Summit - Day 2 or 1?

Today was the first real day of the summit. A long, be very informative day of panel discussions. We heard from many world leaders about cooperation, prevention and the increase of cancer cases in developing countries. We heard about the difficult decisions countries must make with funding, and how important it is to address the funding needs. To tell the truth, my mind is full of information and I am very tired. I will finish this tomorrow. I need some sleep. 

TTFN

The Summit, Ireland, Day 2

Entrance to Dublin Castle                                              Sand sculpture                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                                            

 One of the castle rooms

Today was a "get ready" day for summit. Registration was in the afternoon and the opening reception at 6:30. We have a great summit bag - a nice LIVESTRONG bag with a portfolio and pen, water bottle, pin, bracelets, flash drive, an "Atlas on Tobacco" and  couple of other things. Quite a nice treat! The reception was held at Dublin Castle and we were warmly welcomed by LAF CEO Doug Ullman. While at the reception I chatted with people from Austin, Texas, Boston Mass, Miami Florida, and a couple of other places I don't remember! We heard greetings from the Irish Ministry of Health and the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland.  Ireland is one of the world leaders on cancer control - something of which I was not aware. There is more learning to come tomorrow. I feel like a minnow in a sea of whales! Most people here are affiliated with organizations and their paid job is the reason they are here. There are doctors, psychologists, researchers and many more professions represented.  There are a few LIVESTRONG leaders here - I hope to find them soon!  It is definitely overwhelming at the moment to be surrounded by such intelligence and wisdom. I sure hope I can manage to absorb a whole load of information! Unfortunately there has been nothing organized for spouses/family members who are accompanying delegates.  It will be a couple of long days for Callum.  I am sure he will find something to do while I am busy - hopefully he finds some friendly people along the way.

TTFN

Ireland Day 1

We arrived in Ireland and were greeted by sunshine and the warmth of Summit volunteers.  We never had to look far for help when we needed it. Everyone here is quite friendly and helpful. So far it has been a good trip, although we have some jet lag.  Our hotel is quite lovely and comfy so will feel quite at home.  The coffee, however, is coffee in Europe! Only 1 week of it this time, though! Tomorrow I can register and the opening reception is at Dublin Castle in the evening.  I need to check to see if Callum can come for the dinners - it will be a couple of long days if he can't. 

Check out www.livestrong.org for updates!

Happiness is.....

Welcome Cade Scott Bonneville!!!

It has been a whirlwind of the past six weeks or so.  I am hearing from many people that they have been checking my blog - to no avail!

For those who remember, this blog will be in the spirit of that famous song, and Charlie Brown book....Happiness is.....

HAPPINESS IS.....GRANDCHILDREN!!

Since my last blog, we have been to Saskatoon, Medicine Hat, back to Saskatoon, Medicine Hat, Alameda, Medicine Hat......are you starting to see a pattern? I have a new guy in my life.  Fear not, Callum is still my main squeeze!  Cade Scott Bonneville was born July 7, 2009. He was 7 lbs, 7 oz. We had fun with the numbers game - born on 7/7, weighed 7/7. And if you take 9 -2 (in 2009) you come up with 7! What a lucky boy! 

He has been the brightest spark in our life since his arrival. He spends some time each day talking to Grandad, well, OK - cooing.  He loves to hear his Grandad's voice and intently gazes at him when he speaks. They have spoken of the ways of the world, what he should aspire to be as he grows up, and other important life lessons.  Luckily, he is still eager to hear the wisdom of Grandad.

Stuart and Vanessa are doing well. They have definitely risen to the occasion in the parenting world. Cade couldn't have more loving and caring - and very smart! - parents. It is a joy to see such a loving couple share their love with a wee being.  They could be a new definition of family and we are very proud of them.

Cade

5 weeks old

HAPPINESS IS.....STABLE HEALTH!

Callum has continued to feel very well. He has continued with the 5 - FU chemo and leucovorin. He generally has fewer side effects and has a quicker recovery. He had a CT scan mid-July and it shows no change from the April CT scan. We are absolutely thrilled! This means that it has now been 1 year since a CT scan showed any disease progression.  Could this be the miracle?Unfortunately, our elation was short lived, to an extent.  Blood tests in early August showed some fluctuations in his liver enzymes. Dr. A is a bit concerned that it is a result of some cancer spread that hasn't yet shown up on the CT. So Callum had oxaliplatin chemo added to his last treatment, just in case the fluctuations are due to cancer.  To put this into context though, the enzyme levels that Dr A is concerned about are still lower than they were in early spring! We are optimistic that the fluctuations are due to chemo or something else, and not cancer. And even if it is cancer, we feel extremely confident that the oxaliplatin will once again take care of it. A follow up blood test post chemo treatment showed some decrease in some levels, and minor increase in the others. Nothing major. We are not worried....nor should you.

HAPPINESS IS......MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Dr A has also ordered an ultrasound to see how the blood clot is doing. Callum has had absolutely no issues with it, but it hasn't been checked since the end of January, so I guess it is time. The ultrasound is on August 19, so we should know early Sept what is happening with the clot.

HAPPINESS IS.....IRELAND!!

I think I have mentioned that I started a community group - Saskatoon Supporting LIVESTRONG, as part of the global action on cancer started by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. On behalf of our group, I submitted a commitment to bring the Giant Colon Tour, an education exhibit of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada, to Saskatoon.  I am priveleged to be one of the 225 or so committments (out of 300) to be invited to attend the Lance Armstrong Global Summit on Cancer in Dublin, from Aug 24 - 26! So, Callum and I are off to Ireland on Aug 21 and will return to Saskatoon on Aug 28. Unfortunately we have no extra time to hop over to Scotland.....but Callum will be by himself while I am at the conference, so if anyone in Scotland wants to pop over, just drop us an email or give us a call! I am very excited to be part of the positive action that will make cancer history.  

HAPPINESS IS......GREAT FRIENDS

Saskatoon Supporting LIVESTRONG is a new group making giant leaps! Along with the Giant Colon Tour, we will have a Wear Yellow Day, to help offset the costs of the Giant Colon and hopefully to have some funds to donate to worthy cancer causes in Saskatoon and area. None of this would not be possible if not for some great friends we have found in Saskatoon. You know who you are - THANK YOU!!!

HAPPINESS IS.....WONDERFUL FAMILY

We spent a few days in early August helping my mom prepare for an auction sale. She and my step-dad, Earl, have decided to move into a seniors apartment in Alameda. We are happy to see them move into town and closer to other people. It was a busy few days, but so nice to be with my sisters and brother, sister in law and brothers in law for that time. We got to have short visits with some Aunts and Uncles, and cousins.  The sale went well and both Mom and Earl were quite pleased at the end. 

"People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success."   

  Norman Vincent Peale

TTFN

Lorna 

And the days go on....

Well, here we are, July already.  And no Grandbaby yet. Soon, any day now. We are now in Medicine Hat waiting for the arrival of the newest little one. The last month continued to be busy.  I had another trip to Regina and have hired a summer student so had been busy getting her up to speed in the office. We have been in the Hat for a week now - baby is 1 week overdue.  Vanessa was at the Dr today and she and baby are basically ready - just waiting for contractions to start. She will be induced on Monday if she hasn't had it before then. We have enjoyed our week here - I have done working while here and we have been helping Vanessa and Stuart around the house.

Callum is doing very well. He is still feeling really good most days - thanks to not having that nasty oxaliplatin chemo! His bloodwork has been good and he has his next CT scan July 17. We are confident it will once again be a great one! His next chemo is July 8. We are hoping baby is here by then!

The LIVESTRONG group I started in Saskatoon has been busy planning our LIVESTRONG Day activities for Oct. 2.  Anyone have a spare $12,500?  We are going to have the Giant Colon Tour as one of our activities. It is a 40 ft long, 8 ft high inflatable replica of a colon that will show different stages of colorectal cancer, as well as what Crohn's and Colitis look like. It is quite the thing, but costs a few pennies. We are in the process of seeking funding to cover the cost - no worries. We are also adding in a Wear Yellow Day and a surprise dance activity. A fun day for all!

Unfortunately, we are not often very far from people who are battling this dreadful disease. Everyone is at a different point in their fight, but all take on this fight with conviction, determination, and humour. Don't discount the importance of humour!  Laughing has been proven to have many positive benefits.  We sincerely hope that each of these wonderful people continue to be persistent in their fight, and win. Sometimes it is overwhelming and seems impossible, but we must go forward, hope and keep our belief in a successful outcome.  

I have found that one of the outlets that gives me energy is the LIVESTRONG group. I really like the positive outlook of our group. We know reality, but also see that there are things we can change. We will make a difference.  This group is one way that I can work in a positive way to address cancer issues. Focus on change, making things better for those who walk this journey. It has already provided me many opportunities - with many more to come!

I will update the blog shortly after the baby makes it's entrance.

"There is the risk you cannot afford to take, and there is the risk you cannot afford not to take."    Peter Drucker

TTFN

Well - there he is - the man with the Porsche! It took forever to get a picture of him with the car. We have had a pile of fun with the car! Last weekend we headed to Medicine Hat, lid down, letting the sunshine and hurricane breezes wash over us.  Callum is having a blast with it. He has his new baby.

Things have been going very well. Callum is still not having the oxaliplatin, so he has fewer side effects from the chemo treatments. The anti-nausea steroids keep him pretty wired for 2-3 days after treatment, and he doesn't sleep well those nights, so he tends to be tired come the weekend. He perks up pretty quickly after that and for quite a few days now he says he feels better than he has in about a year!  He had his MRI on May 28, and things seem fine. We haven't yet receive the written report, but Dr. Ahmad said it was OK - no new growths. We are quite happy with that!  The next CT of his chest/abdomen/pelvis will be in 4 - 6 weeks. His liver enzymes are still a bit high, but have come down again. All good news! 

I have just finished my crazy, busy time at work. It has been very busy for the past 2- 3 months. It is so nice to have a breather now. I have a summer student this year and she is wonderful. I plan to take some time around the arrival of our grandbaby, and when necessary, work from Medicine Hat in July when we are there. There is at least one major deadline in July so figured I may as well not break up my vacation - with a summer student, internet and phones I can work as much as I need to from the Hat. And with trips back to Saskatoon for chemo - I will be in the office fairly regularly anyway. I will officially take holidays in August. 

There is not much else new. We are getting more and more excited for the grandbaby - less than 3 weeks now (we hope no longer than that!). Vanessa is now on holidays/mat leave, so is now done work. She is getting in her last few weeks of rest, and hopefully she and Stuart get a chance to have some couple time - it could be a while before they get that again! Although, I know a Grandad and Gram who will be happy to babysit anytime!

I feel so lucky that we are able to experience this joy and anticipation. It is truly a wonderful time in our lives, and one that we thought might not be shared with Callum. Life is so close to normal that it is often difficult to remember that cancer is lurking, somewhere, out there. We have many, many good days, filled with special moments, and special people. Thank you all, for your prayers, positive thoughts and best wishes. Callum works hard every day to beat this disease, but we know that we need your support. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

"We find things where we look for them, which is why I never look for a golf ball out of bounds."  ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

TTFN

Time...oh time....where does it go?

I don't know where the time goes! It has been such a busy month and here we are back in Medicine Hat already! This is my busy time at work so have been working on funding applications and our premiere event of the year - the Minister's Collection student art showcase. We had our reception and celebration in Regina yesterday. It was a great day! 

I attended the District 42 Toastmaster's Convention the weekend of May 1 - 3. Since my ambition is to become a paid pubic speaker I thought it was a logical group to join after we moved to Saskatoon. We are a smaller club but very nice and encouraging! I thoroughly enjoyed the convention and met many wonderful people. I picked up quite a few tips in the field of public speaking and were we so fortunate to have the Toastmasters International President provide an education session and the keynote address. 

One exciting thing to have happened in the last month is that I have started a group in Saskatoon as part of the Lance Armstrong Foundation's Global Grassroots Campaign. The LAF is expanding its efforts globally and I thought it was a perfect fit to help address cancer issues in our community and to advocate to make cancer a national priority. We had our first meeting May 6 and combined our first meeting with a Conversation on Cancer Control. The Conversation is part of a world wide effort G0 Public Campaign organized in partnership with the LAF, Campaign to Control Cancer (a Canadian organization) and the International Union on Cancer Control. We were a small but powerful group! Everyone in the group has been impacted by cancer in some way, and has a lot of passion to discover how we can best control cancer. It was a very informative and inspiring meeting!  I look forward to working with this group - they are amazing and so very supportive!

 

As for Callum - he is doing great! He is doing so well that I often forget he is sick. He is still not taking the Oxaliplatin chemo - and won't have it again until either the side effects are gone or the disease starts progressing again.  He has few side effects from the 5-FU so has had many good days lately. Of course......when you own a Porsche every day is a good day!  Yes.....a few short months ago it was looking like Callum may not drive again. And now....he owns a 2000 Porsche Boxster! It is an awesome car.....I love it.  It is sitting in our garage right now because in Saskatchewan it needs daytime running lights to be safetied so we can register and insure it (we bought it in Winnipeg).  Callum made many phone calls to track down the lights and relay switch and find a repair shop in Saskatoon who will work on the Porsche.  But the earliest appointment we could get was June 1 - so the car will sit until then. With any luck a cancellation will come in and it will be done sooner. And it should be done snowing by then!

Callum has an MRI on May 28 to check the status of the brain tumours, and other than that he has just regular chemo treatments coming up. It is now sounding like he will likely remain on blood thinners for an undetermined time, regardless of what the blood clot is doing. I suppose it is better to be safe and make sure there is no more clotting.

After months of dealing with the various medical issues it has been a bit weird dealing with some calm in the medical front, and with Callum feeling so much better. At times I forget that this can change at any moment. We have had over 2 months of regular, routine treatments and tests - no crisis or mini-crisis. Sometimes it feels like I am just waiting for the other shoe to drop. And then I try to enjoy the moment, be excited for the day (and the Porsche!) and believe that it doesn't have to end. Some days it is hard to not borrow worry - I have to work hard at not worrying about things that likely won't happen. No worry until there is something to worry about. Balancing a positive outlook with anxiety lurking in the background. I was telling my massage therapist about how contradicting my feelings can be, and he said that every day is like that for him! It is so helpful for someone to normalize some of these feelings. Everyone has days like that for various reasons - I am not unique in that way. It is normal - how nice that sounds. I am quite enjoying this less stressful time and talking about the future. Callum is working so hard to stay healthy and we are looking forward to time spent in Medicine Hat with our grandbaby (and our children, of course!). So many happy things ahead of us. 

I have been approached in the last week by a few people who know someone who may be seeking some support as they travel through their cancer journey. I am quite willing to share what I have learned, provide support, encourage - just plain listen - to anyone. If this blog helps you in any way, and you want to make a more personal connection (by email, phone, whatever works for you!) feel free to contact me. As I have said, cancer does not strike in isolation, and neither can change. I will do my best to help as you travel on your journey.   Send me an email calloscott@shaw.ca  and let me know how I can help.

"There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow." Orison Marden

TTFN