Hannah. Found In New York

A couple of days ago, I was checking my rss feeds and there was a photo of my girl and her friends in New York! What a happy surprise! Hannah, Dani, and Carolyn photographed by their friend, a photographer, Jody Rogac. I follow Jody's website because I like her photography and sometimes I know a model.

You can see Jody's work here.

Hannah's back in Vancouver and is already busy with assignments. New York already feels like a dream, she tells me.

We talked to Luke tonight, too. He has a home game tomorrow against Loyola. Go Bellarmine!

Hannah. Found In New York

Lymphedema? I Hope Not.

I'm still loving these drying tulips. They fascinate me every day!

Today is not an especially good day. As I said last Friday, I was feeling some trepidation about getting back on the medical system treadmill but was feeling it necessary because of the swelling and tenderness under my arm. It's no wonder I dread dealing with it. It's so absurd! I got a call this afternoon from the Champion Centre ... from a nurse ... and here's how the conversation kind of went ...

Heather: Yes, I have some swelling and tenderness under my arm that's been going on for a few weeks and it's been getting worse. In fact, today it's at its most painful.

Nurse: Where under your arm is it?

Heather: The lower part of my armpit, above where my 2 lymph nodes were removed. And there's now some tenderness to the touch in the front of my chest close to that armpit.

Nurse: It sounds like you have lymphedema. Have you seen your family doctor about it?

Heather: No, he isn't a specialist in cancer and cancer treatment so I thought the best place to start would be with the my radiation oncologist who last treated me and who warned about the possibility of lymphodema.

Nurse: I see you're supposed to see him at the end of April. I don't suppose you want to wait that long?

Heather: No, I think I should see someone as soon as possible.

Nurse: I'll talk to the doctor but I don't know if he'll see you. He might refer you directly to a physical therapist or occupational therapist and you'll need to be fitted for a compression sleeve.

Heather: Don't I need to see a doctor first so it can be determined if I do, in fact, have lymphedema? There's no noticeable swelling in the rest of my arm. Might it be cellulitis or even problems in my other lymph nodes?

Nurse: Lymphedema doesn't have to involve the whole arm. Is the skin reddish?

Heather: No, I don't think it's reddish, not last time I looked. But it's definitely sore today. [Meanwhile, my inside voice is saying, "if I was confident in my ability to diagnose myself, I wouldn't be calling you!"]

Nurse: I'll talk to the doctor and see what he says and then I'll get back to you.

Heather: When do you think that might be?

Nurse: [reluctant to commit, I think] I'll talk to him tomorrow morning and I'll call you.

ARRRGGHGHHHHH!! The literature about lymphedema stresses the importance of seeing a doctor IMMEDIATELY because there is no cure for lymphedema and it's best managed if caught early. It's so upsetting.

I then called my family doctor and made an appointment for tomorrow morning. I don't even know if I should be sitting upright at this point? Should I be lying down with my arm elevated? Should I be getting specialized massage immediately? Is there anything I can do at home to help? I just don't know. I just don't even know for sure that this is lymphedema.

It's so frustrating. I'm not happy today. And I really do hurt. It feels very much as thought the people at the Champion Centre just want everyone to be good little cancer patients, finish their treatments and then go away. Calling to say things aren't going 100%, one gets the impression that they really don't want to have to deal with you. They have other things to do now. They're done with you. Can't you talk to someone else about that? It's quite disheartening. Do they realize it's not how I want things to be either? I'm sure they do if they stop to think about it, but they're busy. Busy. Busy. And you're just another unwelcome thing that they want to avoid scheduling into an already overburdened schedule. That's my take on it anyway.

These tulips are pretty thought, aren't they? Pretty things help.

Lymphedema? I Hope Not.

I'm Proud To Be Canadian!

What a day! What a finale to the Olympics! What a hockey game! What a day to be a Canadian! It's exhausting ... all that emotion!

Darrel, Lynn and Otto came by to watch the game and then stayed for dinner and the finale. Awesome!

Here's dinner! I do love mashed potatoes!

I spent yesterday just the way I needed to. I stayed home. Kevin was away all day and night at meetings. I didn't get out of my pj's until late afternoon. A whole day with nothing to do except relax and be peaceful inside and out ... and watch Olympics. It was just what I needed. I think the only person I talked to besides Kevin was Luke.

Today I woke up feeling a bit more energetic. With the game starting just after 2:00, I had to do some shopping while I was in the mood and had the energy and I had to get it done before the game started. Bra shopping. Ick. I haven't bra shopped for some time and I'm long overdue. It would have been more exciting if I was shopping for "pretty things" but I was shopping for pure function. Beige **yawn** function. I dreaded it. Things get more complicated when you've got a big divot in one your breasts and your general body shape has changed since you last bra shopped. But it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I was successful! After finally getting something MUCH more comfortable, I wonder why I waited so long. Really. What an idiot!

Luke's team won their lacrosse game in Philadelphia yesterday 10-4. That's 3 wins and 1 loss so far. Good for them! Luke got a goal! One-Goal-Luke we're starting to call him, which is a whole lot better than No-Goal-Luke. They flew back to Louisville today. They were able to watch the first 2 periods of the hockey game in the airport but then they had to board the plane. Agony! Probably just as well because Luke said the mostly American crowd was getting pretty annoyed with the little group of Canadians cheering loudly! On the plane, the boys had to rely on game updates via text message. Agony! Luke was pretty excited about the win. That's an understatement. They took a lot of ribbing after the Canadians lost the earlier game to the Americans. Both teams sure gave us some very good hockey, though, didn't they?!

And with that, I'm Olympically drained!

I'm Proud To Be Canadian!

Saturday Hair Doo Show

I did my hair up into a little mohawk just for you. It's an up-doo. It's not feeling much longer to me, though. I wish it would hurry up and grow faster. I had thought I might be wig-free for our trip to Louisville at the end of March but now I suspect that I might be toting one along after all. We'll see. My comfort level is the biggest hurdle. Wuss.

Saturday Hair Doo Show

You Should Read "The Book Thief"

You might recall that I'm a sucker for books about all things bookish. For that reason, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak caught my eye by title alone but the clincher was Sue telling me it was very good. I bought it immediately after that. And she was right. It's very good. You should read it.

Here's a link to more about it at Amazon.ca.

The story is about a young girl who ends up living with foster parents in Molching, Germany during World War II. As would be expected, there are some very dark parts and yet I can't say it's a depressing book. I wouldn't recommend if it were. It's a very beautifully framed and told story that I think even my chemo brain will retain. A quote from one of the reviews on Amazon, "As a memorable rendering of an unforgettable period in history it should easily capture and hold the hearts and minds of its readers."

Please read it.

You Should Read "The Book Thief"

The Last Olympic Weekend

Friday. I worked this afternoon. Just barely, but I made it there and was able to make some accomplishments. I'm glad to have a weekend with no plans, though. I came home, put on a cozy toque, curled up under a warm blanket and watched a nail-biter of a women's curling final! Silver! That's nothing to sneeze at!! And two medals today in speed skating. I was very glad to see that, too. To see Hamelin finally medal and with a gold at that! Ahhhh ... olympic fever! I know what we'll be doing next week when they're over. We'll be watching all the shows we otherwise would have watched but PVR'd instead. Before that we'll have to get through the men's hockey final! I feel sick just thinking about it. Is it bad to want to win so badly? Of course, I'd better not get ahead of myself. We still haven't quite won against Slovakia, though we have a 2 goal lead with 7 minutes left!

This morning I talked to a nurse at the Champion Centre who was filling in for the nurse I would normally have spoken to about my puffy and tender under arm. I was quite prepared for her to hemmm and hawww and then suggest I talk to my family doctor. I was ready for that one. I told her that I felt I should see someone who specializes in cancer treatment and its side effects because my family doctor just doesn't know enough about that. She didn't balk. She did say that it's not uncommon for someone to experience swelling in the area months after finishing radiation. We confirmed that the swelling and discomfort gets worse by the end of the day and isn't as bad in the morning. I guess that's typical. She mentioned lymphodema but I don't think it's that because the rest of my arm doesn't seem swollen. Still, I don't know if that means much. She's going to have the regular nurse call me on Monday. So at least the ball is rolling. I'm merging even though I dread getting back on the cancer treatment freeway.

Luke's team's flight to Philadelphia was cancelled today. Blizzard. They're supposed to go tomorrow and then, instead of playing in the afternoon, possibly play in the evening. Everything is dependent on weather and then, if they really do get there, it will depend on what facility they can find to play at. It will depend on if they're able to clear outdoor fields of snow. It's not football, you know. Well, on the other hand, if they were playing in Saskatchewan, they'd just dress a little warmer and play in the snow ... no biggie. I don't think they can quite grasp that concept for lacrosse in that locale. Hannah had planned on meeting Luke in Philly but that's not going to happen both because of the instability of Luke's plans and because New York got super dumped on with snow and I don't think Hannah will be getting out of New York. I'm sure she would be very happy to be snowed in there for another week, at least. She's loving it!

Thanks for the brownie today at work, Jan! It was yummy! Even better was seeing your cheery face!

Isn't this tulip pretty. I bought a bunch of them last Friday and they're now drying very interestingly. The colours have a beautiful antique look to them and they look so beautifully textured. Very vintage looking. Love 'em.

The Last Olympic Weekend

Chemo Brain 101

Chemo Brain. I hadn't heard that term until I needed to. It's another one of the side effects that occurs in varying degrees to people who have undergone chemo. I feel it, though not as badly as some people have reported (knock on wood). It's definitely not the same as the gradual slipping of memory I'd already been experiencing prior to breast cancer. I hear that the worst of it might diminish within a year or so. I hope so. Things in my head are quite a bit more muddled than they used to be and things that used to be "on the tip of my tongue" are now more likely to be hiding in any one of the vast number of cells in my body, some of which may have been killed off entirely since that's what chemo is designed to do ... kill as many cells as possible and hope that only the good ones regenerate. If chemo can purge your body of visible things like hair, nails, and skin and take away the feeling in your hands and feet and the taste from your tastebuds, doesn't it stand to reason that it's going to mess with your head, too? Oh yeah. Definitely.

It's hard to explain something that people don't see and that I also try to hide so that you might not notice it. Every now and then I find myself embarrassed by it ... caught off guard ... and sometimes when I beg forgiveness and blame my "chemo brain", and if I'm talking to someone who is around the same age as me, they might say something like, "welcome to the club" or "we're at that age, Heather", at which I smile ... Wanly. Sadly. Feeling very misunderstood. I know people are probably just trying to make me feel better but it's also a little frustrating because chemo brain is on a whole different level than just aging/menopausal brain. We are not in the same club at all. Let me try to explain.

Peaches and Cream complexion = our brain in our teens and 20's and into our 30's.



A few pimples here and there = our brain in our 40's and 50's ... aging ... menopause ... memory slips ... annoying. Using a little cover-up.


Bad acne = chemo brain. This goes beyond "gee, I hope this goes away before my date on Friday night". There ain't no cover-up to hide this ... except maybe a paper bag.


Here's what a conversation with my brain might go like while I'm with some friends ...

Heather to Brain: "This would be the right time to tell that story ... you know the one ... I just can't remember a couple of key bits. Can you pull the book off the shelf and give me a little refresher?"

Brain to Heather: "Sorry. No can find. The catalogue says the book is in but it doesn't seem to be on the shelf. It's probably been put in the wrong place".

Heather to Brain: "Can you do a quick scan of the shelves and see if you can find it. It must still be on the same floor".

Brain to Heather: "Sorry again. We're in a recession here. Big budget cuts. Most of our experienced staff have been given early retirement and there's just a skeleton staff left and half of them are off sick. The cataloguing is all backed up and half the books are badly out of order and it doesn't look like we'll have qualified staff to take care of those things any time soon. We have a few volunteers doing some work but they haven't had much training and they're not well supervised so standards have slipped. Sorry I can't be of more help. By the way, there won't be anyone to answer calls in the next little while because we're going for lunch."

Heather to Group of Friends: **smiles blankly**

I hope this helps people better understand how my brain is working ... or more like NOT working. Unless you've recently had chemo (and I hope you haven't had to), we're not at all in the same club in the brain department. Thanks for being patient with me.

Here, from the Mayo Clinic, are common symptoms of chemo brain, of which several are experienced by most women as we age, but let me tell you ... having experience with both, this is significantly more noticeable.

Signs and symptoms of chemo brain may include:

• Being unusually disorganized (I feel this mostly when I'm already tired)
  
• Confusion (same with this)
  
• Difficulty concentrating (I already feel improvements here)
  
• Difficulty finding the right word (oh yeah)
  
• Difficulty learning new skills (time will tell)
  
• Difficulty multitasking (I feel improvements here)
  
• Fatigue (mental stamina is improving)
  
• Feeling of mental fogginess (about a month ago, it felt like someone opened my brain and let the air and sunshine in)
  
• Short attention span (improving but still limited)
  
• Short-term memory problems (definitely - much worse than before chemo)
  
• Taking longer than usual to complete routine tasks (yes)
  
• Trouble with verbal memory, such as remembering a conversation (significantly worse than before ... so annoying)
  
• Trouble with visual memory, such as recalling an image or list of words (also significantly worse than before)

A 2008 study (reported here at CTV News) found that the experience of "chemo brain" is very real. The drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), is the F in the FEC combination of chemo drugs that I had three rounds of.

The research concludes that a common chemotherapy drug, known as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), causes stem cells in the central nervous system to die off well after treatment has ended. The resulting side effects are often referred to as "chemo brain."

Other reading on the topic:

• Scientists Find 'Chemo Brain' No Figment Of The Imagination. ScienceDaily (Oct. 8, 2006)
• The Fog That Follows Chemotherapy. New York Times (August 3, 2009)
• Chemo Brain Discussion at Breastcancer.org. It's somehow comforting to know you're not alone and that often you're better off!

There. Chemo Brain 101 or, what makes me laugh, Chemo Brain for Dummies.

Chemo Brain 101

Happy Birthday, Kevin!

Yes, Kevin got KD for his birthday! I know ... I know ... I'm such a romantic fool!

What was funny is that when I got home from work with his card and present in hand, there was already a box of KD on the table because ... yes, believe it ... he stopped on the way home and bought some for himself!! Did I choose the right present or what?!! He's been having such a hankerin' for some KD and it's not a pantry staple in our house, so we've been laughing about it the past few days. When he was told that he could eat pasta (what with his gastrointestinal upset) this is what he's had in mind, though I don't know if it really counts as "pasta". Who am I to say. It's HIS birthday! And what Kevy wants, Kevy gets.

Kevin was feeling quite a bit better today and went to work.

I went to work this afternoon, too. So far so good. I still can't believe how tired I get by late afternoon, though. And tonight I just had to keep my eyes open long enough for figure skating and then I decided to quickly post something before calling it a night. Another wonderful day of Olympic events. YEAH! Does everyone else shed a tear or two during the medal ceremonies? I'll bet there's a lot of us who do.

That slight swelling and discomfort that's been going on for a few weeks under my left armpit has not gone away. It's becoming quite tender in fact and I'm having to adjust the way I sleep to avoid squishing it. Enough. It's time to make a call and get it checked. I probably should have done that already but it's like merging with traffic on an 8-lane freeway you've never driven on before and where there's no signage. After some thought, I've decided to start with my radiation oncologist's assistant and hopefully she can point me in the right direction. And then I'll try merging.

Oh, and by the way ... Kevin didn't JUST get KD for his birthday.

Happy Birthday, Kevin!

Sit and Chill For A Bit!

They look so cushy comfortable, don't they?

The Canada/Russia hockey game is just starting. Someone might need to go chill on the deck. Not me, of course. I KNOW Canada will kick butt!

Kevin had a particularly hellish day yesterday, which made for a long day for both of us, but I'm happy to say he's turned a corner and is feeling considerably better today. His stomach seems to be settling down and he was even a little more cheerful, too. Bonus!

Yesterday and a late night got the best of me for today so between that and a medical appointment that was just moved to this afternoon instead of this morning, I stayed home from work today. I figured if I went in today I'd end up missing tomorrow so I might as well miss today and be there fresh as a daisy Thursday and Friday. I'm actually a little itchy to get back at it. That's a very good sign. I have things to do ... books to catalogue ... journal subscriptions to figure out ... websites to update ... tweets to send ... information to gather for reports ... events to plan ... TONS OF STUFF! It could be overwhelming if I let myself think of it that way but so far I'm managing to actually just ENJOY plugging away at things one at a time ... slowly but surely. It feels good to be using my skills again.

I saw my naturopathic doctor today. That's always like an upper for me. It's so refreshing to have the help of a medical professional who really wants to find answers to my health issues and who is keen to prevent my having future issues. That's key, I've found. Prevention. There's a lot I can do to arm my body to help prevent a recurrence. I know I always say "recurrence", but what I really mean and (choke on) is "death". I want to survive. I've done that so far but I want to give my body the best possible chance to continue to survive and to resist future cancers. Making sure my hormones are at appropriate levels and balances is key. Making sure any internal inflamation is kept at bay is key. Making sure I have a healthy "gut" is key. Optimal iodine, insulin, and Vitamin D levels are key. Healthy thyroid is key. Exercise is key. Maintaining a healthy body weight is key. Good nutrition is key. That's an awful lot of keys! I've had to get a big key ring! I might not always keep all those keys polished to perfection, but at least I'm trying.

And now. Hockey! GO CANADA!

Sit and Chill For A Bit!

Making Pretty Things

I know it's not Valentine's Day but I had been telling Alexa and Chantelle about my efforts last year to master Linzer cookies after I'd purchased the prettiest little cookie cutters. It took three tries and three recipes to get to these ones after which I declared myself a Linzer Cookie Master. I had meant to make them this year for Valentines Day but I just couldn't get around to it!

There's a lot of things I haven't been able to get around to ... returning emails ... phone calls ... addressing envelopes ... other good intentions. I apologize to everyone. February just got so crazy busy during the week of my birthday and then I started work and then Mom had a little fright ... and now there are Olympics and lots of fatigue. I've kept up blogging but even that has been a bit of a challenge. I feel good but I find I'm very tired and working even a half day feels like a big chunk of my day and energy.

I worked this afternoon and felt good all day, though very tired by late afternoon ... and now while I watch the Canada/Germany hockey game. Kevin is still down for the count. When he gets sick, he really gets sick. Always looking for attention ... (KIDDING!!).

I've been quilt dreaming and need to just get at it already. I also want to make some pretty cookies again. Linzer cookies and macarons. Those are projects that need a whole day. A whole day of feeling good. And Alexa, my willing baking recruit.

I hope to make some calls, send some emails and drop some things off at Canada Post soon. Very soon. My apologies for taking so long.

Making Pretty Things

Vitamin D Registering Optimal

Day 4 of being back to work! Yeah! I'm glad yesterday wasn't a work day or I don't think I would have made it but today I felt good ... well rested after a long sleep. It was nice to see my colleagues who were away last week! It surprises me, though, how quickly I get tired. I was pretty tired when I left work this afternoon.

I picked up my Vitamin D test results (they take a long time) that I had done on January 20th, just before I started the high doses of Vitamin D (20,000 IU per day for one week, followed by 10,000 IU per day for three weeks) and after I had been taking 4,000 IU per day for a while ... I can't remember how long.

I'm happy to say that my Vitamin D levels have moved up into the bottom of the optimal range! That's good! My previous test showed levels of 74 nmol/L and now my levels are at 127 nmol/L.

I found the following chart in this Vitamin D Information Sheet (pdf). It generally reflects most of the guidelines I've seen, with only slight variations. I've put the "normal levels" from my Saskatchewan Health Region lab report in red.

• Below 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/L) = deficient (below 25 nmol/L)
• Below 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/L) = insufficient (25-70 nmol/L)
• 30 – 60 ng/ml (75 - 150 nmol/L) considered sufficient (no listing)
• 50 – 80 ng/ml (125 – 200 nmol/L) considered optimal by some groups (70-250 nmol/L)
• Over 100 ng/ml (250 nmol/L) = excessive (no listing)
• Over 150 ng/ml (380 nmol/L) = toxic (over 250 nmol/L)

This explains why my medical doctor told me that my 74 nmol/L was "normal", while my naturopathic doctor told me it indicated deficiency. My research leads me to strongly side with my naturopathic doctor and I marvel that my medical doctor didn't even encourage me to increase my Vitamin D intake to aim for something more optimal, considering I was at the very bottom of a rather broad range. Well, he wouldn't have tested my Vitamin D at all if I hadn't asked him on behalf of my naturopathic doctor. This experience (among others) reminds me of the importance of educating oneself and taking charge of one's own health. I also know now not to trust doctors to look out for my best interests. Well, not my doctor anyway. Maybe you have doctors who are more proactive and who believe in preventative medicine instead of just band-aid solutions. Note to self: get new doctor before I become even more jaded.

Kevin is still sick today. He spent the day on the couch probably sleeping more than anything. He's still sleeping.

Vitamin D Registering Optimal

New research about the joint/bone/muscle/tendon problems I've been having

Aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia in early breast cancer: what do we know and how can we find out more?
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, Monday, February 16, 2010 (link)

Abstract: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs [such as Arimidex, which is what I took that caused my joint problems]) are a standard of care for the adjuvant treatment of hormone responsive early [breast cancer] ... Arthralgia was a somewhat unexpected side effect of this class of agents and has proven to be potentially problematic in clinical practice. Although rates of up 35% have been reported in the randomised trials, the figure has been much higher in subsequent case series. There is concern that these symptoms are significant and may affect compliance and thus the overall efficacy of treatment. It is therefore extremely important that we evaluate this syndrome with a view to gaining more information regarding its clinical features and possible aetiological mechanism. The potential aetiological mechanisms and evidence for aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia (AIA [the bone, joint, tendon and muscle problem I've experience]) are reviewed in this article. Looking forward, it is now important that prospective clinical trials are well designed to evaluate this syndrome and potential therapeutic strategies to circumvent it. Radiological imaging and biochemical analyses may help our understanding of AIA and these are discussed.

Great ... looks like they're just starting to really research this side effect that has caused me so much grief these last 4 months. No wonder I'm having trouble getting any useful answers.

In this research report released on the same day, the following statement is included in the abstract: " ... vitamin D is being investigated as a means to reduce aromatase inhibitor-induced joint symptoms." (link to study published in Current Oncology Reports.

___________

Prevention of Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Bone Loss Using Risendronate: The SABRE Trial.
Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 28, No 6 (February 20), 2010: pp. 967-975 (link)

Conclusion: In postmenopausal women at risk of fragility fracture who were receiving adjuvant anastrozole [such as Arimidex, which is what I was taking that caused my joint and bone problems] for EBC [breast cancer], the addition of risedronate at doses established for preventing and treating osteoporosis resulted in favorable effects in BMD during 24 months.

Supported by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals [the company that makes Arimidex]

This means they're at least looking for ways to deal with the long term bone and joint problems that women using estrogen blockers (like Arimidex) are experiencing.

** Note that the text in square brackets are mine.

New research about the joint/bone/muscle/tendon problems I've been having

Aspirin. I'm Starting Tomorrow. Every 2nd Day.

The recent news about the potential for aspirin to greatly reduce breast cancer recurrence and death is obviously huge. I just checked my breast cancer research feeds and there are probably over 50 news releases about this exciting research.

Here's one that reflects my way of thinking, which is ... while researchers are cautioning women not to run out and start taking aspirin because this particular research study was not of the "gold standard", my feeling is "why wait?!"

Aspirin: A blockbuster therapy for breast cancer survivors?

I'm going to start taking one every second day. For my heart, of course. *wink wink*

My question about this research ... and I haven't seen this talked about yet ... is: Should aspirin be taken in conjunction with aromatase inhibitors (such as Arimidex and Tamoxifen) or might it replace them? I would love to think it's the latter.

I see that my question is being asked and here's one answer that has been given: "No. If aspirin truly helps prevent breast cancer recurrence, it does so only when combined with recommended cancer therapies." (link: Top 4 Questions About Aspirin and Cancer)

Aspirin. I'm Starting Tomorrow. Every 2nd Day.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Another decorating marvel by Chantelle! This time for Dana's birthday, which was last night. And yes, he's all about Guinness! It was a surprise party and I think he was pretty surprised! I've never seen so many people packed into Dana and Sue's house ... quiet as mice while we waited for Dana to walk in. And now I can tell you that it was Dana's brother, Glenn, who was our house guest this weekend! I couldn't say anything before because of it being a surprise! He drove from Winnipeg on Friday so he'd be here for Dana's birthday.

Happy Birthday, Dana!

Kevin and I didn't stay long at the party. Both of us were feeling a little off. Kevin since late afternoon and me just about the time we got to the party. We were both home by 9:30. Kevin isn't feeling very well today yet and while I feel fine, I do feel generally wasted today. I had such a long sleep, so I'm surprised I feel so tired. As you might imagine, it's been pretty much an Olympic day with both of us parked in front of the tv. I didn't even get out of my pajamas all day.

Luke's team had a good game yesterday. Even though they were the underdogs by a long shot and they ultimately lost 12-7, Luke says they could have won and that they played well. There were some upsetting reffing moments in the last quarter, Luke said. Luke's not one to make excuses so it must have been a real issue. If not for his team getting 4 penalties right near the end, Luke said they would have had a chance. I'd like to have seen the game. Luke got a goal in the 4th. Next weekend they travel to Philadelphia to play St. Joseph's University. Maybe Hannah will make it to that game.

Come on Canada. Win this hockey game!

By the way, it's interesting to look at the front pages of Newspapers from around the world. You can do that at the Newseum. Choose "Today's Front Pages" at the right of the site. I prefer using the "list" feature and then I float my mouse over the links which then displays a small image of the front page. It's a site worth exploring. I see they still don't have any Saskatchewan newspapers represented, which I find very disappointing. I emailed the Star Phoenix about it 5 years ago but never heard back from them. Obviously they're not interested. A shame.

The Newseum collects and archives newspaper front pages from important historical events (an American preference, naturally). Those are interesting to look at, too. I'm sure the 2010 Olympics will be archived.

I find it interesting to see what other parts of the world find worth reporting (and not reporting). I remember checking the front pages the day after Obama was elected. Very interesting.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Should I Get A Tattoo?

These are the marks on the inside of my upper arm that were left behind after my PICC-line was removed. They look darker ... more reddish-purple in real life. I thought they might have faded a bit more by now but they really don't look much different than they did a few months ago. Hmmm ...

I'm thinking that if, after a year, they haven't faded considerably, I might just get a tattoo to disguise them.

It would take some planning? Any suggestions?

Should I Get A Tattoo?

Saturday Morning Chia Pet Photo

Not a whole lot of difference. It really takes two weeks, I think, to see marginal differences. Slowly ... slowly ...

Saturday Morning Chia Pet Photo

Saturday Sports Central

Olympics! Isn't the Canadian women's curling team keeping people on the edges of their seats?! AND the men's hockey team?! Yikes!

We've been unable to find any online coverage for Luke's lacrosse game today so that's disappointing. We'll have to wait to hear from Luke after the game and there will be a game tape we can watch after the fact. There is a link on the Bellarmine lacrosse website to live stats but the link is dead. Damn! Nobody is tweeting and the Bellarmine University Radio station emailed me to say that they would NOT be broadcasting the game because they don't have anyone involved with radio this year who also knows the game. Rats! If only some of the boys were ineligible to play, they could commentate! KIDDING!!

We talked to Hannah this morning and she's having a GREAT time in New York! She and I MUST travel together some day so we can look at beautiful things together. She says there are so many things she would love to show me there.

Lyn is home from actually being AT the Olympics and AT Olympic events! WOW! Fabulous photos! Norma and her family had their private, local Olympic event last night complete with running down the street draped in a Canadian flag with a makeshift Olympic torch ... and sparklers! TOOOO funny! And how FUN!

Lots of reasons to smile and laugh. What a change from last Wednesday. Sheesh!

Saturday Sports Central

I Think I Feel A Daily Headache Coming On ...

Aspirin Linked to Increased Breast Cancer Survivial
Article Date: 17 and 18 Feb, 2010 (Link to news article and here.)

A new US study suggests that regular taking of aspirin is linked to increased survival after a breast cancer diagnosis and also to a lower risk of the disease recurring. However, as this was an observational study that suggests a possible link and not a clinical trial, the researchers recommended women do not use these findings as a reason to start taking aspirin as a way to increase survival from, and prevent recurrence of, breast cancer.

Still, taking an aspirin every day is recommended for other reasons, isn't it? Can't hurt?

"This is the first study to find that aspirin can significantly reduce the risk of cancer spread and death for women who have been treated for early stage breast cancer."

Previous studies in animals and lab cultures have suggested that aspirin may reduce the risk of breast cancer spread.

When asked about the possible reasons for aspirin potentially reducing the risk of dying of breast cancer and making recurrence less likely, Holmes said that the "new thinking" was to view cancer as an inflammatory disease, and aspirin reduces inflammation.

Anyone considering taking aspirin on a regular basis is advised to consult their doctor first, because of the risk of stomach bleeding.

According to the study, participants who took aspirin two to five days per week were 60% less likely to have a recurrence and 71% less likely to die from breast cancer. Women who took aspirin more frequently had a 43% lower risk of recurrence and a 64% lower risk of death. Taking aspirin once per week or taking acetaminophen did not produce a benefit, the study found.

"If these findings are confirmed in other clinical trials, taking aspirin may become another simple, low-cost and relatively safe tool to help women with breast cancer live longer, healthier lives".

"If true, it would certainly be a relatively easy, inexpensive, potentially safe intervention for women who have had breast cancer." However, he added that researchers "have been tricked by things like this before, especially in cancer epidemiology".

There seems to be a lot of cautionary talk as in, "Don't get too excited". Still, discoveries and potential discoveries ARE exciting!

I Think I Feel A Daily Headache Coming On ...

A Good Book

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Of added interest is that Alan Bradley was the Director of Television Engineering in the media centre at the University of Saskatchewan for 25 years before taking early retirement to write in 1994. I hadn't known that when I picked up the book. Here's a link to his bio.

This book is intended to be the first in a series of books and I think the 2nd in the series is supposed to be available this month. I think Alan Bradley is going to be a very wealthy man if his next books are as good as his first! The stories will be loved by young adult readers as well as adults.

The protagonist is Flavia de Luce, a precocious 11 year old who lives in an old mansion that happens to have a Victorian era chemistry lab, which sparks in Flavia a passion for potions! She has an eccentric family and is an amateur detective. I'm not typically a mystery reader but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love reading books where I learn something and in this one I learned some things about chemistry and stamps. It was a delightful read.

Flavia also loosely reminds me of Harriet the Spy, who I adored as a young girl!

A Good Book

Kentucky Woman

It's official! Our flights to Louisville are booked! Ten days in Louisville to see Luke and watch lacrosse! Awesome!!

We're staying at the Inn at Woodhaven! Here's a link to their website. We stayed at this bed and breakfast last year ... in the carriage house ... and it was absolutely beautiful ... quaint ... and the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in ... with vintage linens, no less!

Last year we stayed in the Derby Room in the Carriage House, which is just behind the main house. I loved it! This year we're staying in the main house in one of the 2nd floor rooms. It's either the Garden Suite (right) or the Master Suite. They're both totally gorgeous!

While in Kentucky, we're going to do a day trip to Paducah! What's in Paducah that's so special you may wonder? Well, let me just tell you that it is THE quilt mecca in the western hemisphere!!! Often called Quilt City USA! It's about a 3 or 4 hours drive from Louisville. We'll poke around there and visit the National Quilt Museum! I haven't done much research yet but I know there will be lots of quilt shops and other artisan type places to see. I'd better plan ahead or I'll be so overwhelmed, I'll end up coming home with nothing more than a brochure! I hope they also have a fish store for Kevin. Poor man.

We also want to tour a Bourbon distillery this time and maybe see if there's another cave nearby to explore.

Kentucky Woman