A Glimmer of Light Between the Storm Clouds


Isn't my rain gauge cute?

After eight miserable days, I am finally beginning to feel some strength returning. The unrelenting nausea has relented, at long last; and although I'm still wobbly and feverish, I feel a bit more energetic. I even fixed my hair and face today.

The weather continued to be terrible most of today: pouring rain, and the trees blowing wildly in the wind. This afternoon, things finally dried up, the sun even peeking out a couple of times. Forecasters promise better weather starting tomorrow, and I hope that they are right - I need some gardening therapy. Our city's river walk, down by the junction of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers, is completely under water, and many crops have been hopelessly drowned in the southeastern part of the province.

I hope it's sunny in your part of the world.

Eye Candy

More roses from the Butchart Gardens:

Angels Watching Over Me



Meet Melody. This beautiful angel was sent to me a while ago by a real-life angel, my friend Esther. I had made several unsuccessful attempts to photograph her, and Curtis was finally able to capture her with our new digital camera. Here is a look at the intricate detail on her back:



It brings me great comfort to know that I have loving people like Esther wishing me well.

I had hoped to attend the convocation ceremony for my grade 12's this morning, but I'm just not feeling up to it. My thoughts and best wishes are with them as they cross that stage to collect their slender scrolls.

Haiku



Ankle-deep in koi,
a coiled pink confection stands,
perfectly balanced.

Finding Your Comfort Zone


Monkey

Cats are winsome creatures, whether lolling blissfully on a sun-soaked desktop, friskily sparring with a catnip toy, or thrumming with contentment in your lap. There are few creatures whose moods are so capricious, whose personalities so clearly definable. Cats own every space they occupy, and they do it with panache.


Duffy

Serenity



This lovely pond, its heron statues nestled among the hemlock trees, stands in my favourite part of Butchart, the Japanese Gardens.



The Greek name for a butterfly is Psyche, and the same word means the soul. There is no illustration of the immortality of the soul so striking and beautiful as the butterfly, bursting on brilliant wings from the tomb in which it has lain, after a dull, grovelling, caterpillar existence, to flutter in the blaze of day and feed on the most fragrant and delicate productions of the spring. Psyche, then, is the human soul, which is purified by sufferings and misfortunes, and is thus prepared for the enjoyment of true and pure happiness.



What butterfly or hummingbird could resist these beautiful pendant flowers (angel's trumpets), which I shot from underneath? They hung overhead in Victoria's Butterfly Gardens.

Mercifully, I had a much easier time of things after last night's injection. Not knowing in advance that this would be the case, and unsure of what to expect from the needle biopsy of my lung this morning, Curtis stayed home from work to accompany me to my appointment. The procedure wasn't bad at all. The doctor removed only enough fluid for analysis, but it still added up to about 1/2 cup - more than I had anticipated. I could breathe a little more easily afterwards, but still learned it was a mistake to try to sleep lying down. It will take a few days to get the results. Sunday night at 9:45 I'm getting a ct-scan done of my lungs.

Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes.

Positivity



It's not hard to feel good when you gaze at something as lovely as this rose from Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia. The natural wonders of this earth are high on the list of things that fuel my determination to keep a tenacious foothold on the planet.

But I've been feeling poorly since I resumed my treatment, and my breathing has been difficult, especially at night, when I have to sit upright to "sleep". Today I go to CancerCare for blood work, then tomorrow morning at 10, I will undergo an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of my right lung. Fluid will be drawn out to determine whether it is malignant (full of renal cancer cells) or not (a reaction to inflammation). In the future, there's a good chance that I'll have another procedure done by a thoracic surgeon, in which all the fluid is extracted and talc powder pumped in through a chest tube, which will cause the lining of the lung to stick to the lung wall, sealing off access of fluid to the lung. It's all pretty unpleasant, but I'm keeping my focus on the relief that I hope this brings.

Gotta stay positive.

p.s. My mom is fine after her episode, just a little tired and rattled. She gets a lot of Home Care, and her needs are being well met. Thanks to those who inquired.

Ugh

Last night I resumed my interferon injections, and boy, what an ordeal. My slushy lung made me cough so hard I vomited up all my dinner, then came the chills, even though my body felt hot. That lasted for several hours, then came the fever (102) and sweating, which gave me a terrible headache and lasted until morning. I didn't sleep much, and this morning I've had to deal with the ER at a hospital across town where my mom was taken from her doctor's office yesterday. She apparently had a minor heart episode, and was kept overnight for observation and testing. She's okay now and ready for discharge, but neither of my brothers is available, the retired one being at his cottage, and the businessman being with a client all morning. So I have to crawl out of my sick bed and travel across the city to get her and take her back to her apartment. Luckily, Curtis stayed home from work to tend to me today, so he can do the driving.

I guess the holiday truly is over, huh.

It Was FABULOUS

Our week in coastal BC was wonderful, far exceeding our expectations. Our flights there and back were ahead of schedule, and we enjoyed the satellite TV.

Saturday, June 11

My brother Frank and sister Ann met us at the airport. We went back to the house, where we had our own room and bathroom in the walk-in basement, so no heavy stairs to climb with luggage. My lovely sister-in-law Delima greeted us and we visited for a while. Then we drove down to nearby Steveston Harbour to confirm our attendance at Monday's whale-watching tour, walked around the pier a bit, and then went to pick up our rental car. Back at the house, my two nieces, Sheryl and Sharon, and Sharon's 14 year old daughter Alicia, came over for a really nice visit, and we enjoyed the antics and tricks of the family poodle, Frisky. We had a tasty dinner and hit the hay early.


Frisky

Sunday, June 12

It was a cloudy day, but it didn't slow us down any: We hopped into our rental and toured Capilano Suspension Bridge, the fish hatchery, and Grouse Mountain, taking the gondola lift up the mountainside. Then we headed down to Troll's Seafood Restaurant in White Rock to meet with blogfriends Mary Lou and Phyllis, who drove up from Washington, and Joe Cool and his ladyfriend Cathy, who live in Abbotsford and Richmond respectively. What a great time we had, as you can tell by the photos.


Capilano Suspension Bridge - For a half hour afterwards, I still felt like I was walkin on the thing!


Bloggers' Meeting - From left to right: Curtis, me, Joe, Cathy, Phyllis, Mary Lou


As we were leaving, we captured Joe and Cathy sharing a romantic moment.

Monday, June 13

Seabreeze Adventures phoned at 7 am to say that whale-watching was cancelled that day due to strong winds. Postponed until tomorrow. No problem: We drove over to beautiful Stanley Park, where we first took a horse-drawn carriage tour, and then a harbour boat tour aboard the paddlewheel "Constitution." We had the entire lower deck to ourselves. We had lunch at Church's Chicken, then went back to the house to spend the remainder of the day with family. We met my nephew Dennis, who works long hours on a children's cartoon called "Atomic Betty." We were glad to spend some time with him over the next few days, as he was bound for four days in LA (where he has been working on various projects for Disney) to take his dual citizenship exam. At 6'4", Dennis was a lot taller than when I'd seen him last, and I didn't even have to change his diaper. Bonus.

Tuesday, June 14

WHALE-WATCHING! We had the perfect day, weather-wise. Delima packed us a delicious lunch, and we enjoyed the gorgeous scenery and the comfortable, spotless boat. It seated 24, but there were only about 16 of us. Our narrator was a marine biologist who haled from Saskatchewan, and she was very informative and enthusiastic. We had to travel a far way to find our pod of killer whales, so a tour intended to be 3-5 hours in length ended up being 6 full hours long. We saw a large group of seals basking on a tiny lighthouse island, and lots of bald eagles scouring the channel for eats. When we first spotted whales, I bolted from the confines of the boat to the open back deck to snap photos. Before long, all the passengers were crowded there, and it was hard for everyone to get a good look and a decent shot, so I moved back inside and slid open one of the large windows. We were stationary, and suddenly I heard a loud swishing sound in front of me. The glistening back of an Orca broke water so close that I could have almost touched it; its white eye patch emerged, it gazed at me briefly with its left eye, then dove. I thought my heart would explode in my chest from the thrill: My very own private whale show! I didn't get a shot, because as I clicked my shutter, I realized my automatic camera had turned itself off (that's what I get for goin idiot-proof), but it didn't matter - I had SEEN it. The boat captain knew exactly how to spot the whales and navigate alongside them as they dove and frolicked. I wept with emotion on the way back. We took a different route on our return trip, and there were many lush islands and beautiful cottages to see. The boat ride alone was worth the cost of the fare, but seeing the whales was a dream come true.


Curtis and me on the whale-watching boat. None of the digital pictures we tried to take of the whales turned out very well, but that doesn't really matter to me. The point is, we saw them, and they were far more impressive in real life.

Wednesday, June 15

Curtis joined Frank and two of his co-workers at noon for a round of golf at Newlands Golf Course in Langley. I drove the cart for Curtis and took shots of the scenic course with the mountains in the background. This was the sunniest and warmest day of our entire week - like everything else, it couldn't have worked out better. After golf, we took Frank and Delima out for a seafood dinner at the Charthouse in Steveston Harbour. Mmmmmmmmmmm.




My brother Frank and his wife Delima, still happy after 41 years together.

Thursday, June 16

We took the ferry to Vancouver Island, and guess what: We encountered a very playful pod of Orcas! Once on the island we drove to glorious Butchart Gardens, which is even more breath-taking than you can capture in photos. I took many close-ups of flowers with my 35 mm, photos which are yet to be developed. (After posting this, I'm headed to Wal-Mart Photo.) My favourite area was the Japanese gardens, where Curtis and I sat in a wooden hut with a waterfall on either side of us, closed our eyes and just enjoyed the serenity. Curtis had his very first gelati ice cream in the Mediterranean gardens and loved it. After savouring all the sights and smells, we drove a short distance to Butterfly Gardens, an indoor tropical refuge for over 50 species of butterflies, three varieties of tropical parrots, koi, rare ducks and flamingos. Beautiful, but very hot and humid. One large butterfly, a blue morphi, landed on the side of Curtis' beard, clinging there for a perfect Kodak moment. (That shot hasn't been developed yet, but stay tuned.) I bought a pretty souvenir t-shirt, which I'm wearing as I type this. From there, I phoned a B&B that I had fallen in love with online, the Oaklane, a couple of months ago. Once again, serendipity was our friend, and they had one room available for that night! We drove there, oohed and aahed as our hosts Tracy and Jeremy showed us around, then headed a couple of blocks into the downtown to find someplace to eat. We spotted a truly unique Moxie's that had an outdoor patio enclosed by tall hedges and flowers, sat next to the open fireplace, and had a sumptuous meal. It began to rain, so we had dessert indoors and then headed back to our room. They had a kitchen/lounge with internet and a library of VHS tapes, so we watched "A Murder of Crows" and then slept in luxury to the sound of a tropical downpour.


Me in the entrance to the gorgeous rose garden at Butchart Gardens.


The exterior of Oak Lane B&B, and our rental car.

Friday, June 17

After a delicious and hearty breakfast, we took a city tour of Victoria aboard an open-top two-decker English bus. The bus company graciously sent a cab the short distance to our accommodation to spare us the headache of parking, and let us hitch a ride back afterwards on the first leg of their next tour, since they passed right by our B&B. We sat up top with the tour narrator, and after a foursome were dropped off at a castle tour, had him all to ourselves. Victoria is an incredibly beautiful city with a lot of opulent housing and spectacular gardens. Afterwards, we made the drive back to Swartz Bay and took the ferry across to the mainland. I kept an eye out in the cove where we'd seen the pod of whales, and - lo and behold - they were there again, puttin on quite a show for us! Tell me we're not lucky. When we got back to the house, Frank and Delima and the girls took us out for dinner, back at the Charthouse again, because we'd enjoyed it so much on Wednesday. We stayed up late yakkin, knowing it was our last evening together.


Delima, Sharon, Frank, Sheryl - my brother, sister-in-law and their two daughters. I regret that I never got shots of my nephew Dennis, my great-niece Alicia, and my sister Ann.

Saturday, June 18

We returned our rental car and said tearful goodbyes at the airport. Once back in Winnipeg, we called the same cab driver we'd had the previous Saturday, because he drives a large luxury car, and there was sufficient room for the huge golf bag case we'd borrowed from my brother Fred. Besides, Raj was a good driver and an affable fellow, who appreciated the hefty tip we'd given him. My niece Shirley and her daughter Theresa had taken excellent care of our house and kitties, even watering the outdoor flower gardens for us. Our furry kids were delighted to have us home, and have been velcro cats since we walked in the door.

-----------------

It was a wonderful week, and an emotional one. We were constantly marvelling at the lush vegetation, the beautifully manicured Japanese-style gardens with their immaculately trimmed hedges and bonzai-style trees; at the multiflora roses that flourished alongside highways and in front of gas stations; at the spectacular species of dogwood trees that abounded, and, of course, at the mountains. I was impressed with how dog-friendly the west coast is, not only allowing canines into all the tourist venues, but providing poop bags and water bowls. Best of all, I got to spend time with a part of my family that I see all too infrequently, and who embraced Curtis as one of their own.

I won't ever forget this trip, and I will be eternally grateful to my colleagues for their generous gift of money, which paid for the lion's share of it.

Stay Tuned

My report on our holiday is coming soon, I promise. Just been very busy with things back home, and tomorrow morning a serviceman is disconnecting our cable internet and TV connections to switch them over to the telephone lines, so I'll be without internet until the afternoon. Curtis has posted the first batch of photographs, if you want to see them.

See You in About a Week



The photo above is of Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island, one of the places Curtis and I intend to visit while on the west coast. We may even "pull a Leslie" and stay at a B & B on the island for one night, in order to take in some more sights. The meeting with Mary Lou, Phyllis and Cowboy Joe is on for Sunday in White Rock, provided the two sisters can fight their way through an anticipated delay at the border. Monday we'll be whale-watching, and another plan is to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge and take a gondola ride up to Grouse Mountain.

I might not be able to report on our trip until a couple of days after our return on the 18th, because we are switching internet service providers on Monday the 20th, and have to return our modem the day before to discontinue our original service. Of course, knowin what an early riser Curtis is, it would be wise to check his blog for pictures and info.

Have a wonderful week and stay healthy, everyone.

Say Cheese



A number of you have ORDERED Curtis and me to take plenty of photos on our trip to BC. Not to worry: We have two cameras (our 35 mm and our digital) and plenty of film and batteries packed. So Joe, Mary Lou and Phyllis: Make sure ya don't have any spinach salad stuck in yer teeth when we're snappin away at dinner time.

I have been busy printing maps of various sightseeing venues in the area. So far, we're pretty definite that we'll be going to Butchart Gardens on the Island, as well as to Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain. Hopefully, Curtis will get some nice shots when he and my brother Frank go golfing.

I'm so excited.

Not Such Good News

A chest x-ray today revealed the presence of fluid in the bottom of my right lung, which my oncologist says is related to the cancer. Apparently, my last ct-scan showed a wee bit (that's why they're always askin me if I'm short of breath), but now there's more.

The good news is that he still gave me the okay to go on our trip - he just cautioned me that, if I get very short of breath, I'm to get my hiney to an ER right away. The bad news is that, when we return, if another x-ray shows an increase in the amount of fluid, they'll have to stick a needle in there to see what's in it.

I'd be lyin if I said this doesn't scare me to pieces.

For Steven



This post is especially for Steven, who loves polar bears and is going on a polar bear-watching expedition in the northern part of my province (Churchill, Manitoba) this coming winter.

The photo above is of a sculpture that stands in our livingroom. It's about 10 inches high, and measures 12 inches from tail to nose.

We have an event in Winnipeg right now that I think would be of great interest and delight to you, Steven: In commemoration of CancerCare's 75th anniversary, 62 life-size polar bears were moulded and given to artists to decorate, and they stand along Broadway Avenue in the heart of the city, for the public to marvel at and enjoy. Here is a link where you can look at them (click on the "Bears Gallery" link). Which one is your favourite? (I love the angel bear.)

I bet some of my other readers will get a kick out of this very uniquely Canadian celebration of the dedicated survivors, caregivers, medical personnel and volunteers who fight against cancer.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow




Yesterday was a rough day. Jane's memorial service was nice but very sad, and I wasn't feeling well. I had to fight through bumper-to-bumper traffic for 80 minutes to get from Curtis' workplace to the church, and it was a long drive home afterwards, so I was pooped. Except when I got up for some tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich (comfort food) that Curtis made for me, I pretty much slept after I got home, until 2 am, when my lousy breathing kept me up for 2 1/2 hours.

I have three tumors in my right lung, and I guess they've begun to make their presence known. They make my breathing "slushy" and gurgly, kind of like when you let a kettle boil dry, and that causes me to cough and feel short of breath. I suppose I can expect more of this in the days to come, ugh. I will be sure to discuss this with Dr C when I see him on Tuesday.

On the upside, we leave a week from today for the west coast. On the day after we arrive (Sunday), we are meeting Mary Lou and Phyllis (and hopefully Cowboy Joe, if we can work out the arrangements), and on Monday we go whale-watching - double hooray! Curtis and I went to Wal-Mart and stocked up on necessities and goodies for Theresa, our cat/house-sitter (she's my great-niece); then we went to the casino and won more than enough money to pay for her services (she tried to refuse it, but we're givin her 100 bucks for easing our minds for the week).

Say, does anyone know how many pieces of luggage each passenger is allowed? Two, I hope. I am not a person who travels light; and on the rare occasions when I have, I've regretted it. I'll call Westjet and ask. I will not be injecting after Tuesday until we return, so that I'm stronger for the trip; and I'm lookin very much forward to a break from the interferon.

I hope everyone is enjoying his/her weekend.