(posted by Greg)
We got the results on Monica's bloodwork. "Slow but Steady improvement" were the nurse's comments If her condition remains unchanged, Monica goes again for another blood test on Friday.
I think that Monica (and all of us for that matter) would like to hear that her blood was dramatically improving and she is a bit disappointed. She had a pretty good day however. I was at work and Marley was busy studying so it was quiet but she did some household chores.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday, August 28,2011
(posted by Greg)
Jesse and Sydney came by for breakfast (that was a fast return!). I prepared some whole wheat organic blueberry pancakes which we had with organic maple syrup. All the pancakes disappeared, so I think are getting used to this healthy cooking.
Ingo dropped by for a visit. Monica, Marley and I joined Ingo on a walk at the Kerr Road dog park. It was really quite nice and Ingo's 6-month old German Shepherd (Allie) was a lot of fun.
Monica then went with Jesse and Sydney so they could use her Costco card and stock up their new suite.
Monica had a good nap in the afternoon.
Monica has always been a fairly quiet person. However, it was her "indifference" and quietness which were the first symptoms of the tumour. She has been quiet the last couple of days and I find that I am quite sensitive too it. At this time I don' think that it is anything unusal. But I can see that we are going to have to live with being anxious (and worrying about the tumour) everytime Monica's behaviour changes in the slightest.
We expect to get the blood tests results tomorrow.
Jesse and Sydney came by for breakfast (that was a fast return!). I prepared some whole wheat organic blueberry pancakes which we had with organic maple syrup. All the pancakes disappeared, so I think are getting used to this healthy cooking.
Ingo dropped by for a visit. Monica, Marley and I joined Ingo on a walk at the Kerr Road dog park. It was really quite nice and Ingo's 6-month old German Shepherd (Allie) was a lot of fun.
Monica then went with Jesse and Sydney so they could use her Costco card and stock up their new suite.
Monica had a good nap in the afternoon.
Monica has always been a fairly quiet person. However, it was her "indifference" and quietness which were the first symptoms of the tumour. She has been quiet the last couple of days and I find that I am quite sensitive too it. At this time I don' think that it is anything unusal. But I can see that we are going to have to live with being anxious (and worrying about the tumour) everytime Monica's behaviour changes in the slightest.
We expect to get the blood tests results tomorrow.
August 27, 2011
(posted by Greg)
I slept in a bit today and so Monica and I both woke up about the same time. It was fairly early and so we drove to Foreshore Park and had a nice early morning walk. After our walk we drove to the new Donald's Market at New Westminster Quay. Donald's is not too large but has a pretty good selection of organic products and the prices seem a bit better. Monica was a bit tired by this time so we drove home and had breakfast.
I went to a Whitecaps game with my brother, Barry, this afternoon. Marley dropped us off so we didn't have to try and park with the P.N.E on . Barry and I enjoyed our selves and the Whitecaps managed to get a win for us. Monica came with Marley when she picked Barry and I up and so we all stopped for a visit at Barry's when we dropped him off. Monica had a chance to visit with Barry, Sharon and Dawn.
Jesse moved out today to his newly rented basement suite. So it was quieter at home without Jesse and Sydney.
I slept in a bit today and so Monica and I both woke up about the same time. It was fairly early and so we drove to Foreshore Park and had a nice early morning walk. After our walk we drove to the new Donald's Market at New Westminster Quay. Donald's is not too large but has a pretty good selection of organic products and the prices seem a bit better. Monica was a bit tired by this time so we drove home and had breakfast.
I went to a Whitecaps game with my brother, Barry, this afternoon. Marley dropped us off so we didn't have to try and park with the P.N.E on . Barry and I enjoyed our selves and the Whitecaps managed to get a win for us. Monica came with Marley when she picked Barry and I up and so we all stopped for a visit at Barry's when we dropped him off. Monica had a chance to visit with Barry, Sharon and Dawn.
Jesse moved out today to his newly rented basement suite. So it was quieter at home without Jesse and Sydney.
Friday, August 26, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Marley took Monica to the lab today for her blood tests. We have not got the results yet.
Otherwise it was a quiet day at the Greiner Home. Monica was home and did some chores and rested. Marley studied and I worked today.
Marley took Monica to the lab today for her blood tests. We have not got the results yet.
Otherwise it was a quiet day at the Greiner Home. Monica was home and did some chores and rested. Marley studied and I worked today.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday, August25, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Fortunately for the household ( and me in particular) Monica's low hemoglobin doesn't prevent her from doing the laundry. She has continued to do this chore throughout. Even when she was at her worst, I would find piles of clean laundry on the stairs ready to go up to our bedroom. She did quite a bit of laundry today and took a couple of naps.
Tomorrow is another blood test Hopefully, it will show some improvement
I was late home tonight and had to plan dinner on the fly. I was happy with the recipes that I tried but Monica still has no appreciation for most food.
Fortunately for the household ( and me in particular) Monica's low hemoglobin doesn't prevent her from doing the laundry. She has continued to do this chore throughout. Even when she was at her worst, I would find piles of clean laundry on the stairs ready to go up to our bedroom. She did quite a bit of laundry today and took a couple of naps.
Tomorrow is another blood test Hopefully, it will show some improvement
I was late home tonight and had to plan dinner on the fly. I was happy with the recipes that I tried but Monica still has no appreciation for most food.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2010
(posted by Greg)
A quiet day at the Greiner household. Not much to blog about : I worked again, Jesse and Sidney were out for the day and Marley was studying up a storm. Monica was in good spirits today.
Marley is helping to coach a U-14 girls team in the new B.C. High Performance League. She went to a late practice tonight. I think she is enjoying be back with soccer.
A quiet day at the Greiner household. Not much to blog about : I worked again, Jesse and Sidney were out for the day and Marley was studying up a storm. Monica was in good spirits today.
Marley is helping to coach a U-14 girls team in the new B.C. High Performance League. She went to a late practice tonight. I think she is enjoying be back with soccer.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
(posted by Greg)
I worked again today. I am trying to get as much work as I can done while Monica needs to stick close to home. Hopefully, we will be able to travel a bit in the fall.
Monica, Marley, Jesse and Sidney (Jesse's girlfriend) visited Oma this afternoon. It was her 80th birthday today. Marley said that Oma seemed to enjoy the visit.
Ingo came over for dinner tonight. I tried my Lentil Hotpot recipe but forgot to add one of the Indian spices which we like so it was a bit bland.
Monica seemed to be about the same today. Still napping quite a bit but she did tackle some more chores
I worked again today. I am trying to get as much work as I can done while Monica needs to stick close to home. Hopefully, we will be able to travel a bit in the fall.
Monica, Marley, Jesse and Sidney (Jesse's girlfriend) visited Oma this afternoon. It was her 80th birthday today. Marley said that Oma seemed to enjoy the visit.
Ingo came over for dinner tonight. I tried my Lentil Hotpot recipe but forgot to add one of the Indian spices which we like so it was a bit bland.
Monica seemed to be about the same today. Still napping quite a bit but she did tackle some more chores
Monday, August 22, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
(posted by Greg)
First, I apologize for the gap in the updates. I try to post something each day but occasionally get distracted.
On Friday, Monica had her blood tested again at a local lab. The results don't come as quickly through the private lab as they do when we go to Cancer Agency. We didn't get the results until today. Apparently, Monica's platelets have improved a reasonable amount and the neutrophils have improved a little. However, apparently her hemoglobin is low (this would explain why she is tired and low in energy). The nurse practitioner has scheduled another blood test for Friday. She says that they may have to consider a regular blood transfusion.
The weekend was fairly quiet and for the most part uneventful. Jesse and his girlfriend returned from their vacation late Saturday. Sounds like an exciting (but tiring) trip. We had Monica's brother, Ingo, over for dinner on Saturday. It was his birthday on Saturday, mine on Sunday and Oma's on Tuesday. On Sunday we all went to Oma's and had some black forest cake that had been given to Ingo (It was delicious even though in my heart I know it wasn't organic.) .
We've had some visitors. On Sunday, Scott and Cathy dropped in for visit. On Monday, our friends Liz and Tony dropped in for a visit and brought some hand-picked organic blueberries.
Monica is still quite tired today ( a couple of naps and sleep-in) but her spirits seem pretty good and she is fastidiously following the InsprieHealth supplement program.
First, I apologize for the gap in the updates. I try to post something each day but occasionally get distracted.
On Friday, Monica had her blood tested again at a local lab. The results don't come as quickly through the private lab as they do when we go to Cancer Agency. We didn't get the results until today. Apparently, Monica's platelets have improved a reasonable amount and the neutrophils have improved a little. However, apparently her hemoglobin is low (this would explain why she is tired and low in energy). The nurse practitioner has scheduled another blood test for Friday. She says that they may have to consider a regular blood transfusion.
The weekend was fairly quiet and for the most part uneventful. Jesse and his girlfriend returned from their vacation late Saturday. Sounds like an exciting (but tiring) trip. We had Monica's brother, Ingo, over for dinner on Saturday. It was his birthday on Saturday, mine on Sunday and Oma's on Tuesday. On Sunday we all went to Oma's and had some black forest cake that had been given to Ingo (It was delicious even though in my heart I know it wasn't organic.) .
We've had some visitors. On Sunday, Scott and Cathy dropped in for visit. On Monday, our friends Liz and Tony dropped in for a visit and brought some hand-picked organic blueberries.
Monica is still quite tired today ( a couple of naps and sleep-in) but her spirits seem pretty good and she is fastidiously following the InsprieHealth supplement program.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Wednesday was a quiet day at the Greiner household. Marley was studying most of the day, I went to work and Monica spent the day at home. It might be my imagination but I think that she is showing that she has some more energy. The evidence: Monica did a good job of attacking the weeds in the garden and froze some more organic blueberries.
Today, we had an appointment with the Dr. at InspireHealth. I was glad that we went for a couple of reasons. While waiting for Monica's appointment, we connected with a lady who we met at the B.C. Cancer Brain
Tumour Support Group. She has been diagnosed with the same tumour that Monica has but had her operation last fall. We had a good conversation with her and exchanged phone numbers as well as a lot of information. She has been using (and enjoying) some of the other services provided by InspireHealth. Today she was in for a Reiki (not sure of spelling) treatment. She told us that she finds the smaller support group at InspireHealth very useful. Once again it is surprising how quickly the bonding occurs with people sharing the same experience.
Our appointment with the Dr. was really useful. She carefully reviewed with us the supplements and vitamins which we were taking. As Monica lost her taste buds, she found taking the various pills etc to be very hard and had cut some out. The Doctor emphasized to us which ones were important and why. She also made it clear that, based on their experience and in their opinion, the lifestyle/supplement/nutrition changes would/could make a significant difference. I think Marley,Monica and I came out re-committed to sticking with this plan.
The Doctor had other good advice for Monica (i.e. how to safely and best deal with the dry skin caused by the radiation - coconut oil and gentle washing- no scraping with fingernails as the skin could be susceptible to infection because of her blood situation) and reminded us that she was still feeling the effects of the radiation and that the effects are cumulative. As we spoke with the Dr, it seems clear that it might still be a while before Monica starts to get her mojo back and that we will have to be flexible on any travel plans etc which we make for the fall.
Monica likes the people at InspireHealth generally and her Dr in particular and seems to have confidence in her. The visit was reassuring to us all and reaffirmed to us that we are doing something about her tumour by adopting some of these lifestyle changes.
Tomorrow Monica has her blood tested again.
Wednesday was a quiet day at the Greiner household. Marley was studying most of the day, I went to work and Monica spent the day at home. It might be my imagination but I think that she is showing that she has some more energy. The evidence: Monica did a good job of attacking the weeds in the garden and froze some more organic blueberries.
Today, we had an appointment with the Dr. at InspireHealth. I was glad that we went for a couple of reasons. While waiting for Monica's appointment, we connected with a lady who we met at the B.C. Cancer Brain
Tumour Support Group. She has been diagnosed with the same tumour that Monica has but had her operation last fall. We had a good conversation with her and exchanged phone numbers as well as a lot of information. She has been using (and enjoying) some of the other services provided by InspireHealth. Today she was in for a Reiki (not sure of spelling) treatment. She told us that she finds the smaller support group at InspireHealth very useful. Once again it is surprising how quickly the bonding occurs with people sharing the same experience.
Our appointment with the Dr. was really useful. She carefully reviewed with us the supplements and vitamins which we were taking. As Monica lost her taste buds, she found taking the various pills etc to be very hard and had cut some out. The Doctor emphasized to us which ones were important and why. She also made it clear that, based on their experience and in their opinion, the lifestyle/supplement/nutrition changes would/could make a significant difference. I think Marley,Monica and I came out re-committed to sticking with this plan.
The Doctor had other good advice for Monica (i.e. how to safely and best deal with the dry skin caused by the radiation - coconut oil and gentle washing- no scraping with fingernails as the skin could be susceptible to infection because of her blood situation) and reminded us that she was still feeling the effects of the radiation and that the effects are cumulative. As we spoke with the Dr, it seems clear that it might still be a while before Monica starts to get her mojo back and that we will have to be flexible on any travel plans etc which we make for the fall.
Monica likes the people at InspireHealth generally and her Dr in particular and seems to have confidence in her. The visit was reassuring to us all and reaffirmed to us that we are doing something about her tumour by adopting some of these lifestyle changes.
Tomorrow Monica has her blood tested again.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
(posted by Greg)
The Dr. at InspireHealth was sick today so our group session was scheduled. Instead, Monica will have a shorter session but a private session on Thursday. We have a couple of questions about the supplements and about Monica's blood so we are looking forward to the appointment. As soon as Monica has more energy, we plan on participating in more of the activities etc. offered by InspireHealth.
I went to work again today and Marley was at UBC for another study session so Monica spent a lot of the day alone. It is a shame that she isn't up for doing more right now since we are finally getting some half decent weather.
The Dr. at InspireHealth was sick today so our group session was scheduled. Instead, Monica will have a shorter session but a private session on Thursday. We have a couple of questions about the supplements and about Monica's blood so we are looking forward to the appointment. As soon as Monica has more energy, we plan on participating in more of the activities etc. offered by InspireHealth.
I went to work again today and Marley was at UBC for another study session so Monica spent a lot of the day alone. It is a shame that she isn't up for doing more right now since we are finally getting some half decent weather.
Monday, August 15, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Not much to blog about today. Marley had a study session at UBC and I worked today. So, Monica was home alone for most of the day. I brought her the fixings for lunch and checked on her a couple of times. She made out ok alone, resting quite a bit, freezing the rest of our organic blueberries and defrosting the freezer. We are scheduled for a group session with the Dr. at InspireHealth tomorrow.
Not much to blog about today. Marley had a study session at UBC and I worked today. So, Monica was home alone for most of the day. I brought her the fixings for lunch and checked on her a couple of times. She made out ok alone, resting quite a bit, freezing the rest of our organic blueberries and defrosting the freezer. We are scheduled for a group session with the Dr. at InspireHealth tomorrow.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Another quiet (..you know what I am going to say)...
Monica and I left Marley at home studying and went to visit Oma and Opa this morning. They continue to struggle with their problems but we had one of our better recent visits with them.
On the way home, Monica and I stopped and bought another batch of organic blueberries. We all enjoy them and I want to freeze as many of these as I can for the winter.
I had forgotten to report that on Saturday Marley and Monica went downtown to try to cheer on Marley's friend, Courtney, who was walking in the two day walk for cancer. They tried to "intercept" her 2 or 3 times but each time they arrived somewhere Courtney (who by the way finished 9th overall and was wearing a tee shirt with Monica's name on it) was 9 blocks ahead of them .They finally had to give up but Monica had a good outing.
Another quiet (..you know what I am going to say)...
Monica and I left Marley at home studying and went to visit Oma and Opa this morning. They continue to struggle with their problems but we had one of our better recent visits with them.
On the way home, Monica and I stopped and bought another batch of organic blueberries. We all enjoy them and I want to freeze as many of these as I can for the winter.
I had forgotten to report that on Saturday Marley and Monica went downtown to try to cheer on Marley's friend, Courtney, who was walking in the two day walk for cancer. They tried to "intercept" her 2 or 3 times but each time they arrived somewhere Courtney (who by the way finished 9th overall and was wearing a tee shirt with Monica's name on it) was 9 blocks ahead of them .They finally had to give up but Monica had a good outing.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
(posted by Greg)
As Monica continues to recuperate from the treatments, there is not as much activity about which to blog. I will try to not to report that Monica is having another quiet day too many times.
Having said that, Saturday was another quiet day. Monica stuck around home pretty much. She washed and froze the organic blueberries (what was left of them) which Pat and Joyce gave us. It is a good time of year to be eating healthy. I was able to buy some delicious organic cherries today as well. Better yet, our dinner today had zucchini, cucumber, beans and lettuce fresh from our own garden. ( I am starting to wish that I had had time to plant more vegetbales.
As Monica continues to recuperate from the treatments, there is not as much activity about which to blog. I will try to not to report that Monica is having another quiet day too many times.
Having said that, Saturday was another quiet day. Monica stuck around home pretty much. She washed and froze the organic blueberries (what was left of them) which Pat and Joyce gave us. It is a good time of year to be eating healthy. I was able to buy some delicious organic cherries today as well. Better yet, our dinner today had zucchini, cucumber, beans and lettuce fresh from our own garden. ( I am starting to wish that I had had time to plant more vegetbales.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Our life is relatively quiet at the moment. Monica is resting a lot and doing some household chores etc. We are mindful that Monica's immune system isn't working right now and are being fairly careful about what we do.
My brother Pat and his wife Joyce dropped by with a big bucket of organic blueberries. Monica seems to be really enjoying them (which is good because she hasn't been enjoying the taste of much.)
This morning Marley took Monica for another round of blood tests ( I am starting to really like the pin-cushion look). Hopefully there will be some improvement in her blood.
Our life is relatively quiet at the moment. Monica is resting a lot and doing some household chores etc. We are mindful that Monica's immune system isn't working right now and are being fairly careful about what we do.
My brother Pat and his wife Joyce dropped by with a big bucket of organic blueberries. Monica seems to be really enjoying them (which is good because she hasn't been enjoying the taste of much.)
This morning Marley took Monica for another round of blood tests ( I am starting to really like the pin-cushion look). Hopefully there will be some improvement in her blood.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
(posted by Greg)
We got the results of Monica's Monday blood tests. Her platelets have improved a little (they are moving in the right direction at least and she will not require a transfusion). Unfortunately, the tests show that her neutrophils (I think part of the white blood cells which fight infection.) are very low. So, she is particularly susceptible to infections (even from her own bacteria). This will mean that we are to be very careful not to expose her to anyone who is ill. She also has to be careful and take some basic precautions such as washing her hands well several times a day. We are to take her temperature and call our contacts at the Cancer Agency if her temperature goes up to high so that they can prescribe some antibiotics
Monica was initially a bit down after getting this news -kind of wondering why she keeps getting this type of news just when she is hoping to get stronger. However, on reflection, I think that she realizes that this is part of the process
I am hoping that, if the chemotherapy is doing this good a job on her blood cells, it is doing just a good a job on the tumour. I actually asked the nurse about whether or not there was any correlation like this. She said that, while they have no studies to prove it, they feel, based on anecdotal evidence, that there may be some correlation. So, maybe my hopes will not be misplaced.
We got the results of Monica's Monday blood tests. Her platelets have improved a little (they are moving in the right direction at least and she will not require a transfusion). Unfortunately, the tests show that her neutrophils (I think part of the white blood cells which fight infection.) are very low. So, she is particularly susceptible to infections (even from her own bacteria). This will mean that we are to be very careful not to expose her to anyone who is ill. She also has to be careful and take some basic precautions such as washing her hands well several times a day. We are to take her temperature and call our contacts at the Cancer Agency if her temperature goes up to high so that they can prescribe some antibiotics
Monica was initially a bit down after getting this news -kind of wondering why she keeps getting this type of news just when she is hoping to get stronger. However, on reflection, I think that she realizes that this is part of the process
I am hoping that, if the chemotherapy is doing this good a job on her blood cells, it is doing just a good a job on the tumour. I actually asked the nurse about whether or not there was any correlation like this. She said that, while they have no studies to prove it, they feel, based on anecdotal evidence, that there may be some correlation. So, maybe my hopes will not be misplaced.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
(posted by Greg(
Monica went for a full blood test at a local lab today to see how her blood is doing. It isn't quite as quick as going to the Cancer Agency so we haven't heard yet about the results. Presumably, we will hear tomorrow whether or not another transfusion is required.
I spent the day at work. Monica and Marley did some chores and running around. Monica was tired and had bit of a sleep around supper time.
It looks like the Cancer Agency will do an MRI in October to see how Monica has responded to the treatments. Our next major appointment with the oncologist is scheduled for October as well (although Monica has a follow up appointment with the radiation oncologist in September.). Marley is setting up some more appointments for some of the programs at Inspirehealth as well. It would be useful to get some feedback from them.
Monica went for a full blood test at a local lab today to see how her blood is doing. It isn't quite as quick as going to the Cancer Agency so we haven't heard yet about the results. Presumably, we will hear tomorrow whether or not another transfusion is required.
I spent the day at work. Monica and Marley did some chores and running around. Monica was tired and had bit of a sleep around supper time.
It looks like the Cancer Agency will do an MRI in October to see how Monica has responded to the treatments. Our next major appointment with the oncologist is scheduled for October as well (although Monica has a follow up appointment with the radiation oncologist in September.). Marley is setting up some more appointments for some of the programs at Inspirehealth as well. It would be useful to get some feedback from them.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Friday was mostly a day around home for Monica and Marley. Monica slept quite a bit but the two of them did some chores around the house. I worked a full day on Friday. After dinner we picked up Bhannu ( our former minister's wife) and had a cup of tea with her at the foreshore park on the Fraser River in Burnaby.
On Saturday, our niece, Bronwin, was participating in an art show ("Art in the Park") at Alouette lake in Maple Ridge. Monica, Marley and I picked up Barry and Sharon (my brother and sister-in-law) and had an nice afternoon looking at art. Bronwin does nice work (I particularly like her pet portraits- her website is http://www.wix.com/graphicmutt/artofthegraphicmutt). We didn't buy anything but had a nice day and a nice pub lunch with my niece and grand-niece (Jan and Amanda) on the way home.
Monica had a sleep after we went home and after she awoke wanted to go see the fireworks display on English Bay at the Festival of Lights. Over the years we have gone there quite a bit and Monica felt that she wanted to see it again this year. We went fairly early and I was able to drop Marley and Monica fairly close to the beach with our chairs, tea and radio. I then parked the car but had to park quite a distance from the beach. It was very pleasant sitting on the beach, people watching and watching the sun go down. The fireworks was spectacular ( I think one of the best that I have seen). The crowd was very big and getting away from the beach was slow and crowded. However, Monica felt strong enough to walk the 12 blocks uphill to the car and did a good job of walking in the crowd.
Today, we went to visit Oma and Opa and spent a couple of pleasant hours with them in morning visiting and doings some little chores. It makes us unhappy to see Oma so weak and having to work so hard to cope. Ingo continues to work to get their situation under control. The rest of the day was spent at home. I bought groceries and Marley went to the Whitecaps game with her friend Courtney. We had some fresh kale from the garden and tried our friend Barbara's recipe for Colcannon. We also had our first feed of fresh broccolli from the garden. ( We were able to eat organic without increasing the mortgage on our house.).
Friday was mostly a day around home for Monica and Marley. Monica slept quite a bit but the two of them did some chores around the house. I worked a full day on Friday. After dinner we picked up Bhannu ( our former minister's wife) and had a cup of tea with her at the foreshore park on the Fraser River in Burnaby.
On Saturday, our niece, Bronwin, was participating in an art show ("Art in the Park") at Alouette lake in Maple Ridge. Monica, Marley and I picked up Barry and Sharon (my brother and sister-in-law) and had an nice afternoon looking at art. Bronwin does nice work (I particularly like her pet portraits- her website is http://www.wix.com/graphicmutt/artofthegraphicmutt). We didn't buy anything but had a nice day and a nice pub lunch with my niece and grand-niece (Jan and Amanda) on the way home.
Monica had a sleep after we went home and after she awoke wanted to go see the fireworks display on English Bay at the Festival of Lights. Over the years we have gone there quite a bit and Monica felt that she wanted to see it again this year. We went fairly early and I was able to drop Marley and Monica fairly close to the beach with our chairs, tea and radio. I then parked the car but had to park quite a distance from the beach. It was very pleasant sitting on the beach, people watching and watching the sun go down. The fireworks was spectacular ( I think one of the best that I have seen). The crowd was very big and getting away from the beach was slow and crowded. However, Monica felt strong enough to walk the 12 blocks uphill to the car and did a good job of walking in the crowd.
Today, we went to visit Oma and Opa and spent a couple of pleasant hours with them in morning visiting and doings some little chores. It makes us unhappy to see Oma so weak and having to work so hard to cope. Ingo continues to work to get their situation under control. The rest of the day was spent at home. I bought groceries and Marley went to the Whitecaps game with her friend Courtney. We had some fresh kale from the garden and tried our friend Barbara's recipe for Colcannon. We also had our first feed of fresh broccolli from the garden. ( We were able to eat organic without increasing the mortgage on our house.).
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Thursday, August 4,2011
(posted by Greg)
Monica had a fairly quiet day today. No appointments at the Cancer Agency today and no trips etc. Scott and Cathy dropped in for a short visit as they passed through Vancouver on their way home.
The Cancer Agency has arranged for Monica to have some more blood tests on Monday morning as they continue to monitor her platelets.
Monica had a fairly quiet day today. No appointments at the Cancer Agency today and no trips etc. Scott and Cathy dropped in for a short visit as they passed through Vancouver on their way home.
The Cancer Agency has arranged for Monica to have some more blood tests on Monday morning as they continue to monitor her platelets.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
(posted by Greg)
As expected, the Cancer Agency wanted Monica to have another platelet transfusion today. We were already scheduled to attend the Brain Tumour Support Group from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. We went early to have Monica's blood screening done again (they do it before each transfusion) and Monica went after the meeting to have her transfusion. I took the bus back to work and Marley stayed with Monica.
We again found the support group meeting to be interesting and helpful. The meeting is always well attended and seems to be enjoyed by everyone who attended. Some of the stories which the participants related were very moving and some of the problems were interesting.
- We met another woman who like Monica suddenly discovered she had a tumour. She has two children. It was moving listening to her talk about her commitment to make the most of whatever time she has.
- One young girl who is recovering has started travelling by bus on her own. She looks fine but has balance issues and some other minor physical problems. When she sits on the most accessible seats (those reserved for the disabled and elderly), she is sometimes made to feel uncomfortable because she doesn't look like she has a disability.)
-We learned about how the radiation can effect your ears. Apparently the hair on the inside of your ears can be affected and the radiation can cause the earwax to harden causing discomfort or temporary loss of hearing.
-Another young man is hoping to return to work but realizes that he is worried about the upcoming testing that will have to be done to determine his ability. The group talks quite a bit about having to adjust to the "new normal"
As expected, the Cancer Agency wanted Monica to have another platelet transfusion today. We were already scheduled to attend the Brain Tumour Support Group from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. We went early to have Monica's blood screening done again (they do it before each transfusion) and Monica went after the meeting to have her transfusion. I took the bus back to work and Marley stayed with Monica.
We again found the support group meeting to be interesting and helpful. The meeting is always well attended and seems to be enjoyed by everyone who attended. Some of the stories which the participants related were very moving and some of the problems were interesting.
- We met another woman who like Monica suddenly discovered she had a tumour. She has two children. It was moving listening to her talk about her commitment to make the most of whatever time she has.
- One young girl who is recovering has started travelling by bus on her own. She looks fine but has balance issues and some other minor physical problems. When she sits on the most accessible seats (those reserved for the disabled and elderly), she is sometimes made to feel uncomfortable because she doesn't look like she has a disability.)
-We learned about how the radiation can effect your ears. Apparently the hair on the inside of your ears can be affected and the radiation can cause the earwax to harden causing discomfort or temporary loss of hearing.
-Another young man is hoping to return to work but realizes that he is worried about the upcoming testing that will have to be done to determine his ability. The group talks quite a bit about having to adjust to the "new normal"
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Bloodtest for Monica this morning. The Cancer Agency called late in the day to let us know that Monica's platelets continue to be low. We expect that this may mean another transfusion of platelets.
The day was quiet and uneventful other than the arrival of Jesse's girlfriend,Sydney. We had a nice dinner with them. They plan to leave on a vacation/roadtrip tomorrow.
Bloodtest for Monica this morning. The Cancer Agency called late in the day to let us know that Monica's platelets continue to be low. We expect that this may mean another transfusion of platelets.
The day was quiet and uneventful other than the arrival of Jesse's girlfriend,Sydney. We had a nice dinner with them. They plan to leave on a vacation/roadtrip tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Today was a quiet (but nice) day at home for the whole family. Nothing much to blog about. Monica rested quite a bit today.Tomorrow Monica gets another blood test to check her platelet count.
Today was a quiet (but nice) day at home for the whole family. Nothing much to blog about. Monica rested quite a bit today.Tomorrow Monica gets another blood test to check her platelet count.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
(posted by Greg)
I thought that I might joke with Monica that now, with her hair shaved off, we looked like twins. I decided against that jest because I realized that being my twin might not be too reassuring for her.
Joking aside, Monica seems fairly comfortable with her hair off. It is interesting how quickly the rest of us have stopped noticing it and have accepted this as the new norm.
I think that it was a good idea for her to shave her hair as we can all have a good look at the condition of the skin on her head. There are a couple of spots where the skin looks "burned". Marley has bought some cream and started to help Monica moisturize and treat those spots.
Our day was fairly quiet. Marley, Monica and I did make a visit to Oma and Opa. They are taking things very easy and trying to adjust to having help come to the house.
I thought that I might joke with Monica that now, with her hair shaved off, we looked like twins. I decided against that jest because I realized that being my twin might not be too reassuring for her.
Joking aside, Monica seems fairly comfortable with her hair off. It is interesting how quickly the rest of us have stopped noticing it and have accepted this as the new norm.
I think that it was a good idea for her to shave her hair as we can all have a good look at the condition of the skin on her head. There are a couple of spots where the skin looks "burned". Marley has bought some cream and started to help Monica moisturize and treat those spots.
Our day was fairly quiet. Marley, Monica and I did make a visit to Oma and Opa. They are taking things very easy and trying to adjust to having help come to the house.
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