Tomorrow I check in for a visit at the bone marrow clinic...just regular 6 month "hello" and will have little to report. My fatigue continues to be better since the resolution of my kidney/phosphate issue, which is really helpful. I still have the odd day where I feel pretty exhausted, but given everything I have on the go and all things considered, its pretty incredible how I am doing. It's tempting to think about the fact I have surpassed the 4 year mark when 2-3 was given as a hope, but I also know the danger in counting and marking days on the calendar too well. Better to focus on how many interesting moments have happened and are happening in the current day and week. Going to the clinic also reminds me how well I am and how not well I have been in the past, and to celebrate the gap that exists in between those extremes as much as possible.
Past weeks and months were a blur of sun, golf and a lot of visiting and laughing with friends and family. June's highlight certainly had to be seeing my (beautiful and talented) cousin Mary dancing, singing and acting on Broadway - chatting with her, sponging her energy, and connecting with a number of friends while I was there reminded me of how much I love that city.
Golf games, patio drinks and another girls trip to Vegas added fun to the weeks to follow NYC. Tasha and I explored Toronto one weekend when I joined her in attending a fantrastic wedding of a mutual friend. Mom, dad and I really enjoyed German breakfast sausages while Skyping with Oliver and his family and friends in August. Also got to hang out with Colleen, Allan, Grady (now over six foot two) and Joelle when they visited Calgary - always great to see them. I was also treated to a few days with my goddaughter Mireya and her mom and grandmother, who along with mom and I learned how to race back and forth accross a cottage early in the morning in true Olympian style "ready, set, go". Her vocabulary is remarkable for a just-turned 2 year old...she is 2 going on 22 for sure...just a sweetheart.
Speaking of sweethearts, Jack and Davis started grade 1 last week and attend a different class from each other - I wonder if it's the longest they have ever been apart since birth? - and are loving it. I continue to see them often...and they are quite happy with what they call their "3 homes - their house, Dad's house and Nana and Papa's". Kids are a great role model for adapting to change. They are swinging golf clubs and scootering the streets, making friends wherever they go. They even got their papa to wear the Montana's hat on his birthday...they rule our world and keep their dad laughing for sure.
My volunteer work with Alberta Health Services continues to fuel me with the hope to improve care and prognosis for people affected by cancer, and even reduce the number of people who have to even think about it. To celebrate that hope and to celebrate life, I will be at Light the Night in Calgary on September 29, walking and chatting with a few friends, family and coworkers, carrying a white balloon. If you'd like to join me you can find the "PwC - Tricia's Trotters" team using the link below. If you want to donate, there's also a link. The LTN Saskatoon walk is also on September 29, so I won't be able to go this year :(, and LTN Vancouver is October 20. Don't worry if you can't make it and don't feel any pressure to donate...all I would like is for everyone to take a moment to toast life on the 29th or the 20th (and random days and moments afterward!).
As much as summer is wonderful, I do love the colours and energy of Fall. My hope is that it does not disappear as quickly as summer did :)
Cheers
Join PwC Tricia's Trotters team
Donate at Tricia's LTN page
Photos - from top left to bottom right - Amy and Mireya "riding the bus" at Echo Lake beach, Jack and Davis celebrating Papa's birthday at Montana's "viking style", cousins Joelle and Grady posing with me, my brother, Jack and Davis, Mary signing autographs outside Stage Door of JCS in NYC (seriously awesome), roller coasters rule for J&D at Calaway Park, and the view from our cabana at Azure pool in Las Vegas (the only pic you'll see).
