Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Chemo Later

Later on today I will be going to hospital to get my second infusion of Doxil.  After my last infusion I experienced few side effects.  The usual fatigue, nausea and generally blah feeling was there but was short lived.  Let's hope for more of the same this time around.  (or less)

My CT scan is showing signs of disease throughout my upper abdomen.  It is not in one place just sprinkled about.  I am not experiencing any pain and am carrying on with life as per usual.  I should be getting more exercise and attending the Well Fit program at U of W but have trouble getting there for 8:30 am.  I think I need to try and attend later classes.  I just feel I need more than 8 or 9 hours of sleep most days and getting up earlier than 8:00 am is tough.  I know cry me a river......  For so many years I was getting up at 6:30 am to get ready for work!  How things change!

At my last doctor's appointment I was informed of a Doxil drug shortage.  That is concerning in the general scheme of things but our local hospital seems to have a good supply.  I will check on that later.....

My Dad is doing well as well as can be expected.  The radiation treatments have seemed to do the job of alleviating some abdominal pain.  He is more alert these days and participates in conversation. Unfortunately, he is quite wobbly on his legs and we have to be vigilant to protect him from falls.  This is most concerning for my mother who is stressed and tired most of the time.  The CCAC or Community Care Access Centre is helping out more now with a personal support worker attending to my Dad for his showering needs and providing more assistance with light household cleaning. A nurse visits a couple times a week or whenever necessary.

We do what we can but of course we cannot be at their house 24 hours a day.  Luckily Franca is coming to visit for a week.  We are expecting her later today.  It will be great to see her and John and for her to see Dad and Mom.



Monday, October 7, 2013

Chicago!

On September 30th we went to Chicago with Pat and Suzanne for a long weekend.  It was fabulous!  Their waterfront is beautiful and runs for miles.  The city itself was wonderful and exciting.  We stayed at a hotel outside the downtown in a neighbourhood called 'Lakeview' and close to Wrigley Field.  It was just an easy 15 minute bus ride to the downtown area.  We found this to be a positive and enjoyed returning in the evening to relax and then explore the surrounding area to find a place to eat.  Many restaurants to be found and with the lovely summer like weather we had many a meal outdoors.

During our time there we experienced a architectural tour via boat along the river, a tall ship sunset tour on Lake Michigan, a walking art deco architectural tour, and a water taxi ride.  One day we rented the public use bikes and rode along the waterfront.  That was wonderful.  We used public transit the whole time and it was excellent.  We purchased a 7 day pass for $30 bucks and we more than got our money's worth.  We were so fortunate the weather was so great it made the whole time there very enjoyable!
Iconic Sign
Southside view from John Hancock Building

View of Navy Pier 

Cloud Gate at Millennium Park



My crew