Exhibit A - I got to shave my hairy right arm pit this morning!
It's a hot, scorching summer in Kelowna, B.C. The average afternoon temperature is somewhere between 35 and 40 degrees Celcius. Long-sleeved shirts, or even T-shirts for that matter, are NOT the order of the day. It's sleeveless and tank tops all the way! Now, try that with one smooth, hairless arm pit and one bristly, bushy pit without feeling embarrassed and wanting to duct tape your right arm to your body so you remember NOT to raise it. I begged and pleaded with my therapists yesterday, could I please, please shave it. After convincing them that I would be uber-careful, they agreed! I'm silken smooth on both sides now and am ready to face Kelowna's heat with two raised arms this morning.
Exhibit B - Swimming in a lake!
This week, my company in Kelowna has been my brother, sister, and niece. My niece, Kim loves the water and waited patiently for several days for the opportunity to dunk into Okanagan Lake at one of the many tourist-filled beaches. Yesterday, after visiting a parrot sanctuary and goat cheese factory, we found a beautiful, quiet regional park. If it weren't for Kim's coaxing, I likely would have avoided the lake (AND putting on the bathing suit that accompanies lake swimming). However, wanting to be a good auntie, I donned my bathing suit and tiptoed like a tenderfoot out to deep water. We had enormous fun, splashing about and swimming from buoy to buoy. It had been too many years since I enjoyed some summer-swimming-in-the-lake fun (probably since Round Lake, Judy!!).
Exhibit C - Simple Chemo, not 24 hours in hospital!
Today, my brother and I had a marathon at the Cancer Agency. My weekly oncologist visit was scheduled for 2:40 p.m. Arriving about ten minutes early, I was surprised to be escorted to an examination room right away. That put me ahead of schedule for my 3:20 p.m. radiation treatment, but we decided it wasn't worth leaving our deluxe, shade-covered parking spot and finding something to do for such a short amount of time. Once I was gowned-up and we were hunkered down in the waiting room, we were told they were 40 minutes behind schedule. We passed part of our waiting time by visiting with Peter and his wife. Peter has cancer on the back of his tongue and has been given a very aggressive protocol of simultaneous chemo and radiation. It amazes me how chatting with another cancer patient will make me appreciate the relative ease and simplicity of my treatment plan and my body's reaction to chemo and radiation. Peter's protocol necessitates him being in hospital for the 24 hours prior to chemo to hydrate his body, as the drug is extremely dehydrating. While Peter was in the treatment room, I was also downhearted to learn that he received his diagnosis 3 weeks after their marriage. More reasons for me to count my blessings.
Exhibit D - Terrific Thai Food!
At the end of my treatment today, my favourite therapist, Jenny, asked what we were doing tonight. I explained that we had talked about going out for dinner, but didn't know where to go. Jenny suggested Bai Tong Thai Restaurant in downtown Kelowna. It was superb, and I highly recommend it if you are ever in Kelowna looking for authentic and tasty thai food.
Exhibit E - Barn-Board Frames!
For quite some time, I have wanted a picture frame to hold family photos. I made a return trip to the Farmers' Market today, my family in tow, and was thrilled to find one vendor who sold nothing but products made from barn board. I purchased a frame that will soon hold four pictures of my beautiful family!
Exhibit F - Calls from Old Friends!
Yesterday, I had a call from an old friend in Penticton. She merely said, "I was thinking about you all day today, and had to call to see how you're doing." It was a simplistic thought, and likely only a 3-minute conversation, but it made my day. Very often, I think about someone several times throughout the course of a day, but I rarely act upon the thought. I will follow Vina's example, and call next time.
Exhibit G - A Good Oncologist Visit!
When I checked in with Dr. Chowdhury today, I "passed" with flying colours. Last week, I was suffering with my red bumps and was quite miserable when I saw him. Today, the appointment went down something like ...
"How is your energy level?" Good
"Is your skin red?" No
"Is your skin tender?" No
"Is your skin flaking and itchy?" No
"Do you still have your red bumps everywhere?" No
"Do you want a gown for me to examine the radiation site?" No, go for it!
"It looks really good. Any questions or concerns?" No.
"OK, see you next week." Bye.
Next time I write a post that is whiny and full of complaining, can someone out there please remind me to reread this post and concentrate on what's really important in life -- little things!
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