Our flight from Calgary to Halifax was long. It was a full day of travel. We landed in Halifax at 9 pm and had a wonderful dinner with the Krochko's. It was nice to be able to share the trip with them as they had been the driving force with each treatment and trip to Halifax. We stayed over night and in the early morning ventured back to the airport for Michelle to catch a flight to Toronto for a week with MacKenzie and the time to see his show. Michellie and David headed home. Michellie went to school for the afternoon to catch up with friends, and David tried to make some semblance out of the house. Clare had done a fabulous job of taking care of the cats and holding down the last of the renovation challenges. And, this begins our attempt at getting back into the regular life and finding out what impact our time with the dolphins has had.
David made magic happen at the house by finishing the floor in the studio with Michellie's help and getting all the little details caught up. Michellie and Emma created magic by setting up the tree and decorating. Michelle and Kenzie experienced a week of magic in Toronto with healing tap techniques from Heather Cornell and then a show that was out of this world! As I write today, we are all home and enjoying each others company. Last night was the winter solstice and Jill had a big party to celebrate, our next door neighbour. Each of us gathered something to let go of and to burn in the bonfire. We were happy to burn a requisition paper from one of Michellie's treatments as one of our offerings. Now we are enjoying the magic of the season, the magic of our family, and the magic of the incredible journey called "life". What a year, what incredible memories, and what experiences we could never imagine.
One of the biggest messages learned through the Dolphin experience was voiced by Doug - "Look fear in the face and walk right through it. You can never imagine the opportunities that will be opened on the other side and the chance to experience them because of your bravery". Michellie faced her fears in Hawaii and she conquered them. This gift of words has been carried forward to other experiences for all of us. If you are reading these words, we hope you will embrace them too. All of us are scared to walk in, we dance around, avoid, go the other way, and hide in the face of fear. We all have the strength to head straight in and know that we will have the tools to face what is there for us.
Kenzie and Michelle used this technique when they accidentally ordered a huge platter of sushimi this week. Raw fish was not anything they would ever choose to eat. It was quite the scene when they were faced with this challenge. So, they ate the fish, and they loved it!!! After a good laugh, they both were thankful for jumping in and going for it. More Sushimi...bring it on!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Cochrane and Day 10
After flying all night, we arrived in Vancouver at 5:30 am, and then Calgary at 9:30. The Harris' were there to greet us and hear the stories. We were really on another dimension when we arrived. It is hard to describe. David spent the afternoon in bed since he cannot sleep on the plane. The girls shared their stories with Erin and then fell asleep, and Michelle and Mireille had tea and chatted quietly. The evening was slow and quiet, and everyone was early to bed with another plane ride and an early morning for the last of the trip home. I think that you can see by our faces on this last picture, we were relaxed and ready for some Christmas fun! Our shirts are signed by all the significant people on our trip. Thank you Children's Wish for making such an inspiring trip happen!!! Thank you to all of those people who so generously support the Wish foundations to make such trips possible. We are so grateful!!!
Tada!
Our last Day in Hawaii- Day 9
Michellie and Chelsie-Anne were given the choice of what they wanted to do for the last day. They chose sleeping in and relaxing. That of course didn't happen. We were all up by 8 and ready not to waste a single moment. We all headed down for swimming and hot tubbing. We walked around a little and we enjoyed the incredible resort. We finished off the morning with a great brunch, and the girls did a little shopping. By 11:30 we met in our little room to have one last gathering. It was so incredible. I know that I have used this descriptive word many times throughout the week, but there really are not the right words to describe the whole experience. In fact, it is hard to put much of it into words. Our gathering allowed everyone the chance to talk about their experiences, and to give thanks. Doug and Trish were incredible. They treated us like royalty all week long. They were so intuitive and receptive to all that was going on, and they were there to help Michellie make her transition to a healed world. Once again there were many tears, and Michellie was able to express herself this time. David was extremely moved, and he felt some deep emotions throughout the week. He really needed this experience as well. He was such a pillar through the whole year, and he needed some special healing time too. With the closing meditation, we all felt rejuvenated and ready to see the world. We packed our bags and headed to the Santa Claus parade, Hawaiian style! We enjoyed a Thai lunch, some great shopping and some fun experiences from the floats. We met Doug and Trish's newest grandchild and shared some time with their family.
At 5:30 we were on our way to the outdoor airport to catch our flight. It was sad to leave. We all enjoyed so much with this experience. Hawaii is truly a magical place, and we felt that. Mahalo.
At 5:30 we were on our way to the outdoor airport to catch our flight. It was sad to leave. We all enjoyed so much with this experience. Hawaii is truly a magical place, and we felt that. Mahalo.
Time to say Goodbye - Day 8
We began this morning like all the others, but Michellie was up and ready right away - what a switch from the start of the week. We headed to our restaurant, and had our usual, and then got ready for the boat. It once again needed to be fixed, but we were used to that and how the timing of the boat leaving the harbour was alway just perfect. Today was part of the full moon cycle and an eclipse as well. The water was running with different currents and the dolphins were scarce. There were a few to greet us, and then they left. We headed north and the water was very choppy. We could not find the dolphins and had to keep travelling a long way. David and Michellie ended up with sea sickness and spent all their time holding on to the boat. All at once a Manta Ray was spotted, and then 11 surfaced. Usually you have to take the boat out at night when they feed to find them. Today, the waters had churned up the food and they were following some little microbes. Chelsie-Anne and I jumped into the waters to be bitten by these little microbes, but the Manta's were too big a draw to care. There were little pacman jelly fish, and long tubular jelly fish too. But, the Manta's were incredible. They were like angels floating in the water. They would swim ahead of us, and then stop if we stopped. At one point one turned to swim towards us, and Chelsie-Anne and I had to back paddle to get out of the way. Another time we were just over top of one and it stopped. It opened its horn of skin on the front to expose an pearlescent shine that attracted the suns rays through the water. It stopped and sat for what seemed like eternity or 60 seconds, and then it closed up the skin and swam away. It was so surreal. We feel very privileged to have been able to share such special moments with these incredible creatures.
We headed back to the harbour since none of the boats could find the dolphins. Once there, there was a small pod of about 20 - 30 swimming there. It was in the boat channel, so we weren't supposed to swim there, but several boats parked and we jumped in. We were all relieved to be able to say goodbye to the dolphins. Michellie was quick into the water even after being sick. David we let off at the docks as he couldn't handle any more topsy turvy water. We swam in very murky water. It was hard to see the dolphins until they were close, but they were swimming in circles around us, and they were calling. It was so beautiful. Afterwards we put down anchor and had our pineapple and lunch. This time Michellie ate most of the pineapple herself. We were all so happy to finish the day on a high note.
We headed back to the harbour since none of the boats could find the dolphins. Once there, there was a small pod of about 20 - 30 swimming there. It was in the boat channel, so we weren't supposed to swim there, but several boats parked and we jumped in. We were all relieved to be able to say goodbye to the dolphins. Michellie was quick into the water even after being sick. David we let off at the docks as he couldn't handle any more topsy turvy water. We swam in very murky water. It was hard to see the dolphins until they were close, but they were swimming in circles around us, and they were calling. It was so beautiful. Afterwards we put down anchor and had our pineapple and lunch. This time Michellie ate most of the pineapple herself. We were all so happy to finish the day on a high note.
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| With Doug and Trish! |
Upon our return we headed to the Cultural Center for the chance to make our own flower lei's. This was so easy. We were quick to finish our creations and then we headed upstairs to get ready for the gala. We were heading to the Royal Kona Resort for "Lava Legends and Legacies" Luau. We enjoyed incredible dancing and music. As well as witnessed the unearthing of the roasted pig. We tried Poi, and other Hawaiian delicacies. It was a fun night. We were all dressed to the nines and the pictures probably tell more.
Dolphin swimming again - Day 7
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| This is what greeted us this morning! |
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| And, they just wanted to show us that play is so important! |
Today the dolphins were not in the harbour to greet us, but they joined us on our ride northward. They were ready to play, and they continually were splashing and spinning all along the route. The swim today was about playing and being playful. They were moving quickly, and we spent a lot of time in and out of the boat to keep up to them. It was so interesting how they showed us such completely different sides each day. Everyone was feeling good, and Michellie was able to let go of Doug's hand and swim on her own and with Chelsie-Anne. David was challenged with his gear, and he was frustrated with getting sea water up the tube as he was breathing. We were not sure if he was breathing so hard that he sucked it up or if there was really deficiency in all of his equipment. Instead, he got some great photos today.
After pineapple and lunch we headed back for an afternoon with more swimming, and I went snorkeling with the sea turtles in the lagoon at the hotel. Next we headed to Heiau and the Kona Inn. We sat on the shore line and watched the sunset in each our own special spots. Then we headed for a great dinner beside the ocean.
We followed up the evening with a channelling session. This was extremely powerful. Trish supported us through the meditation, and channelled the dolphins to us. They had powerful messages to share. Afterwards we were all quick to bed. David was so quick to bed that he fell asleep fully clothed and spread out like a star fish. It wasn't until the wee hours of the morning that he noticed he still had a belt on and it was cutting into him. We will receive the channelling messages on a tape, and I look forward to hearing all of it, as I seemed to disappear somewhere in the middle. They sang to us through Trish and this was incredibly powerful as well.
Kilauea Volcano - Day 6
Breakfast was in the hotel this morning, and Michellie actually ate! And, she ate well too. This was a first for her in many months. Heading off early this morning, but not as early as other mornings, we headed along the shoreline for our volcano tour. We went through little villages and shops, as well as past water falls and coast lines that were so beautiful. Coming from Mauna Lani, we headed to Waimea, and then to Waipi-o Valley Lookout, through Pa'auilo and to Akaka Falls. The rainforest was full of incredible beauty, and there were so many incredible plants and flowers. We ate lunch in a little spot where it downpoured incredulously. We got to the top of Mauna Kea for cold temperatures - only 6 degrees, and rain. We could see the crater and the steam from the different lava ponds. It was really surreal to be on top and see such incredible power coming from the volcano. We went through the museum and watched the videos, and enjoyed Doug's tales of Pele, and the other spirits of the volcano. We attempted for a Thai restaurant in Hilo, but after 45 minutes of driving around, ended up in a little Italian spot that was fantastic. Well worth the wait, right David?!
The trip home was in the dark, and across "Saddle Road". This road is windy, dippy, dark and lonely. We had never been on such a road, even with the windy bits in CB. Most of us fell asleep during this part, and Michellie really slept most of the day from spot to spot. She was really processing a lot, and we just couldn't seem to wake her. At 10:30 pm, we finally made it home. It was so good to see all the little, non commercial parts of the island, and the volcano. What a great day!
The trip home was in the dark, and across "Saddle Road". This road is windy, dippy, dark and lonely. We had never been on such a road, even with the windy bits in CB. Most of us fell asleep during this part, and Michellie really slept most of the day from spot to spot. She was really processing a lot, and we just couldn't seem to wake her. At 10:30 pm, we finally made it home. It was so good to see all the little, non commercial parts of the island, and the volcano. What a great day!
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| Kilauea Volcano |
Amorous Dolphins and Day 5
Tuesday morning was even harder for Michellie. She just couldn't wake up. We managed to get to the car by 6:15 but it was a challenge. We headed for breakfast at "Bite Me" and waited for the boat. We loaded up, headed out and the prop was causing difficulties again. We all unloaded and waited for a fix. Once we were on the boat again, the dolphins were waiting for us. They were swimming all around us, and leading us out of the harbour and northward. We were excited for another day with them. We were asked to picture what kind of an encounter we would like with the dophins today, and each of us kept that picture clear. Once we were at our location, there were hundreds of dolphins swimming everywhere. We suited up, and jumped in quick. Michellie was still apprehensive, so she swam with Doug holding her hand once again. He led her all over with quick observations of where the dolphins were. They were coupled for the most part, and there were lots of babies around too. The dolphins really shared their love with us today. They swam past and around, and were in many large pods as they past us. Afterwards we had our pineapple with first mate, Daryl, and spent an hour or so just jumping from the boat and swimming around. It was really great fun, and Michellie finally felt comfortable in the water and with the boat.
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| Best buds or what?! |
For the afternoon we headed for smoothies. They have the most incredible juices and choices. This became a quick special treat for all of us. Afterwards we swam and then headed to the beach to learn how to peel a coconut. We learnt about the inspirational healing powers of coconut water. After husking for a long time we finally got into the meat of the coconut. We poked a hole and drank the water, then we ate some of the meat. Lastly, we had an incedible jelly like dessert with the coconut. Heavenly!
Next we headed to the Hilton Hotel. First, the Hotel is like a mini Disney Land with a boat around the area, and a tram car. There is a dolphin swim with several dolphins there, as well as shopping and restaurants and incredible art work and artifacts. We headed over to a special Buddha statue that overlooked the ocean. We enjoyed an awesome sunset that continually changed for over an hour.
Next we headed to the Hilton Hotel. First, the Hotel is like a mini Disney Land with a boat around the area, and a tram car. There is a dolphin swim with several dolphins there, as well as shopping and restaurants and incredible art work and artifacts. We headed over to a special Buddha statue that overlooked the ocean. We enjoyed an awesome sunset that continually changed for over an hour.
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| Sunset at Kohala |
The Real Thing - Day 4
Up and preparing at 5:30 am, we were down to the car for 6:15 am. Michellie was hard to get up, but we managed. We headed to the docks at Kona, where we had a bite to eat at "Bite Me" Fish Market Bar and Grill. We loaded up the boat - "Neptune Charlie" and prepared to set off. Donning sunscreen and getting our gear organized, the dolphins were at the harbour mouth ready to greet us. There were at least 20 - 30 dolphins circling and sharing with us, and the swam in front of the boat, beside and around. It was so exciting. Then, we had a problem with our prop, so we had to head back into shore. While they fixed the boat, we went around to a little site point, and we watched the dolphins from there. About an hour later, we headed out again, and headed south towards the latest sightings of the dolphins. En route we spotted a sea turtle just floating on top of the water. At our destination, we stopped and quickly prepared to get into the water for our first swim. Michellie was petrified. She could not even get her sun screen on herself. We managed to help her with this, and she dressed, but she was terrified. When it got time to jump in the water she couldn't do it. Doug was amazing with her. He took her hand and coaxed her gently into the water. Holding both his hand and mine, we let the excitement of the dolphins take over and she put her face into the water. The dolphins were surrounding us. They were beside, below and swimming all around. They were really welcoming us into their pod. They even swam over to Michellie and called to her. At one point Chelsie-Anne was swimming off on her own and they surrounded her and swam and sang to her. It was amazing. There were several sounds they were using. There was a clicking sound that filled the water, as well as an echoing call. We were surrounded and it was so fulfilling. Each of us received different messages through the week. What I felt the strongest on this first day was "Look around and see everything". This was very important, as you could have a dolphin swimming beside you, but if you were looking down, you didn't even know. And, if you only watched the dolphins and searched for them, you missed all the schools of fish and the coral reef below. The water was clear and beautiful. The sun shining in rays below the water illuminated the seas and made everything so surreal and ethereal.
We jumped in and out of the boat several times through the morning as we had to keep up to the different swimming patterns of the dolphins. Close to noon we stopped in a beautiful coral reef location, and Doug and myself went swimming to see the different fish etc. It was so amazing. So freeing to be in the water and just enjoying time as it is. The First mate of the ship, Alicia, cut up some fresh pineapple for us to enjoy, and Michellie was able to eat much of it with no reaction to it. At home she breaks out in sores all over her mouth, but with fresh pineapple, there was no reaction. We ate lunch, and then headed back to the harbour. Captain Jeff was a great commander of our first day!
We returned from the boat for some relaxing, and the girls immediately suited up to go swimming. We stopped in to the cultural center and learned how to make tea lei's. This was great fun. We all met for a gathering later on, and Michellie fell asleep deeply. We didn't know how we were going to wake her, until she rolled over and fell off the couch. After a few stunned moments, we were able to get her up and out for dinner. We all slept well that night.
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| In the Great Blue for the first time... FEAR...that's a word all right! |
We jumped in and out of the boat several times through the morning as we had to keep up to the different swimming patterns of the dolphins. Close to noon we stopped in a beautiful coral reef location, and Doug and myself went swimming to see the different fish etc. It was so amazing. So freeing to be in the water and just enjoying time as it is. The First mate of the ship, Alicia, cut up some fresh pineapple for us to enjoy, and Michellie was able to eat much of it with no reaction to it. At home she breaks out in sores all over her mouth, but with fresh pineapple, there was no reaction. We ate lunch, and then headed back to the harbour. Captain Jeff was a great commander of our first day!
We returned from the boat for some relaxing, and the girls immediately suited up to go swimming. We stopped in to the cultural center and learned how to make tea lei's. This was great fun. We all met for a gathering later on, and Michellie fell asleep deeply. We didn't know how we were going to wake her, until she rolled over and fell off the couch. After a few stunned moments, we were able to get her up and out for dinner. We all slept well that night.
Snorkeling lessons - Day 3
Sunday, the 4th, we were awake quite early with all the time zones. David and I headed to the beach for some Tai Chi. The girls headed to the pool to swim and sit in the hot pool. We had been given a huge fruit basket from the hotel, and Trish and Doug had left us lots of other food choices in the room, so we snacked and relaxed. After lunch, we met Trish and Doug under a huge and beautiful tree by the water for our first gathering. Here we talked about the week and did our first meditation to call in the dolphins and ask for their assistance for the week. Then Doug took us out to snorkel in the lagoon. The hotel had free snorkeling gear as well as surf boards etc., so we headed out to get acquainted with the coral reef and fish. We saw all kinds of fish from "Finding Nemo", as well as sea cucumber and turtles. It was great. The water was like a warm bath, and we loved it. After snorkeling we went for dinner with Trish and Doug, with our lei's and all. We finished the evening off with a gathering in the room to talk about our goals and our dreams. This was a very emotional time, as it was a chance to bring our fears, dreams, and wishes to voice. We had tears and Michellie was overwhelmed with it all. We finished off with a video of the dolphins and what to expect through the week. We were all excited to bring on the swimming! Also, Larry, our favorite down at the desk, sent up to the room two little dolphins with lei's stuffies for the girls. The timing was perfect and the connection he made with the girls was awesome.
Dolphin Spirit of Hawaii - Day 1 and 2
We left our home at 5 am on the 2nd of December for a good trip to Halifax. The weather was great, and the roads were clear. We boarded the plane for Calgary, and we were off. We arrived in Calgary at 3:30 pm and were greeted by the Harris'! We were all so excited. Our evening was an incredible night of Indian food with the company of the MacAuley's too. Chelsie-Anne planned an evening with the home schooling bunch, and all the teens headed over to the bowling alley for some great fun. Michellie was pumped. Even with just a little bit of sleep, her stamina was astounding. It was great to hear all the giggles and chatting from the teens. Us adults had some fun of our own. It was so good to catch up, and to talk about cancer as a thing of the past. Melody has had her challenges after 10 years of recovery, and we talked about the new things she is working on to get her stamina and sleep on target. Mireille was a force to contend with, and everyone was scooted home by 10 pm so we could get a little nap before our 4:30 am departure for the airport.
Andy took us to the airport, beginning our morning with "Vacation" by the Gogo's on the radio. I should comment here, that despite the icy conditions on landing, the road was relatively clear and the skies were vibrant in the morning. We arrived to the airport in fine time. Later that day the snow storm closed all the roads in and out of Cochrane, but we were already up and on our way. Our flight took us to Phoenix, Arizona with a short stop over to do a little shopping and eating. Finally, we were on a plane to the islands!!!!
We landed in the early afternoon (thank goodness for Touch for Health time travel skills to adjust time zones for us - 6 hours time difference from Cape Breton). Trish and Doug, our incredible hosts, met us at the airport where we were lei'd for the first time. It was warm, green, beautiful and our hosts so warm and welcoming! Doug was guided by the dolphins to make our trip bigger than it was, and he obtained a sponsorship from the Maula Lani Resort to support us with accommodations for the entire trip. We were on the top floor, overlooking the ocean, and we each had our own rooms, as well as a special room for our mediations and gatherings. We were met at the resort with more lei's, as well as Larry (our incredible greeting person). We were given cold wipes to refresh with, fresh guava juice, and the girls were given little turtle stuffies from the resort. We settled into our rooms, walked the grounds a little and enjoyed the real turtles, as well as some entertainers in the lobby singing and dancing and playing guitar. We had dinner, and then we crashed by 9. It gets dark in Hawaii by 5:30, and they have a torch lighter that blows a conch shell and then runs from torch to torch lighting the grounds. This was fun to watch. We could not believe the trip was real. It still seemed like such a dream.
Andy took us to the airport, beginning our morning with "Vacation" by the Gogo's on the radio. I should comment here, that despite the icy conditions on landing, the road was relatively clear and the skies were vibrant in the morning. We arrived to the airport in fine time. Later that day the snow storm closed all the roads in and out of Cochrane, but we were already up and on our way. Our flight took us to Phoenix, Arizona with a short stop over to do a little shopping and eating. Finally, we were on a plane to the islands!!!!
We landed in the early afternoon (thank goodness for Touch for Health time travel skills to adjust time zones for us - 6 hours time difference from Cape Breton). Trish and Doug, our incredible hosts, met us at the airport where we were lei'd for the first time. It was warm, green, beautiful and our hosts so warm and welcoming! Doug was guided by the dolphins to make our trip bigger than it was, and he obtained a sponsorship from the Maula Lani Resort to support us with accommodations for the entire trip. We were on the top floor, overlooking the ocean, and we each had our own rooms, as well as a special room for our mediations and gatherings. We were met at the resort with more lei's, as well as Larry (our incredible greeting person). We were given cold wipes to refresh with, fresh guava juice, and the girls were given little turtle stuffies from the resort. We settled into our rooms, walked the grounds a little and enjoyed the real turtles, as well as some entertainers in the lobby singing and dancing and playing guitar. We had dinner, and then we crashed by 9. It gets dark in Hawaii by 5:30, and they have a torch lighter that blows a conch shell and then runs from torch to torch lighting the grounds. This was fun to watch. We could not believe the trip was real. It still seemed like such a dream.
From the Naturopath
We have spent the last few months with a great Naturopath from Antigonish, Jennifer Doyle. She has taken all of Michellie's last complaints and begun work on cleaning this out. She began with a stomach coater to reduce the inflammation. This is DGL. This took about 6 weeks to really show an impact that was lasting, and the stomach cramping while eating has been reduced significantly. Second, Michellie has really slowed down her eating. She finds that if she eats in a rush, the cramping returns. I guess Grandpa's wish for dinner at the table and for a relaxing visit is the best medicine too! We also added a product called Calm with Calcium and Magnesium to reduce cramping, and this has worked really well also. A really strong probiotic was added to get the good bacteria going, and reduce the side effects of the antibiotics used during chemo. That was in October. In November we added a B6 vitamin to increase energy and reduce PMS. As well, Myorel was added to reduce inflammation. Lastly, we added Castor Oil rubs 4 times a week along the lower abdomen, with a hot water bottle for twenty minutes. This is a detoxifier and can eliminate any cysts growing on the ovaries. (Blood clotting with the blood flow, cramping in the middle of the menstrual cycle, and intense pain with menses can be indicative of cysts). We are thrilled to report that the back pain from menses and the overall cramping has been reduced significantly, such that Michellie was able to continue to go to school and only use a regular pain killer to manage the pain. This was so incredible, I was doing the happy dance for three days!!!
Our friend, Wendy, also sent us some essential oil blends to assist with the pain, and Michellie was able to add these to her repetoire as well. She sent us a special blend of Clary Sage, Fennel, Bergamot and Coconut oil. This Michellie kept on the bottom of her feet each night for the last few weeks. Thank you Wendy!!!
Our time with the Naturopath has educated us on the different levels of activity happening for Michellie. She did not have a hormone imbalance, which is how many of the PMS symptoms are usually dealt with. If we had gone this route, we would still be having trouble with symptoms. We hope that by outlining the info above, others will be able to find their own solutions.
Michellie was so happy to finally have relief and solutions. In fact, we didn't even have any mood swings to go with this last round either. We will keep you updated.
Michellie is having difficulty with getting to sleep, and many night she lies awake until 3 or 4 am. Our friend Melody has suffered from terrible sleep deprivation since her chemo treatments, and with some testing discovered that her Seratonin levels were extremely depleted. She is attending a special clinic in Canmore, Alberta this week to help her change this around. We are eagerly waiting for her results so that we can know if this is something we need to pursue further. Anyone with info on this, we would love to hear from you. The Naturopath explained to us that if you just work with the Melatonin, that is the final product, whereby Seratonin is one of the initial products the body produces to help several systems in the body. It can cause difficulty in several areas if it is low. She advised us to wait a few more weeks to see if Michellie continues to heal herself, and if these difficulties will adjust.
Bring on healing with the Dolphins!
Our friend, Wendy, also sent us some essential oil blends to assist with the pain, and Michellie was able to add these to her repetoire as well. She sent us a special blend of Clary Sage, Fennel, Bergamot and Coconut oil. This Michellie kept on the bottom of her feet each night for the last few weeks. Thank you Wendy!!!
Our time with the Naturopath has educated us on the different levels of activity happening for Michellie. She did not have a hormone imbalance, which is how many of the PMS symptoms are usually dealt with. If we had gone this route, we would still be having trouble with symptoms. We hope that by outlining the info above, others will be able to find their own solutions.
Michellie was so happy to finally have relief and solutions. In fact, we didn't even have any mood swings to go with this last round either. We will keep you updated.
Michellie is having difficulty with getting to sleep, and many night she lies awake until 3 or 4 am. Our friend Melody has suffered from terrible sleep deprivation since her chemo treatments, and with some testing discovered that her Seratonin levels were extremely depleted. She is attending a special clinic in Canmore, Alberta this week to help her change this around. We are eagerly waiting for her results so that we can know if this is something we need to pursue further. Anyone with info on this, we would love to hear from you. The Naturopath explained to us that if you just work with the Melatonin, that is the final product, whereby Seratonin is one of the initial products the body produces to help several systems in the body. It can cause difficulty in several areas if it is low. She advised us to wait a few more weeks to see if Michellie continues to heal herself, and if these difficulties will adjust.
Bring on healing with the Dolphins!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Children's Wish
It is hard to believe that November has arrived and the white stuff is swirling around the windows this morning. Michellie has been challenged with more painful cramps and stomach issues, and we keep plodding away with vitamins, balancing techniques and pain killers. We have now turned our attention to something much more exciting and healing too! Michellie's Children's Wish is approaching. We cannot believe that it is real, but we are counting each day until our departure. Michellie's wish is to swim with the dolphins in their natural habitat and learn how to use their healing capabilities to heal her final difficulties. We are off to http://www.dolphinspiritofhawaii.com/, a retreat on the mainland of Hawaii where we get to swim and learn from the dolphins for a whole week. We leave on the 2nd of December with a quick stop in Calgary to pick up Chelsie-Anne to join us. She is a part of the wish too. Michellie has been working out to have enough muscle strength to swim in the ocean for a good length of time, and is also looking forward to a day at a volcano. David and I are happy to walk away from life for one week and just relax and enjoy living. We are very happy to be sharing this wish with Michellie. MacKenzie is not joining us for this trip as he is avidly working in Toronto. His time in Hawaii at 16 was dancing with Jason Samuel Smith beside the beach, and he knows that he has already had several of his dreams fulfilled. Have a look at the program as it is outlined on the website. We can hardly wait to send back pictures from the beach! Now to face the swirly whites and go for groceries this morning.
Caroline Sutherland and Alternative Cancer Therapies
I have known Caroline Sutherland for many years, and have studied Medical Intuitive training with her as well (http://www.carolinesutherland.com/). She is also a regular presenter on Hay House radio with a huge following. This last Monday I was able to tune in to her Monday night talk show, and the topic happened to be Alternative Therapies for Cancer. I thought I would summarize her talk for everyone incase the information can be helpful. Please pass it forward.
The talk was mostly about Insulin Potentiation Therapy which utilizes low dose chemotherapy with no side effects. In Canada there are protocols of chemo drugs that are used to treat different cancers. With these protocols they know that the different drugs will help different people in different ways. In Germany and Greece cancer patients can have their blood taken and analyzed to determine which chemo drug will work for them. This eliminates the chemo drugs that will not work and the subsequent side effects of those drugs. You can send your blood to Europe for the same screening. Check out http://www.iptforcancer.com/. The IPT first began 30 - 35 years ago with Dr. Garcia in Mexico, and their success rate is astounding. They use a format where they reduce the blood sugar level of the body, then inject the chemo drug in a sugar solution. The cancer cells are starving from the reduction in sugar and gobble up the injection. This keeps the chemo going straight to the cancer cells. The bodies blood sugar is slowly returned to normal. The average procedure requires between 6 - 10 treatments to eradicate the cancer cells. Some medical plans will cover some of the costs of this procedure, otherwise it can cost between $1500 - $1800. There is no treatment center in Canada, but there are a few across the states. Europe has many treatment centers using these techniques.
For those diagnosed with cancer there are a few simple things to do to get the body healing itself. First is to increase fiber (1 TBsp of Chia seeds can help with this and not bloat the stomach like Psyllium can) and second is to detox the liver (5 pumpkin seeds a day will assist with this). Wheat, dairy, sugar and caffeine should be eliminated. Sugar feeds the cancer cells and helps them to grow, and wheat, dairy and caffeine can block the bodies ability to clean itself out. Pau D'Arco tea should be added at 1 cup 3 times per day, and this can be increased to 6 cups per day until test results at 3 months. If you add capsules you can reduce the amount of tea, but begin with the tea. This is an antifungal that will help to cleanse the body.
Digestive support will be extremely helpful using such digestive aids as papaya tablets or other digestive enzymes. Large amounts of Vitamin C - 1000 mg 4 times per day, and an immune booster will also assist the body. Caroline has a product called Immuplex. Dr. Brighton, an IPT Dr, uses High Dose Vitamin C with his protocol, as do other Dr.'s. Dr. Brad Weeks is in Clinton, Washington and info about his program can be obtained from a former patient named Carol who can be reached at 619-422-4775 or premcarolreiki@yahoo.com. Dr. Richard Lynchess is on Long Island for those on the East side of the country. There is also a machine known as an Asyra Machine to test Energy, and it is found in Florida, and this can help with locating the cancer and working with its energy.
Lymphoma cancer patients should completely eliminate dairy to allow the lymph fluid to run clear. Any mucus or thickness to the lymph fluid can further block sites of inflammation. To increase iron and energy, as well as help with detox, add organic beef stew or beef broth at 6 cups per day. Heal detox drops can clean out the lymph, kidneys and digestive system. Iron and B vitamins will support the body, and Green smoothies are a must.
You can check out http://www.thebestanswerforcancer.com/. And, for those recovering from cancer and treatment there are several meditation CD's that can be helpful by Eldon Taylor at Provocative Enlightenment. You can find these at http://www.innertalk.com/. The two CD's most highly regarded for cancer recovery is "Cancer Remission" and "Forgiveness and Letting Go". These two CD's are free if 2 other CD's are ordered. As well, Suzanne Somers book "Knockout" has a huge resource section at the back for other doctors in your area.
Caroline has a diverse background in the medical world as well as in allergy testing and healing the body. She has several books that you can find on her website. "The Body Knows" has been on my shelf of resources for many years. Her meditation CD's are also an excellent resource.
The talk was mostly about Insulin Potentiation Therapy which utilizes low dose chemotherapy with no side effects. In Canada there are protocols of chemo drugs that are used to treat different cancers. With these protocols they know that the different drugs will help different people in different ways. In Germany and Greece cancer patients can have their blood taken and analyzed to determine which chemo drug will work for them. This eliminates the chemo drugs that will not work and the subsequent side effects of those drugs. You can send your blood to Europe for the same screening. Check out http://www.iptforcancer.com/. The IPT first began 30 - 35 years ago with Dr. Garcia in Mexico, and their success rate is astounding. They use a format where they reduce the blood sugar level of the body, then inject the chemo drug in a sugar solution. The cancer cells are starving from the reduction in sugar and gobble up the injection. This keeps the chemo going straight to the cancer cells. The bodies blood sugar is slowly returned to normal. The average procedure requires between 6 - 10 treatments to eradicate the cancer cells. Some medical plans will cover some of the costs of this procedure, otherwise it can cost between $1500 - $1800. There is no treatment center in Canada, but there are a few across the states. Europe has many treatment centers using these techniques.
For those diagnosed with cancer there are a few simple things to do to get the body healing itself. First is to increase fiber (1 TBsp of Chia seeds can help with this and not bloat the stomach like Psyllium can) and second is to detox the liver (5 pumpkin seeds a day will assist with this). Wheat, dairy, sugar and caffeine should be eliminated. Sugar feeds the cancer cells and helps them to grow, and wheat, dairy and caffeine can block the bodies ability to clean itself out. Pau D'Arco tea should be added at 1 cup 3 times per day, and this can be increased to 6 cups per day until test results at 3 months. If you add capsules you can reduce the amount of tea, but begin with the tea. This is an antifungal that will help to cleanse the body.
Digestive support will be extremely helpful using such digestive aids as papaya tablets or other digestive enzymes. Large amounts of Vitamin C - 1000 mg 4 times per day, and an immune booster will also assist the body. Caroline has a product called Immuplex. Dr. Brighton, an IPT Dr, uses High Dose Vitamin C with his protocol, as do other Dr.'s. Dr. Brad Weeks is in Clinton, Washington and info about his program can be obtained from a former patient named Carol who can be reached at 619-422-4775 or premcarolreiki@yahoo.com. Dr. Richard Lynchess is on Long Island for those on the East side of the country. There is also a machine known as an Asyra Machine to test Energy, and it is found in Florida, and this can help with locating the cancer and working with its energy.
Lymphoma cancer patients should completely eliminate dairy to allow the lymph fluid to run clear. Any mucus or thickness to the lymph fluid can further block sites of inflammation. To increase iron and energy, as well as help with detox, add organic beef stew or beef broth at 6 cups per day. Heal detox drops can clean out the lymph, kidneys and digestive system. Iron and B vitamins will support the body, and Green smoothies are a must.
You can check out http://www.thebestanswerforcancer.com/. And, for those recovering from cancer and treatment there are several meditation CD's that can be helpful by Eldon Taylor at Provocative Enlightenment. You can find these at http://www.innertalk.com/. The two CD's most highly regarded for cancer recovery is "Cancer Remission" and "Forgiveness and Letting Go". These two CD's are free if 2 other CD's are ordered. As well, Suzanne Somers book "Knockout" has a huge resource section at the back for other doctors in your area.
Caroline has a diverse background in the medical world as well as in allergy testing and healing the body. She has several books that you can find on her website. "The Body Knows" has been on my shelf of resources for many years. Her meditation CD's are also an excellent resource.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Light the Night in Halifax
Michellie's friend Francesca who is a few months behind Michellie in recovering from the same cancer as Michellie raised over $55,000 with her team for the first Light the Night walk for Cancer in Halifax. Here are some pictures and her mom's email this morning. This is one special family, and Francesca's energy is an inspiration. We were touched to be included in their tent, and for Michellie's postcard to be posted as well.
"Light the Night was so incredible. I hope you will be able to walk one year. I have attached a picture of how beautiful it looked. Francesca was amazing. She gave a beautiful speech to the 1000 (!!!) walkers... I don't think there was a dry eye. We were so proud of her. Lots of nurses from the IWK were there. They loved seeing Michellie's picture in our tent too. You were all in our hearts. The Halifax event raised over $250,000, had over 1000 walkers and broke the record for the biggest most successful first walk ever. The turnout was so inspiring. The event filled me with hope." Cynthia
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thank You's!
Now that we have rounded the corner in healing, we are preparing to share our thanks to the incredible doctors, nurses, aids, technicians, friends, family, and spirit guides that have made Michellie's Journey successful. Above is a picture that was taken at Chimney Corner this summer with some of the healing bracelets that were returned to us. We have prepared posters that will be framed and given to each hospital: IWK 6th Floor and Outpatients, Antigonish Cancer ward, Children's ward and Dr. Ortiz's office, and the Inverness Hospital. As well, we have made postcards to send in place of Christmas cards this year. We would love the message and story printed on each card to be shared with others who could benefit from the information. If you would like us to send a card to someone special who needs assistance, please let us know. In the meantime, our deepest gratitude goes out to everyone who kept Michellie and her family in their thoughts and prayers throughout this journey, and for those who continue to do so even now. We are so blessed to have the love and support of so many great people, and we hope that our experience and learning will be able to help others who might need support from us. We will continue to update the blog through Christmas this year, and then we will print it for Michellie to have in a book form. If there are messages you would like to have saved for her, please send your comments and we will add them. The blog will continue to be posted for years to come, and we hope that you will refer others to the pages that might be helpful. We are always available to assist where we can, and if you need a prayer said, we are happy to add your request.
May your body be blessed with health and youthfulness, and may you remember its gift to you as you nourish and exercise it each day. Thank you.
A trip to the Naturopath
With all the doctor's appointments out of the way, and the 6 month scans successfully completed, we now are ready to look at what a Naturopath can do for Michellie. Her stomach issues are the same and there is no resolution to these. They didn't find anything on her scans and the Gastrointestinal specialist did not find any conclusive evidence about wheat or dairy. The best advice was just avoid the things that bother her. The gynecologist did not see any difficulties with Michellie's body for all the pain that she experiences with PMS and she recommends trying a stronger pain killer and hormone therapy if we desire. This wasn't really the approach we wanted to take.
The first idea that the Naturopath had was that Michellie's digestive tract needs a good boost of strong probiotics. These ones will help to work with the antibiotics Michellie received during treatment. This will help to get the good bacteria strong in her body. Second, she recommended a product to coat Michellie's stomach that contains licorice root. It is very strong and will get the stomach protected so that healing and inflammation can be reduced. She determined through questioning about stool details that Michellie was not digesting her food and not processing the nutrients she needed. These are all things we were kind of aware of, but with time and everything that Michellie had gone through we thought we had exhausted these possibilities.
To reduce cramping during PMS and in Michellie's legs and hips, she recommended Calm with Magnesium to relax the muscles - perhaps this will help with getting Michellie to sleep at a decent time?! The powder form is a good one that Michellie will be able to easily absorb. The Calcium Magnesium chewable tablet that we had been using was causing nausea and this was because it was too hard for her to absorb. Who would have thought?!
Michellie will be charting her temperatures each morning. The Naturopath believes that Michellie suffers from the same thing as many teenagers do - high estrogen levels and little or no progesterone. In Michellie's case, there is no change in hormones at all, and so she is checking her blood tests to determine if she is in need of progesterone. As well, she will look at her iron levels.
I know that the details of this blog could be considered invasive for Michellie and we have always tried to honor her privacy, but, this information may be helpful to others and we feel it should be shared. The naturopath sees many teenagers and women with hormone challenges that have gone undetected. The woman's monthly cycle should be symptom free. There should be no imbalance in hormones. Our society and the toxins in it have led us down a completely different road. For many women they are told to deal with the pain - it is a part of life. For Michellie, this reality is at least 2 days off of school each month and last month the pain had her completely curled up and screaming. That is not right.
We look forward to the start of this path, and the possibilities that have been presented to us. As well, we also found out that Nova Scotia has low iodine in the soil. This can lead to some PMS-like symptoms as well as fatigue if the diet does not have sufficient iodine in it. That would have been very helpful to know when we moved here. Michelle is suffering from the symptoms associated with this, and she looks forward to a renewed energy with some tweaking on this.
The first idea that the Naturopath had was that Michellie's digestive tract needs a good boost of strong probiotics. These ones will help to work with the antibiotics Michellie received during treatment. This will help to get the good bacteria strong in her body. Second, she recommended a product to coat Michellie's stomach that contains licorice root. It is very strong and will get the stomach protected so that healing and inflammation can be reduced. She determined through questioning about stool details that Michellie was not digesting her food and not processing the nutrients she needed. These are all things we were kind of aware of, but with time and everything that Michellie had gone through we thought we had exhausted these possibilities.
To reduce cramping during PMS and in Michellie's legs and hips, she recommended Calm with Magnesium to relax the muscles - perhaps this will help with getting Michellie to sleep at a decent time?! The powder form is a good one that Michellie will be able to easily absorb. The Calcium Magnesium chewable tablet that we had been using was causing nausea and this was because it was too hard for her to absorb. Who would have thought?!
Michellie will be charting her temperatures each morning. The Naturopath believes that Michellie suffers from the same thing as many teenagers do - high estrogen levels and little or no progesterone. In Michellie's case, there is no change in hormones at all, and so she is checking her blood tests to determine if she is in need of progesterone. As well, she will look at her iron levels.
I know that the details of this blog could be considered invasive for Michellie and we have always tried to honor her privacy, but, this information may be helpful to others and we feel it should be shared. The naturopath sees many teenagers and women with hormone challenges that have gone undetected. The woman's monthly cycle should be symptom free. There should be no imbalance in hormones. Our society and the toxins in it have led us down a completely different road. For many women they are told to deal with the pain - it is a part of life. For Michellie, this reality is at least 2 days off of school each month and last month the pain had her completely curled up and screaming. That is not right.
We look forward to the start of this path, and the possibilities that have been presented to us. As well, we also found out that Nova Scotia has low iodine in the soil. This can lead to some PMS-like symptoms as well as fatigue if the diet does not have sufficient iodine in it. That would have been very helpful to know when we moved here. Michelle is suffering from the symptoms associated with this, and she looks forward to a renewed energy with some tweaking on this.
Getting a Driver's License in Nova Scotia
To be true to this story, we really need to start at the beginning. Michellie turned 16 and all h*ll broke loose on this story.
In Alberta a learner's license can be obtained at 14. Michellie accomplished this and completed her driver's ed courses as quick as she could. The instructor loved her driving and she quickly passed through all the skills to drive in Calgary and the Rockies. Fast forward to moving to Cape Breton. In Nova Scotia the learner's license can be obtained when you turn 16. Michellie was able to drive with her Alberta license until we became permanent residents of Nova Scotia and then they would revoke her license. Then we travelled to Montreal to see MacKenzie. While shopping we were pic pocketed and Michellie's wallet was stolen along with her learner's license. We reported the stealing and applied for a new license. The replacement was only good until Michellie's 16th birthday and when we returned to Alberta she could have this changed. Of course we wouldn't be returning, but at least she had her license back.
Michellie drove a bit through the fall and winter until her cancer, and until the late spring she did not have enough strength to hold the steering wheel, let alone drive. Her first time out with Dad was a disaster, and the two of them determined that they needed to take a break from each other and the car. Through the summer David had Michellie up all the dirt roads practicing as she anticipated her birthday. The week before her birthday Mom made a trip to Port Hawksbury to make sure Michellie would be able to transfer over her license and take her driver's. Not wanting any more stress in our lives we wanted to make sure we were doing everything correctly. No problem. They would even give her credit for 2 years of driving with a learners and once she had the Nova Scotia license transferred from the Alberta one on her birthday, she could take the driver's test.
September 18th was on a Sunday, so on Monday the 19th Michellie and David headed to Port Hawksbury to have the Alberta learners transferred to a Nova Scotia learners. This was done and the driver's test was paid for. The day of the test arrived and Michellie and Mom took the morning off school and had Chelsie-Anne in tow. At arriving at the licensing office, Michellie passes the documentation to the tester. She looks at the license and states that it is an expired license and Michellie will have to start the whole process from scratch. You can imagine the look on Michellie's face and then the look on Mom's. The office had given Michellie a learner's with the same expiry as her Alberta license - her 16th birthday. That was 4 days back. There was no budging the tester. Michellie was a mess and this was the ultimate meltdown of 6 months of stress for Mom - she sobbed in the parking lot for 20 minutes before she could get in the car to go home again.
After paying for another learner's test, Michellie took another morning off of school to go to Inverness to write the learners test again. She passes the sign test, but she did not pass the written test. She made silly mistakes on the page and was stressed right out. Deep breath, deep breath - there is not enough Tai Chi in the world for this experience! Michellie decides she would do better to take the learner's test in Sydney with a different tester. So, when driving Chelsie-Anne back to the airport, they stop and do the test again. Success. She gets a new learner's and they will give her acknowledgement of the two years driving experience she already has. So, she just needs to pass the road test.
We wait another week, and then Dad and Michellie take another morning off of work and school to drive to Port Hawksbury to take the test. Michellie is stressed out. Her stomach is cramping before she even gets to PH. Michellie does not pass. She has many errors on her paper and is recommended to have more practice time. Again, there are no words.
Grandpa is here. He has his truck driver's license. He has spent two years upgrading new skills for the road. Grandpa takes Michellie out and challenges her with everything possible. He uses his skills at parallel parking and backing into a stall to assist Michellie's expertise development. She comes home from each practice run with a big smile on her face and a lilt in her step.
So, we are waiting for the right opportunity to take another morning off of school to travel to Inverness or Port Hawksbury to try again. Stay tuned...
For those in Alberta reading this. Be thankful that all driver's lessons and tests can happen after school hours. In Nova Scotia everything must happen between 8 and 3 pm. You have to miss school to take driver training and to do the tests. And, you have to travel to Port Hawksbury or Baddeck to get the license issued, although you can do the test in Inverness and then travel later. Crazy!
In Alberta a learner's license can be obtained at 14. Michellie accomplished this and completed her driver's ed courses as quick as she could. The instructor loved her driving and she quickly passed through all the skills to drive in Calgary and the Rockies. Fast forward to moving to Cape Breton. In Nova Scotia the learner's license can be obtained when you turn 16. Michellie was able to drive with her Alberta license until we became permanent residents of Nova Scotia and then they would revoke her license. Then we travelled to Montreal to see MacKenzie. While shopping we were pic pocketed and Michellie's wallet was stolen along with her learner's license. We reported the stealing and applied for a new license. The replacement was only good until Michellie's 16th birthday and when we returned to Alberta she could have this changed. Of course we wouldn't be returning, but at least she had her license back.
Michellie drove a bit through the fall and winter until her cancer, and until the late spring she did not have enough strength to hold the steering wheel, let alone drive. Her first time out with Dad was a disaster, and the two of them determined that they needed to take a break from each other and the car. Through the summer David had Michellie up all the dirt roads practicing as she anticipated her birthday. The week before her birthday Mom made a trip to Port Hawksbury to make sure Michellie would be able to transfer over her license and take her driver's. Not wanting any more stress in our lives we wanted to make sure we were doing everything correctly. No problem. They would even give her credit for 2 years of driving with a learners and once she had the Nova Scotia license transferred from the Alberta one on her birthday, she could take the driver's test.
September 18th was on a Sunday, so on Monday the 19th Michellie and David headed to Port Hawksbury to have the Alberta learners transferred to a Nova Scotia learners. This was done and the driver's test was paid for. The day of the test arrived and Michellie and Mom took the morning off school and had Chelsie-Anne in tow. At arriving at the licensing office, Michellie passes the documentation to the tester. She looks at the license and states that it is an expired license and Michellie will have to start the whole process from scratch. You can imagine the look on Michellie's face and then the look on Mom's. The office had given Michellie a learner's with the same expiry as her Alberta license - her 16th birthday. That was 4 days back. There was no budging the tester. Michellie was a mess and this was the ultimate meltdown of 6 months of stress for Mom - she sobbed in the parking lot for 20 minutes before she could get in the car to go home again.
After paying for another learner's test, Michellie took another morning off of school to go to Inverness to write the learners test again. She passes the sign test, but she did not pass the written test. She made silly mistakes on the page and was stressed right out. Deep breath, deep breath - there is not enough Tai Chi in the world for this experience! Michellie decides she would do better to take the learner's test in Sydney with a different tester. So, when driving Chelsie-Anne back to the airport, they stop and do the test again. Success. She gets a new learner's and they will give her acknowledgement of the two years driving experience she already has. So, she just needs to pass the road test.
We wait another week, and then Dad and Michellie take another morning off of work and school to drive to Port Hawksbury to take the test. Michellie is stressed out. Her stomach is cramping before she even gets to PH. Michellie does not pass. She has many errors on her paper and is recommended to have more practice time. Again, there are no words.
Grandpa is here. He has his truck driver's license. He has spent two years upgrading new skills for the road. Grandpa takes Michellie out and challenges her with everything possible. He uses his skills at parallel parking and backing into a stall to assist Michellie's expertise development. She comes home from each practice run with a big smile on her face and a lilt in her step.
So, we are waiting for the right opportunity to take another morning off of school to travel to Inverness or Port Hawksbury to try again. Stay tuned...
For those in Alberta reading this. Be thankful that all driver's lessons and tests can happen after school hours. In Nova Scotia everything must happen between 8 and 3 pm. You have to miss school to take driver training and to do the tests. And, you have to travel to Port Hawksbury or Baddeck to get the license issued, although you can do the test in Inverness and then travel later. Crazy!
Thanksgiving and Celtic Colours
Baddeck and a trip on the Amoeba was a highlight for the week. The weather was fantastic with almost no wind. We had a tour around the lands owned by Alexander Graham Bell and his wife on the water. The sailing was very fun.
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| With Grandma and Grandpa |
October 5th and PET Scans
Michellie's scans and appointments from September were clear. There was no sign of cancer, not that we were expecting anything either. Her stomach troubles ramped up a bit more into October, and PMS was a nightmare for several days. Just ramp up the pain killers they tell us and use a heating pad. Missing a few days of school is considered something of a norm for girls.
The doctors decided to run a PET scan after the initial tests to determine that Michellie's thymus was returning to its normal size after chemo and that everything was as it should be. So, another trip to Halifax. This time David and Michellie headed out and they enjoyed an evening with The Krochko's. Diane was excellent at filling Michellie up so she wouldn't be hungry for the wait time before the scan. Everything was excellent and the scan was clean. We can all let the 6th month marker pass with success!
For the trip home, there was a stop at the airport to pick up Grandma and Grandpa. There was a hurricane passing through the area, but their plane landed without incident and only 30 minutes late. The ride home was in a downpour, and just as they got to Judique to say they were getting close, the power went out at the house. Michelle ran around to get candles lit in all the rooms, and warned everyone to take one more bathroom break before arrival - incase the power was out for a while. This was almost a deja vu to the Wiltink visit in July! Same temperature too - warm tropics! Life is always eventful around here. After a snack and the inital chatting, the power returned in time for bed, and everyone's trip to the lu. Saved!
The doctors decided to run a PET scan after the initial tests to determine that Michellie's thymus was returning to its normal size after chemo and that everything was as it should be. So, another trip to Halifax. This time David and Michellie headed out and they enjoyed an evening with The Krochko's. Diane was excellent at filling Michellie up so she wouldn't be hungry for the wait time before the scan. Everything was excellent and the scan was clean. We can all let the 6th month marker pass with success!
For the trip home, there was a stop at the airport to pick up Grandma and Grandpa. There was a hurricane passing through the area, but their plane landed without incident and only 30 minutes late. The ride home was in a downpour, and just as they got to Judique to say they were getting close, the power went out at the house. Michelle ran around to get candles lit in all the rooms, and warned everyone to take one more bathroom break before arrival - incase the power was out for a while. This was almost a deja vu to the Wiltink visit in July! Same temperature too - warm tropics! Life is always eventful around here. After a snack and the inital chatting, the power returned in time for bed, and everyone's trip to the lu. Saved!
Birthday Celebrations and Visiting!
September came and went as a blur.
Visiting with Grammy and Grampy was very nice, and Michellie was able to spend some fun times with them throughout their week at "the Old Manse."
Chelsie-Anne and Michellie had some great quality time together doing what friends do best - talking on facebook while sitting side by side.
On September 26th, Chelsie-Anne, Michellie, Emma and Mom headed to Halifax for the evening for dinner and a show. A special highlight was the warmup for Reba -
Victoria Banks was fabulous! She has been writing for all the top singers out of Nashville, and now she is touring on her own. The whole night was incredible. Although Michellie was troubled by making a trip to Halifax and bringing up memories of chemo and such, she relaxed at the show and enjoyed the time singing to her favorite Reba tunes. We definitely need to make more trips that are for enjoyment and not appointments!
Visiting with Grammy and Grampy was very nice, and Michellie was able to spend some fun times with them throughout their week at "the Old Manse."
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| Apple Picking so Dad can mow the lawn! |
Chelsie-Anne and Michellie had some great quality time together doing what friends do best - talking on facebook while sitting side by side.
And, then there was the birthday present! Tickets to Reba in Halifax.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Sweet 16 - Saturday, September 17th
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| Waltzing at West Mabou |
Convinced that Chelsie-Anne needed to experience a Cape Breton Square Dance, we headed over to West Mabou Hall for the evening. In the trunk and hidden was 8 dozen chocolate cupcakes prepared by Suzie. When we walked in, there were many people there to celebrate with Michellie. She knew something was up and became the gracious host as she accepted hugs and such from well wishers. Kinnon and Betty Lou were at the helm for the music, and everyone got down to business dancing and having fun. At 11:30 Kinnon took a quick break from full playing and broke into a waltz. David and Michellie got to share the spotlight for a wonderful dance.
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| Stepdancing Together - great partners always |
Then, Kinnon began to play for Stepdancing. It was over half an hour of incredible sharing as David, Michellie, Chelsie-Anne, Emma, Michelle, David R started the ball rolling. Then, others joined is as well. It was incredible. We finished with cupcakes for everyone, and the singing of Happy Birthday. Visitors could not believe that we would share such an important event with strangers, and the locals who frequent the dance enjoyed sharing the evening with us as well. Overall, everyone had a great time.
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| Michellie and Dan |
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| The zipper with Siobhon and Emma |
Grammy and Grampy enjoyed the evening, and just after midnight they became pumpkins and headed for home. Late nights are tough for Powell River visitors!
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| Grammy, Grampy and Jill watching the festivities |
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Wednesday, September 14th - Letter to the Editor of the Oran
Letter to the Editor
Community Spirit is Such a Healing Opportunity
Since we first came to Cape Breton in 1997 this place has been a magical opportunity of “nuggets” for our family. We came to share our love and passion for the music and dance, and went home each summer for the next 12 years with tears in our eyes, and our hearts brimming with the love for this island. (I am sure many others have a similar story as they head back to their working lives each fall). Each summer we found a few more days of vacation we could squeeze out of our busy working schedules, until a beautiful old house caught our eye and became ours in 2008. Then, without really realizing it, we knew we had to make Cape Breton our permanent home. So, in June of 2010, we sold our businesses in Alberta, packed up our belongings and left our busy, fast paced life behind to live where our hearts had already settled so many years before.
Our daughter, Michellie, began Grade 10 at Dalbrae Academy and spent the fall making new friends and adjusting to her quiet schedule. This all changed for us in December when she was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. It was just before Christmas break, and we were caught in a whirlwind as we rushed to the IWK in Halifax for what would be months of tests, treatment and healing.
We had often wondered about how people could justify such long and frequent trips to Halifax for shopping and such. Alas, we have become those same people! We spent the deluge and flooding of December 2010 on the road, and nearly every subsequent trip to Halifax or Antigonish for treatment was during a blizzard. It was a hard way to spend the winter, but by April, Michellie had finished her treatments.
What did we learn about the people and hearts of Nova Scotia, Halifax and Cape Breton through all of this? The people love their community and they are there with open arms to help wherever possible. Over Christmas we were blessed with a special program called “Home for the Holidays” sponsored by the Delta Hotel, where we were treated royally for several nights when our nerves were frazzled and our hearts deflated. Irving Gas helped us with gas vouchers and Bell Aliant provided us with phone cards to call family and keep everyone posted. Our friends in Halifax were a priceless, taking such incredible care of us, and our friends and community in Inverness County were the same. We had special messages, treats, and support shared with us everywhere we went.
The student and staff at Dalbrae Academy rallied around Michellie. On their own initiative, the students fundraised on two occasions to help cover our travelling costs for the first two sets of treatments. They held a special hat day for Michellie when she lost her hair, and her new friends visited or texted to keep her spirits up. When she returned to school, the teachers helped Michellie with special tutoring in the resource room while students would pop in for a visit or to help study. She couldn’t roam the hallways for many weeks to keep her exposure to germs at a minimum, but friends were always close by. We were so grateful for everyone’s efforts to help Michellie find her place at the school and to succeed with her studies.
At the IWK there were several programs that supported us and lifted our spirits. There was a pajama gift that arrived on the third day of our visit as Michellie underwent surgery. Those soft pajamas were a godsend as Michellie tried to cope with IV bottles and being sick. There was a Christmas program where we could pick out a gift for her and wrap it, Ronald MacDonald House had special meals and quiet time in a homey atmosphere, and another program provided Michellie with her own Christmas tree and decorations. All of these programs were supported by incredible people who knew how to reach out at such a crucial time.
When Michellie was finished treatment and able to return to school, the community continued to rally for her. Our good neighbours at the Hillsborough-Glendyer Community Association sponsored one of their Saturday Evening Jam sessions and raised money to help us with our expenses. Many local businesses contributed donations for the raffle as well. We felt so honored. We knew that there were more people in need in similar situations and that money was able to be shared with more Cape Breton families at the IWK. Since that concert, many musicians and audience members have stopped us while we have been out and about. They have kindly asked about Michellie and shared their concern for us.
People ask us how in the world we came to be here and not in Alberta when so many are heading west for work. It is simple. The spirit and the energy of the people of this island and Nova Scotia are like no other place in our country. We love the “slower” pace, the sense of community, the family trees that are much bigger than ours, the music, the dance, the song and the spirit. It has been a challenging year for us, but we would not have wanted to experience it any other way. We feel so blessed to be able to call Inverness County our home, and we feel loved and cared for here.
Thank you to everyone for all of your support through Michellie’s illness. She is now a healthy and glowing Grade 11 student that will be celebrating her 16th birthday this week. She spent the summer relaxing and healing with trips to the lake, the ocean and the hiking trails with her friends. She has a clean bill of health with no cancer left, and as her stamina continues to grow she blesses us with the radiance of a strong, young woman. We are so blessed to have her with us, and to have the love of this community to continue to share and grow with. Thank you everyone for all that you have shared and for all of the prayers that were said in Michellie’s honour. Each person’s efforts towards her healing was felt and appreciated. And, we know that Cape Breton is home.
Michelle and David Greenwell
Hillsborough
Friday, September 16th
The Greenwell's arrived Thursday afternoon, and Michellie was able to finally get a hug from her Grammy and Grampy. It is great to have them here and we are enjoying sharing some relaxing and quiet time. I am not sure if they would call it that, but we worked hard to finish projects before their arrival, and it has been delightful to sit and chat and relax at the dinner table. David's birthday was Thursday, and we celebrated with a steak dinner and lemon pie. It was very nice.
While on her trip to the oncologist, Michellie and her Dad had a run in while trying to stand and David ripped her flip flop from her foot. There was a lot of giggling over the incident. Some nursing tape was applied to the shoe to get Michellie to the car, and the Dr. couldn't stop laughing. She was teaching Michellie how to use this to her advantage to get some really nice new and expensive shoes. We chuckled about this for a long time. So, today we needed to travel to Sydney to get some new shoes before the flip flops are replaced with winter boots. Or, so Michellie thought.
We left for Sydney right after school and we raced through the mall. It was the fastest shoe shop ever, but we did have some success (however ugly they may be, they are flip flops). Then, I took a wrong turn and ended up at the airport. Michellie was appalled. Didn't I know she had a rinker to go to?! (Dance at the Arena for the high school students). Yes, I did know. But this was the start of the birthday surprises. We were at the airport to meet Chelsie-Anne. I told Michellie before the plane touched down. Initially she was in shock. Didn't I remember that she didn't like surprises? Yes! But, Kenzie had a few shockers for his 16th Birthday, fair turn! Always wanting to be prepared and organized she couldn't fathom how this would fit into any of her plans. But, when Chelsie-Anne came through the door and they got the first hug - well, enough said...grab your kleenex. The girsl talked non stop all the way home and we arrived just in time for their ride for the Rinker! Chelsie-Anne was initiated into what she calls a "science experiment" - drunk kids and no water. She was resourceful and helpful as the two non drinkers dealt with everyone else. They giggled and laughed when they returned home, these events are always an experience.
While on her trip to the oncologist, Michellie and her Dad had a run in while trying to stand and David ripped her flip flop from her foot. There was a lot of giggling over the incident. Some nursing tape was applied to the shoe to get Michellie to the car, and the Dr. couldn't stop laughing. She was teaching Michellie how to use this to her advantage to get some really nice new and expensive shoes. We chuckled about this for a long time. So, today we needed to travel to Sydney to get some new shoes before the flip flops are replaced with winter boots. Or, so Michellie thought.
We left for Sydney right after school and we raced through the mall. It was the fastest shoe shop ever, but we did have some success (however ugly they may be, they are flip flops). Then, I took a wrong turn and ended up at the airport. Michellie was appalled. Didn't I know she had a rinker to go to?! (Dance at the Arena for the high school students). Yes, I did know. But this was the start of the birthday surprises. We were at the airport to meet Chelsie-Anne. I told Michellie before the plane touched down. Initially she was in shock. Didn't I remember that she didn't like surprises? Yes! But, Kenzie had a few shockers for his 16th Birthday, fair turn! Always wanting to be prepared and organized she couldn't fathom how this would fit into any of her plans. But, when Chelsie-Anne came through the door and they got the first hug - well, enough said...grab your kleenex. The girsl talked non stop all the way home and we arrived just in time for their ride for the Rinker! Chelsie-Anne was initiated into what she calls a "science experiment" - drunk kids and no water. She was resourceful and helpful as the two non drinkers dealt with everyone else. They giggled and laughed when they returned home, these events are always an experience.
Tuesday, September 13th
School and its associated studying has settled into our schedule. Mornings are quick with a smoothie and a little lunch packed. Michellie is best with a little something to go, some snacks for throughout the day, and a ham and cheese wrap for whenever she decides to eat lunch. So far she has made the bus every morning and with a smile on her face. We are embracing this wonderful time and the energy she exudes as she goes down the driveway. This Friday was the first day Missy followed her to the bus stop, so Dad had to get out of bed and go out in the rain to catch her so she wouldn't follow the bus.
Michellie is enjoying her classes and settling in with a group of friends. She is challenged by the review of her math material from last semester, and looks forward to when they get out of review mode and get to trig. We hope that math is easier for her as the semester progresses.
Saturday night last we attended Madison Violet and volunteered. Michellie was a ticket taker and was so great with getting everyone towards their seats. Afterwards we had our pictures taken with both entertainers.
Sunday we headed to Halifax for an overnight. We spent the afternoon with Francesca's family near the hostpital. The girls went shopping while the parents enjoyed sharing a lot of things in common. It was really wonderful to share our stories about treatment and recovery, and about our own energy and our own recovery. There is so much more that happens after the treatment finishes. We all felt our reserves were definitely drained and that the slightest bit of stress could completely deplete the storage of energy. Each trip for another test was stressful, and the side effects of the drugs show up at different times and at different stages. So, there is an ongoing adjustment to these changes. Francesca has a bit more of this to deal with than Michellie, but both girls definitely have lost their sense of innocense and trust that a child holds on to. Being at school is almost surreal as they deal with their recovery and their desire to fit in. We had a lovely visit and we look forward to many more times to share in the coming trips to Halifax.
Our visit with the Krochko's was wonderful as always. It was really hard to fathom that we were going for our 6 month post treatment check up. Sitting with them at the dinner table seemed like nothing had ever happened, and like everything had and they were such a part of our process. Michellie was relaxed until later into the evening and then she couldn't sleep most of the night.
This post treatment visit had us to the gynechologist, the gastrointestinal specialist, for a CAT scan, a nurses assessment and an oncologists checkup as well as blood tests, weight and measurement. Michellie was the same weight as the beginning of the summer at 120 lbs., but she had grown a whole inch through the summer. She is now 5 foot 7 inches. She was lamenting the fact that she was the tallest girl in her grade as everyone in Cape Breton averages 5 foot 2 or 4. We did not have the test back from the CAT scan during the oncology review, but everything was looking good. Aside from low energy and muscle weakness, the eating issues and stomach issues seemd to be sorting themselves out. Michellie avoids mozarella and limits her wheat intake and this seems to help. She is very aware of how her stomach indicates her stress level, and she tries to calm herself through those situations. We will continue to work on this.
So, now we prepare for the arrival of Michellie's Grandparents and some fun with birthdays and such.
Michellie is enjoying her classes and settling in with a group of friends. She is challenged by the review of her math material from last semester, and looks forward to when they get out of review mode and get to trig. We hope that math is easier for her as the semester progresses.
Saturday night last we attended Madison Violet and volunteered. Michellie was a ticket taker and was so great with getting everyone towards their seats. Afterwards we had our pictures taken with both entertainers.
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| Madison Violet |
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| Michellie and Francesca |
Sunday we headed to Halifax for an overnight. We spent the afternoon with Francesca's family near the hostpital. The girls went shopping while the parents enjoyed sharing a lot of things in common. It was really wonderful to share our stories about treatment and recovery, and about our own energy and our own recovery. There is so much more that happens after the treatment finishes. We all felt our reserves were definitely drained and that the slightest bit of stress could completely deplete the storage of energy. Each trip for another test was stressful, and the side effects of the drugs show up at different times and at different stages. So, there is an ongoing adjustment to these changes. Francesca has a bit more of this to deal with than Michellie, but both girls definitely have lost their sense of innocense and trust that a child holds on to. Being at school is almost surreal as they deal with their recovery and their desire to fit in. We had a lovely visit and we look forward to many more times to share in the coming trips to Halifax.
Our visit with the Krochko's was wonderful as always. It was really hard to fathom that we were going for our 6 month post treatment check up. Sitting with them at the dinner table seemed like nothing had ever happened, and like everything had and they were such a part of our process. Michellie was relaxed until later into the evening and then she couldn't sleep most of the night.
This post treatment visit had us to the gynechologist, the gastrointestinal specialist, for a CAT scan, a nurses assessment and an oncologists checkup as well as blood tests, weight and measurement. Michellie was the same weight as the beginning of the summer at 120 lbs., but she had grown a whole inch through the summer. She is now 5 foot 7 inches. She was lamenting the fact that she was the tallest girl in her grade as everyone in Cape Breton averages 5 foot 2 or 4. We did not have the test back from the CAT scan during the oncology review, but everything was looking good. Aside from low energy and muscle weakness, the eating issues and stomach issues seemd to be sorting themselves out. Michellie avoids mozarella and limits her wheat intake and this seems to help. She is very aware of how her stomach indicates her stress level, and she tries to calm herself through those situations. We will continue to work on this.
So, now we prepare for the arrival of Michellie's Grandparents and some fun with birthdays and such.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Wednesday, September 7th
A huge milestone happened last evening that marks the end of an incredible journey. Sam Cook, Michellie's boyfriend since last December, has been a driving force behind Michellie's healing and spirits through her entire cancer journey. They ended their relationship last night after a summer away from each other, and a long distance challenge for visiting. Sam was with Michellie through the surgery, the hair loss, the weakness, the sickness and the recuperation. He was so calm and patient. He pushed to get her outdoors more and to hike and camp. We enjoyed his visits here and Michellie had enjoyed her visits to his home as well. We are very grateful for all of the support and love that Sam shared with Michellie through her cancer recovery and we wish him the best as he finishes his last year of high school.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Tuesday, September 6th
We sure enjoyed the last week before school. There will be some more cool pictures coming. Michellie spent some time down St. Peter's way, she did a trip to Antigonish with a friend, Glencoe Dance, a Celtic Colours Youth Concert in Sydney and as much relaxing and sleep as possible. There was some apprehension about going back as she prepared her backpack last night and a little nausea to go with it and some lock jaw. She did recognize the emerging pattern for stress and tried to talk her way through it. We were reflecting on the fact that when she left school in June she was still wearing a scarf and she had only a little bit of hair. Her confidence for classes and friends is much higher after some of her summer fun, and she really is looking forward to doing some interesting things since it is quite quiet here most of the time (if you aren't going to all the concerts and dances).
Michellie actually was able to have a smoothie for breakfast, and packed lots of snacks for the day. Her classes are good and she finished her math homework before she got on the bus. She has a video class, math, and chemistry this semester and she is happy about her teachers. We did not have the heat wave that threatened to cancel classes last year, but it was warm and Michellie headed off in flip flops and shorts. The trip home was warm but wet as a tropical downpour began just after lunch. Michellie giggled at how wet she was coming into the house, but that was ok. Yeah! We are thrilled by the enthusiasm.
Michellie actually was able to have a smoothie for breakfast, and packed lots of snacks for the day. Her classes are good and she finished her math homework before she got on the bus. She has a video class, math, and chemistry this semester and she is happy about her teachers. We did not have the heat wave that threatened to cancel classes last year, but it was warm and Michellie headed off in flip flops and shorts. The trip home was warm but wet as a tropical downpour began just after lunch. Michellie giggled at how wet she was coming into the house, but that was ok. Yeah! We are thrilled by the enthusiasm.
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| New school year, new deck, new door... life is good! |
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