Wednesday, February 2nd

Happy Ground Hog Day!  Shubenacadie Sam is not going to see his shadow, so we can celebrate that spring is around the corner!  This trip has been like all the others.  We started with a rainout in December, and this week is a big snowstorm and cold temperatures.  David won't be able to get home today, he will have to wait for the roads to be cleared tomorrow.

So, what have we been up to?!  Monday was our date with Cherry for our Henna Tattoos.  We had great fun.  She had made us a wonderful set of snacks, and we chatted with Taryn and Diane Krochko while we each took turns.  We all had a hand completed.  It takes about 30 minutes per hand.  If you want to see some of Cherry's work, you can find her at www.hennapainter.com.  When we get home, we will download some photos to share with you all.

Monday night was a wonderful evening with dinner at the Krochko's and then a few good rounds of Spoons for a good measure of laughter and silliness.  This game is getting a lot of  travel time with all of our friends.

Tuesday we were up bright and early for all the tests at the IWK.  Michellie started at 8:30 with a PET scan.  This was followed at 11:30 with an full eye exam, and then at 2:00 was an echocardiogram.  So far, we know that her eyes are 100% fabulous, and that when she has blurred vision it is a migraine like effect.  So, instead of getting a headache, she has her vision go blurry.  This was good news, as we wanted to clear anything else out of the options.  Today we are waiting for the PET scan results.

Tuesday after all the testing we had a little stop to the most amazing olive oil shop.  It is in HydroStone, kind of like Kensington in Calgary, this is a beautiful little shopping destination in Halifax.  The shop is called Liquid Gold, and you can taste all the oils, vinegars and blends -  just like wine tasting.  David fell in love with Jalapeno Vinegar and Chipotle Olive Oil.  I have Pomegranate Vinegar and Pinoche Olive Oil.  We learnt a lot about the after tastes of the oils and the degree of pepperness.  And, that you can splash a little vinegar on your veggies just before serving for some enhanced flavouring.  Who knew?!:)


We managed to get more thread in Dartmouth on our icy and slow trip back to the Krochko's, so as Michellie feels better after treatment this week, she will be able to make more bracelets to get out to everyone.

Dinner was at the Krochko's.  Chicken soup and baking powder biscuits never tasted so good!  We followed that up with the Krochko theatre experience and we got to see "Social Network".  Both cats entertained us through the movie, and we enjoyed seeing something current.

This morning was early as we arrived for 8:00 again today.  Michellie is now hooked up to the IV and her and Dad are playing Penguin Bowling - compliments of The Reynolds.  There is a lot of giggling going on.  This is a better way to start chemo for sure.  Dad is great for mischief and diversions.

Someone asked us the other day if we had to isolate ourselves - they just assumed life was as usual for us.  So, I thought I would just enlighten you about what we are doing to stay healthy.  We avoid all large gatherings of places, so no malls, no square dances :( and quick trips into grocery stores.  Michellie has not been into any shops, she waits in the car.  We check all places for anyone with a cough, sniffles etc. and we try not to touch anything.  Movie theatres are definitely out for now.  When we are in the hospitals we are kept in isolated rooms so we do not have to sit in any germs unnecessarily.  And, we call ahead or check when we arrive if there is anyone around with anything and if they can isolate us asap.  So, for those of you with a cold out there, please take the time to stay home and get well.  There are many people out there with suppressed immune systems trying to just do everyday chores without picking something up.  As well, your body needs rest to heal, so take the time.  We are thankful we live where we do, because we are isolated most of the time anyway, and people in Mabou have been really good about staying away if they have anything.  We have developed a new appreciation for germs etc.  Although Michellie cannot use most of the herbal remedies that David and I are using while she is on Chemo, we continue with Zeolite drops to keep our cells healthy, liquid silver to fight bacteria, virus, fungus, and Emergen - C for extra Vitamin C.  All of us have Vitamin D regularly, and of course the Kale/Berry shake is our new favorite!

So, at the moment we are waiting while the IV rehydrates Michellie, and then she begins her really big day of drugs.  They are spreading out the length of time to give some of the drugs to her, so we are hoping the side effects are even less.  Michellie is hoping so too, she really hates the bucket!  She will be overnight tonight, with hopes of us going to Jay and Bob's apartment for Thursday night.  We look forward to that.  Oh, the wind is picking up outside, so here comes the snow...