Merry Christmas everyone! Wow December 17th already.
I drove home from Southern Ontario on the 13th. I was away almost 3 weeks.
After my liver embolization in Sept. I had 8 weekly blood tests and one 24 hour urine test. In November at the Huntsville hospital, under the great care of Dr. Wilson, I had a stress test with dye and photos to see what was causing my shortness of breath. He also did an ECG and some blood work.
As you might imagine I am tired of Doctors and tests and injections. :0
I drove to London on Nov.27th, picking a good travel day. I went to the Victoria hospital for my C.T. scan and more blood work on Nov. 29th. My appointment for the results of all these tests was for Dec. 14th.
I decided to travel around Southern Ontario and visit relatives. I stayed in Lambeth with Dave,Wendy,Emma, while there we saw "Happy Feet" very cute but long movie! On Sunday, after church I drove to Barrie and picked up my sister Ruth at her daughter Sarah's. We had dinner out and then I decided to book into the Days Inn for a mini holiday, pool and hot tub! NICE! Ruth and I woke to 10" of snow on Monday morning, my new snow tires were welcomed for sure! We made reservations for another night and spent the day shopping. After a swim and the hot tub we went to see Deja Vue, a good fiction movie, starring Densel Washington.
Tuesday after lunch with Sarah and Evie I drove to Orangeville and visited for 6 days with my sister Donna. We had a great spa day on Fri. in Erin. I have shiny red toe nails for Christmas! HA! We were both relaxed and refreshed by our early Christmas gifts, pedicure, reflexology and facial!
Sunday Dec. 10th I drove to Toronto to visit John & Marnie and our 3 grandkids.
We went to a tree farm for a tree and then to decorate ginger bread houses at Loblaws. Lots of fun and later to Marnie's sister's for an early kids Christmas party.
I had a good visit with the Lauren, Teagan and Jacob for a few days. John and Marnie drove me to my follow up appointment in London on Thurs. Dec. 14th.
Dr.Reed read me the reports and the tumors had reduced and the hormone secretion was less as well as the cromogratin A marker. Good news! since the embolization was a success I will be having the other side of my liver done in the new year! No dates as yet! I was told to see my family Dr. for my high blood pressure, (high) as I had stopped taking Altace which was causing shortness of breath and a dry cough. Yes my stress test was normal, it wasn't my heart, that caused the shortness of breath and tiredness. I am so thankful for your thoughts,cards and prayers through this past year. You are a great support team and I couldn't do without any of you! You are the best! Have a wonder-filled 2007!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Recovering well
The treatment went smoothly and my hospital stay was very good. I enjoyed my private room and the food and service were first class. Since there was a computer on-line in the common room I had everything I needed and more. I did have 2 bouts of angina on the 4th day and 5th evening. This was unusual and could have been caused from the stress to my liver and inner organs or by the injection of extra octreotide. I had 2 cardiologist check me out and an echocardiogram. Since being here at Dave's in Lambeth, I had the Dr. phone to say there was no heart damage. I carry a spray nitro for any future attacks. I might not get any more. I use tylenol #3 for any pain and these times are getting fewer and fewer. I will be having a follow-up C.T.Scan on November 29th in London Victoria hospital to access the success of the treatment in lessening the tumor mass. This scan will also show if my vascular system will be able to endure the 2nd. Embolization some time in 2007. This would be to the right liver lobe. I get weekly blood work done on liver function for 8 weeks also. I am so blessed to be receiving such attentive, skillful care and the co-ordination of my medical team is the best. Thanks to all my support team for your positive thoughts and prayers and being there for me through out this long year.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
First Embolization over, doing well!
I received my embolizaton on Wed. at 12:30 noon hour. THe skilled
Dr. froze the incision site and cut and entered into the femoral artery, with a pipette. He threaded it up through to the liver artery, wow was he good, watching with camera, I was as still as a live manican in a model show. THanks for all those prayers, not a muscle moved and no antsy leg twitches, God is so Good, miraculous! It only took his 20 min. I could feel the tube going up, and sighed when it took a turn ,but was told not to as it lowered my diaphram and messed up the arteries. I got lots of octreotied, muscle relaxants, and only a little morphine. When they rolled me onto the stretcher, I was nausious and the pain started, in liver and back, more morphine, 2 shots, did it! I was taken to recovery for 5 hours and had to lay still and flat, unfortunately, the restless leg and antsy feeling came That is the worse fooling, as trying not it shake, is so awful, not painful but nerve recking! I kept asking for the time, as they couldn't give me anything for it! What a releaf when I was brought back to my room and given tylenol and clonazapam, the twitching finally subsided. John & Marnie where there, they stayed all day! :). They left around 7 as I was going to sleep.
Next day I was taken for 3 scans and had blood tests, I V's and meds, The care and attention at the Victoria hospital in London , Ontario is wonderful, I feel like a princess in a palace. THe food is great too!
I have a private room, even though I only have ward coverage! Wow! Another blessing, soon I will be flying so high from all the blessings, and I know your prayers are directing them my way! THanks so much!
Last night I had a carcinoid crisis, I was told this might happen, when the meds started to break down the tumors and the hormones are secreted. I had pain in liver and back, then bronchial spazms and shortness of breathe. The nurse took vitals, pulse 41, so she gave shot of octreotide, THe breathing and pressure got worse, so she gave my 2 sprays of nitro under my tongue and in a little while I could relax and not pant or feel like the elephant was getting heavier. The ECG nurse brought the machine right to my bed side, service with a smile wow! More vitals done and pulse was 51, and continued to go up during the night to 62. I slept from 1 a.m. to 3 and woke with sore neck, got a hot blanket for that and slept again until 5:30, time for IV antibiotics and meds and vitals. I was sore but breathing well. God is looking after all my needs!
I had a wonderful hot breakfast, shower in own bathroom, even a bench to sit on! What luxury!
I am writing journels and sketching and doing jigsaw puzzles and have lots of visitors and phone calls . MY sinuses are clear and throat good. Love this clean air!
I want you to rejoice with me and smile lots and know that your positive thoughs and wishes and prayers are bringing in a bountiful harvest in my body, soul and Spirit! love Jackie
Dr. froze the incision site and cut and entered into the femoral artery, with a pipette. He threaded it up through to the liver artery, wow was he good, watching with camera, I was as still as a live manican in a model show. THanks for all those prayers, not a muscle moved and no antsy leg twitches, God is so Good, miraculous! It only took his 20 min. I could feel the tube going up, and sighed when it took a turn ,but was told not to as it lowered my diaphram and messed up the arteries. I got lots of octreotied, muscle relaxants, and only a little morphine. When they rolled me onto the stretcher, I was nausious and the pain started, in liver and back, more morphine, 2 shots, did it! I was taken to recovery for 5 hours and had to lay still and flat, unfortunately, the restless leg and antsy feeling came That is the worse fooling, as trying not it shake, is so awful, not painful but nerve recking! I kept asking for the time, as they couldn't give me anything for it! What a releaf when I was brought back to my room and given tylenol and clonazapam, the twitching finally subsided. John & Marnie where there, they stayed all day! :). They left around 7 as I was going to sleep.
Next day I was taken for 3 scans and had blood tests, I V's and meds, The care and attention at the Victoria hospital in London , Ontario is wonderful, I feel like a princess in a palace. THe food is great too!
I have a private room, even though I only have ward coverage! Wow! Another blessing, soon I will be flying so high from all the blessings, and I know your prayers are directing them my way! THanks so much!
Last night I had a carcinoid crisis, I was told this might happen, when the meds started to break down the tumors and the hormones are secreted. I had pain in liver and back, then bronchial spazms and shortness of breathe. The nurse took vitals, pulse 41, so she gave shot of octreotide, THe breathing and pressure got worse, so she gave my 2 sprays of nitro under my tongue and in a little while I could relax and not pant or feel like the elephant was getting heavier. The ECG nurse brought the machine right to my bed side, service with a smile wow! More vitals done and pulse was 51, and continued to go up during the night to 62. I slept from 1 a.m. to 3 and woke with sore neck, got a hot blanket for that and slept again until 5:30, time for IV antibiotics and meds and vitals. I was sore but breathing well. God is looking after all my needs!
I had a wonderful hot breakfast, shower in own bathroom, even a bench to sit on! What luxury!
I am writing journels and sketching and doing jigsaw puzzles and have lots of visitors and phone calls . MY sinuses are clear and throat good. Love this clean air!
I want you to rejoice with me and smile lots and know that your positive thoughs and wishes and prayers are bringing in a bountiful harvest in my body, soul and Spirit! love Jackie
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Carcinoid Tumours in liver
Health update- I will be going to London Health Services hospital in London, Ontario for a liver embolization- Sept. 13th,2006. My hospital stay will be 6 days.
The long name for this is" Hepatic Arterial Lipiodol Chemoembolization ( HALCE).
The goal of this treatment is to stop the growth of tumours in the liver. It does not cure the cancer. It can be effective in decreasing the tumour size and stopping its growth.
A mixture of radioactive substance(lipoidol) and chemotherapy is injected into a branch of the artery leading to the tumour. One side of the liver is treated each time. I will have the other liver lobe done after 10 weeks.
I went to Huntsville last Thurs. for 3 injections of Sandostatin( my monthly injection is usually 20mg. but I needed 60mg. for this treatment and I will be given more during the proceedure, as it helps to counteract the secretion emitted by the tumours.
It is wonderful what Dr. can do now for the treatment of different kinds of cancers and I thank the Lord that he has given them skill and wisdom and knowledge to help cure us. I also value your prayers and positive thoughts as I know that these are valuable and neccessary for us, to see the wonders of God in and through us during our lives. He has brought us together and we are able to hold each other up at times like this and I am so glad you are my support team and friends , THANKS just doesn't quite express my feelings but please know that I appreciate you all and love you. HUGS! Jackie
The long name for this is" Hepatic Arterial Lipiodol Chemoembolization ( HALCE).
The goal of this treatment is to stop the growth of tumours in the liver. It does not cure the cancer. It can be effective in decreasing the tumour size and stopping its growth.
A mixture of radioactive substance(lipoidol) and chemotherapy is injected into a branch of the artery leading to the tumour. One side of the liver is treated each time. I will have the other liver lobe done after 10 weeks.
I went to Huntsville last Thurs. for 3 injections of Sandostatin( my monthly injection is usually 20mg. but I needed 60mg. for this treatment and I will be given more during the proceedure, as it helps to counteract the secretion emitted by the tumours.
It is wonderful what Dr. can do now for the treatment of different kinds of cancers and I thank the Lord that he has given them skill and wisdom and knowledge to help cure us. I also value your prayers and positive thoughts as I know that these are valuable and neccessary for us, to see the wonders of God in and through us during our lives. He has brought us together and we are able to hold each other up at times like this and I am so glad you are my support team and friends , THANKS just doesn't quite express my feelings but please know that I appreciate you all and love you. HUGS! Jackie
Monday, August 21, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Visiting Santa's Village, Bracebridge, Ontario,Canada
SANTA’S VILLAGE- VISIT WITH THE GRANDKIDS!
This summer I have had the fun of going to this village twice with the kids and grandkids.
It is a great park, in the trees of Muskoka. Lots to see and do and it makes for a relaxing family day. There are really 2 parks- the Village and Sports land for older kids.
This year every child received an Elf hat and pledged to be an Elf for the day!
I got to wear J-J’s Elf hat. Nanny’s second childhood.
The admission is $19.95 . Kids 2-4 and seniors are $ 15.95. kids under 2 yrs. are free. We had a coupon from the Ontario attraction magazine that let a family of 4 in for price of 3. We found out the second time that with an extra $20 we could get unlimited Sports Land , not including the Laser Tag.
If you have kids 8 and over this is a better buy as the Sports-land events are extra- tickets $3 each, some take 2 tickets, Batting cage is one ticket.
I packed a picnic lunch for both our visits. Good idea to save a little.
The first ride is Rudolph’s roller coaster. I passed on it. I used to always go on when I took our kids 30 yrs ago. HA!
The next path leads to the Chapel in the woods, very pretty.
There is a bandstand structure for a kids shows. This month is featuring Erik Traplin. We saw Dicky Dee, in July. A very good magician and music man. The best part is that the kids get to perform too.
After the stage there is an area for Santa’s Reindeer. They are beautiful animals and very gentle. You can get food for .25 cents to feed them.
No visit would be complete without a visit to Santa and Mrs. Claus’s house.
Emma didn’t opt to go ! This year they gave out little activity books instead of candy canes. No tooth decay here!
The boys were being very good sports to even think of sitting on Santa’s knee. We all got a laugh when Santa said, “ Are you the 2 boys that Mrs. Santa said you wanted dolls?”
This park is known as “SANTA’S SUMMER HOME”
My favourite and Jacob’s is the train that takes us all around the park. If you look closely you can find hitch hikers along the trail.
The park employs many teen every summer to run the rides and amusements.
If you get an urge for fresh baking treats, Mrs.Claus has a Ginger bread house bake shop!
The giant Christmas tree divides the path and from here you can go to the splash area and wet lands exhibit; of turtles, frogs and even a duck,or go through the trees to more kiddy rides.
I won’t spoil you excitement by showing you all the fun rides.
There are the Swan paddle boats and even a 15 minute river boat cruise.
If it’s animals you enjoy, well take a stroll across the bridge and there you can feed Llamas, goats, horses, and sheep. There are even Jacob’s Sheep, with more then 2 horns!
Now you have come to the active area of Elves Island, rope net climbing , tube slides and craft areas are just a few of the exciting things that the elves have on their island. Don’t miss it! Come on back over the bridge and take in a game of mini-put, or a game to win a stuffed toy! I love the stuffed frog that J-J won for me!
We head over to Sports land and the picnic area for lunch from Nanny’s cooler. You can of course buy lunch, pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and ice-cream treats.
The older kids love the arcade and laser tag and everyone can have a go-cart ride but you must be 12 yrs. to drive alone. Alex and I got on the last ride at 5:30 .pm. On week nights they are open until 9 p.m.
The batting cage was a favourite this time for kids and adults too.
If you want a relaxing fun day with the kids or grandkids , Santa’s Village, Bracebridge is the place to go!
This summer I have had the fun of going to this village twice with the kids and grandkids.
It is a great park, in the trees of Muskoka. Lots to see and do and it makes for a relaxing family day. There are really 2 parks- the Village and Sports land for older kids.
This year every child received an Elf hat and pledged to be an Elf for the day!
I got to wear J-J’s Elf hat. Nanny’s second childhood.
The admission is $19.95 . Kids 2-4 and seniors are $ 15.95. kids under 2 yrs. are free. We had a coupon from the Ontario attraction magazine that let a family of 4 in for price of 3. We found out the second time that with an extra $20 we could get unlimited Sports Land , not including the Laser Tag.
If you have kids 8 and over this is a better buy as the Sports-land events are extra- tickets $3 each, some take 2 tickets, Batting cage is one ticket.
I packed a picnic lunch for both our visits. Good idea to save a little.
The first ride is Rudolph’s roller coaster. I passed on it. I used to always go on when I took our kids 30 yrs ago. HA!
The next path leads to the Chapel in the woods, very pretty.
There is a bandstand structure for a kids shows. This month is featuring Erik Traplin. We saw Dicky Dee, in July. A very good magician and music man. The best part is that the kids get to perform too.
After the stage there is an area for Santa’s Reindeer. They are beautiful animals and very gentle. You can get food for .25 cents to feed them.
No visit would be complete without a visit to Santa and Mrs. Claus’s house.
Emma didn’t opt to go ! This year they gave out little activity books instead of candy canes. No tooth decay here!
The boys were being very good sports to even think of sitting on Santa’s knee. We all got a laugh when Santa said, “ Are you the 2 boys that Mrs. Santa said you wanted dolls?”
This park is known as “SANTA’S SUMMER HOME”
My favourite and Jacob’s is the train that takes us all around the park. If you look closely you can find hitch hikers along the trail.
The park employs many teen every summer to run the rides and amusements.
If you get an urge for fresh baking treats, Mrs.Claus has a Ginger bread house bake shop!
The giant Christmas tree divides the path and from here you can go to the splash area and wet lands exhibit; of turtles, frogs and even a duck,or go through the trees to more kiddy rides.
I won’t spoil you excitement by showing you all the fun rides.
There are the Swan paddle boats and even a 15 minute river boat cruise.
If it’s animals you enjoy, well take a stroll across the bridge and there you can feed Llamas, goats, horses, and sheep. There are even Jacob’s Sheep, with more then 2 horns!
Now you have come to the active area of Elves Island, rope net climbing , tube slides and craft areas are just a few of the exciting things that the elves have on their island. Don’t miss it! Come on back over the bridge and take in a game of mini-put, or a game to win a stuffed toy! I love the stuffed frog that J-J won for me!
We head over to Sports land and the picnic area for lunch from Nanny’s cooler. You can of course buy lunch, pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and ice-cream treats.
The older kids love the arcade and laser tag and everyone can have a go-cart ride but you must be 12 yrs. to drive alone. Alex and I got on the last ride at 5:30 .pm. On week nights they are open until 9 p.m.
The batting cage was a favourite this time for kids and adults too.
If you want a relaxing fun day with the kids or grandkids , Santa’s Village, Bracebridge is the place to go!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Monday, August 07, 2006
Stratford- A great vacation place!
I will continue my ramblings about our trip to Stratford. My sister Donna and I met there and stayed 3 nights at the Traveler's motel. A clean economic motel on Ontario St. Stratford. We arrived sunday afternoon and searched the eating places for a suitable dinner experience. We picked the "Boar's Head Pub" at the Queen's Hotel downtown Stratford. I was hoping for musical entertainment but it only happens on Fri. and Sat. nights. :(. I had fish and chips and Donna chose steak & kidney pie! We have had better meals as mine had a little too much grease and Donna's was not up to par. We picked these two types as they were noted English fare. Live and learn!
We walked around the village in the afternoon before this meal and found it vacant of tourist and many stores closed. That is when we realized that Stratfordian's take a holiday on Sunday and Monday. There are no plays performed until Tues. When visiting Stratford go to the 2 toy stores, Family & Company, Pumpkin Patch, for a fun time and also go for gifts to the Bazaar Gifts on Ontario St. P'lovers is great shopping too.
I will summarize our other eating experiences- The best place to get home made food- " The York Street Kitchen". www.yorkstreetkitchen.com ,41 York St.
We ate lunch there and the sandwhiches were great, coffee good too. The breakfast menu looked delicious but we didn't get back for one.
We had coffee and Tim Horton's bagels for breakfast most mornings as it was just down the road from our motel!
It you are looking for a fine dining experience them "The Belfry" above "The Church restaurant is the place to go! We went there for lunch, a trip back into the past for me! It had changed and the menu was different and difficult to understand. We did ask the waitress for a translation. The top list are apperitifs on very small plates, range $8 + ,the middle list items are one small plates and range from $15 +, the bottom list items are on big plates and at $25+ .
We decided to share a very small plate item- smoked salmon and have a small plate item each, fish and salad. The smoked salmon, 2 thin curls and sauce, and fennel salad- one tablespoon, I didn't care for the salmon but Donna loved it!
The fish was a small fillet with 1 table spoon of a potato type salad. We did get herb bread with it and asked for another slice as they too were very small! It is a great place to dine for dieters and those with limited appetites and the flavors are wonderful, though brief! The combined bill was $42.?? and we didn't have drink or dessert. I did enjoy going back in time and visited the swank washroom on the way out, years ago I had taken a photo of this washroom! It has changed but very spacious still! www.churchrestaurant.com . 70 Brunswick St.
In past years I have dined at "The Old Prune" fine french dining - Dinner menu $68.50.luncheon from $9:50- $30. The Elizabethan Restaurant is a very good eating place with Daily lunch specials available all day - $5.25-7:25. also old fashioned sandwiches- $3.75- 7:95. Located at 95 Ontario St. open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. "Cafe Ten" in the Festival Square has home made lunches and desserts- yummy!
It's not a dining place but be sure to visit the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and watch delicious chocolate treats being made. I bought dark chocolate covered ginger, my favourite and some turtle like pieces. I had to go to the drug store and get an emergency ice pack for my lunch kit as I decided to go to a play after buying the chocolate. Remember, if you are ever in need of ice- the Guardian Drug store has ice packs in the frig and they are free for the asking!You need a good reason like I had! Emergency for sure!
Plays we enjoyed- CORIOLANUS- Shakespeare tragedy- I hadn't read tis one but it did follow the other tragedies closely and so I could understand it. It was 3 hours long, but lots of action. The star, Colm Feore is my favourite actor and surpassed my expectations in this one. I was of course sad when they burned his body in the last scene. " For his heroism in defeating an uprising against Rome. Coriolanus is nominated for the office of Consul. His opponents, however, are quick to seize on his fatal flaw: his refusal to play the political games demanded by the common people. Soon, the man of the hour becomes a hated outcast- and vows a terrible revenge. A great play and wonderful actors and smooth execusion(of plot)! PUN HA!
We got good seats even though we only bought them the day before- orch. aisle 7 row M seats 35, 36,) the Festival theatre in the round has very few bad seats.
Wed. afternoon I went to see a comedy, " London Assurance" . A wonderful, colourful english comedy. Brian Bedford starred and directed this funny play. I got a seat at 12 the day the play started at 2 p.m. Orch. aisle CE Row P seat 15. Avon theatre, very good view. . The sets were wonderfully colourful and the costumes bejeweled and ornate to an extreme. " Aging roue, Sir Harcourt Courtly seeks to marry 18 year-old heiress Grace Haraway, little realizing that he has a rival in his own son,Charles. Riotous comedy ensues as Charles and his accomplice, Dazzle, enlist Grace's cousin, the high spirited lady Gay Spanker, to help them in an elaborate game of deception."
Tues before the play Donna and I visited the exhibit," All made of FANTASY" enchanting design from former plays. The costumes and set pieces were from many fantasy plays- ranging from red riding hood to fairies and sprites and ugly creatures of various colours and textures, and fabrics.
Two other tourist attractions that we enjoyed were the boat trip along Lake Victoria and the red double decker bus trip around Stratford. The scenery is gorgeous and there are many beautiful houses, trees and interesting buildings to be seen. The swans are of course famous. This year I saw a black swan and 2 baby swans. The mother swan formed her wings when protecting them and it just looked like a swan paddle boat shape. There are mallard ducks and chinese ducks also.
In conclusion, try to have a trip to Stratford. It is worth the drive and do take in a play or 2, while you are there. I love the atmosphere of peace and calmness. I hope you will get a chance visit and to refresh, renew and enjoy like we did in July 2006!
We walked around the village in the afternoon before this meal and found it vacant of tourist and many stores closed. That is when we realized that Stratfordian's take a holiday on Sunday and Monday. There are no plays performed until Tues. When visiting Stratford go to the 2 toy stores, Family & Company, Pumpkin Patch, for a fun time and also go for gifts to the Bazaar Gifts on Ontario St. P'lovers is great shopping too.
I will summarize our other eating experiences- The best place to get home made food- " The York Street Kitchen". www.yorkstreetkitchen.com ,41 York St.
We ate lunch there and the sandwhiches were great, coffee good too. The breakfast menu looked delicious but we didn't get back for one.
We had coffee and Tim Horton's bagels for breakfast most mornings as it was just down the road from our motel!
It you are looking for a fine dining experience them "The Belfry" above "The Church restaurant is the place to go! We went there for lunch, a trip back into the past for me! It had changed and the menu was different and difficult to understand. We did ask the waitress for a translation. The top list are apperitifs on very small plates, range $8 + ,the middle list items are one small plates and range from $15 +, the bottom list items are on big plates and at $25+ .
We decided to share a very small plate item- smoked salmon and have a small plate item each, fish and salad. The smoked salmon, 2 thin curls and sauce, and fennel salad- one tablespoon, I didn't care for the salmon but Donna loved it!
The fish was a small fillet with 1 table spoon of a potato type salad. We did get herb bread with it and asked for another slice as they too were very small! It is a great place to dine for dieters and those with limited appetites and the flavors are wonderful, though brief! The combined bill was $42.?? and we didn't have drink or dessert. I did enjoy going back in time and visited the swank washroom on the way out, years ago I had taken a photo of this washroom! It has changed but very spacious still! www.churchrestaurant.com . 70 Brunswick St.
In past years I have dined at "The Old Prune" fine french dining - Dinner menu $68.50.luncheon from $9:50- $30. The Elizabethan Restaurant is a very good eating place with Daily lunch specials available all day - $5.25-7:25. also old fashioned sandwiches- $3.75- 7:95. Located at 95 Ontario St. open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. "Cafe Ten" in the Festival Square has home made lunches and desserts- yummy!
It's not a dining place but be sure to visit the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and watch delicious chocolate treats being made. I bought dark chocolate covered ginger, my favourite and some turtle like pieces. I had to go to the drug store and get an emergency ice pack for my lunch kit as I decided to go to a play after buying the chocolate. Remember, if you are ever in need of ice- the Guardian Drug store has ice packs in the frig and they are free for the asking!You need a good reason like I had! Emergency for sure!
Plays we enjoyed- CORIOLANUS- Shakespeare tragedy- I hadn't read tis one but it did follow the other tragedies closely and so I could understand it. It was 3 hours long, but lots of action. The star, Colm Feore is my favourite actor and surpassed my expectations in this one. I was of course sad when they burned his body in the last scene. " For his heroism in defeating an uprising against Rome. Coriolanus is nominated for the office of Consul. His opponents, however, are quick to seize on his fatal flaw: his refusal to play the political games demanded by the common people. Soon, the man of the hour becomes a hated outcast- and vows a terrible revenge. A great play and wonderful actors and smooth execusion(of plot)! PUN HA!
We got good seats even though we only bought them the day before- orch. aisle 7 row M seats 35, 36,) the Festival theatre in the round has very few bad seats.
Wed. afternoon I went to see a comedy, " London Assurance" . A wonderful, colourful english comedy. Brian Bedford starred and directed this funny play. I got a seat at 12 the day the play started at 2 p.m. Orch. aisle CE Row P seat 15. Avon theatre, very good view. . The sets were wonderfully colourful and the costumes bejeweled and ornate to an extreme. " Aging roue, Sir Harcourt Courtly seeks to marry 18 year-old heiress Grace Haraway, little realizing that he has a rival in his own son,Charles. Riotous comedy ensues as Charles and his accomplice, Dazzle, enlist Grace's cousin, the high spirited lady Gay Spanker, to help them in an elaborate game of deception."
Tues before the play Donna and I visited the exhibit," All made of FANTASY" enchanting design from former plays. The costumes and set pieces were from many fantasy plays- ranging from red riding hood to fairies and sprites and ugly creatures of various colours and textures, and fabrics.
Two other tourist attractions that we enjoyed were the boat trip along Lake Victoria and the red double decker bus trip around Stratford. The scenery is gorgeous and there are many beautiful houses, trees and interesting buildings to be seen. The swans are of course famous. This year I saw a black swan and 2 baby swans. The mother swan formed her wings when protecting them and it just looked like a swan paddle boat shape. There are mallard ducks and chinese ducks also.
In conclusion, try to have a trip to Stratford. It is worth the drive and do take in a play or 2, while you are there. I love the atmosphere of peace and calmness. I hope you will get a chance visit and to refresh, renew and enjoy like we did in July 2006!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
LIVING with cancer !
Cancer is a wide spread disease that touches many families in our world today. I found out that I had cancer on May 21/05 after a bowel resection. During a scope the Dr. found a lump in the colon wall and advised me to have the operation. My ovaries were also taken out and proved to have tumors as well as my appendix. The pathology report stated - matastatic carcinoid tumors in these organs.
I had never heard of carcinoid tumors. my daughter-in-law sent me some reference sites. The best site was www.carcinoid.com . At this site I learned that my tumors were causing my hot flushes and diahrea. (Carcinoid syndrome) These tumors secrete seratonin, peptides and growth hormones. They are slow growing and since mine had spread so far I figure I have had them for over 5 years. No one knows exactly what causes them.
My surgeon refered me to an oncologist in Sudbury Cancere centre. Dr Germond. I had to wait from June until Aug 23/05 for my visit. I started to binge eat at night yuk!!!
Dr. Germond had me do the 24 hour urine test to check the seretonin levels , mine were very high. It seems seretonin in the abdomin and lower body never gets to the brain so you don't get any good effects from it, only harmful ones. Months later I learned that this seretonin causes scarring of the right valve of ones heart. Dr. Germond refered me to Dr. Kocha, the carcinoid specialist for Canada, who is in London cancer centre. I made trips to London, Ontario, a 5 hour drive( northern travel grant pays for the fuel :)) . There I had nuclear scans, octreotide and MIBG scans. These confirmed that the spots in my liver, diasgnosed 5 yrs previous where in fact carcinoid tumors. Wow was that a shock!! The largest is 5 cm. I'm sure glad they are slow growing. By this time it was November 2005. In Jan. 2006 I had a visit to meet Dr. Kocha and Dr. Reed. They said that I needed a liver embolization( radio- active and chemo injected in a tube up through the aeorta to the liver artery) to break up these tumors and stem the flow of seretonin. This is to protect my heart valve. I am still waiting for this procedure. I visited with these Dr. in July 2006 for more input. I agreed to have it done to both lobes of my liver as there are tumors in both. They do them 10 weeks apart and I stay in the hospital for 6 days, until the liver is back to normal. In the interim, I have been having monthly injections of sandostatin a hormone to counteract the seretonin. Dr. Germond prescribed these and it seems I need them for life!!!! double meaning eh!! These cost $1800 each and are paid for by the government. I could not have them if they didn't pay! Canada health care is great! Lets keep it going!
I do know much more about this disease or cancer and if you have questions or have carcinoids, please comment and leave you e-mail address and I will share more with you. Thanks for listening! or reading my blog! :) .
I had never heard of carcinoid tumors. my daughter-in-law sent me some reference sites. The best site was www.carcinoid.com . At this site I learned that my tumors were causing my hot flushes and diahrea. (Carcinoid syndrome) These tumors secrete seratonin, peptides and growth hormones. They are slow growing and since mine had spread so far I figure I have had them for over 5 years. No one knows exactly what causes them.
My surgeon refered me to an oncologist in Sudbury Cancere centre. Dr Germond. I had to wait from June until Aug 23/05 for my visit. I started to binge eat at night yuk!!!
Dr. Germond had me do the 24 hour urine test to check the seretonin levels , mine were very high. It seems seretonin in the abdomin and lower body never gets to the brain so you don't get any good effects from it, only harmful ones. Months later I learned that this seretonin causes scarring of the right valve of ones heart. Dr. Germond refered me to Dr. Kocha, the carcinoid specialist for Canada, who is in London cancer centre. I made trips to London, Ontario, a 5 hour drive( northern travel grant pays for the fuel :)) . There I had nuclear scans, octreotide and MIBG scans. These confirmed that the spots in my liver, diasgnosed 5 yrs previous where in fact carcinoid tumors. Wow was that a shock!! The largest is 5 cm. I'm sure glad they are slow growing. By this time it was November 2005. In Jan. 2006 I had a visit to meet Dr. Kocha and Dr. Reed. They said that I needed a liver embolization( radio- active and chemo injected in a tube up through the aeorta to the liver artery) to break up these tumors and stem the flow of seretonin. This is to protect my heart valve. I am still waiting for this procedure. I visited with these Dr. in July 2006 for more input. I agreed to have it done to both lobes of my liver as there are tumors in both. They do them 10 weeks apart and I stay in the hospital for 6 days, until the liver is back to normal. In the interim, I have been having monthly injections of sandostatin a hormone to counteract the seretonin. Dr. Germond prescribed these and it seems I need them for life!!!! double meaning eh!! These cost $1800 each and are paid for by the government. I could not have them if they didn't pay! Canada health care is great! Lets keep it going!
I do know much more about this disease or cancer and if you have questions or have carcinoids, please comment and leave you e-mail address and I will share more with you. Thanks for listening! or reading my blog! :) .
Friday, August 04, 2006
photos of me!
all smiles here!
Biggest Chair in the north, South River, Ont. - Stratford Ontario, Swan!
August 4,2006-freedom 67...............
Freedom, yes, I bought a car in June and wow it's great to have my own wheel again and automatic too! I love this little car, elantra/hyundai 2002! My daughter Cheryl, sells them in North Bay, Ontario . She found this gem for me with only 32,000 km.. Since June, I have travelled many places in Ontario and now have 35,679 km. My first trip was to London, Ontario to visit our son Dave and his family and meet with my carcinoid tumor specialist, Dr. Kocha, at the London Cancer center. The visit was my second and it went well. We talked about the coming embolization of my liver and he told me I would need another C.T. scan and an eco- cardiogram. I extended my visit in London to have the cat-scan. I will explain my condition in a health related blog one of these days!
Being free, I spent 4 wonderfilled days in between health visits in Stratford, with my sister Donna, from Orangeville area. The drive in "Elantra" through the farm lands was beautiful as was Stratford. I would love to live there. Donna and I found out that the community sleeps for Sunday and Monday, well most of it! There are no plays~! I will do a blog on Stratford later! to be continued.........................skynanny
Being free, I spent 4 wonderfilled days in between health visits in Stratford, with my sister Donna, from Orangeville area. The drive in "Elantra" through the farm lands was beautiful as was Stratford. I would love to live there. Donna and I found out that the community sleeps for Sunday and Monday, well most of it! There are no plays~! I will do a blog on Stratford later! to be continued.........................skynanny
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