Friday, January 19, 2007

Met my new oncologist


The photo has nothing to do with today's update, it's just me and Michelle (and Heidi) watching movies over the Christmas holidays...... none of the pyjamas shown came from Winners, although I have several lovely sets that have......OK, I've recovered from my dismay over the whole TJ Maxx/Winners debaucle, and am already softening the whole boycott stand - enough said.

I had my first appointment today at the Alan Blair Cancer Clinic in Regina. Gord and I met my new oncologist, and we both really liked him. He seemed considerate and smart, very up-to-date and very kind. Good combo for an oncologist.

So, I am no longer "in transition" but am officially a Saskatchewan customer for my treatment and care.

CT Scan next week... that will determine if I am "stable" or if the next chemo starts soon. All in all, it was a good appointment and on physical exam I score high marks.... so today was a good day, amazing what passes for "good" some days!

Cheers to all - Joanne

Thursday, January 18, 2007

TJ Maxx, Winners and Homesense..... how could my "favs" do this to me???


This is Heidi, our miniature shnauzer, wearing a lovely coat, which was a gift from my friend Donna. Donna's a shopping guru, very savvy.... maybe this very jacket put her in harm's way.... what to do, what to do????


Like many of you..... I'm a fan of Winners, Homesense, TJ Maxx, Marshall, etc...... a happy moment in trips to Phoenix was that first walk through a TJ Maxx.... ahhhhhhhhhh.............

What's a shopping girl to do now? WIth this possinble major security breach, and our credit card numbers floating out over god knows where, this is a sad day for me (I was a big believer in the ability of stores to figure all this stuff out in my favour, which would mean that I just had to do my end properly, pay the bills, shred the evidence, and all would be well)....

What to do? I feel a little protest boycott is in order......... yes, I will boycott.......but gee, I did see this really cute coat in there last week, do you think if everyone boycotts, they'll have to have even BETTER sales in the next few weeks????? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm think of the possibilites............

What to do, what to do....... I can say one thing, thank the Lord in Heaven, and all the angels and saints that it was NOT STARBUCKS.........now THAT would be an even deeper blow.........

Cheers - Joanne

Monday, January 01, 2007

Happy New Year






This is Michelle, Craig and Brian (left to right) when we were out for supper just before Michelle's return to Winnipeg.

We've had a great holiday season with family. Both my sister and brother (and families) were in Regina this year, and it has been great. Also wonderful to have our little "Schweitzer" family under one roof again.

I continue to feel about the same - which means fine most of the time. I still have to rest and sleep a lot, but otherwise, I feel that I am doing quite well. Although the last scan still shows disease present, the fact that I am feeling OK is a pretty good sign for at least a bit of stability. Still, I expect the "chemo break" to come to an end in the next little while.

Upcoming Medical Issues: Jan 5 (routine visit, port care, etc...) in Winnipeg. Jan 19 - I meet my Saskatchewan oncologist at the Alan Blair Cancer Clinic..... Repeat CT scan: late January (not yet booked).

Cheer to all........... Happy 2007.