tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60470480425624514962012-01-22T23:51:30.095-05:00Battles, trials and tribulations of everyday life... and otherwise.Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.comBlogger1021100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-44296374801383013732011-07-26T15:13:00.001-04:002011-07-26T15:13:31.112-04:00

weight training starts today! any running specific routines you all know of?

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-32552481499385304092011-07-24T14:27:00.001-04:002011-07-24T14:27:30.651-04:00

6.5 swampy, draining, rejuvenating miles. I feel awesome/ awful. How do you runners train in this?

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-17948983585802234822011-07-19T17:09:00.001-04:002011-07-19T19:01:13.303-04:00

It's hard being at the cottage sometimes when you let your mind get ahead of you think about all that is gone. Meghan, Chuck and Gram were staples there. They made the cottage, the cottage in many ways. Their influence is seen, felt and their absence is painfully obvious. It is still the same relaxing place but what it means to me is being reinvented. I think its more a place of reflection now.

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-19511338926024640722011-07-15T09:13:00.002-04:002011-07-19T16:14:10.888-04:00

Happy Birthday Meg, this is for you, Chuck & Grammarama. 13.1 Complete

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-38506985438653312482011-07-13T11:16:00.000-04:002011-07-13T11:17:12.159-04:00

I'm sorry in advance for any grammatical errors, this just sort of came out quickly and I literally have to walk out the door to go to the airport right now. I can't wait for CANADA!Without further adieu:I couldn't take New York and never feeling like I was going to get my head above water. I worked 12 hours every day and still couldn't afford every day expenses, I was always exhausted and I

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-88824112759106455872011-04-27T21:40:00.002-04:002011-04-27T21:44:21.060-04:00

Another G&T kind of day. I'm really proud of all that has been accomplished in the past year and I have no doubt Meghan would be very proud of my progress. I know we all miss her so much but it's important to not dwell on how sad this all can be but how important her life was and how much she refuses to stop inspiring us all to live harder. Raise that glass high.

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-71474520313362443672011-03-10T12:54:00.002-05:002011-03-10T13:07:53.245-05:00

It's been really hard to get anything concise to come to the surface in the past month. Uncle chuck passed away a week after grammarama and that was surprisingly hard to deal with. He was a huge part of supporting me during Meghan's treatment and passing away. He was the epitome of gentle giant. I definitely looked up to him and wish i could've done more for him when he got sick earlier this year

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-49448406076305258892011-01-14T00:18:00.005-05:002011-01-14T00:36:51.949-05:00

meghan's grandmother, grammarama, passed away monday morning. send your love and how they've changed you (they all definitely had a part in making meghan....meghan) to the most amazing and resilient family i've had the good fortune to wriggle my way into:maggie_baker1@hotmail.com willabake@hotmail.combaker_222@hotmail.comthis is where life made complete sense. raise those gin n tonics, you ladies

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-69126730784050907812011-01-12T15:06:00.003-05:002011-01-12T15:16:54.749-05:00

It's for some reason enormously hard to write lately. I didn't until very recently feel like my life was in complete upheaval. Moving from couch to couch is fun only for so long. Sometimes you just need to retreat to a space that is entirely your own where you feel safe and contained and stable. That's something I haven't had for over six months. Thanksgiving was hard. Christmas was hard and new

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-71844780237136683012010-11-17T22:15:00.005-05:002010-11-23T07:34:55.651-05:00

Leaving brings the oddest mixture of feelings. Happiness, hope, sadness, regret, guilt and a tinge of fear. I am happy and content with what I've done and accomplished here. The experiences that I know are completely unique and remarkable will no doubt offer countless memories. I'm hopeful for the future, for moving to a new city for a new start and to put some serious effort into building an

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-41634159601412353892010-10-24T02:34:00.003-04:002010-10-24T02:57:36.015-04:00

It doesn't matter how hard any of this is. I shouldn't say it doesn't matter, because it does. It's going to be important later on when I look back and think about the things I've gone through and overcome. There is a lot of significance in this time, but what I should say is that's not what I should be focusing on. I should be focusing on where I am and why I'm here. It is definitely remarkable

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-18803935616740336152010-10-18T00:35:00.003-04:002010-10-18T00:40:01.418-04:00

In the last week I feel like I've hit a wall. The one made up all those painful feelings and memories of losing Meghan that's insurmountable and seemingly infinite on both sides. I've managed, off and on to turn my back on it and pretend it's not there or walk alongside it but again, avoid it. Until this past week. I've run out of ground to distract myself. It's here and it's huge and it's sad.

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-54944259508654636012010-09-23T02:03:00.003-04:002010-09-23T02:48:01.652-04:00

I feel equal parts happy and sad, like water of the same river flowing in opposite directions. I find contentment in much the same things that trigger the movie reel of Meghan, usually leading to despair. I am lonely. Not alone, or even far away feeling, but lonely. I lack companionship in its perfect form. It was stolen along with the last bit of my happy heart.Watching life slip from a friend's

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-3178436967106786202010-09-15T01:21:00.002-04:002010-09-15T01:33:15.999-04:00

"Oh, heart problem. After you leaving here change, head and heart change."Last week started with that. The naturally curious kids asked many questions, including "are you married?". It was nice to be able to convey what happened, receive a genuine response and then not have to make the other person feel better about it. That was his response to my being here because of Meghan.Why do some people

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-43571971955350580472010-09-09T00:10:00.001-04:002010-09-09T00:16:13.621-04:00

The train to Jaisalmer started out just like the beginning of Darjeeling Limited. My friend brian and I literally had to run with my bags and hop onto a moving train. The ticket was confusing so I had to guess as to where my seat was. I passed a four bed cabin that was blowing AC out of the open door, hoping that any combination of the letters and numbers on my ticket matched a bed in there, but

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-42547430103637556552010-09-01T11:15:00.000-04:002010-09-01T11:21:53.631-04:00

I cannot begin to explain how completely excited I am. This all feels so overwhelmingly right and perfect and if ever I felt Meghan's presence, it is here and today. It is hot, sticky, the roads are packed with all manner of motorized transportation and everyone is honking, but it's so right. I walked into the coffee shop and they were playing Queen. Not just any song, but Bohemian Rhapsody. If

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-68284748683650843362010-08-29T17:34:00.001-04:002010-08-29T17:34:01.355-04:00

I'm excited. I feel very much that this is the right thing for me to be doing. It's already been a long journey getting to this point and I have so much longer to go. I can't thank you all enough for how much you've done for me. It means so much to mention be able to do this for Meghan. I know she would be happy and proud of all that's happened so far. This feels like a really huge step for me.

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-83586510986490758532010-08-20T23:53:00.001-04:002010-08-20T23:53:43.014-04:00

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-90385435105907889232010-08-18T00:17:00.002-04:002010-08-18T00:42:59.556-04:00

This is a pilgrimage. (A journey to a place associated with someone or something well respected, viewed as life's journey.) I started with Vancouver, which is just about as perfect a place as any to begin a quest or odyssey or journey. Its big, welcoming, beautiful, dense, lush, brooding, overcast and foggy. You can go from downtown San Francisco-esque city, to the mountainous bear infested

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-70579929479639797852010-08-08T21:40:00.001-04:002010-08-08T21:42:03.850-04:00

Being forced to spend time alone (albeit self-induced) kind of sucks. Or is hard. Or is painful. Up until this point I'd been trying as hard as possible to distract myself, I'd definitely thought about Meghan every single hour of every day, but I hadn't really gone through all of the really heavy baggage of watching someone you love die. By no means have I worked it out yet, I don't have all the

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-51683799970460673172010-08-04T08:36:00.001-04:002010-08-04T08:41:53.956-04:00

I honestly had no idea what to expect getting on the train. I had no idea what to expect emotionally I should say. Trains are trains are trains (this one does have a shower though, which rules.) They're slow, usually travel a nice route from point A to B and they're easy to sleep on. Meghan and I are so attached to the romantic side of travel, so taking the slow route across her country holds a

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-88302168928389654152010-07-28T13:44:00.004-04:002010-07-28T19:47:09.961-04:00

The trip started today and I feel like I better understand the path that I'm now on. I was really scared up until the time that I actually left. Until I started in a direction. All that apprehension has somehow been replaced with purpose and understanding.  I get where I'm going and how long it may take and I am ok with that. I’ve found comfort. I cant explain it, the realization, but I know its

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-79827045277972186092010-07-19T07:03:00.004-04:002010-07-19T07:17:37.218-04:00

I started a week ago driving from Detroit to Meghan’s cottage in Tobermory, Ontario. Its without a doubt not getting any easier the further I get from Meghan. The cottage is absolutely her favorite place on earth. It’s where she went to recoup and relax, to sort things out and to spend time with family. We spent every one of her birthdays there as long as I knew her and I’m fairly

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-26391067570506640802010-07-15T10:11:00.004-04:002010-07-15T10:19:14.238-04:00

Today do something meaningful with someone you love and for someone you know needs it. Raise that gin 'n tonic high, today Meghan turns 29.

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-28897806243091682702010-07-09T09:07:00.001-04:002010-07-09T09:07:53.840-04:00

I know how important it is to do interviews and be part of national media, but it all honesty, it makes me uncomfortable. My stomach churns for hours. Luckily the second it starts, I start to feel less anxious and begin to feel ok, but it's a pretty brutal process.It's also difficult because I talk about Meghan constantly. It's really really hard and depressing to remember how exhausting it was

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-59478729479203214952010-07-05T13:33:00.003-04:002010-07-05T13:43:02.439-04:00

It’s been exactly a year since I left DC for Michigan to be closer to Meghan. This has by far been the most trying year of our lives. Meghan had so many ups and downs. The effort she put in to being healthy and better is something I will never be able to comprehend. She so deserved to get better. I know there are other good people out there and I don’t want to lessen the impact of their lives or

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-40298717778034020252010-06-25T09:08:00.002-04:002010-06-25T09:12:09.121-04:00

It really is comforting, satisfying, empowering etc to be able to talk about Meghan and what she means to this world. To share why I am determined to do all the things she wanted to do. I feel a lot of strength and healing through helping. I spent hours today talking to people, about how and why I no longer have a wife, about why I'm going to India in two months, about other's struggles with

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-62348452826460786952010-06-21T10:15:00.000-04:002010-06-21T10:16:27.355-04:00

I really want to make sure that everyone feels involved in all of this. If I don’t know you already I would like to meet you at some point. I think everyone has a story to tell and there own reasons why Meghan affected them the way she did. The way she dealt handled extreme difficulty, (seriously understating it) with grace, dignity and complete and raw honesty will forever change the way I

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-24164375115338791912010-06-17T17:01:00.006-04:002010-06-18T02:06:31.583-04:00

The Current city is Chicago, which is great and different. You can bring your own beer to restaurants and your own food to bars. It’s bizarre and wonderful. Again, the notion of progress is at the front of my mind. Everyone has a different definition of that word and up until recently mine was a decision followed by immediate action. A complete lack of planning with everything depending on the

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-85635128339959206332010-06-14T05:19:00.000-04:002010-06-14T08:59:36.959-04:00

I’m having a lot of trouble slowing down or not doing anything. I don't like not having plans and things to look forward to. I don't like being sedentary; I don't like having to wait. I think I'm scared of being alone with my thoughts and having too much time to sit and think about everything. I’m pretty scared of what's in my head and I think I try to distract myself as much as possible

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-32211718543467581932010-06-11T19:28:00.002-04:002010-06-11T19:31:41.989-04:00

lemme know if this looks ok, if you have ideas for it, if something doesn't look right or if you want the excel file to change it all around! I want your input! this is very, very, very rough draft

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-62959490288603852012010-06-07T21:07:00.003-04:002010-06-07T21:18:50.700-04:00

The big update for today is the list of all the things we've accomplished in the past 6 weeks. It amazes me to see a community continue to come together and grow because they believe so strongly in who Meghan was and what she stood for.In the last six weeks we've:-Grown by 50% as a community.-We have a press release that has been sent out to news agencies worldwide.-This week we

iamthenarwhalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081929156975364395noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-85319690332991236472010-06-02T14:14:00.000-04:002010-06-02T14:14:02.661-04:00

DC was a different kind of fear altogether. I was scared to go to all those places that Meghan and I had been together. I was scared of how it would feel to be somewhere that both of us considered home. There were so, so many things that she and I did and had to do every time we visited. Traditions. I was scared to see all of our friends and of how I would feel not having Meghan next to me,

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-8939954953046494562010-05-31T00:14:00.001-04:002010-05-31T01:54:41.286-04:00

I was really excited to get to New York. It felt entirely different than any of the last times I visited. It felt like the start of my journey, like the start of all of these important goals that I have to finish for Meghan. I didn't at all feel ready for any of it. When I took my first opportunity to talk about Meghan, or what I am doing because of her, I got choked up and scared. I

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-91389279000682721192010-05-26T11:51:00.001-04:002010-05-31T01:54:57.008-04:00

When Meghan was re-diagnosed earlier this year, her nurse told her something that I think is a great way of dealing with difficult subjects. She said "We know you have cancer. We know what it will ultimately do to you.  We know it's there and we're going to put it in the closet and move on. Its not going anywhere but its not doing anyone any good dwelling on it. Continue living as much and as

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-90058450467365554742010-05-22T00:15:00.001-04:002010-05-22T00:15:42.894-04:00

It's hard for me to define if I'm making any progress or not. Meetings fall through, decisions aren't being made and I just feel tired all the time. I can't figure out a linear path for this project. It'slike every thought represents a line in my head and not single one is going in the same direction as another. Everything is infinitely more confusing than a month ago. I want to make this

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-25412892671925277262010-05-18T01:05:00.000-04:002010-05-18T01:05:11.125-04:00

It's hard doing things that are fun without Meghan being a part of them. For every pleasurable part of this weekend, I wished she was here. Progress being made for the service project is satisfying but I still feel guilty for enjoying myself. I know that there is no right or wrong way to grieve nor no correct length of time one needs to be upset with the loss. When is it ok to have fun? When is

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-71520489212825299372010-05-14T14:21:00.001-04:002010-05-17T09:29:15.994-04:00

"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve." —Martin Luther King, Jr. My goal is to pass along Meghans spirit, I want those who haven't yet been touched by her story to understand what she means to this world. I want to inspire others to pick up where their passed loved ones left off. Finish things set out for them. Move forward. Make an impact.  I don't think that anyone would argue

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-26291516670327413502010-05-09T23:20:00.001-04:002010-05-17T09:28:31.462-04:00

The word "community" is derived from the Old French communité which is derived from the Latin communitas (cum, "with/together" + munus, "gift"), a broad term for fellowship or organized society.[2] I find this to be profound. with/ together and gift being combined into one word. It has been amazing to see this in action. We are all part of something powerful and far reaching and my hope is that

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-71647777964553581952010-05-07T12:28:00.002-04:002010-05-17T09:28:11.575-04:00

many thanks to julie campbell, we now have an official press release that can be downloaded: Here or i can email it, get at me: Here download, change the date to a current one and forward to your local paper, tv station, radio station, blog etc. -Adam

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-86053808809415668942010-05-06T11:15:00.002-04:002010-05-17T09:27:45.255-04:00

View For The Love of Meghan in a larger map -Adam

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-79258031326063592462010-05-06T07:59:00.005-04:002010-05-17T09:27:18.356-04:00

These are the things that I need in order to get this project going. I'll be updating these when things are fulfilled(again, email - adam.r.warner@gmail.com - me if you want to take care of one of these, just so i can keep it all straight or send me a personal message on facebook): 1) 32gb Ipad for travel writing/ updating blogs and uploading/ storing photos. 2) Handheld digital HD video camera

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-43677270521612962672010-05-02T10:37:00.002-04:002010-05-17T09:25:42.854-04:00

I think all of us are obviously reeling with the loss of Meghan. There is an emptiness left by her that I know Ill never fill. I don’t think Meghan and I met for her benefit, we met for mine. I learned so much from her in the past 3 years, invaluable lessons that speak volumes about who she is and what she meant to those around her. Her family was without question the most important part of her

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-25779770266793263682010-04-28T07:41:00.001-04:002010-04-28T07:41:53.707-04:00

There will be visitation between 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM on Thursday, April 29 at Needham-Jay Funeral Home in Petrolia: 4059 Petrolia Lane, Petrolia, Canada All are also welcome at the funeral at St. Philip's Parish (415 King Street) in Petrolia at 11 AM, Friday April 30. In lieu of flowers, she wanted donations made to Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation 1-877-436-6467.

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-45132149219888406622010-04-27T15:43:00.002-04:002010-04-27T15:43:04.699-04:00

It’s with a heavy and broken heart that I write this. Meghan passed away this morning, every bit as independent, feisty, and without pain. Thank you all for your immense love, and support. We very much appreciate you.

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-59230356184362071972010-03-24T17:23:00.000-04:002010-03-24T17:23:43.044-04:00

So last night I was watching a movie with Adam when I  felt something kind of strange in my front right side....and by strange I mean a severe, sharp stabbing pain in my abdomen. Within a minute or two, said pain got to the point where it was almost impossible to take anything but shallow breaths and the pain was constant no matter the position. It was at this point that I had Adam call my mother

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-90981576469013440352010-03-21T10:35:00.000-04:002010-03-21T10:35:45.550-04:00

The start of round two of my chemotherapy has been postponed by a week. The weekend before it was to begin, I developed a rather painful tooth infection. I went to see my palliative doctor on Monday and he started me on 7 days of antibiotics in an attempt to clear it up. Tuesday I went to the London Regional Cancer Clinic and spoke with Dr. Vandenburg. Following our rather lengthy conversation

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-63578378291031558682010-03-02T21:20:00.000-05:002010-03-02T21:20:25.772-05:00

For the first time in about two and a half weeks this little chipmunk has been able to feel her cheekbones! Today is going to be a very good day indeed :) What is sometimes referred to as "moonface" by those of us taking dexamethasone appears to be subsiding. I have been able to reduced my intake from 16mg/day when I started (Jan. 26th) to 6mg a day. Tomorrow I will drop down to 4mg/day :) This

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-51429651493569124872010-02-25T18:57:00.005-05:002010-02-25T19:10:42.391-05:00

On Monday, I finally managed to wrap up my 10th session of radiation. I have to say that it was a relief, as the driving to London everyday was quite tiring. As of yet, I haven't noticed any side effects, with the exception of fatigue. I find I wear down very easily but this should ease over the next couple of weeks. The radiation treatments themselves were short and sweet. My treatments were

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-65524911503743082142010-02-18T09:30:00.002-05:002010-02-18T10:49:50.723-05:00

This is part 2 of the old radiation blog that I wrote.I revised it a bit to try to keep it short and sweet.Fear not, the pictures are less graphic this time ;)I'm in the process of writing about the radiation treatments that I am currently undergoing, and hoping to get that post up in the next couple days. As far as info regarding my future chemotherapy and whatnot, I won't have any new

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-50497770859096699542010-02-16T09:30:00.000-05:002010-02-16T10:18:00.873-05:00

This blog was originally written quite some time ago (as you can see by the date below) It's the first of two parts that describes the set up and treatment for my radiation on the right breast. I know I've been promising it for... pretty much ever, so today is my day to get it up :) Hope you enjoy!!May 26th, 2009 10:00amRadiation SimulationOk... So the good news is that I don't remember all the

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-86792951341966014672010-02-10T21:49:00.004-05:002010-02-10T22:34:32.425-05:00

I've been sitting here for a while, just trying to figure out exactly what to say in this post. I suppose that there isn't really any good way express the news, so I will just come out and do it. I spoke with Dr. Read today regarding the results of my MRI, CTs and bone scan... they weren't ideal. As it turns out, my breast cancer has also spread to my bones (left hip and shoulder), my liver and

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-49059697807047386562010-02-08T09:52:00.002-05:002010-02-08T10:04:06.597-05:00

Hi all, I finally got a call from the radiation department this morning at 8am regarding my first appointment. I start today at 12:30pm and will have appointments every day for the next 5. I get the weekend off (yippee for some normal time!) and then will have another 5 days of treatment in a row.Fingers crossed, I will be finishing up the radiation Feb 19th.The only bummer about the appointment

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-48850727541992697412010-02-07T08:05:00.005-05:002010-02-07T11:15:19.759-05:00

I realize that I have quite a few readers who have never met me, and by default then, don't really know that much about me as a person (other than what can be seen in my lovely graphic pictures, haha).This past September, I sat down and wrote out some life goals to try to get myself back on track after all of the treatments and delays that I had in the past year. Some of them are pretty lofty,

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-56093020680242497402010-02-04T10:28:00.002-05:002010-02-04T10:32:28.110-05:00

I hope this doesn't offend anyone or anything, but I thought it was really kinda funny.Yesterday, after leaving the hospital after all my lovely CT scans and such, Asia took my mother and I out for lunch. Upon completing our meal, the waiter asked if you wanted fortune cookies. I figured that they are always good for a laugh, and was not disappointed. Upon opening mine, I read "You have a sense

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-18148040212053312522010-02-03T06:45:00.006-05:002010-02-03T09:21:06.616-05:00

There is still no word as of 6:45 am this morning as to when I will be starting my radiation treatments. I am trying to be as patient as possible, but it still weighs on my mind... I just want to get it started as soon as I possibly can. I am managing to keep fairly busy with the barrage of appointments that I have to attend. Yesterday I drove down to London with my parents, Adam and Asia to have

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-7709117881774171392010-01-31T07:48:00.006-05:002010-01-31T09:34:31.094-05:00

In the last entry, I spoke a little about the treatments that my Dr. and I have agreed on. However, because of my need for re-grouping and tea, I didn't have a chance to mention a few other options that we had discussed. Here goes...For those of you who are wondering if I will be forced to undergo any more chemotherapy, I can't give you an honest answer yet. I've got my fingers firmly crossed in

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-88100588692263024432010-01-30T08:28:00.005-05:002010-01-30T10:30:03.285-05:00

My whole life I've had my plans all set out. I knew that I was going to go to university. Always had a good idea where I was going to live. Where I was going to end up... that sort of thing. I knew that one day, I'd join a profession that would help me to reach out to others and make a difference. I've always been a real stickler for my plans. However, I'd like to think that I also maintain the

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-17927516230973754572010-01-27T08:59:00.004-05:002010-01-27T10:22:39.479-05:00

Everything has been going really well here in my neck of the woods for the last few months. I was fortunate enough to be able to be surrounded by my family at Christmas, and then head off to California shortly after to see the sights and meet Adams extended family. I've been attending the local college taking a PSW course to occupy my time and have been volunteering at the Hospital in Sarnia

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-30741305822613422022009-11-20T22:05:00.001-05:002009-11-20T22:08:46.852-05:00

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-82592483861032217582009-11-10T12:45:00.002-05:002009-11-10T13:06:19.652-05:00

until I meet with Dr. Ainsworth at London Regional Cancer Program (LRCP) to discuss the results of my genetic testing. Ok, realistically it's probably closer to three hours including the time I'll be stuck in an office waiting for him to saunter in, but who is counting. Other than me.For those of you who don't remember, I went to see Dr. Ainsworth back on April 28, 2009 to provide him with the

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-19228323007367164732009-11-02T15:56:00.008-05:002009-11-04T17:07:23.457-05:00

Everyone that knows me, knows that I am completely obsessed with Halloween. I usually plan my outfit at least a couple months in advance, and spend a few weeks sewing and gluing and crafting until it is just perfect.This year was no different, however, the two nights leading up to the main event weren't spent preparing.This year, I was fortunate enough to have been asked to be a model/

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-45294633466916217512009-10-04T20:48:00.016-04:002009-10-08T10:55:48.653-04:00

*In case you are wondering, I wrote this the day of my run. Unfortunately, I was unable to post it because there were too many pictures to edit. I've spent the last 3 days running around like mad attending orientations for volunteering, driving to Guelph, then Toronto for doctors appointments, then packing and flying to DC.Excuses, excuses. *Anyway.... here it is. So... as you may well

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-27490704165836919362009-09-30T21:52:00.002-04:002009-09-30T22:04:41.297-04:00

So, as I'm sure you all know, the day of the run is fast approaching (A little too fast for my liking.. eek). For those of you who are interested, this is the route that I will be running on October 4, 2009.http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/canada/on/london/125125019412880979Yes, it is 5 kilometers.No, I'm not entirely sure how I am going to finish it.Yes, I will be more than happy if you are there to

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-15540610878935410962009-09-21T09:47:00.003-04:002009-09-21T11:37:47.429-04:00

Morning has always been my favourite time of day. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those "up at 5am and ready to greet the sun" types (not that there is anything wrong with them). But... to me, there is something wonderful about waking up before everyone else, making a cup of tea (coffee) and staring out the window at the streets below.This dirty window, paint peeling off the frame, is my only

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-30505145066955119612009-07-25T19:19:00.006-04:002009-07-25T21:41:24.636-04:00

Soooooo.... I officially finished my physiology course today!! yipppeeee.Arduous doesn't even BEGIN to describe it, but i'm determined to not let it get me down. That is the end of that! ... after I tell you that 25% of the class dropped out over the last 2-3 weeks. eek.Ok, seriously done now.I finished my radiation on Monday!!!! I was accompanied by the Warner gang.We had a pretty lovely time,

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-3647880307801649792009-07-20T19:17:00.000-04:002009-07-20T19:19:38.883-04:00

about as famous as I will ever be...

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-3100211782450760232009-07-05T08:51:00.002-04:002009-07-05T09:03:55.603-04:00

Just a quick one to let everyone know that I did decide to go ahead with radiation treatments and I am now officially over half way finished ;)My uneventful initiation into the world of radiation treatments began on June 15th, 2009. I have completed 14 of 25 sessions, and am very excited to announce that I will be finished all cancer related treatments on July 20th. Yippee!!!I will write more

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-91615913316413047032009-06-28T20:57:00.003-04:002009-06-28T21:01:39.823-04:00

...how can I complain about anything after this?!Yes... that IS Jon Knight. Don't get me wrong, I will still complain. But... oh dang.(errm.... I love you Adam)

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-51740601703113876002009-05-24T21:46:00.003-04:002009-05-24T22:10:39.595-04:00

but there may be a small problem.I went to visit the radiation oncologist on Thursday afternoon, before heading up to my cottage for a much needed mini-vacation. In keeping with tradition, our 2:45 appointment (which we had to be there 30min prior to) was pushed back to 3:20-ish.The meeting was worth the wait, however, as both Dr Read & her nurse were very pleasant and professional. The nurse

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-13533162588918065922009-05-21T09:43:00.000-04:002009-05-21T09:43:45.989-04:00

In my list of "Things I didn't expect from chemo", I neglected to mention my chemo-induced menopause and the annoying hot flashes that go with it. I've been assured by my doctor that most women my age return to a normal cycle after chemo has stopped. My fingers are crossed.Ok... The long awaited information from my most recent appointments with my surgeon, my oncologist and the geneticist.Dr.

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-32280420318130682352009-05-20T08:23:00.004-04:002009-05-20T10:05:30.732-04:00

I am officially two weeks post-chemo and most of the nasty side effects have started to subside. As I was lying in bed last night, I got to thinking about how different chemo was from what I expected. Way back when this all started, my surgeon, Dr. George, told me that most of the women he spoke with after finishing treatment, told him that chemotherapy was the worst part. At first I laughed,

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-17022796645362497062009-05-10T18:26:00.005-04:002009-05-10T20:29:16.809-04:00

This Mother's Day, I really wanted to think outside the box and do something really awesome for my Momma. Problem was, those things called epiphanies are tricky little devils, and they never seem to occur when you need them.I was really starting to worry, until the perfect idea hit me (at 7:30 this morning). Lying in bed, writhing in pain, I thought to myself "Self, the best present you could

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-9285328359068659602009-05-08T11:04:00.006-04:002009-05-08T13:07:47.782-04:00

I'm feeling a little bit frustrated at the moment. As you already know, I finally finished my chemotherapy treatments on Tuesday. It's been a long, incredibly trying battle. To be honest, there may have been a night or two (curled up on the chair bawling my eyes out because I had to go back to the ER), that I may have had doubts that I was gonna make it. I've been in and out of the dang

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-2008869039392071042009-05-05T22:06:00.002-04:002009-05-05T22:28:23.239-04:00

Just a quick post to let everyone know that I am now officially finished my 6th round of chemo. Both Adam and my mother accompanied me to the final round today. It was a rather frustrating and drawn out process... but it's now done, and I couldn't be happier.As a post-chemo celebration, we went to a vegan Chinese food place for lunch and to see Wolverine tonight. I'm dead tired. Just two more

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-59261858744536920942009-04-27T20:07:00.001-04:002009-04-27T20:07:47.059-04:00

It's been quite some time since I've been bitten by the bloggin bug, so I apologize for my extended absence. In my defense, there have been at least 3 blogging attempts made by yours truly in as many weeks. Unfortunately, seeing as the entries couldn't even maintain my interest long enough to be finished, I abandoned them, and instead probably occupied my time by checking my facebook, or staring

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-69882474176833312272009-03-23T08:53:00.002-04:002009-03-23T09:07:21.266-04:00

Wow... I know it's funny to make fun of Canadians, this is mind boggling.I'm all for jokes and such, but maybe thinking about the families of our lost soldiers before opening your face.I mean, these guys single handedly make the entire country look like a bunch of ignorant jerks.They've honestly got nothing better to go on about?In other news, Adam and I are having a awesome time traveling about.

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-85253403984694411292009-03-19T10:34:00.001-04:002009-03-19T10:36:37.684-04:00

This is really cute. Notte Sento (English subtitles) from napdan on Vimeo.

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-11006169896079066112009-03-13T18:28:00.002-04:002009-03-13T19:20:13.295-04:00

Just a few little things I thought I would share-1) The other day on one of my big outings to Sarnia (yippee), my mother and I stopped in to Starbucks to grab a latte. I wouldn't say it was a packed crowd, but when we went in there weren't any seat. Ever so easily frustrated, I complained to my mom as we picked up our drinks and looked for a place to sit. A patron vacated a huge handicapped table

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-39834868863332622232009-03-08T09:03:00.002-04:002009-03-08T09:10:15.558-04:00

We miss you.

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-41164936203566724782009-03-07T11:24:00.000-05:002009-03-07T11:24:18.379-05:00

Maple syrup and Swedish Berries.Oh, and French Fries. I don't get it. In the past, I've been informed by more than one source that cravings are our bodies way of saying "hey, dude, you seem to be lacking something in your diet... therefore, I will plague you with relentless, constant cravings until you smarten up."However, I'm drawing a complete blank as to how Maple syrup, swedish berries and

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-71600622071928850422009-02-26T22:12:00.000-05:002009-02-26T22:12:30.922-05:00

Word to the wise.... never, under any circumstance, eat falafel immediately after (or before) chemo. If, by chance, you are asking yourself why, you will have to read the whole post. The answer will be somewhere in there. sneaky.  I suppose you can just use the "find on page" function and search for falafel... that could work too. Unless I've anticipated your move and sprinkled the word

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-19126227318512118422009-02-18T23:28:00.003-05:002009-02-18T23:34:43.952-05:00

meghan got a fever again so shes back in the hospital tonight. her white cell count is down at 1 and needs to be 4.2. the doctor is pretty confident this stay wont be as long because we got her to the hospital pretty early on and shes taking a white cell booster. oh, and my girlfriend is tuff as nails. like so tough you wouldnt even think to spell the word right.if you want to call, and you

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-57728538663616034872009-02-03T09:36:00.003-05:002009-02-03T09:39:21.869-05:00

Meghan was hospitalized two nights ago with an infection and a high fever. Shes in an isolated room with an iv that is giving her antibiotics and reducing her fever. Shes getting better but its still iffy as to what the cause is and when she can get out. The good news is that because of being hospitalized she now gets the white cell count booster shots before her chemo sessions. if you want to

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-17161088998102133582009-02-01T15:36:00.002-05:002009-02-01T15:43:51.053-05:00

Hi all...Not doing so hot right now. Had to go to emerg yesterday at 6am due to a high fever (100.4 degrees), sore throat and swollen glands (and some swelling and tenderness in the gums around a wisdom tooth that is coming in.We called the caner clinic in London at 4am to tell them, and they said to go to emerg.I went, and the first doctor told me that i had a virus. Ugh.However, when the blood

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-87740195888935058002009-01-23T20:30:00.000-05:002009-01-23T20:30:42.197-05:00

I recently began drafting a blog that included information about the clinical trial side effects, and my trip to D.C. which I had promised...oh about 15 days ago? Now, as exciting as those topics are, I figured that my first round of chemo kinda trumps them, so said blog has been put on the back burner for the time being. Tuesday, January 20th was the scheduled date for round one of six chemo

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-50343174307743965552009-01-16T13:02:00.000-05:002009-01-16T14:20:58.071-05:00

My undying love and devotion goes to the genius who first contemplated the use of nitrous oxide in dentistry. What a freakin whiz. I'm sure I will dedicate far too much of my time to researching the particulars later tonight. Until such point, however, I will try to give you a brief run down of what's going on in the last few days.My gram is in the hospital, as you already know. She has recovered

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-45020647437289010862009-01-11T21:29:00.003-05:002009-01-11T23:01:36.640-05:00

It's funny how all hospitals smell the same. I mean, with all the sanitizers, sterilizers and soap, I suppose it makes sense.I guess it would be more appropriate to say, it's funny how the memories of past experiences can be brought back by little more than the mere smell of a hospital. I spent the better part of today in the emergency room with my grandmother, and found myself being transported

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-47093172578731008202009-01-09T19:19:00.003-05:002009-01-09T21:30:32.551-05:00

For anyone who believes, please say a prayer for Patrick Swayze.He's been hospitalized with pnemonia. Click here to read the story. This man is one of the toughest around. His strength and courage is so inspirational to me. In case you haven't seen it, here is an interview he did with Barbara Walters talking about his cancer.May or may not have cried... just a bit.We love you Patrick. Hang in

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-4295906602906414532009-01-09T15:36:00.000-05:002009-01-09T20:24:52.250-05:00

OK... I've got a lot of words to share with you, as I've been on a temporary hiatus over the holidays. Get yourself a nice cup of tea, and I'll get down to it. The past few weeks have gone by so fast and have been jam packed, and I've been having a hard time deciding what to unload first. In a burst of clarity and creativity, my mind set itself on listin this junk chronologically. I guess the

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-28978500045260643952008-12-14T14:15:00.005-05:002008-12-14T15:20:34.386-05:00

I've been feeling a lot of negative emotions lately. Ones that I'm not too proud of, but will readily admit to.Feelings of isolation, jealousy and anger.Let me try to explain.The isolation I feel is pretty straightforward. I live in a small town of 5200 people, about 2 hours from my nearest (and closest) friend. It's hard to be so far removed from everything. Its hard to sit here, in the middle

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-26971270723039478032008-12-06T22:19:00.003-05:002008-12-08T15:58:01.697-05:00

My best bud Melanie came to visit me right after surgery. Of course, she came bearing a beautiful tray of goodies (as seen in the pictures). It is her 27th birthday today! So, I just wanted to take a second to say "Happy Birthday Darling, we love you very very very very very very very much".* She also sent me this picture to let me know that her and her boyfriend Andrew are always supporting me.

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-29742148577952922132008-12-01T15:17:00.000-05:002008-12-01T15:17:59.219-05:00

Adam spent the night with me at the hospital, grabbing what little sleep he could. It was difficult due to the annoying woman across the hall from me who wouldn't stop fighting with her boyfriend over the phone. Seriously, we heard her talking(read: crying) until at least 12:30am.This crazy broad kept yellin about her dang morphine and I.V. Her pain was a pretty constant 9 on a scale of 10. I'm

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-87260175801021394472008-11-29T10:30:00.000-05:002008-11-29T10:38:07.605-05:00

After the picture taking was finished, I was taken up to day surgery. Here we encountered the rudest, least sensitive woman on the face of the planet. She was in charge of admitting me for the surgery. She started off angry because I didn't know that my doctor had reserved a ward room for me, and got more and more bitchy as time went on. I was a little afraid that my mom was going to go over the

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-91155844938566248632008-11-27T13:05:00.013-05:002008-11-27T20:41:19.951-05:00

I've decided instead of overwhelming everyone with an 18 page update, Imma break it down into three parts.Part 1-pre-surgery.Part 2-day of surgery.Part 3-post-surgery.In the week leading up to my surgery, just about everything that could happen to me did. From being stuck on Queen street in Toronto with a broken rental car, to delayed flights, to cancelled, rescheduled and then uncancelled

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-54608289441978468262008-11-23T12:09:00.001-05:002008-11-23T12:12:02.314-05:00

Hi guys!!I just wanted to write a quick thanks to everyone for the well wishes and prayers over the last week or so! I came home yesterday and have been recovering/relaxing with my family and Adam since. Things are a little rough still, but I am feeling about 100X better than I did yesterday.I will try to update the blog in the next day or so with some more detailed info. Just wanted to tell you

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-60732831879929813902008-11-21T18:17:00.002-05:002008-11-21T18:20:39.281-05:00

The mastectomy went as planned but during the surgery the doctor found cancerous cells in the first lymph node. Because of this he had to remove all of them in my left armpit. I am supposed to hear back about the in-depth analysis of all the nodes on my check up appointment in two weeks. thats all for now, Im feeling ok, just really sleepy.

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-48470881236505948142008-11-14T11:58:00.004-05:002008-11-14T13:04:46.587-05:00

After anxiously waiting the full 10 days for my biopsy results to come back, I called the hospital to find out what the deal is.In an effort to recreate the suspense that I had to endure... I'm going to wait to tell you what they said until closer to the end of this post.Tonight I am heading up to Kitchener to visit Melanie and Andrew. I'm pretty psyched, although apparently I will be put to work

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-46829443184178566692008-11-11T21:36:00.002-05:002008-11-11T21:40:40.136-05:00

My mother and I decided to get a head start on our Christmas shopping this year, so we headed to Sarnia on Friday to start looking for the perfect gifts. I figured that I probably won't feel up to going for awhile after my surgery is finished and my treatments start. Our first stop was The Running Room, so I could pick up some new running shoes. My goal (albeit a little lofty) is to complete a

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047048042562451496.post-57504520678757435072008-11-05T19:16:00.001-05:002008-11-06T10:46:51.575-05:00

On Friday I received a phone call from St. Michaels Hospital telling me that I was booked for another biopsy that was to take place on Tuesday, November 4th.The conversation when something like this- Me - "A biopsy??" Her - "Yes, a biopsy. You will have to come in at 9:30 for an ultrasound, and then they will use a needle..." Me - (cutting her off mid-sentence) "Yes, I've had them done

Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16798075377082932012noreply@blogger.com4