  Cost less than $10 with the tax.  Grabbed a latte on the way home.

Feeling pretty good. A bit of nausea and a little headache that comes and goes.  My big tumour is seeping and sometimes bleeds, but I think it's smaller.  Glad the doctor will look at it on Friday.

Pajo's

Enjoyed halibut and chips in Steveston.  Only place in Canada that you can eat on the beach right now.

Decided to buy an electric blanket in case I start shivering again.  Great service at The Bay.  Got a twin size with digital controls.  Price was $189 but it was on sale for $79.

Geocaching

Great day in the sunshine.  It got up to 16 and felt like summer.

Met Pam, Lori & Maureen in Delta at 9:30.  We headed to North Surrey/Ladner.  I logged 24 caches. After doing one trail, they called me and I drove Lori's car to meet them at the far end.  Had a good lunch at Nando's.  Ate more than I thought I would.  My appetite isn't what it was.  Did a few more caches after eating.  The new Perimeter Road is such a treat to drive on.  Saves a lot of time and great views of the river.

My hair is falling out but Mei is away until Thursday.  Hope I don't make too much of a mess before I can get it cut off.

Quick outing

Gassed up so I don't have to on the morning.  Looked for new Bluetooth headset down Marine at Best Buy.  No luck.

Came home with a Quiznos sandwich and a Starbucks latte.

Love TV on Sunday nights.

Didn't sleep well so tried to keep the day quiet.  My scalp is sore but I hope getting rid of most of my hair will help.  Not much of an appetite but have been eating.

Windy

Slipped out between stormy weather to shop in Burnaby - VanCity, London Drugs & Cobs.  Grabbed a burger to go at the White Spot and was home without getting wet.

Still a bit shaky but sure felt good to be out.

Better day

Still a bit shaky and my gut isn't right yet.  Still went out for a quick trip to a mall in Richmond for Chinese takeout.  $7.50 bought more than I could eat for lunch and dinner.  Great hit and sour soup.  It was either going to kill or cure me.

Dozy day but will do a bit more tomorrow.

Best laid plans

Really looked forward to going geocaching and having lunch with my team.  Had to cancel at the last minute as I had really bad diarrhea.  Imodium works!   Need an outing before I go stir crazy.

I'm a lot better than I was.  Guess my body decided to experiment with different side effects this week.  Still have hair.

Shaky day

Slept well but feverish this morning.  Not much appetite.  The virus is working.

Feeling somewhat better tonight.  Hope tomorrow will be normal.  These effects are only supposed to last a day.

Another rough day

My driver got me to the Cancer Agency at 2:00.  The treatment went well and I was home by 4:30.

All of a sudden I got really cold and started shivering.  It lasted a few hours and then I threw up.  The Reolysin virus was doing its thing.  Got a good sleep but still not feeling normal.

Allergic reaction

My ride was a bit late but they called to warn me.  Arrived at the Cancer Agency a bit after 10 for bloodwork.  Had some tea and met Mae at 11.  Bought a toasted egg salad sandwich for lunch.

Arrived for chemo a bit early and my nurse took me right in.  I was joking with the two nurses in the room about not panning to have an allergic reaction to the Taxol.  Big mistake.  My right shoulder started really hurting snd my face was getting hot.  I spoke up and they jumped into action with a second bag of Benadryl.  A doctor appeared and checked me out. By this time, My face was dark crimson and I was having spasms of pain across the lower back.  This lasted nearly half an hour.

My nurses went on break and a new one appeared to sit with me.  We waited for the pain to go and at started again.  Every five minutes she increased the dose until we reached the normal level.  I had so much Benadryl in me, the leg cramps came back. The nurse massaged the leg and wrapped it in a hot blanket.  I had to give up reading as I was so doped up.

Finally finished at 4:00 and got my ride home quickly.  Very tired tonight.

Beautiful Spring day

This is truly the part of Canada to live in. The sun was shining and a nearby cherry tree is blooming.

Went to Cobs and Kins in Richmond.   Looked at a book that cane to the library but decided to leave it. Brought home a Vera's burger and milkshake.

Watched curling and hockey.  Bit late for the Canucks to start winning.

All ready for chemo tomorrow.  Did the dishes and took out all the garbage & recycling.

What day is it?

Dozy day.  Stayed in out of the rain and caught up on PVR.  Also read.   Have 3 reserves ready at the same time.  One is a real book, so I have to visit the library tomorrow.

Getting lots of sleep and eating well.

Outing

Went to Safeway this morning.  Came home with a BBQ chicken and a Starbucks latte. Felt pretty good.

The big tumour on my leg is painful but I'm feeling pretty normal.  Still not overdoing it.  Got to build up the blood for next week.

Spring

Sunny first day of Spring.  Didn't sleep well so had a quiet day.  Still feeling normal and ate regular food.  So different from last week.

Better Week

Well, this Wednesday was a lot better than the last one.  I slept well and was feeling pretty normal all day.  No sign of nausea or fever.

Day by day.

Done for the week

Freemasons picked me up at 10:00 and had me home by noon.  Treatment went smoothly and I felt fine.

Feeling better than last Tuesday.  One nurse said my tolerance should improve with time. Here's hoping.

Round 2

Freemasons picked me up at 10 for my bloodwork.  Only one tube to see if blood recovered.  Met Mae in the cafeteria.  Ordered a sandwich as Darline came to collect her for their volunteering.  Dozed in the waiting lounge until 2.

Treatment took 3 1/2 hours.  I got a restless leg from the Benadryl, so they should give it slower next time.  Maureen came to retrieve me and I was home by 6:00 - a long day.

Slept poorly last night so dozed a lot through the day.

Groceries

Out for a quick trip this morning.  Cobs for goodies and Kin,s for oranges.  A Starbuck's latte rounded it out.  Stong's delivered a big carton of groceries at 3:00.

Watched Canucks and Whitecaps and read all day.

Hope I can wake up in time for my 10:00 ride tomorrow.

Starbucks

Hard waking up this morning.  Shocked to see it was 10:00.   Hate to think how I'd be if I was taking any pills.

Took out the garbage and went to Quizno's and Starbucks to pick up lunch and a latte.  Drive felt good.  First time in a week.

Something wrong having a convicted drug smuggler on Paralympic curling team.  He and his son smuggled pills into BC.  Thought it was supposed to be inspirational.

Still feeling a bit off. Spent the day reading.  Finished Anne Perry's, A Sunless Sea and started The Monuments Men.  

Week's end

Made it through the first week.  Slept wel.  Vivid dreams a bit off putting.  Feel better than yesterday but still not right.  Pam brought my laundry and the trip down wiped me out.

Decided to get an order of food from Stong's for Sunday.  Easier than hauling it up the stairs.

Better day

Got a long sleep last night and feel more normal today.  My ankles are quite swollen but aren't bothering me as much tonight.

I'll be better prepared next week for a fluish Wednesday.  Must buy ginger ale.

Dopy Wednesday

Felt really out of it all day.  Patience called and she thinks it's the benedryl.  My trials nurse checked up on me and said I might get a fever.   She wasn't worried that I wasn't hungry.  Didn't eat much and dozed through the day.  Truly felt like I have a virus.  To think that I'm going to do it all over again next Monday. And the next.

Tuesday

Luckily I booked my ride with the Freemasons with an extra half hour cushion.  They were to be here at 1:30 for my 2:30 treatment.  I finally called after 20 minutes and the had no record of me.  Cab cost $20!

Just got the REOLYSIN® so it was a short day.  Started shivering, so the nurse wrapped me in two hot blankets.  The Freemasons picked me up quickly and I was home by 4:30. 

Felt really tired and just had some toast and tea for dinner. 

Chemo today

Nice quiet morning .  Freemason driver picked me up at 1:15.  She already had one passenger and we went to Dunbar for two more.  Nice drive in the sunshine.  Arrived in time to meet my trials nurse and the photograph.  My biggest tumour has grown so quickly, the photos from 2 weeks ago are useless.

My trial is: Intravenous Administration of REOLYSIN® in Combination with Paclitaxel for Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer

We started with bags of Ranitidine for reflux, and Benadryl and Dexamethasone, in case of allergic reaction.  That took an hour.  Mae and Darline came to visit.  Then the main drugs.  Reolysin was first. I always had a nurse watching and they had drugs ready in case I had an allergic reaction.  It turned out fine and I even dozed.  The next one was also fine.  Had to go to the bathroom a few times, dragging my pole with me.  To many fluids.  

I had a good book on my Kobo and music on my iTouch.  My nurse once lived on the same 2-block street in Richmond where I grew up and went to the same schools.  Small world.  

My biggest problem was getting home.  Freemasons stop at 5 and it was now 6.  My third call was Moira and she came to retrieve me.  Felt well enough for Japanese food at Applause on the way home. 

Feeling a bit hyped and tired.  Warned I might have trouble sleeping.  I should feel sick, just tired.  Other side effects will include hair loss, bleeding nose and gums, bruising, fever, chills...  I have a card full of number to call.  

Only the Paclitaxel tomorrow.  Repeat the next two Monday & Tuesday and then a week off.  

Getting ready

Spent the day getting ready.  Went to Safesway and bought a BBQ chicken. Lots of leftovers.  Charged up my headset.  Synchronized the iTouch and loaded a new play list.

Pain not so bad today.

Better day

Got a good sleep and didn't hurt as much today.  And the Whitecaps and Canucks both won!

Stayed in out of the rain and watched PVR.

On with the plan

Was at the Cancer Agency for a bunch of bloodwork at 10:00.  Stayed for a cup of tea and then on to Fairmont for oncologist appointment at 11:30.  I knew something was up when I had a bone scan because the radiologist was called and they did extra testing.  Turns out they were trying to find the cancer they'd seen a while ago in two ribs.  No sign of it now and I passed the bloodwork.

That means all the pain I'm having isn't that.  Karen thinks the tumours are pushing and pinching things they shouldn't.  Might even have some cancer in the nerves.  The photos they took of the leg tumour are now useless as it has really grown.  Will redo them before the chemo,

Treatment are at 2:30 on Monday and Tuesday,  Have to stay away from pregnant women and babies.  Really weird knowing I'm getting a live virus on purpose.  My nurse called to tell me I might have fecpver and chills for a couple of days and I'm to call if it lasts until Wednesday.  I've arranged my rides with the Freemasons for both days.  They'll pick me up and I just have to call when finished.

Did a bit of shopping at Granville Island and came straight home.  Really tired and keep dozing off.  Advil is settling down the ribs so I can go to bed now.

We went how far?

Left home at 8:15 drove to Pam's. Tunnel traffic was light this morning.  Lori picked us up and we stopped for Maureen on our way across the line.  NEXUS was really quick.

The plan was to find some challenge caches east of Sedro Wooley.  As we got close, plans changed and we went for a single coach near Tacoma that we needed. 225 km!!  On the way back, we realized there wasn't enough time for the 25 challenges.  Ended up in Bellingham for some puzzle caches

Stopped at Fred Neyer's for wine.  Home by 7:30.  The weather ranged from torrential downpour to sunny breaks in the clouds.  It was mostly dry.

My sore ribs weren't too bad sitting.  Hurt the most when I yawned or took a deep breath.  Did pretty good for a long day.  Back down next week?  See how I tolerate chemo on Monday and Tuesday.

Waiting

Spent the morning waiting my turn.  Got a day's travel insurance at BCAA. Went back to Safeway for the prescription I forgot yesterday.  Refused by Blue Cross as I didn't need it yet.  Explained I spilled the bottle.  Got it and will submit to BC with a plea.  Had to wait while they filled it. Short trip turned into two hours.

Pain has settled into lower back ribs.  Not as bad as yesterday but hurts to cough or take a deap breathe.  Leg is better than it was. Can now feel five tumours.

Painful day

This morning was fine and I did a quick trip to Safeway.  Forgot my prescription.  Think I might have strained something carrying the bag.  Pain is flipping around my ribs.  Yawning hurts.  Hoping a good night's sleep will help.  It was enough that my leg hurts.

Bye Lu 🌴

I'm in

Got a message from my trials nurse to say I've been randomized to receive the trial
drug, Reolysin.  I see the oncologist on Friday and start Monday.  I'll get both drugs on the next 3 Mondays and just the Paclitaxel on the 3 Tuesdays.  Will try organizing rides from the Freemasons once I know the times.

Quiet day.  Tumour is huge.  Hope these drugs knock it back.

Heritage Classic

There was a bit of snow when I woke up but I dozed off and it melted.

Poor old Canucks blew a 2-0 lead to loose the Heritage Classic to Ottawa.  Recreated the 1915 game when the Vanvouver Millionaires won the cup.  Worst moment was Sarah McLaughlin murdering the anthem.  Turned into a dirge and was out of sync with her choir.

Watched the Academy Awards.  So many good pictures this year.

Snow is coming

Still winter.  Supposed to snow tonight and tomorrow.  Quick trip this morning to Byrne Road - London Drugs, BCLC, Cobbs and grocer.  Brought home a burrito for lunch.

Had a good nap and watched a lot of stuff on my PVR.  Tumour is sore, but the leg is better.

Parking

At VGH for my shot of  radiative isotopes at 12:15.  Same tech who gave me a shot on Tuesday.  Had a great lunch of Eggs Benedict at the Sunshine Diner.  Off to Spanish Banks to read in the sun and see the umbrellas.

Back to VGH at 3:15 for the bone scan.  Good tech today.  Makes all the difference in how relaxed you can get.  The radiologist came in to talk about my ribs.  Cancer showed in the October scan but not in the CTScan.  They did an extra set of pictures by rotating the cameras right around me.  They'll merge those with the CTScan and get a 3-D view.  Didn't get home until 4:45.  

Parking cost about $35  this week.  Such a ripoff.  It's free in Delta because they have a bylaw stopping the hospital from charging. 

Pat picked me up at 5:30 and we went to a VESTA women's dinner at Chongqing on Commercial.  There were about 15 of us and the food was as good as always.  Nice to see old friends. 

Walnut Grove

Spent the day geocaching with Pam, Lori and Maureen in Walnut Grove.  Met at Sungod and took the South Perimeter Road.  Sure saved a lot of time and gave us a great view of the river.  Good lunch at Ricky's.  Gave so much blood this week, I had liver.  Did not impress the table.

My right leg is quite painful above the knee where we found the new mass.

How many pokes?

At the Cancer Agency at 8:30 this morning.  Don't like these early mornings.  Nurse drew blood from my port but missed a vial, so I had to go back.  She had to put in another tube of saline, draw the blood and flush with Heperin to prevent clotting.  She was so apologetic, I couldn't be upset.  

Had an EKG and headed to VGH for a MUGA test on my heart.  Got a shot at 10 and went for a cup of tea.  Back at 11 for a shot of radioactive enzymes and the scan.  Had this in 2008 and couldn't finish as my back was so painful.  This time I nearly fell asleep. 

Got a sandwich on my way back to the car.  Parking was $20 for the morning.  Grabbed a latte on the way home.  

Had a headache and sore leg last night.  Feeling better tonight.  

REOLYSIN® in Combination With Paclitaxel

Next stage.   Saw Karen Gelmon this morning.  My tumour markers are creeping upa d the CTScan shows tumours are growing.  The big one in my leg has broken through the skin and there is a new mass down the leg.

I've agreed to enter another clinical trial.  It's REOLYSIN® in Combination With Paclitaxel.  I don't know if I'll be chosen to get the Reolysin yet.  It's a virus that attacks cancer cells.  I have to go in for intravenous treatment and won't be able to drive if I get the Reolysin as they'll give me Benadryl first.  Each treatment will beep about an hour and I'll be going in several days a month.  

Sweet talked my way out of a ticket as I was there far longer than expected.  Bought my ICBC at the BCAA. Picked up some groceries at Granville Island.

Headache tonight.  I'll have to stop taking Tylenol and eating grapefruit.

Snow day #3

Still snowing.  Had to move about 6" of it off my car.  Driving was okay.  Just took it slow.  My ICBC is due on Thursday, so went through AirCare.  Only a few cars ahead of me.

Picked up Mae on the way to the Cancer Agency.  Had my bloodwork done and the visited with Mae and Darline.

Stopped at Safeway and then got some Japanese takeout for lunch and dinner.  

My big tumour is still painful and a new one has popped up.

It's over

Got up this morning at 8:30 and watched Canada win the hockey game.  No way I could get up at 4:00.  Got through it without hearing a hint of the outcome.  South Korea's presentation at the closing was pitiful.  Of course, so was ours in Greece.

Watched two taped episodes of Downton Abbey and then the season finale tonight.  Another ending.

Snowed all day but there is little on the ground here.

Winding down

Finland rules. U.S. hockey team didn't even try.  Watching the marathon.  Going to bed soon and hope to get through tomorrow's hockey game with no idea of the outcome.

Really tired today.  Fell asleep early last night.  Didn't feel up to tonight's event in Delta.  The tumour in my leg is getting painful.  At least the sore on my tongue is better.

Friday Gold

Good medal day for Canada.  I managed to get through the day without hearing any results until I'd watched it all.

New lump has appeared.  Won't start treatment again until Tuesday.  Off to bed early.

Gold

I woke up at 9:15 and started watching my PVR.  Had to ignore a tweet and 2 phone calls so I could enjoy watching the women win curling and hockey.  What great games they both played.  Can't believe it's nearly over.

One of the things I recently bought from Amazon was an Evriholder EasiTwist Jar Opener. Finally got that bottle of Tequila open. 

Olympics continue

Still enjoying the Olympics.  My plan of watching is working.  Paused long enough for a quick trip to Safeway.  So glad to have one close to home again.  A BBQ chicken will take care of a few meals.

Coked just about gone.  Still have a funny sore throat.  Doesn't hurt to swallow, but will when I lie down.  Tips of my fingers are getting numb.  Such small things to worry about.

Lost in Delta

Picked up a package in Point Roberts.  Tried the new highway, but it was pouring, so didn't see much.  

Was on my way to Pam's to work on puzzles, but got lost. The signage for the new road sucks.  I ended up back on it,  you used to drive straight from the border to Ladner Trunk, so thought the exit to Ladner, was just to the town. Wrong!  The next exit said US.  By the time I saw the next sign for Vancouver, it was too late to change lanes. It was still pouring.  Not a time to swerve in front of other cars.  Ended up almost in New West. Needless to say, I was very late.

Pam's power was out so we moved to Lori's.  The sun came out in the afternoon so we did find a few caches in Tsawwassen.  We were in a valley of bright blue skies.  Ominous clouds surrounded us on the horizon.  It was like being in the eye of a hurricane.

Have a couple of irritating sores.  One on my tongue and the other on the leg tumour.

Another medal

I think there has been only one day when we didn't get a medal so far.  Conditions are really bad in the mountains.  The fog lifted and it is raining.  Several crashed.  Going out tomorrow so will have a lot to catch up.

Felt pretty good today.  Only fell asleep once.  My cold is improving.

Windy

Really windy day. Snuck out to Quiznos and Starbucks.  My cold is getting better.  I'm not blowing my nose as much.  Now I have a sore on the back edged of my tongue. Mouth sores are a listed side effect.

Enjoyed the Olympics today but late night is a bust.  They've cancelled all the outdoor events due to fog.  Hard for a Biathlete to hit a target they can't see.

Cold in Denver

Pam, Lori and Lori's mother were supposed to be home from their Caribbean cruise but are stuck in Denver overnight.  2 degrees and no luggage.  The cruising clothes won't cut it. Caught Wayne in time to save him a trip to the airport.

My cold is a bit worse tonight.  At least there's lots to watch on TV.  We just beat Japanese women curlers.  Amazing how many times we've lost to athletes trained by Canadians.  Looks like the luge was fixed by raising the ice temperature.

Dentist again

Back to the dentist to pick up my repaired partial. Thank goodness I still had the tooth that came off.  Saved a bundle.

Bought a pair if Uggs on the way home.  My dentist just bought a pair.  Should be good on my poor feet.

Stopped at Safeway and overdid the weight.  My cart was upstairs so I lugged the bag up.

My cold seems better today.  Must be the Zinc.

Dentist

Today wad my six month checkup.  Cleaning bid sure a lot better than it used to be.  Took molds of my teeth and will tooth back on my upper plate. If fell off months ago and I actually kept it safe.  Hard putting the molds in my mouth after the cancer surgery.  I'll pick it tomorrow.

Stopped at Granville Island Market and then got dome Japanese food on the way home.  Nice and soft since my front tooth was gone.  Had two miso soups and an extra avocado roll, so it took care of lunch and dinner.  I now have a cold, so thought the miso would help.

Slept most of the afternoon and again after dinner.  How do you get a cold while on antibiotics?  Not fair.  

Couch potato

Watched Olympics all day.  Side benefit of taking, is I can fast forward.  Reading Empire of the Beetle at the same time.

Sore throat keeps coming back and then goes away.  Might be a lymph node.  The dentist will poke around tomorrow.  She always does a good job of looking at the neck nodes.

Go Canada

We're in first place today!  My plan is working.  I start my PVR at 9pm and tape the whole day.  I watch until I'm too tired and pick up where I left off in the morning.  The trick is to ignore anything live that might spoil it.  Good women's hockey and curling today.  So many empty seats!

Bit of a headache today.

Port Moody

Picked up Audrey, Andrea's mother, and we went to Matt and Andrea's York a de
I ions lunch. Andrea's sister, Sara, was visiting from Brazil.  Eddy is the calmest fog!  Kids excited about going to Disneyland in a week.  Took a load of laundry.

It was supposed to snow, but didn't see any. Mountains were gorgeous, with a strip of blue sky at the peaks.

Stopped at Safeway after dropping off Audrey in Dunbar.  Then home to my PVR and the Olympics.

Really tired still. The antibiotics are probably part of it.  Went to bed early last night and slept a good 8 hours.