We have not been without our fair share of shocking news down this way. What started out as senseless killing of a young engaged couple, the drama of a fired LAPD cop unfolded as the hunt to track him down continues. The father of the female victim was part of the committee who had to review the killer’s file. In the meantime, an innocent cop has since been killed and the killer’s manifesto lists numerous individuals who are being targeted. Unfortunately, a lot of snow has fallen in the mountainous areas of Big Bear Lake which is one of the key areas where the search is under way. Let’s hope that this most unfortunate case comes to a speedy conclusion without any further casualties.
Last Monday, we spent a lovely day with some Alberta friends who are vacationing in Palm Springs and who took the time out of their schedule to drive to LA to spend time with us. Too bad that a thick fog had blown in from the ocean so views of the beautiful beaches was very limited. We continue our walks around the neighbourhood and while this week has cooled, last week proved to be unseasonably warm. All the apple blossoms are on magnificent display as are the pink magnolias. It’s difficult to think of it being winter right now as so many shrubs continue to bloom throughout – even the birds of paradise, which are quite the tropical flower, seem to like the temperate climate here. The roses, geraniums, flowering jade trees, bougainvillea, azaleas and hibiscus all provide amazing colour. What seems to grow into huge trees providing shade along the streets, is the weeping fig tree (ficus benjamina?), which we only hope to keep alive indoors in Canada.
On Tuesday, I had my 2nd chemo session. Dr I’s offices were extremely busy with many new patients having to meet with him for their initial consultations. As this was my 2nd session and perhaps the least critical of the cycle, Fay — the head chemo nurse looked after all my needs. She went through a thorough listing of all the side effects likely from the chemo cocktail to see which ones were affecting me. A physical examination was done together with my BP readings and a check of how my lungs were performing. Initially, Gary and I stayed back in one of the private rooms as the chemo suite was full. As I had woken up at 1.30 a.m. that morning and did not get back to sleep until after 4 am, I took advantage of being able to catch up a little on my rest.
Interestingly, my only side effects so far, have been some fatigue, sneezing and a few days when my vocal chords sounded a lot more baritone than normal. Also, a slight amount of neuropathy of the fingertips so that anything that I handle which is cold, will generate a tingle. My appetite remains good and I am managing to maintain my weight. The constant side effect from the start has been my mouth sores. At this point, while I can detect that they are beginning to surface (usually after the 2nd chemo session), I have been religiously rinsing my mouth not only with the prescription rinse (4X p.d.) but in between I have been rinsing with an alkaline solution of bicarbonate of soda and salt. I am thinking that the increased rinsing of the alkaline solution has kept my mouth sores at a more manageable level so I will monitor whether, after my next treatment, this strategy has proven worthwhile.
Marie and Rick from Las Vegas were able to make it in so it was great to catch up with them at dinner afterwards. Marie was still trucking around her briefcase-cum-backpack containing the liquid food which she continues to have to take intravenously to keep her weight up. We also chatted briefly to David Roy, who apologized for not being able to spend more time with us. David had just resumed his treatment after having had to undergo surgery to remove a blockage in the bowel. He explained that he is a trustee for a sizeable estate and that his surgery had set him back on the file so that he is now facing a number of time-sensitive issues to be dealt with. He actually was able to work on his laptop in one of the private rooms while he was receiving his IV treatments.
Gary and I were able to move to the chemo suite fairly soon after. We met Martha Tennyson, who was finishing up her IV. We were all so happy to chat to Martha who has been treated by Dr. I for over 8 years. Martha looks the picture of health and still plays tennis, which got Gary all excited. Martha regaled her history – after her treatment for her initial diagnosis, she was able to have surgery. During surgery, they determined that unfortunately, one of her lymph nodes had, in fact, been impacted. After being cleared of her initial cancer and moving to an annual scan as part of her check-ups (the last 5 or 6 years), they have just now detected a very small lesion in her liver, which is why Martha was back in to have some chemo to deal with this. Martha’s case tells us a lot — that the disease can actually be managed over the long term and that the patient can still have a relatively normal lifestyle!
I have a few friends who have not embraced the internet world so how to stay connected with them and get these updates in their hands? I was able to email all the back-issues of my Updates to my friend’s son, who very efficiently and very creatively bound them into a single document — see attachment. I spoke to her yesterday by telephone and she was thrilled to be able to accompany us on our journey, albeit somewhat belatedly.
We expect to leave for Phoenix towards the end of next week. My recovery time in Phoenix should prove to be busy and fun-filled as Tris and Alexa will be spending the long weekend with us followed by some very dear friends who will visit with us for the next ten days. On this note, we
leave you with the following saying:
Live, Laugh, Love
Life is not the way it’s supposed to be . It’s the way it is. The way we cope with it, is what makes the difference.
Our best wishes to you all and our warm appreciation for all your continued support and prayers.
Maureen and Gary