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