About Me

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Delta, British Columbia, Canada
I took very early retirement from teaching in '06 and did some traveling in Europe and the UK before settling down to do some private tutoring. As a voracious reader, I have many books waiting in line for me to read. Tell me I shouldn't read something, and I will. I'm a happy, optimistic person and I love to travel and through that believe that life can be a continuous learning experience. I'm looking forward to traveling more some day. I enjoy walking, cycling, water aerobics & and sports like tennis, volleyball, and fastpitch/baseball. I'm just getting into photography as a hobby and I'm enjoying learning all the bits and bobs of my digital camera. My family is everything to me and I'm delighted to be the mother of two girls and the Gramma of a boy and a girl. I may be a Gramma, but I'm at heart just a girl who wants to have fun.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

S is for SMILE

As our saga continues, we just try to keep on smiling!  What else can one do when faced with traumatic events but smile smile smile...

Since coming home from a very uncomfortable stay at the hospital, Lorne has been sleeping a lot.  He needs a blood transfusion, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 25th, and after that he should start to feel stronger.

Also, when we went to see his oncologist, we were actually a bit surprised that the doctor was willing to let Lorne stop the chemo.  Apparently, most people would insist after having gone through what Lorne just did.  However, he wants to live - let's face it, who doesn't? - so he asked what other options the doctor had in his bag of tricks.

After some deep thinking, we have all agreed that he will continue with chemo, but with a change to his cocktail.  Instead of the 3 drugs he's been given thus far, he will get only one.  Hopefully, he will be able to tolerate it with fewer side effects.  If he can, then at the next treatment the doctor will add one of the other drugs to see how that goes.  Lorne is willing to do everything he can to get healthy, or at least as healthy as can be, so he can go on for as many more years as possible.

At the moment, there are no signs of cancer, but the oncologist emphasizes that the little "buggers" are hiding inside, just waiting to attack.  While Lorne struggles with the physical side of this war, I struggle with the emotional side.  There are so many things we still want to do with our lives together, but we can't make any plans until he is off the chemo and recovering.  Here, Lorne is chatting with his best friend Chris, who's in Arizona for the winter.  It really keeps his spirits up when his friends give him a call.

And we both keep smiling - well, we try.

I've started physiotherapy on my ankle and even went for a very sloooowwww walk at the dog park the other day.  The ankle is sore and still swollen a bit, but I'm on the mend.  And for that, I smile.  And so does sweet Tegan.  (Photo taken during my first time back at the dog park with her.) How could anyone resist this adorable smiling face?
Don't forget to give sincere thanks to the scintillating Mrs. Nesbitt, the creator of ABC Wednesday, and to the singular Roger, our administrator.  Also, remember there is a team who scours your posts in order to salute your significant contributions.  We're always seeking new team members so some can take a break.  If you'd like to participate, even for just one round, (minimal requirements) please contact Roger. 

30 comments:

Roger Owen Green said...

I think of the song When Your Smiling, which you seem to have adopted! Best to you both, as always.

Trubes said...

You are two very brave people so I shall smile for you and pray that Lorne makes a good recovery and your poor ankle will repair in time xx.. Tegan is so fab, she really does smile, she must be a joy to have around...it's often said that pets have such a therapeutic effect upon people that are unwell, she truly was a godsend just at a time when you needed her, love and hugs to all, Di. xxx

Carver said...

Sending out good thoughts for both of you.

Ann said...

Reminds me of the song by Nat King Cole "Smile". Smile though your heart is breaking, you'll get by.
Still thinking about you two.
Ann

Reader Wil said...

You are so brave and caring. Take care of your foot.
Thanks for sharing your post with us.
Wil, ABCW Team.

MERYL JAFFE, PhD - parent, psychologist, teacher, author... said...

Smile, stamina, and strength great words of hope and coping. I pray for you and Lorne and wish you continued strength, sunny days worth smiling about and much joy as we approach the holiday season.

photowannabe said...

I'm glad you have a doctor that is willing to try different things and rely listens to Lorne.
I think that is half the battle.
Happy to hear you got out for a while too. that does revive the Spirit.
Keep Smiling.

Leovi said...

Yes, living with a smile is healthy, that we abandon the smiles!

Leovi said...

Yes, living with a smile is healthy, that we abandon the smiles!

Hildred said...

Meryl has said the words that I would write, - I hope each day brings some improvement and that by Spring your lives will be sunnier, Leslie.

Anonymous said...

your spirit is strong, i salute you. sending you both good vibes.

Nonnie said...

Tegan is smiling for real! she looks so serious sitting by Lorne, as if she's taking care of him. may both your strengths grow as you continue thru the challenges you're facing. may blessings come your way soon.

Nonnie said...

If someone could tell me what hosting this entails, perhaps I could join your team.

lotusleaf said...

Sending you both my sincere good wishes.

Beverley Baird said...

Smiling through pain and troubles does actually lessen the pain. All the best Leslie for you both.

Obsessivemom said...

Like I keep saying you're one brave woman. Keep the smile, life is set to get better.

magiceye said...

Best wishes to you both in your fight!!

Anonymous said...

Hoping for and looking to the future to do all the things you both still want to do is a great motivation for recovery! Hang in there, you both:):)

Indrani said...

You are brave! Keep smiling and you will win.

Hazel said...

I remember the Jackson's "Smile though your heart is aching.." Tegan's smile is contagious :)

Hazel

Linnea said...

Keep smiling and laughing - the best medicine! I'm so sorry to hear about his diagnosis! I have stage1 BC with bone mets, so I'm going through my cancer saga too. Sending healing thoughts your way! Thanks for visiting my R last week.

Mildred said...

Yes, let's try to smile when life sends ordeals! Good morals are important in the healing process.
Love the shot of Tegan's smile!
It really is contagious!
Wishing you the best. Take care.
And thank you for your visit and comment in my blog.

***
Have a nice day.

Joy said...

Its good when a doctor can give realistic options. Hope you both have more to smile about in the future.

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

There are more prayers coming your way.

Lise said...

Great S word! Smiles have a way of helping to simplify things and bring sanity back into our day! Happy healing:)

aspiritofsimplicity said...

sending good thoughts your way. You certainly do have a very sweet looking pup!

Ni de Aqui, Ni de Alla said...

Hi Leslie, it's very brave of you two to smile health in not so good. I hope things get well soon!

betty-NZ said...

Sometimes, we have to smile when we don't feel like it but the smiles seem to keep your household going. Keep smiling and I'll keep praying!

Chris said...

Hi Leslie, thank you for your always so kind comments on my blog.. it seems you and Lorne are being pushed to your limits, but you still keep that lovely smile. I hope and pray that Lorne will recover and his discomfort from the chemo will lessen. And that your ankle will be strong again. Don't give up and certainly don't quit.. enjoy all the life you can and laugh and smile as much as you can!
Love Chris xxxxx

Liz Hinds said...

Tegan had grown so much!

Poor Lorne and poor you. I pray that the new cocktail is less horrendous. And keep making those plans!