It's a sunny Easter morning...always nice for a day marking new beginnings. The bunnies and chicks like the sunshine too I'm sure ;) Hope things are sunny where you are too.
I was lucky to start 2016 in the warmth of the Bahamas with mom and dad. We enjoyed a lot of relaxing, playing cards and an amazing day on the boat which featured lobsters, fish and sharks (yes, that's my foot on the edge of the dock) and a magical lunch at Highbourne Cay in the middle of the ocean.
For the most part, my health has been sunnier too. No more IV treatment...just a daily pill for a few years to reduce the risk of recurrence of breast cancer. A few small clouds moved in as my immune system strengthened and the schleroderma I had after my 3rd transplant appeared again in February - just means going back on some Gleevec to counter. My body seems to be adapting to side effects now after a few weeks of transition. This week I'll see a specialist about next steps to resolving an ear issue I've had for about 9 months - so hopefully get a plan for that soon. In the bigger picture, it's mostly sunny with a few clouds - I no longer have to go to the breast cancer clinic. Done and done.
So happy to say the reason I haven't blogged for a while is not really health-related. It's that life has been busy in a good way. Work continues to be interesting, and my volunteer work with improving cancer care is always inspiring. Lots of visits with family and friends. The pictures speak for themselves. On one of my weekly visits with Tasha, Andrew, Ruby, Brodie and Talyn they created a tasty treat for me for Valentine's Day. Each week I get to play games with the boys or watch them play hockey. A wonderful visit from Ed and Deanie prompted a gnocchi day - you can see pics of the creators - no picture of mom and I stressing over capturing the pillows from the boiling water ;) Final product was well received by the dozen or so Antonini's tasting.
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| My valentine cookie from Tasha and her family! |
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| Jack and Davis enjoy hot chocolate with their friend Maxim |
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| Yummy little pillows |
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| Taste testers |
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| Final product |
I loved colouring eggs yesterday with Jack and Davis, cheering for the Flames last night with Mom (and intermission visits with Yvette and Andrew), watching an Easter Facetime musical production this morning by Mireya, Kinsley and producer Amy, and later today I'll enjoy a delicious meal with family. I've been painting a bit more lately, and love it, so will continue that in coming months. And instead of Vegas, mom, Colleen, Joelle and I are going to do a night in downtown Vancouver in April while I'm there for a weekend. Life is good. I am good. And very thankful. Easter is a time for new beginnings, and I'm happy to start another colourful chapter.
Cheers and Happy Easter.
I was lucky to start 2016 in the warmth of the Bahamas with mom and dad. We enjoyed a lot of relaxing, playing cards and an amazing day on the boat which featured lobsters, fish and sharks (yes, that's my foot on the edge of the dock) and a magical lunch at Highbourne Cay in the middle of the ocean. 
For the most part, my health has been sunnier too. No more IV treatment...just a daily pill for a few years to reduce the risk of recurrence of breast cancer. A few small clouds moved in as my immune system strengthened and the schleroderma I had after my 3rd transplant appeared again in February - just means going back on some Gleevec to counter. My body seems to be adapting to side effects now after a few weeks of transition. This week I'll see a specialist about next steps to resolving an ear issue I've had for about 9 months - so hopefully get a plan for that soon. In the bigger picture, it's mostly sunny with a few clouds - I no longer have to go to the breast cancer clinic. Done and done.
