Anniversary Trip

When you celebrate your 35th anniversary and come through cancer surgery you just need to get away.  We booked our tickets and arrived on Vancouver Island.  The weather was beautiful when we landed and the colourful flowers and trees were just what the doctor ordered.  We checked into our ocean front resort and were pleasantly surprised with a spacious, private condo.

This next day we met up with Pastor Paul and Tammy Israelson from Swift Current and had a great time visiting in Butchart Gardens.

 I did leave my camera in the "capable" hands of Paul for a few minutes and I really wasn't surprised to find a selfie on it.

We spent a few hours strolling and chatting through the most beautiful gardens.  With Paul and Tammy being from Saskatchewan and us from Alberta we were being immersed in colours and TREES!

After our walk through the gorgeous pathways we headed to wharf to have fish and chips.

After our goodbyes, we went separate ways.  We went back to our resort and Paul and Tammy went to a castle to let Tammy experience her inner princess self.

The next day was Mother's Day and we went to church and I got a carnation.  From then on, each day we found new places to hike and explore.  We checked out lots of beaches.

And we explored different hikes which most ended up at a beach along the way.  We walked through lots of trails.  Some were rain forest walks with lots of ferns.  The paths were sometimes hard to find and others were marked out well by bridges, stumps and wood chippings.

At the end of each hike the last few steps were hard to take but it was good to be moving so much and my fitbit was very happy with me.

When we drove back to the resort we would soak our tired legs before sitting back and enjoying our view.

We renjoyed this type of holiday with lots of exploring and then ending up at the same place each night.  In the evenings we would sometime venture out for another little stroll.  There seemed to be lots to see in the area.

35 years is a long time but really it isn't nearly long enough.  The joy of marriage is enjoying spending time with each other, looking at life as a journey together and being there for each other through everything.

Some may say that at age 19 we were too young to get married but I'm just glad we made the decision and all these years later we are still having fun!  Notice...my neck scar is healing quite nicely.

Another Follow Up

I'm a little behind in my blogging due to LIFE!  I will try and catch up on our past few weeks in the next couple of blogs but first I need to finish up on surgery talk.

Ron and I went to an appointment a few weeks ago to my very amazing
endocrinologist.  If it hadn't been for her I would not have found out that I had thyroid cancer and had it removed in a timely manner. 

Our follow-up appointment with her was to see if my medication was right and also to check and see if I would need any further treatment.  We needed to go over the blood work with her.  My heart started beating a little faster when I first looked at the lab.  The surgeon had told me that because I no longer have a thyroid my thyroglobulin level should be zero.  If had any count it would mean that cancer was still present.  My reading was over 300!  I took a deep breath and waited for the doctor to tell me what I was now fearing.  She explained that my levels should be zero but because I also have Hashimoto's disease (an autoimmune disease) that the lab results could not be truly trusted.  After a year of taking high synthroid medication my blood work should then be more reliable.

So....how do I know if the cancer is gone?  First, the lymph nodes taken around the thyroid did not have cancer.  The three cancer nodules that were removed were very contained, small and at the early stages.  So, no treatments at this point!

In September, I will need to go for another neck ultrasound to ensure that the cancer hasn't spread and have more blood work done to make sure that the medication is doing what the thyroid was suppose to do.

How am I feeling?  I would say pretty much back to normal.  I still get very tired when we have had a busy day.  I have heard from others that have gone through the same surgery that the tiredness is something that I will also have to deal with.

I am so thankful to be at this end of things and know that all I need to do now is continue to build my strength back up and enjoy the summer!

More on that in my next blog....

Surgeon Update

Last week Ron and I visited the surgeon to have him give us the report from my operation.  The surgery went well.  He wanted to check my vocal chords through my nose again....fun!  Everything looked good.

The pathology report confirmed that the nodule on the left side of the thyroid was cancerous.  The right side also had two cancer spots.  It kind of took me by surprise but so thankful that everything was removed.  The lymph nodes were also tested but they were clear!

My next stop was to get blood work and wait to see if I am on the right meds...one a day keeps me awake.

The blood work will also show my thyroglobin level.  If it is close to zero then all is good and if it is elevated then there still could be cancer which would mean that I would need treatments.  We will know on Monday what the results are.

We are expecting good news.  The really great news is that all of our snow has disappeared and we are now enjoying some beautiful weather.

Happy Spring!

 

Bentley by his Dad

I don't usually share my blog but my son recently wrote an article that I thought was so good that I just had to share it.
 
These are his words:

 Hello ACCTS (Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society)

Wanted to send in my cancer progress story now. 

Approximately May 30, 2014 there was a tiny puppy found in a box in a park in Whitehorse Yukon. June 1, 2014 I took that puppy home and he got the name Bentley. He has been a terror growing up through his puppy years chewing railings in the house or stealing homemade a turkey casserole off the counter just before thanksgiving Sunday dinner. He’s been on hikes across BC, Alberta and the Yukon. 

 

On February 5th, 2018, Bentley was taken to his vet as he had lumps on his glands under his chin and I also noticed one under his arm pit. My vet did a biopsy that day and on February 13th we got the news that Bentley was diagnosed with stage 3 lymphoma cancer. I immediately researched lots of options and costs and it seemed like Bentley might not have much time left. Feeling very devastated, we were sent to the CARE centre in Calgary to speak with an oncology specialist for dogs (I didn’t know they existed until then). 

On February 14, 2018, we had an appointment with Dr. Victoria Larson and her team at the CARE centre, who were extremely compassionate and informative, giving us all the options with no judgement on any decision that I would have made. 

With no minimal treatment, Bentley was given approximately 2 months to live. With full treatment we were quoted $7800 approximately. The statistics are varied on the outcome but regardless I needed to try everything I could to save my now 3 year old box puppy. 

As of April 19th, 2018 we are on week 6 of 25. We are behind schedule as his white blood count takes longer than normal to get up so it delays treatment by a week at a time. 

Bentley is in full remission from his cancer with tons of energy and feeling well. Still out pulling me on my skis and running lots and playing hard. 

ACCTS donation to us to help with his treatment has made things much easier on me. I cannot express the amount of gratitude I have for what you have done for Bentley. 

His story can be followed on his Instagram @myrescuefamily 

3 Weeks Post Op and Summer News

So I finally made my way back to work this morning.  I felt pretty good and it was nice to see everybody.

I had news for my boss.  Over the past week our life took a bit of a different turn.  Ron was asked to go to Waterton National Park this summer.  It's kind of hard to say no to this:

Ron will be doing lots of red serge duty this summer.  The next concern was where were we going to live.  Thankfully, the sergeant there had spoken for a place for a potential constable.  We will be staying in Pincher Creek in a chalet.

We will drive there as soon as we get back from our anniversary trip in May.  Life seems to be one big vacation.  First three weeks off for surgery, then a week for an anniversary trip and then the summer in chalet.  I will, of course, take all my work with me for the summer. 

This is all subject to change if our house should happen to sell and then we will actually move to Pincher Creek.

So, this afternoon, I am at home.  I had a rest and now am contemplating the idea of a walk since the sun is shining.

Yes, we still have lots of snow but I am surrounded by beautiful flowers that give me the promise that summer will come some day.

Life is interesting and perhaps a little unpredictable.  You just never know where you might be next month.

Two Weeks Post Op

I'm moving better....not necessarily sleeping better.  Poor Ron!


This morning I am sitting at my home desk trying to get through my work emails and prioritize my work load.  My eyes are tired and I am not sure how long I will be able to concentrate but at least I am sitting up!


I'm working to get my energy level back.


I was truly blessed with so many friends and family that sent flowers and brought gifts.  I did not go hungry once and I know that if I need anything I only need to make a call and help will arrive.


Now....I just need to get some things done so I  can have a nap! 


I am looking ahead to a month from now when we will land in Victoria.

I am eager to sit on our balcony and soak in the views of the ocean and let the salt air completely heal me.

Done!

Leading up to my surgery was a hard go.  My anxiety had been high and my nerves bad.  Through this time I received two beautiful arrangements of flowers to encourage me.


From my cousin, Roxane and her husband Denis from Ontario

From special Ontario friends, Al & Donna Barr!

 A couple of  nights before surgery Andrew and Brianne invited us over.  I needed the distraction.  They are such great Alberta kids.


From Andrew & Brianne

The day before surgery, we left home and drove to the airport.  This was going to be a good day.  I was going to try and concentrate on being able to spend time with my family.

We picked up Jenn at the airport and then our son on the way to Banff.  We had lunch together.  This was the first time in so many years that the four of us were able to spend the whole day together.

We walked along the Cave and Basin in Banff after lunch and then went to Johnson Canyon.

My constant support!

 
It was a perfect way to keep my mind busy and enjoy the day with my husband and two great kids.  We spent the night at our son's and in the morning my support team surrounded me.

After a slower morning we headed to the hospital.  I had such a peace that I knew only came from the many people praying for me.  The physician was early and that has to be another miracle.

The surgery went well.  They took my whole thyroid which was not really the plan but I was kind of relieved it was gone especially when they said that the right side was so bad. Originally it was only going to be the left side that was to be removed.

During the surgery Ron and Jenn met our son and nephew for lunch.  The cousins hadn't seen each other in years.


Dustin & Jenn

After surgery Ron, Jenn spent some time with me and then our boy came after work to check on me.  It was hard when Ron left but I had great nurses to look after me.

The next morning we had to wait a little longer for me to be released due to my calcium levels.  Through that time Dustin and his two great kids came to visit and our son stopped by during his work day.  It amazed me to have so many surround me.

Finally, the doc gave the go ahead to let us leave and I was thrilled to make our way home.  I was drugged up and had Jenn wheel me down to the door where Ron was ready to load me up.

I had amazing care in the hospital and it continued at home.  Jenn made great meals for Ron and special treats for me.  It was so good to have her here.  Ron did the breakfast duty.

And then.....we had company and deliveries.  I could not have felt more special.  


Cards from friend in Ontario and Alberta



Beautiful arrangement from Carolyn.  A wonderful woman that Ron works with.

As if she hadn't done enough...Jenn brought these home from getting groceries.



Roxane, Denis and Richelle drove all the way from Cochrane for a short visit.



From the RCMP office



From my birthday buddy and fellow thyroid surgery friend, Thelma



From Ron's sister, Debbie and our niece Mandy and her sweet little family

It was so wonderful to have Jenn spend the week with us and help me get some strength back.  It was especially neat to get these facetimes with the grandkids.

Princess Sarah and Tammy Dickens

Anthony can't figure out why Mom is on the phone

Crazy Abby

On Wednesday, I had the hard time of saying goodbye to Jenn.  I knew that her family was anxious to have her back home but it was heart breaking for me.  I had the worse day.  Ron was away and I was in and out of bed.  In the evening my Alberta girl showed up ....like she always does.  Brianne brought me a couple of meals, a smoothie and a much needed hug.

 And I just received a message from another friend that she had something to drop off tonight.  I'm so spoiled.