Day 134 - It's Like Cuddling With A Cactus.

Well, I certainly wouldn't consider today one of my favourite days. Waking up at 0600 to go to a hospital & have big fat needles shoved into your neck. Yeah, not so much. Please note - My mother asked me at 0630 if there was anything else I wanted to wash with Valentina's bed. No, just leave it until I come home - was my reply. Remember this for later, folks.


I get to the hospital & say goodbye to Mom & Valentina. I make my way down to the same spot as last time. This time I took off my toque, but left my Uggs on. They called me in shortly after I'd changed. It was the same gal as before - Jude or Judy, I'm not sure. We went to the same room in the back. They have really tacky curtains, btw. Really old floral prints. Big flowers. Think 1980's or early 1990's. I asked if it was the same surgeon. Nope. Great. Here's hoping!


It was really quite bizarre. Dr. Preet gave me the low-down on my procedure while we waited for the Radiologist. Dr. Preet tells me they are doing a FNA (WRONG - Core Needle) on my Thyroid (WRONG - It's a lymph node). I'm thinking silently to myself, 'Oh buddy, you're really nice & all, but I think a few more years of school are in order.' My next thought was, 'Oh dear, please don't let him be the one who stabs me with a needle!'


The next bit that made me laugh was after the Radiologist had come in & started to prep things, the nurses/technicians said, 'She won't sign the consent form until she talks to you.' Um, hello? What else would I do? Sign it before I know what body parts you're removing?!? Especially after the last guy said they were poking around my Thyroid?!? Oh man, this is turning out to be a real gas!


I can't remember the Radiologist's name, but he was good. He had one of the gals phone the Pathologist's office to find out SPECIFICALLY what they needed to get a diagnosis. The gal that got the directions wasn't too swift at relaying exactly what was said. She cost me another needle!!! Grrr.


So previously, in my neck needle history, it went like this:
1. 3 Fine Needle Aspirations (FNA) in February 2008 - Sydney, Australia
2. 3 FNA's under Ultrasound in March 2008 - Sydney, Australia
3. 3 FNA's in June 2008 - Medicine Hat, AB by a horrible Surgeon who didn't listen.
4. 1 FNA, 2 Core Needle Biopsies - Calgary, AB by Dr. Cochrane


Well, today was a record breaking needle day. I kept my cool. I didn't feel nauseous, although I was really hoping I could start about half way through the procedure! The Radiologist was okay with my Chemo Fit collection, although Jude made it sound like I was asking him to give me a boob job at the same time - 'I don't know anything about it. You'll have to discuss it with him!' Once he had okayed it, I gathered I would need one extra needle, putting me at, gulp, 4 needles. 


Yeah, I counted the number of times that plastic contraption slammed into my neck. I stopped counting at 5. They told me they ONLY did it 10 times, but I'm sure it was closer to 12. Yup. 10 (for sure) 18 gauge needles slammed into my poor little (large) lymph node. I can't believe I lasted that long. I said after the 5th slam, 'Okay, that's enough now, right? We're done?' 'Nope, just 3 more.' 'THREE MORE?!?' 'Yep.'


When we were done, the Radiologist tells me I was the best patient ever. Yeah, no doubt. Who else tolerates 10 chunks ripped out of their neck? But I will give him credit. It was an awkward place to try & maneuver that contraption & use the ultrasound 'wand'. He was quite verbal about his frustrations - 'What a dumba** contraption! Who invented this thing? Gosh, isn't there an easier way to do this?' At least he made me laugh. At one point, his Resident was helping him hold the contraption. The Radiologist says, 'Move that. No that. With that.' I would have been going insane, had it been me helping him! What's that? With what?!?! :o) The Radiologist also commented on my Uggs. He bought a pair when he was in Australia & he told me one of the funniest things he ever saw was a girl on the beach in Hawaii, wearing Uggs. 


So, I finished up & they wanted me to sit on a bed in the hallway for 1/2 an hour. Was this the 'recovery bed' the Oncologist's nurse was referring to when I couldn't get in any sooner for the biopsy because they needed a recovery bed? While I was sitting there, I felt the back of my neck. Yep, there was blood all over the back of it. Nothing like cleaning a gal up before you boot her back into the real world! I asked for a washcloth to wipe it off & the nurse brings me a dry washcloth! Thanks!


I realized later they had put the needle into the same spot all ten times. The freezing hadn't been as thorough as the previous time. I didn't feel great pain, but I could certainly feel discomfort & pressure during each needle. At one point, the needle went in & I could feel a twinge in a nerve that went up the side of my neck to the base of my head. Not cool! After that needle, he gave me more anaesthesia, which I felt tingling instantly down my left arm, all the way to my elbow! 


I chugged my MCP Pina Colada, changed my clothes, wet the washcloth & finished the job! I called Mom to come & collect me & we began our hunt for a courier to ship the collection off.


We went to Market Mall, thinking they would have a UPS Store we could post it from. No UPS Store. But lo & behold, there was a UPS & a Fed-Ex parking outside the mall. I stalked the UPS driver to ask him of the nearest location, but he told me they couldn't send Biohazard material. He suggested Fed-Ex. So I waited 3 minutes for the Fed-Ex guy & he sent me to a shop about 5 minutes away. We followed his directions, but couldn't find the store. I stopped at the bank to take care of that & then asked one of the gals for directions to the store. She was so nice! She looked it up online, called & made sure they were still at that location... What a nice lady! I love the TD Bank! 


We crossed the main road & found the shop. It was the fullest shop I have ever seen. You could hardly walk anywhere & set anything down, it was chokka block with stuff. Apparently they were moving. Apparently they were so busy moving the fellow running the shop didn't have time for a shower. For a long time. Ugh. I know I smell, but at least I wash my hair! Eew. His wife helped me, who didn't smell, and assured me that the package would be there by noon tomorrow. I paid $107 for shipping. Not bad for a $3000 test! Thank you Government of the USA for the grant!


We motored back to Market Mall & I picked up Apple Care for my Mac. I wanted to also stop at the Professional Building to find a holistic Doctor working there. I had told Jaco about my troubles with my needles - my right leg is pretty much toast - and he suggested I try an IV. I thought I'd see if they could put a port in for a few days to give my leg a rest. The trouble was I couldn't remember the Doctor's name. Some friends of mine had told me about him & all I could remember was that he was cocky & had red hair. 


I asked around some of the offices for a holistic Doctor, but no one knew anything. Fine. There are only 2 floors, I'll just go from door to door until I find the Doctor. Half way around the 2nd floor, I find the office. Everyone else was a Dentist & this one said something about 'Orthomolecular' medicine or something. This had to be it! I walked in & looked around. The receptionist asked if she could help me & I replied, 'Is the Doctor who works here red haired & cocky?' She laughed & said, 'That would be Dr. Johnson, yes.' 


I explained what I was after & she said I'd have to talk to his assistant, who came over briefly & the receptionist told her I was waiting to talk to her. When the assistant left, the receptionist whispered over the counter to me, 'That's his wife, so maybe don't tell her you think he's cocky!' My eyes widened & I thanked her for the tip!


I talked to his wife briefly about my situation & apparently they had recently been to Tijuana & toured some of the clinics! They were really up on IPT, but Dr. Johnson has a waiting list & is booked until June! 


While I had been waiting, a gentleman slipped me a piece of paper under the counter & said he'd like to talk to me & would wait outside for me. Um, okay. Sounds kinda fishy. 


Sure enough, he was waiting for me. He didn't want to sell me anything or feed me religion, he just wanted to share his ideals. He seemed genuine enough, so I grabbed Mom from the truck & we walked over to the food court to chat. 


He is from Germany & shared a lot of information with us. Some of it I knew, some of it was new to me. It put an interesting twist on things. About half way through our chat, my fatigue hit. It was time to go home. One more stop at the bankruptcy place & we made our way home. 


Mom had some where to go, so she left shortly thereafter. I went to bed & woke up a little later on. I was talking to a girlfriend, when I remembered Valentina's bed was in the wash. I went to take it out when I saw 'it'. I was horrified. 


My toque. My beloved Swedish toque. My beloved boiled WOOL Swedish toque that I paid way too much for & no one else on the planet has one like it. Shrunk. So small it barely fits my dog & makes her look like Marvin the Martian with a big tail. I was filled with rage, a few expletives, and then sorrow. How would I ever get back to Sweden to replace my toque? 


I was so angry! Why on EARTH did my Mother have to do laundry at 0630? And why didn't she check to see what was in there? I immediately went online & googled the Swedish Tourism Board to see if they could put me in touch with the shop. I knew where it was in Gamla Stan, but I didn't know the name of it. 


My friend I was talking to at the time of the toque discovery was telling me about her child's potting training & how well it was going... All of a sudden I start yelling & cursing... She was pretty confused at how excited I was about her son's toilet triumphs! 


Speaking of excited, er, stoked, tomorrow is the Level 3 of the Yuen Method. I'm pumped to learn more & cement in the method. Wish me luck! 


Love & hugs & healing & happy toque dreams,
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Just another day at the office.

One of these times I'll get lucky & it will be Brad Pitt's dressing room or Michael Buble's...

It's somebody's life & I hope it all ends well!

'The Recovery Room'

The entrance... I should have shot the floral curtains! No, there isn't a 'Next Time!'

The trucks of the drivers I stalked to find a shop!

Wahhhh! My beloved Swedish Toque.

Now what?

While I type this, I think I just realized that the body of the toque shrunk, but the tail didn't!

Day 133 - INR & Back To The Ol' Routine

Well, back home & back at 'er. I had a nice lie in this morning, as did Valentina. In fact, she was so tired for her 9 days of playing, she slept until 1700! She didn't even get outta bed to come with me to Bragg Creek for the mail, nor did she come with me to Cochrane! She was wiped!


I checked the messages that morning & much to my panic, the chemofit folks had left a message on the 25th saying that my package was held up at customs & if the solution wasn't kept cool enough, it might not work! Today was March 4th! Argh! Of all the messages my Mom listens to, why couldn't she have paid attention!!! I raced into town to pick up the package & raced back home to call New York. Dr. Bradford asked me a little bit about the colour & consistency of the liquid in the bottle & said she thought it would be alright. Phew! That was close! There certainly wasn't time to have another collection kit mailed out, as the biopsy is tomorrow!


After that mess was cleaned up, I unpacked, Skyped with my poor husband who was beginning to think I had left him (!), and got ready to leave for Cochrane. I had to do another INR test to make sure I wouldn't bleed to death on the operating table! I left in the nick of time & made it to the clinic about 90 seconds before she locked the door! Phew! Another close call! 


I was a bit nervous, as the gal who took my blood was asking her colleague an awful lot of questions for someone who should know what they're doing! I was also nervous, as I was hoping they wouldn't recognize me as the 'girl who left her sharps behind'! Luckily they didn't! The technician was impressed when I said 'Spasiba' as I left... Thank you in Russian & she had eluded that she was from somewhere around there! I think her direct words were, 'I'm from Russia, but I'm not Russian.' Okay, whatever!


I drove home to see the sun shining beautifully over the cloud covered mountains. I really do enjoy the Rockies when the sun is shining & it's relatively warm out! Bring on Springtime!!! 


I made my MCP Pina Colada & had an extra one ready to chug right after the biopsy. I am hoping to have a smooth procedure tomorrow, as I have to post the collection kit straight after, do some banking, buy Applecare for the laptop, drop off the bankruptcy payment and swing by another Doctor's office. Fingers crossed! Wish me luck, tomorrow's a big day!


Love & hugs,
Valentina & Maria
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

I was trying to get a good shot of Moose Mountain (AKA Brokeback Mountain), but it didn't happen!

Life is good. Air is fresh!

Contemplate clocks 390,000 kms! You go girl!

Day 132 - Sushi - Dynamite Roll & Then I Roll Home...

Today was the final day of the road trip... 2700 kms later, Contemplate is still humming along! You go girl! 


I had a leisurely lie-in until about 0900, upon which, Roxy was already up & at it & busily getting formula ready for the 2 newest additions to the Ziola family... Batman & Robin, 2 calves needing to be bottle fed. We bundled up & headed outside to feed the little fellas. Oh dear! It's been a long time since I've been head bunted in the butt! I was giggling away & Batman really got me good! At one point I gave a little holler & I must be getting old, as it sounded just a little old lady who had just had a fright! After I had let Batman drain the bucket, he decided to go to town on my jacket, pants, & pretty much anything he could reach on me! I eventually gave him my thumb to suck & that kept him happy for a few minutes. 


Roxy was busy trying to coax Robin into a corner to give him his bottle. We eventually ended up with both calves in the corner, Robin getting a bottle, Batman having Roxy's other hand. 


After the calves were fed, we walked over to the horses & donkey, had a little scratch here & there, then we wandered down to look at the rest of the babies. Roxy has her favourites & as we walked through, she pointed them out to me. I'm always on the lookout for that one over protective Mama (picture me flying through the air, starfishing as I spin & land on a pile of giant rock solid frozen cow pies), but thank goodness their cattle are nice & gentle! Instead, I just tripped over the rock solid frozen cow pies! :o)


When we walked back towards the house, we noticed Batman & Robin had escaped. As soon as they saw Roxy, they were thinking of the bottle, so she led them back into the pen.


We ventured over to the barn to find some kitties, but they were hiding on us. We climbed up into the loft of the old barn & had a chat. It was amazing to sit there & imagine what had happened throughout the years in that barn. The stories & storms it had weathered. I love the old barns - they have so much more character than the tin ones they build today!


Back inside we quickly changed & headed for town. Roxy had to pick a few things up for Kevin & she wanted to take me to the only raw cafe in Red Deer. Sadly the cafe was closed today! This is the 2nd time this has happened to Roxy & I! I guess I am just meant to hold out a little longer! I'm sure it's worth the wait! We ended up going for sushi instead. It was delicious! We had another great chat while we sipped green tea, sitting cross legged on the cushions.


We chatted so long we nearly missed the one place we had to pick up something for Kevin! Luckily we made it there in time! Once we were back at Roxy's, I packed up & hit the road. I was anxious to get home after 9 days away. I stopped in Cochrane for a few groceries & made it home by 2200. Phew. I'm wiped!


I checked messages & 119 emails later... I was bummed to read I'd missed Robyn in Red Deer! She recently got married in Mexico & I was so excited to see her slideshow & photos! In any case, I'll have to make a special trip up to see her! She is gorgeous, so I can only imagine how stunning she will look in every single photo!!!


Home again, home again, jiggity-jig... Sleep well & here's to a semi-exciting blog now that the road trip is finito! 


Sleep well!
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

A thumb is better than a head bunt in the butt!

Hungry fellers!

Batman & Robin

New kid on the block... Kinda looks like Donnie?

Robin settling for 2nd best!

Oh my... The donkey was braying & I thought someone was dying... What a noise! Quel bruit!

Buck's eye

Mamas, babies, & plenty of yep, you guessed it! Rock solid frozen cow pies!

Inside the old barn.

Hello Rainbow Roll!!! Yummy!

Day 131 - Rawkin' Rawksy's

This morning was an early start! We had to take Brooklyn to school, leaving at just past 8. We drove her to a private school about 20 minutes away & accompanied her inside. Of course, Valentina had snuggled inside my jacket, so she came along. As soon as she heard all the children's voices, she began to wiggle her nose out of the top of my jacket. She was very excited to see all the kids! Of course, they were just as excited to see her! The kept coming over & commenting on the dog's head sticking out of the top of my jacket! It was a little busy! There were kids & books & jackets coming from every direction! Wow! We said goodbye to Brooklyn & made our way to the local Co-op for a few groceries. 


You know you're in a small town when you can visit with pretty much everyone you see in the shop! Laura knew everyone! It was great! So & so was en route to Australia for a wedding in a few weeks, so & so had a baby... I love it! Small communities have so much more than a big city. It's nice that everyone is courteous & friendly, not just in a rush & giving no concern to the guy beside them! The world needs more of a small town outlook on life! 


We drove back home & went for a walk outside. We ended up walking to the barn, so Laura & the twins showed me around the inside. It was impressive! So clean & smoothly run! State of the art! 


It was back to the house to make some lunch! I had planned on leaving about 1300, as I was headed to Roxy's house, via Janis' house to pick up some pills I forgot there & hopefully a quick stop at Kerry's, as I've never been to her house before!


I had a wonderful lunch with Laura's family & we had another great visit after lunch. A very teary goodbye & the biggest lump in my throat (yes, bigger than the one in my neck!) when I pulled out of the yard. Laura is such a special woman & I am so thrilled that we have had the chance to meet! Here's to a healthy & happy friendship Gorgeous!!! Now have fun in Mexico!!!!


I made it to Janis' about 1630. Roxy had texted me & was going to Innisfail with a few cows, so I thought I had a little visiting time. I enjoyed a quick chat with Janis & Caleb, popped over to Kerry's for a quick 'Hi & Bye' & then hit the road. I was glad I did when I did, as the fog rolled in shortly before I turned off at Red Deer. I can honestly say I've never driven in such thick fog as I did that night!!! I could barely read the road signs to know when to turn! I drove on the left hand side of the gravel road because I couldn't see the right hand side from my side of the car! I noticed the next day on my way to town that I'd driven right through a stop sign! I couldn't see it for the fog! 


It was nearly 2100 when I pulled into Roxy & Kevin's yard. We had a quick visit & then my eyes started to get heavy & I apologized, but it was bed time! Roxy was quite excited, as she'd just finished a raw cleanse & was anxious to share her new found knowledge with me. She is quite adventurous in her diet & health. She creates some pretty fantastic foods using her dehydrator & blender! We keep telling her to open a restaurant - Rockin' Roxy's Raw Cuisine! Roxy was also a bridesmaid, in fact, she was one of two Maids of Honour at Wedding #3. 


Tomorrow we would chat some more... 


Sleep well!
Maria & Valentina
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Asleep at the wheel. Again!

Asleep at the food cooler.

Okay, so I know nothing of what makes a good practical kitchen. But this one sure does look good! I love it! One day!

The Little Tree Hugger Alberta office!

Janis & Caleb. What a pair of cuties!

The doggie version of 'dumpster diving'?

Day 130 - Long Lost Laura!!!!

Another fairly early start to the day, I snuck back to bed for a little longer after I let the pooch out. Drayton was up at 0800 & quietly playing with his toys & watching a few cartoons. Sylvia was soon up & the three of us played & laughed & carried on for the remainder of the morning.


Pretty soon it was time for me to pack up & hit the road again. Sylvia led me to the highway, as the roads had softened up considerably & we weren't sure Contemplate would make it through the muck! Of course, she did! I let Valentina ride with Drayton & Sylvia to the highway. They have both taken quite a shine to her, but who can blame them?? :o) Drayton fell asleep on the way & as I'd told him I'd follow him & he could see me out the back window, imagine his disappointment when he got home, woke up & looked out the back window... No Aunty Jill & no Valentina! He was crushed!


Kristina had given me her souvenir sippy cup & plate from Sea World - I passed it on to Drayton. The best words I heard all day - "Wow! Look at the whale! I'm SO HAPPY!" How cute is that?!? 


Anyhow, I was on my way. I had a few texts from Mom, asking me if I'd spoken to Laura. I hadn't, so I wasn't sure what was up, but I was hoping that she was going to be home, as that's where I was headed! Laura & I met in Mexico at Dr. Castillo's. We hit it off right away & had a blast sight seeing & shopping & getting healthy! She wasn't a bridesmaid, but had I known her, she sure would have been! 


I drove towards a map dot called 'Linaria' via Athabasca. It didn't take near as long as I had anticipated, although I did get a little confused when I had to change road atlas pages half way through. 


I called Laura when I was just the other side of Athabasca & managed to get the answering machine. Great. Are they really not home? Now what? I suppose I could just keep going south to Roxy's?! I thought I'd just keep driving & see if I could find Laura's house. When I spoke to her the first time on the phone, I asked her exactly where she lived. She told me while I marked it in the road atlas. Four months later, I was really happy I'd done just that! 


I knew I was on the right road, but I had no idea what I was looking for as far as a yard/house was concerned. I knew they had a dairy barn, but I had no clue how close or how far it was from their house! I passed the first few & thank goodness for mailboxes with last names on them! Finally, I was beginning to think I was lost, so I called. Henk answered just as I was approaching the next yard. I asked if they had a brown & white house, a blue car & a white truck... Yup! I was there! Yay!!!!


I had never met her husband or their girls, so I was excited to finally put faces to names! Henk, her husband, is one amazing guy! He's extremely creative & talented when it comes to making his life as a Dairy Farmer more streamlined. I've never seen such a barn before in my life! Laura gave me a tour & she casually says, 'Yeah, they built this last week.' It was a wall to section off the office... Add to that hydraulic gates, hoses that roll up via air pressure... The list goes on! What a guy! He's a great Dad too! Before I met Henk, there was a standing joke that I was Laura's 'other other half'! :o)


Their girls are absolutely gorgeous! The youngest two are twins. They certainly take after their parents! Both in looks & demeanor. We had a blast playing with Valentina. I laughed & laughed as they would throw the toy & watch her fetch it. Then Valentina would run under one girls bed. The three girls would run to that bed to try & catch her, meanwhile, Valentina would sneak out the other end & run under the other bed! It was priceless! Of course, they put her in a little cradle with blankets & pillows - and she did fall asleep in it! She even crawled in it on her own! 


Laura & I ventured over to her Mom's to use her ion foot bath. It was awesome! I couldn't believe the junk that came out of my body! Wow! Heavy metals galore! Laura & her mom have both had Thyroid Cancer. In fact, about 10 women in the community have had Thyroid Cancer, along with a wide variety of other health issues. ***Sniff, sniff*** What's that? Erin Brockovich you say? I agree! Something fishy is going on there! 


Laura created the most beautiful scrapbook for me! I was floored! She put photos of us in Mexico & California & all the wonderful people that we met while we were there. The little turkey had me in tears in the first 5 minutes of my arrival! How blessed am I to have such wonderful friends?!?


Laura & I have shared many chats about our choices regarding our health. We have experienced a lot of similar challenges & it is so reassuring to have someone you can talk to about what you're going through who ACTUALLY UNDERSTANDS & GETS 'IT'!  


Henk, Laura & the girls are leaving for Mexico shortly, as Laura is due for her check up & this time everyone is going along! The girls already have their suitcases packed & I am so anxious for them to come back & tell me all about their adventures! I'm so happy the girls get to travel when they are so young. Travel is the best education money can buy, in my personal opinion. 


Anyhow, we returned from her Mom's later than planned, so it was off to bed, as we had to take the oldest daughter to school in the morning! This was a great day!


Lekker slaap,
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

The girls put Valentina to bed.

Lunchtime!

The start of the ion footbath...

The end of the ion footbath!!!

The new sign! Pretty spiffy!

Inside the barn

Henk & the neighbour having a chat.

Valentina's first trip to a dairy barn!

Milk Cow Races!

Outside the barn...