Sunday, October 17, 2010

For people with Stage 4


If you have Stage 4, consider taking part in this study.
The Cancer Support Community is conducting research to learn more about life after the Stage 4 diagnosis. TheCSC says: Your responses will lead to better programs and services to help you and women like you along the way. Please learn more and get involved. With one more, we know more. To start, click here.

Vote For Health ~ An Initiative of the Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/NWT Division

As per the Canadian Cancer Society’s website …

On Monday, October 18, Albertans will head to the polls to elect new city and town council members. The Canadian Cancer Society urges you, the voters, to consider health when casting your vote on election day.

The Canadian Cancer Society acknowledges the important role governments play in the prevention of disease. As such, we have educated candidates in municipalities throughout the province on important issues of health and surveyed them for their stance on each. The goal is to identify candidates that support healthy public policies and thereby empower you to Vote For Health in your communities.

To learn more about election issues and to find your community for a list of candidates in your area, please go to http://voteforhealth.ca/index.html.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

A Full Day at the Clinic

It was seven hours at the clinic yesterday starting at 9:00. First off I saw the research nurse to sign the trial chemo consent form. We chatted for a while and then she gave me a requisition for blood work and heart tests. Come and talk to me when you have a break between appointments she said. Next I went for my CT scan. First thing, change into a gown, get an IV in and have a two liter contrast cocktail. 45 minutes later, I was laying down getting scanned. 20 minutes later I was back to my street clothes.

Next it was off to get my blood work done. They also needed a urine sample and did my Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG). Now I had some time. I went back and found the research nurse. We found an empty room where she reviewed my test results and asked me some health questions including how I’ve been feeling, what medication I’m on, including vitamins and such. She took my blood pressure and asked if I had any questions. I asked if I should get a flu shot … she checked my white blood cell count and gave me the thumbs up.

After that I slipped over to the cafeteria and a bit of lunch. This was the first time I ate today because I had to fast for the CT scan. I had some time and decided to go to my Echocardiogram appointment early. I felt I had been waiting too long and was wondering why I wasn’t being called when all of a sudden it hit me; I should be in X-ray instead Nuclear Medicine. 

Fly over to X-ray … to … we were looking for you. Argg! I changed back into a gown and had my Echocardiogram. So now I am running behind schedule. Change back into my street clothes and run back over to Nuclear Medicine for my radioisotope bone scan injection. Fortunately, they used the IV line inserted earlier for the other yummy imaging stuff. She asked did you want to wait here for the stuff to circulate or leave and come back? I said I need to go over to Daycare and have my PICC line redressed. Then it was 45 minutes on the table for the bone scan. 

It’s now kissing four o’clock …. and I’m thinking that I definitely need a couple of aspirin when I get home. I’ll get all the test results this coming Wednesday.


Friday, October 15, 2010

Cooking up a storm

It's been a week of cooking. As I began to feel better after a week without chemo, my enjoyment in the kitchen increased.

Monday was broiled fresh tuna steaks marinated in ponzu sauce, vegetables and (okay, frozen) vegetable potstickers.

On Tuesday I made dinner for a local family (of, course, we ate a portion as well): roast chicken, cut sweet bell peppers, rice, and some parve chocolate chip cookies.

(I can't remember Wednesday.)

On Thursday I invited the synagogue's staff over for lunch to thank them for all their hard work and many hours during the recent holidays: pumpkin-peanut-curry soup, ramen salad, roasted chicken with zucchini and lemon juice, ginger-chocolate biscotti and dark chocolate bark with pecans and dried cherries.

Tonight's Shabbat dinner: more of the pumpkin-peanut-curry soup, homemade challah (from one of the dinner guests), spiced roasted onions, carrots, peppers and zucchini, turkey breast with garlic, lemon and thyme, mashed potatoes with garlic and olive oil, green salad, the rest of the biscotti and oven-roasted pears.

(We ordered pizza for dinner last night.)

making the best of it



I think I've coped with chemo week much better this time around (thanks in part to some good advice from a friend).

Button up, Bon Jovi

Test results are in. M-spike went down another teeny bit to 2.7. Hurrah!

Healthy Spirits:New Arrivals

1. Duvel Tripel Hop
2. Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA is back!
3. Dogfish Head Chateau Jihau
4. Biere Trois Dames "Bise Noire" (Swiss Imperial Stout)

cheers,

dave hauslein
beer manager
415-255-0610