Day 251 - Round One of AVD

Okay, so 3 hours sleep is probably not the smartest idea I've had in a really long time, but I just could not convince myself to turn out the light & go to bed. When I did eventually turn out the light, I just laid there. And tossed & turned. Needless to say the alarm went off much sooner than I would have liked!


I was thinking to myself of the diazepam the Fertility Clinic gave me to take the night before my surgery. I think it would have been a good idea for me to take the same thing last night! I did make the suggestion to Dr. Daly today, of which he gave me Ativan before I started the chemo. 


We left for the city at 0710, dogs & all. I had packed my bag the night before. Books, laptop, music, iPods, journals, camera, etc, etc. Totally not hungry, I had 1/2 a glass of juice & away we went. I figured I would have time to grab a bite before treatment. 


I am quite unfamiliar with Peter Lougheed, so I asked directions to the lab. I knew the blood work had to be done before the Dr.'s appointment, so I needed to hustle up! It was already 0810. Of course I got lost on my way to the lab. When I did show up, this short little fellow asks for my requisition. I had no clue where it was! Didn't they have it? No. I walked back to the entrance & took another turn. The requisition was at another desk. Then the gal tells me Dr. Daly isn't in until noon. What? Wait! No, there I was on the list. 0900. Phew! 


Requisition in hand I walk back to the lab. There was a lady at the desk this time. I handed her my papers as I should & mentioned that I had an appointment at 0900. She replied in an unfriendly tone, 'Yeah, well, there are others ahead of you. Just take a seat.' Okay.


They called one person every 10 minutes! ALL those people in the waiting room were family members of others already having tests done! A fellow named Jared came in & started chatting to me about his platelets & spleen & how his spleen is producing antibodies that throw out all his platelets. He sees Dr. Lategan & had Hodgkin's when he was 10! Crazy! 


When I was finally called, Lionel, the same man as before, called me into the back & took my blood. He was good! I hardly felt a pinch! My body is getting sensitive to the needles as of late, & they've only just begun! 


Blood work done, I headed back to Dr. Daly's waiting area. Mom came in from the car & shortly thereafter we were called into the room. A lovely nurse named Grete talked to me about a few things, took my height & weight (144.5 & 168) & then gave me a bunch of little booklets to read on all things Hodgkin's & Chemo. Even a copy of 'Managing Chemotherapy for Dummies'!!! Ha ha!


Dr. Daly came in & we chatted about a few things. He checked my hands, neck & my breathing. We talked about my travel restrictions & his travel plans! :o( He gets to go to Quebec, I'm staying put. Fair enough. He walked me to the treatment room & left me with the nurses.


Grete had told us that we would usually have about 1.5 hrs wait until the drugs were sent down from the Pharmacy, giving us time to get a bite to eat, have a tea, walk the dogs, etc, etc. But when I entered the room, they sat me down right away & got started! Oh dear! No food in my belly! Hope it all goes well!


Vivian, an adorable Nurse originally from Hong Kong, tells me I needed to heat up my arms. I said, 'Sure, do you have a heat pack?' (At Castillo's we were given microwaved IV bags of water to keep our injection sites warm) Vivian looked at me funny & said no. Instead, she began filling a sink with warm water. There I stood, hunched over this sink with water from my palms to triceps. I finish soaking them & try my best not to drip water all over the floor while Vivian wraps them in towels.


I sat down & she finds a juicy vein. She didn't like the first one on my inner forearm, so she pulled it out & used the one in my elbow pit (Sorry, haven't learned the technical term for that one yet!). It was good, so we were ready to rock. However, they gave me saline. Then the anti-emetic. Then more saline. As I was trying to rehydrate myself, drinking water & all that saline, I was in the toilet 3x by this point! I had to take off all the blankets & pillows & fold the leg lift under on the chair, which felt like an auto-eject seat every time it came down! Then I had to unplug the IV trolley, which one of the other nurses named 'my dancing partner' & away I'd go to the loo.


When I returned, it was time. I had two bags of Vinblastine, followed by a flush of the line after each. Then it was Doxorubicin or Adryiamycin next. It is a clear red drug. I thought it would hurt going in, but it didn't. Next up was the big bag of Dacarbazine. It was given simultaneously with saline, again, not to irritate the vein. Again, potty time. 


Mom had left prior to the anti-emetic & she finally came back! I hadn't brought my bag with all my books, videos, etc. in it, so I was bored out of my tree! I watched the nursing staff interact & flutter about, discovered a bunch of wrong dates in my Peruvian day planner (!) & chatted with a few of the gals beside me. When Mom returned I was just getting my chemo. She brought me a Jugo Juice smoothie & sandwich, as well as a nice card & 2 books I'd mentioned earlier this morning! What a great Mom! 


We were able to visit with one of the nurses, Deana, while Vivian administered the chemo drugs. It was a nice distraction so I didn't have to think about what was happening.


Soon enough, I was finished! No complications & no discomfort! Yay! Round 1 is done! We headed to the Pharmacy to pick up the meds & there was a little hold up in clarifying that the Alberta Cancer Foundation was going to help out, but 1/2 an hour later, we were good to go! By this point I was pretty tired. I couldn't wait to get home & sleep!


Which is precisely what I did. I set the alarm for 2200, woke up, took a pill, ate some food, checked out the new replacement phones & typed this. I'm now off to bed again, alarm set for 0400 to take the next pill... 


I survived the first round! Yay! It was a breeze! I've been warmed there are rough days coming - Dr. Daly says tomorrow, the one nurse says days 5-7. We'll see! All those prayers, positive thoughts, white light & good energy thrown my way really made a world of difference! I'm so grateful for the wonderful family & friends I have supporting me! 


Sleep well! xxxxx
Maria & Valentina

Vivian reviews the drugs & their side effects with me.

Getting sleepy!

Dacarbazine & Saline

Mom lights up the room

The hi-tech hot pack machine!

Okay, round 1 done & dusted. 

Day 250 - 'Twas the Night Before Chemo & All Through the House...

Not a creature was stirring, well, except for the patient. Yup, it's 0200 & I can't fall asleep. I'm so tired, but I know what I have to wake up to & I'm not excited about it. At all. 


Today was the last day of my life as I know it. Tomorrow I will begin a journey that will forever change the course of my life. It has been an interesting journey so far & I'm sure that it will continue to evolve into bigger & better things, but I realize these next 6 months will be a challenge I never dreamt I'd have to embrace. I joked with a friend tonight that Chemotherapy was never on my Bucket List. Not even at the bottom! But I suppose if it will help me attain the things that are at the top of my Bucket List, then why not?


It has become blatantly apparent to me that although I am the patient, I am the one enduring the treatments, the side effects & the health complications, some people in my life are not ready to deal with MY illness. This has been a difficult acceptance for me. At the time in my life where I feel I need the biggest amount of support, the ones I thought would be by my side are the very ones hiding in the shadows, no where to be seen. The beauty of it is that I understand the value of support & friendship & I am grateful for the friends I do have that have pulled on their 'Big Girl Panties' & taken me by the hand. It is so touching to have people come out of the woodwork & fill me with hope, faith & reassurance that I'm not alone. Yes, the journey is mine to walk, but it is wonderful to know that I have amazing friends helping me take the steps I need to. The mountain ahead is high, but it's one step at a time!


Mom & I had a spontaneous photo shoot today. We went to town for some portraits with a local Photographer, Peter Gold. He showed us the photos immediately after the shoot & they look fantastic! I wanted to get a few portraits done with my 'old' hair & of course with Mom. I called Mom2, but sadly she was busy with work today. Not to worry, we'll have some 'new' hair shots when it's finally back!!! 


I came home & decided to tackle the bunkhouse for awhile. I keep a lot of 'stuff' in there & decided I would pilfer through a few boxes. Well, 2+ hrs later, I'd emptied about 10 boxes of junk, consolidated several other boxes of junk & cleared a few things out of my life. There is still a lot of work to do, but I've got 6 months. One box at a time! 


I also started laundry, but my sheets seemed to ball themselves up, with a nice wet towel inside, so here I sit, no duvet cover & a partially made bed. Oh well... Valentina is keeping me warm. 


I spoke with an old friend today. She had recently ventured to Kentucky for a photo workshop on horses. She has found her passion & her niche in life. I am so thrilled for her! I can't wait to see her work! I just need to find/pursue my passion & get this show on the road! My camera is twitchin' for some clickin'! Don't tell Jaco, but my dream is to spend every sunrise & sunset in a game park in Africa photographing wildlife. :oP


I also spoke with 2 other dear & cherished girlfriends. They both asked if they could pray for me. Of course I said 'YES!'. I appreciate any prayer immensely & I have compiled a list of specific prayers, as per Jenn's request. If you have a minute & care to take a 'lucky dip' & pick a prayer to through my way, here's what I'll be praying for these next 6 months:
1. The Lord will keep me calm & relaxed throughout my chemotherapy administration.
2. God will watch over me to ensure I  have little to no side effects from the drugs.
3. He will send the chemotherapy straight to the dark cells in my body that need to be targeted, destroyed & eliminated in order for me to live a healthy, long life.
4. He will send me Doctors & Nurses that are happy & positive & kind & the best in their field.
5. The Lord will heal me quickly & help me remain strong in receiving & recovering from treatment.
6. He will help me find & follow my purpose throughout this trying time.
7. He will make his presence & love known to me - Let Him stir my heart like it has never been stirred before!
8. May God help me to keep a positive & laughing attitude throughout my treatments.
9. May God guide Jaco here safely & swiftly & may He give Jaco the wisdom to care for me emotionally, mentally, physically & physiologically.
10. Frank is big, but God is BIGGER.
11. May the Lord take the darkness from my body & fill it with his light & love.
12. May nothing but goodness come from these next 12 rounds of chemotherapy & let there be a 100% cure at the end of it.
13. May God use me as a testimony to His power & grace & mercy.
14. May He ensure I eliminate swiftly & easily the dead cancer cells, toxic drugs & other bodily waste, leaving no residue of cancer or chemotherapy behind.
15. May He ensure I get adequate rest, nourishment & exercise throughout the chemotherapy sessions so I can finish stronger mentally, physically & spiritually than when I started this journey.


Well, wish me luck. Tomorrow is the big day. Finally. May Frank finally take that hike he's been meaning to for 2+ yrs. 
Maria & Valentina
xxxxxx

Get cher grin ready!

Peter in action!

Thank you Peter!

The last day as me as I know me.

Yup, here's a sneak peek at what's to come! (This is a new shade of shocking red that's not so Courtney Love-ish)

Day 249 - I Drove All Night...

First off - did I mention my dog is experiencing a false pregnancy? Yup. Lactating & all. Nesting, collecting toys, whining, depressed. Guess who is getting spayed as soon as this is over?!? Are you kidding me?!? Who would have thought...


Second, I heard the wolf again tonight! Sweet! Only once. I ran for my camera/video, but I haven't heard a peep since. I've been sleeping with the fan on lately, so maybe he's been here for awhile.


Today was my CT scan. I was 1/2 an hour late. I didn't think Canmore was that far. Yeah, it's been awhile & I usually just keep plugging on to Banff. I had to drive Mom's car because, lo & behold, my battery was dead! Mom's car was a bit freaky to drive, as the steering isn't quite right. It's really stiff & hurky jerky. 


When I approached the Diagnostic Imaging desk, I had to fill out a consent form. Before I filled it out, I asked how much radiation I would be receiving. It was like I'd slapped them across the face. They all sat there for a moment, deer in the headlights look, and I thought, 'Oh boy. Here we go.' To my delight, they were WONDERFUL!!! They called around & found out as much information as they could & sent me home with some googling to do. 


The gal who helped me out was really sweet. She's getting married next March, either in Panama or Cuba. She was asking me about different islands in the Caribbean, so of course, I babbled incessantly about my favourite islands. She was really good at her job too. She was very explanatory & was gentle with the IV. Also, in the past, when they inject the contract dye, it is a big flush & you get that I-just-peed-my-pants feeling. (You don't actually, it just feels that way. Weird, I know.) The gal was re (just hear the wolf again! AWESOME!) She was really gentle with the injection, so it wasn't a mad, overwhelming rush of heat & flush. Much appreciated! 


As I left the Imaging area, I dropped off a note with Kim Ing's details. When the gal mentioned Cuba, I remember Kim having shot a wedding in Cuba & perhaps they could work something out... You just never know! 


The hospital had wonderful artwork decorating the halls - most of it was for sale. The piece in the Imaging waiting area was donated by EVIC's Boss' Boss! Hah! Small world! I will say, if I had to be hospitalized, I would prefer to stay at Canmore. The view is spectacular! You're surrounded by mountains - Wow!


I stopped at the Rocky Mountain Bagel Co. as mentioned by Dave yesterday. It was so good, I nearly did a yooee (UE, u-ee, U-turn?) on the #1! It's been a long time since I had a bagel that light & fluffy & delish!


I motored to Calgary to return/pick up a few last minute things, then boogied back home. I slept for 1/2 an hour & then motored back into Bragg Creek for dinner with Karen!


Karen is a Teacher in Pincher Creek & today was a field trip to Calaway Park, so we agreed to meet afterwards for a quick visit. Karen was my roommate several summers in Waterton. She also introduced me to hiking & sparked the adventurous explorer in me. We had a great meal at Infusion (again!) & I enjoyed hearing about her plans for the summer & her BIG trip around South America! Including the Galapagos! I wish I was tagging along! I can't wait to hear ALL about it!!! It was so great to see her & catch up before she gets caught up in busy summer plans!


After we said goodbye, I raced back home. I was supposed to meet Mom at Infusion at 1830 & we were going to go to Cochrane together. I pulled into the yard at 1827 & no truck. But the inside door wasn't shut. And there were no dogs. What's going on? I called her cell. No answer. I called again. And again. x5. Finally she calls me back. She was down in the field helping Jim. His Arctic Cat quad was stuck. Quite bad too. Mom said the front wheels were 2 feet off the ground! He'd pounded a crowbar into the ground & was trying to use that to winch himself out of the mess. Jim is 83 or 84 & is quite the character. He doesn't get upset or angry. He always calm & finds something to chuckle about! Needless to say, Mom was a bit late leaving for her meeting. I dropped her off & headed over to Mike & Jenn's. They were using Mom's truck to pick up a mattress & box springs some people had been storing for them, but were unable to do so any longer. 


My heart nearly broke when I pulled up I could see Harrison sliding open the patio door calling, 'Tina? Tina? Tina?' I had left Valentina at home, with Oceana while Mom & I were gone. He was so sad that she wasn't there to play with! Poor fella! He had a hair cut & I am pleased to say that we'll look like twins after Saturday night! Although I think he looks much cuter in a buzz cut than I will!


Jenn & I had a good visit while Mike ran to get the mattresses. I am so happy they are here. They are wonderful friends & such good people. I've enjoyed spending time with their children & seeing some fantastic examples of good parenting! I'll know who to call when the totsicles are finally here! :o)


Mom & I drove home & were in the house by 2200. Both of us exhausted, we had a bite to eat, played with our dogs until we were crying from laughing so hard & then it was bed time. Oceana was really funny tonight. She jumped up & put her front paws on Mom's leg. When that didn't work to get her attention, she starts digging on Mom's leg. She digs so fast - it's a flurry of paws & claws! When that didn't work, she give one big leap into the air. Then another leap! Mom was giving me a play-by-play of how it usually goes down & Oceana acted right on cue. Priceless! Then Mom got up to grab a tissue & both dogs came over & jumped up. Mom jumped, the dogs jumped, again & again... About 4 times in a row! Crazy dogs!


Anyhow, enjoy your day tomorrow... I hope it's a good one!
xxxxx
Maria, Valentina, Kim, & Oceana

The artwork donated generously by...

My old Boss' Boss!

The view from the front entrance of the Canmore Hospital

Sometimes I make words/abbreviations up with license plates. I thought this one was 'Tom Baker Centre' & my immediate afterthought was 'BAH!' That's when I saw the next plate...

I'm not sure if the spelling is right, but this word means 'poo' in Afrikaans. Struck me funny that it was the next plate I saw!

Karen & I

Mom was miffed the cops didn't stop the old cars from holding up traffic, but made her call a tow truck & not drive any further!

Day 248 - Sundaes.

Today was a typical lazy Sunday. I chit-chatted on the phone with a few friends, checked in on my Granny, convinced myself to eat something - I swear my tastebuds have gone on holidays as of late, strolled to EVIC to pester Joe & Shauna... The usual Sunday stuff.


On my way to EVIC, the cattle have been hanging around the road. I'm always nervous around cattle I don't know. Protective Mamas & of course, the bulls. Naturally they were by the road & perked right up when they saw me. I grabbed a branch from a fallen down tree & started to whoop & holler. I was impressed! They just lazily meandered through the trees & out of my sight. Thank you very much... Now, if only I could get them to leave their giant, splattered cow pies in the grass & not underfoot...


Joe & Shauna kept me entertained with the happenings of their past & upcoming weeks. Joe is determined to get Jaco to work in Bragg Creek. Tempting! Shauna just finished a backpacking trip with her parents. I told her she should start a blog about all the crazy hikes she does... I'm sure Everest is around the corner! She loves her mountains! I'd pick her to get stranded with any day! :o)


I set up the Magic Jack & got it up & running. Handy dandy little gadget. It will save some bucks when Jaco is at home! It's $0.80/minute for me to call him or he can buy calling cards. It is cheaper for him to call me, but still, it costs money! Skype is free, but sometimes the line isn't great & it's frustrating to sit in front of a computer & not be able to move about! Magic Jack should do the trick! Ha ha...


Mom whipped up a yummy supper - shish kebobs & corn on the cob, followed by ripe, juicy Rainier cherries - my favourite! We went over the necessities for the party this weekend. She's not sure if she'll be here or not, but she will help with the groceries on Thursday. I haven't had too many people decide to come, so if you're bored on Saturday & you're close by, come on out! It will be a lot of fun! We measured my hair tonight & it is long enough to donate! Yay!!! 


Dave stopped by to let me know he can't make it this weekend. :o( I was quite sad about that. He is tired of his long hair & he has to work that evening. I tried to entice him with the opportunity to meet some single ladies... We'll see if he pitches up! :o)


I had a wonderful visit with Jaco - that is until he started talking about wanting to live in the Arctic. I think the ship is really starting to get to him. It must be time for holidays!!! I quickly googled 'real estate australia' to counteract the thought of living in an igloo! :oP Maybe he can sleep in a tent for a few nights while he's here & that should set him straight! All joking aside, I'll be very happy when he's here.


All's well on the ranch... Time for some shut eye...
xxxx
Valentina & Maria

Crashed!

Little paw on the pillow... Awwwh!

Day 247 - Weddings, Wheels & Warm Weather

Phew! Today was a busy day! I went for lunch with Mom to Infusion in Bragg Creek, got smoked out by a few Russians (boo), crashed a wedding, had the back tires finally changed, was ripped off ($8) at Panago, played show & tell with a girlfriend & tried to solve dermatology issues via Google. 


It was a beautiful sunny day & I even donned a pretty frock & some makeup for the day! Wow! I'm lovin' the summer sunshine! We were sitting on the patio at the restaurant & ended up down wind when the gals decided to have a puff. Grrr. I do NOT like ciggy smoke. Gross. Wake up. Not cool. Dinner was yummy though. Part way through the meal, Mom asked if I wanted to go to a wedding today. Her friends were getting married out at their ranch & I thought, sure, why not? We raced home, chased Dieter & Jim out the gate & headed for the wedding.


It was a beautiful location. They have a little lake, several waterfalls, views of the mountains, a beautiful yard & an Italian flagpole! :o) The ceremony was very nice & the bride looked stunning - of course! Her dress was AMAZING! Wow! Almost makes me want to get married. Again! :o) 


We left after the ceremony to make it to Cochrane in time for the tire change. Yay! Contemplate is ready to roll! The oil change is all that's needed now! I decided to pick up some dinner for Mike & Jenn & I had heard Mike asking for pizza the night before. I thought I'd surprise them with supper & a quick visit, as Mom had plans for the evening. 


They were shocked! Mom decided to go home & Jenn said she would drive me home later. We enjoyed a nice visit & about 2100, I remembered the dogs were still inside! Whoops! Away we went! I could hear them barking as we drove up. Little stinkers!!! I was anxious to show Jenn the wigs & she was great support! I was happy to hear her reactions & responses to them. I'm feeling a little bit braver about wearing them! I think I even convinced her to order one or two somewhere down the line... :o) 


We visited for a couple of hours & then Jaco called. Jenn had to get going, so we said goodbye & I chatted with Jaco for an hour or so... While we talked I hung up the Italian flashcards I have for Valentina. I really need to get back on track with her training. I'm hoping that will help with the barking, as the anti-bark collar is not working. She doesn't bark with it on, but it also triggers itself randomly & the poor girl is getting blasted with citronella for doing nothing!!! :o(


I'm absolutely beat & looking forward to my fluffy pillow... That's all for tonight! Have a sweet sleep & see you in the sunshine tomorrow! 


xxxx
Maria & Valentina

Mom at the restaurant.

Pretty little flower

Love the sign!

Sweet couple!

Okay, so you can see the front of the dress... but barely for Mr.? stepping in front! Oh well!

Mom visiting with Pascal & Una

Love it!

Leaving the wedding

Cool clouds & cool little greenhouse!

Green thumb!

'Ukrainian Rubber' as my friend likes to say...

Contemplate getting some new wheels!

Heidi enjoying her carrots.

Harrison hamming it up!

Day 246 - Contemplate Is Contemplatin' Quittin'

Hmm, today was a day that perhaps needed a little refreshing before I should have woke up to it. I can't seem to sleep much past 0630 & when I go to bed late, that doesn't set me up very well. Add the sun, the dogs & Mom stomping around, it's a bit of a gong show. Perhaps I'll invest in one of those 'noise' or sleep machines. 


When I did make it out of bed, I made a few phone calls - my first of the week & it's Friday! Mom & I had a nice banter about space & control issues and then I got ready to head out. I had to hit the post office, the insurance agency & then off to Cochrane to have the other 2 tires replaced. 


That would have worked fabulous if only the car would start. Mom boosted me twice before I left home. The gal at the insurance agency boosted me again. I left it running while I was at the post office & then realized that I needed fuel! So, I headed over to the Husky & put some fuel in. The gas jockey pushed the car forward & boosted me. Again. Oh dear. 


I drove to Cochrane without any major issues, but when I arrived, they only had 1 of the 2 tires I needed! Argh! Looks like I'll be back tomorrow! Luckily the car started fine after this. I headed over to the Burnett's for a visit - if they were home! Jenn & the kids were home, so I enjoyed an afternoon visit. Valentina & Harrison played, while Heidi smiled & cooed. It was a great afternoon! 


I also managed to set up the Magic Jack's, so I'll just need to send one to South Africa with Jaco & we'll be all set to visit for next to nothing!! 


I motored home about 1900 & spent the evening trying to find my desk. Ugh. What a mess! I hole punched all my medical papers & other bits & pieces lying around, so it will be out of the way & (somewhat) organized! I tried a few friends on the phone, but clearly the summer weather has everyone outside enjoying it! 


Valentina was not herself today. I'm not sure if it's this pseudo-pregnancy or what, but she is acting quite bizarre. She just mopes around & sleeps a lot. She snooped around my room, which she doesn't normally do. I hope it passes soon, as I miss my happy-go-lucky pooch!


Anyhow, that's the best of today... Enjoy your weekend! xxxx Maria & Valentina

She's really not herself when she's sleeping on the back seat!

Poor Tweet Pea... Not lovin' it!

Day 245 - More Teeth & Naturopathic Stuff

I'm not sure what I was thinking when I booked an 0800 dental appointment the morning after surgery, but I did. So away we went. Mom had to drive me, as I was legally impaired until 1330 this afternoon. Naturally we left a bit late, but Lois was ready & waiting for me when I arrived at 0810. 


Oh dear. My bottom teeth were bad yesterday. My top teeth were even worse! My gums have receded so much that the root is exposed. Which meant that Lois couldn't even drag her 'little scrape-y tool' across the area! It sent me through the roof! She cleaned as best she could & polished them afterwards. I love the suction thing & I love a Hygienist that lets you control the suction. There's nothing like gagging on your own spit or swallowing some mint tasting chemical! Ick! Lois let me use the gadget & I was grateful! I took the wedding photos to show her, as she was quite amazed at the story of Jaco & I. She is such a sweet heart! She's very passionate about her job & thankfully so. If she wasn't I probably wouldn't have known my teeth were in the shape they are in! I picked up a Sonicare toothbrush & I'm in love already! The organized side of my personality loves it! It has a 2-minute timer with 30 second bleeps to tell you when to change quadrants in your mouth. And it has a UV brush cleaner! Oh & it brushes your teeth sparkly clean! 


I waited outside in the sun for Mom to pick me up. She'd run to Okotoks to get the 14" rims for the car. I waited for quite awhile. I thought she was in a rush, but you know Mom! Lo & behold, she finally drove by. Apparently she'd been into the clinic a few times looking for me, but didn't bother to look outside or drive through the parking lot! She'd been there 1/2 an hour! Whoops! We stopped at the bakery for a quick bite & then headed home. She had to rush into town for her day planner production.


I crashed for a good 1.5 hrs. I was so wiped! I really didn't want to get up for my 1445 appointment. I quickly got ready & hopped into the car. It wouldn't start. The battery was completely flat. Great. Thankfully the truck was running! I don't enjoy driving the beast, but I had no other option! Away I went!


Parking was fun & I still have no idea how the silver Honda made it out of the space next to me, but kudos to the driver! The Naturopath didn't impress me too much today. The last appointment was pretty hefty. ($$$) Today was nearly $60 & I was there for about 5-10 minutes. He browsed over my medical papers & focused on blood work from 6 months ago.  He told me to email him on Friday after chemo & let him know how I felt. Huh? What is going on? He'll get one more shot. I certainly didn't feel like we had a $60 conversation. Thank goodness the parking was free! 


I stopped at Jugo Juice (of course!) & headed home. I spent the rest of the evening trying to sort out my desk & a pile (mountain) of papers. No, I'm not finished yet! I also attempted hooking up the Magic Jacks, but I hit a few roadblocks. Looks like I will need to set them up on a PC! How rude! :o) 


Okay, super wiped & looking forward to some R&R...
xxxx
Maria & Valentina

Lois - she's a riot!

Sleepy little town...

Saving my teeth!

Watching the clouds roll by!

Day 244 - All My Eggs In One Basket

I should have taken the diazepam. I thought I wouldn't need it, seeing as my appointment was for 1230. Lo & behold, Valentina wakes me up at 0645. Then I hear a mosquito in the room that I couldn't find & took me two attempts to kill. Then Mom lets Valentina back into my room at 0715. Next comes the barking. So much for a good night's rest before the procedure!

Today was the egg retrieval at the Fertility Clinic. No more needles! Hooray! I tossed & turned in bed as long as I could. I was unable to eat anything & could only drink clear liquids, of which we had none, so I wanted to sleep as long as possible. 

I called Mom once I was up to see where she was at. She was driving the car (slowly) to Cochrane this morning to get the tires replaced. She was leaving for Saskatchewan the day after, so I couldn't be stranded without a car. She was kind enough to let me sleep, take the car, get it fixed & be back by 1130 when we had to leave for the city.  When she answered the phone I never expected her to say...

1. She drove 40 km/h & made it to the traffic circle

2. The cops pulled her over & made her call a tow truck. Apparently it was too dangerous for her to slow down traffic & the risk of blowing the tire & careening into oncoming traffic was high.

3. She tried to change the tire by herself.

4. Bikers stopped to help her get the nuts loose & she did the rest.

5. She only arrived in Cochrane at 1015 & some young punk was taking his sweet time.

It was not looking promising for her arrival back home at 1130 in time to leave for town! To my amazement she drove in the yard at 1125 & we left 10 minutes later! 

She dropped me off at the clinic & they told her to come back at 1545. They gave me some apple juice, as I was looking a little pale & the pharmacy downstairs was out. I headed into the back room & got changed into the fabulous fashion of the Medical World. We filled out the remainder of the consent forms & the nurse hooked me up to an IV. Unfortunately the IV gave her a few hassles & there goes my blood, running down my arm & spilling all over my new gown! Thank goodness it wasn't silk! :oP I've never seen such a big bag of saline! Wow! It must have been 1.5 or 2 L! It was massive! We waited for the Doctor to get ready. I didn't mind. The nurses were all very friendly & fun to visit with. Andrea, Jana & Natalie kept me entertained. 

While I was waiting, they wheeled a girl on a stretcher past me. She didn't look so hot. Then, when I used the loo after a previous patient, the bathroom garbage was decorated in 'red'. Wow. What on Earth were they going to do to me?!?! I was a little nervous to say the least, but they know what they are doing! Right?!

Finally it was my turn. In we go to the little room. Dr. O'Keane was the Doctor doing my procedure. He was the same Doctor that did the presentation at the hospital a few weeks back. I liked him then & I was happy he was my Physician today. He is from Ireland & has a great sense of humour.

I climb onto the bed & the nurse tells me to put my legs in the cradles. Er, feeling a little exposed here! Oh well, no dignity left anyhow! I look around the room. There are pretty little gold stars painted around the roof, a screen to watch, and a poster of 2 little kids sneaking a peck on the lips. Pretty soon Dr. O'Keane administers Midazolam & Fentanyl. Oh boy... It hit me like a ton of bricks! Everything went woozy & that poster on the ceiling just kept moving. It was like I was headed down in an elevator & it just kept on clippin' by. No matter how hard I tried to get off on the 10th floor, it wasn't happening! I pretty much babbled through the whole ordeal. Lord only knows what I actually said. I know we spoke about my blog, RateMDs.com, my GP, my husband and my upcoming treatment. When Dr. O'Keane heard about my blog, he asked the Embryologist, Kim, in the adjacent room to print me a photo of my eggs for the blog. 

The screen I could see was actually connected to the microscope the Embryologist was using to collect the eggs. Dr. O'Keane hazily showed me a little vial filled with the fluid that contained some of the eggs. Next thing I knew, there was the little pipette playing with my eggs. Crazy! The procedure wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated. There was certainly some discomfort. When it got a little worse than normal, they gave me another ride on the elevator. :o) Soon enough, we were done. The Embryologist lined up all my eggs in a row & I took a happy snap on my point & shoot. Done! 

I shifted back onto a stretcher & they wheeled me back out into the recovery area. I babbled some more to Dr. O'Keane about Dr. Canellos & my current book on stem cell differentiation & how the Mother's uterus communicates with the embryo before it's become a fetus. I'm sure I was slurring my words & my eyes were crossed, but he just smiled & nodded. Bless his heart. 

I slept for a bit & took in the happenings around me. The Embryologist came by to tell me that we would be freezing everything after the eggs had been fertilized. They would be considered embryos, but they would not have cleaved yet. (No cell division) Apparently this is the best option when freezing embryos. Later on, when they are thawed, they will culture them to X number of cells before implantation. Additionally, she told me that this procedure wasn't even available 1.5 years ago, so lucky for us it's happening now! 

A while later, one of the nurses brought by a little 4x6 photo of all my eggs. There were 11 in total, although she explained that most likely only 8 or 9 of them would make embryos. Some were immature & one was deformed. That was probably the coolest photo I've ever been given! And, just to toot my own horn, they don't normally give a photo to anyone... Dr. O'Keane specifically asked the Embryologist for it... Yes, I do feel special! *Big Grin*

I ate a few Arrowroot biscuits (they taste delicious when you're starving!) and drank 2 apple juice boxes. It was time to use the loo. Success, no 'red' garbage from me! Don't know what happened to the other chick - gosh! I returned to the bed & sat down. I thought I was doing fine. Natalie, the Nurse, said she'd go check & see if Mom was there to collect me. As soon as she left... Uh oh... No elevator ride, but I got shaky & felt quite weak. Andrea looked at me & said I was looking a little green & I better lie down. Apparently I had a 'Vaso Vagal response'. After I stood up & used the loo, it freed up space & that shift dilated blood vessels leaving me feeling like I was going to pass out. Fun! Mom still wasn't there, so lucky for me, I laid back down & rested a little longer. 

Mom showed up a while later & I was strong enough to get dressed & get out of there. It seems so strange to think that now I won't be back to the clinic for a year or more until we're ready to have children!

We left for Jugo Juice & pizza. Jugo Juice botched the smoothie order & Boston Pizza used the wrong crust, so it was the longest wait for food of my life. I was starving & feeling rubbish. All I wanted was some food in my belly & to lie down & sleep. After an eternity, the food was finally ready. I wolfed it down & did my best to brace through the bumps on the ride home. As soon as we were in the door, I laid down to sleep. I woke up once at 1915 & then again at 2115. 

Jaco called & we had a good visit. He had phoned earlier, but unfortunately I wasn't in the frame of mind to give much conversation. Between hormones, starvation & pain, I wasn't the happiest girl on the block! Poor fella! Luckily the later call found me in much better spirits! Mom interrupted the call part way through to draw my attention to a young moose that strolled right past her as she was working in the yard! He was really close!

I'm off to bed now. Tomorrow is the balance of my teeth cleaning. At 0800. I hope I don't start snoring with my mouth wide open! :o)

Have a great sleep & see you soon!

xxxxx

Maria & Valentina

Mustangs & cattle

First sign of success!

Watchin' TV

More eggs

Getting the next generation ready!

Before the vaso vagal!

Aren't they pur-dy?

Food!

Can you see the moose bum?

Bullwinkle visits