I've been busy being OK

It's October already. It's not even the beginning of October, but the middle. It's almost Halloween. I've actually seen some Christmas lights in the neighbourhood. My summer was fantastic, after all the surgeries, I guess anything would classify as fantastic. We did lots of camping, of course, and then came September.

We all started back at school this year, me included. I always felt left out when everyone got new pencils and notebooks, so I decided to take a course. I registered for the School and Community Support Worker Program in March, and I am loving it. There's a lot of work involved - lots of reading and essays. That's why I am writing in the blog now. It's because I have three assignments due, and I love to procrastinate. The last time I was in University, I baked when I was avoiding work. Now I play the piano. I've actually become quite good!

It's a two year program, part-time, and most of the courses are in the evening. There are two practicums; one is community-based, and the other is school-based. I've signed up with a residential drug treatment facility for January, and I'm really looking forward to the experience. I am so happy to finally be doing something with my life. Of course I'm glad that I have a life to do something with. I feel well and it feels good to be on the path of normalcy.

I've still got another surgery in January to replace my tissue expander and put in a permanent implant. Apparently, it's a fairly simple procedure. After that, a nip and tuck to equalize things, and I should be ready to party. Other news to make me smile is I have had my last appointment with my cardiologist. I was seeing him for two reasons, one is that my heart function became impaired during my chemo treatment, and the other reason was for an irregular heart beat. This bigeminy (the heart alternates a regular beat with a premature beat) was discovered during my partial mastectomy, back in November 2008. It hasn't caused me any concern, and the belief was that it would be with me for the rest of my life. Not so. My function is back and my heart beats the way it should. I've got a regular ticker now. Picture me with more grey hair, 20 pounds overweight, still lopsided up top, but normal, good, in fact - great. 

It's coming up to my two-year cancerversary  (November 11), and I'm very thankful for every day I have. Our family just participated in the Run For the Cure at the beginning of October, and we shared a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner with Wanda and her family. These are beautiful days.

driving, driving, driving, and a walk

Our family did the "Run for the Cure" on Sunday. It was a beautiful day; we saw many people we knew, and met many new friends. I can tell you that these days, I much prefer walking to driving! With radiation sessions two hours away, I will be glad when this daily commute will be over. OK - first the pictures of Sunday's walk/run. I must add that Norm and the girls ran the 5km route, (even Evelynne) while I walked it. Oh well, there's always next year, and I'm so glad for that.

My pal Wanda

As for radiation, it's going well. I have completed 19 sessions and have 9 more to go. My last day will be the 20th of October. I am feeling a bit more tired than usual, but that could be due to the travel. My skin has only just started to turn a bit red and itchy. The doctor is pleased and so am I, and the driving isn't really that bad. It's actually kind of fun. A society called "Wheels for Wellness" picks me up every morning, drives to the clinic in Victoria , then returns me to my home in the afternoon. Most of the drivers are retired truckers or bus drivers, and many of the passengers are retired as well. Not all go to the Cancer Clinic - many are travelling to specialist appointments. At first, I didn't think I would like all the chatting, but I am enjoying it. If I don't feel like talking, I've always got my book and iPod. I've even made a friend - Bill. He's 76 and lives in Parksville. He also commutes every day, and we seem to be on the same van most days. He's having radiation in a room down the hall from me. He was away sick for all of last week, which caused me a great deal of worry. It was sure nice to open the door to the van yesterday and see him sitting there.

Last Friday, Evelynne and Rosalie came with me (they had no school). Mom drove us down and waited in the waiting room, but the girls got invited into the treatment room. They got to come inside while I was being positioned, and the techs were so good at explaining everything. While I was being zapped, Rosalie and Evelynne went to the control room to watch me on the monitor. I think they really enjoyed themselves.

That's about it for now. We're getting through each day. With Norm away in school, it is a challenge. I'm glad Mom is here this week to help out.