My visits to the bone marrow clinic came to an end on August 10 and my last procedure was scheduled for August 15 so Ed and I decided to head out of the city for a few days.
Travelling by float plane!
We enjoyed an idyllic three days on Mayne Island. Early Sunday morning, we took off from Richmond floatplane dock in a Beaver floatplane. We flew ten minutes over Georgia Straight to land on Miner’s Bay on Mayne Island. Harry from Mayne Island Resort, http://www.mayneislandresort.com/, picked us up and delivered us to our well-appointed cottage overlooking Bennett Bay.
Very comfortable cabins.
We had three days of tranquility in Nature: gulf island breezes, slow walks on the beach, some time exploring tidal pools with purple and orange star fish hiding under rocks from the sun, and strolls through the forest. We sat for hours outside our cottage just looking at the ocean, noting the passing of a few sailboats, fishing boats and whale watching boats as they cruised through Bennett Bay en route to their destinations. We arrived back in Vancouver last night, Wednesday August 14.
This morning at 7:30 I showed up at Vancouver General Hospital for my last procedure related to the stem cell transplant: the removal of the central line from just below my collarbone. The line had been inserted just a month before so the Doc expected it to just “tok” out but I warned him that my body has a way of hanging on to things.
The procedure usually takes twenty or so minutes. After twenty minutes, I was shaking all over and the Doc was getting frustrated. Eventually after forty-five minutes and much tugging, pulling and assistance with a wire, the central line released.
Star fish – gooey and beautiful.
A nurse, Shannon, put pressure on the exit point to staunch any bleeding. Afterwards, they kept me under observation for an hour in case of bleeding. It’s just as well I could keep lying on the gurney – my legs were too shaky to get me anywhere for at least a half hour. After a little cry and some apple juice, I started to feel more normal. When they said it was ok for me to leave, Ed and I walked the two blocks to the condo; I ate half a sandwich and fell into a deep sleep for over two hours.
And now – I do not have ANY medical procedure in the foreseeable future. I’ll have to have follow-up blood work done on a bi-weekly basis – but that’s it!
I am very weak and my appetite is not yet back to normal. Not sure how much weight I’ve lost but I think I’d qualify as a runway model — if only I were eight inches taller!
The best thing is slowly, slowly, I am improving and making progress on all levels.
Tomorrow we are homeward bound. Can’t wait to get back to the pine forest up the mountain.
Ed and I on the beach at Bennett Bay, Mayne island
19 Comments
Excited to be reading this news as I settle into my room at McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, Oregon! First day of the Wine Bloggers Conference, which is actually a preconference tour of Washington County is great.
I look forward to seeing you next week at home. I’m so glad you had some island time! loads of love, Roz
Positive and happy thoughts from now on. Prayers coming your way for improved health and weight to be put on. I know that eating is awful but you have to get those calories into your system. And remember to hell with Cancer. Take care my friend and be kind to your body and get as must rest as possible to get the strength back. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. I know from experience that the sharing helps mentally. Thank you Ed for taking care of our girl.
There is nothing like resting by the ocean
So glad to hear your good news.
You sure are a tough lady, Claire! Congrats for taking all those hurdles in stride.
I’m so happy for you that now you can fully concentrate on getting well at home.
Big hug, Chrige
Excellent Claire. Glad that you still have a humorous perspective on things. Hope you heal quickly and completely.
So glad you’re able to get back to your own home as I know you’ll find it so rejuvenating. There’s no place like home. Your journey has been an inspiration to everyone to appreciate each day as it comes. Thinking of you as always. Much love from Carel & Mike.
Wonderful pictures, wonderful smile and wonderful news. Home sweet home. Have a safe and lovely drive home. Both of you take care. I am off to Vancouver on Sunday for a week to see my sister, my Mom and Brad Heidi & the kiddies in their new house. Doug has gone sheep hunting with Jason, Jeff and Cory for about 4 days. Will write when I get back on Aug. 26th.
Much love, lots of hugs, Dale & Doug
Such amazing strength you have shown throughout your journey. And such relief that those medical procedures are over! I wish you a happy trip home to your wonderful pine forrest, a place where you can find peace and healing.
All the best, Val
Holy smokes, Claire, that central line removal sounds perfectly horrible. Glad it’s behind you and hope that you have a deliciously smooth transition back into your own home, all those medical procedures receding and health approaching on paddy feet with warm breath. Big hug, Shan
Good to hear such wonderful news Claire!!! Look forward to seeing you once we are back home. We are in Edmonton to race this weekend, then to Calgary for a few days. Take care, hugs Bill & Margo
Fabulous news Claire; you so deserve it!! So glad that you and Ed were able to have some tranquil time at this beautiful cottage and bay. It looks gorgeous. We will be in Penticton next week – hope to talk with you then. Hugs to you both
Love,
Bev & Ken
Hi Claire, Great you are headed home. I just got back from Vancouver today with Savannah she had to have a plate put in her knee – op was a success just got to get thru the next 8 weeks of recovery. Glad you are on the road to recovery…
Maggie
So great to hear you are finally at the end. Love the photos from Mayne Island. Great place to rest and get some strength back. Let me know if you need anything – including a visit, when you’re ready.
Love,
Michelle
Hi Claire, sounds terrific that you are rid of the probing and poking. Congratulations on toughing it out and making it through in flying colours. We hope for the best as you rest up and gain strength. Best as always, Cathryn
Sorry to hear the central line removal was so difficult…but YAY for being done with procedures! So happy for you, Claire.
Mayne Island looks lovely — glad you got to enjoy a few days there before heading home.
Sending love….
Happy to hear you have finally made it back home. It’s been a grueling time for you. Sonni
Hi Claire, You never cease to amaze me. Re: your crack about “runway model – if I were only 8 inches taller. In spite of everything you still have your great sense of humour. Looking forward to seeing you at home sometime.
Take care my dear friend. Gail Lauritsen
Dear Claire
Wishing you restful days and renewed strength. Take good care of yourself.
warm hugs and love, Shelagh
I am so proud of you, you have such amazing strength!
Great to see you got a little rest in, love the starfish pic and humour! Keep it up and enjoy HOME.
XOXO Tarie