Training Rollercoaster Ride

Well, this week has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for me as I continue my training for the Breast Cancer Walk in October.

In June, I went to a podiatrist knowing I would need a new pair of full foot orthodics (reason is I have multiple foot conditions). On my followup consult earlier this month - I was diagnosed with one more condition - peroneal brevis tendonitis (painful in each step) - here is a website to find out more if you are interested http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/peroneal-tendon.html

So right now - I am starting a regiment of physiotherapist twice a week; Daily (2-3 times) - ice packs, stretching the lower calf muscles, application of an anti-inflammatory cream. No training for 10 days. After my physio appointment - I also have a rigid foot (2 joints, one being my heel joint is stiff). Unfortunately, most of my problem are due to biomechanics - simple terms - genetic makeup (I see a theme here for me). Arthritis is going to happen when that occurs, then I will have to contemplate surgery (funny in a way - when I code these charts at PLC I cringe knowing that will probably be me down the road - fun stuff).

Hitting this "speed bump" on Monday night - I was emotionally disappointed, feeling that I had let down my team, but more so Sara as we joined together on this. Well, on Tuesday, I called to see if there was another way I can be supportive to my team (The 3F Crew - Family, Friends and Faith) - the lady on the other line said by October could you walk 5-10 miles - I said that would be a good goal for me - her reply - Great, you are a Breast cancer walker!! I could have cried right there (couldn't as I was working at Tom Baker) - I get to still participate to as far as my body (feet in this case) will take me. There will be a first aid tent, so when I get back from walking I can continue to ice down my foot/ankle. I get to take part in what will be an awesome experience of emotions too. I was very happy to call Sara back the next day and say we can walk together and share the tent we will be staying in for the weekend.

Walking for Cancer

Way back in May, Sara was sharing how her friend Katie asked her to join her in California in October to take in the Susan Gorman 3-Day 60 mile End Breast Cancer Walk. The goal is 20 miles each day (Fri, Sat and Sun). I mentioned to her - I'll do it with you...And so began our journey on this awesome challenge that thousands participate across the US every year. The aim is to raise money for breast cancer research and education as well as bring women and men together to bring awareness to this terrible disease.

The last week of October 1986 - my mom had gone into the hospital for a needle biopsy with the confidence that there was nothing to worry about as there is no previous family history of cancer. I went away for a swim meet in Kenora, but though nothing was said, something in the back of my mind knew it was abnormal for a person to be in the hospital 2 days for a needle biopsy. When the bus arrived back to Thunder Bay, I wasn't even out of the parking lot when my dad told me the results came back - my mom had breast cancer. I was 16 years old. In a period of 10 days, my mom had a needle biopsy, an excision of the lump to a bilateral mastectomy with axillary lymph nodes. Not only was the lump cancerous (ductal and lobular type of carcinoma) it had already spread to multiple lymph nodes - in breast cancer staging - my mom was stage 3 (there are 5). With the aggressive treatment by the local cancer centre and her surgeon (Dr Marchuk) - it will be a breast cancer survivor 23 years this October. For me it was numbing and surreal - denial of your true feelings/thoughts is a wonderful thing. The side effects of her chemo were not nice as any person who has dealt/dealing with cancer can tell you.

Over the years, she has spoken how some physicians had asked her to speak to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. She can share her experience and being a nurse herself, she could be helpful in answering any medical lingo that is unsure to them. In the years to follow, my mom was there for a few of her friends who had to battle (and who have won) breast cancer too. Working with the charts myself, you become aware how often women come in for either removal of a benign cyst/tumor; cancer or a recurrence of breast cancer.

In medical lingo - now that I have a first degree family history (my mom) I know have to do annual screenings - mammograms. I am happy to report that the 3 I have had done have all been clear with no abnormalities. Of course, I do the option of getting genetically tested as through years of research they have found the gene that make mutates cells for breast cancer. Honestly, I am on the fence - scary to predict the future - question would be "What is your reaction as well as the action to take if the gene is present in your genetic makeup??"

Please think of Sara, Katie, her mom and myself the weekend of Oct 2-4 as we walk the roads of San Francisco as our part to fight this disease.

Sea of Yellow

As I drove back to Calgary without a cloud in the sky - all you can see is the sea of yellow in the farmer's fields. The drive to Three Hills is beautiful and serene/relaxing - but with all the times I have driven either Hwy 21, Hwy 9 or Hwy 568 (connects to Hwy 2) - July is one of my favourite times - the sea of yellow is quite colourful and beautiful. It compliments the greens quite well too. If memory serves correctly - the yellow is canola plants (canola oil).

The Hollyhock and the Bubblebee

Last night, we had a wonderful gals games night at Sara's place (Thanks again Grandma Char for looking after Sara's crew - hope the Iced Coffees were able to keep you cool during our current heatwave). We had some great laughs as well as sharing times too. For me - it was perfect - I really love those moments together with James gals who are really my sisters in so many ways. I sure do love them. We played a new card game - Take the train (I was the big winner for that game) and then we played the board game "Life" (Sara was the big winner in that game) Sara ended up with something like 1.8 million and I ended up in second with a cool 1 million - too bad it was paper money - what wonderful damage could do with an actually 1 million - unlimited ideas - as you know me it would entail a travel to some sort of destination abroad.

With play there is work - both Amanda and I worked today. I got to work a bit late (enjoyed a sleep in - a precious moment for me). As I was leaving Sara's this morning at 8am - the sun was shining and was already quite warm temp-wise (summer finally arrived) - Sara's Hollyhocks under the kitchen window was in full bloom. It seems I wasn't the only early riser - there was a busy bee hard at work getting the nectar from the hollyhock's bud. I couldn't resist taking out my camera to get a few photos of them. Amanda was saying she as hollyhocks but in pink - I will definitely have to keep those in mind for my future flower beds for my place. They seem to enjoy the sun - I have a perfect place for them so they can get plenty of sun.

Canada Day Theme - Make a scary face

Char is coming to get you!!

Solomon tries to make a face but breaks out into smiles instead as he looks at his big sister Journey's face.

Even Sunshine got into making a scary face. Wouldn't want to mess with Sunshine. But I think the best scary faces was Jon J - see below

Jon J's facial expressions

I think Jon J won the prize for the best distorted scary faces on Canada Day - the first two were taken at Sara's place (that's Sierra for the photo) and the last two were at the BBQ. I am glad no one slapped him on the back - those faces might have become permanent (sorrry reference from an old movie - One Lazy Summer with John Cusack and Demi Moore)

Sara what are doing?

Being I have seen how Sierra is with handling my camera, I something let her enjoy taking pictures with it. I have to say there are times she takes some great candid shots during our get togethers. Today (Canada Day) was no exception. Here I was enjoying my little time with Cansendra as she wanted to see my cellphone - but was totally oblivious to what was happening beside me. At first it seems Sara was trying to wake up - nope - she was preparing to make one of her crazy faces. Above is her final result. Okay - gross! Still love ya Sara!

Great place for a nap

It was nearing Casendra's nap time - Grandpa Andy seeing how much she was enjoying the swing - helped her with rocking back and forth. He was doing such a great job that Casendra's eyelids were getting heavy and she looked like she would fall asleep right in the swing. She eventually was placed into Amy's house to finish off her nap. Below is a photo of her closing her eyes (it was a close up so the photo is a bit fuzzy).

Casendra loves her swing - she was so content just sitting there and watching everything going on in her Aunt Amy's backyard on Canada Day. She had people push her, the sun was on shining on her face. Unfortunately, she found out that the blue thing goes up and down and she fell out of the swing. After a wee cry - all was right with the world she was motioning to get back into the swing.

Journey and her swing set

Journey, Casendra and Solomon each enjoying the swing set

Sierra joining her cousin Journey and sister Casendra

Journey standing tall on her swing

Journey helping push Casendra on her swing

Having fun at the BBQ

Solomon with his Uncle Jon

Ethan - the king of his castle (cool pirate outfit Ethan)

Ethan with his cousin Journey. Journey is having a drink before heading down the slide

Char enjoying the sunrays while Sunshine enjoying some shade

Char

Sierra - deep in thought

Sunshine - Sierra's dog

Sharon Rish (Garron's sister) removing the plate of food from underneath Casendra's feet

BBQ at the Rish House

Jon J and John P carrying in the BBQ for our hot dogs and burgers. John P was our chef on Canada Day (thanks Sierra for taking some photos for me too)

Family get together - Amy and Garron have a great backyard for everyone - adults and children. Thanks Amy for a great day!!

Mr. Rish (Garron's Dad), Grandpa Andy helping his granddaughter Casendra down from her chair (see the tree house in the back - the kids love it as it has a slide too).

Casendra with her stylish shoes

Sierra will have to pass her Cinderella crown to her little sister - looks like the shoe fits Casendra perfectly. She had a ball walking around the house with that pink thing on her foot. It is so cute to see how little things like that bring such joy to little ones.

Getting ready for the Calgary Stampede. I have seen Casendra do this before - she loves Sierra's cowgirl boots. Could be by chance but she even knew what foot to put in what boot. Below - off she goes to find herself some grub in the kitchen. I think Sierra better put things she doesn't want her little sister to have yet (speaking from experience being a big sister too).