Day 465 - Sleep Apnea & Sunshine

So my new housemate has sleep apnea. He snores. Loud. No – LOUD. REALLY LOUD. In fact, through 2 closed doors I can still hear him sawing logs. Needless to say, I didn’t get a lot of sleep.

Thankfully today was a beautiful day! I managed to sneak away during lunch to visit the bank & the grocery store. I needed batteries & a little flashlight – the path is a little dim when I walk home at night. I picked up a few pens – my only good pen got nicked on Saturday. Grr.

I’m still the same weight as I was on Friday morning. Oh well. Maybe it’s all those olives I’m eating. They said to eat 3 or 4. I counted 19 on my plate the other day. What?!? I don’t get anything sweet or dessert like – no fruit! I’ve got to have a little indulgence somewhere! And to make matters worse, I missed out on ice cream on Saturday night! The only time they serve dessert & I missed it! Grr.

I guess I must be a little grumpy from my lack of sleep… I’ve discovered a white noise app on my iPod, so I’ll give that a whirl tonight. Wish me luck… good night!

xxxxMaria

Getting organized

Elfriede - the Colonics Specialist! I'll guarantee - she's a lovely lady - INSIDE & out!

Day 458 - Overwhelmed!

Yikes! I'm exhausted! We had a blood draw between 7 & 8 a.m., weigh-in & blood pressure, green juice for breakfast (& a little quinoa), and then the lectures began. As did my appointments. I didn't really make it through one entire lecture today. I had interruptions the entire mid-morning & afternoon. They had scheduled 3 different consults at the same time as other lectures. It was a bit frustrating. I left my voice recorder with some gals & asked them to record what they could. It turns out they also had conflicting appointments! Oh well!

I had a live blood analysis, but my live blood was 'too active' so we looked at the dried slide first. (We never went back to the live slide, so I need to inquire about that!) It was quite interesting. Apparently my body is already detoxing. I have some inflammation as well. The Nurse wrote me out a long list of supplements, but I'm over that - taking them & spending the money on them. I saw a Doctor later on & I asked him to whittle the list down. He told me his top three. I haven't added up that cost, but... And the other appointment was with a bio-feedback machine. I don't really know what it was, but Cea (yes, like Sea, but with a 'C' - she needs to get together with Bleu) took my pulse a bit & put some contraptions on my spleen, neck & abdomen. She told me a little about my body regarding my pulse. I'm not too sure what the purpose was, but it was included in the course, as were the other appointments. I saw a Chinese Doctor in Calgary who did the same thing, but without the contraptions. Maybe I'm a little negative today, but I much say, I didn't really get the 'drift' of the appointments today. I'll do some more sleuthing to see what I can find out.

We had stuffed avocados for lunch. I ate one. That was dumb. I also learned how to do the wheatgrass juicing. I had 2 oz of that. Not a good combo. I got a belly ache & started to feel nauseous. I also carried with me the headache that onset last night. Not really fun! I left near the end of the afternoon lecture (1600) & went to the room for a sleep. I missed 2 lectures & nearly missed dinner. My tummy still feels 'icky', so I didn't really eat all the stuff on my plate. Maybe the detox is really kicking in!

I enjoyed ginger tea with lemon for most of the day. It was quite cool today & I nearly froze to death last night. It was so cold & I didn't have enough blankets. When I napped this afternoon I slept with 2 sweaters on & was just right! Yeah, I know, there isn't any snow, but I still felt cold!

I didn't get any exercise in, unless you include all the running around I did from point A to point B! I hope tomorrow is a little less rushed & I can settle in to the routine here at Hippocrates. I also missed my 11 & 4 green juice. I'm not sure I'll do the evening wheatgrass, as I don't want to try & sleep feeling icky!

Not a great start, but tomorrow is a new day. I booked my weekly massage & yes, the colonic too. They close the internet joint down at 2100 every night, so I'm usually online between 1900 & 2000.

Oh, I finished dinner 20 minutes ago & I feel hungry already. I think my body is getting grumpy from the lack of sugar, sweets & processed stuff it's used to. The music just lulled & I heard the speaker say something about 'doing the program & focusing on the stuff you can't have... dreaming about cheesecake...' I guess that's me! Ha ha!

xxxx solamente Maria

Enjoying dinner. Yes, that's a sprout dangling from my fork.

Eat up, Buttercup!

Day 407 - Whoops. Chemo Brain.

I started a bit of the packing process today. Not the smartest cookie in the jar. Roxy & Kevin are coming tomorrow & I'm going to spend a few days at their place. Seeing as I'm home alone, I thought it high time that I try to pack up a few things. I've filled the rubbermaid tubs I have at the house, so I went to the bunkhouse to get a few things. Normally I'd just back the car up to the deck & put the boxes in the car from there. But since we have snow, I can't get the car in there. I thought the boxes would slide well in the snow, seeing as I'm not supposed to lift more than 5 lbs with my left arm because of the Picc line.

Well.

I managed to pick out 8 boxes of stuff that I could drag through the snow to the car & then sort through in the house. I dragged them 2 at a time, stacked one on top of the other. I managed to get it done, but I was certain I was going to pass out at least 6 times! Maybe I was a *wee* bit overambitious. I managed to get the car loaded & drove in reverse back to the house, as I couldn't get the car turned around in the snow. I didn't get the car unpacked, as I was too exhausted.

I spent the rest of the day trying to expend as little energy as possible. That worked fine until Jaco called. I told him about my flights that I had booked & he asked me how much more money it was to fly from Calgary. I told him it was a couple hundred dollars. He then brought it to my attention that I was going to have to pay for a hotel (twice), fuel, food & not forgetting the time it would take to drive to Great Falls from Calgary. Ugh. I'm an idiot. Why didn't I think of that?!? I was so stressed out! Not to mention that I checked the flights from Calgary tonight & the price was LESS than it was last night! Argh!

Unable to think about anything else, I told him to call me tomorrow & I'd let him know what I was able to work out. I had booked through Priceline.com, so I assumed that since I'd received such a cheap ticket, it wouldn't be refundable. Well, bless the little angel on the other end. It was FULLY REFUNDABLE! No penalty! Thank you! I managed to book through Expedia.com & was flying out of Calgary. Phew. That was NOT fun! Thank goodness it worked out!

With that matter taken care of, the girls & I called it a night. Tomorrow we travel. If only to Red Deer!

xxxx Maria, Valentina, Oceana & Adios

Day 402 - The Doctor's Appointment That Wasn't

Last night found freezing fog in our area. This meant that Mom couldn't get back in time to take me to my appointments in the city. I called at 0800 to cancel & wanted to make sure that I could still come in for treatment tomorrow. The receptionist said she'd call me back as soon as she heard from Dr. Daly. By 3 o'clock I still hadn't heard back.

My picc line has been giving me issues, so Mom drove me over the the hospital in the afternoon. The Home Care girls took a look at it & said the adhesive was causing a reaction. They changed the bandage, but covered it in more adhesive with gauze underneath. And thank goodness the picc line isn't infected - I don't want to have it taken out with only 3 rounds to go!

Mom & stopped at the pet food place in Black Diamond & I picked up some more food for the girls. Mom was complaining about Valentina's squeaky toy on the way over, so I picked up 2 salmon skin bones for the girls to chew 'silently' on. Well. Mom had a hissy fit about the smell! She had to roll the window down the entire drive home & was paranoid her car would smell of rotten salmon. All I could do was giggle & roll my eyes, because I knew how much the girls loved the bones. And naturally the smell went away as soon as they devoured their treats.

I was getting pretty tired by the time we arrived home. I'd been up since 0530 with only 2 hours of sleep. I managed to eat some supper & then Jaco called. He was safe on the ship & finished his first day back at work. We had a good chat & I'm anxious to hear from him again.

I collapsed into bed about 0730. I can't remember being this tired. Ever.

G'Night!
xxxxMV&O

Meet Britney

Cuddling with Mama 

Um, there's something on the end of your nose!

Day 274 - The Mack Truck Has Arrived.

And I'm not talking MAC makeup either. I feel like I've been run over by a truck. At high speed. Wow. I slept until 1030. Sat & talked on the phone for a bit. Sat on the couch & tried to stay awake while watching a short movie clip. Fell asleep on the deck in the sunshine. Pulled my journal out to the table on the deck. Wrote 1/2 a page. Fell asleep on the lounger for an hour. Went back to bed for 2 hours. Sat on the couch & talked for 1/2 an hour. Mom arrived home, made me some supper, we did some Photoshop stuff. I went to bed. Full stop. Wow. I hope this passes as fast as it hit me!


Sleep well... I know I will...
xxxx
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

And no, I didn't just bite my tongue. It's a full blown yawn.

Day 253 - Like A Wet Noodle.

Yup. That pretty much sums it up. I am officially feelin' the 'chemo fatigue'. I feel like I'm either 2 or 92, but either way, I can't make it through the day without a nap. Guess I'll be getting used to taking it easy!


I woke up at 0400, took another pill. Then again at 1000. Decided I was tired of taking these pills every 6 hours, so I called the hospital & asked when I could quit. I never did feel nausea, but I was afraid to stop the pills in case I did! It's now late & I haven't had any nausea whatsoever! Yay! 


I have drank 3L of water & my lips are still chapped. The plumbing still ain't workin' properly & I'm not sure what to do next! I feel a little like I've been dragged behind a stagecoach by my ankles, but in all honesty, the day was pretty slack. 


Dieter surprised us with a visit, accompanied by Hubertus & Victoria, 2 Germans en route to Oregon, San Francisco & Las Vegas. I have met Hubertus previously - he's a cutie... Like a young Brad Pitt. Sorry, no photos of him!


Mom dashed off for a whirlwind of southern Alberta stops for the day & I was left at home to fend for myself with the dogs. I spent most of the day trying to figure out the firmware update for my camera. I apparently needed the cd that I NEVER NEED, so it took me awhile to find it. Luckily I don't often throw things out! :oP I have finally figured out (sort of) how to record video on my SLR! Yippee!!! I formatted a hard drive to give to Mike & Jenn - we made a trade, I'll edit their wedding photos in exchange for some TV shows to watch while I'm stuck at home. Works for me! 


I finished sorting through the pile of papers sitting on my desk. They are all hole-punched & tabbed in binders, neatly organized! I programmed the MagicJack to send to Africa with Jaco & attempted at organizing mine so I can actually use it! If it weren't for the plethora of cables stemming from Mom's desk & the frequent power outages this evening, I might have had a bit more success! Oh well, I'm sure I'll have plenty of time ahead of me. It feels so weird not to have plans to go anywhere. I feel like I'm grounded by my own will. I NEVER stay home. Any bets on how many days until I get cabin fever???? :o)


The Burnett's arrived about 1700. They are camping in the yard for the weekend. They acquired a travel trailer & wanted to test it out, so I suggested they bring it this weekend. They have a house nearby if need be & they're not stuck in the back 40 somewhere! Harrison had a hay day. He ran & ran & ran, chasing 'Tina' & 'Nana', playing with a toy helicopter I found for him. He was still ready to run come 2230 - LONG past his bedtime! It will be interesting to see how he feels tomorrow! Every child needs wide open spaces. I am so grateful for the freedom I had as a child. I feel sorry for kids that grow up in cities & towns, without the opportunity to run wild & free. 


Anyhow, before I get too carried away, Laura phoned! She's alive! I was beginning to wonder! She's been crazy busy, poor girl! We had a great chat & I'm hoping it will work to get together this summer! I miss her & her family!


Okidoki, I'm signing off for tonight. I'm so exhausted, it's not even funny! I hope you had a great Canada Day & here's to a great weekend! xxxxx Maria & Valentina p.s. - today is my last full day with hair! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!

'Nana'

Cheese!

Giochiamo?

What intensity!

Oh to be young again!

'Tina' & 'Nana'

Day 2 post chemo - symptoms included:
-Chills
-Low grade fever
-Muscle aches
-Dehydration
-Plumbing problems
-Little to no appetite
-Absentmindedness (but perhaps this was a condition pre-chemo!)

Day 236 - Ultrasound #2

Yawn. I'm such a Garfield. I wasn't meant for early mornings. A late night & an early morning appointment left me sleeping paranoid that I was going to miss my alarm & then the ultrasound. I woke up at 0430 thinking I'd overslept. I was surprisingly alert, but quickly came to my senses & went back to bed. When the alarm did finally go off at 0600, I certainly wasn't ready for it! I hit snooze until 0640 (yes, I did) & then rolled out of bed, rushing around. 


I left for the city just as the rain began to fall. It poured & spit & quit & then repeated itself on the way in. I managed to find a 2 hour free parking spot near the clinic. Oh the small things in life! I met with the Psychologist first. I'm thinking I shocked her out of her morning routine, as I was the first patient she saw. I think most of her patients are couples with emotional issues about infertility. Husband blames wife, wife blames husband, baggage from the past, etc, etc. In I waltz. Cancer. Husband from another country. No job. Living with Mom. Chemo on the horizon. And who said I didn't like to stir the pot??!! :o) We had a wonderful visit & she was very friendly & comforting. We talked a lot about Italy. Glad I'm not alone in my love of Italia!


Next up was a bit of blood work. I've been taking baby Aspirin to help thin my blood & it's definitely working. My arm looks like it never has before from the needle. Nice purple spot. (My injection sites are also looking a little 'funkier' than usual) 


I sat in the waiting room for awhile again & after it had been about a 1/2 hour, I thought I better check again. The receptionist said she'd check & see what was going on & I hadn't even sunk my butt into the chair when they called my name! Impressive! Apparently the ultrasound machine was giving them some hassles today.


I'm pleased to report that I have 9 follicles. Always dreaming of being an Overachiever, I was hoping for 12, but 9 is fine. I have no idea if they look good or not, but I guess we won't really know for a few more days. I am to return in 2 days time & take an additional shot in the evenings for the next 2 nights. 


The nurse came in to talk to me about my new prescription & it turns out her daughter just joined the Island Princess as a Dancer! How fun! I did my best to reassure Mom that her daughter would be fine & in good hands... She'll have the time of her life! It brings me great joy when I hear of young people venturing abroad at a young age to experience more of life than just university & marriage & mortgage & kids... I believe that travel is the best education money can buy. Don't get me wrong, I think it's fantastic to earn a degree & become educated in a field you love. But what if that field you love is in the south of France & full of lavender? :o) 


I picked up a Jugo Juice & a zebra print shower curtain & headed for home. I was planning on heading straight to bed, well, after a quick detour to see if the wigs were here. They weren't. But, I did get a lovely letter from a collection agency. Are you kidding me? I declared bankruptcy! I've been discharged! The cheeky sods at the Royal Bank have only NOW sent my 'account' to a collection agency. I didn't hear a peep from them while I was in bankruptcy... a friend reckons they are trying to double dip & get more from me! Good luck! I called the collection agency & the guy was pretty aggressive. When I told him to contact Meyers Norris Penny, he said it wasn't up to him to contact them & I 'better get used to a lot of phone calls'! Ha! I'll email MNP tomorrow... 


I was headed for bed & the phone rang twice. I just got nestled under the covers & it rang again. 10 minutes of sleep. Another ring. Argh! Okay, fine! I'll get up & deal with a few things. 


I never did make it back to bed before midnight. I worked on my Oncology notes & questions for Thursday's appointment, filled out a 9 page questionnaire for my Naturopath appointment tomorrow, completed my 3rd shot of the day and played with the dogs for a bit. I was supposed to edit Mom's day planner, but her computer was on vacation. 


My evening shot was a bit of a drama. I pulled out the supplies & the directions. As I'm reading, it says to administer the injection in your stomach. Nothing about the thighs. I'm not a belly shot kinda girl (just ask my photog friends for THAT story!), so I was pretty worried. I called the Health Link number & the gal on the other end couldn't really say. I called the Medicine/Herbal/Poison Control Centre. After being on hold for 10 minutes, I hung up. I was supposed to do the shot at 2000, it's now 2015. I call the IVF number & of course, they are closed. But their message says to call Foothills switchboard & have the Fertility Doctor paged, if it's an emergency. Well, I'm not really an emergency, but is there a nurse available? Nope. Next thing I know, Dr. Wong calls me back! He said I was fine to do the shot in my legs, as long as I get it in somehow! Phew! Good stuff! I apologize for troubling him & head to the loo to do the shot. If these shots were tequila, I'd be plastered by the end of the day!!! :o)


I'm not sure what I did this time, but again, I got a nice big lump at my injection site. I'm just not meant to give myself needles... Anyhow, it's done & dusted & only a few more days of these needles. Then it's back to the big one! Yikes!


I'm off to bed... Have a peaceful sleep...
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

My dog who hates to have her photo taken.

Playing shy

Tolerating a kiss or two...

Day 231 - Ultrasound! Finally!

Up & at it early again this morning, I had my first ultrasound & blood test at the fertility clinic. It was finally time to start the meds! We're making progress! I left Jenn at home with her little ones & made my way to the clinic. I arrived shortly after 0800 & took a seat. I had been told previously that ultrasounds would be done on a 'first come, first serve' basis, so I expected a wait, considering I was 5 minutes late & the waiting room was chokka block!


I occupied myself by playing on my iPod, looking through a magazine, napping while sitting, checking my emails on the free computer... Pretty soon it was 1030 & I still hadn't been called in! I looked around the waiting room & didn't recognize anyone! I asked the girl beside me if she was having an ultrasound & she said she was waiting for blood work & her ultrasound had already been done. She asked me what I was there for & I said the same, but I hadn't been called in yet. She looked shocked! She said I should ask, as it doesn't generally take longer than a 1/2 hour to get in. 


Sure enough, there was a malfunction on the computer & they thought I hadn't shown up. They had been frantically calling my house looking for me, meanwhile I was napping in the waiting room! They were very apologetic, but I told them not to worry, it was fine. A parking donation would have been great, but anyways...


It was quite interesting to see the ultrasound. Modern technology is quite fascinating! Normally a woman produces only one follicle per cycle. With the puny little shots I would be doing, say 2 ml/day of drugs, it would stimulate my body to produce 8-20 follicles! Crazy what a little amount of chemical can do to a person! 


All done & dusted with the first ultrasound, I sped home to wait for the phone call from the nurse regarding my blood tests & my drug schedule. Bad news, I have too much estrogen. I'm not 100% sure what that means, but they like quiet ovaries & apparently mine aren't too quiet... Ironic... even my ovaries tend to babble on... 


They decided to start me on treatment anyways, as I don't really have the luxury of humming & hawing around anymore. So, 1 shot of Luveris & 1 shot of Gonal F starting tomorrow at 1300. Tuesday, the 15th, would see me in for my next ultrasound, which they assured me I would be 1st in line for!! :o)


I rounded up the wedding decorations & headed to Cochrane to pick up Valentina. I had left her with Jenn & the kidlets for the morning. Harrison liked to play with 'Tina', as he calls her. I was completely beat, but I didn't have time for a nap. I ate a quite bite & hit the road again. This time I had to drive to Shawnessy & meet my potential Kijiji buyer. 


Thank goodness she bought it all! I was so happy to get rid of the decorations. I loved the lanterns & would love to put them up somewhere permanently, but seeing as I don't have a place to do so right now, they were just taking up space. I could have sold them many times over! No one wanted the other stuff... They only wanted the lanterns. Luckily the gal I met today was willing to take the wanted with the unwanted. I felt like I lost 10 pounds on the spot! Ahhhh! Sigh of relief! One less thing to worry about!


I felt bad for Jenn having to miss a day of work & so I stopped at Shopper's Drug Mart & picked up a couple of tins of baby formula for Heidi. It doesn't make up for a full day's wage, but hopefully it would help! After that, it was home time! I found the kids in bed & Jenn watching the tail end of Precious. Oh my. What a sad & disturbing show. I suppose people need to be aware of things like this that really do exist, but for most of us, it's certainly NOT our reality. I pray for the people who suffer through things like that. If you haven't watched it, well, be brave, but prepare yourself. 


Jenn & I had a wonderful heart-to-heart talk about life & all its crazy twists & turns. I'm so happy that she's close by. Having her in Texas was just not the same. I have no idea where Jaco & I will end up, but it's great to have her near for this year! 


Alas, we were both tired, so we went to bed relatively early - 2300-ish. I think I beat Valentina to the snoring phase! Here's to a good sleep & surviving Day 2 of Supernanny! (I think I've got it under control now!)


Lekker slaap,
Maria & Valentina & Harrison & Heidi & Jenn
xxxxx

Looking at the Foothills Hospital & the Tom Baker Cancer Centre from the Fertility Clinic

Almost ready for the ultrasound

A nice black & white picture.

Like Mama, like Son - they were both playing on iPod/iPhones!

Day 226 - Millennium Method - Module One

Today was a spectacular day! Mom & I went to Jessica's Millennium Method - Module One course. It's pretty much energetic healing for dummies! For those of us, who may or may not have intuition, well, we all have intuition, it's just some people's intuition hollers a bit louder than others! For those of us who have quiet intuition, this takes the guess work out of it! 


It's an amazing method that shows impeccable results. Next time you see me, ask me & I'll give you a little session! Or you can ask Mom, too! Or you can ask Jessica! :o) 


I saw quite a few familiar faces from the previous Yuen classes, so it was great to catch up with them. 


I had woke up with a horrible feeling this morning. I felt achy, feverish, nauseous, along with a great headache! I couldn't figure it out! Jessica later told me she'd corrected the group to release during the course. She did the correction about 0700, so I guess I was extra sensitive & started to 'dump' early! Lucky me! 


Mom & I went to Southcentre for lunch & let the dogs out for some exercise. They were both in the little kennel while we were in class, so they were happy to stretch their (short) legs! After the course, we stopped for groceries, but I was so exhausted I couldn't even muster up the energy to go inside! I slept the whole way home & went straight to bed as soon as I got in the door. I slept for about 3.5 hrs when I finally decided to get up & take some pills & have a bite to eat!


While I was up, Jaco called & we had a lovely visit. I told him of my health woes & a bit about the class. We talked about where to live & when to live there. Sometimes it's hard to carry on a conversation - something is missing & it just doesn't flow. Today was a good day & we talked easily for 2+hrs! Long distance is a challenge, but you learn to appreciate the times you have together! I do miss him!


Still tired, I went back to bed, but of course, the chatter in my mind was much louder than a dull roar. My goodness, I've got to find the mute button if I'm going to keep my sanity much longer. I have no idea when, but eventually I fell asleep, Valentina snoring by my side.


Sleep well my friends, 
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Ignore the copyright thing on the photo - Jessica gets full credit!

Oceana's meltdown while Mom left the truck to get groceries

Day 202 - Doin' The Shuffle

Phew. What a day. I’m wiped! I’m not sure what exactly is causing this lack of energy, but boy, am I tired by the end of the day! Come 2100, I am ready for bed! I generally don’t find it until 2300, but not for lack of trying!

Today was a day of shuffling. As Mom has arranged her room into my room while I tackle this chemo thing, there was still a little rearranging to do. (& still is!)

I decided to put the desk in my room & give Mom more room in the living room. This meant moving the large clothes cupboard. And it meant moving the bead trolley twice. It also included taking apart the desk. It’s an antique & was no small task! Luckily Mom’s friend, Mitch stopped by & was able to give us a hand! I tried to put the TV on top of the desk, but it’s too large. I’ll be on the lookout for a nice flat screen TV… If you know of anyone, send ‘em my way! I’ll even rent it for 6 months! (I have plans to watch a lot of CSI & House this summer!)

Anyhow, we moved the mirror, sorted out closets, shuffled washstands & cupboards, threw out this & that, put this away for goodwill, that for recycling…

We also attempted to change the battery in Contemplate, but I think the Dude at Canadian Tire sold us the wrong one. The amperage & so forth is the same, but the part number is different & the posts are too far in the centre of the battery for the cables to reach. Looks like we’ll be driving NeverLate for another day!

The new girl & Valentina are getting along famously. Oceana is really coming out of her shell! It’s great to see! Valentina is still quite vocal & very possessive of her toys, but we’ll get there! Oceana will now go up & down the stairs on her own, fetches the ball & didn’t even mess in the house today!

Mom made a wonderful dinner – shrimp, red peppers, pineapple, garlic, ginger, coconut milk & quinoa and a couple of corn on the cobs. Yum! I’m so grateful she cooks, as I would be a waif otherwise!

I rearranged my jewelry drawer & polished my silver jewelry. I am very excited to wear my necklaces again & have them sit properly on my neck! Bring it on!

It was absolutely stunning outside, so I ventured out for a little reading in the sunshine. Valentina laid with me while I learned a little more of Cesar’s methods. I’ve got 10 pages left in the book! Yay!

I also spent some time last night & this morning looking for wigs online. It appears they are quite expensive! I’m very frustrated I missed the shop in Barbados, so I tracked them down online & called their head office. They are going to email me some photos & I will place an order & have it shipped to me. Just to give you an idea, the human hair wig I bought in Antigua was $30. Online the cheapest I could find was $70. Most of them are $200-1700!!! Crazy!!!

Anyhow, not too exciting of a day. Tomorrow will be a long one… Wish me luck & here’s hoping I have some good news to report! Love & hugs,

Maria & Valentina

xoxoxoxoxoxo

2 weiners on a treadmill

That's the long & the short of it, Folks.

Me & my wieners

Valentina

She forgot her dentures

Oceana

Dreaming of squeaky toys & treats

Oceana May

Day 165 - Seriously?

Well, I'll keep today's post short & sweet, as it was so NOT what I was expecting to hear. 


I met with the Oncologist today. Yup. 6 months. Every 2 weeks. Full dose. Yup. The EXACT same thing as Canada. ABVD. Hmpf.


Ain't that just a kick in the pants. No guarantees on fertility, no guarantees on my heart or my lungs or the numbness or tingling in my fingers & toes. It's not about the hair loss, believe me, I'd be happy to get rid of the hair on my face & my legs :o) & I'm cool with wearing fun wigs - purple, green, blonde, red head... It's the other stuff I'm not so fussed about! 


I took the last shuttle back to the clinic & managed to meet a couple who were leaving Dr. Donato's clinic. The husband had been given 6 months to live with an inoperable tumor on his aorta & was sent home. They found Dr. Donato & that was 1 year ago. The tumor has shrunk by 75% & the cancer is gone from his lungs as well. 


I am encouraged & feel like there is still hope left. I meet with Dr. Donato on Tuesday of next week & I hope & pray that I can conquer this without the full blown dose of chemo for half a year! 


I returned to the hotel & went to bed. I was wiped. It's been pretty draining, both physically & emotionally. I have been quite stressed these past few months & when I'm here on my own, I'm finally able to let go. I slept from 1800 until 2100 & then thought I should wake up & make something to eat! Of course, then I I couldn't fall asleep! Again, silly American TV - Cake Boss - have you seen what they do? Wow! 


Anyhow, here's to a brighter & better day tomorrow!


Love & hugs & healing,
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Hiding in the blankets

Sneaking a nap in!