Day 382 - Jessica, Acupuncture & The Keg

This morning found me back at Jessica's. I haven't seen her for awhile, so it was great to be back. As always, she pegs my issues right from the get go. She gave me a clean billing for my health, I was happy about that. She did tell me, however, that I have some issues regarding patience & control. For those of you who believe that health issues can stem from emotional/psychological issues, you'll agree with me (her). For those of you who don't, well, I guess you won't! But I do. I guess that's my mission for these next 6 weeks of living with my Mom. Implementing patience when she doesn't hear me for the 4th time & letting her drive the way she wants (please Lord, let us arrive safe!).

I'll do my very best to make our LAST 6 weeks of living together as peaceful as possible. Wish me luck! I know I need the patience on my side & letting go of things I can't control is obviously a big help - resistance is futile, isn't that what they say?

After Jessica's appointment, I motored over to Centre St where I met a young man interested in buying my lens. I've had it listed on Kijiji since about May/June, so I was quite pleased when he said he would take it. We visited for awhile & then I had to boogie on over to my next appointment. I was going to see Dr. Zhao for another acupuncture appointment. Last time I had been so worked up about the police stopping us & all the other running around we had to do, I didn't get rid of much anxiety! (To say the least) Luckily, this time, I was able to fall asleep & woke up feeling much better about things! (Ready to take on the patience/control task!)

I stopped at CNF to pick up a few fruits for Jaco & then I boogied home. We were having dinner at the Keg with Mom & Ken & Mom2 & Greg. Initially is was just Jaco, myself, Mom & Ken. But then I thought we should invite Mom2 & Greg, seeing as we were running out of days to see them again. When I got home, Jaco informed me that he had spoken to Lawrence & invited him too. While I was at home waiting for Jaco to finish getting ready, Lawrence called & asked if Neil could come as well. So, we went from 4 to 8 in 24 hours. We had a great meal, but we didn't get a whole lot of visiting in, as it was a long rectangle table. I felt bad that Mom & Ken arrived late & were seated at the opposite end of the table from us. Oh well, it's not like we're never going to be in Canada again!

I had excruciating bone pain tonight. I thought my spine & hips were going to fly out of my body & stick into the walls around me. It was pretty rough. I couldn't get up to hug anyone hello at dinner & in the middle of the night I got up to use the loo & fell onto the bed the pain was so bad! Yuck!

Tomorrow is chemo, so I am assuming my WBC will be sky high from all this bone pain. Here's to a calm & clear round #9. Lekker slaap!

xxxxMJV&O

Mom2 & Greg - What a foxxy lookin' couple, eh? 

Neil, Mom, Ken & Lawrence 

Mrs & Doc

Day 291 - It's Not About The Bike

So my Mom picked me up Lance Armstrong's book awhile back - It's Not About The Bike. I finally finished my previous book & I have moved on to this book. I can't say enough how much I'm enjoying it. I don't know if any of you out there have read it, but it's really worth it!


Today was my appointment with Jessica. I always enjoy my sessions with her. She is really an amazing woman. She's had quite the history with cancer & various other crazy health battles & she has come out on top! If you ever have an issue, I would highly recommend her. Whether it is Autism, Cancer, Arthritis, migraines... She takes on all cases. And not just physical ailments... She'll help you out with emotional issues, financial issues... Did I mention she's an absolute riot as well? She certainly gets my vote. Give her a shout!


I stopped over at Mom2's afterwards & had a great visit. I timed it just right & was able to sit down for a turkey dinner! Stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy I'm still drooling over! Whoo hoo! My lucky day! I scoped out her garden, cherry tree, crazy saskatoon & raspberry bushes & of course, the flower beds. If anyone has a green thumb, it's Mom2! 


We made plans to pick her up tomorrow morning on our way to treatment. She is going to spend the day with me. It's awesome to have the company & it makes me feel very supported. I hugged her goodbye & headed to Chapters to pick up a book on *gulp*, marriages. 


Jaco arrives in a few short days & to say that I'm a wee bit nervous would be an understatement. It will be the longest we've ever spent together & ultimately the beginning of the foundation of our marriage. I'll be in chemo, we'll be living with my mother & Jaco will be without his ship Cabin Steward bringing him fresh towels & cleaning his cabin 2x/day & without the maid from back home to clean & cook for him. To say it will be a growth stage for our relationship would be an understatement. Did I mention I don't cook? :o) Wish us luck! 


To counterbalance that last paragraph, I must also add that I am terribly excited to see him & spend this time together. Despite our challenges lying ahead, he is a wonderful man & I am so blessed to have found him. Stay tuned for our adventures together! 


On that note, I'm off to bed... It's been a long day, but tomorrow is guaranteed to be much longer! 


Sleep well,
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

2 of Mom2's 4 Apricots

Mom2's cherry tree

Life ain't nothin' but a bowl of cherries. Or something like that.

Mom2 & I with our sexxy hair do's.

Day 256 - Can't. Stop. Touching. My. Head.

Call me crazy, but I love my shaved head! I can't stop touching it! It feels so good! It feels funny in the wind. I get chills quicker than I used to. I use less shampoo. I don't know what to do with the towel after I shower - I used to just wrap it around my hair & get out. I don't get hair on my lips when I put lipgloss on. I don't have to worry about hairs out of place or hairs in my face... I feel more confident & taller... I'm enjoying it thoroughly!


Mom was driving this afternoon as we made our way into the city. I had just finished eating a bunch of veggies. I had a splitting headache & the cucumbers seemed to help. She was about to tell me that I was 'more beautiful than ever', when I suddenly had to burp! It was really loud too! So much for that beauty! We were laughing so hard we were crying! Ah, grace is SO not my middle name!


I had an appointment with Jessica today. She straightened me out for my next few rounds of chemo. I always love my sessions with her. She makes me laugh like no one else can! Energetic corrections & laughter - no wonder I float out of my sessions! 


Mom & I were supposed to see Al & Wilma next, but Mom's day planners were finished & ready to pick up. We went from the southwest to the northeast to the southeast to the northwest. During rush hour nonetheless! The day planners turned out beautifully - one of the best so far, I think! 


We made it to Al & Wilma's close to 1700 & visited with them for a few hours. It is easy to pass the time talking about travel with them! We talked about their most recent trip, Jaco working in Canada (or Australia!), the World Cup, tennis... the list goes on! They shared with me some papers on the incredible work their daughter did while she was ill. What an amazing daughter they have. She founded a project that saw the creation of 5000 (!!!!) tiles that were decorated by children in Edmonton area schools that represented HOPE & then the tiles were placed in the Stollery Children's Centre. All this while she fought for her life, married a wonderful man & squeezed the juice out of every waking moment! Her photographs depict a young woman who 'glows' through the newspaper article. She looks like a grown-up doll with flawless features & these eyes that see straight through to your soul. I read the papers while we were driving home & I couldn't talk to Mom about it for the lump in my throat & I had to stop reading several times for the tears in my eyes. It is heart wrenching to contemplate the loss so many people felt when she left. It is maddening to think that this horrible disease took her. Of all the people it could choose. And again, I am reminded to make the most out of every day. To let go of the things that no longer serve me in a healthy, positive way. And to be grateful for the opportunity I have to get better & carry on. To make a difference in this ol' world. 


Sleep well & be loved.
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Hot off the press! Literally!

Fun little words to 'enjoy'

Can't stop touching my head!

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 210 - Jessica!

Today was my 1st session with Jessica since I've been back. Oh did I miss her. I'm sure she gets tired of me rambling on & on, but boy, she makes me laugh. Half the time I have tears of laughter rolling down my cheeks! She is brilliant.


She corrects my energy & I always feel brighter, shinier & happier when I leave after our hour sessions. She has a workshop coming up on June 5th & I am excited to be going! After reading the Biology of Belief by Dr. Bruce Lipton, I'm even more convinced on the healing you can do energetically. 


In fact, Mom was trying to convince me to take a Body Talk seminar this weekend, but when I googled it, I ended up finding a practitioner who does Body Talk & a few other things... Which led me right back to Jessica. She does it all & she does it with personality!


Her assistant had accidentally double booked my time slot, so I laid on the warm bio-mat for an hour, well, actually I slept for an hour! I then went to the CIBC bank nearby to sort out my cheque issue. I had closed my account right before I left for Mexico. When I got home I had a cheque for $2.13. But I had $21.63 in my account when I closed it. Yes, they made a typo! They forgot the 6! So I took my paperwork to the bank & they graciously gave me the correct amount!


After the session was finished, I beelined it for Costco, picked up some new cordless phones (yay!), hit Ikea for some curtains & 3 mini cactuses for Mom & then it was time for prayers. 


I hadn't been to Neil's since pre-Mexico, so it was great to see everyone! A few people were missing, but it was great nonetheless. Nancy was there & we had a good catch up chat. She has had cancer a few times in her life & she is such a Rockstar at beating it! She is a Professor & LOVES to teach. She records music & she is publishing a book in the next week or so! She's a barrel of fun! 


Anyhow, I boogied home & realized I didn't take any photos today. I did, however, record a short video clip. I have officially heard my first wolf howl in the wild. I thought they were coyotes at first, but no, they are wolves. This was lower pitched & long & beautiful. Bone chilling, haunting & soul stirring. I could hear them howling in the distance to each other & there was one close by. As we live in a open area surrounded by trees, the sound really echos & travels. It was surround sound! Funnily enough, the bulls have been silent ever since the first howl. In fact, it's been eerily silent ever since the first howl. Oh my word. I would be so thrilled to photograph a wolf in the wild. That would be right up there with a leopard in Africa. Here's to a great summer!!!! 


Lekker slaap!
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Gone all day & she's not really even happy to see me! :o(

I was happy to see her!

Day 151 - Driving...

Why is it that I can always find the snooze button before I gain consciousness? I hit the snooze button at 0740 (consciously) & the next time I heard the snooze button, it was 0805. Where did those 25 minutes go when my snooze beeps every 5 minutes?


Needless to say, I was late getting going this morning, but managed to get out the door & arrive at Jessica's right on time! We had a great session - how can I have a bad session? She makes me laugh for an hour & I get to lie on this really warm bed. Oh yeah, I get healthy too! Bonus!


Mom & I left for SK, but only after a stop at the insurance place & Planet Organic for a bit of lunch. She drove to Brooks & I drove the rest of the way. We had a good chat & were serenaded by Valentina & her squeaky toy. She still hasn't decided on the puppy, but I guess I'm optimistic she'll make the RIGHT choice & I'll meet Annie next time I'm home. 


We arrived at the junction at 1600. Mom was picking up a used car from my Uncle Darryl & he had left it at the junction for her. Phew. It reeked of cigarette smoke! I sprinkled lavender oil all over the seats & dash to try & eliminate the smell of smoke. We said goodbye & she headed for home.


I headed for my former home - Dad's place. It is always strange to go home & see what has changed & what hasn't. Buildings, businesses, family farms, and all the faces that I hardly recognize anymore. I politely visit & then when we're out the door, I ask Dad, 'Who was that again?' 


Dad had to take a few cows to town & his dog needed some shots, so we stopped at the vet clinic. Dad's dog, Mac, a border collie, is quite the character. He's a little large for a lap dog, but he'd sure like to be one! His tongue was out the whole time & he was happy as a pig in mud! 


We took a drive out to the 'Cabbage Patch' when we got back home & checked on the cows & calves. Valentina started to give her little 'woof' from the cab of the truck. Yeah, she is catching 'Little Dog Syndrome'. I'll bet she'd crawl right up my leg if I put her out with the cows!


Once back at the house, Dad made supper for us. (I survived my own cooking, but barely!) He made brown rice, asparagus, salmon & a garden salad. We followed supper with a pot of Rooibos tea. Quite the entertainer he is! I remember the days of microwaved perogies, so he's come a LONG way! Remind me one day to tell the toilet paper/microwave story...


We visited about a wide variety of topics & then Dad's eyelids began to get heavy. He can be mid-sentence & fall asleep. I knew it was time to hit the hay. I'm pretty wiped too! Here's to a fun filled day tomorrow...


Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxooxoo

Having a nice lie-in.

My rear view helper. (When she's conscious!)

Sleeping on the road again.

The big trees in the yard where I grew up. We used to have some swings in the trees.

Mac & Dad. Mac is the happiest dog in the world. Dad is cleaning the trail mix out of his teeth.

Grandad's Herd

My Cowdog-In-Training

Day 148 - Music & Mangoes

Well, today was a great day! I woke up to a ground covered in a fluffy white blanket. It wasn't meant to stay long though, as the clear blue sky above let the sun work its magic! 


I woke up earlier than I would have preferred, but decided I might as well stay up & break the late night cycle I seem to have going as of late. (I'm not doing very well, as I'm typing this & it's late again!) 


I hadn't been up for very long when the phone rang & it was Jaco. I love the fact that I can speak to him on such a regular basis! We spoke for quite some time about results, options, scans... Ha! Talk about miscommunication! The poor fellow! When I told him my scan results at the beginning of February, he understood me to have said, 'It's everywhere'. I have no idea how that came about because it hasn't spread anywhere else & if it has grown at all, it is not very much! So here he's been thinking for the past 2 months that I'm pretty much a goner! Oh dear! Thank goodness we cleared that up right now!


We still haven't decided 100% on our plan of action. I'm having a really tough time making a choice. I've always been a tad indecisive - why do you think I have 15+ pairs of Italian boots & a closet filled with so much colourful Lululemon that even Rainbow Brite would be envious!!! I can't choose! I can't even pick one flavour of ice cream! I always have 2 flavours! I hope this ends soon! 


I spoke with a few Doctor's & their offices today, a few girlfriends & then did some yoga. I guess I was still a little tired, as I completely conked out in corpse pose! Valentina was asleep on my legs too!


I had planned on heading to Lethbridge today to see Collet, but when I woke up to snow, I changed my mind! Then I thought I could go to Banff to see Janis, but what fun is a day in Banff by myself while she's a little Snow Bunny? And then there was the live music in the city by Jessica & her hubby. I called Janis & we're meeting for lunch tomorrow. I left late for the Regal Beagle where Jessica was playing. 


I have to say, I haven't been to a bar in a VERY long time! I felt a little awkward walking in alone. Obviously I'm not drinking & they didn't have any bottled water or tea for me. So, like a bump on a log or a wart on a frog, I sat there. Pretty soon I worked up the nerve to go & visit a girl I'd taken the Yuen classes with. We chit chatted for a bit & then I sat down with a girl having a delicious looking beef dip. I sat there for the rest of the night! She was a riot! Bronwyn was her name - you know with a name like that, she's bound to be a blast! We covered a broad spectrum of topics (she likes travel - I'm good for a week - & meeting her made the trip worth it! Of course, Jessica's singing was amazing! Did you even have to ask??? She was her usual hilarious self! 


Much to my surprise, Friends of Otis were there as well! Their lead singer, Calvin, knows Jessica quite well. I know Calvin through Corre (Edmonton, hot yoga, Culina). Calvin & Corre were roommates when Corre was in University. Corre took me to Calvin's first CD launch a few years back. What can I say? It's a small world! Check out their website: http://friendsofotis.com/ & you can even get their music off of iTunes! Kick Back is their album & they're awesome!


A tummy ache had me leave earlier than I planned, but I was glad to get home. A hot cup of tea & a bit of mango. The mangoes I bought at Costco have ripened up beautifully! It's like I went to Peru & picked it myself! Dee-lish! 


On a side note - Valentina may be getting a sister!!!! Mom said she'll miss Valentina terribly when I take her away to travel. I suggested she call Roxie & talk to her about her pups! Mom said she'd get one, but only if I trained it! Ha! She already picked out a name - Anastasia - Annie for short. Mom's middle name is Anne & Anastasia is a Russian based series of books Mom is currently reading & loving. I told Mom she'll have to train her in Russian! Maybe not. It took 10 minutes to 'master' the words 'no' & 'thank you'. So maybe we'll just stick with English.


Okay, that's enough blog for tonight. Sweet dreams!
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

A Little Less Jaded at the Regal Beagle

Jessica & Ty - Doin' what they do best! Well, one of the things they do best!

Day 136 - Day 2 of Yuen Level 3

Wow! I can't remember the last time I had such a great sleep! I woke up a few times & realized I still had time to sleep! It was so great to fall back into bed & know that I was getting even more rest! And what a mood! I was floating through the day! Awesome!


I was pretty excited for today, as we were going to work on corrections for cancer! Jessica knew that I had been waiting for this, so she brought me back up to the front & worked on 'Frank' as he's been labeled. (Isn't every pain in the neck=man?) :o) Just kidding! Anyhow, it was very interesting to learn about all the aspects surrounding 'cancer'. 


We learned about corrections for fetuses, childbirth, pets, sex & yes, another 20+ pages of notes! I was frantically scribbling! I am going to be so bored next weekend when I don't have a Yuen course to go to! We practiced corrections on each other & it was very interesting to see what came up!


Linda, our Trumpetess from yesterday, brought a really neat toy to class today. (Does that sound like show & tell?) (I miss those days!) Anyhow, it was a Star Wars science gadget. You put this thing on your head, with sensors on your forehead & on the skin behind your ears. Then you have this other contraption with a tube, cap, ball in the tube & a fan under the tube. By using your mind & concentration you spin the fan which spins the ball & blows it up the tube. It was pretty cool! Even for big kids! There were about 5 of us that tried it & we all had varying results, but all of us moved the ball! Very interesting! A great gift for your kids that you can play with after they've gone to bed! :o)


I was sad to see the day end. What a great time I've had. Now it's time to put to use the tools I've learned & work on some internal housecleaning! 


I went back to Mom2's for supper & we watched a little of the Oscars until I got tired & decided to venture home. My mind was swimming with the information from the past two days & I desperately needed to rest it! 


Thanks again Jessica for a wonderful experience. You are incredibly gifted & thank you for sharing your talents with the world!


Goodnight & see you tomorrow!
Maria & Valentina
xxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxx

Cheers Yuen Gang for a great weekend!

Check out Jessica's other venture - http://www.millenniummethod.com

Thanks for a great weekend everyone!!!

Day 135 - Level 3 Yuen Method

Today was another early start. Up & at it & on my way into the city. I was pretty excited about the weekend. I had a lot of questions remaining from the 1st level of Yuen, so I was anxious to learn some more & cement it all together. 

I met some pretty amazing people & learned a whole heap in the first day. I think I wrote about 20 pages of notes! Jessica is absolutely gut-wrenching hilarious! I seriously think she should consider a career in comedy! I would come to classes every weekend!


She had me up at the front for a short while to work on my neck. It was pretty cool! I must say! I had been having intense neck & shoulder tightness & pain for the better part of the day. After she finished working on me, the tightness & pain was gone! Awesome! Shortly after that I could feel little 'bubbling' inside my neck (the puffy side). Later on, after the class was over, I was in line at the grocery store. I was trying to crack/stretch my neck. It hadn't cracked in a few months, when all of a sudden - CLICK! Oh sweet relief! I was so happy! When I got back to Mom2's, where I was staying, the other side cracked too! Yeah! The craziest part of all this neck stuff was about 0200. I woke up & felt this 'Woosh' - like a clogged pipe that suddenly breaks free. It was pretty stinkin' cool!


We were lucky enough to be serenaded by one of the students who was also playing for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra that night. She played the trumpet & did 'What a Wonderful World' for us! Awesome!!! Nice job Linda!


I chatted with Mom2 about life, the course & her business until about 2230 - we were both wiped & I desperately needed to get some sleep. I had a headache coming on strong! I fell asleep in the warm glow of my salt lamp - bring on the negative ions!


Here's to a great class tomorrow! Sleep well!! 
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Linda prepping for our serenade

Yes, it is a Wonderful World!

Duke - Guarding the couch!

Mom2 & her Super-sexxy new haircut!

Mom2 cuddling with her 'Grand-Baby'

Day 122 - Yuen Method Day 2

Up & at it again, I was out the door a little later than planned. I am one of those people who likes to hit the snooze button. Again & again. I’ve been known to press snooze for 1 hour. I know, just reset the alarm, right? Well, I must say, I LOVE the feeling of being able to hit snooze & fall back asleep. I think it comes from reading Farley Mowat’s ‘Never Cry Wolf’ in school… I had an obsession with wolves for a time & I remember reading how wolves only sleep for 15 minute intervals, they get up & turn around, then go back to sleep. I press snooze, wake up every 5 minutes & roll over. That counts, right? :o)

Anyhow, I managed to make it to class on time, saw Joe in his groovy Parks van on the way to work – oh the perks of a Government job!

I shared with the class that I felt a little like the dumb kid in math class. I had no clue what I was doing, but I was there. Jessica reassured me that this was completely normal. I was excited to learn that she is offering a small level 3 class in 2 weeks time. I jumped at the chance to take it! It focuses more specifically on cancers, fetuses & sex. I suppose now that it’s not cancer, I can focus on the sex? :o)

We worked in partners & things became a little clearer, although, I must say, I am still a little foggy in some areas. I promise I will keep plugging away. I’ve got a lovely drive across rural Canada these next 10 days, so I’ll have plenty of time to practice.

If you have any issues, health or otherwise, I would highly recommend calling Jessica. She’s done some amazing things! http://www.intuitiveedge.ca

Oh, I did visit the pool & hot tub over lunch. It was spectacular! I haven’t been in the hot tub since Mexico, so I felt like I was there, if only for a moment. I’ve also realized that not only will I be missing my friends from Dr. Castillo’s clinic, but I no longer have my hairdresser! I was so excited to have another silent haircut! That was the best $13 I ever spent! But I suppose I can forgo the haircut in exchange for a no cancer bill of health! Oh yeah!

On another note… Needles. I called Dr. Castillo on Friday to ask him about my protocol & whether or not I should keep taking the needles & all the pills. He said to keep going. Come on! Really? I can’t take a break? Needles once every three days? At least? Nope. So, like a true junkie, there I sat in the bathroom at the Delta. After my swim, I pricked myself in the leg. I must say, it was very distracting, trying to focus on jabbing myself, with other ladies giggling, talking & making all sorts of bodily functioning noises next to me. How happy will I be when I no longer have to do these needles!

Alright… Tomorrow is the big day. Day 1 of the big road trip! Luckily I’m still packed for Mexico, so I will just exchange a few shorts for sweats, a few tanks for sweaters & I should be good to go!

Sleep well & I’ll be seeing you in Speedy Creek! (Swift Current, SK)

Maria & Valentina

xxxxxx

Pool tiles

Gotta love a good hot tub over lunch!

Our class!

Jessica

Day 121 - Yuen Method Day 1

My first early morning in a long time. My oh my. I had to be up at 0700 & out the door by 0800 for a full day of learning. I had no idea how I would do it, it’s been so long since I had to fill my day with anything! Mom was also leaving for SK this morning, so poor Valentina would be at home all day. I had no clue what I would come home to, so my fingers were crossed that she would behave herself!

I managed to get to the course on time & snagged a seat in the back row. There were only about 15 of us, so the room wasn’t too big. I had only had 2 sessions with Jessica previously & I was amazed at how entertaining she was! She was bust a gut funny! I found myself laughing out loud, which doesn’t happen easily! Adding to that, the course was very interesting! If you’ve ever ventured into energetic medicine or energy work at all, it’s quite appealing!

My head was swimming by the end of the day & I was anxious to get home to my little girl. Speaking of swimming, there is a beautiful pool & hot tub, so tomorrow I’m taking my swimsuit & going for a dip on my lunch break! :o)

Before I could head home, I knew I had to have the oil changed in the car. $83 later, I had the engine flushed & I was ready to roll. The wanted to change the air filter for $38, but I decided I couldn’t afford it. Luckily I didn’t, as my Mother took me to Parts Source & we bought an air filter for $12! Lesson learned!!! Now if only the new air filter would give me hot air in the cab! :o)

Anyhow, oil changed, tank filled & a few groceries later, I motored home to find a very excited Valentina. Her little leggies finally uncrossed as I closed the gate. I’ve never seen a dog wee for so long! Poor thing! I went inside to find no messes! Wow! What a good girl! Well, there was one mess, but I’m not sure who is to blame. Mom has a plant on a little table & the moss in the planter was pulled out & spread all over the couch, table & floor… Hmm…

I was absolutely shattered from a day of stretching my brain. Apparently I need to turn off the methodical side of my brain & turn on the intuitive side. Wish me luck on that one!

I phoned a few girlfriends & hit the hay. I did speak with a girlfriend I haven’t spoken with in a very long time. She was 23 or 24 when she got cervical cancer. The Doctors wanted to do a hysterectomy & she said no. Treating herself with only diet change & emotional therapy, 6 months later, she had no cancer left! The Doctors still wanted to do a hysterectomy! She still said no & I just found out the other day that she is expecting! What a miracle baby! I had to call & congratulate her! What a beautiful story! They also didn’t think she’d make it past so many months, but she’s already 6 months along! Awesome stuff!

Tomorrow is the final day of the seminar… Wish me luck!

Sweet dreams,

Maria & Valentina

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

End of class... My mind is brimming with... ???

The Chick who changed my oil

Mr. Lube's parts... (yes, I shot it through my dirty window)

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.