Less than a day until Christmas...the snow has fallen and the presents are wrapped...although not under the tree as Lucy would open them (she's actually standing next to me pawing my hands as I try to type.
After a very successful Light the Night (both Calgary and Vancouver - thanks to everyone!) I made a trip to my favourite city. NYC was fantastic of course, with the 20th annual Sloan Kettering transplant celebration - a room filled with hundreds of people with miraculous stories - being the highlight. Mr. Pacino did not disappoint either in China Doll. Totally blew me away. Bruce W. did a great job too although a hard role to wow the audience as he was limited to the bed in Stephen King's 'Misery'. Colleen, Mom and I walked and walked soaking up the energy. On top of the Broadway plays we even managed tickets for 'Live with Kelly and Michael' and 'Dr. Oz' for some extra fun.
I felt a similar but slightly different shade of energy visiting London for the first time in November. I worked a lot while I was there, and my colleague Ruth booked us for afternoon tea at the Orangery at Kensington Palace on arrival. I also had a couple of days on the weekend to check out the city. Tower of London, Portrait Gallery, National Gallery, a play 'The Father' in the West End, changing of the horseguards at Buckingham Palace, a shopping spree at Fortnum and Mason and the finale - dinner near Picadilly Circus with my dad's cousin Francesca from Italy who had just moved to London a month before! Such a treat to meet up with her and enjoy a delicious meal together. The Paris attacks happened the night before my weekend off,so it was slightly strange to explore amongst "imminent threat" but I suppose it is not too different than living with the likelihood of cancer recurring - both unpredictable, both devastating, but both not worth stopping living for :) as can clearly be seen with the French flag lighting up the National Gallery...
I've continued to feel stronger each week since the last post. I did have a bit of a roller coaster week just after returning from London, as I was sent for an ultrasound November 26 to check a "spot" on my chest wall. Long story short it was confirmed not to be an issue, but I did have to dangle over the cliff for a while, focusing on trying to find the pattern in the ceiling tiles above me as I waited. With my 18 year anniversary of transplant #1 the next day, I was suddenly frustrated that the roller coaster had to keep throwing me upside down. But bells were ringing last week - last Herceptin IV treatment was December 16 and now you get to ring the bell when you finish. I rang it a few times needless to say, for the three other times I'd "finished" before!
Jack and Davis stayed overnight last weekend for the first time since I moved into my new condo, and we had a great time decorating cookies (I improvised as aunties don't always have rolling pins) and watching the Minions movie. Can't wait for the next sleepover.
Over the next few days I'll enjoy some good food, fun and chill time with friends and family celebrating Christmas. On Monday mom, dad and I are heading to the Bahamas for around 2 weeks to take on a different island to welcome 2016. 2015 has been an interesting one to say the least - but luckily the ride continues...Just hoping for no need to ring bells going forward ;)
Merry Christmas!Wishing all of my family and your family health, happiness and spectacular moments in 2016. Cheers,
Tricia
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.
