Day 140 - Results. Or Not.

I know I posted earlier about the results or lack thereof, but I'm still trying to catch up! 


Jaco did indeed call this morning. I had left Skype on, but my computer went to sleep. So when he phoned at 0400 on the house phone, he woke the house up! Whoops! Mom woke up & brought me the phone, looking all disheveled & nothing like herself. I love that she says to me, 'It's 4 o'clock, what are you still doing up?' Um, what are YOU doing up? Maybe we're up for the same reason? We heard the phone ring? :o) She later came back to my room to tell me to talk quieter - I love how she can hear a pin drop without hearing aids at 0400, but can't hear me talk across the table when she's wide awake & hearing aids in. Sigh. 


Anyhow, Jaco was on his way... Capetown to Johannesburg to Atlanta to Montego Bay. He was flying business class, so hopefully he'll catch a little rest on the plane & not be too wiped for work!


I went back to bed & fell asleep to the sounds of Mom printing, typing & clicking away in the next room. She was up & didn't want to go back to bed. Yes, I feel bad! They left about 1100 for their big road trip.


I left for town shortly thereafter. I had some running around to do & of course, the biopsy results at 1400. As I mentioned earlier, I waited 2.5 hours only to be told they didn't have the results back! $8.75 in parking... The poor fellow at the pay booth. He received all of my change! I am glad he didn't drop the parking 'arm' on my car as I exited!!


After I was set free with a week of wiggle room, I ran my errands, the usual, CNF, Costco, and then to prayers. It was a great night at prayers! Valentina was exceptionally charming & managed to gain the affection of everyone there! That's my girl! :o)


So there you have it! The exciting day that wasn't! Here's to a bigger & better tomorrow! Ha!


Love & hugs, 
Maria & Valentina
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Doesn't this room look like a fun place to hang out for 2.5 hrs?

I mean, who wouldn't want to chill out in this avocado green chair for half the day? It looks so comfy! I'm sure there's a massage button somewhere!

Even Valentina got bored!

Day 119 - Things Are Never What They Seem

I'll rise, but I won't shine. I was up early & out the door by 0850. My appointment with Dr. Dowdall was at 0945. I was about to find out the results from my CT scan & my biopsy. 


I did a little homework on the biopsy. I was frustrated my results hadn't come back. I also hadn't heard anything from Dr. Daly's office. I left a message on Monday to see if I would have an appointment on Thursday to find out the biopsy results. I hadn't received a call back by Wednesday, so I phoned again & spoke to the appointments desk. The gal on the other end says, 'I don't have an appointment for you this week. All I can see is a Fine Needle Aspiration scheduled for the end of March.' Oh. WHAT?!?!?! This is not a good sign! And if he has rescheduled me, why hasn't he called me to tell me what happened with the first one! He did elude that it may not have worked, which made me quite cranky! I mean, I've already had 12 needles stuck into my neck & they still can't figure things out?!? Come on! 


Anyhow, after I found out about the upcoming appointment, I phoned Dr. Dowdall's office & asked if they had access to the biopsy results. Sure enough, they did. Good. Two birds, one stone.


So, there I sat, in the little examination room. My stomach doing flip flops, awaiting to hear the results. One of the interns came in to talk to me about the results. She printed off the CT scan & told me the biopsy results weren't there yet. It said I'd had a biopsy, but that was it. Argh! (Hands being thrown up in the air & eyes rolling!) She said it usually takes two weeks to get the results & when I told her it had already been two weeks, she said she would check again.


The next thing, Dr. Dowdall & the intern come through the door. Dr. Dowdall sits down & we have a little chat. The results were back. The needle biopsy showed NO MALIGNANT CELLS. ------------------------------LONG PAUSE--------------------------------


What? Yes, that's right. No cancerous cells. Two big needles & one little one shoved into this lump that's been hanging out on my neck for two years & no cancerous cells. I saw the boogery little sample he pulled out of my neck. What gives? Okay, yes, I should be ecstatic they didn't find cancer. I am excited that there are healthy cells in my neck - they're fighting the good fight for me! But then, why do I have this mass on the side of my neck? I got excited, thinking it was Coccidiomycosis! Yes, quick round of antibiotics & I'm back in the swing of things! But sigh, no. Now, I am faced with the option of a surgical biopsy only. Cutting out a node & that's that. This goes against every ounce of medical beliefs that I have. 


Your lymph system is your body's sewer system. It cleans up all the garbage. If cancer is a nasty thing, why would I remove part of my waste disposal, only to leave the rest of it to work that much harder!? Then there's the risk of Lymphemdema, where your the limb closest to the lymph glands affected swells up like a water balloon. And then of course, there's the whole biopsy seeding, which we all know 'doesn't exist', oh, & don't forget that when you get a cut, cells proliferate to 'heal' the wound. Do you think they differentiate between cancer cells & healthy cells? No, didn't think so. 


So that's the Reader's Digest version of why I don't want an excision biopsy. If they aren't swift enough to pull cancerous cells out of my neck after 12 attempts, what makes me confident they won't muck things up while I'm under surgery?


Shocked & stunned, I drive home with my eyes on the road, but my mind a million miles away. When I told Mom the news, she was really excited. I suppose I should be too. But then, what is it & why is it still there? My next obstacle was Mexico. I can't very well go for treatment if I don't have a diagnosis. I know that neither Doctor will administer chemo without knowing what they are treating. I phoned Dr. Castillo & he said I could do a biopsy there, but it would cost about $300-500. Gulp. My budget had already been cut in half & doing the biopsy in Mexico would leave me that much less for the actual treatments! 


I was being pressured to see only one doctor & having only half the funding I'd expected, adding now, another failed biopsy, it suddenly seemed like the Powers That Be were screaming at me to not go to Mexico. My heart shouted back some sort of expletive, but in any case, after Mom's suggesting we stay home, I decided not to go. 


I had an appointment with Jessica that afternoon, so I had a nap, woke up, ticked off at the world & proceeded to get the car stuck in the yard. Again. In the exact same spot as last time. Leaving to see the exact same person as last time. Argh! My brother was there for lunch, so him & Mom pushed the car out while I grumbled about why I couldn't just take the truck. 


On my way in my trusty ol' Contemplate, I made my way to Jessica's. I was early! Well, I should have been really early, but my photographic memory is failing me. I took every right turn, but the right one! I finally stopped at a gas station to look it up in the road atlas & finally made my way there! 


I shared with Jessica my crappy day thus far & she put me in a much better place! Knowing my mind is a powerful tool, we worked a lot on how to deal with this current issue & when I left one hour later, I felt much, much, MUCH better. 


I am quite happy to give it a month before the biopsy & work on getting rid of these lumps! I left for my acupuncture appointment, had a lovely spine crack - ooooooh yeah! It was splendid! I could finally shoulder check again! Although, a headache had been brewing since I left Jessica's, so I decided to abandon prayers & come home. I really didn't want to talk or see anyone & I knew Mom was going, so I would have the house to myself. 


When I got home, I saw that Mom had cancelled the flights, hotel & both Doctor's appointments. I also saw that Dr. Daly's office had called with a biopsy appointment. For February 24th! What? In less than a week? I have just got off the phone with them & they booked a Fine Needle Aspiration. I have asked them to change it to a Core Needle Biopsy & throw the Fine Needle at the dart board. I'm started to feel like a human pin cushion here! Yeesh!


Anyhow, I phoned my dear friend, Laura, whom I was so excited to see in Mexico. Where we first met & shared a passion for health (& shopping). I was so excited to meet her family - her wonderfully supportive husband & her three beautiful girls. But, now, it will be on different terms, I guess! :o(


I hit the hay at 0930, exhausted from a very emotional day. 


So there you have it. I'm still sitting in good ol' Bragg Creek, wondering what on Earth is going on & where I will go from here. No tacos for this chick. Just some more snow. I plan on taking a workshop from Jessica this weekend & hopefully I'll have so more exciting news to report by Sunday night.


Thanks for tuning in & here's to a better tomorrow!


xxxx
Maria & Valentina

Three words to change the course of life.

Day 112 - No Storm.

Starting the day running late never proves successful. You'd think I would know this by now, but apparently I just haven't learned it yet! 


Mom & I were to leave for town at 1100. We left at 1145. Of course, this put us late meeting Al & Wilma for lunch. Luckily I called & told Al we would be late & it wasn't too big of a deal. I was thrilled to see them again. Sometimes you meet some people & you feel an instant connection with them. It was this way with Al & Wilma. I swear, I can feel their warm hearts when I'm around them!


I met them flying home from the ship this last time. Funny, I spent 26 days on the same small ship with them & we never met. Then, when the cruise is over, we meet standing in line for the shuttle to the airport! Turns out, we were actually on the same snorkeling tour in Bora Bora! Ha! 


Anyhow, we enjoyed a wonderful visit & I look forward to seeing them again soon! They have a fantastic journey coming up that will take them to Cape Town, Namibia & West Africa. I am so thrilled that we share the same passion for travel & far flung destinations! I can not wait to hear all about it! I shared some tips on Namibia when I first met them & I'm sure they'll have plenty to share with me about West Africa! 


We enjoyed a lovely lunch at Earl's. It was such a beautiful day out - if it weren't for the remaining bits of snow, I'm sure they could have opened up the patio! Of course, time ticked past quickly & before we knew it, it was time for me to leave for my Oncology appointment. Valentina said a quick hello & goodbye & we were on our way!


Mom had left lunch early to run a few errands &, of course, she was running late, so I went to the appointment on my own. I did sneak out later & called her & luckily she was close by. 


I must say, it was quite ridiculous. We sat there for an entire hour before the Doctor came in to see us. When he finally did, he said he didn't have the biopsy results yet! What?!? He could have at least told me that from the beginning! Now I was going to be late for my Acupuncture appointment. Argh!


What did surprise me though, was that he had my CT scan results already! I had the scan in another town from another Doctor & he had access to them?? Well, that was the good news! He said the Doctor who did up the report didn't have my previous scans to compare them with, but from what the Oncologist could tell, the cancer hasn't spread (!) & it doesn't appear to have grown at all!! If it has, it is very minimal! YAHOO!!! I didn't get a copy of the report, but I will get that when I meet with my GP next week. Now that's what I'm talking about!!! Now, remember, I had my last PET scan the end of July. I didn't start my current protocol until the later part of October. It's working!!!! Hallelujah! 


The rest of the appointment didn't go so hot. He said he wasn't sure what the hold up was with my pathology report, but in case it didn't turn out, would I be willing to do an excision biopsy? HUH? Whoa, whoa, whoa. Stop the train! If I wanted to do that, why on Earth would I have you jab a bunch of big needles in my neck!?!? Do I look insane to you?!? I told him, nope. Another Core Needle Biopsy if this didn't work. Besides, he mentioned the former grumpy surgeon who would be the one to do the surgery. I commented on his lousy attitude & the Oncologist said, 'Oh, they're all like that.' I said I didn't care, that's not an excuse! I heard a Westjet joke on my last flight & I'll manipulate it to fit this situation. What's the difference between God & a Surgeon? God doesn't think he's a Surgeon! :oP


The next topic of discussion at the appointment was the Chemofit test. He completely dismissed it & said it was useless. He said it was often only done on end stage patients (of which I am no where near) & they had already been through chemo that didn't work, so how would the test prove anything? Then he said if the test worked they would already have it in place. Right. Don't even open that can of worms. Bite your tongue... Just bite your tongue. And I did! 


Then I asked a few questions about the chemo protocols. Turns out I would be up for ABVD. Yup, the one that causes cardiac toxicity & oxygen toxicity. I asked about scuba diving. At first he brushed it off, then in the end, he tells me I can kiss my scuba diving career goodbye. Goodbye?! I haven't even started!! I haven't dove the Great Barrier Reef yet! Sorry, no can do! And for those of you who are rooting for the chemo path... Even my 'Other Doctor' said NO to the bleomycin (oxygen toxicity). Pulmonary Fibrosis? No thanks. When I asked the Oncologist about my options if I didn't do bleomycin (lungs), doxorubicin (heart), cyclophosphamide (secondary bladder cancer) or prednisone (13 side effects) what my options were, he said none! And then he tries to tell me that there are more protocols for Lymphoma than CHOP & ABVD! Caught you!


I also asked about support in the line of nutritional, supplemental & so forth. Oh yes, we have therapists & nutritionists. Okay, so what kind of supplements? Oh, no supplements while you are on chemo, they could interact. Okay, what about eliminating the chemo drugs, dead cancer cells & other bodily waste? Just drink lots of water. Seriously? I can feel my poor liver wincing from here, let alone my kidneys & intestines! I have come to realize there is NO LOGIC in ANY OF THIS!!!! 


Needless to say, I am more excited to get to Mexico than ever before! Especially with the news of NO GROWTH!!!! I'm praying that my pessimistic Oncologist didn't want to share the wonderful news that it's actually smaller than the last scan! Hey, a girl's got to have some hope, right??!!


I left TBC in a state of mixed emotions & headed for my Acupuncture appointment, now half an hour late. Luckily someone cancelled & I was able to still get in! Dr. Mah tested my supplements & all but the Cayenne & Curcumin (tumeric) tested strong. I reckon it's because I loathe being in the kitchen! :o) But, he strengthened me to them & by the end of the session I was good to go! It's so relaxing. I fall asleep every time! I'm lying down with a heat pack on my neck, a heat lamp over my abdomen & then of course, the 8 needles in me. Needless to say, there's no rolling over! :o)


After the acupuncture, I headed for Community Natural Foods. Again. I had to pick up some supplements for Mexico & I added a few more to the regiment. Perhaps the funniest part of my day was when I asked for some help with the coffee. I needed to get medium roast fine grind. The fellow told me they didn't have any ground coffee, but I could use the grinder in the store. I agreed & asked which kind of coffee to do I choose? He asked what kind of flavour I wanted. *Blush* I replied, 'Well, the flavour doesn't really matter. It's for an upside down coffee.' He looked at me perplexed. I continued, 'It's for an enema.' 'Okay, well then... Do you want to go to Vienna, Guatemala, Tuscany, or Kenya on this enema?' :o) All in a day's work. FYI - It's supposed to help detox the liver. I haven't tried it yet, but I'll spare you the details.


I also bumped into Zoe, my MCP friend. We shared a big hug & I told her I'd pop in after I returned from Mexico to let her know how I was doing. Several hundred dollars later, I was on my way to prayers, only 1/2 an hour late.


Prayers are always fun. It's great to share in each others lives & share in our faith that our prayers will be answered. It's even more fun when they are immediately answered! I prayed that Jaco would find the time to update his CV so we could have it in to the recruiter before she returned from her holidays. My husband, in all his perfection, does NOT respond well to outside influences of pressure. The more I push, the more he resists. Running late? Hurry up? Drag my feet. The day of our wedding in Waterton, we had 20 minutes to get ready. He tells me, 'I'm going to the gym. See you in a bit.' AHHHHHHHHH!!!! But, luckily punctuality isn't a strong gene on my side of the family either. Hey, we'll get there! My own personal time zone! ;o) Anyhow, to my amazement, I returned home to check my emails & find his CV in my inbox! Wow! He is perfect! Two prayers answered! :o)


Exhausted I crawled into bed after a brief chat with Jaco. He was up at 0300 still packing & ready to fly home... Oh how I wish I was on that plane too!


A big thank you to my Mom for rearranging her day to come to the appointment with me. Even if we did just sit there & giggle about Valentina's flatulence!


Lekker slaap & see you soon!
Love, 
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Al, Wilma & KC

Sigh. I've only shrunk by 6 lbs. Do you think my UGG's weigh 19 lbs?

Valentina hits Tom Baker again. What a good girl!

Days 103 & 104 - Cheez Whiz Adds PERSONALITY!

Hello Everyone! 


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First of all... Please, if you have a spare prayer! Glen is now in Palliative Care & is in a lot of pain. Any prayers or healing energy sent his way would be fantastic! He is a wonderful man!

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Well, I'm still in bed & still in the pj's I wore to the hospital this morning... They were well worth it, as the first patient I saw said, 'Love the pants!' :o)


Before I get too heavy into today (it wasn't that exciting), let's back up to yesterday. (It wasn't that exciting either!) Anyhow, yesterday I had to go to Cochrane for an INR test (blood clotting). I hadn't heard from Cody & Kelsy regarding the photo shoot, so away I went. I decided to take my used syringes & vials with me to dispose of them properly & I figured a lab would most certainly have the proper bins! Hmpf.


Now, here's a bit of additional background information. When I went to see Jessica, she told me a lot about myself that I was most likely aware of, but certainly not focusing on it daily! If you remember, she told me I was a b****h, I hold grudges, & I need to find an outlet for my anger! What I had forgotten until I left Cochrane, was that she also told me that I think, in general, most people are stupid. When she said that, I had to giggle, as when I worked on the ship, my then boyfriend bought me a t-shirt that read: I see dumb people. Okay, guilty as charged, but how could I not, dealing with all those passengers on the ship??!! Here's a sampling (I apologize for being so sarcastic & generalizing. I'm sure they're all really nice people, but I hope I will continue to think before I speak. Maybe I should think before I type too!) ;o) Anyhow:
1. Passenger-Are these pictures from this cruise? 
Jill-No. We're trying to pawn off last cruise's photos on you. (Of course they're from this cruise!!!)
2. P-BATHROOM! (The only word shouted by the Passenger)
J-Hi there. Can I help you? (Um, how about a greeting & then a full sentence before shouting one random word?)
3. P-CASINO!
J-BANANA! (Is this a game? I like games! I can shout random words too!)


Anyhow, I won't bore you with all my stories, but I hope you'll have an inkling of my jaded past! 


...Meanwhile, back at the lab...
I take a number & sit down. The lab tech calls my number. She asks for my Alberta Health Card, which says my full name & date of birth. Then she asks me for my full name & date of birth. Uh, okay. She then sends me around the corner to the booth where they'll take the sample.


As I'm sitting waiting for her, I see a sharps bin right in front of me. I could literally reach it with my left hand, it was that close. I think to myself, I'll be polite & see if I should use this bin or if they have another one so I don't fill this one up too much. 


The lab tech shows up. It's the same gal who checked me in. She sits down on her stool & I tell her I need the left arm done & then proceed to ask about my sharps disposal. She tells me they can't accept them there (?!) & I need to take them to the Fire Department. Are you serious? Apparently she is. I contemplate putting them in the bin when she walks away, but I would feel too guilty about that! I leave it at that & then she says, 'Spell you last name for me.' Being cheeky, I say (proudly), '*-*-*-*-*-*', knowing full well that my health card has ****** on it. :o) Yes, I'm a brat. Hey, she just asked me 2 minutes ago. Does she think I've had a sudden lapse of memory?!? Bewildered, she says, 'Uh, what? Your last name isn't ******?' 
'Well, yes, but I got married.'
'So which is it?'
'It's both.'
'What is it legally?'
'It's both.' (My government records read 'JILL ******* OR ***** ')
Annoyed, she then asks for my date of birth. I give the correct date of birth to her & she carries on with her test, satisfied that I know who I am. Is identity fraud really a problem at blood labs? I mean, if someone is going to snag in on someone else's test, I'm sure they've got a few more issues to worry about than just their last name & DOB!!!


So, I finish the test & march down the stairs to the medical clinic to see if they will take my sharps. Nope, but I can take them to the pharmacy, which is directly across from the lab. Ugh! Why didn't the lab tell me that?!? So, up the stairs I go. I walk into the pharmacy & the Pharmacist asks me if she can help me. I say, 'Yes, where is your sharps disposal?'
'What do you have?'
'Syringes & vials'
'You'll probably need a bin this size. It's $7.99'
'WHAT?! You want me to buy a bin to throw away my used needles?'
'Yes.'
'You're serious?'
'Yes.'
'Never mind, I'll just pitch them in the bin!'
'I wouldn't do that if I was you!'
Muttering to myself, 'Well I'm certainly not paying to pitch my garbage!' I walk out, completely annoyed. What is this system??? I try to make the effort to safely dispose of my biohazardous waste & they make it this difficult! Ridiculous! I march down the stairs & pitch the bag into the garbage bin outside the medical centre, making sure it THUDS nice & loud. Grrrr! 


Now, I did get a little lecture from my husband about the repercussions of my actions. I know it wasn't the smartest or safest thing to do. I always cap the covers back on the needles nice & tight, I don't have AIDS or Hep whatever letter you want, and the drug I've used the needles for won't harm anyone. Yes, if someone gets pricked, they will have to have tests & it will be a big hassle to sort out & probably cost a lot of money to do the tests to make sure he or she is okay. Probably a lot more than $7.99, but that's besides the point. They won't help me to administer the needle & they won't help me to dispose of the used needles! I give up! This system is backwards!


My next stop was Safeway for cat food & it all went well until I dropped a penny & the clerk didn't give a glance to see where it went. When I began to look for it & couldn't find it & she still didn't look sideways... sure enough. It was 6" from her left foot. Argh! Time to go home & wake up on the other side of the bed! I was about 2 minutes on the road when I heard Jessica's voice, 'You don't like stupid people. You have very little tolerance!' So, yes, I'm guilty as charged & I am working on my patience & deep breathing. :o)


I also spent a fair bit of time on the phone trying to reach the Chemofit people in Toronto. I even called their lab in New York. No answer. I faxed & left messages... Emailed. Nothing. I eventually got a call from Toronto & she said it was too late to ship a collection kit & nothing could be done. To make matters that much worse, she told me the test, which usually costs $2500-$3000, was being covered by a grant the company had recently received from the government. Pooh.


So there you have it. A day of, well, I am not really sure what the day was. Bizarre. 


I took my MCP Pina Colada at 2300 & set the alarm for 0415 to get up & have another one. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink 4 hours before the biopsy, so I wanted to be sure & get another dose of MCP in my body before they got their paws on me. I woke up at 0400 before my alarm, drank my MCP, reset the alarm for 0615 & forgot to TURN THE ALARM ON. If I had any doubts about wearing my pj's to the biopsy, it was certain when Mom woke me up at 0700 with 15 minutes to departure! Whoops!


It was very foggy on the way in. Matched my brain at that hour! But thankfully, the people who conducted the procedure were great! I didn't have a Surgeon, but a Radiologist instead. AND HE HAD A PERSONALITY!!!!! HOORAY!!!! I told the technicians that I had asked for a Surgeon with personality & they got quite a chuckle out of that! I had several comments on my pj's & also on the toque I wore. The enjoyed the story of 'The Doctor I First Saw About The Lump Is Now My Husband' :o) 


Unfortunately the fun stopped there. The procedure was certainly better than an actual surgery, but icky nonetheless. The Radiologist used a lot of freezing, so I didn't feel any pain, but for when he injected the freezing. I did feel some pressure & the whole procedure was rather gross. He did an ultrasound of my neck to pick his favourite node & then decided to do a Fine Needle Aspiration & 2 Core Needle Biopsies. My poor node! My neck was so puffy when I changed back into my clothes! 'What have I done??!!' was the first thing that went through my mind! He wanted to do 3 Core Needle Biopsies, but I started to feel faint & nauseous, so luckily he called it quits! 


The CNB needle wasn't nearly as large as I had been imagining. It certainly wasn't the Mount Rushmore giant souvenir pencil I had been expecting! It was relatively thin, but they had this archaic contraption, well, not that archaic because it was made of plastic, but still! It made a big THUNK or CLACK when the Radiologist decided that was the spot to take the sample from. Then, disgustingly enough, I see him with the needle, dumping my tumour into a vial full of pink liquid. The tumor is sticking to the end of the needle like a gross little booger. No wonder I felt nauseous shortly thereafter! Sorry for making you read that. But now you know! Blech! 


After I felt my tummy return to its normal spot, I got dressed & went to call Mom to come & pick me up. I dial her number. She answers, but doesn't say hello. I do. 
'Hello?'
I hear her talking to this guy, who just keeps on talking & talking & talking. 
'HELLO?'
Still talking away.
'MOM! HELLO!'
People start to look at me funny. (Now I'm the one who looks stupid!)
Nothing from Mom's end. The guy is still talking. So I hang up. I dial again. This time she answers. I ask her what she's doing & who on earth is she talking to. I told her I could hear her conversation & why didn't she answer me? She laughs & says she didn't realize she'd answered the phone & she'd be right there to pick me up. Oh bother. :o)


Tweet Pea sleeps on my lap the entire way home. I head straight back to bed. My neck is already stiff & sore & the bruising is settling in nicely. I slept until 1230, got up for 5 minutes to turn the ringers off on the phones & went back to bed. Feeling rather crummy & sore, I can't sleep. So, I pick up the latest book I've started. I was on page 130. I read 210 pages today. That's a record for me. Oh, what book? Confessions of a Shopaholic. I watched the movie & the other day I found the book in a bin Mom was going to chuck. So I decided to read it & yes, I agree, it was written for me. It's a very cute book about a 20-something girl who has a SERIOUS shopping problem. Luckily I'm (somewhat) reformed! I haven't even been to Lulu since I've been back. And I've been home for 3 weeks! :o) Anyhow, I finished the book today. It hurts to talk & it hurts to eat, so I'm the strong, silent type today! Well, at least silent, I don't know how strong! :o)


Jaco phoned & we had a lovely visit. We were discussing South Africa's President. I read him an excerpt from one of their newspapers. Did you know that their current President, Jacob Zuma, has 5 wives & has fathered 20 children? Apparently polygamy is legal in South Africa. Anyhow, the article was written by his political party saying, essentially, that what the President does beyond his job is nobody's business (as he recently fathered a child with his buddy's daughter). Now, what would Clinton have to say about that? Anyhow, it's entertaining to say the least & quite tragic to say the most. It makes Obama look like a Saint &, as some of the comments suggested, perhaps Zuma & Tiger Woods should take a few rehabilitation classes together! Here's a link to the article if you feel so inclined:
Zuma's Preposterous Presidency 


Oh & by the way, if you think your tax dollars aren't going where they should, the South African taxpayers are paying for ALL FIVE OF ZUMA'S WIVES - they each get a personal assistant, air travel, medical expenses, and security coverage. The cost of the personal assistants alone is roughly $20,000 USD. How do you like them apples? 


Moving on to a much more respectable South African & man of completely different calibre, I have learned that my former boyfriend, Nico, which some of you have met, has been medically disembarked from the ship him & his girlfriend are currently working on. His is having his appendix removed in Tortola, of all places! The trouble is, while he's recovering, there isn't a short term fill-in. Which means, him & his girlfriend may be placed on different ships. I know what it's like to be without the one you love the most - NOT FUN! If you have a spare prayer, please pray for his speedy healing & that the two of them can be reunited shortly. Hang in there buddy!


And now for some positive news... You didn't think it would all be hum-drum did you??? Lil' Miss V is mastering her new trick of Stenditi! She will now take the blanket in her mouth & roll over onto her back. Her timing is slightly off, but she's getting there! Mom & I also taught her to 'Salta' or jump last night. We tied my scarf to the leg of the chair & held it low for her to jump over. She did awesome! I started to work on having her bring me the phone, what's that? A useful trick? Why, yes! She brought the phone half way, but then dropped it, as it was quite heavy. I'll need to find a longer string for her to pull it. She's such a clever girl! I'm such a proud Mama!


My Dad also phoned last night. His girlfriend is in Mexico for a few months & he is trying to figure out how to use Skype so they can talk. He's phoned a lot since I've been back. I'm guessing the house is lonely! :o) I don't mind. We don't chat that regularly, so I will gladly take it! He's off to Mexico for a week to visit her & he's paranoid that some 'Bandito' is going to leave him piled on top of a cactus in the middle of nowhere! I'll be anxious for him to return & tell me just how much he loved Mexico! Yarriba! 


Speaking of phone calls, I heard back from the Chemofit folks. At 0930 this morning. One hour after I had the biopsy. Thanks. Ah well. I suppose it wasn't meant to be! 


Mom returned about 1900 this evening & made French toast with cinnamon apples & maple syrup for us. I'm so blessed to have such a great Mom. And another Mom at that! Having a healthy relationship with all 3 of my parents makes me feel healthy too. Lord knows it has been tumultuous at times, as life is, but when it's good, it's great! I am very grateful for this pleasant & peaceful time.


Alright, so I think that's it for the past 2 days. Tomorrow is acupuncture & prayers. I had a bunch more typed, but the computer completely froze on me & I lost a 1/2 hour of typing! Argh! I've tried to recollect what I'd said... The brain is a bit sluggish today! Perhaps there's still a little freezing up there! :o)


Sleep well & here's to a wonderful rest of the week!
Maria & Valentina
xxooxxooxxooxxoo

The old gas station in Bragg Creek

The chunk of land I always wanted to buy & put a house on. I didn't have the $750,000 for the land, so someone beat me to it! Stunning place though! Only 3.5 kms from our house.

No, I didn't end up backstage at some shwanky show... It's at the hospital! :o)

Oh the fashionable gowns just waiting to be worn!

Lay's - Valentina proves, that after all, betcha can't eat just one! I think she's more like Maxwell House - Good to the last drop! (or lick) Man, this dog makes me laugh so hard!