Pat and Suzanne's Cottage Getaway

Last week right after Chemo on Wednesday we drove to Pat's cottage in the Kawartha's with Franca.  We had decided a quick 2 day getaway while I felt good was in order.  After Chemo I usually feel quite good for several days and then the blahs hit.  Headaches, muscle pain and general malaise.......  

After arriving around 8:00 pm we sat out on the screened in porch overlooking the lake and enjoyed some appetizers and dinner.  That night we enjoyed each other's company and stayed up fairly late catching up with Franca.

Some of us need cat naps to stay up late!

Accessing emails in cottage on porch - very sad

 The next day was overcast and rainy.  The whole summer has been hot and dry and our one full day at the cottage proves to be wet and more cool than usual.  No matter.... the lake water was still a warm 78 to 80 degrees and we did not let that slow us down.

Morning coffee on the porch

You notice that it is raining and David is not in the water......

 One of the best things about Pat and Suzanne's cottage is their home-made pontoon boat.  It is basically a floating deck and sun shelter with a motor attached.  Many a sunset cruise has been enjoyed on that boat!  This time we did not have dinner out on the water due to the poor weather but we did manage to have brunch on Friday morning when the weather was particularly fine.  Naturally..... it was the day we were going home..... :(....

Always time for a quick dip.....

July is sooooo hot....... but I am not complaining!!

How many times have you heard this?  Shouldn't complain but it seems our air con runs most days nonstop.  Wait til that electric bill comes in.....!   In addition we have a watering ban for the lawn etc.  So watering the flower pots and gardens in this heat is a must for everyday and sometimes twice!   This year I have zucchini, beans cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a variety of herbs.  Even trying to grow eggplant.  Not sure how this will do!  How is your garden growing?

In my last post and, I know, it was sooooo long ago..... I had a bone scan. The good news is that there is no cancer in my bones! This is very good news. And just yesterday when I met with my oncologist she tells me that the CA 125 count is at around 450. This is positive as well because it is going in the right direction - down. When we started this whole process it was very high at 701. Normal is thought to be 35 so we have a long way to go. She indicated that we may have to add 2 more chemo treatments to the orignal 6. Also, at some point she will throw in a CT Scan in order to see the progression.

On July 19th David and I went to Toronto to the Art Gallery of  Ontario to view the Picasso exhibit. We were guests of Pat (my brother) and Suzanne. We met up with David's sister, Elaine. It was a fabulous exhibit. This collection was Picasso's personal works that he kept for himself. If you get a chance go and see it. It runs until August.

I don't think I have told you that Franca is visiting from New York.  She arrived this past Saturday (21st)!  We are so glad to see her and to be able to hang out in this great weather.

On Sunday Mom hosted a family gathering and it turned out to be a very hot and humid day.  Many sought refuge in the air con but some remained outdoors in any shade that could be found.  I think it was about 39 C with humidex or 100 fahrenheit for those of you in the U.S.  Franca does not relate to F. at all anymore.  I shake my head at the American influence to her Canadian sensibilities.  It gives me much fodder for teasing!!

Here are some pictures from Sunday.  I changed to a scarf  because I could not stand to have a synthetic wig on my head any longer.  So hot.... did I tell you it was hot....!!!

Dad and I (this chair makes by butt look huge....)

Dad and I

David and Suzanne

Franca and Jen

Franca, Uncle Marty and Michael

Pat and Suzanne in background

Michael and Pat

Hope you are enjoying your summer!

Birthday!

My birthday was July 5th which was the day after chemo.  We decided to celebrate by going out for dinner on Sunday July 2nd when everyone was available.  It was a very warm evening and we enjoyed our dinner at the Barley Works at the Huether Hotel.  They have a great deck on King St. and the breezes up there are usually very good.

Check out my Kung Fu Panda Do Rag

On July 5th my mom and dad came over and brought lunch. This was very nice and enjoyable. Unfortunately, it was much too hot to eat outside which we do all the time. But we are having such a heat wave. Cannot complain about the weather though!

2nd Chemo Treatment

View of front of hospital from my chair

July 4th was the day of my second treatment.  Arrived at hospital @ 8:20 a.m. hoping they would be able to use my brand new Port a Cath.  I was fortunate to obtain a fine location this morning.  I got the corner chair with windows on both sides.  A prime location in the Chemo Lounge!

They did access the Port a Cath and chemo and all my other meds were administered in this manner.  Much better than an IV line.  I cannot feel the device and only a bump is visible right above my right breast.  Usually covered by clothing so no one knows.  When accessing the device I have better mobility and I can use both my hands easily not that I really need them.  As you know I spend most of my time sleeping druing chemo treatment.  I woke up around 12 noon to eat my lunch and forced myself to stay awake until I was finished but I know I dozed off.  Left around 2:00 pm.  It is a great feeling to leave the Chemo Lounge.

Canada Day

Little late but Happy Canada Day!  David and I are all jazzed up with Canada Day headgear courtesy of my pals from work.  One of my colleagues delivered a huge gift basket filled with all kinds of goodies.  I am very grateful for the support and the good cheer that everyone sends my way!