August 31, 2009
Suppernanny’s in Town
The ABC show Supernanny, with the charming, effective Nanny Jo Frost as the teaching star, is in Portland looking for distressed families.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE SHOW,
CALL 877-NANNY-TIME (877-626-6984)
YOU MAY ALSO ATTEND THE
OPEN CASTING CALL:
Monday, August 31st from 10AM to 4PM
Portland Children’s Museum
Washington Park
4015 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland, OR 97221
That’s today!!!! Pack up the little monsters and go!
August 28, 2009
SPAH
Yes, it is spelled correctly~ SPAH ~ And it stands for The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica. It is the international harmonica organization and every year they have a convention. www.SPAH.org
Usually the convention is held in the Midwest, but this year, it was held last week on the West Coast in Sacramento, California.
Portland Firefly had planned to go to this convention to see many of her friends especially The Harmonious Hearts. When I was diagnosed with Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma in March, it seemed that maybe I would be unable to attend. But my Doctor changed my Chemo schedule, making sure that I could attend. She also made sure that I felt good during the week, by making sure that my blood counts were where they needed to be by giving me the expensive ($7,000) injection of Neulastin (which stimulates blood production in the bone marrow).
From my previous post, you may have read the story of The Harmonious Hearts and how we started out and what a unique group we are. The three of us are very close and our music gives us a strong common bond. Anyway, my move to Portland meant that we couldn’t play and perform together, but the other two continued to perform with another group in the Kansas City area.
We met up last week at SPAH –the international Harmonica Convention. Even though we had not played together for about 2 years, I was amazed at how well we meshed again and remembered our parts – three part harmony- and even remembered our timing.
Because of my dire diagnosis, I wanted to have everything in order for my funeral should the Chemo not have its desired effect. ( Don’t worry, the Chemo is working!) Anyway, I regretted that the three of us had never recorded ourselves performing. I didn’t want to let this chance slip away from us, so we were to record ourselves playing and performing our beloved hymns on a DVD. This DVD was to be for my Memorial Service and one of the husbands had schlepped his video camera from Kansas so we could do this.
Enter the convention schedule!!!! We were all so busy attending the different workshops and special performances during the week, that we hardly had time to practice together and were unable to have the time to make the DVD! We were just having too much fun!!
I was able to see some of my favorite performers. Jimi Lee from Austin, TX has been one of my favorites since I first saw him in Dallas. Jason Ricci… who can describe Jason and his playing?! A SPAH newcomer, Joe Powers from our own Portland headlined and did a wonderful job. Dennis Gruening came in from the East Coast. Buzz Krantz gave us a private Blues lesson. Joe Filisko conducted his well received, famous teach-ins. And then there was Cara Cooke , whom I call The Bluegrass Queen, and Cristelle Berthon (the internet sensation) who was flown in from Paris. Always a special highlight for me is sitting, playing and singing with The Monroe Brothers –Marvin and Roger. There were many other harmonica ledgends present and the week was filled with sharing and learning and music.
www.JimiLeeband.com www.dennisgruenling.com http://www.myspace.com/christelleberthon http://www.christelleharpqueen.net http://harmonica2.tripod.com/ http://www.filisko.com/ www.buzzkrantz.com www.joepowers.com
August 27, 2009
Oregon State Fair
The Oregon State Fair runs from Friday, August 28th over the Labor Day weekend through September 7th.
The Oregon State Fair will honor Veterans during the first 2 days of the Fair, August 28 & 29, 2009. Veterans will be admitted into the Fair free of charge with a voucher available in Vets News. This newsletter is available from the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs.
Easy to find in Salem, go to this link for all your fair information: http://www.oregonstatefair.org/
August 26, 2009
Lost Luggage???
Lost Luggage Tower by PDXFirefly
If you lost your luggage, it just might be here at the Sacramento Airport Baggage Claim. Good Luck trying to claim it!!!
August 25, 2009
The Harmonious Hearts
Who or what are “The Harmonious Hearts?”
The Harmonious Hearts are a Christian Women’s Harmonica Trio. And Portland Firefly has been a member for several years. ”Does she play the harmonica?” you ask? “Yes, she does.”
Well actually I sort of play at it. While living in the Midwest, three of us became The Harmonious Hearts and we performed at nursing homes and for senior groups for several years. We are the world’s only (as far as we can tell) Christian Women’s Harmonica Trio and we mostly play Americana Songs and Hymns. The hymns are our favorites ~ at least they are mine.
When I moved to Portland, I sort of broke up the trio. Barbara and Rose Marie are my very dear friends whom I have missed very much. We used to practice at least once a week ( we always allowed an extra 30 minutes for “catching-up” and visiting) and we were sometimes performing as much as 12 times a month. We had a different outfit for each month to correspond to our musical selections and time of the year. We worked hard at giving a good performance and the three of us were uniquely suited to this particular trio. We each brought something of value and necessity to the trio that the other two members did not have and so our admiration and love for each others talents and abilities grew.
How did we get started? Oh, that is an interesting story in itself.
We were all attending the same church in the Midwest but had never met each other. The Women’s Ministry group had sign ups for a Women’s Heart-to-Heart program. The program organizer would match up two women and you were to get together once a month to get to know each other better. Well, the program organizer had one person left over and so she needed to put three people into one group….our group!!! At our first meeting we brought our lunches and sat and visited until it was time to go home and cook dinner for our husbands! We really liked each other and got along well.
Then early one Saturday in November we went to a “work day” at the church and then out to eat breakfast at Cracker Barrel. While waiting to pay our bill, I picked up a little harmonica from a bin in front of the cash register and said to Rose Marie “These would make great stocking stuffers for your grandchildren.” Barbara said ” Those aren’t toys; those are musical instruments. Buy one and I’ll teach you to play.” After much laughter and strange looks from the other customers, Rose Marie and I walked out of the Cracker Barrel with our first harmonicas. Barbara already had at least two at home and had taught herself to play while working as an EMT for the Fire Department.
And so Barbara began to teach us the basics and then we bought some harmonica music books and began to practice. We would make up a song and then call each other on the phone and play our song and then hang up without saying a word! We were three little girls with a new toy and we were having a lot of fun! We started getting serious when we discovered that we needed higher quality harmonicas. Soon loving husbands began to search the Internet for “harmonica” gifts. We wanted to be worthy of the gifts, so we practiced harder. In April, the final Heart-to-Heart get-together was held. Known only to the hostess, we had planned a surprise for the participants.
One week earlier, I was picking up something at a local store, when I walked by the women’s department, where they just happened to have three beautiful blouses in the correct sizes in three different pastel colors. I quickly called Barbara and Rose Marie and our debut outfit was born!
Now we needed a name. I told the other two that we needed to think of a name for our group — but they were stymied. I just kept thinking that the word Heart should be in it ~ in honor of our meeting at Heart-to-Heart~ and that the word Harmonica should also be in in our name. When the name The Harmonious Hearts popped into my mind, I was pretty sure that we had a name for our trio. The other two agreed. And so The Harmonious Hearts had instruments, music, a short program, costumes, and a name! We were ready to perform for the first time.
We were so lucky to play in an intimate setting with women who were loving and appreciative of our efforts. The songs we played were simple well known songs like Kum BaYah and Row, Row, Row Your Boat; but we closed with our signature closing song, Amazing Grace. Glenda, a blind attendee and a close friend gave us the best feedback and we knew that she would so we could improve. But hey, we could only get better from where we were starting.
Within months, Portland Firefly had contacted the local nursing homes and senior groups and our ministry of playing the harmonica began in earnest. This forced us to practice and we only became better and more diverse. We took lessons from the internationally renowned harmonicist, Tulsa Read. http://www.harmonicaonline.com/
We were even invited to perform with him at a two hour Christmas Special which was an honor for us. That was the evening that I performed the Christmas song that always made me cry while I was walking through the airport terminals during the holidays -There’s No Place Like Home for The Holidays - both singing and playing this song for the audience. Only another Flight Attendant can appreciate the depth of emotion attached to a song such as that, especially when we never knew if we would be kept on our routine flights or go non-routine and end up in Peoria on Christmas with our families back home without us.
We always considered ourselves a God-Driven Ministry – there is no way any of us could have foreseen our playing for so many shut-ins when we had breakfast at Cracker Barrel that November morning so long ago. Barbara had the musical training and most talent, Rose Marie had the training and transposing ability and Portland Firefly had the creative vision. Only God’s plan could have taken such three diverse women and melded us into something for His Honor. Together the three of us created a unique group based on love and respect. I love those two women. We are truly three harmonious hearts….
August 24, 2009
Farmers Market
Farmers Market Bounty by PDXFirefly
With this new Chemo schedule, I have more energy on the weekends instead of during the week. This enabled me to go to my local Saturday Farmers Market today which I thoroughly enjoyed. This was my first outing to the Farmers Market all summer, so it was a special trip for me.
The best part of all was the close parking space that was left for my car. It was as close as one could park to the Market. I pulled right in! I put my hat over my scarf over my bald head, grabbed my reusable shopping bag, locked the car and had an enjoyable stroll across the street to the market. I told you I parked close!
My first stop was at the first stall! Actually, I walked past it when the smell of the fresh ripe peaches drew me back into the stall. I left with two of the biggest peaches I have ever seen. 3 pounds for the two of them! The next stall had fresh made scones. Scones!! The biggest scones I have ever seen. They were the size of a bread and butter plate. Almost the same size as the peaches I had just carefully placed in my shopping bag. I love scones. Well I walked past that stall, too. But then I turned around and came right back and purchased a marionberry scone. I was a little disappointed in it, but I managed to eat the rest of it after my dinner.
The third stall had beautiful fresh flower arrangements. I had to remind myself that this was my first outing to the Farmers Market and I had told myself that I wasn’t going to buy anything — well maybe something special if I saw it. And food doesn’t count because we all have to eat. And here I was at only the third stall on one side the first street and I just kept getting cash out of my purse!
I think I passed up the next stall, but the fifth stall was my nemesis. Lauri had beautiful jewelry that she had made. I had been watching QVC off and on this week during my “chemo daze” and was now up on the latest jewelry trends. At least I like to think I am. Anyway, she had beautiful large necklaces and so I spent a considerable amount of time exploring the possibilities until I saw IT. I picked up the amethyst and silver work of art and looked at it. I set it back down . It was about $6.00 more than I really wanted to pay, so I kept looking through her prolific stock for something similar at a lower price. It wasn’t there.
Now remember, Portland Firefly hasn’t been out of the house since Chemo on Monday. I’m still a little “chemo-dazed” which means “ditsy”, ”not thinking straight” , “not a good time to be making quick decisions”. ”This is a handmade, one of a kind piece,” I tell myself. “I am going to be taking a vacation when I am able,” and “This would be just perfect for those trips.” Another shopper comes to the area of the booth where “my” necklace sits back among its friends on the tabletop. I have that fleeting panic thought “What if she picks up my necklace?” “How would I feel if she buys my necklace?”
That pretty much says it all. Frantically, trying to be totally cool, I move toward the place I had set it down. “Where is it?” I know that she hasn’t been here long enough to see it on this part of the table. I spot it just to her right. My left hand casually stretches over toward it. I pick it up again. It is not going to be hers. I examine it again….not really examine it …just admire it. It is really beautiful and it is my colors. I know I’ll wear it. I am not setting it down again.
I want to try it on first. The craftswoman instructs me on the easiest way to fasten the beautiful clasp. She has the tiniest mirrors possible, but she offers to hold one up for better viewing which she does. I am now in the “preening” and “admiring” part of the buying process. My sunglasses come off and I really wish that she had a larger mirror. I don’t want to insult her by bargaining, but it is just a little more than I want to pay. I think about the prices on QVC and then I remember the added shipping and handling cost…as high as $7.00 on some items. “That mirror is really small” I think to myself, as I try to get a good view of my new necklace, which isn’t really mine yet.
I really want this. I reach into my purse and pull out the cash for my necklace and she removes the hang tag from it for me. As an added bonus, I am given a pretty little mesh bag to protect my confection when I finally take it off later in the day. As my change is returned to me, I remark that I’ll be taking this with me on my travels and I thank her for the storage bag as it will come in handy.
As I walk around the Saturday Market, my only other purchases are some green beans, some purple heirloom beans and a Chia Latte. But before I can return to Lauri’s booth as I exit the market, I have been complemented 4 times on my new necklace. I think I got my money’s worth already!!
August 23, 2009
Oregon Air Show
The annual 2009 Oregon Air Show will be held at the Hillsboro Airport this coming weekend August 28, 29, 30th. Come out and have fun and let the kids see all the “airplanes”.
The USAF Thunderbirds and the US Army Golden Knights are just part of the many exciting participants at this wonderful little regional airport just on the outskirts of Portland.
For more information visit: http://www.oregonairshow.com/default.asp
August 22, 2009
International Space Station Sighting Times
Listed Below are the Sighting times over the Portland area for the International Space Station.
Set your alarm and get up early!!!!
THE FOLLOWING ISS SIGHTINGS ARE POSSIBLE FROM WED AUG 19 TO THU SEP 03
| SATELLITE | LOCAL | DURATION | MAX ELEV | APPROACH | DEPARTURE |
| DATE/TIME | (MIN) | (DEG) | (DEG-DIR) | (DEG-DIR) | |
| ISS | Thu Aug 20/04:56 AM | 2 | 63 | 32 above SW | 29 above ENE |
| ISS | Fri Aug 21/03:48 AM | 1 | 17 | 17 above E | 10 above E |
| ISS | Fri Aug 21/05:20 AM | 3 | 50 | 16 above W | 34 above NNE |
| ISS | Sat Aug 22/04:12 AM | 1 | 49 | 49 above E | 23 above ENE |
| ISS | Sat Aug 22/05:44 AM | 4 | 28 | 10 above WNW | 22 above NNE |
| ISS | Sun Aug 23/04:36 AM | 2 | 48 | 43 above NW | 27 above NE |
| ISS | Mon Aug 24/03:29 AM | < 1 | 15 | 15 above ENE | 12 above ENE |
| ISS | Mon Aug 24/05:00 AM | 3 | 28 | 17 above WNW | 21 above NNE |
| ISS | Tue Aug 25/03:53 AM | < 1 | 26 | 26 above NE | 26 above NE |
| ISS | Tue Aug 25/05:25 AM | 3 | 23 | 11 above NW | 20 above NNE |
| ISS | Wed Aug 26/04:17 AM | 1 | 27 | 27 above N | 21 above NNE |
| ISS | Wed Aug 26/05:50 AM | 3 | 25 | 11 above NW | 23 above NNE |
| ISS | Thu Aug 27/04:41 AM | 2 | 23 | 18 above NW | 20 above NNE |
| ISS | Fri Aug 28/05:05 AM | 3 | 25 | 11 above NW | 24 above NNE |
| ISS | Sat Aug 29/03:57 AM | < 1 | 21 | 21 above NNE | 20 above NNE |
| ISS | Sat Aug 29/05:30 AM | 3 | 37 | 10 above NW | 36 above NE |
| ISS | Sun Aug 30/04:21 AM | 1 | 25 | 24 above N | 22 above NE |
| ISS | Sun Aug 30/05:54 AM | 6 | 82 | 10 above WNW | 10 above ESE |
| ISS | Mon Aug 31/04:46 AM | 2 | 38 | 22 above NW | 28 above ENE |
| ISS | Tue Sep 01/03:39 AM | < 1 | 12 | 12 above ENE | 10 above ENE |
| ISS | Tue Sep 01/05:10 AM | 5 | 86 | 20 above WNW | 10 above ESE |
| ISS | Wed Sep 02/04:03 AM | 1 | 20 | 20 above E | 11 above E |
| ISS | Wed Sep 02/05:35 AM | 4 | 32 | 15 above W | 11 above SSE |
| ISS | Thu Sep 03/04:28 AM | 1 | 20 | 20 above ESE | 10 above ESE |
| ISS | Thu Sep 03/06:00 AM | 2 | 11 | 10 above WSW | 10 above SSW |
Here is the link: http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/cities/view.cgi?country=United_States®ion=Oregon&city=Portland
August 21, 2009
Chemo Nausea
Portland Firefly is having a difficult time with Chemo this session. I returned from a much anticipated and well enjoyed trip to Central California on Sunday afternoon. Monday I had my Doctors visit followed by my Chemo session. Tuesday I felt a little tired and stayed close to home, catching up on some laundry. On Wednesday, I just wanted to sit around and still didn’t feel like getting showered or dressed. I took a nice long nap in the early afternoon.
Thursday morning, I said “Enough of this!” and got dressed (but still didn’t feel like taking a shower) and took a short walk around the neighborhood. I then headed out to the grocery store for some fresh fruit and popscicles. Even though I took my expensive anti-nausea pill, I still felt quite quesy and it was all I could do to drive to the store and get the few essentials that I needed before I hurried back home.
When I returned home, the smell of the beans that I had put in the crock pot to slow cook all day really bothered me a lot, so I unplugged the crock pot and took it outside. I have a lovely covered patio and fortunately there is an electric outlet out there. So I just plugged the crock pot into the outlet on the patio and the beans will cook and the smell will stay outside and not bother me!
Since I’m pretty sensitive to smells this day, I’ll probably cook my rice in the rice cooker outside on the patio, as well. My energy level is low and my brain is a little foggy today, so even though there are several phone calls that I want to make, they will have to wait for a few days.
On the way to the grocery store, I listened to “The Procession of the Nobles” by Rimsky-Korsakov which is my”Chemo Music” for killing off my cancer cells. This music is so stirring that it always increases my energy level…but not today. It is as though I was listening to it through a fog and I was hardly aware of it. But I consciously reminded my body, that it could hear the music and that the chemo drugs knew their job was to kill off all the cancer cells they could find. I also reminded the cancer cells that they want to “come out” from hiding and go see that beautiful music. They will then be neutralized and I will be cured. I listened to it over and over again while I was driving to the store and on the way home.
PS: I forgot to get Ginger Ale on my trip to the store and later that day I was so nauseated ( even after taking my nausea drugs) that I had to call my neighbor. Every time I have seen him since my diagnosis 5 months ago he reminds me to ask him if I ever need anything. Well, this afternoon, I needed ginger ale and was too sick to go out. I called him and he returned a few minutes later at my front door with not the one 2 liter bottle I had requested, but with 4 two liter bottles of ginger ale! He even insisted on opening the first bottle for me –I was too weak to open it myself. After two large glasses of ginger ale, my stomach finally started to settle down and I felt a lot better. Amazing stuff –ginger! Thank you, Mitch!
August 20, 2009
Chemo Schedule
My wonderful Doctor was able to modify my chemo schedule so I could feel good when I went out of town last week. It was three weeks since my last chemo and I was feeling the best I could . She also ensured my best possible health by giving me the expensive ($7,000.oo) abdominal injection of Neulastin to stimulate my bone marrow to build up my blood cells three weeks ago as well.
The trip fell right in the middle of my regular scheduled Chemo schedule, so we postponed it until I returned. I returned one day and was hooked up to Chemo the next morning. There was a possibility that this would be my last round of Chemotherapy; but my Doctors appointment dispelled that idea. Initially I thought that I would be having Chemo until December; then there was some conversation that made us think that possibly I would be finished the end of August. Today, it was confirmed that I will continue at least until the middle of October and I suspect that it will be December or possibly January until I am finished.
August 19, 2009
Sensitive Firefly
My Chemo room is a large bright well lite room with a beautiful calming mural at one end. The room is furnished with about 40 pale green comfy recliners pleasantly arranged and separated by work tables for the use of the chemo nurses .
I usually try to take an available recliner that faces the mural and this time was no exception. I settled into my “favorite recliner” and tried to get comfortable. Even after the life saving drugs were attached to my portacath for safe delivery directly into my vein, I still had an uneasy feeling. I shifted my position several times. When my Chemo nurse came to attach yet another drug into the portacath, I mentioned to her that there was a strange “energy” in the room today. A very unusual energy that I had never felt before.
Usually I feel very relaxed, very much loved and safely cared for in this room. But today there was another disturbing undercurrent that I couldn’t identify along with everything else. She mentioned that there was a patient who had left ”my” recliner just before I walked into the room. I said that that must be what it is; the uneasiness is so strong, it is still here. She confirmed that the patient was very upset about being there – a new diagnosis I guessed and unexpected and unresolved as of yet. I thought about it alone for a few minutes and I knew that it had been a man in the chair; I also strongly suspect the position of his cancer which I did not mention. I kept trying to put a woman in this chair (because most of the chemo patients are women), but the sense that it was a man was so strong that I knew it could only be a man. My Chemo nurse confirmed my sensations. We were both amazed at this new found sensitivity to the energy.
How did I deal with this? I prayed for him; for peace in his diagnosis. Somehow I know that his is not a life threatening situation, it will be resolved. He is worrying for no reason. Woah, what a trip that was…. Unexpected, unsought, and sort of scary, too….
August 18, 2009
Another Chemo Side Effect
When I started my chemotherapy for my Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma, my Doctor gave me all of the possible side effects. Some of them I remembered, some of them I forgot about, and some of them made me go Hum-m-m??!!!
Possibly loosing finger and toe nails is one of the ones that made me go “Hum-m-m??!!” I tucked it away in the back of my mind 5 months ago and forgot about it. Then about four months ago, I noticed that the nail on both of my large toes had started to lift up and actually had ripped away from the newer nail growing out. I babied them so the nail would stay on and they did — until last Thursday. Last Thursday, they had grown out about half of the way and the top half of both large toe nails just “fell off”. Now it looks like I have a very short toenails on my big toes! Hey! It doesn’t hurt. and I have toes! so there! I am fine with it. I even still have my toe nails (what is left of them) painted vibrant purple!
It is just another battle scar for my fierce fighting body. Who cares about the scars if you win the battle? I don’t. The scars are just another part of the gift of this cancer that God has given me. I think I’ll consider them the “wrapping paper” part of my gift.
August 17, 2009
A Heart-Melting Moment
A Precious Moment by PDXFirefly
When I was at my Son and Daughter-in-Law’s home last night, my 18 month-old Grandson gave me several special moments.
The first one occurred when I arrived at their home. He was strapped into the Burley (which is a type of trailer/child seat that is pulled behind a bicycle) because they had just returned from a bike ride. I came up behind the Burley and when he heard my voice he turned his little curly head protected by its helmet all the way around so he could see his Nonni through the mesh side. But that was nothing compared to the warm enormous smile this sweet boy gave me when he saw me straight on! What a joy!!!
Later on we were in the living room and my caring Daughter-in-Law went to the kitchen to make me some ice tea. As I got up to follow her, my Grandson urgently called out “Nonnie! Help! Shoe!” as he came toddling after me carrying his little shoe. I never made it to the kitchen. I was too busy covering him in kisses and putting that little army green Crocs on his foot!
Oh, my brewed chai ice tea was just the refreshment I needed after giving all those kisses!
August 16, 2009
A Big Hello
This is a BIG HELLO and an even BIGGER THANK YOU to all of my school mates who have checked in to read about Portland Firefly. My odyssey with Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma started in March 2009 and that where the story begins in my blog. You can access it through the archives section (to the right).
I have not had time (and energy) to respond to each of your wonderful emails yet, but I will. I just wanted to let you know that I have received them and I really appreciated hearing from each of you. And Yes, I certainly do remember all of you, in case you are wondering. And it has touched me to know that you remember me and are thinking of me. All good things for healing!
Are any of you going on the all-school cruise? I plan on going; it should require low energy to sit on deck and visit with everyone! Who knows, I might even have some hair by then!
Again, thank you all for your thoughts and emails and prayers. ~~~~Portland Firefly
August 14, 2009
Grocery Shopping
When I went to the grocery store earlier today, I didn’t feel like putting make-up on so I just wrapped my head in a scarf and put my sunglasses on (a la Jackie Kennedy). When I got into the unfamiliar store, it was difficult to find the items I wanted with my glasses on, so I removed them. I must have looked pretty pathetic because within seconds, there was a store employee asking if she could help me find something. As I worked my way around the store, I was approached in a similar fashion by two more store employees asking to help me. As I related these events to a friend she suggested that maybe the store just has really helpful employees. I hope she is right, because I hope that I didn’t look that sick and pathetic! But it does make me wonder….
August 12, 2009
Root Canal
Well Portland Firefly made a delicious fresh peach pie over the weekend. After eating a piece of it on Sunday evening, I notice my tooth hurting a little. I used homemade raspberry jam, courtesy of my delightful daughter-in-law, to coat the peaches. I thought that I just had a little raspberry seed caught in my tooth. Well on Monday the pain got worse and when I was speaking to my good friend on the phone Monday afternoon I mentioned it to her. She immediately told me to call the doctor and the dentist because with my compromised immune system, I am not able to fight off the infection if it is abscessed.
I did what she suggested and made the calls immediately. The dentist worked me in on Tuesday and stayed over his lunch hour to take care of it for me. Am I ever glad that he did!
I still need to return to finish it up, but now I am happily taking antibiotics and the throbbing is minimal.
Cancer patients who are undergoing Chemo are not supposed to have major dental work done but I am in a little lull right now from the Chemo and my Doctor said that with my good blood counts, I could get this emergency work done. My blood counts are so good because of the high dollar injection of Nuelastin that I received about 2 1/2 weeks ago.
August 10, 2009
Relay for Life
As you know, Portland Firefly was asked to participate in the Survivors Lap of the Beaverton Relay for Life. This is the main fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS).
The event was held on Saturday, August 1, 2009 and it was just nearing the end of our record breaking heat wave of 10 consecutive days over 90 here in Portland. The survivors were honored with a special purple tee-shirt with “survivor” boldly printed across the back. I have a beautiful purple scarf that I wore on my head and on the top shelf of my closet, I found a wide brimmed hat to protect me from the sun — the exact shade of purple as my tee-shirt!
The survivors were really spoiled –special reserved parking close-in; as much water as you wanted; delicious coffee rolls and pastries from the Beaverton Bakery; a goody bag filled with goodies; a wonderful lunch from Olive Garden; really cool door prizes and flowers! Portland Firefly was asked to speak before the Survivors Luncheon and I was very honored to do that. I think I spoke a little too long and so I apologize to those who politely endured.
There were two silent auctions and lots of other food available. The 12 relay teams each had a large tent set up and most had several little tents near their “camp” on the track infield. The relay is not for time, but for endurance; teams must have someone on the track at all times during the 24 hour period. I had planned on returning for the luminary lighting lap at 10:00 pm, but I was just too tuckered out to go back. I have heard that it is really beautiful with the lighted luminaries going all around the track. Maybe next year….
August 8, 2009
Bite of Oregon Festival
If you want to celebre Oregon’s bounty of food, craft beer, wine, celebrity chefs and music then go to Portland’s Waterfront Park this weekend. This event benefits the Special Olympics of Portland and gives attendees the opportunity to sample culinary food at reasonable prices.
The 2009 Bite of Oregon will be held: AUG 7th, 8th & 9th Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Regular Admission:
Adults–$8.00 at the gate
Children–12 and under FREE
General admission fee covers entrance and entertainment but does not included food and beverage.
See Special Admission Promotions by going to the website: www.biteofOregon.com
If you have a 2009 Bridge Pedal bib or bracelet, then you can recieve a $5.00 admission discount on Sunday from 10-2:00.
Bridge Pedal
The Annual Portland Bridge Pedal ride is this Sunday, August 9th. It appears that all of Portland’s bridges will be closed for most of the morning, so if you are driving somewhere and will be crossing on a bridge, please note that you will probably have some delays.
For information on this annual Portland bike event, please go to http://www.providence.org/bridgepedal/
August 7, 2009
Fatigue
Portland Firefly participated in the American Cancer Society’s Beaverton Relay for Life event last Saturday. I was all achy and exhausted Saturday evening and Sunday I was still trying to recover. On Monday I took a little walk for 15 minutes and that was all I could do for the day! Tuesday I cut my walk time down to 10 minutes. I was still tired, but not as tired as I was on Monday. Then Tuesday night, my girlfriend and I went to the golf course to practice our driving and putting for a golf event on Saturday. I am disappointed that I get tired so easily. I am tired of being tired!
I have done a little research and fatigue is the single most complaint for cancer patients. Sometimes it lasts a year after chemo is completed. Ugh!! The cancer makes you tired and the treatment just continues the fatigue cycle. So I continue to take my vitamins and only do what I can do each day. It does help to know that it is a common side effect and that I am not alone in my fatigue. That’s OK, I’d rather have the fatigue and know that my cancer is getting killed …so no more complaining from Portland Firefly about this side-effect!
