Sooner or Later

I’m not dead yet! (Yes the usual Monty Python reference although the correct quote from the film is simply “I’m not dead.”) Regardless, I can’t believe how long it’s been since I last posted.

In fact, I’m doing pretty well after almost 2 1/2 years of treatment. Recent CT and MRI scans have identified only minor specs of the 10 lesions I had originally, the tumours in my lung and adrenal gland no longer show up, and the one in my lymph node continues to shrink. There is a new something that shows up in my lymph node but it is deemed “indeterminate” i.e. they can’t say if it is cancer or not but the doctors don’t seem concerned at this point and will just keep an eye on it. Another set of CT scans in 3 months and another MRI in 4 months (since I’m doing so well lol.)

My once-a-month immunotherapy treatment will continue to the end of 2024 at least and then we’ll reassess whether there is any need to continue. The treatment side effects continue to be minor – dry mouth, an occasional rash, fatigue and muscle degradation. At my request, I was referred to a kinesiologist who has given me an exercise program to combat the muscle issue.

I was struck the other day when another well-meaning friend/colleague/acquaintance told me I was looking really good. I realize there was a point when I wasn’t looking so great, my face all ballooned up because of steroids and having lost all my hair from the initial radiation but still, nobody ever said “you’re looking really good” BEFORE I got cancer…LOL. Does that count as a silver lining?? I guess one just takes it where one can get it 😉

When I’m at one of my numerous hospital visits, I see or pass dozens of others coming, going, or in many cases waiting, and I wonder what their stories are, what their prognoses are, and who the people are there supporting them – spouses, children, parents, friends? Many are not in good shape – far worse than I’ve been in – and I’m reminded to be thankful for my excellent care at Princess Margaret’s Cancer Hospital and through no actions of my own, have responded well to the treatment – at least to date, and for the support of my friends and family. As May is coming up and it is cancer awareness month, I’d invite you to donate to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.

I recently had another birthday (celebrated by dinner with friends and then attending my 4th performance over the years of my favourite musical Les Mis) and I realized how much my views on birthdays have…evolved.  I suppose I looked forward to them when I was a wee tad (OK I was probably never called “wee”), then as a teenager, you really just want to be older – old enough to drive, to drink, become an “adult.” For the next couple of decades, birthdays are “all right” I guess – perhaps an excuse for a party but not really all that exciting. Then there comes a stage where birthdays just mark getting older and older and you’d just be happy not to make a big deal of them. AND they seem to come around sooner and sooner – how’s that possible? 🙂 I’m lucky enough to still have both parents alive at 91 years of age for which I’m very grateful, but as many of you will know, growing old isn’t always pretty or easy. Weakening bodies mean health challenges can pile on top of one another and we are blessed if we can keep our minds sharp. But after a life-threatening diagnosis, one can’t help but appreciate birthdays again. It reminds you to be grateful and the importance of making the most of each day. None of us know when our time will come but I think for most of our lives we take that for granted – until we can’t ignore it. I doubt I’ll make it to 91 but if not I need to keep reminding myself to live today as if it is my last!

On a less deep note, I’m continuing my volunteer work with The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum and Archive which keeps me busy – mostly from home. (Side note today is the 164th Regimental birthday of Canada’s oldest and finest continuously serving rifle regiment – CHEERS!)

I very much appreciate keeping in touch with former work colleagues (and them keeping in touch with me) and have even dropped by their offices from time-to-time to catch up. That said, I can’t say I’m sorry to be retired!!

I recently attended the Canadian Museum Conference in Niagara Falls, and this past week has been busier than usual: on Sunday a memorial service for a friend who passed away some months ago, on Monday blood work and oncologist appointments; on Tuesday a chiropractor appointment, the immunotherapy treatment, and a co-chairing the Toronto Military Curators network meeting in the evening; on Wednesday grave marker dedications at two cemeteries for recently discovered Fenian Raid casualties (the photo above); and Thursday evening at Casa Loma reorganizing the archive storage situation; today was fairly quiet but Saturday is a Regimental Senate meeting. And of course, Apollo taking me for a walk three times a day.  No excuse to be bored!!

Hopefully, it won’t be several months before I post again!

Cheers