Christmas Circa 1977

I think this is the year Santa delivered on my Easy Bake Oven. I also appear to be wearing some sort of lederhosen.

Merry Christmas!

Party in the PET Scan Machine

So, having my scan rescheduled until MY BIRTHDAY wasn't exactly what I had in mind. Guess I'll be wearing those antlers after all. I'm just happy it hasn't been bumped until next year, despite that only being next week.


Here I am at the Cancer Agency, bright and early


Ian trying to access the truck this morning

Thankfully, I got to celebrate a few days earlier with some mehndi and wine. Somebody was thinking!

The pattern is drawn

Hands

Taped up and kickin' it old school (this helps the henna set)

Unmasked

Also, another present today. The Lions Gate Bridge photo that we took the other day was selected as the BBC website's "Picture of the Day" today.

Neato!

Winter Wonderland

Well, I was supposed to have my PET scan today, but the machine was apparently "broken." I have a sneaking hunch some technician didn't want to shovel their driveway this morning.

No matter, we spent the day out and about enjoying the white stuff (I mean snow, not a coke binge).

Deep Cove this morning

The pier in the Cove


Ran into Jonathan at Granville Island who told me some wonderful news about another friend of ours. Another bun in the oven!

Treecicle at G.I.

Stanley Park

The Causeway

Lions Gate Bridge

Happy Holidays

Nothing makes me feel more festive than Rudolph in...

The Omen.

I'm Baack

That was meant to be read as two syllables in case you're wondering.

I've returned from a 5-day retreat on Bowen Island, not a whole lot more rested, but feeling connected, affirmed and well-fed. Mon Dieux, I must have gained two pant sizes. It's so hard to stop eating food that is so beautiful, healthy and lovingly prepared.

While the meals, friendship and support were amazing, it's not exactly a "holiday" to go on one of these retreats, as an examination of the self in general, and of one's illness in particular, is the point. There were twelve participants this time, eight old friends and three new ones. It always amazes me how, given the time and space, people of differing backgrounds and experience can come together and engage in such thoughtful, open, and honest dialogue. And the food...did I mention the food?

The road to Rivendell

The view from my room toward Horseshoe Bay

Mother deer outside my window (bottom left)

The labyrinth where "Mary" sang sweetly to us

Since I have been back, it seems as though I have been very busy, though I am not sure doing what. I guess I've had a lot of appointments, visits, etc. I also took my second dose of Lomustine this week and am feeling a little barfy post-dosage. It shouldn't last too long, but it wiped me out today and I could literally not get myself out of bed. My wonderful mom came and made me lunch and dinner, rubbed my feet, and read to me until I fell asleep. Sleeping all day does tend to keep one awake at night though.

This Monday, as mentioned previously, I will have my long-awaited PET scan to see what's been going on in there since we were in Texas almost three months ago. "Stable" disease/reduction (or, Santa, how 'bout that overdue remission I've been asking for?) is what we're after. So, c'mon, Fatso, hurry up and swap those reindeer for a hybrid and show me what you've got.