Blood draw today

I'm heading over to Stanford to feed the vampires. I'll get the CA125 test results tomorrow.

I did an amazing job of not thinking about this at all last weekend while floating in a nice cold river in Gold Country! Now it's hitting me.

CAT scan update

I forgot to give the update on the follow-up... The scan didn't show any liver cancer! Just as I suspected, but it was a relief nevertheless. The liver doc did mention he saw some inflammation in my lower abdomen, and recommends bringing it up with the oncologist. I'll be seeing him on May 20th, so I'll ask him to take a look at the scan. We'll also be looking at my CA125 numbers for the first time since chemo ended. I've been having weird twinges and aches in my lower abdomen, so I'm sure hoping that everything is ok!

Living Strong, Living Well

Today I went for my first workout with Living Strong, Living Well, a free program through Stanford and the YMCA. (http://cancer.stanford.edu/patient_care/amenities/livingStrongLivingWell.html) We get a personal trainer, two classes a week AND we can take any of the other classes offered- yoga, swimming, etc.

Also, Laura came over for dinner tonight. We made two recipes from my new book, "The Inflammation Free Diet Plan"- Asian Broccoli and Ginger Salad, and Fish with Spicy Tomato Sauce. Both were incredible. I feel so healthy today! (Thanks for the book recommendation, Veek!)

Guess I need to process a bit more... (Part 2)

Yesterday I went for a CT scan of my abdomen at the request of my liver doctor. For those of you who don't know, I have chronic hepatitis C. It has never given me a problem, but I need to keep tabs on it with yearly check ups. My last two blood tests done during chemo showed my liver function numbers were off, and so the CT was ordered to check for liver cancer. Just in case...

When I arrived I had to fill out a form which talked about putting in an IV, and all of a sudden I had a total emotional meltdown. I think it was a combination of a few things. IVs remind me of chemo... Chemo is yucky. Another part of it is that the last time I went for a CT they found ovarian cancer and the doctors had also said they were doing the CT just to rule it out. I really fell apart! I'll get the results of the scan next week.

Oh, the old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be

My hair has now grown back to about the length it was when it fell out, but it's growing in with a very different texture- very soft with distinct waves that weren't there before. And much grayer!

Guess I need to process a bit more...

Yesterday I went to visit my dad in the hospital. The night before he had some kind of episode where he woke up disoriented so they kept him to do a variety of tests. When I walked into the ward, I had a sudden and very strong emotional reaction to being there. Even though it was a completely different hospital, it just really reminded me of when I was in for my laparotomy, and finding out about the cancer. I had to stop for a moment to breath deeply to stop the panicky feeling from taking over. Didn't realize this stuff was so close to the surface...

! Que Rico !

Costa Rica was insanely fun! Laura and I got back Thursday night, me with a backpack covered in honey and Guaro (sorry Larnie and Bodil), and I'm just starting to feel adjusted to "real" life.

Most of our trip was spent on the Caribbean coast near Panama, a small string of towns including Puerto Viejo, Playa Cocles, Punta Uva and Manzanillo. We stayed at La Costa de Papito, an amazing place in the jungle, but just across from the beach. We spent lots of time avoiding potholes with our bikes, eating lots of fish, drinking lots of batidos, swimming and relaxing. We also did a canopy tour including ziplines, and went to the botanical garden. There were torrential rains, but we didn't let that stop us!

We also visited a small indiginous community of Bribri indians called Yorkin. They have recently lost a chunk of their village, most importantly their medical center and a bridge which links many families with the main area. We saw kids going home from school walking through the river, waist high, and it will only get worse when the rainy season hits. They need a bridge! If anyone has any ideas or connections to companies needing to make donations please let us know!

The other highlight of this trip was white water rafting on the Pacuare river near Turrealba, a mountain town. Not only did we go rafting, Laura and I were in the front of the raft! And it was class 3-4 rapids! We sort of got bamboozled into it by a sneaky tour guide who told us it was really easy, and when Laura asked if anyone ever fell into the river he said only about 1 person every 10 trips. Well, 2 people in our raft fell out, along with about 10 other people from the other rafts. Laura and I got tossed around quite a bit, but managed to stay in. Needless to say, we were quite impressed with ourselves. And it was one of the funnest things I've ever done!

One of the best parts about this trip, besides all that, was NOT thinking about cancer. I don't see anything wrong with escapism. In fact, I HIGHLY recommend it! Now that I'm back home, I'm busy perusing the internet dreaming about whatever my next trip might be. If you want to see the rest of my photos, you can find them here. Best way to skim through them is by making the thumbnails bigger with the toggle in the right hand corner. Enjoy!