Happy New Year from MrD and the Trophy H. This last year has been a lot of
giggles for me writing this tongue in cheek blog to dish some dirt, present some tasty food ideas, give a few travel tips and hopefully add a smile or a chuckle or two to your day.
This year, my silent reader, I am changing topics and heading into more exciting waters.
There is no great way to get this news out there but here goes for trying.
Four days before Christmas I was diagnosed with colon cancer that has spread to my
liver. How cool is that? Cancer Rocks!
I had been in hospital for a week and a half getting fast tracked through a lot of tests. Some of those tests involving chemically emptied colons and live cameras on site in places that should never be visited by operating rooms full of people one does not know. A wee bit nasty and uncomfortable.
I haven't been a patient in hospital since I was in my mid twenties, having my nose done. It took more time getting used to strangers walking in at all hours with
concerned professional smiles wanting to stick long sharp needles in my arms or take my temperature and blood pressure for the hundredth time.
December 20, I got the official reports after a conference with the medical
Team. I was given a discharge and sent home with MrD to celebrate the holidays.
MrD has been a pillar of strength and support through all this but when he heard the “Big C” word he collapsed. In the Philippines, where he grew up, there were and still are relatively fewer survivors. In MrD’s head he was already picking out a good blue suit and a box.
Because it was the holiday season there was no way they could get me into the Cancer
Center until January. I have since been notified that my first appointment is January13. In the mean time my goal is to get my strength back after that barrage of invasive testing. I lost a lot of weight I need to put back on my bones. I will need some reserves to combat the chemo treatments.
A recent report comparing six first world countries found that Canada rated tops in cancer survivors and British Columbia ranked the highest in the land. I have every right to feel optimistic.
You might recall, my silent reader, I always maintain a positive outlook on life and a sense of humour to get me through tough times. I am in great spirits and ready for a fabulous new year. None of us know the future. Often what we perceive to be horrible devastating news turns out down the road to be one of the best things that ever happened to us.
The only sad part is right now I will not be able to spend time back at our home in Asia, getting massages on the beach while I suck back fresh local mango and banana shakes.
That will be something to look forward to down the long and winding road.
