My Mom's A Grr

I'm 34 and still need my mommy. 

That's good thing. I need my dad and brothers too.

Though in there in spirit, Faith and Myrtle couldn't come to be there in person for my bone marrow biopsy. It was no place for Myrtle, plus Faith fainted at my last one anyways. Due to me being radioactive they weren't able to come to my bone scan and skeletal survey last Friday either, thankfully my Uncle Darcy was able to fill in.

Inspired by Darcy's impromptu visit a plan was hatched. "Why don't I invite family to any appointment I'd be going alone to?!" My folks have first dibs, after that my Aunt Robin is next and then any other relative that wants to join in. Hopefully I won't have as many appointments as I do relatives, but it's nice to know there are many to draw support from. 

Having my mom there today was great! We talked politics, health, family, art, faith and Faith. My thoughts were everywhere, I was starting another topic before the other was finished and Mom didn't seem to mind. 

Our first item of business was finding where to go. The Royal Jubilee Hospital is an old one, with lots of additions that make it a maze. We only got lost once and yet made it on time for my blood work. 

After that we went to get the bone marrow biopsy. While waiting an acquaintance called my phone to ask what I was doing to heal. I've learned that there are people who care that I stick around and if they feel they know something that will help they tend to share it with me. But as I've mentioned before, it is literally impossible to follow every which remedy that is out there. I received an email recently stating if I were to eat fruit on an empty stomach it would detoxify my body and cure me of cancer. After some research this "cure" was based on a fraudulent claim by a scammer who went to jail for impersonating a doctor who later died of a brian tumor. What if I had believed this? I think for now on when someone claims they have a cure they'll need to re-write their will for everything to be left to Myrtle and a contract to support her till adulthood should the "cure" not work. Plus, they would need to be available to Faith 24/7 should she need a jar opened. I'm not messing around, it's my life and my life is my family's! 

Done my tangent. Moving on.

I was bagaztrillion times more at ease waiting while chatting with my mom. I like to think I'm so tough, too tough to need my mom - nope. Maybe that's because my mom's tough. In fact growing up us boys would call her a "Grr" and we'd say "grrr" if she was focused on a task or say "What a Grrr!"

Not only is she a Grr, she's a smart and a pretty one too. Which I was reminded of when in the biopsy room the doctor referred to Mom as my wife, to clarify that is not the case. 

It's not an exciting video, but here's me getting the bone marrow biopsy:

Here's what the doc got:

Bone core sample 

Marrow mixed with a liquid to thin it out 

Marrow samples

All the fun worked up an appetite and we had some time to kill so we visited the cafeteria. I had an amazing tomato basil soup. Fun fact: did you know tomatoes are healthier for you when cooked?

Our final stop at RJH was with Dr. Stone. It was a short visit, essentially he dumped me. He assured me it was him not me. After viewing my last Friday's bone scan he concluded I needed an expert, and that is Dr. Clarkson in Vancouver. I'll hear from his office "soon".

We left the hospital ready for a change of scenery. Mom offered to get some dessert. We drove to Fisherman's Warf, it was beautiful out. The seagulls were yelping, the seals were being fed by tourists and Ruban had some mini-soft taco's. Not dessert, but I'll take Mexican fare over dessert any day.

Myrtle noticed I was a little less active. Faith explained that I was sore. Myrtle was adamant that she see my ow-wee. I showed it and it scratched her curiosity. Later when Faith put her to bed, they both soon came out again. Myrtle being carried and all swaddled. I thought maybe Myrtle needed another kiss. But no, she was in tears saying "Daddy sore, Daddy sore! Kiss Daddy." I held her, moved by her empathy I didn't want her to see my tears.

Myrtle then got out of her blanket and said "I kiss it better, I kiss it" So I lifted the back of my shirt and I felt the pressure of her little head press so gently against my bandage. We had a good family hug and wept.

Myrtle turns 2 tomorrow, yet has more soul than any soul I've met. If even a big old bald man like myself still needs his mom, Myrtle needs her daddy even more.

...And we both need Faith too or nothing would get done.

Ruban's Big Day Out

Last Friday I went to an appointment made long ago by my orthopaedic surgeon regarding my hip. He, Dr. Stone, is hoping my bone heals or in his words "remodels" itself so I don't have to get a hip replacement. As of now I am prime candidate for one, well that is except for my age. Like a lot of things these days, a hip replacement isn't built to last.

I'm not crazy about the pain my hip brings me, but I can live with it. I've learned a quick shuffle to chase Myrtle short distances. The other day at my parents I dropped something and before my mom could bend down to pick it up for me I did it with my toes. Talking to people standing up, waiting in lines, etc.,  I just favour my right leg. I can manage, you get the picture. 

Sitting up right isn't manageable, though there are some magic moments where I can go for an hour or two. Where I really excel in life is my ability to recline. Anybody know if La-Z-Boy is hiring testers?

Anyways, I had forgotten about my appointment until I got a call reminding me. Even then I thought it was odd that she said the call was a reminder, as I thought it was regarding my testing for cancer from Dr. Wai. 

Now I'm sounding like a senior getting confused with all their appointments and appointment times and locations and doctors and pills and vitamins.

Sometimes I feel older than my parents look ...combined. Now I'm rambling, where was I?

Oh, yes my bone scan. 

When injected with a radioactive tracer one is to steer clear from baby's and toddlers and nursing mom's and mom's to be. Which gives me leper status at home. 

Leaving to VGH was a little weepy for Faith and I. Though I can go it alone, that's not the point, part of being a family is that you don't have to go it alone. 

Arriving at VGH I was happy to see a friendly face, Anne. However she quickly pointed out that her son Nick was with her and he had meningitis so I better not stick around. Despite why they were there it provided some comfort to see one of my greatest Scrabble foes. 

I was injected and walking out before I knew it.

On my way out I bumped into yet another friend, Glen who is doing his residency. He asked about how I was doing and I updated him. Glen mentioned he prayed and fasted for me last Sunday while working at the hospital. We had a great conversation, at least it was on my end, covering prayer, treatment, and a fantastic story of him accidentally hacky-sacking a hip joint ball that popped out during a surgery he was watching.

Finally walking out of VGH I realized that I have been here lots before and never when I have been there with Faith have we bumped into anyone. People wonder how I know prayers get answered, well not being alone this day is an example.

Leaving the hospital I saw that my Uncle Darcy responded to a Facebook status I posted.

My uncle Darcy and I have never socialized before, maybe when I was but wee lad but other than that just a lot of fun Facebook banter. He's only been on the island for a the past year and a bit. Long story I wasn't sure what to expect, though I was open to get to know him. We texted and he arranged to meet me for my bone scan in a few hours.

In the mean time I went to the Wight's cafe for some company with Dave on their patio. Sun was out and Dave lived up to his good reputation was great company as always.

Before long I was back at VGH and Darcy was waiting for me. Just as we started talking my name was called for the bone scan. The scan takes 14 minutes. I laid there reflecting on what I was literally doing and what I literally wanted to be doing. I thought of Darcy waiting outside for me. After it was done I asked him to tell me about my Grandpa Rebalkin. Darcy and my father have different mothers, so Darcy's experience with my grandpa would be much different than my dads and I am interested in my family history.

Darcy shared as we walked down the halls for my skeletal survey, in the waiting room and when it was done the conversation just continued. Darcy offered to buy me a drink at the cafe and we went outside and talked more. I was fascinated. The more that was said the more I could feel that he was family.

There's this show called "Who Do You Think You Are?" It's about family history. Some celebrity's family history is uncovered and invariably the person will say something like "Oh, wow no wonder why my relative was like that, if that's what they went through."

Talking with Darcy was like me being on the show, minus the celebrity status. I felt more compassion for my dad and his siblings and my grandpa too.  I heard of some of my grandpa's traits I can see in myself.

Actually, beyond compassion for my father I can say I loved him more because I understood him more.

I had such a good time. While I was talking to Darcy I saw two more people, someone from church and the mid-wive who delivered our sweet Myrtle two years ago.

I just went for a bone scan and some x-rays, but prayers were answered as I got showered with smiles from friendly faces and connected with family and friends.

Chuck Norris' Tears

Goji Berries
Positive Thoughts
Lemon Juice
Vitamin C
Vegetarianism 
Meditation
Baking Soda
Laughing
Cooked Chinese Food
Raw Food
Veganism
Juice Fasts
"A guy I know."
Carbs Eliminated
Shark Liver
Garlic
No Sugar
Açaí Berries
Green Tea


Q: What do these things have in common?
A: They CURE cancer!

Oh, and... 

I'm reminded of an Aesop Fable from about 2, 500 years ago.

A Man and his son were once going with their Donkey to market. As they were walking along by its side a countryman passed them and said: "You fools, what is a Donkey for but to ride upon?" So the Man put the Boy on the Donkey and they went on their way. But soon they passed a group of men, one of whom said: "See that lazy youngster, he lets his father walk while he rides." So the Man ordered his Boy to get off, and got on himself. But they hadn't gone far when they passed two women, one of whom said to the other: "Shame on that lazy lout to let his poor little son trudge along." Well, the Man didn't know what to do, but at last he took his Boy up before him on the Donkey. By this time they had come to the town, and the passers-by began to jeer and point at them. The Man stopped and asked what they were scoffing at. The men said: "Aren't you ashamed of yourself for overloading that poor donkey of yoursu and your hulking son?" The Man and Boy got off and tried to think what to do. They thought and they thought, till at last they cut down a pole, tied the donkey's feet to it, and raised the pole and the donkey to their shoulders. They went along amid the laughter of all who met them till they came to Market Bridge, when the Donkey, getting one of his feet loose, kicked out and caused the Boy to drop his end of the pole. In the struggle the Donkey fell over the bridge, and his fore-feet being tied together he was drowned. "That will teach you, said an old man who had followed them "Please all, and you will please none." Personally, I do believe a healthy diet, spirit, mind and exercise goes a long, long, long, way. I don't mention all the above to mock anyone. In fact, I appreciate that anyone would care enough to suggest something that they feel would help - if that's you no need to stop. There are somethings that have been suggested that have enriched and bettered my quality of life, for which I am thankful - truly. But clearly I can't please all.  Dr. Wai called Friday afternoon. We were out at an acquaintances home when she called. Faith and I went into our host's master bedroom to take the call while Myrtle happily played with their kids. What an odd situation, being in near strangers bedroom taking notes on their bed. Yes, it's taken me a year to remember to take notes when my oncologist calls.  Here's the skinny: There have been changes in my hipbone, good or bad, they're not sure.  They are suspicious it's myeloma (meaning perhaps the plasmacytoma developed into myeloma) My last blood work though was fine, which is reassuring.   The PET/CT Scan wasn't the end all, be all I thought it was, more in depth testing will be done over the following few weeks: 24 hour urine sample (if you see me with a big orange jug, it's not OJ) Head to toes x-ray And the very definitive, end all, be all test - the bone marrow biopsy (ouch) If myeloma is there then I get a new oncologist, Dr. McPherson.  I met him last year and I hope to never meet him again during his working hours. Who wants to be like everyone else with something so mainstream as myeloma? Lame, right? Plus, I'd have to go to Vancouver for treatment. I'd rather spend my summer in Victoria, the most beautiful place in Canada. Well, I mean after Edmonton of course.  Today's news wasn't the best. After the call I told Faith that I'm glad people are praying for me.    As Einstein said: There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle. I choose to see life as a miracle and prayer has brought miracles in my life.  For example it's a miracle that despite the news today Faith and I had a date night tonight and had a great time - peace of mind (though finicky) in a time like this is a miracle. It was also miraculous I was able to follow the plot of Men In Black 3 without even seeing Men In Black 2. Pray for healing, courage and comfort and please while you're at it feel free to send some our way too. Onward and upward.  P.S. If you see Chuck Norris make him cry.