Wednesday, June 9, 2021

9:34 AM

   Happy Birthday Shane (tomorrow). I'll be thinking of you all day, my beautiful son!

   Last week's camping trip, as you can see from the pictures, was more than wonderful. If restored strength, rest, peace, joy, wholeness. If it could be measured by a light, the glow would be seen from outer space. Larry & I both grew up 'holidaying' in nature… in tents. And that's what we've mostly done for our 'getaways' for 49 years, and we've loved it. However, experiencing nature (the middle of a forest) in the comfort of a motorhome during this challenging time, was a gift that just keeps on giving, each time we think of it. It surely warms the cockles of our hearts! As much as I enjoy cooking, I didn't mind at all, only having to warm up meals that had been gifted to us for the trip. Thank you, thank you!    We kept the rest of the cooking simple and yummy. 

   A significant part of the joy of the experience, is in the spirit of generosity in which our dear, loving friends provided & facilitated this much needed oasis for us. God bless them!

   Back home: Monday the 7th, was a busy day at Abbotsford Cancer Centre, preparing for the 5 week radiation regime that will begin in July. On the drive in, I had a great phone visit with my oncologist, preparing for the next chemo, to avoid certain side effects. Then a call confirming my 10:15 CT appointment. The first couple of hours at the Centre were very frustrating, due to 'No CT appointment' at 10:15; being misdirected, standing in lines for the 'wrong' department, and a few other confused & fruitless exercises. After 2 hours of waiting (for nothing) I was met by the radiation doctor when I got off the elevator. He approached me and I burst out in inaudible sobs. This is what he said, "You go have a lovely lunch with your husband, and we will be waiting for you!" He, as well as most of the medical staff there are so very kind and loving. When I returned, with Larry, everything went very well and smoothly. Dr. Ali was excellent in walking me through what to expect in the radiation treatments and how to best take care of myself. I then went for a CT scan & 'mapping' for the radiation treatments. Very disappointed in the 3 tattoos I was given. I can't find them, they're so small. I was finished with 10 minutes to spare to go for my blood work, that I waited 40 minutes from my original appointment. As soon as I mentioned my name, she quickly told me to go right in, they're ready for you!

  Back to the standing in several lines that lead to nowhere! Not totally wasted! I had a lovely visit with 2 women in one of the lines. Jennifer is 23 and has degenerative heart failure (no cure). She's put her wedding on hold! I told her that I was praying for a miracle for her. She was very grateful. Please add her to your prayer list. Seeing so many very sick people, there was no shortage of people to pray for. So that's how I spent most of my 'waiting' time. So it wasn't time wasted.

     So my story is kind of like many of Kind David's psalms. They start out moaning and complaining and end up being grateful, seeing the good & thanking God.

     I was told by my oncologist that 'yes' I will be very drunk again this time, so depending on how long the hangover lasts, which really plays a number on my brain, I hope to check in with you in a few days.   We love you. Thank you for loving us. We appreciate you! God bless you. xoxoxoxoxo