Well, my faithful readers, the top story is that I had my regular CT scan last Monday. The report indicated that the cancer appears to be stable with no progression noted. That is as good a result as I had hoped for. I haven’t spoken to my oncologist yet but I assume that I will continue with my current treatment. This is really great news.
So the day after I posted the last blog update, I suffered another medical indignity - I may have gout. The ball of my foot near the big toe was very sore and I couldn’t put weight on it. Randy took a look at it and said it could be gout. I don’t drink wine, rarely eat red meat and this happens? Not good when I’m trying to gain weight by eating high fat content food. Apparently it’s a side effect of the drugs I am taking. It’s better now so hopefully just a minor flare up.
In other medical news, I had the first shot of the Pfizer vaccine thanks to our reserve that was vaccinating people 60+ (and those almost 60 undergoing cancer treatment). While it won’t prevent me from getting COVID-19, it would mean a milder case if I do get it.
It’s been a rather quiet few months for me. We had quite a bit of snow early on in the winter, a few cold snaps and some freezing rain in January that made walking treacherous these past months. I have been so careful about walking as my bones are not strong, to say the least. I have been so grateful to Ginger’s various minders and walkers, especially Verla and Randy, and Ginger’s doggy day care for giving her the chance to play and get exercise. As for me, I take restorative yoga twice a week that focuses on joint movement and flexibility, things I sorely need.
During one of the cold snaps, Verla and I threw hot water in the air. Check out the video below to see the results. If you are going to do it, don’t look up (which I learned on my first try).
I’ve had the opportunity to do some events about diversity in diplomacy including an interview with a team from the University of Alberta and a panel with some amazing people.
Interview
Panel
I listened to the interview of a woman who has terminal cancer about her experience with the pandemic. She shared some advice she received:
do everything you can to get better;
do something every day that brings you joy however small it is; and
let the sadness and anger come and go because it will.
Before finishing, I would like to recommend a video with Paul Adams, husband of a former colleague Suzanne Szukits who died of MBC several years ago. Paul spoke with a moderator and Suzanne’s doctor about her care and final days and, more generally, about end-of-life discussions and compassionate care for those patients. It is definitely worth listening to.
Thank you Deborah.... it is a pleasure to read you. You look strong and healthy....
ReplyDeleteSo I listened to your first interview last night and was so inspired by your intelligent articulation that I fired off a comment immediately on here, a long and complimentary comment - then hit "preview" and it disappeared for all eternity!!! ah, technology - how i love to hate you! Ok - now i'll try to remember what i said : Deb, we celebrate this good news of your latest scan as we do all signs of hope on this long journey. It is truly a testimony to your indomitable spirit as much as it is to good medicine. One thing that struck me in your interview when you mentioned any regrets over your long career is that you perhaps your humility kept you from gaining confidence early on. I certainly hope that you now set aside that humility and as you look back on your amazing 30+ year career, you gain much satisfaction in all you've accomplished, especially encouraging the education and career development of girls, women and the marginalized in many countries. So proud of you Deb, and so happy to be associated with you and be called your friend. Hugs!
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