I spent one night in the hospital and came home last night. I'm sore but okay. Today I rest!
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Monday, 2 September 2013
Steps for future health
Tomorrow (Sept 3), I'm having laparoscopic surgery. This isn't urgent or life-threatening, it's something that needs to be done sooner than later.
In the last few years, there has been an alarming increase in cancer amongst the women on my mother's side of the family.
In 1986, my mother's identical twin passed away from breast cancer. A few years ago, another of my mother's sisters was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. At the same time, I was having some post-menopausal irregularities. I went to my family doctor and he referred me to an OB/GYN. I had an ultrasound which showed ovarian cysts. My following ultrasounds showed that the cysts shrunk. I also had an endometrial biopsy that found a benign polyp.
Last year, another of my aunts was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. One of the oncologists suggested that the women of the family start looking into genetic screening. I wrote up the family history of cancer, took it to my doctor, who immediately agreed to refer me.
Here in Calgary, I was referred to the genetics clinic at the Children's Hospital. If I were a character on a TV show, I would've been tested and had my results already.
In the real world, genetic testing is like looking for a needle in a haystack. The clinic needs to know what to test for - so one of my aunts with cancer would have to be tested first. Then I could be tested. Both of my aunts signed consent forms to share their records with the Calgary clinic. Aunt A had already agreed to be tested.
(There is another way for me to be tested - if I were exhibiting clear symptoms of having cancer, I'd be tested. While I have irregularities, I don't show distinct signs of having cancer. So yay for that.)
Many of us in the family started sharing medical information. I found out that another aunt and a cousin had hysterectomies after pre-cancerous cells had been found.
My arrangement with my OB/GYN was that I would see her every time I had a period. I entered menopause fairly young, so it's been possible that there are a few eggs left. I have yet to go twelve months without a period - the record is eleven months.
(Blood tests since 2010 confirm that I am in menopause.)
(Blood tests since 2010 confirm that I am in menopause.)
So I diligently saw her each time, and she diligently sent me off for another ultrasound. I had another period in March, then followed up with my OB/GYN. It had been over a year since my last biopsy, so she did another biopsy in her office (ouch!).
The pathology report showed simple hyperplasia in my uterus - the beginning stage of pre-cancerous cells.
So my choices were - treat it with progesterone to try and reverse the hyperplasia and have frequent biopsies to monitor the situation. Or - have a hysterectomy, and remove my ovaries at the same time, given my family history. It didn't take too long to choose surgery.
This appointment took place during my lunch hour. I went to the nearest Starbucks, and while standing in line, started to wonder what had just happened. Had I really just agreed to surgery?
So I walked out, and around the block, and freaked out. Then I pulled myself together. I have been very diligent about getting checked out so that I can avoid cancer. Now that something had been found, it was time to eliminate it. My friends and family have been very supportive.
The only negativity I've experienced was at an energy sharing meetup. One woman told me at length at how her daughter also has pre-cancerous cells but has been holding off surgery. Then she lectured me at length about what I should be doing, including herbal cleanses and eliminating all sugar. It was really unpleasant. (As are herbal cleanses - I tried one once, and had to stop it, because my energy dropped dramatically.)
The pathology report showed simple hyperplasia in my uterus - the beginning stage of pre-cancerous cells.
So my choices were - treat it with progesterone to try and reverse the hyperplasia and have frequent biopsies to monitor the situation. Or - have a hysterectomy, and remove my ovaries at the same time, given my family history. It didn't take too long to choose surgery.
This appointment took place during my lunch hour. I went to the nearest Starbucks, and while standing in line, started to wonder what had just happened. Had I really just agreed to surgery?
So I walked out, and around the block, and freaked out. Then I pulled myself together. I have been very diligent about getting checked out so that I can avoid cancer. Now that something had been found, it was time to eliminate it. My friends and family have been very supportive.
The only negativity I've experienced was at an energy sharing meetup. One woman told me at length at how her daughter also has pre-cancerous cells but has been holding off surgery. Then she lectured me at length about what I should be doing, including herbal cleanses and eliminating all sugar. It was really unpleasant. (As are herbal cleanses - I tried one once, and had to stop it, because my energy dropped dramatically.)
By the time Aunt A's test results came in, her grand-daughter had a hysterectomy. Cousin J's pathology reports show uterine and ovarian cancer and she is about to undergo treatment.
Aunt A's test results showed a mutated BRAC2 gene. I was worried, because while waiting for my surgery, I didn't want to have to consider a mastectomy too, if I had the gene.
My genetics counsellor spoke with her colleague in Halifax who did the testing - and reported that the mutation is not directly linked to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. (Whew!) It is a VUS (Variation of Unknown Significance).
So now the genetics team is waiting to see if Cousin J will undergo testing. They think Lynch Syndrome may be the genetic link between all the cases. Lynch Syndrome carries an increased risk of colon, uterine, and ovarian cancer at a younger age. Cousin J is about 10 years younger than I am. If she has it - then I'll be tested for the gene.
Right now ... I'm nesting. Preparing the house for me to just sit around and heal after the surgery. My sister will be with me at the hospital, and my mother is flying in to stay with me after. The cats will be happy to have me home, at least.
Tonight I read something on Cheryl Richardson's Facebook page that helped ease my anxiety. I commented about that, mentioning I was about to undergo surgery. She wrote back with this bit of loveliness:
Aunt A's test results showed a mutated BRAC2 gene. I was worried, because while waiting for my surgery, I didn't want to have to consider a mastectomy too, if I had the gene.
My genetics counsellor spoke with her colleague in Halifax who did the testing - and reported that the mutation is not directly linked to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. (Whew!) It is a VUS (Variation of Unknown Significance).
So now the genetics team is waiting to see if Cousin J will undergo testing. They think Lynch Syndrome may be the genetic link between all the cases. Lynch Syndrome carries an increased risk of colon, uterine, and ovarian cancer at a younger age. Cousin J is about 10 years younger than I am. If she has it - then I'll be tested for the gene.
Right now ... I'm nesting. Preparing the house for me to just sit around and heal after the surgery. My sister will be with me at the hospital, and my mother is flying in to stay with me after. The cats will be happy to have me home, at least.
Tonight I read something on Cheryl Richardson's Facebook page that helped ease my anxiety. I commented about that, mentioning I was about to undergo surgery. She wrote back with this bit of loveliness:
Affirm: Every hand that touches me is a healing hand. I wake from surgery feeling peaceful & calm, I am cared for by a Divine Loving presence every moment of every day. I'm adding you to my prayer list. You are going to be fine.
Sunday, 25 August 2013
Folklorama 2013 - Celtic Ireland Pavilion
Continuing on with my Winnipeg pictures - after the Ukrainian pavilion, we went to the Spirit of Ireland pavilion. This one was hosted by an Irish dancing school - all of the students perform at Folklorama as part of their course. The production standards were quite high, and very pleasing to the eye.
And the dancing was supreme.
And the dancing was supreme.
Friday, 23 August 2013
Moon
Via Flickr:
When I was younger, I asked my parents for a telescope. I envisioned a really cool telescope that I could closely examine the moon with, maybe spot a few planets. They got me a foldable telescope that you might see on a sailing ship.
So in 2013, it boggles my mind a bit that I can see the moon like this, with the telephoto lens on my camera.
Monday, 19 August 2013
Ukrainian pavillion - Folklorama 2013
Sir Paul McCartney was the reason I decided to go to Winnipeg. But he was far from being the only entertainer. Every year, Winnipeg hosts Folklorama. Different pavillions are staged throughout the city for two weeks, highlighting some of the different cultures of the residents. Basically, there's food, entertainment and information. I happened to arrive right in the middle. My brother and sister-in-law go every year, and it was really fun and rewarding.
The first one we went to was the "Spirit of Ukraine". Since we're half-Ukrainian. The food and entertainment was awesome.
The first one we went to was the "Spirit of Ukraine". Since we're half-Ukrainian. The food and entertainment was awesome.
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
Paul McCartney Concert
When it came to purchase a seat, I decided to go with ergonomics. I chose a seat directly facing the stage, on the other side of the stadium. I figured there would be huge video screens and I was right. So it didn't matter that Paul was actually two inches tall. The video and audio were superb.
By the way, I had no idea that the concert would be in an outdoors stadium until a couple of days before. I'm not from Winnipeg, I flew in for the concert.
I chose not to bring my Jedi camera with me - I figured that with a removable lens, I wouldn't be allowed to use it. Good call - as my backpack was being searched by security, a woman who did bring a camera with a removable lens was told to take it back to her car (which wasn't with her) or leave it with security. She was arguing that point when I was allowed to enter.
So I brought my Lumix - and I must say, it outperformed my expectations. I switched between the automatic setting or the "night scenery" mode.
As we entered the stadium, there were cover versions of Paul's work playing. At 8, when the show was scheduled to start, the video screens lit up with many photos of Paul's life, from a child all the way to present day. Without much ado, Sir Paul McCartney came out and started to play. There was no opening act, he didn't need one. This picture is of one of the giant video screens, and teeny tiny Paul.
I stretched the limits of how much the Lumix can zoom in. Here's Paul. Through scaffolding, because of my seat.
A shot of a video screen. He removed his jacket about three songs in and said that it would be the only wardrobe change of the night. A kind of cheeky way of saying he didn't need costume changes to put on a good show.
Paul spoke a bit about John Lennon and sang "Here Today" in tribute. I couldn't get a good photo of the digital waterfall behind him. This shot is zoomed in on actual Paul.
And another shot from a video screen.
There were two giant video screens.
This ukulele belonged to George Harrison, who gave it to Paul. He used it to start playing "Something In The Way She Moves", and then rocked out the rest of the song, as pictures of George appeared in tribute.
The graphics and video clips were very good and enjoyable to watch. This is "Back in the USSR".
Sitting at one of two pianos. (Video screen shot).
As the tempo changed during "Live and Let Die", flames shot up on stage. As I readied my camera to photograph the flames. fireworks shot up. Well played.
This piano was for the more whimsical numbers. (video screen shot)
I went to the concert for many reasons - I love his music, I love Paul, I'd never seen a Beatle in concert, this may be my last opportunity to see Paul McCartney - and because I wanted to sing "Hey Jude" in the audience, like the audience does in the "Good Evening New York" CD. It happened and it was wonderful. I and a stadium full of happy people sang together with Paul and for Paul. I smiled the whole way through.
For the first encore, Paul brought out a Canadian flag, and one of his bandmates carried the British flag.
As part of the second encore, during "Mull of Kintyre", the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band marched onstage and accompanied Paul.
Another shot of a video screen.
I believe this was the last song, "The End".
Red and white fireworks exploded in the sky, as a nod to Canada.
And then red and white confetti.
A few people have asked if Paul was showing his age (71). I would say "no". He moved around the stage comfortably, standing and playing guitar for long periods of time, and also playing on two different pianos. He rocked it with his bandmates, and put on every appearance of enjoying himself.
Early in the show, he took a minute to "take it all in", staring all around the crowded stadium. He was chatty, funny, and very friendly. I am so glad that I took this opportunity to see Paul in concert. I went in with hopes of hearing certain songs. He sang them all - except "Silly Love Songs". But that's okay, because what he did sing, he sang well. :-)
By the way, I had no idea that the concert would be in an outdoors stadium until a couple of days before. I'm not from Winnipeg, I flew in for the concert.
I chose not to bring my Jedi camera with me - I figured that with a removable lens, I wouldn't be allowed to use it. Good call - as my backpack was being searched by security, a woman who did bring a camera with a removable lens was told to take it back to her car (which wasn't with her) or leave it with security. She was arguing that point when I was allowed to enter.
So I brought my Lumix - and I must say, it outperformed my expectations. I switched between the automatic setting or the "night scenery" mode.
As we entered the stadium, there were cover versions of Paul's work playing. At 8, when the show was scheduled to start, the video screens lit up with many photos of Paul's life, from a child all the way to present day. Without much ado, Sir Paul McCartney came out and started to play. There was no opening act, he didn't need one. This picture is of one of the giant video screens, and teeny tiny Paul.
I stretched the limits of how much the Lumix can zoom in. Here's Paul. Through scaffolding, because of my seat.
A shot of a video screen. He removed his jacket about three songs in and said that it would be the only wardrobe change of the night. A kind of cheeky way of saying he didn't need costume changes to put on a good show.
Paul spoke a bit about John Lennon and sang "Here Today" in tribute. I couldn't get a good photo of the digital waterfall behind him. This shot is zoomed in on actual Paul.
And another shot from a video screen.
There were two giant video screens.
This ukulele belonged to George Harrison, who gave it to Paul. He used it to start playing "Something In The Way She Moves", and then rocked out the rest of the song, as pictures of George appeared in tribute.
The graphics and video clips were very good and enjoyable to watch. This is "Back in the USSR".
Sitting at one of two pianos. (Video screen shot).
As the tempo changed during "Live and Let Die", flames shot up on stage. As I readied my camera to photograph the flames. fireworks shot up. Well played.
This piano was for the more whimsical numbers. (video screen shot)
I went to the concert for many reasons - I love his music, I love Paul, I'd never seen a Beatle in concert, this may be my last opportunity to see Paul McCartney - and because I wanted to sing "Hey Jude" in the audience, like the audience does in the "Good Evening New York" CD. It happened and it was wonderful. I and a stadium full of happy people sang together with Paul and for Paul. I smiled the whole way through.
For the first encore, Paul brought out a Canadian flag, and one of his bandmates carried the British flag.
As part of the second encore, during "Mull of Kintyre", the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band marched onstage and accompanied Paul.
Another shot of a video screen.
I believe this was the last song, "The End".
Red and white fireworks exploded in the sky, as a nod to Canada.
And then red and white confetti.
A few people have asked if Paul was showing his age (71). I would say "no". He moved around the stage comfortably, standing and playing guitar for long periods of time, and also playing on two different pianos. He rocked it with his bandmates, and put on every appearance of enjoying himself.
Early in the show, he took a minute to "take it all in", staring all around the crowded stadium. He was chatty, funny, and very friendly. I am so glad that I took this opportunity to see Paul in concert. I went in with hopes of hearing certain songs. He sang them all - except "Silly Love Songs". But that's okay, because what he did sing, he sang well. :-)
Tuesday, 13 August 2013
Paul McCartney
Via Flickr:
When I first heard the rendition of "Hey Jude" on the "Good Evening New York" album, I got goosebumps as he got the audience to sing for him. I thought, "how incredible it would be to sing "Hey Jude" to Paul McCartney. Tonight, I know what that feels like. It was a joyful thing.
When I first heard the rendition of "Hey Jude" on the "Good Evening New York" album, I got goosebumps as he got the audience to sing for him. I thought, "how incredible it would be to sing "Hey Jude" to Paul McCartney. Tonight, I know what that feels like. It was a joyful thing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
