tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15592297360825096012011-11-29T19:07:01.658-05:00Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.comBlogger4831100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-45579690245249518452010-09-12T17:13:00.004-04:002010-09-12T17:28:56.651-04:00

Dear readers of my mom’s blog, This is Christine’s son Adam writing this. This is extremely difficult for me to write, but I wanted to post one final message to let her readers know that she passed away early Friday morning. She went peacefully in her sleep at 12:25 a.m. My grandmother took her to the hospital on Wednesday after having difficulty breathing. It turned out to be a blood clot that

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-68440779173976338072010-09-03T15:17:00.000-04:002010-09-03T15:17:17.090-04:00

I have 5 appointments next week; 3 of them on the same day: 1. orthopedic surgeon (re my broken hand) 2. radiation oncologist (re my brain lesions) 3. plurex specialist (re the fluid on my lung) 4. medical oncologist (re changing my chemo) 5. cancer clinic social worker (re trying to make sense of all this). Yikes! What I’m grateful for today: Vanilla milkshakes. My appetite isn’t great

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-90091814342831998382010-09-02T15:58:00.001-04:002010-09-02T15:59:40.431-04:00

I decided that I would focus my fundraising efforts to the BCA run this year. I only like to ask for support for one event a year, but it you missed donating to the BCA run and would like to donate to the Run for the Cure instead, you can do so on my personal fundraising page at http://www.runforthecure.com/site/TR?px=1004992&pg=personal&fr_id=1101. This will be the 10th year that the JUST

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-20405716593167598842010-09-01T22:04:00.000-04:002010-09-01T22:04:07.984-04:00

i ended up in the cancer triage yesterday because of increased shortness of breath and a distended belly. they thought that maybe i had fluid buildup in the belly because of my liver but they didn't find fluid there. they did find fluid in one of my lungs so they are making an appointment for me to possibly have the fluid drained. the doctor i saw gave me the results of the latest scans and it

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-75757181334183569972010-09-01T21:01:00.000-04:002010-09-01T21:01:18.107-04:00

Breast Fest Film Festival - Travel Subsidies Available! Inquire and apply by OCT. 1 2010 Rethink Breast Cancer 215 Spadina Ave. Studio 570 Toronto, ON M5T 2C7 T.416-920-0980 ext.228 or 1-866-738-4465 F.416.920.5798 Website: www.rethinkbreastcancer.com

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-14821853378259342052010-08-30T14:06:00.001-04:002010-08-30T14:07:16.067-04:00

Thanks to all you folks that called, emailed and facebooked me today. I'm having a great birthday; lunch with my mom and aunt and dinner with friends. This email card from Adam made me laugh!

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-90206453397972263962010-08-30T10:17:00.001-04:002010-08-30T10:17:54.277-04:00

This free six week program will help you: Manage symptoms and treatment side-effects, Learn strategies to manage medications, Work with your healthcare team, Set goals and solve problems, Handle difficult emotions, Feel better and enjoy more activities, Make changes to diet and exercise Start Date: Wed Sep 1, 2010 Date Notes: Free six week program Time: 7pm Cost: Free Venue: Canadian Cancer

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-59536466154025118352010-08-30T09:20:00.001-04:002010-08-30T09:21:01.545-04:00

Shred-it - Founded in 1988 by Greg Brophy, Shred-it is a Canadian company, committed to helping organizations secure their business information by shredding documents and various media. Shred-it For A Cure - Each year the Ottawa Shred-it branch donates all funds raised from Shred-it For A Cure events to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. On the second Saturday of each month between 9:00AM

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-76456192222069339232010-08-24T09:05:00.002-04:002010-08-24T09:06:32.461-04:00

I found an entry by Amy Lessack on the LBBC (Living beyond Breast Cancer) website that I thought was worth sharing. Amy was diagnosed with metastatic bc at 43 in 2008. "Well, what I learned when I was first diagnosed in 2002 when I was 36 is that every day is a gift. Now, I am sure that sounds very trite and I don’t mean it to be. Believe me, there are still many days that don’t always feel

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-25163728643422165652010-08-23T12:23:00.001-04:002010-08-23T12:24:22.244-04:00

I'm typing this with one finger, It was confirmed that the hand is indeed broken and I am wearing a splint (kind of a half-cast). My GP is arranging for an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon but I am obviously hoping that surgery won't be necessary. Adam has been here and gone. His visit flew by far too fast and I am missing him since he left on Sunday. My mom is still here and will stay

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-57304999710773956002010-08-13T18:22:00.001-04:002010-08-13T18:23:21.283-04:00

my blog posts over the next few weeks will probably be brief. it hasn't been confirmed but it appears that i have broken some bones in left hand. i woke up last night with acid reflux and, in a fog i suspect was caused by the codine cough med i'm taking, i somehow managed to fall down my stairs on the way for a glass of milk. this morning my hand was swollen and my baby finger is pointing off

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-56209159419438499742010-08-12T15:21:00.000-04:002010-08-12T15:21:22.855-04:00

When I was at the conference in Philly, I picked up a car magnet from METAvivors, a charible organization for women with metastatic cancer. I finally got around to visiting their website at http://metavivor.org/index.html. Here's an excerpt from an essay by one of their founding members. We ask that the public understand that the 110+ Americans dying every day from breast cancer [I don't know

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-41591025926093840042010-08-08T08:47:00.004-04:002010-08-08T08:49:52.286-04:00

Sept 11: Ride the Rideau Sept 15: Living Well Beyond Breast Cancer Sept 18: Sacred Circles Workshop Oct 6: Read for the Cure Nov 19: BCA Autumn Gala and Auction Oct 3: Run for the Cure

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-20253191667571115372010-08-08T08:26:00.000-04:002010-08-08T08:26:08.168-04:00

Labrynth Walking, Creating Mandalas and Sacred Circle Dancing Date: Sept 18 Time: 9:30 - 5:00 Location: St. John's March/Kanata Cost: $110 For a copy of the flyer email beverly@beverlychen.com. For registration contact Cynthia Sabiston at 613-692-0302.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-11892829591304650392010-08-08T08:02:00.001-04:002010-08-08T08:35:25.786-04:00

I'm passing this on from Laurie K's blog. She's looking for Ottawa women to join her Run for the Cure team. --------------------------------------------------------- Ottawa women friends and family, Last week end, my friend Cathy Remus and I were talking about doing the Run for the Cure on October 3rd. I suggested forming a team named something along the lines of "We hate pink crap but we hate

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-82611733646925774832010-08-07T07:56:00.004-04:002010-08-07T08:10:39.987-04:00

I saw my onc yesterday but it was pretty routine. I hadn’t had a scan or test, so there was nothing to report – I’m not even really sure why I had the appointment. I see the radiation oncologist about my aneurysm on Monday. The big news is… that Adam (aka the prodigal son) arrives today from Holland for 2 weeks! I can’t wait to give him a big hug. My mom will join us towards the end of his visit

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-74325503995628407422010-08-03T15:08:00.001-04:002010-08-03T15:08:19.434-04:00

The Canadian Cancer Society will offer a program this fall for post-treatment cancer patients and their caregivers who strive to live a healthy life. Living Well Beyond Cancer is based ont he Chronic Disease Self-Management Program researched and developed at Standord University. This free program is conducted as a 2-hour workshop held weekly for 6 weeks. The highly interactive meetings focus

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-8193154632776522912010-08-01T09:07:00.000-04:002010-08-01T09:07:44.646-04:00

Nadine was back this week for part II of her visit. In between her visits she was in Boston on business and in Halifax with her daughter (my niece) Erin. We spent part of one day at the Nordic Spa, relaxing in the pools and the saunas. We curled up in these lovely hanging chairs that felt like rocking cocoons and read and napped. In the evening we went to see The Kids are Alright (I’m not sure

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-11033601613349256352010-07-27T10:57:00.003-04:002010-07-27T11:02:06.523-04:00

I just took a Faces of Metastatic Breast Cancer survey. It’s interesting, because as you answer each question, it gives you a chart with percentages of all of the answers from all who have taken the survey. In answer to the question “Which word best describes how you feel during “good” moments?”, respondents said: 35% thankful 27% hopeful 26% optimistic 5% encouraged 7% other I wasn’t sure if

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-87894490633706891852010-07-27T10:07:00.001-04:002010-07-27T10:08:53.221-04:00

In the Insights on Metastatic Breast Cancer newsletter, Claudia Luecke writes: "As anyone facing a metastatic cancer diagnosis knows, there is nothing like a life-threatening illness to add a sense of urgency to your "I’ve-always-wanted-to-do-that" list. Visiting all seven continents is one of my goals. Since my mets diagnosis in 2007, I’ve made travel a bigger priority." Travel is also a

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-15171803828563353912010-07-25T12:22:00.009-04:002010-07-25T12:30:46.507-04:00

I haven’t been writing much lately. I’ve alternated between being very busy and resting/recovering. I’m beginning to realize why they give you a week off Xeloda after two weeks on. I think the side effects start to kick in after two weeks, because I seem to experience more on the weeks off. I've had my share of nausea and 'the-fast-poopies' this week (too much information!); also some abdominal

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-53060586724502935802010-07-23T09:34:00.001-04:002010-07-23T09:35:04.383-04:00

This is a challenging ride down the river to raise some serious funds. Ride the Rideau is a 100-kilometre bike tour to support some of the most important cancer research in the world.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-40492543911560976282010-07-22T23:00:00.001-04:002010-07-22T23:04:59.914-04:00

Laurie Kingston is a blogger, author and mother. She is also living with cancer. Laurie was recently interviewed for a TV spot on CBC News Network about using blogging as a way to process what it’s like to deal with life with cancer. You can view the video at http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/TV_Shows/Connect_with_Mark_Kelley/ID=1549366307. In the video, Laurie talks about her young children and

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-6891891353907053462010-07-16T21:47:00.002-04:002010-07-16T21:50:32.690-04:00

I had an oncology visit today but I cheated and got my CT scan results from medical records 2 days ago. I wanted a copy of the report so I’d know what questions to ask. The short of it is that the cancer is continuing to progress and there are now mets in my liver. The LC (lymphangitic carcinomatosa) has grown and spread further into the lungs. The good news is that there are no mets to the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-51000775203128283842010-07-15T21:27:00.001-04:002010-07-15T21:27:59.750-04:00

Blogging has been a great way for me to let people know what going on with me, process my feelings about my diagnosis and treatment, and to connect and share information with other people living with cancer. Here is a recent NCI Cancer Bulletin about the benefits of blogging.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-74116730590825727092010-07-15T21:03:00.001-04:002010-07-15T21:04:22.072-04:00

If you know any woman currently undergoing Chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-26316011682157829812010-07-13T08:49:00.001-04:002010-07-13T08:49:59.419-04:00

My fellow wharf hag, Dianne, and I spent several wonderful hours at Peggy’s Cove, walking on the rocks and watching the waves crash against them. It was great to be there with someone who ‘gets it’; who can appreciate the magic and the power of my ‘special place’. I'm not sure what it did for my body, but the visit was definately good for my soul.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-76534485522917805872010-07-13T08:33:00.002-04:002010-07-13T18:40:05.946-04:00

The folks at BCA (Breast Cancer Action) presented me with a certificate thanking me for the highest sponsorships in their recent walk/fun run. They also gave me a lovely framed picture of a butterfly as a gift.In the picture (from left to right): me, Karen Graszat, Executive Director and Rosalind Bell, President.Thanks again to all my sponsors and thank you to BCA for all the great work they do

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-41865469843634284132010-07-10T06:35:00.005-04:002010-07-10T06:37:49.469-04:00

Having such a good time in Nova Scotia that there’s no time to write! Here's what we've been up to: Walked along the Halifax harbor front, coffee at Cabin Coffee (next to a table of senior hippies, one of them with grey dreadlocks – that’s so ‘Halifax’), visited my old swimming hole at Kidston Lake, sat on the rocks at Herring Cove, climbed the Dingle Tower (slowly, but I made it to the top!),

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-82115244736068983532010-07-06T08:45:00.000-04:002010-07-06T08:45:23.395-04:00

Right now, Lance Armstrong is speeding along the first leg of the Tour de France. He's riding to win—but he's also riding to raise awareness and improve the lives of 28 million cancer survivors worldwide. You can be part of Lance's ride in an amazing way by having your personal message written in chalk along the course of the race. A high tech robot called Chalkbot will receive your message and

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-80794986853983199802010-07-06T08:23:00.000-04:002010-07-06T08:23:40.696-04:00

After researching Canadian suppliers with no luck, I finally just ordered a voice amplifier directly from ChatterVox. Another blogger is using it and recommends it. I can't wait to be able to carry on a conversation in a restaurant again! On another positive note, I finally went to see a social worker at the cancer clinic yesterday. We hit it off right away and I felt that I got a lot from the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-43752778768933024062010-07-04T22:00:00.008-04:002010-07-04T22:14:02.582-04:00

Today was a perfect day. Jilly came by this morning with a lovely sun hat for me and pansies from her garden. Then Kate and I headed off to Anne and Ron’s cottage mid-day. We had several swims in the lake and the water was like silk; warm enough to make it easy to get in but still cool enough to be refreshing. We spent some time reading (Marley and Me – a gift from Barb) in the Om tent. There

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-33626095574295471632010-07-04T09:51:00.002-04:002010-07-04T09:51:31.750-04:00

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-39723302977243882082010-07-02T15:18:00.001-04:002010-07-04T09:45:32.093-04:00

Did I mention that Decadron makes me CRAZY? I'm getting the Cabbage Patch Doll puffy face, eating like a weight lifter, tired but can't sleep - all side effects from this lovely little pill. Jen heard back from the nurse and the good news is that I can start to wean off it. I'm already taking 1/2 a pill twice a day. I'm supposed to take that down to 1/4 a pill for a few days and then an 1/8th.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-81319026945595589042010-07-02T14:59:00.004-04:002010-07-02T15:30:20.098-04:00

I may not be able to talk, but I can still bike! I went out with the Friday bike group this morning and I did OK. I had planned to turn back when we got to any hills, but they stayed on the flats from the Island Park Bridge to Britannia Park. There was a huge herd of Canada geese (I think they are actually called a 'gaggle') crossing the bike path, so in true Jennifer fashion, she decided to

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-84493226946353509262010-07-02T14:50:00.000-04:002010-07-02T14:50:42.963-04:00

I'm not sure why the colors didn't come out on my pictures, but we had some spectacular fireworks on the 'dog hill' last night. All the neighbours brought chairs, kids ran around with sparklers and neon lights, and the weather was perfect for sitting back and watching the show.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-15989436017575169762010-07-01T12:25:00.003-04:002010-07-01T12:35:55.856-04:00

No apologies for the bad hair day, eh! (Mine, not Katey's) Dog blog alert: More pictures of Katey posted to her blog.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-25291476930108443042010-06-30T15:17:00.001-04:002010-06-30T15:18:40.779-04:00

This is my 2nd day without taking Xeloda, so I'm not sure why I'm feeling nauseous. The nausea isn’t bad, but I usually feel it in the afternoon so I take a Stemitil. Jen left a message for the PDN (personal designated nurse) about whether to continue taking the Decadron (steroid) during the week I’m off Xeloda. Also, she asked if there’s a way I could email with questions rather than called.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-76514332688705571002010-06-29T14:28:00.001-04:002010-06-29T14:30:41.678-04:00

One of the challenges of losing my voice is that I find it hard to talk on the phone. I had a situation the last few days where I had my vacuum in for repairs and I couldn't call to check on it. I kept having to drive there and it was never ready. So Jen helped me out by calling them for me. Simple things like calling the doctor’s office to ask a question becomes an ordeal. What I'm grateful

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-68141612163199859572010-06-28T21:23:00.000-04:002010-06-28T21:23:59.745-04:00

I just took my last 3 horse pills (aka Xeloda). I've been on them for 2 weeks and now I have a week off before starting the cycle again. I've only had some mild nausea but the Decadron (steroid) is still making me crazy. The doctor said we'd know fairly quickly from my symptoms if the chemo is working, but I'm no seeing any improvement in the voice, coughing or breathing. What I'm grateful for

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-38715471288325228112010-06-27T22:16:00.001-04:002010-06-27T22:18:33.045-04:00

It seems like every time I’ve struggled with my health, I’m drawn back to the ocean of my birthplace for healing. Dianne knows how special Peggy’s Cove is to me and so she suggested we take a trip there together. We plan to go in early July, before I go back to the oncologist. What I'm grateful for today: The opportunity to let the power of the rocks and the ocean work their magic on my mind,

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-84646343568392347492010-06-27T09:44:00.006-04:002010-06-27T16:41:26.313-04:00

Speaking does not hurt my throat but it can be exhausting to try to carry on a conversation for long. So I am looking for some ideas for aids that might make speaking easier for me. I’ve been looking on the internet but, because technology makes my head spin, I’m finding it all a bit overwhelming. Does anyone have any suggestions on the following? 1) A microphone to project my voice. I use a lot

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-5072701816282786772010-06-26T15:46:00.008-04:002010-06-27T08:58:19.844-04:00

Despite the rain, today’s Breast Cancer Action (BCA) walk was a huge success.  My mom walked ahead with Bev, and I think Alice and I were the last two to finish the 5k. Alice and I may have our limitations, but we were determined go all the way. And we did it! Together! A group of friends cheered us across the finish line. It meant a lot that my mom was here to participate today. Below is a

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-4063844714533566562010-06-25T07:56:00.008-04:002010-06-26T14:30:36.025-04:00

We didn’t have a lot growing up and I struggled with money in my early adulthood. I know how to stretch a dollar, plan a week’s menu around the store flyers and have 101 recipes for ground beef. Maybe that’s why I’ve clung to ‘things’, worried that I might just need them some day. At one time my basement was lined with unmarked boxes of 'things' that I didn’t even know I had, but I couldn’t

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-54602125311935626402010-06-24T09:45:00.001-04:002010-06-24T09:45:53.993-04:00

I’m upstairs in the office on my computer. My mom just yelled up “Bang on the floor once if the answer is yes: Did you take your pills?” We’re getting creative about finding ways to conserve my voice. It gets much worse as the day goes on and I overuse it. I’m using a lot of hand gestures. I didn’t realize that, as an introvert, I’d miss talking so much. It’s rather isolating (and very tiring)

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-64936975411501939132010-06-24T09:39:00.001-04:002010-06-24T09:47:58.917-04:00

I was supposed to be on a canoe trip this week. A group of friends is canoeing along the Rideau, camping at a series of locks along the way. Because I can’t paddle (radiated rib, shortness of breath, etc), my mom and I agreed to visit their campsites and help shuttle an extra car from site to site. The first day was unfortunately a wet one for the paddlers. We met them at Jones Falls where they

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-64236557132380589622010-06-24T07:28:00.001-04:002010-06-24T07:29:59.377-04:00

CBCN is currently recruiting volunteers to participate in an important one-day focus group for women living with metastatic breast cancer. The main purpose of the focus group will be to gain valuable insights into the unique needs of metastatic breast cancer patients; build a community of support; and raise further awareness of the issues specific to women with metastatic breast cancer based to

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-6148532337988915592010-06-22T09:52:00.000-04:002010-06-22T09:52:02.011-04:00

I'm not a cat person, so I have to balance out the last picture with a picture of Katey. I know it looks like I'm choking her, but she likes it, honest! There's also a picture with her 'nanny' on Katey's blog.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-86600128398620722652010-06-22T04:35:00.005-04:002010-06-24T12:03:27.619-04:00

It's 4:20 am and I can't sleep. I have what Sue Hendler used to call 'roid-rage'. Decadron makes me kind of manic. What I'm grateful for today: No real side effects from the Xeloda yet. The hands and feet are looking and feeling great so far. I haven't had to take a nausea pill yet and only a hint at what we referred to as a case of the 'fast poopies' when I was travelling in Nepal. (Sorry, but

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-23790805967219876872010-06-22T04:14:00.001-04:002010-06-22T04:16:35.671-04:00

Here are a few more pictures from the Relay for Life. A friend got a luminary done in my honor and in Mary's memory. Thank you so much Rita!Rita is below on the left in yellow.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-26391082315835427542010-06-20T10:51:00.000-04:002010-06-20T10:51:12.763-04:00

Adam sent me a link to this story about a woman he worked with in Calgary. Stephanie is 30 years old and she is giving a kidney to her father who has diabetes. Adam wrote: "Such a nice story. Wish I could do something like that for you." Did I ever mention that I have the best son in the world? And the best mom? And the best friends? And the best dog?

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-65838320834312897442010-06-19T14:00:00.010-04:002010-06-20T10:45:11.140-04:00

Dear friends: Most years I have solicited donations for the Run for the Cure in October. Because I don't know where I'll be at with my treatments by the fall, this year I have decided to switch my fundraising efforts to the Breast Cancer Action (BCA) walk on June 26. I will be walking in this event in memory of Mary O’Rourke and Meridy Foster. BCA is a local survivor-directed, voluntary

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-7321829131599686902010-06-19T13:46:00.004-04:002010-06-22T04:17:03.580-04:00

Here's a lovely picture a friend sent me from the Relay for Life. Thank you Melanie!

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-49582687031565722482010-06-19T10:17:00.003-04:002010-06-19T10:18:29.485-04:00

I just received some lovely pictures of the time I spent with the Calgary gals at the conference in Philadelphia. What a great group of women: supportive, courageous, fun and just darn good company! In the picture: Sue, Krystyna, me and Danie Hugs to all the amazing women I met in Philadelphia! xo

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-6739719512687864532010-06-17T16:04:00.000-04:002010-06-17T16:04:00.231-04:00

According to my CT scan, I have lymphangitic carcinomatosa. Don’t bother googling it; it just says things like: “poor prognosis”, “fast progressing” and “short survival time”. As Daria would say "blah, blah blah". I talked to my oncologist last night and he said that it’s not good news but not to panic yet (easy for him to say!). He asked that I give them a chance to try and get it under control

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-46772281380855632222010-06-17T15:54:00.002-04:002010-06-17T15:54:51.059-04:00

My mom has arranged for a mass to be said for Mary on July 3rd at 5 pm at the Annunciation of the Lord Parish, 2414 Ogilvie Rd, Gloucester. Many people spoke at today’s service and shared wonderful memories from Mary’s life. Anka did a great job of reading what I wrote.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-69807953593216992792010-06-17T07:00:00.003-04:002010-06-17T07:15:37.592-04:00

There is a lovely tribute to Mary in today’s Ottawa Citizen. Because I am unable to speak (literally) at her memorial service today, Anka will be my voice and read something that I wrote.Mary and I shared of love of travel. This picture was taken on a trip to China and Vietnam that we took together almost 6 years ago.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-81840761071337436632010-06-16T14:54:00.001-04:002010-06-16T14:55:03.047-04:00

Tickets are now on sale! When? Wednesday October 6th, 2010 6:30 Appetizers and cash bar 7:30 Authors program Seating is first come first served Where? The Ottawa Marriott Ballroom (100 Kent Street, corner of Queen) Tickets: Tickets are $85.00 and only 280 tickets are available through http://www.ticketweb.ca/ Support a great cause, and thanks to Random House of Canada you will receive three

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-43604588534163790732010-06-13T20:37:00.002-04:002010-06-13T22:13:29.059-04:00

On the tail of losing friends Meridy and Mary in a few short weeks, I received the news on Friday that I was dreading about my lost voice. It turns out that it is cancer related after all. There is cancer in the lower trachea and the bronchus leading to both lungs. My understanding is that the cancer is pinching on the nerves that go to my larynx, which is why I have lost my voice. The plan is

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-18424077653805657082010-06-13T19:48:00.003-04:002010-06-17T07:02:25.581-04:00

My dear friend Mary died peacefully at home on Thursday. Tuesday was her birthday and I went by with a gift - a photo album I put together of pictures of so many happy times our group of friends spent together: dragon boating, hiking, skiing, biking, snow shoeing, and travelling. My heart is breaking but it was wonderful to look back over all those times and to see smiling pictures of Mary

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-30128233491472940752010-06-10T19:43:00.000-04:002010-06-10T19:43:57.765-04:00

Check out Marlene's Meal Makeovers at http://www.marlenesmealmakeovers.com/. Marlene made some lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2008 and now has a Rogers TV show about planning and cooking healthy meals. You can view episode 1 directly from the website. You can also read Marlene's blog at http://marlenemacpherson.blogspot.com/.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-33595701420182749302010-06-07T22:47:00.002-04:002010-06-07T22:50:46.201-04:00

Jennifer took me for my radiation treatment this morning and it went well. Dr C said I’d be having 10 treatments to the rib but the nurse said I’m only scheduled for 5. Will find out more about that when I see the doctor this week. I’ve had slight headaches and mild nausea for about a week, but I think that’s from the Decadron (steroid). The radiation nurse contacted my PDN (personal designated

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-27926066348507209532010-06-07T08:31:00.005-04:002010-06-07T08:36:52.105-04:00

I have been coughing for 6 months. What started at Christmas as a deep productive cough, is now a shallow wheezing cough that drains all of the energy out of me. I’m not coughing as often or as deep, but I think that’s because I just don’t have the strength. I’ve slowly lost my voice over the past few weeks and now can only manage a whisper. I’ve been on 6 different prescriptions, including a

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-9130432584314551032010-06-05T18:25:00.005-04:002010-06-05T20:44:42.788-04:00

I’ve lost my voice. I’m not sure why but, after 6 months of chronic coughing, I am so hoarse that I can barely speak. Maybe I just have nothing to say; I’m not sure what this means. A neighbour of mine had a stroke over the winter and is struggling to find her words and express herself. I'm getting a small glimsp of what that must feel like because when I try to speak only a whisper comes out,

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-62193689191655714732010-06-02T19:32:00.001-04:002010-06-02T19:33:05.891-04:00

I feel like I live at the General Hospital these days. I’ve been averaging about twice a week, but next week I’ll be there 5 times for radiation. Today it was for something unrelated to cancer: to get a cortisone shot for my carpel tunnel syndrome. I was there for 3 hours and had to leave ½ way through to move my car so I wouldn’t get a parking ticket. As I ‘expertly’ pulled into a new spot I

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-54646095282570769212010-06-02T08:02:00.003-04:002010-06-02T22:06:30.060-04:00

Liz Ciesluk's Artist by Design studio will be open every Saturday for the summer, offering unique one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone. ...so don't miss out! 244 A Britannia Rd. Open 10 - 4 613-558-3103 Or visit www.lizziebiz.etsy.com I don't usually 'advertise' on my blog. But Liz Ciesluk has been a great supporter; donating door prizes to our last Ammas to Grammas event, creating cards for

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-37738425389633521442010-06-01T20:18:00.002-04:002010-06-02T09:56:53.792-04:00

I just had a look at the LBBC (Living Beyond Breast Cancer) site and saw that I’m in a few of the pictures (in the centre of the larger one, sitting beside Sue from Calgary). In some pictures I have a mike in my hand, so I must have asked a question, but I can’t for the life of me remember what it was...

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-72629525320892464212010-06-01T13:33:00.001-04:002010-06-01T13:33:31.064-04:00

I went for my markings for radiation this morning and received 4 freckle-like tattoos so that the technician can target the treatments to my rib properly. My first appointment is next Monday and I will have 10 sessions. What I’m grateful for today: Rain for my hostas

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-76510567793007158882010-05-31T23:22:00.002-04:002010-06-02T09:19:36.262-04:00

I just received the sad news that Meridy died this evening at May Court hospice. I met Meridy years ago when we were both teaching the Christopher Leadership course and we more recently reconnected after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The positive spirit that I remember from the early days stayed with her throughout her illness.A memorial service "A Celebration of Meridy’s Life" will take

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-78382493923324969692010-05-30T12:56:00.002-04:002010-05-30T12:59:41.173-04:00

I went to a retreat on German New Medicine (GNM) this weekend, but decided it was not for me so I left early. The old me would have felt that I was committed, that I should stay there because I paid to go, and that I should stick it out until the end. But I’m much more selective about how I spend my time these days so I headed out on Saturday afternoon to Dianne’s where I sat in the sun with her

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-28075025262190106452010-05-26T12:11:00.003-04:002010-05-26T19:45:52.999-04:00

I just got a call to say they have a spot for me to have a CT scan of my lungs at 1:20 at the Civic (that's 1 hour 20 mins from now so I better move it!). Tomorrow is my Faslodex injection at the General. I'm waiting for a call to go and get my markings for radiation. Last week my mom went with me to my appointment with the radiation oncologist. The appointment was long and he was hyper and hard

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-63410073820014915952010-05-26T11:30:00.000-04:002010-05-26T11:30:43.866-04:00

I’m sure the latest O magazine has triggered a lot of questions to oncologists about bone marrow transplants. "Turning a Death Sentence Into a Passport for Life: When Katherine Russell Rich was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, she was told she would likely die in 24 months. That was 17 years ago." The article tells the story of a woman who had a successful bone marrow transplant 10 years

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-72926126473701467832010-05-26T10:55:00.002-04:002010-05-26T10:58:41.397-04:00

I started taking Decadron (Dexamethasone) yesterday – not my favorite drug. It usually makes me manic and affects my sleep; after all, it is a steroid. Also, one of the side effects is WEIGHT GAIN (shoot me now!). Hopefully it will give me energy to get some things done around the house, but in this heat, I’ll probably have to resort to other outlets – like incoherent blog postings. I’m

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-51661422787252497972010-05-22T17:01:00.001-04:002010-05-22T17:01:51.639-04:00

Facebook says that "Adam is 'Back in the (former) USSR' -- in Riga, Latvia on a summer-like day." I guess the ash has cleared again over Amsterdam because the prodigal son is on on the move. I can't keep up with him!

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-65633866018027829262010-05-21T21:21:00.006-04:002010-05-21T21:28:14.684-04:00

The good: I had a chest x-ray this morning and nothing showed up in my lungs. We'll have another look in about 6 weeks with a CT scan. Also, Dr C recommends putting off radiating the lesions on my spine until I have symptoms. The bad: I still don’t know what is causing this horrible cough. I missed a message from the nurse saying that Dr G had prescribed Decadron (a steroid) and another drug (

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-90705451985503082002010-05-20T17:14:00.012-04:002010-05-25T10:31:14.934-04:00

I have a case of the crankies today. Maybe it's because I've had a cough since December and have had 4 different prescriptions with no improvement. If anything, it feels worse, and I've become short of breath doing normal things like walking up stairs. My last CT scan in February said that things were stable in my lungs, but I think it's time to book another scan, sooner rather than later. Or

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-7577785814307601512010-05-19T16:36:00.001-04:002010-05-19T16:38:35.895-04:00

I came across this sign on a trail in Chelsea last week. (It's in French and English but there's a glare on the French side of my picture - apologies to my Francophone friends). Nicole Bruinsma was one of the original members of the Busting Out dragon boat team. I didn't get to know her well but I remember thinking that she must have been well loved in Chelsea. The town really rallied around

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-454790397692982852010-05-17T19:10:00.004-04:002010-05-17T20:08:31.915-04:00

I’m behind in my postings and I have lots to catch up on: the Appetizers with the Ammas event, more on the conference in Philly, mother and son spa day, and the prodigal son party. For now, I’ll stick to the latest and hopefully come back to the other topics at a later date. Yesterday was emotional with Adam and Tara leaving to go home. We BBQ’d a turkey for lunch and had ‘Festivus’ on my sunny

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-78351267002785707592010-05-12T23:31:00.004-04:002010-05-12T23:34:38.699-04:00

My son Adam came to my oncologist appointment with me today. I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea or not but I want him to feel that he is involved in my health care, at least as much as he can considering that he lives in Europe. The distance has its advantages and disadvantages: it makes denial easier but I think that being parachuted into an appointment at the cancer centre during his vacation

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-90377704682975296372010-05-10T21:40:00.003-04:002010-05-10T21:41:31.557-04:00

The good news is: Adam has finally arrived! We went out for Indian food to celebrate Mother’s Day and I’m enjoying catching up and just hanging out with him. I’m so happy that his life is going well (he just got offered a full-time job at Shell) and amazed that I somehow managed to produce such a nice and impressive son. The bad news is: I had to tell him that there is cancer on my spine and

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-50108833305171868582010-05-08T20:22:00.005-04:002010-05-08T20:25:53.061-04:00

I received an email asking me to make a wish and pass the quote below on to six special women. If this group of women were ever to be in a room together, there is nothing that would be impossible. I'm usually reluctant to forward these things on (because I'm suspicious that chain emails are just a way for the originator to get more email addresses to spam). And besides, I had a hard time

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-16291032116840585832010-05-07T16:39:00.003-04:002010-05-07T16:41:11.729-04:00

The latest Cancer Crusade newsletter is about Overcoming Survivor's Guilt. I remember all too well the feeling when my friend Carol had a recurrence only 2 years after I met her in a support group. I asked myself "why her and not me?" but there was no answer. Now that I've had a recurrence myself, I could ask the same question about other women who have not had it return; "why her and not me?".

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-1973136973696593082010-05-07T16:20:00.000-04:002010-05-07T16:20:31.476-04:00

Someone was asking recently about the energy guy I see in Mahone Bay, but I can't remember who asked. (I also can't remember what I had for breakfast, where I put my keys, or the name of my dentist). Here's a link with information about him. http://chris-theedgeoflight.blogspot.com/2009/05/energy-therapy.html

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-42811401660648763482010-05-06T10:07:00.002-04:002010-05-06T10:09:09.840-04:00

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-60662214469680379412010-05-05T10:23:00.003-04:002010-05-05T10:28:02.695-04:00

While our hotel is smack dab in the middle of the city, it has a beautiful courtyard – an oasis from the busy streets of Philadelphia. Leaves grow up the stucco walls, the bricks are mossy underfoot and it feels like I’m in my own secret garden. Being at the conference with 200 other women with metastatic cancer has certainly reminded me of how important it is to enjoy the unexpected magic

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-74055798222267442152010-05-02T23:27:00.014-04:002010-05-02T23:43:13.161-04:00

I am sitting in a hotel in Philadelphia, happy to have internet access once again. (If there’s not a support group for this addiction, there should be). I just spent the weekend at the LBBC (Living Beyond Breast Cancer) Conference for Women with Advanced Breast Cancer. The speakers were informative, the breakout sessions were interesting, and the food was tasty and plentiful. But the best part

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-16768172621796138742010-04-28T22:44:00.001-04:002010-04-28T22:45:25.892-04:00

When her cancer returned and she had to have more chemo, my friend Joanne came up with a creative way to raise money for the Busting Out dragon boat team. She asked people at the Canadian Martyrs Church to sponsor her to attend a service 'unadorned'. Yup, that's right: no wig, no hat. Brittney Spears crazy-phase bald. She even got up and made an announcement during the service so, not only did

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-20383565660659767512010-04-27T17:49:00.000-04:002010-04-27T17:49:16.414-04:00

Well, not really Abby from ER, but the actress who played her, Maura Tierney. She was set to star in the series Parenthood (which I think is great, and would have been even better with MT); however, she left the show after filming the pilot to undergo treatment for breast cancer.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-13599359289559308352010-04-27T16:59:00.000-04:002010-04-27T16:59:11.343-04:00

My Left Breast Put Fancy TSA Scanner to the Test by Sandra Fish "A funny thing happened to me at airport security this week: The full-body scanner appeared to detect my fake left breast." Read the full story

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-60495260854384462412010-04-27T16:18:00.002-04:002010-04-28T11:59:50.367-04:00

I ran into Anka at the Gloucester Mall this morning. It was getting close to lunch so we decided to have a bite in the food court. Anka was more than a little amused when I went up to get my sandwich and she noticed that I had my top on inside out, complete with white tag, very visible on black material. Now if I could only remember what I went to the mall for... What I'm grateful for today: Only

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-29627818007072117282010-04-26T23:04:00.003-04:002010-04-26T23:05:39.790-04:00

Does Cancer Make You Strong? By TARA PARKER-POPE "I think it is great to honor cancer patients and recognize the challenges we face. But don’t call me strong when I have no other choice. It discounts the many nights that I sobbed alone into my pillow and felt cowardice in every inch of my body. … One of the best byproducts of my cancer is that it has helped me befriend weakness. I no longer

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-89099776627703968232010-04-26T10:05:00.004-04:002010-04-26T10:09:38.154-04:00

I just wrote a reply to a friend who asked me how I'm doing after seeing Mary on Saturday. Mary & I are close and I think everyone is aware that it's a bit of a double whammy for me when someone I'm close to with metastatic cancer is not doing well. It is true, it hurts. No, that's an understatement. It fucking sucks. I think the world of Mary and hate seeing that it's impossible now for her to

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-14915806196791326532010-04-24T20:26:00.004-04:002010-04-24T20:30:41.947-04:00

We’ve been missing our friend Mary at the Saturday morning walking/running group. She’s been in the hospital and, while she hasn’t been feeling well enough for visitors, we’ve all been desperately wanting to see her. Plan A was to meet in the hospital parking lot this morning and get someone to bring her to a window so we could all wave to her. When we found out yesterday that she had a weekend

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-36830824970818349792010-04-23T16:01:00.007-04:002010-04-23T22:24:01.728-04:00

Thirty minutes in the same position in the bone scan machine gives you lots of time to think. For some reason I spent that time this morning thinking about money. Not worrying about it, just reflecting on how my view of money and spending has changed recently. My family didn’t have a lot of money growing up. After my parents split, my mom struggled to keep a roof over our heads and food on the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-73817089486003568122010-04-21T09:44:00.001-04:002010-04-21T09:45:12.886-04:00

I admit, I did the pink thing for awhile in the beginning; I bought my share of breast cancer 'products'. But as time goes on, I've gotten totally turned off with companies who are trying to make money under the pretense that they are concerned about finding a cure for breast cancer. Read Laurie K's thoughts about the latest pink chicken from KFC on her blog at buckets of pink sh*t. This is so

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-52295296986449363032010-04-21T09:28:00.000-04:002010-04-21T09:28:04.415-04:00

It's not about living longer -- it's about living better. Dr. Oz

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-88813751146731892122010-04-20T16:37:00.001-04:002010-04-20T16:37:53.799-04:00

When you raise a certain level of money for the Run for the Cure, they let you select a prize. One of the prizes I chose last year was to have a tree planted. I forgot all about it until I received this message today. Hi Christine, Thank you for choosing to support the 2009 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. You’ll remember that as part of your participation you earned Run

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-29078866510437272642010-04-19T11:58:00.000-04:002010-04-19T11:58:25.811-04:00

In this spring's Living Beyond Breast Cancer newsletter, Jill Cohen writes about Achieving Milestones When Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer. I can relate when she says:    When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you get on the cancer roller coaster. You go up and down for a while, and then you get off. But when your diagnosis is metastatic cancer, your life is more like being on a merry-go-round

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-52729692289212009662010-04-17T14:58:00.005-04:002010-04-17T15:03:55.850-04:00

Whenever I visit my mom, I usually organize her linen closet. But she’s been keeping it too tidy lately, so it’s not enough of a challenge for me. So this time I organized her bedroom closets. We went through everything and got rid of things she wasn’t wearing or using and hung all of her clothes on matching velvet hangers. Notice the shoe boxes on the top shelf? I took pictures of her

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559229736082509601.post-77961560953866899062010-04-14T17:29:00.005-04:002010-04-14T19:51:15.144-04:00

It’s 4:45 a.m. and the halls of the Ottawa General Hospital are empty. I follow the signs past L, M, N and O, to the MRI area on the second floor. There’s no one at the reception desk with I arrive. There is a manual bell, just like the ones that teachers had on their desk when I was a kid, and a sign that says to “please ring only once”. I do and a woman appears behind the glass window at the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04910096759904660334noreply@blogger.com1