All About Max, Surrey Parks

Bear stranded!

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Bear Creek ParkWe were out taking Max for a walk – in Bear Creek Park too – when we came across a terrible sight. We were walking along the salmon stream, which was quite high from the spring run off. Max suddenly barked, and ran back and forth across an open area by the stream.

Close-upWe thought he must be chasing a squirrel, but no, he’d actually cornered a bear! I think he must have been fishing for salmon, but the river was moving so fast, he seemed paralyzed with fear!

Now, we thought we should call Fish and Wildlife to let them know about this poor stranded animal, but our pleas for assistance fell on deaf ears.

I’ve posted this pic, and you be the judge about whether they should have sent help!

All About Max, Health Issues

Sunday March 13th

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Well today was a crack of dawn moment. Sunday of all days, I had to be at Surrey Memorial Hospital to have a liver Ultrasound done. I am not 1000% sure why they ordered it, but I suspect, that it, along with bone scan I had last tuesday are to look for any signs of metastasis. That is my theory and I’m sticking with it until I hear otherwise.

The Ultrasound was alright. A fellow did it, and he had been doing the job for 10 yrs (I always grill people to see how long they have done what they are doing hee hee) and he did the Liver (had me take deep breaths in and hold it, then he marked off liver edges, and I could expel the breath. We did that dance about 15 times or so. When they do an ultrasound, they put a gel on your skin and use a probe, like a big round computer mouse looking thing to press in over the organ, so it can show up on the screen. He also did my gallbladder, and kidneys, seemed to be pancreas and then ovaries as well. I thought it was a Liver US but perhaps it was actually an abdominal one, as he seemed to be looking at organs on both sides of abd. Took about 15 minutes and I was out of there. 🙂 Home to a nice cuppa coffee.

Maurice was swell and got me up for the appointment. I had set the alarm, but he came in the room at 0600 and let me know it was really 0700 because of daylight savings time! I would have totally missed my appointment, if left to my own devices. He drove me to the hospital and then waited nearby for me to give him the call I was done, and brought me back home safe and sound. Thx sweetie!:)

Next thing for me? I have to get some fasting blood work done at the lab near family Dr’s office either Monday or Tuesday, and then radiation starts Wednesday for 5 weeks, and it will be a monday-friday thing. I’ve been tattooed where the boundaries are they will be zapping, so I’m almost done all of the tests that needed to happen, and hoops that needed jumping, before getting this radiation going.

As an aside, I saw family Dr on thursday, and she gave me some abx for a respiratory infection I’ve been fighting since about Feb 24th and today my throat is much less sore, YAY!!! though I’m still coughing and bringing up stuff, I am starting to feel less drug through a wringer 🙂

…Pam…

Health Issues

March 9 2011

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I went and had physio at the rehab services yesterday. They made measurements on both arms again, to see if I am having any lymphedema. The measurements looked pretty good, though slightly increased at the top 3 measurements near upper arm/armpit. She said we will just keep an eye on them for now, it’s nothing to be alarmed about. I know the signs and symptoms of lymphedema and will vigilant watching for it.

We did more exercises and I used a band to do some bicept/tricept exercises. She was pleased with my strength and mobility of the arm/shoulder area. We talked about the “zingers” I get when my shoulder goes in a certain way. The “sunburn” type pain I was having has gradually been lessening so that’s something to cheer about. It was so bad initially I had to sit with my arm up over the recliner, with nothing touching it, or I would weep with pain. The pain then, and for many weeks was a constant 8-10/10 and it felt like 2 bad sunburns being rubbed against each other. Now the pain is about a 3/10.

I got a call to say I have to have a liver ultrasound on Sunday March 13th. (It’s amazing to me they are doing this stuff on a Sunday, but I confirmed it. I imagine they want this stuff done before the radiation starts, and I was injected by nuclear medicine on Tuesday for the bone scan, so I guess they need a few days to get the tracer out of my system. So next thing medically for me is the Liver US. Again, I think they are just checking to see if it has metastasized before the radiation starts. Wish me luck!  Then, the next thing for me is Radiation that starts on Wednesday March 16th and will go on daily mon-fri  x 5 weeks.. so I’m thinking that will be until April 19th or so… but that’s not confirmed yet.  I’ve been warned by everyone and their dog that the radiation can affect how tired I am… (and I’m wiped and tired now, so I’m not seeing how it can be much worse, to be honest.)

Good or bad, I’ll let you all know how the radiation feels. Right now I’m just tired of being sick. I’ve been sick with this damned sore throat ( sore enough to feel like strep or a tonsilar abscess) anyways Dr can see me today and I’m soooo hoping I get some antibiotics. I was talking to mum on the phone today and I started to hack and wretch so bad because throat is so inflamed and swollen still, that I had to run to bathroom to throw up (sorry, TMI) so hopefully I’m not going to look like a friggin raccoon full of petechae around my eyes. SIGH! I just want to feel better and get some energy.

I know it sounds like I’m whining right now, but I’m just feeling a little wiped/fatigued/sick of hacking.

I know there are alot of people out there dealing with more than I am, and I want you to know I am  feeling glad and grateful that the cancer was caught early, hopeful that it has not spread elsewhere, and thankful to my my husband Maurice who has been my rock, and to my friends and collegues to give me no end of warm fuzzies when least expected. 🙂 No matter how crappy I feel, I know I have a husband who loves me and helps me so much, family and friends who love me. When all is said and done, that’s what is really important. Having cancer really makes you re-evaluate the priorities in life. What is really important, what matters. It’s the people in your life, not the things in your life,  that give your life meaning and worth. I’m blessed to have great people in mine. I hope you have the same in yours, and if you don’t… then get out there and work on it! Pick up the phone and make some first steps. 🙂

…Pam…

Health Issues

Radiation planning March 7 2010

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Today I went to the Fraser Valley Cancer Clinic (FVCC) and I saw the gals in radiology who did some Scans and marking of the breast area that is to be hit with radiation. I think the procedure was an hour or so. The first thing was I watched a video of what would happen, and that took about 15 min to watch. Then I had to get in a gown and get on the table of the machine, and they put me in a certain position.. the same position I have to be in for each radiation treatment. They did a mold of my body shape and how I had my arms over my head, and they did an exact mold so each time I use that to “assume the position”.  Then after they did many different scans in different directions, took pictures with the camera’s… I was then injected with some dye, just a pinprick x 3 so they marked the boundaries of where I would be zapped. Tattooed x 3, it is a small dot.

I have to now wait for the “planning” part of it to be done.. where the radiology gals and the DR decide on the strength of zapping, and the length of each treatment. I know I have to do mon-fri x 5 weeks. The specialist told me that, but I still don’t know  the start date for that.

I have to go for a bone scan tomorrow, and a liver ultrasound ?? no date yet. I imagine they are just looking to see if the cancer might have spread. I’m not sure. Maybe they are looking at baselines before the radiation happens.

I also got a call from Surrey Memorial Hospital  Rehab. I need to go on the 9th for physio. They see breast surgery patients 1 month post to assess how they are doing, and measure post op to assess for lymphedema.

I see my family Dr on Thursday. I still have to do fasting blood work but it’s been to nuts with having to travel to Calgary the day after I saw my Dr, and now having appointments or tests each day. I’m just tired of all of the running.

I got sick when I went to Calgary. Mum had a wicked sore throat, and coughing ++ and I managed to get it (no surprise there). Anyways I’m now in the midst of a sore throat and hacking ++, fever. I tried to get in to see my family Dr tomorrow but she’s already double booked so it was a no go. I feel a bit better today, not coughing up as much gunk so that’s good. 🙂

That is all of my news thus far. I’ve been taking the letrozole, and I do think I am feeling some extra joint pain, more sweats (yahoo!) and definately noticing more PACs.  The pharmacy was closed while I was there at cancer clinic today, but I will ask them about the side effects of letrozole. I imagine, even though I am post menopausal, that the letrozole is driving my estrogen levels down further, thereby increasing my menopausal side effects. That’s my theory anyways and I’m going with it until I hear differently. heheh

…Pam…

Something About Us

Flowers in spring

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Crocus, 2011It’s been a crazy spring. We had lots of flowers come up, in early February, then got two days of snow! The crocuses refuse to give up though, and have given us a pretty cool display. We’ve got quite a few all over the garden.

Crocus, 2011The funny thing is, the box that had just a whole boatload of them, has turned up with zilch! Not a single one! I can’t believe it… I put the box out front, and it should really be a heck of a display. Instead – it’s full of dead leaves! hah

Anyway – the weather has been really great lately, and we’ve been taking Max out to the off leash.

Hopefully spring is here to stay!

Something About Us

Vern's obituary

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VernPam’s family have posted an obituary online, via the Calgary Sun.

Here is a link to the online version.

I’m going to put in the text here, because I know the online version will someday be unavailable, and I think it needs to be preserved.

Vern AmeroAMERO, Vernon James – September 18, 1925 – February 22, 2011 It is with great sadness that the family of Vern announce his sudden passing. He is survived by his wife Barb of fifty-five years; daughters Pam (Maurice), Cathy (Roland) and son Peter.

He was predeceased by wonderful parents, Mary and Donald Amero of Digby County, Nova Scotia. He is also predeceased by cherished siblings, Lillie, Joseph (Bosie), Dorothy, Blanche, Lenis, Lloyd and Percy. Also left to mourn are his loving sister Emelie (Millie) of Digby, brother Donny and his wife of Wood’s Harbour, N.S., many nieces and nephews and other family who loved him.

A special recognition to the staff of Swiss Chalet and Calgary Co-op Westhills for jokes exchanged and your kindness to dad over the decades. You were so much more to him than a place to go.

Many thanks to Dr. Botha, Annie and staff as well as Rockyview General professionals who cared for him.

Dad was a career soldier having served in the Canadian army with immense pride from November 1943 to May 1947 and again from May of 1951 to March of 1979. He was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, the War Medal 1939-45, the Canadian Force decoration and clasp, among others. He also served many years as a Commissionaire.

Dad enjoyed woodworking, making beautiful detailed doll houses complete with curtains he made himself. In later years, he loved to work on word find books, go out with family to eat and shop and never missed listening to a “Flames” game. Dad was quick to write a letter but had a funny quirk in that when he was convinced he was owed a letter he was more than willing to “wait ’em out”.

Dad had a real love for dogs. He had a great sense of humour even while he struggled with chronic health problems. He was a great dad to us and always had a smile. His favourite saying was: “Better than a kick with a frozen mukluk!”

A religious man in his heart, we wish him peace and offer our thanks to be a part of a beautiful life lived.

Simple cremation with no service by his request is imminent. Please honour him with a kind remembrance or a prayer and a cup of tea.

We love you Dad!

Something About Us

More about Vern

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Peter and VernHere is a picture of Vern and his son Peter. I’ve always liked this picture. It’s been on our fridge for I don’t know how long. I’m not even sure where it is taken. I think near Banff.

Vern AmeroPeter sent me this picture of Vern in an email last night. It was taken with a cell phone, at the Rockyview hospital, just an hour before he passed away. All the kids have asked me to post this, as this is how they want to remember him – smiling and happy.

Doe mentioned that she had lost her father at eight years old. It certainly does remind one just how lucky they can be to have their parents live to a ripe old age.

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