Whiling Away …….

Once again, it has been a while (6 weeks) since I addressed this blog but it was not for lack of thinking about it.  I was at a loss for what to say this time around as the more things change the more they are the same.  My last note indicated that I had been occupied with work and some catching up on some of my “ToDo” items.  That is still the case with the exception that we took a short break from the cold in early February.

Freddi and I, Lucy and Mark and Joan took a trip to Barbados and stayed at the Dover Beach Hotel for 10 days in early February.  It was a quaint little beach side hotel that offered rooms with views and all of the necessary accoutrements one requires for family accommodations in warmer climates.  We had three rooms scattered over the sea-side building on the property.   The view for the balconies was very tranquil and appeasing as we overlooked the surf, beach and ocean.  During our restful stay we managed to find some interesting food sources, a great Rum that is manufactured in the Barbados, some sunning on the patio and pool, time to read some books, visited with family friends and generally enjoy each other’s company while unwinding.  The fine weather was the goal and we pulled that rabbit out of the hat.  It did rain but only for short periods.  It did manage to rain on two occasions when we were dining in the open air but we managed and enjoyed this visit to Barbados very much.  The island is very different from my original visit some 50 years ago but it still has that laid back feeling where nothing is under pressure and time is plentiful.

We are now back in Ottawa (and have been for a couple of weeks) living the dream as we go about our daily and different activities.  The weather has been somewhat neutral in that it has not been too cold and we have not had huge amounts of snow.   I say that as I look at my driveway that is need of some attention with the snow blower.  We have had snow over the last two days and I have been stalling in hopes that it would stop.  The East coast is getting battered by a winter storm and the snow we are getting is from the outskirts of that storm.

As of today not much has changed in the health department.   On Feb 27^th I had a follow-up meeting with my Dr. after having a new CT Scan on Feb 15^th.  The Dr. was a bit concerned as my lung Cancer spot was a bit larger this time around and my liver cancer had also had also shown some strength.  He left it to me to decide what the next steps would be.  I knew he would do that so I was prepared to advise him that I would prefer to avoid going back on Chemo at least until we check again in 3 months.  Basically, I feel great, still, and to go back on Chemo would make me sick once again and I don’t see the purpose of having the treatment which is worse than the disease.    There are two, maybe even three, arguments around this logic but I am enjoying feeling well and that is important to me and those around me.  I get pretty cranky when I am not well and that doesn’t make anyone happy.  So the upshot is that we are on status quo, no chemo treatment, until we decide to make a change. I will be scheduled for another CT Scan in mid-May and I will see the Dr. again later in the month to re-assess.  Once again, the Dr. advised me to contact him if and when I start to have any “symptoms” – lack of appetite, weight loss, breathlessness, tired feeling, pains and any abnormal symptoms.  I assured him I would and we set off to go without Chemo for another period. 

After pondering that meeting I thought a little about the last 3 and half years since my November 2014 sentence with Cancer.  A great deal of water has zoomed under the bridge and I have spent some time reading some of the highlights back through this blog and my notes in my black book which served as my guide for most input into this blog.  The diagnosis was hard followed by several sets of tests, then sessions of Chemo, then surgery, recovery, learning to live with an ileostomy, finally (a year later)  having that removed and then the dreaded return of Cancer followed by rounds and rounds of Chemo which led to my decision to stop Chemo about 8 months ago.  The outcome of stopping has shown some growth of the Cancer but it has also allowed me to resume a more normal life without feeling sick all the time.  In that period I started an active employment position with WestJet, conducted my business with the boats during the fall and managed some travel, acquired a cat friend and setup to have a puppy come into our home April 1st.  All that to say, that I am in a good space right now and hoping to continue that position for a while longer.  The threat of Chemo is always there and eventually I will have to return but not for a while yet.

Kaia with puppy at 5 weeks

Freddi and I are about to embark on another adventure as we set off for Puerto Vallarta for a simple week vacation.  This is a place I have only been to once before and that was back in 1972 when I was a travelling Hippy living in my VW Van.  Thinking of returning has drawn me back to my notes (log) of my trip of 10 months on the road in Canada, western USA, Mexico and Guatemala.  I recall vividly my time in PV as it was a Mecca to me as it was low key, native, sunny and warm, littered with remote beaches, a period where I shared time with some very good people and enjoyed a simple but rewarding couple of weeks there.  I am keen to see the changes and I do hope I can find some landmarks that will bridge the 46 year gap.  This part of Mexico has a warm spot in my heart.

It has stopped snowing now and I must address the driveway buildup so I will take my leave.  I will also endeavour to write a little more frequently although there is little to report.  I work, I rest, I meet and greet, I visit with TL and her family, I work again and repeat several times over.  Life is very good to me.

Love to all of you who find the time to visit and share in my experiences.  Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns or just want to say hello.

Puppies milling about at 5 weeks