Another week is about to come to a close in the hyperbaric chamber. Friday will be my 12th of 40 treatments, and after meeting with my cancer doctors this week, it appears I'm healing well. Looks like I'm on track to see my Big Kahuna wound healed up when I celebrate my first 40th....my second & real 40th comes in August (gulp).
Some "newbies" have joined in the chamber and more touching stories are now in my heart. The longer my journey...the more people I meet....the more helpless I feel, not only for myself but for others. There are lots of sick people out there and I just want to wave a pink wand and make it all well. From cancer to Alzheimer's to Multiple sclerosis, many more cures are needed to answer so many more prayers.
I was fortunate to see Oprah live when she was in Vancouver a couple years ago and now I'm reading her book. She speaks a lot about living each day to the fullest and making life as best as you can. She also speaks about purpose and your true calling. As I said before I believe I was dealt this cancer journey to somehow help others. Of course I need to get well before I can do most things, but I will give back...I will help others. It shall be my purpose.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. It's a weekend full of sports. Friday: Canucks Sat:rest Sun: Canucks & Super Bowl. I'm venturing to Fridays game and will be debuting my signed Bonino jersey I got for Christmas sitting in section 109! Sunday I'll rest the body & soul watching hockey & football...can't get a much better day than that!
XOXO
#carly2conquercancer
C
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Monday, January 26, 2015
Monday Funday?
If you look in my grade 7 year book, beside my baby picture is the caption "I hate Mondays!" This is a general true statement for me but today I can say I had a lovey day. It was not a day full of glamour or treats, just an all around good day. Today I felt great support from my hyperbaric roommates and doctors giving me more strength on this cray-cray journey.
After hyperbaric treatment I headed over to the Cancer Agency for a check up with my radiologist. We had a great conversation about life and cancer and how they affect each other. It was pretty deep and meaningful and he gave me some examples of how other patients have used their cancer journeys to mold their futures. This is exactly what I see and want to happen for me.
We spoke about my progress and healing and what to expect going forward. Thing is...we can't really say what's going to happen until some questions are answered. I've had chemo, radiation and then my tumour removed but also had a set back with my infection and one & a half week stay in the hospital. My skin won't heal quickly as a result of the radiation so no further surgeries can happen until I'm completely healed and have a clear PET scan come March.
It appears I may have chrones so some super fun tests are coming my way to confirm to what extent. I'll take chrones over cancer any day but with chrones comes more challenges...basically I'm just a bombshell of a challenge, but nothing new there right?
Are you impressed I still have my grade 7 year book? Year was 1987/1988 and I attended Jules Quesnel or "JQ" which still stands & is attached to Lord Byng Secondary in Vancouver. I remember watching the older kids at Byng thinking how cool they were....all grown up. All I want now is to be in grade 7 again with no worries larger than what to wear to school and being taller than everyone else. Lots sure has happened and changed since then however I'm still the same height! #shortie
XOXO
#carly2conquercancer
C
After hyperbaric treatment I headed over to the Cancer Agency for a check up with my radiologist. We had a great conversation about life and cancer and how they affect each other. It was pretty deep and meaningful and he gave me some examples of how other patients have used their cancer journeys to mold their futures. This is exactly what I see and want to happen for me.
We spoke about my progress and healing and what to expect going forward. Thing is...we can't really say what's going to happen until some questions are answered. I've had chemo, radiation and then my tumour removed but also had a set back with my infection and one & a half week stay in the hospital. My skin won't heal quickly as a result of the radiation so no further surgeries can happen until I'm completely healed and have a clear PET scan come March.
It appears I may have chrones so some super fun tests are coming my way to confirm to what extent. I'll take chrones over cancer any day but with chrones comes more challenges...basically I'm just a bombshell of a challenge, but nothing new there right?
Are you impressed I still have my grade 7 year book? Year was 1987/1988 and I attended Jules Quesnel or "JQ" which still stands & is attached to Lord Byng Secondary in Vancouver. I remember watching the older kids at Byng thinking how cool they were....all grown up. All I want now is to be in grade 7 again with no worries larger than what to wear to school and being taller than everyone else. Lots sure has happened and changed since then however I'm still the same height! #shortie
XOXO
#carly2conquercancer
C
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Nighty night
Night time... Where horror movies are inspired and where we're spooked not to sleep fearing the boogeyman will come. Night time is the hardest for me and has been since day 1. I see my version of the boogeyman every night via visions I can't get out of my head and soft tears I can't dry up.
Keeping busy is a double edged sword. It keeps me occupied which is good, but I usually end up quite exhausted or sore which isn't so good. My version of the playground teeter totter, which end do I want to be on today? Shall I ride high and risk a thump of a landing, or should I hang out in the sand where it's safe and has an easy dismount?
I was watching the TV show The Social the other day and they had a beauty segment concentrating on wrinkles, one specifically about a woman's neck. As many of you know I was a Cosmetics Manager and have always loved beauty, so as soon the segment was over and the "need to do" info was stored in my brain, I marched right in to my bathroom and pulled out all my lotions & potions. I knew I had cream specifically for the neck & I found it. I checked out my neck and thought not too bad, but could be better. I can't wear as much makeup due to hyperbaric safety regulations, so heck yes I'll at least have glowing skin and a smooth looking neck. My 7 week mission has begun and I'm already exhausted just typing this! Maybe I should take before & after pics and pitch myself as a spokesmodel once complete!
Guess it's time I face the boogeyman face on...head on...whatever...and let him know Carly's In Charge, or at least half me and half my sleeping meds! I'm done with my horror movies and would much rather a documentary or comedy!
XOXO
#carly2conquercancer
C
Keeping busy is a double edged sword. It keeps me occupied which is good, but I usually end up quite exhausted or sore which isn't so good. My version of the playground teeter totter, which end do I want to be on today? Shall I ride high and risk a thump of a landing, or should I hang out in the sand where it's safe and has an easy dismount?
I was watching the TV show The Social the other day and they had a beauty segment concentrating on wrinkles, one specifically about a woman's neck. As many of you know I was a Cosmetics Manager and have always loved beauty, so as soon the segment was over and the "need to do" info was stored in my brain, I marched right in to my bathroom and pulled out all my lotions & potions. I knew I had cream specifically for the neck & I found it. I checked out my neck and thought not too bad, but could be better. I can't wear as much makeup due to hyperbaric safety regulations, so heck yes I'll at least have glowing skin and a smooth looking neck. My 7 week mission has begun and I'm already exhausted just typing this! Maybe I should take before & after pics and pitch myself as a spokesmodel once complete!
Guess it's time I face the boogeyman face on...head on...whatever...and let him know Carly's In Charge, or at least half me and half my sleeping meds! I'm done with my horror movies and would much rather a documentary or comedy!
XOXO
#carly2conquercancer
C
Friday, January 23, 2015
Settled in
I've been in my new home since Tuesday and things are going well. With the help of my family & friends I've been very blessed and well set up for a successful move. Mom and Katyann might have set a record for quickest kitchen set up and dad hung mirrors and pictures with care meaning "can someone pass me a tape measure". The least I could do was order some yummy Chinese food as a thank you #nomsg!
Simba is 12 and I've never seen him so happy. He was 1 when Nalla joined our family and since her passing and now being in a new home, he's living the dream. You can see the cute pics I've posted of him throughout the apartment on this blog via my Instagram. I'm training him on how to use the cat door getting in to the storage room where his liter box is kept...that's a work in progress. He goes in fine but doesn't understand he can come out the same way. I think the flap kinda freaks him out! At least I have some entertainment lately!
I've just finished another 3 sessions in the hyperbaric chamber with 7 total now under my belt....or should I say helmet! Many people are asking me if I'm feeling different as a result of this treatment, and I can't say yes or no. When I go to my check up at the cancer clinic this week, I'll ask them if my progress is on par or ahead of where they'd like me to be. I definitely feel stronger than 2 weeks ago, walking much better and taking less medications. I've over-done it a couple days but it general feeling good. My wobbling isn't as noticeable but I still use my cane so when in public people don't look at me funny and it emotionally gives me a little more strength.
My chamber sessions are full with 8 of us each day. You start to get to know a bit about each other's reasons for being in the chamber and share some stories. We wear provided head phones under our helmet to give us sound watching the movie of the day, or you read a magazine/book. I've been fortunate that my ears adjust well to the diving process but not all patients can handle the pressure in their ears. Biggest change for me is lotions & makeup. No deodorant, makeup or lotion can be worn in chamber as they're combustible hazards. My skin has never been so dry so once I'm home I cream up and probably feel like a slimy snake! I don't mind the no makeup so much, as my prep time has decreased dramatically Monday through Friday and not smelling poorly as a result of no deodorant...thank goodness!
This weekend I'll finish my bedroom set up and all will be complete. When you coming over to visit? Invite yourself anytime!
XOXO
#carly2conquercancer
C
Simba is 12 and I've never seen him so happy. He was 1 when Nalla joined our family and since her passing and now being in a new home, he's living the dream. You can see the cute pics I've posted of him throughout the apartment on this blog via my Instagram. I'm training him on how to use the cat door getting in to the storage room where his liter box is kept...that's a work in progress. He goes in fine but doesn't understand he can come out the same way. I think the flap kinda freaks him out! At least I have some entertainment lately!
I've just finished another 3 sessions in the hyperbaric chamber with 7 total now under my belt....or should I say helmet! Many people are asking me if I'm feeling different as a result of this treatment, and I can't say yes or no. When I go to my check up at the cancer clinic this week, I'll ask them if my progress is on par or ahead of where they'd like me to be. I definitely feel stronger than 2 weeks ago, walking much better and taking less medications. I've over-done it a couple days but it general feeling good. My wobbling isn't as noticeable but I still use my cane so when in public people don't look at me funny and it emotionally gives me a little more strength.
My chamber sessions are full with 8 of us each day. You start to get to know a bit about each other's reasons for being in the chamber and share some stories. We wear provided head phones under our helmet to give us sound watching the movie of the day, or you read a magazine/book. I've been fortunate that my ears adjust well to the diving process but not all patients can handle the pressure in their ears. Biggest change for me is lotions & makeup. No deodorant, makeup or lotion can be worn in chamber as they're combustible hazards. My skin has never been so dry so once I'm home I cream up and probably feel like a slimy snake! I don't mind the no makeup so much, as my prep time has decreased dramatically Monday through Friday and not smelling poorly as a result of no deodorant...thank goodness!
This weekend I'll finish my bedroom set up and all will be complete. When you coming over to visit? Invite yourself anytime!
XOXO
#carly2conquercancer
C
Monday, January 19, 2015
New beginnings
New beginnings, how many times do we say that in our lifetime? High school, college, first apartment, first love, first heartbreak, maybe marraige & kids, divorce or like me....cancer. We love to say "here's to new beginnings" and I've said that a lot since July and tomorrow is no different.
With a fresh move in to a beautiful new place, I hope this new beginning can be joyful and happy. I leave behind the apartment where I felt so much pain physically and emotionally. The apartment where some not so happy Dr phone calls were received and where my family and I huddled coping with unhappy news. May my new home bring forth tears of joy rather than sadness and help me cope with whatever is next on my journey.
I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing that I don't have a husband & rather a cat. A husband would have to go through so much helping me but could have relieved my parents however my cat is awesome. He's always here for me when I get home, he loves to snuggle but not too much and always seems to listen when I need an ear. Dear god....am I really a crazy cat lady? No...no...I'm not. Crazy cat ladies have at least 4 cats! Right?
Time for my last sleep in my old home waking up tomorrow to movers, my amazing parents and my new beggining. Geeze...I'm tearey eyed & I've packed my darn Kleenex...ugh!
XOXO
#carly2conquercancer
C
With a fresh move in to a beautiful new place, I hope this new beginning can be joyful and happy. I leave behind the apartment where I felt so much pain physically and emotionally. The apartment where some not so happy Dr phone calls were received and where my family and I huddled coping with unhappy news. May my new home bring forth tears of joy rather than sadness and help me cope with whatever is next on my journey.
I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing that I don't have a husband & rather a cat. A husband would have to go through so much helping me but could have relieved my parents however my cat is awesome. He's always here for me when I get home, he loves to snuggle but not too much and always seems to listen when I need an ear. Dear god....am I really a crazy cat lady? No...no...I'm not. Crazy cat ladies have at least 4 cats! Right?
Time for my last sleep in my old home waking up tomorrow to movers, my amazing parents and my new beggining. Geeze...I'm tearey eyed & I've packed my darn Kleenex...ugh!
XOXO
#carly2conquercancer
C
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Packed up!
I had planned today and Sunday as packing days but Saturdays team did so well that Sundays crew received a cancellation notice. I was in amazement on how awesome my friends and family were today. Thank you Marie, Michelle, Steph, Mom, Renee, Cindy, Trista, Melissa and Rick.
Friday I went back to my apartment after hyperbaric treatment and spent the day relaxing and snuggling with Simba. He's catching on that we're moving and I'm seeing some stress in him. As I slept in my own bed for the first time in weeks, Simba slept on my arm the whole night. We were both glad to be together again. Sounds like I'm talking about a love story or something, but it's my cat, however he's my boy...my Sim-Sim. I can't wait for our move to be done so he and I can have some "normal" routine back in our lives. It'll be puuuurrrrr-fect!
After Wednesdays concert panic attack and a long day again today, I found myself crying once home at mom and dads. Even though I'm not doing the heavy lifting I was juggling "hey Carly how do you...." questions all day and was on my feet way too long. I get these good days or glimpses of feeling great so add a bit more to my list of things to do, but seems I suffer thereafter with exhaustion and/or a good cry. I don't hold back my tears but I must tell you I'm sick of crying. I'm sick of being sick, but I can't change that. I must push forward...this too shall pass.
Theoretically I'm currently cancer free....this I need to repeat over and over again reminding myself how great that is. Unfortunately becoming cancer free has left me with wounds that need to heal and I need to tell myself I'm not a super-woman who heals faster than the speed of light! I am human, I am in recovery, I must relax.
Just now laying in bed writing this blog, I turned over & got that incredibly painful fire-like pain shooting through my right leg. I don't feel it when walking or standing, just when laying down. It's the oddest thing and neurology swears it's pelvic nerve damage from radiation but who knows. Hope as I heal it goes away.
Tomorrow I'll remain home vs going back to my apartment for the last small detail packing. Mom and dad are confident they can do the last few things easily along with the help of my godfather. Dad went out tonight and got Simba some good tasty wet food that he'll feed him tomorrow. Think somebody has caught the Simba bug LOL
The NFL playoffs are back Sunday with Green Bay vs Seattle. I've loved GB since I was a kid & dream of going to a home game wearing cheese on my head but of course also want to see our "local' team get the win. I think Seattle is too tough to beat but I'll win either way liking both teams.
This weekend I take courage from the NFL. You can bang me up & stitch me up but my race for the win never stops!
#carly2conquercancer
XOXO
C
Friday I went back to my apartment after hyperbaric treatment and spent the day relaxing and snuggling with Simba. He's catching on that we're moving and I'm seeing some stress in him. As I slept in my own bed for the first time in weeks, Simba slept on my arm the whole night. We were both glad to be together again. Sounds like I'm talking about a love story or something, but it's my cat, however he's my boy...my Sim-Sim. I can't wait for our move to be done so he and I can have some "normal" routine back in our lives. It'll be puuuurrrrr-fect!
After Wednesdays concert panic attack and a long day again today, I found myself crying once home at mom and dads. Even though I'm not doing the heavy lifting I was juggling "hey Carly how do you...." questions all day and was on my feet way too long. I get these good days or glimpses of feeling great so add a bit more to my list of things to do, but seems I suffer thereafter with exhaustion and/or a good cry. I don't hold back my tears but I must tell you I'm sick of crying. I'm sick of being sick, but I can't change that. I must push forward...this too shall pass.
Theoretically I'm currently cancer free....this I need to repeat over and over again reminding myself how great that is. Unfortunately becoming cancer free has left me with wounds that need to heal and I need to tell myself I'm not a super-woman who heals faster than the speed of light! I am human, I am in recovery, I must relax.
Just now laying in bed writing this blog, I turned over & got that incredibly painful fire-like pain shooting through my right leg. I don't feel it when walking or standing, just when laying down. It's the oddest thing and neurology swears it's pelvic nerve damage from radiation but who knows. Hope as I heal it goes away.
Tomorrow I'll remain home vs going back to my apartment for the last small detail packing. Mom and dad are confident they can do the last few things easily along with the help of my godfather. Dad went out tonight and got Simba some good tasty wet food that he'll feed him tomorrow. Think somebody has caught the Simba bug LOL
The NFL playoffs are back Sunday with Green Bay vs Seattle. I've loved GB since I was a kid & dream of going to a home game wearing cheese on my head but of course also want to see our "local' team get the win. I think Seattle is too tough to beat but I'll win either way liking both teams.
This weekend I take courage from the NFL. You can bang me up & stitch me up but my race for the win never stops!
#carly2conquercancer
XOXO
C
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Cuts like a knife
Bryan Adams sings his song "...Cuts Like a Knife but it feels so right". I can't say it feels so right necessarily, but I can say I've felt cut up in more ways than one. Physically and emotionally this journey continues to cut me up and I continue to heal my wounds one by one.
I haven't blogged in a few days and I sure missed it, writing is my therapy and I've been a little cranky as a result. Hyperbaric chamber treatment sessions are either 815am or 1215pm and this week I was scheduled for the 815am start times. I'm not the best morning person so to save an early drive and earlier wake up call, I've stayed at my cousins and one of my BFFs. This means living out of a suitcase Tues-Fri and it's hard. I miss routine, my folks, my cat, my stuff. Next week I start the afternoon sessions so that'll be a way better routine for me and as of Tuesday I'll also have moved in to my new home. Being so close to my folks and with Simba full-time again will be so good for me.
Hyperbaric treatments are going well. I'm managing the 2.5 hours of sitting and have met some lovely people. We chat pre and post treatment but once in the chamber when our helmets are on, conversations become reading and movie time. We have the option to wear head phones in our helmets to hear the movie which is a great way to pass the time. All the books and magazines I've been given and not able to read thus far will be read in chamber.
Every 30 minutes the helmet is removed for a 5 minute break. You can't leave the helmet on the entire time as it's too much direct oxygen. During this quick break I stand to stretch and give myself a quick break from sitting. Repeat 3 times and the session is over. It's called "diving", we go to certain depts of oxygen and back up with the idea of increased healing. One lady told me her hearing has come back dramatically over her 20 sessions thus far. These treatments don't make you feel strong like as an ox but instead sleepy and a little light headed.
I was at the Bryan Adams concert last night along with most of Vancouver. Since the age of 9 I've been to almost every show available to me in Vancouver or Calgary and each time I say he sounds better. 11 albums later he's still as Reckless as ever and sure brought me joy last night.
I had a panic attack leaving the arena as there were too many people for my liking. My long time friend Erynn had a host escort us in to a private washroom where she calmed me down as I waited for my folks and super bro. Looking back I should have left early but regret nothing. I had such a nice time but it's hard to recover. I struggled getting to sleep and have been laying down all day post chamber. I just tell myself, this too shall pass.
I'm now off to bed in a cozy bed c/o Candice as she sleeps on her couch so I can be comfortable. She continues to show me crazy acts of friendship more and more each day be it handling my tears or cooking me an awesome meal.
I'm a lucky gal having you all in my corner, I thank you!
XOXO
#carly2conquercancer
C
I haven't blogged in a few days and I sure missed it, writing is my therapy and I've been a little cranky as a result. Hyperbaric chamber treatment sessions are either 815am or 1215pm and this week I was scheduled for the 815am start times. I'm not the best morning person so to save an early drive and earlier wake up call, I've stayed at my cousins and one of my BFFs. This means living out of a suitcase Tues-Fri and it's hard. I miss routine, my folks, my cat, my stuff. Next week I start the afternoon sessions so that'll be a way better routine for me and as of Tuesday I'll also have moved in to my new home. Being so close to my folks and with Simba full-time again will be so good for me.
Hyperbaric treatments are going well. I'm managing the 2.5 hours of sitting and have met some lovely people. We chat pre and post treatment but once in the chamber when our helmets are on, conversations become reading and movie time. We have the option to wear head phones in our helmets to hear the movie which is a great way to pass the time. All the books and magazines I've been given and not able to read thus far will be read in chamber.
Every 30 minutes the helmet is removed for a 5 minute break. You can't leave the helmet on the entire time as it's too much direct oxygen. During this quick break I stand to stretch and give myself a quick break from sitting. Repeat 3 times and the session is over. It's called "diving", we go to certain depts of oxygen and back up with the idea of increased healing. One lady told me her hearing has come back dramatically over her 20 sessions thus far. These treatments don't make you feel strong like as an ox but instead sleepy and a little light headed.
I was at the Bryan Adams concert last night along with most of Vancouver. Since the age of 9 I've been to almost every show available to me in Vancouver or Calgary and each time I say he sounds better. 11 albums later he's still as Reckless as ever and sure brought me joy last night.
I had a panic attack leaving the arena as there were too many people for my liking. My long time friend Erynn had a host escort us in to a private washroom where she calmed me down as I waited for my folks and super bro. Looking back I should have left early but regret nothing. I had such a nice time but it's hard to recover. I struggled getting to sleep and have been laying down all day post chamber. I just tell myself, this too shall pass.
I'm now off to bed in a cozy bed c/o Candice as she sleeps on her couch so I can be comfortable. She continues to show me crazy acts of friendship more and more each day be it handling my tears or cooking me an awesome meal.
I'm a lucky gal having you all in my corner, I thank you!
XOXO
#carly2conquercancer
C
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