Hey everyone!
I apologize for the huge length of time between my last post and today. I am alive, in case you were wondering. Unfortunately, a turn in health and recovery has me make the tough decision to not return to work in Wemindji as scheduled. I am sad about this part in my recovery but I know, especially given past experiences, that I need to remain close to my specialists, a hospital and my bed. Luckily for me, most of my doctors are within a 5 minute drive from my mom's house, as well as the brand new local hospital! I rest and recover much easier knowing I am not far from immediate help should I need it.
So I will explain why I am not back in my classroom this week and instead watching the 9th season of Ru Paul's Drag Race!
If you have a "normal" recovery from pituitary surgery for Cushing's Disease, you will experience a crash in cortisol levels post op (now that the powerhouse tumor is removed and the adrenal glands are shaken from their slumber). The adrenal glands will be sleepy but slowly start to do their job (producing regular amounts of cortisol). You will be given hydrocortisone to make up the difference that your body is lacking while the adrenals catch up. Everyone is different, but some adrenal glands take longer than others to wake up, and that is called Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency. It is a dangerous condition that leaves you susceptible to adrenal crisis, or shock, if even a minor illness like a stomach bug, goes untreated. Basically, now I don't make enough cortisol to live! Such a difference from before, where I made TOO MUCH cortisol to live. Damned if you do, damned if you don't!! Luckily for me, my adrenals are only in a coma, not dead, which also sometimes happens. Since they are only coming out of hibernation, this setback is temporary however not to be rushed. I have had to put aside all my goals and plans and am taking things day by day. If I rush recovery and head back into my normal life, I risk illness that can only be helped by urgent care.
Besides risking adrenal crisis, I have a whole slew of new symptoms that affect every day life. I am exhausted, have trouble sleeping, weak, dizzy and light headed, have restless legs at night, my muscles feel constantly tight, arthritic-like pain in my joints, and all-over body pain. ITS GREAT! This too is temporary and I just have to be patient and kind and listen to my body and respect my limits. Sometimes (a lot of times) this means saying "no" to people and plans, but I know that what I do one day, I'll pay for with days in bed later. Sometimes it's worth it, and other times its not. Another thing I have been battling with is the ongoing sinus infection that I have had for 4+ MONTHS!! Its amazing to see how surgeons performed this surgery through my nose and sinuses but because of this "less intrusive" method of reaching the brain, I am left with major life-long sinus issues. Still a better alternative to having my head and cutting my skull in half!!
So while my adrenals take their sweet ass time waking up, I am also slowly being weaned off my hydrocortisone medication. They are a heavy steroid my body is eating up while I am deficient, and like all good things, it must come to an end. So monthly I go down a few milligrams at a time and for weeks I feel as if I am going through withdrawal (which I technically am, of cortisol). Just when I start to feel "normal", its time to decrease my dose again! Bittersweet. The upside of getting off the HC is that I'll slowly start to lose some of the 150 pounds I gained while I had the tumor! So far I have lost 37 with no help and I am feeling good about that.
Unfortunately, my estrogen was the first thing my tumor chucked out the pituitary window and now I permanently produce none at all. Basically I went through menopause a few years ago when I stopped having a period. This doesn't necessarily mean I am barren, but it does make things slightly more difficult. For my bone's sake, I will be taking birth control (to provide a source of estrogen) until I am 50.
I am grateful to have a hobby to keep my mind and fingers busy. Embroidery has been a creative outlet when my body won't behave and I am grateful to have endless inspiration! Check out my Instagram account @shehadmeinstitches !
Anyways, one thing I am really grateful for is the communities of "Cushies" I have found on the internet. These people from far and wide have such a tight-knit supportive community that I am proud to be a part of! I have learned more from these survivors than I have learned from any research paper, doctor or video. My doctors have all been informative and helpful in answering my questions, but very often I don't even know what to ask, and when I do, I don't know what to do with the information I receive. I am glad that these many people from around the globe are able to help me make sense of test results, of how my body now works and ways to help myself heal. Incredibly enough, I have even managed to make friends with about a dozen Cushies in southern Ontario!! Amazing given that only 1 in a million are diagnosed. I started an Ontario Cushings Disease/Syndrome facebook support group and I am amazed at what a small world it really is! Some I share my surgeon with, another my endocrinologist! Amazing! I hope to get together with them soon and create some long-lasting friendships!
Anyways, I'll continue to update when something remarkable happens, otherwise know that I am still around and still kicking (weakly!) In the meantime, I implore you to check out a blog of a fellow Cushie I am proud to call my friend!! Catarina is coming up on a year post-op and is an inspiration!! https://snugbeauty.com/crushcushings/
Take care my friends!
Friday 12 January 2018
Wednesday 20 September 2017
Post Lobotomy Update
Hi All!
Again I must apologize for being absent from the blogging world. I have a pretty legit excuse which I am proud to throw around, getting me out of all sorts of trouble! Well, since I last touched base I have had my brain tumor removed!! Hooray!! Technically the surgery is called "transsenoidal resection" - a fancy pants term for "getting a brain tumor sucked out through your nose".
I shall start from the beginning. WARNING: This post contains fairly a descriptive account of surgery, post surgery and whatnot, I will *try* not to exaggerate but I live a life of hyperbole so I can't not be me.
So the last time I was on here I was wrapping up my first and last couple of weeks at work in Wemindji. I had started my Resource Teacher position, finished some awesome training that I am very excited to put into use when I return to work, and was gearing up for another trip back home to Oakville to prepare for surgery which was taking place at St. Michael's Hospital in downtown Toronto. I arrived in Oakville the night before my pre-op appointment which ended up being extremely thorough and taking most of the day. The next couple of weeks was spent going to various other appointments, getting pre-op scans, lots of bloodwork etc. etc. Then the big day finally arrived. My mom and I drove into Toronto super early on the morning of Friday September 8th and I was quickly admitted into the neurosurgery ward and prepped for surgery! It all happened pretty fast and as soon as I was wheeled into the operating theatre, I was out like a light. From 8:45 until well after 1pm I was under the knife and my entire tumor was successfully removed!! I woke up in a step-down-type of ICU for neurosurgery where they woke me every couple of hours to perform little neuro-tests to make sure I wasn't brain dead. I was packed up FULL with gauze and such to keep my brains from falling out of my nose and it was not a pretty sight. I had lots of blood and stuff stuck in my hair from the halo they had secured me into which was a little shocking. I was violently ill for the next few days and was experiencing severe hormonal withdrawl symptoms.
"What happened once the tumor was removed?" you may ask. Well, the tumor which was inconveniently located on my pituitary gland, was a 1.8cm little fella that had put the part of my brain that naturally produces cortisol to sleep. The tumor was sending signals to my adrenal glands to produce WAY TOO MUCH cortisol thus making me very ill. See side effects of high cortisol here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cushing-syndrome/symptoms-causes/dxc-20197177 I was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease in February of 2017. When the tumor was removed, the source of the too-high cortisol production was eliminated, but the part that naturally made normal amounts of cortisol was still dormant, so I went from having a cortisol level of 799 pre-surgery, to a post surgery level of 76 (and now 39). A healthy woman has a level of cortisol of around 250. I am essentially going through hormone withdrawal and let me tell you, the effects are brutal. I was warned many times by doctors and online research that I would feel worse before I began to feel better and they weren't lying. I haven't felt this awful in a very long time. It is like having the worst flu you can think of. Every single muscle aches, my head is KILLING me, my nose and sinuses are in pain 100% of the time, I'm tired, nauseous, agitated, emotional, I have zero energy, I developed eczema and dandruff, my face swelled up, I have very little appetite and when I try to eat, I have no taste. This won't last forever but for the next few months it'll be a hormonal rollercoaster while my cortisol levels are adjusted and my body kicks itself into gear. See the effects of low cortisol here: https://blog.udemy.com/low-cortisol/ and I have about 90% of the symptoms.
So, that means that while I am producing little cortisol, I am on hydrocortisone therapy to that will slowly bring my cortisol levels up until my body can produce enough of its own. Then, I will be slowly weaned off the hydrocortisone until I am completely producing my own naturally!
Anyway, I left the hospital on Monday September 11th and went home to recover. I have plastic stents in my nostrils and sinuses holding open the space until swelling goes down. I unfortunately also developed sinusitus post-surgery and found myself back in the ER this past Saturday with a wicked migraine and symptoms of a sinus infection. I of course assumed my brain was bleeding and luckily after a quick CT scan and bloodwork, that self-diagnosis was busted and luckily it was just a sinus infection. Incredibly painful and debilitating given that I was already in a lot of pain and discomfort from a drill being bored into my skull, but at least I wasn't dying!
So, I have been laying low the last few days, having good days and bad days of sickness and recovery but getting in a lot of new baby Jack time (he was born Thursday September 7th!!!!!!!!!!!) and scouring Netflix for things I haven't watched yet.
Today I went back to St. Mike's for a quick checkup at the ENT doctor to evaluate my sinus infection and let me tell you I am going to need therapy for PTSD after that visit. Since surgery I have been incredibly congested, my left side completely blocked since day 1 and the right side slowly but surely closing up. Since I am restricted from blowing my nose, exerting any energy or straining AT ALL (aka don't even think about pushing out a fart), I could not clear my nose the conventional way. Nor would I want to really, given that I am pretty sure if I sneeze too hard my brains will come shooting out of my nose but maybe I am just being overly safe??) So the doctor stuck a teensy looooong camera up my nose holes and low and behold there were my sinuses, very impacted and full of boogers. One side, the left, he left to heal with antibiotics and a follow up next week, but the right side, ohhh the right side. Well lets just say that usually I have a good poker face when it comes to medical procedures but I could not contain my overall disgust and shock at what this poor young resident pulled out of my nose. With long tweezers and the handy camera, the doctor pulled not one, but TWO-THREE INCH LONG, 1 INCH WIDE BOOGERS FROM MY NASAL CAVITY. I actually screamed. Not in pain, but in utter shock. I apologized profusely to the doctor for having these ghastly things in my nose and for him having to remove them. He calmly assured me it was all part of the job but I insisted it was a good thing he got paid for it at least because it was the most disgusting thing I had certainly ever seen. Honestly, this experience was more traumatic than brain surgery. He jokingly (I hope) asked me if I wanted to keep them before throwing them with a THUD in the garbage can. I declined the offer. Now though I can breathe out of one side of my nose LIKE BUTTER. Smooooooth. I have a new lease on life! I was getting worried because breathing at night was becoming precarious and there were a few times I may have needed CPR if I had not woken myself up.
So that's really all that is new with me. I am loving being able to spend some quality time with my new nephew, hating feeling so ill but glad that I am home and able to recover here with the company of family and friends and will have a busy few months coming up with lots of doctors appointments and tests to ensure I am on the road to recovery!! Ta ta!
Again I must apologize for being absent from the blogging world. I have a pretty legit excuse which I am proud to throw around, getting me out of all sorts of trouble! Well, since I last touched base I have had my brain tumor removed!! Hooray!! Technically the surgery is called "transsenoidal resection" - a fancy pants term for "getting a brain tumor sucked out through your nose".
I shall start from the beginning. WARNING: This post contains fairly a descriptive account of surgery, post surgery and whatnot, I will *try* not to exaggerate but I live a life of hyperbole so I can't not be me.
So the last time I was on here I was wrapping up my first and last couple of weeks at work in Wemindji. I had started my Resource Teacher position, finished some awesome training that I am very excited to put into use when I return to work, and was gearing up for another trip back home to Oakville to prepare for surgery which was taking place at St. Michael's Hospital in downtown Toronto. I arrived in Oakville the night before my pre-op appointment which ended up being extremely thorough and taking most of the day. The next couple of weeks was spent going to various other appointments, getting pre-op scans, lots of bloodwork etc. etc. Then the big day finally arrived. My mom and I drove into Toronto super early on the morning of Friday September 8th and I was quickly admitted into the neurosurgery ward and prepped for surgery! It all happened pretty fast and as soon as I was wheeled into the operating theatre, I was out like a light. From 8:45 until well after 1pm I was under the knife and my entire tumor was successfully removed!! I woke up in a step-down-type of ICU for neurosurgery where they woke me every couple of hours to perform little neuro-tests to make sure I wasn't brain dead. I was packed up FULL with gauze and such to keep my brains from falling out of my nose and it was not a pretty sight. I had lots of blood and stuff stuck in my hair from the halo they had secured me into which was a little shocking. I was violently ill for the next few days and was experiencing severe hormonal withdrawl symptoms.
"What happened once the tumor was removed?" you may ask. Well, the tumor which was inconveniently located on my pituitary gland, was a 1.8cm little fella that had put the part of my brain that naturally produces cortisol to sleep. The tumor was sending signals to my adrenal glands to produce WAY TOO MUCH cortisol thus making me very ill. See side effects of high cortisol here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cushing-syndrome/symptoms-causes/dxc-20197177 I was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease in February of 2017. When the tumor was removed, the source of the too-high cortisol production was eliminated, but the part that naturally made normal amounts of cortisol was still dormant, so I went from having a cortisol level of 799 pre-surgery, to a post surgery level of 76 (and now 39). A healthy woman has a level of cortisol of around 250. I am essentially going through hormone withdrawal and let me tell you, the effects are brutal. I was warned many times by doctors and online research that I would feel worse before I began to feel better and they weren't lying. I haven't felt this awful in a very long time. It is like having the worst flu you can think of. Every single muscle aches, my head is KILLING me, my nose and sinuses are in pain 100% of the time, I'm tired, nauseous, agitated, emotional, I have zero energy, I developed eczema and dandruff, my face swelled up, I have very little appetite and when I try to eat, I have no taste. This won't last forever but for the next few months it'll be a hormonal rollercoaster while my cortisol levels are adjusted and my body kicks itself into gear. See the effects of low cortisol here: https://blog.udemy.com/low-cortisol/ and I have about 90% of the symptoms.
So, that means that while I am producing little cortisol, I am on hydrocortisone therapy to that will slowly bring my cortisol levels up until my body can produce enough of its own. Then, I will be slowly weaned off the hydrocortisone until I am completely producing my own naturally!
Anyway, I left the hospital on Monday September 11th and went home to recover. I have plastic stents in my nostrils and sinuses holding open the space until swelling goes down. I unfortunately also developed sinusitus post-surgery and found myself back in the ER this past Saturday with a wicked migraine and symptoms of a sinus infection. I of course assumed my brain was bleeding and luckily after a quick CT scan and bloodwork, that self-diagnosis was busted and luckily it was just a sinus infection. Incredibly painful and debilitating given that I was already in a lot of pain and discomfort from a drill being bored into my skull, but at least I wasn't dying!
So, I have been laying low the last few days, having good days and bad days of sickness and recovery but getting in a lot of new baby Jack time (he was born Thursday September 7th!!!!!!!!!!!) and scouring Netflix for things I haven't watched yet.
Today I went back to St. Mike's for a quick checkup at the ENT doctor to evaluate my sinus infection and let me tell you I am going to need therapy for PTSD after that visit. Since surgery I have been incredibly congested, my left side completely blocked since day 1 and the right side slowly but surely closing up. Since I am restricted from blowing my nose, exerting any energy or straining AT ALL (aka don't even think about pushing out a fart), I could not clear my nose the conventional way. Nor would I want to really, given that I am pretty sure if I sneeze too hard my brains will come shooting out of my nose but maybe I am just being overly safe??) So the doctor stuck a teensy looooong camera up my nose holes and low and behold there were my sinuses, very impacted and full of boogers. One side, the left, he left to heal with antibiotics and a follow up next week, but the right side, ohhh the right side. Well lets just say that usually I have a good poker face when it comes to medical procedures but I could not contain my overall disgust and shock at what this poor young resident pulled out of my nose. With long tweezers and the handy camera, the doctor pulled not one, but TWO-THREE INCH LONG, 1 INCH WIDE BOOGERS FROM MY NASAL CAVITY. I actually screamed. Not in pain, but in utter shock. I apologized profusely to the doctor for having these ghastly things in my nose and for him having to remove them. He calmly assured me it was all part of the job but I insisted it was a good thing he got paid for it at least because it was the most disgusting thing I had certainly ever seen. Honestly, this experience was more traumatic than brain surgery. He jokingly (I hope) asked me if I wanted to keep them before throwing them with a THUD in the garbage can. I declined the offer. Now though I can breathe out of one side of my nose LIKE BUTTER. Smooooooth. I have a new lease on life! I was getting worried because breathing at night was becoming precarious and there were a few times I may have needed CPR if I had not woken myself up.
So that's really all that is new with me. I am loving being able to spend some quality time with my new nephew, hating feeling so ill but glad that I am home and able to recover here with the company of family and friends and will have a busy few months coming up with lots of doctors appointments and tests to ensure I am on the road to recovery!! Ta ta!
Saturday 26 August 2017
Crushing Cushings
WOW okay I am very sorry that I have neglected my blog for over 3 months!! I honestly started to feel like there wasn't much worth posting about as my life had become just one giant episode of ER. I'll summarize the past few months in a brief overview and then move on to more exciting things!
The last time I checked in I was waiting for the last of my scans to be scheduled, an MRI, which would give the surgeon a better idea of where the tumor was and how to approach it. I needed a second one because my original had not been sent by Montreal (a common theme in this journey - note to self: if you need to transfer care out of province, just dont). I did end up finally getting the golden MRI on July 1st.
Shortly after my last post I went to Red Lobster for the first time ever with my Aunt Melanie and sister Hilary! What was supposed to be a lovely treat became a nightmare as I got food poisoning which led to a 2 week bought of colitis which eventually also coincided with another blocked ureter with a large kidney stone which required 2 very minor surgeries shortly thereafter. Lets just say it was a rough few weeks and I used a lot of toilet paper much to my mother's discontent.
My friends went on a trip of a lifetime to Las Vegas to see the Backstreet Boys perform and sadly I was too ill to go but the next best thing happened!! Sarah the Angel met Kevin in a restaurant and had him send me a video message of good luck!!! It was a pretty fair trade for not being able to go myself. I shall treasure the memory forever!!
The rest of the summer was spent keeping a low profile, making amazing memories with friends and family and of course, keeping my health in check with various specialists and appointments. I am very excited to be starting a new medication to treat my osteoporosis after I have my brain surgery. This aggressive therapy will help to regrow bone loss and strengthen my weak and petrified bones. I am really looking forward to not breaking any more bones and living a life a little less like that of the Boy in the Bubble.
I traveled back and forth to Wemindji a couple of times to gather things and to help organize and pack up my classroom for the upcoming year. It was lovely to see old friends who were not returning for the new school year and to get an idea of what the 2017/2018 school year would look like for me! Most recently I have returned to Wemindji to start the school year in a new position, Resource!! I am BEYOND excited to work in this new role as it is one I have never worked in before and I am looking forward to the challenge! I arrived August 11th to quickly begin unpacking my classroom and setting up the new resource room. I met a ton of brand new staff which was awesome, they are very cool and totally dedicated. It is a very different vibe this year starting out and I am very much looking forward to working with the staff and students this year in a new capacity!!
So, I was left on the hook waiting for a surgery date once I had all my tests and scans completed (some more than twice) for what felt like ages!!! My medical leave for the broken pelvis, kidney issues and other things had ended in June and I was more than happy to go be able to go back to work, no matter for how short of a time. Of course I felt AWFUL that I would likely be starting and then leaving Wemindji again shortly thereafter but I felt I was just stagnating and I really missed being useful and productive. My body disagreed but my mind was screaming to work. So I headed back up with a surgery date and a TBD schedule of pre-op appointments and just worked as much as I could before having to take off again. I was signed up for an incredible literacy training program that I will implement in the new year at JORMS and while it gave me only a couple of solid days at school to get unpacked and situated before driving to Val d'Or and back, I was very grateful for the opportunity and am very excited to put my new training to use!
So that brings me to this weekend. I spent the last week (Monday to Thursday) training in Val d'Or (and hanging out with MARSHAAAAAA!) and back to work yesterday. I am giving myself today off (while I pack and attend high school graduation) and EARLY tomorrow morning I will drive straight through to Oakville. I'll arrive very early Monday morning and have my final (hopefully) appointment on Tuesday with the nerosurgeon Dr. Cusimano and the endocrinologist Dr. Goguen before my surgery date which is FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8TH!! I managed to fit a few more appointments in between which makes my time off a little more productive but what is most exciting is that I will be home for the birth of my newest nephew!!!!! I am beyond excited and really hope the timing works out well so that I can be a part of the plan (aka babysitting Robin while Jack makes his debut).
So today I am cautiously throwing clothing into suitcases (how does one pack for 3 seasons!?! I'm not used to summer-fall-winter after so long in the North), and making my way back home to start a new journey of health and recovery. I am nervous and excited and hoping for the best. I can't wait to start feeling GOOD. My normal has been sick for so long, I forget what it feels like to be healthy, so this is going to be awesome. I promise I'll keep a little more up-to-date on these things. Thanks for stopping by!!
The last time I checked in I was waiting for the last of my scans to be scheduled, an MRI, which would give the surgeon a better idea of where the tumor was and how to approach it. I needed a second one because my original had not been sent by Montreal (a common theme in this journey - note to self: if you need to transfer care out of province, just dont). I did end up finally getting the golden MRI on July 1st.
Shortly after my last post I went to Red Lobster for the first time ever with my Aunt Melanie and sister Hilary! What was supposed to be a lovely treat became a nightmare as I got food poisoning which led to a 2 week bought of colitis which eventually also coincided with another blocked ureter with a large kidney stone which required 2 very minor surgeries shortly thereafter. Lets just say it was a rough few weeks and I used a lot of toilet paper much to my mother's discontent.
My friends went on a trip of a lifetime to Las Vegas to see the Backstreet Boys perform and sadly I was too ill to go but the next best thing happened!! Sarah the Angel met Kevin in a restaurant and had him send me a video message of good luck!!! It was a pretty fair trade for not being able to go myself. I shall treasure the memory forever!!
The rest of the summer was spent keeping a low profile, making amazing memories with friends and family and of course, keeping my health in check with various specialists and appointments. I am very excited to be starting a new medication to treat my osteoporosis after I have my brain surgery. This aggressive therapy will help to regrow bone loss and strengthen my weak and petrified bones. I am really looking forward to not breaking any more bones and living a life a little less like that of the Boy in the Bubble.
I traveled back and forth to Wemindji a couple of times to gather things and to help organize and pack up my classroom for the upcoming year. It was lovely to see old friends who were not returning for the new school year and to get an idea of what the 2017/2018 school year would look like for me! Most recently I have returned to Wemindji to start the school year in a new position, Resource!! I am BEYOND excited to work in this new role as it is one I have never worked in before and I am looking forward to the challenge! I arrived August 11th to quickly begin unpacking my classroom and setting up the new resource room. I met a ton of brand new staff which was awesome, they are very cool and totally dedicated. It is a very different vibe this year starting out and I am very much looking forward to working with the staff and students this year in a new capacity!!
So, I was left on the hook waiting for a surgery date once I had all my tests and scans completed (some more than twice) for what felt like ages!!! My medical leave for the broken pelvis, kidney issues and other things had ended in June and I was more than happy to go be able to go back to work, no matter for how short of a time. Of course I felt AWFUL that I would likely be starting and then leaving Wemindji again shortly thereafter but I felt I was just stagnating and I really missed being useful and productive. My body disagreed but my mind was screaming to work. So I headed back up with a surgery date and a TBD schedule of pre-op appointments and just worked as much as I could before having to take off again. I was signed up for an incredible literacy training program that I will implement in the new year at JORMS and while it gave me only a couple of solid days at school to get unpacked and situated before driving to Val d'Or and back, I was very grateful for the opportunity and am very excited to put my new training to use!
So that brings me to this weekend. I spent the last week (Monday to Thursday) training in Val d'Or (and hanging out with MARSHAAAAAA!) and back to work yesterday. I am giving myself today off (while I pack and attend high school graduation) and EARLY tomorrow morning I will drive straight through to Oakville. I'll arrive very early Monday morning and have my final (hopefully) appointment on Tuesday with the nerosurgeon Dr. Cusimano and the endocrinologist Dr. Goguen before my surgery date which is FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8TH!! I managed to fit a few more appointments in between which makes my time off a little more productive but what is most exciting is that I will be home for the birth of my newest nephew!!!!! I am beyond excited and really hope the timing works out well so that I can be a part of the plan (aka babysitting Robin while Jack makes his debut).
So today I am cautiously throwing clothing into suitcases (how does one pack for 3 seasons!?! I'm not used to summer-fall-winter after so long in the North), and making my way back home to start a new journey of health and recovery. I am nervous and excited and hoping for the best. I can't wait to start feeling GOOD. My normal has been sick for so long, I forget what it feels like to be healthy, so this is going to be awesome. I promise I'll keep a little more up-to-date on these things. Thanks for stopping by!!
Sunday 21 May 2017
Spring in my Step
Hello!
Well, when the ball rolls, it sure rolls fast!! I am pleased to announce that in the last week I have secured a new neurosurgeon who specializes in skull-based and pituitary tumors! While the doctor that I was originally going to see was all fine and well, and I was very lucky to get in as quickly as I did, I was offered an even earlier appointment by this new doctor and I am very glad I decided to go with Dr. Cusimano out of St. Michael's Hospital in downtown Toronto instead. I will tell you why. Dr. Cusimano has come highly recommended to me by numerous health care professionals and regular folks. I have read really good review online and I am hopeful! I received his referral form with a LONG list of requirements to fulfill before we even get to meet but I am more than happy to do so. Some of these things include: get ahold of all my endocrinology tests and results and reports, new blood work and urinalysis, a new CT scan, a new MRI scan, a thorough neurological and ophthalmologist workup, as well as many other new tests.
I received the new referral on Tuesday and was in the office of my new neuro-opthamologist Dr. Irene Vanek (also at St. Mike's) on Wednesday afternoon!! She is like the gatekeeper to my neurosurgeon. Every test, big or small, must be reviewed by her before passing me on to surgery. She performed dozens of eye tests on me which thankfully revealed no damage to my eyes as the tumor is resting on the optic nerve so there is a high risk of pressure on the eyes and damage to my peripheral vision (this cannot be corrected by glasses). I was unprepared for these eye tests as I have never needed one before and let me tell you I had quite the laugh with Hilary, my escort, as I tried to blindly text message my friends.
Dr. Vanek was simply amazing. She saw the urgency in my case and personally delivered some requisition forms that my own family doctor didn't seem to think were urgent enough to even look at during our last appointment, so I am grateful for the effort and dedication she put into my care. I look forward to seeing her again!
So this past week has had me driving into downtown Toronto 3 days in a row leaving me poor, tired and sick with a cold, but it is all worth it. Nothing feels better than knowing I am getting the right care and care in a timely manner. To answer those who ask why I didn't take public transit downtown, I am still very slow moving with my right side, my endurance and energy is shot, and navigating the bus, GO Train, and subway as well as all the stairs is quite simply a nightmare, so being able to park across the street from the hospital for a king's ransom is a sacrifice to my wallet I am willing to take! Also, those who know me know that I am clumsy footed on a good day, so I can only imagine what would happen to me on a busy street in Toronto with all that hustle and bustle (do I sound like your great aunt yet?).
So the last major test I am waiting for an appointment for is a new MRI and that will hopefully all be completed before my meeting with my new neurosurgeon. He will have all the pieces needed to assess my brain and how and when to remove the tumor and help me get my life back!! Hooray!
I am still leading an incredibly boring life down here in the south. That being said, I am still and always will be so grateful for all the time I am getting to see my family and southern friends, and incredibly appreciative for the opportunity to rest as much as is needed to heal my body. I know that the only reason I was able to heal my pelvic fractures is because I have been given the time off to get the proper treatment and actually lay down. I feel like I have reached my limit as far as what I can do at home for physio-therapy so I will be starting physio at a clinic soon.
Besides a busy week of medical stuff, I had a great time organizing and throwing a Mother's Day lunch at my mom's house last weekend. We had a few newer faces at the table and it was really lovely to have the whole family there. I also got to see my close friends for a belated birthday brunch and we had some really good laughs.
Fingers crossed this week will be as busy as last week was!!!
Until next time, here are the ABCs of Me.
A: Age - 29
B: Bed size - double although king is #bedgoals
C: Chore you hate - dusting
D: Dog's name - Bobo
E: Essential thing to start your day - peeing
F: Favorite colour - pink/purple
G: Gold or silver - platinum. Oh non-jewelry? Gold
H: Height - 5"6
I: Instruments - air piano
J: Job title - teacher
K: Kids - Fur mother to Bobo
L: Living arrangements - currently in my childhood bedroom at my mom's house but I do have a home in Wemindji as well #baller
M: Mom's name - Philippa/Mummy
N: Nickname - Nadz
O: Overnight hospital stay other than birth - is this a joke?
P: Pet Peeves - people who don't use the indicator, people who don't empty the trash, people who don't turn off the windsheild wipers long after the rain has stopped, people who do use their indicators but don't turn them off after changing lanes, people who wait until the end of the merging lane to merge, people who park too close to me. Soooo, people I guess...
Q: Quote from a movie: "It's not a tumor." - Kindergarten Cop (1990)
R: Right or left handed - left
S: Siblings - 2 younger sisters
T: Time you wake up - whenever my mom decides to reorganize the pots and pans cupboard so, weekdays 6am???
U: Underwear - whatever Walmart has on sale. Those days of my life are over.
V: Vegetable you dislike - again, a joke? I'll keep it short since my hands are getting tired. Onions, tomatoes, red/yellow/orange peppers, olives, eggplant, zucchini.
W: What makes you run late - I'm not usually late, if I am late it is because of the inability of others to be on time :)
X: X-rays you've had: Recently?? LOL.... well lets just say I've had my entire body scanned one way or another multiple ways and for various reasons A LOT in the last several months and will continue to do so forever and ever amen.
Y: Yummy food you make - anything that is bad for you I can make with alarming ease.
Z: Zoo favorite - Pandas are pretty cute.
Well, when the ball rolls, it sure rolls fast!! I am pleased to announce that in the last week I have secured a new neurosurgeon who specializes in skull-based and pituitary tumors! While the doctor that I was originally going to see was all fine and well, and I was very lucky to get in as quickly as I did, I was offered an even earlier appointment by this new doctor and I am very glad I decided to go with Dr. Cusimano out of St. Michael's Hospital in downtown Toronto instead. I will tell you why. Dr. Cusimano has come highly recommended to me by numerous health care professionals and regular folks. I have read really good review online and I am hopeful! I received his referral form with a LONG list of requirements to fulfill before we even get to meet but I am more than happy to do so. Some of these things include: get ahold of all my endocrinology tests and results and reports, new blood work and urinalysis, a new CT scan, a new MRI scan, a thorough neurological and ophthalmologist workup, as well as many other new tests.
I received the new referral on Tuesday and was in the office of my new neuro-opthamologist Dr. Irene Vanek (also at St. Mike's) on Wednesday afternoon!! She is like the gatekeeper to my neurosurgeon. Every test, big or small, must be reviewed by her before passing me on to surgery. She performed dozens of eye tests on me which thankfully revealed no damage to my eyes as the tumor is resting on the optic nerve so there is a high risk of pressure on the eyes and damage to my peripheral vision (this cannot be corrected by glasses). I was unprepared for these eye tests as I have never needed one before and let me tell you I had quite the laugh with Hilary, my escort, as I tried to blindly text message my friends.
Dr. Vanek was simply amazing. She saw the urgency in my case and personally delivered some requisition forms that my own family doctor didn't seem to think were urgent enough to even look at during our last appointment, so I am grateful for the effort and dedication she put into my care. I look forward to seeing her again!
So this past week has had me driving into downtown Toronto 3 days in a row leaving me poor, tired and sick with a cold, but it is all worth it. Nothing feels better than knowing I am getting the right care and care in a timely manner. To answer those who ask why I didn't take public transit downtown, I am still very slow moving with my right side, my endurance and energy is shot, and navigating the bus, GO Train, and subway as well as all the stairs is quite simply a nightmare, so being able to park across the street from the hospital for a king's ransom is a sacrifice to my wallet I am willing to take! Also, those who know me know that I am clumsy footed on a good day, so I can only imagine what would happen to me on a busy street in Toronto with all that hustle and bustle (do I sound like your great aunt yet?).
So the last major test I am waiting for an appointment for is a new MRI and that will hopefully all be completed before my meeting with my new neurosurgeon. He will have all the pieces needed to assess my brain and how and when to remove the tumor and help me get my life back!! Hooray!
I am still leading an incredibly boring life down here in the south. That being said, I am still and always will be so grateful for all the time I am getting to see my family and southern friends, and incredibly appreciative for the opportunity to rest as much as is needed to heal my body. I know that the only reason I was able to heal my pelvic fractures is because I have been given the time off to get the proper treatment and actually lay down. I feel like I have reached my limit as far as what I can do at home for physio-therapy so I will be starting physio at a clinic soon.
Besides a busy week of medical stuff, I had a great time organizing and throwing a Mother's Day lunch at my mom's house last weekend. We had a few newer faces at the table and it was really lovely to have the whole family there. I also got to see my close friends for a belated birthday brunch and we had some really good laughs.
Fingers crossed this week will be as busy as last week was!!!
Until next time, here are the ABCs of Me.
A: Age - 29
B: Bed size - double although king is #bedgoals
C: Chore you hate - dusting
D: Dog's name - Bobo
E: Essential thing to start your day - peeing
F: Favorite colour - pink/purple
G: Gold or silver - platinum. Oh non-jewelry? Gold
H: Height - 5"6
I: Instruments - air piano
J: Job title - teacher
K: Kids - Fur mother to Bobo
L: Living arrangements - currently in my childhood bedroom at my mom's house but I do have a home in Wemindji as well #baller
M: Mom's name - Philippa/Mummy
N: Nickname - Nadz
O: Overnight hospital stay other than birth - is this a joke?
P: Pet Peeves - people who don't use the indicator, people who don't empty the trash, people who don't turn off the windsheild wipers long after the rain has stopped, people who do use their indicators but don't turn them off after changing lanes, people who wait until the end of the merging lane to merge, people who park too close to me. Soooo, people I guess...
Q: Quote from a movie: "It's not a tumor." - Kindergarten Cop (1990)
R: Right or left handed - left
S: Siblings - 2 younger sisters
T: Time you wake up - whenever my mom decides to reorganize the pots and pans cupboard so, weekdays 6am???
U: Underwear - whatever Walmart has on sale. Those days of my life are over.
V: Vegetable you dislike - again, a joke? I'll keep it short since my hands are getting tired. Onions, tomatoes, red/yellow/orange peppers, olives, eggplant, zucchini.
W: What makes you run late - I'm not usually late, if I am late it is because of the inability of others to be on time :)
X: X-rays you've had: Recently?? LOL.... well lets just say I've had my entire body scanned one way or another multiple ways and for various reasons A LOT in the last several months and will continue to do so forever and ever amen.
Y: Yummy food you make - anything that is bad for you I can make with alarming ease.
Z: Zoo favorite - Pandas are pretty cute.
Tuesday 2 May 2017
Busy Blogger
My life seems to get busy in spurts which for the most part is okay with me. It means physical and mental recovery time is longer, but sure makes for some good stories!
In the past couple of weeks a lot has happened! I went to an awesome dip party, I found out I am going to be auntie to another nephew, I took a short trip back to Wemindji, I had a last minute kidney surgery, I was finally hooked up with a neurosurgeon, I got ANOTHER flat tire on my trip back south, I became obsessed with making bitmoji avatars and next week I will be speaking to an elementary school about teaching and living in the north!
Dip Party: awesome amazing delicious idea for a theme party! Everyone brought a different delicious dip and something to dip with and it was pretty cool. I had an upset tummy so I didn't take full advantage of the fine cuisine but I got some really good recipe ideas!! It was hosted by friends Kelly and Ryan and Clair and Ryan (a different one lol) brought new baby Sophie to make her debut to the group!!
Nephew #2: My sister Hilary and her man meat Mike are going to be having another baby boy in about 19 weeks! I am so excited for them and can't wait to meet baby Little Jack. In the meantime Robin has been growing like a weed and really developing quite the sense of humor. He is truly adorable.
Trip to Wemindji: I took a short trip back to Wemindji last week with my sister Eryl. The trip was pretty nice, we did some excellent sister bonding and she helped me SO MUCH as I am still pretty crippled and weak and she was the muscle. I am forever in her debt!! It was SO NICE to see all my friends and colleagues and students in Wemindji. I miss the people and town and teaching so much, its hard to describe. It was great to coincidentally be in town to attend the official grand opening of the new elementary school, and although the higher ups from the Cree School Board were unable to attend due to bad weather, the show went on and it was amazing. It was clear that the CEA staff and committee worked incredibly hard to put on an incredible celebration and great attention was paid to each detail of the day. I was very happy to also retrieve all my spring and summer clothes, personal items and my summer tires, all of which I desperately needed!
Kidney Surgery: while I was in Wemindji, I got a phone call during the week asking if I was available for surgery on Sunday morning. Luckily for me I was planning on arriving back in Oakville on Saturday evening so this worked out perfectly. I had my first appointment with my kidney doctor the week prior and wasn't expecting any surgery until July, so when they managed to squeeze me in last minute, I jumped at the chance! I have now completed one of two kidney surgeries. This one included the removal of the stent from my left ureter and blasting away two stones, one smaller stone located in the left kidney and one that had been pushed by the tube from blocking the ureter through into my bladder. I am left with a temporary catheter type thing that I will remove myself on Thursday. "It'll be just like removing a tampon" said the MALE doctor. Ok sir I'm sure it'll be JUST like that :|
Flat Tire: well, a trip to Wemimdji and back wouldn't be complete without SOME sort of car trouble or adventure, and this time was no different! Just when I thought I had made it through the worst part of the James Bay Highway on a dark and rainy night, I was wrong. At the mouth of the "good part" of the highway, I ran over a pretty substantial pothole that I didn't see and completely busted my tire and rim on the right rear side of the van. I also busted both hubcaps on the right side in the process. I got my passengers Eryl and Monika out of the car and we proceeded to unload the full-size spare winter tire on a rim (I never leave home without 2 full-sized spares on rims...) and pretended to look like we were about to change the tire. I told my compaions, "fear not, we will not be changing a tire on our own tonight ladies, just wait." and we did. Not less than 5 minutes later we had two separate cars full of people with all the tool and manpower necessary to lift my vanbourghini off the ground and replace my busted tire. While these fine gentlmen fixed up my ride, pretty much every teacher in Wemindji stopped to witness my shame of my 6th flat tire in my short driving career. Another teacher couple hit the same pothole probably 5 minutes after I did and sadly busted two tires on their car (justifying why I travel with 2 tires!!!) necessitating a tow and a night in Matagami (been there!!). After this shot delay, we were off and rolled in to Amos shortly after 1am.
Brain doctor: I attended my second appointment with my endocrinologist Dr. Abitbol, a really kind, genuine, knowledgeable doctor with links to my doctor in Montreal. He is young and full of life and ready to tackle this disease!! He advised me of a reputable and experienced neurosurgeon with a specialty in pituitary tumors and I am eagerly awaiting my consult with Dr. Kis in Mississauga. I learned a few more details about the size of my tumor and what it meant for success of the surgery (unfortunately, my chances of a "cure" from surgery have been knocked down to about 50% as the tumor on the gland is bigger than what is considered ideal for complete removal) and possible treatment options post-surgery. I am pleased I have a surgeon but also a little disappointed that things might not be as easy a fix as earlier anticipated. However, I hope to learn more from the surgeon himself and hope that perhaps he will have an alternative prognosis and give me a little more hope!
Anyways, with various other appointments and preparing for my presentation to an elementary school nearby about life in the north next week, I have once again reached "busy" status in my life. What a whirlwind :P
Check out the story about the new elementary school Joy Ottereyes Rainbow Memorial School:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/wemindji-school-gets-new-name-1.4094574
In the past couple of weeks a lot has happened! I went to an awesome dip party, I found out I am going to be auntie to another nephew, I took a short trip back to Wemindji, I had a last minute kidney surgery, I was finally hooked up with a neurosurgeon, I got ANOTHER flat tire on my trip back south, I became obsessed with making bitmoji avatars and next week I will be speaking to an elementary school about teaching and living in the north!
Dip Party: awesome amazing delicious idea for a theme party! Everyone brought a different delicious dip and something to dip with and it was pretty cool. I had an upset tummy so I didn't take full advantage of the fine cuisine but I got some really good recipe ideas!! It was hosted by friends Kelly and Ryan and Clair and Ryan (a different one lol) brought new baby Sophie to make her debut to the group!!
Nephew #2: My sister Hilary and her man meat Mike are going to be having another baby boy in about 19 weeks! I am so excited for them and can't wait to meet baby Little Jack. In the meantime Robin has been growing like a weed and really developing quite the sense of humor. He is truly adorable.
Trip to Wemindji: I took a short trip back to Wemindji last week with my sister Eryl. The trip was pretty nice, we did some excellent sister bonding and she helped me SO MUCH as I am still pretty crippled and weak and she was the muscle. I am forever in her debt!! It was SO NICE to see all my friends and colleagues and students in Wemindji. I miss the people and town and teaching so much, its hard to describe. It was great to coincidentally be in town to attend the official grand opening of the new elementary school, and although the higher ups from the Cree School Board were unable to attend due to bad weather, the show went on and it was amazing. It was clear that the CEA staff and committee worked incredibly hard to put on an incredible celebration and great attention was paid to each detail of the day. I was very happy to also retrieve all my spring and summer clothes, personal items and my summer tires, all of which I desperately needed!
Kidney Surgery: while I was in Wemindji, I got a phone call during the week asking if I was available for surgery on Sunday morning. Luckily for me I was planning on arriving back in Oakville on Saturday evening so this worked out perfectly. I had my first appointment with my kidney doctor the week prior and wasn't expecting any surgery until July, so when they managed to squeeze me in last minute, I jumped at the chance! I have now completed one of two kidney surgeries. This one included the removal of the stent from my left ureter and blasting away two stones, one smaller stone located in the left kidney and one that had been pushed by the tube from blocking the ureter through into my bladder. I am left with a temporary catheter type thing that I will remove myself on Thursday. "It'll be just like removing a tampon" said the MALE doctor. Ok sir I'm sure it'll be JUST like that :|
Flat Tire: well, a trip to Wemimdji and back wouldn't be complete without SOME sort of car trouble or adventure, and this time was no different! Just when I thought I had made it through the worst part of the James Bay Highway on a dark and rainy night, I was wrong. At the mouth of the "good part" of the highway, I ran over a pretty substantial pothole that I didn't see and completely busted my tire and rim on the right rear side of the van. I also busted both hubcaps on the right side in the process. I got my passengers Eryl and Monika out of the car and we proceeded to unload the full-size spare winter tire on a rim (I never leave home without 2 full-sized spares on rims...) and pretended to look like we were about to change the tire. I told my compaions, "fear not, we will not be changing a tire on our own tonight ladies, just wait." and we did. Not less than 5 minutes later we had two separate cars full of people with all the tool and manpower necessary to lift my vanbourghini off the ground and replace my busted tire. While these fine gentlmen fixed up my ride, pretty much every teacher in Wemindji stopped to witness my shame of my 6th flat tire in my short driving career. Another teacher couple hit the same pothole probably 5 minutes after I did and sadly busted two tires on their car (justifying why I travel with 2 tires!!!) necessitating a tow and a night in Matagami (been there!!). After this shot delay, we were off and rolled in to Amos shortly after 1am.
Brain doctor: I attended my second appointment with my endocrinologist Dr. Abitbol, a really kind, genuine, knowledgeable doctor with links to my doctor in Montreal. He is young and full of life and ready to tackle this disease!! He advised me of a reputable and experienced neurosurgeon with a specialty in pituitary tumors and I am eagerly awaiting my consult with Dr. Kis in Mississauga. I learned a few more details about the size of my tumor and what it meant for success of the surgery (unfortunately, my chances of a "cure" from surgery have been knocked down to about 50% as the tumor on the gland is bigger than what is considered ideal for complete removal) and possible treatment options post-surgery. I am pleased I have a surgeon but also a little disappointed that things might not be as easy a fix as earlier anticipated. However, I hope to learn more from the surgeon himself and hope that perhaps he will have an alternative prognosis and give me a little more hope!
Anyways, with various other appointments and preparing for my presentation to an elementary school nearby about life in the north next week, I have once again reached "busy" status in my life. What a whirlwind :P
Check out the story about the new elementary school Joy Ottereyes Rainbow Memorial School:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/wemindji-school-gets-new-name-1.4094574
Thursday 20 April 2017
Exited to EXIT
Well, a couple of weeks have passed since I have written anything and that is because nothing new (as usual) has happened. Not wanting this to become a space where I constantly complain about this health issue or that one, I have decided to try to keep it light. My family and friends hear enough about it as it is! I will provide a small update though and then move on.
Besides my blood glucose levels returning to NORMAL with the help of a medication designed to help slowly reverse the effects of the tumor (YAY! aka no longer considered having Type 2 Diabetes!), everything is pretty much the same. My hormones are still essentially out of control, wreaking havoc on my poor body in ways you could only imagine. I'm experiencing a lot of hair loss now which is scary and side effects from medication are both debilitating and unsightly. I have weekly blood draws, scans and tests and appointments with specialists, which aside from me not physically being able to work due to still-healing pelvis fractures and overall sickness, also make it necessary for me to be south so I can easily attend these important appointment and get the necessary tests in order to continue in my treatment. I am finally meeting with my new kidney doctor tomorrow to hopefully set a date to remove the stent that is in my left ureter and the large kidney stone that once blocked it and now rests peacefully in my bladder (along with its 4 other brothers and sisters). I am still in the market for a neurosurgeon to perform the all curing tumor removal surgery and I hope to have one by May 2nd, my next Endocrinologist check-up appointment!
Okay enough about that. I am pleased to announce that I will be travelling back to Wemindji with my sister Eryl next week for a very short visit to collect my things and summer tires. Most of you initially thought I was crazy to go back but I seriously, seriously need my spring/summer clothes (of which there are many), my summer tires (no way am I buying new ones!) and various other personal items (all my bras). Sitting in my car isn't too painful thanks to some very comfy seats and I am grateful to have my sister coming with me for company, adventure and to ensure I don't die somehow on the way there and back. I am putting a lot of pressure on her to keep me alive basically, I think shes a good man for the job! I am so excited to see my friends and co-workers and hopefully attend the Grand Opening ceremony for the new school! I do not expect this trip to be easy or pain-free but I am taking precautions to hopefully help myself make it without resorting to taking major pain killers (for now I am solely on a steady regimen of extra-strength Tylenol, down from daily slow release Dilaudid and as-needed supporting opiates, hooray!) Anyways, I am very pleased to be collecting my summer clothes as the weather down here in Oakville has been gorgeous and I am eager to put some cooler outfits into my rotation of 3 lol.
Besides resting, healing, attending various appointments, seeing family and friends, I have delved deep into the world of novelty embroidery. Nowhere near an expert, I am relying on my basic learned skills from a few classes I participated in back in high school. I remembered a few essential stitches which helped me to create some cute pieces and kept my hands busy while I watched literally everything on Netflix!!
I am also very lucky to have finally met Clair's new baby, Sophie!! She is tiny and adorable and I had a BLAST shopping for little tiny baby girl clothes for her!!
So, I am excited for my appointment tomorrow with the kidney doctor and hope I can get that ball rolling ASAP and cross that ordeal off my long list of things to be healed from!!! Catcha on the flipside!
Besides my blood glucose levels returning to NORMAL with the help of a medication designed to help slowly reverse the effects of the tumor (YAY! aka no longer considered having Type 2 Diabetes!), everything is pretty much the same. My hormones are still essentially out of control, wreaking havoc on my poor body in ways you could only imagine. I'm experiencing a lot of hair loss now which is scary and side effects from medication are both debilitating and unsightly. I have weekly blood draws, scans and tests and appointments with specialists, which aside from me not physically being able to work due to still-healing pelvis fractures and overall sickness, also make it necessary for me to be south so I can easily attend these important appointment and get the necessary tests in order to continue in my treatment. I am finally meeting with my new kidney doctor tomorrow to hopefully set a date to remove the stent that is in my left ureter and the large kidney stone that once blocked it and now rests peacefully in my bladder (along with its 4 other brothers and sisters). I am still in the market for a neurosurgeon to perform the all curing tumor removal surgery and I hope to have one by May 2nd, my next Endocrinologist check-up appointment!
Okay enough about that. I am pleased to announce that I will be travelling back to Wemindji with my sister Eryl next week for a very short visit to collect my things and summer tires. Most of you initially thought I was crazy to go back but I seriously, seriously need my spring/summer clothes (of which there are many), my summer tires (no way am I buying new ones!) and various other personal items (all my bras). Sitting in my car isn't too painful thanks to some very comfy seats and I am grateful to have my sister coming with me for company, adventure and to ensure I don't die somehow on the way there and back. I am putting a lot of pressure on her to keep me alive basically, I think shes a good man for the job! I am so excited to see my friends and co-workers and hopefully attend the Grand Opening ceremony for the new school! I do not expect this trip to be easy or pain-free but I am taking precautions to hopefully help myself make it without resorting to taking major pain killers (for now I am solely on a steady regimen of extra-strength Tylenol, down from daily slow release Dilaudid and as-needed supporting opiates, hooray!) Anyways, I am very pleased to be collecting my summer clothes as the weather down here in Oakville has been gorgeous and I am eager to put some cooler outfits into my rotation of 3 lol.
Besides resting, healing, attending various appointments, seeing family and friends, I have delved deep into the world of novelty embroidery. Nowhere near an expert, I am relying on my basic learned skills from a few classes I participated in back in high school. I remembered a few essential stitches which helped me to create some cute pieces and kept my hands busy while I watched literally everything on Netflix!!
I am also very lucky to have finally met Clair's new baby, Sophie!! She is tiny and adorable and I had a BLAST shopping for little tiny baby girl clothes for her!!
So, I am excited for my appointment tomorrow with the kidney doctor and hope I can get that ball rolling ASAP and cross that ordeal off my long list of things to be healed from!!! Catcha on the flipside!
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| He slapped me. |
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| Easter Dinner! |
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