Good Friday!!!

It was a good Friday today. I excaped from the office and took a drive around the 502 Road and out S-10 to the Salmon River Road. My first excursion. I checked in with Colleen by radio to the office every half hour just to let her know I was OK. My first drive on a dirt road and my back held up really well. :)

Have a good weekend everyone.

Gotta Post the Bad Stuff too..........

The last month or so it has been eerily quiet on the ole blog. That is mostly due to the fact we've been waiting for a CT Scan to be scheduled and then the results.

Well the results are in and the news isn't great. The tumor on my lung has grown approximately 50% in size since April and is about 4.2 cm. My oncologist suggested we change up the treatment since my current one apparently ain't working. Good news it is a pill. No more chemo. We will try it for 3 months and then reassess with a CT Scan. My breathing certainly has been affected but on Monday morning I'm going back to work here in Chipman. I'll be strapped to a desk but that's alright. There are a lot of folks in my situation that don't have the choice. I am very fortunate to work where I do and have been given great support.

Although the news hit Carolyn and I pretty hard we are confident this will work. I won't be on the roof putting up Xmas lights but will certainly enjoy the summer turning to autumn and then a cooooooooooooold winter.

That being said we have purchased a new pellet stove to heat up this old house. It isn't installed yet but it'll lessen our dependence on wood. Carolyn and Yogie did an amazing job cleaning the junk out of the basement. An old washer and dryer, a huge freezer, an old cabinet TV, large chairs, etc.... It looks amazing down there. Carolyn and Yogie are going to insulate the walls this week and the stove will be installed in a month or so.

So for now keep the positive thoughts rollin' in. I'm feeling pretty good about things. I'll keep ya'll informed. Thanks a bunch for keeping things upbeat. You folks are awesome.

Been a long time but I'm still here.

Hi Everyone,




This summer heat takes a real toll on me. Hard on my breathing and with all the medications it is very taxing.




Carolyn and I along with Fides and Mr. Snickers survived Arthur being so much more fortunate than a lot of folks by only being without power for a couple of days.




Having a new roof installed on the house today. Bedroom started to leak so a new steel roof is going up. Not cheap but should last for a good long time. The crew putting it up has done a lot of new steel roofs here in town. Be a nice surprise for me when I get home.




Despite the hot spell it has been quiet here at Air Ops. As you have probably noticed the humidity has been high also. Another kicker to my breathing difficulties.




Chemo this morning so I'm taking the day off. Most of the province had some rain and the pilots are on a call-in so I will be too.




My sister is home from Mississauga so I spent part of last week with her over at Art and Phyllis' and had a wonderful roast pork dinner last Saturday. I'll see her again before she goes back.


Sorry for the short and infrequent updates but everyone's life is so much more interesting than mine. Thanks Facebook friends for your updates and I hope everyone got to read my post in regards to the angels (aka nurses, LPN's and support workers) that looked after me in Moncton and Fredericton. Like Lou Gehrig I often believe I am the Luckiest man in the World.




Wayne

What a Day......okay week.....maybe month!

I won't make this too long but I'll start with today. I was asked by Geraldine Legere and Sheila Ferris to be the guest speaker at the Survivor's Brunch prior to the Relay For Life. It was a great honour and I didn't embarrass myself too bad.

I joined the parade up to the Minto Arena and picked up Paul Gardiner on the way. Paul was volunteering at the Relay. I also got to carry the banner to lead all the survivors on our first lap. Another honour.

I sat with the Poohs Relay Team for most of the rest of the time. I got up and did the occasional lap and bought a lap marker in memory of my mother Edith Burpee.

It was an awesome day and I left around 2 o'clock. It continues to midnight with great music and other events. I wish I could have stayed but I have another busy day planned for tomorrow. I hope to, and encourage, everyone to attend. They have hotdogs!

Carolyn and I visited Pierson Waye in the Moncton Hospital yesterday. Pierson and I shared a room for most of last summer. He had a relapse but they caught it quick so we are all hoping for a short stay.

Other than that it was a good 8 days at work. I survived. Was in bed at about 9 o'clock every night.

Work and Chemo and New (to me) Car

It has been an eventful two weeks. Went back to work for my first full 8 day shift and having to look after myself. NOT TO WORRY! I luckily have a couple of nurse like caregivers AKA Air Tanker Operations Dispatchers who assist in my care with treats to meals, cooking breakfast, cabin heaters and bum cushions! All in all it was a good, not great week. I was tired at the end of most days but did get stronger through the week. Very promising.

Also made arrangements through my oncologist and his nurse to have my PICC care and every other chemotherapy session at the Miramichi Hospital. Less travel and should be nice and quick. Good stuff.

I sold my truck and bought a used Hyundai Elantra this past week. Nice little car and something Carolyn can drive. Sad good-bye to my little Ford Ranger. The little truck served me flawlessly well. She has a new home. :)

Chemo yesterday in Moncton and I'm a little tired today. It is the first day since I've been off that I don't have to travel and plan on taking it easy.

That's all for now. Time to rest up.

Wayne

Edith Adelia Burpee

My mother, also the mother of Art, Loretta, Anita, Marilyn and Marjorie passed away 48 years ago today at the age of 54. She died of bone cancer.

That was one of the first things that hit me when Dr. Charest told me I had bone cancer. I was 53 and am now 54. Thankfully things have come a long way in the fight against cancer in these 48 years past.

Even though I was only 6 when she passed away I still have some memories of her and think of her often.

Wayne

Leaving the Nest!

Was on my own for the first time since June 3 of last year.

It was a pretty exciting week all in all. Started with my first two days back at Air Ops. Pretty well stuck to my desk but it felt incredible to be back. Got to see a few of the pilots and DNR crew. I managed to "exist" down at my little cabin.

The next two days was spent on bloodwork and chemotherapy in Moncton. My Oncologist, Dr. Abdelsalem, said it appears my bones are strengthening with my medication and my lung cancer is still in check. I'm going to continue with the treatments. I really think the nurses in oncology would be devastated if I didn't come back. I can't do that to them.

The next two days I attend our spring Animal Protection Officer training in Fredericton. A really good couple of days and my first chance to see the rest of the crew for some time. A few new faces which was great to see.

Then back to Miramichi for a couple days. Felt tired on Sunday night but got a really good snooze. Then back home Monday evening.

Thanks to Art and Phyllis for having Carolyn and I over for supper.

And thanks to Kim at air ops for the little heater to help keep my feet warm at the cabin and for the lunch at the Wok! Got my wonton soup! YUM :)

It feels great to get back to semi-normality. I haven't flown yet but I did make it out to the aircraft to make sure I could still manage to get in and out. Next shift I'll be airborne!

I'll catch y'all later. Thanks Everyone

Wayne

Miramichi here I come............

On Monday, April 28th I am heading back to work at Air Tanker Operations! Do you think I'm pumped? Well Duh!

On June 3, 2013 I left Air Ops at the end of my shift. I haven't been back since. Ten radiation treatments, two back surgeries and many chemotherapy treatments later I'm going to give it a try. It certainly will be a bit of a challenge fending for myself. Carolyn has been my rock. She has seen me at my best and worst. Supported me through thick and thick.

I still have significant back aches I am trying to control. Trying to wean myself of medications while getting back to work will be a challenge but I happen to work at two of the best places I could imagine. Air Ops and my home District in Chipman. Awesome people to work, laugh, and sometimes cry with.

So on Sunday afternoon Carolyn will let me leave the nest. Damn she'll miss me!

Here I am in Georgia back a few years back just south of Waycross near the Okefenokee Swamp . So what/who is the first thing you noticed? THE HANDSOME FIREFIGHTER!, the sign, the pink ribbons, or the smoke in the background?

 

 

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

Wayne

I know..... I'm getting LAZY!

Hi Everyone,

Been a while since my last post here in Blogsville so I'll try to catch y'all up.

I've had a CT Scan and chemo treatment since my last post and I have to thank John Beaulieu and Wendell Chase for the drives, Thank you Gentlemen.

The CT Scan indicated my cancer hasn't spread nor is getting worse. Kind of bittersweet news as we were hoping to ring the bell but in the least I am still feeling pretty good.

Chemo went well. There was a problem with my PICC line earlier but it went well.

Attended the "Linda LeBlanc Penny Sale" and listened to some great music and spoke to some folks. I never won anything! I left before the end so I'm not sure what the final tally was. A nice size crowd was there. I mean in numbers. :)

On Monday I have a doctors appointment and expect to be given the Okie Dokie to return to work at least on a part-time basis. On April 28th my Air Tanker Operations schedule in Miramichi starts so I'll be on my own at my cabin. We are going to give it a go as long as my bosses agree I may be limited in what I can do. As long as I can fly I'll be happy!

More in a week or so once things get settled down. I am excited to get back to work. A great step in recovery.

Thanks Everyone. Your continued support means a lot. How much you'll never realize.

Wayne

The Sun!!!!! At least it has some power........

Even though it was only 5C yesterday it was a beautiful day!

A few things going on. Went to Fredericton to get my eyes tested since it had been 4 years or so. Minimal change and no cataracts. Picked up a couple pair of nerd glasses.

Next was over to the Chalmers for an ultrasound. That's right. Actually we've been having a problem with my PICC line being blocked and the ultrasound was to identify possible clots. The ultrasound was negative. A PICC line, BTW, is an intravenous line that runs from, in my case, my upper left arm across my left shoulder and collarbone and sits basically on top of my heart. Chemotherapy is hard on your veins so when they hook up the chemo it goes directly to your heart and is pumped through your body.

A trip to Fredericton always means the Linguine Chicken Tetrazzini at East Side Marios. Next time it'll be Swiss Chalet just to change things up.

CT next Tuesday and Chemo on Thursday. haven't had a CT Scan since October so it'll be interesting to see when my cancer has been up to. If the cancer decided to go find my butt it is going to be sorely disappointed. I asked Carolyn yesterday if that made prosthetic arses. My back aches when I sit for extended periods. I think lack of padding is a problem.

I'll post the results of the CT Scan when I get the results. Also fingers crossed for a clear PICC line.

Wayne

A little more SPRING in my step.........

It is officially spring!

Been pretty busy with Chemo, B-12 shots etc....... Thanks to Randy Bishop for taking me to chemo last week. The roads were a little greasy and Carolyn and I sure appreciated it.

Drove to Dr. Stackhouse's and back with Carolyn and it didn't bother my back too bad. Kind of a breakthrough day. They are happening more often. Nice. Yesterday Louie Sharpe came down and dug my little truck out of the snow. Brother Art came over with his shovel and after an hour and a half my truck was free. Started right up too! Like it hadn't been going since December. Good little Ford. THEN, I took it for a little drive...... and then a longer drive. First time I drove it since June 6.

After supper I drove out to the Lions Club and dropped a card off for Rodney McAllister's kitchen party. I just had chemo so I didn't hang around. I hope they did well.

Feeling pretty good. I'm forgetting a lot of stuff I wanted to write. Thanks again for all your positive thoughts and wishes. You may see me on the road a little more.

:)

Wayne

Busy as a hen hauling hardwood!

Het Everyone,

Been quite busy over the last week. Trying to get back in shape to get back to work.

Carolyn and I drove to Moncton on Saturday to pick up one of my shots. Apparently there is a shortage of this drug and may not be available til June. Found a place in Moncton that manufactures their own. NO, it is not the medical marijuana facility they are building. It was actually Guardian Drugs. Hummmm, I wonder? Never mind.

Then came Sunday and my solo. I drove to Sara's to pick up milk and Shreddies. First time behind the wheel since June. Got brave and drove down to Yogie and Sue's for tea after supper. Big day.

Monday I  walked over to Art and Phyllis' for a visit, more tea and date bread. Then down to Yogie and Sue's for tea after supper.

Great to be getting around.

Shout out to Greg and Kim Knox for picking up my new chair at Co-op.

Wayne

Post Chemo Feb 27

Hey Peeps,

I'll start with my trip to Fredericton on Wednesday to buy sheets for our new bed. Those sheets cost us just over $1000. You heard me! Well actually we went for sheets but went to the Co-op to look at a leather recliner (dog hair won't stick to it like fabric or at least will be easier to clean) as my old recliner is messed up. The recliner was supposed to be my Xmas gift and a way to spend my bond. I had initially ordered from Leon's but never again. Any way they were expensive sheets.

Instead of going through a drive thru for lunch Carolyn suggested East Side Mario's as my appetite has improved. We gave it a shot and I ordered my usual, Linguine Chicken Tetrazzini and added the Italian Wedding Soup. It was great as usual and really nice to have a sit down meal in a decent atmosphere. Not that eating a burger in the Mazda is terrible atmosphere. Especially with Carolyn beside me.

So on the drive back from Freddy we pulled over at the wide spot by the Acadia Forestry Station and I drove as far as Burt's (I know it ain't still Burt's). Felt good to drive but still a little hard on my back. It is coming though.

Brings us to Thursday and Chemo day. Big shout out to Jeff Hay for hauling my carcass to Moncton. Of course he got to go to Princess Auto and also bought some makings for head cheese (not at Princess Auto, I don't think)

Chemo went well other than a slight blood work snafu. It went well. Sat beside a young lad and his GF. Said I felt bad because I was usually one of the younger ones here on chemo. Figured he was in his early twenties. He had gone through some serious lymph node surgeries in Halifax and was now back in Moncton taking some serious chemo treatments. His spirits were pretty good.

My back has been a bit sore but it appears it is mostly muscular. Sitting too long and in need of some minor stretching. Don't over do it !!!!!!!!!

Next chemo in three weeks and a CT Scan to follow. I think my MRI days are over with all the steel in my back. After the scan we will know how the cancer has progressed OR as in my opinion has not! Thanks to the positive flow and happy thoughts.

Feeling pretty good!

W

T'was the day before chemo..........

Hey Everyone. Chemo day tomorrow.

Getting some 5 o'clock shadow all over my head. Woohoo!

Over the last few weeks I am feeling a bit stronger. Getting around better without my walker. Been to Saint John with Yogie for x-rays and a Dr. appointment at Grand Bay. Was in Fred City yesterday and didn't use the walker at all.

Like I said I remain very optimistic about returning to Air Ops in mid-April and hopefully back to my Chipman office before that. Even on a limited basis.

Have a very hard decision to make. The chemo I am on now is elective. Chemo also affects your immune system making you more susceptible to sickness (colds and flu etc....). If I elect to go without chemo then I should be able to return to Miramichi and to my Chipman Office. So tomorrow I meet with my oncologist and will ask him some questions regarding the restrictions behind my chemo. At the end of February I have a CT Scan which will hopefully give me a better idea of how the treatments have been going. That will be the time when I can probably make a concrete decision on how we'll proceed.

Lots of thanks to Yogie for the drives. Also to Kevin MacBeth for the same. A big thanks also to the DNR crew for the birthday cake! It is always great to go over to the office and sit at my desk. Great therapy.

I also have clearance to drive. Short distances at first then on from there. Carolyn can't wait to be able to send me to go pick up stuff and the Save-Easy, Sara's and Shoppers. I look forward to getting out and seeing folks. May even have a wobbley pop!

Later Folks!

Chemo Day!!!

Moncton today for the first round of chemo light. Got there at 9:45 and was on the road at just after noon. NICE!

Met an older couple there today. The gentleman was 85 and was taking chemo for prostate cancer. His wife was there and she said she had bone and lung cancer, same as me. She hadn't started any treatment yet but we spoke for quite a while and after telling her I was feeling alright and doing well, she said she was relieved that she spoke with us. We'll see the couple in three more weeks.

Had a great appetite after the treatment (the steroid talking).

All in all a great day!

Wayne

Update

Hey Folks,

Just a quick update on what has been going on lately.

Had my last of the 6 scheduled chemo sessions a couple weeks ago and last week had a consultation with my oncologist. We are going to continue chemo treatments of a different sort. Chemo Light I call it. It was my choice to continue with this treatment and it'll be the same schedule, every three weeks starting Friday.

I also have an appointment with an independent doctor in regards to my hip issue. Hopefully it'll settle my claim and end up with a proper diagnosis so I can start feeling better and get on a proper exercise regime.

Once again I'd like to thank all of you for the continued support.

Wayne