CAT Scan Journey

Back in July I had breast cancer screening which led to breast cancer diagnostics. Read more about it here.

One lump was found to be benign. Two other lumps were not tested due to their depth and I was told to return in January 2010 for further evaluation. I was pleased of course with the outcome but a little concerned about the two lumps not tested.

I was going to ask my family doctor about it but while she was on holiday her locum called to say that the cancer specialist suggested I get a CAT scan (also called CT Scan ) on my breast so that they could better evaluate the two lumps they were not able to view in the mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. The doctor stressed that this was out of an abundance of caution and that they don't really feel there is anything to be concerned about. They simply want to make extra sure.

I am pleased to report that I had the CAT scan was scheduled in record time and completed last Friday at the small hospital shown in the snap shot above. The procedure took a little longer than I anticipated and I was told by the doctor there that their instructions were to examine the lymph node area of the left armpit only. I am thinking there was a miscommunication somewhere, but am glad to at least get one more lump observation out of the way. I should have the results in about a week or so.

As I left the hospital and took these snap shots, I was encouraged to see the cross on the hospital exterior. Somehow it gave me comfort and I felt that God was looking down on me. His Son Jesus died on the cross that I might LIVE and have life more abundant. That is such an awesome love I can never repay.

Update: August 11, 2009 ~I have great news. My test results were back so fast. My family doctor called me and left a message saying that there is nothing to worry about with the lymph node. There is no cancer. I am over the moon!

Is this a Magnolia Tree?

Hi friends, since I read about Mr. Magnolia on a blogger friend's post (click here) I've been wondering if these snap shots I took last Spring are of a Magnolia tree. Can anyone let me know?

If you like these snap shots you might also like my very first blog post, "The Beauty of Nature" (click here).

You Are So Valuable

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Matthew 10: 29-31

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12: 6-7

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:32

Eileen Miller sings "His Eye is on the Sparrow"

Mombasa Sunset

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

Genesis 1:14

I stayed right on the beach in Mombasa. Though the weather was very hot there, the hotel air conditioning worked very well and it was cool to sit out on the beach with the gentle breezes.

I love sunsets everywhere and Mombasa was no exception! The sunset views on the beach were fantastic!

One Corner of Main Street

Main Street in Vancouver is an interesting street.

It is the dividing line between west and east parts of the city proper. It is also home to Chinatown, Punjabi Market, the city's antique row, the train and bus station, a fast track to the international airport and to drive north on the highway, a route into the downtown east side & to one of the country's poorest neighbourhoods.

I love walking down Main Street as it has some of the broadest side walks in the city and the neighbourhoods are gaining more and more foot traffic as the entire area becomes a newly developed part of town for new families and upwardly mobile professionals.

Here is what I found at one corner of Main Street today. The corner of 11th Avenue and Main.

You can see that this Chinese take out restaurant is soon to be redeveloped into retail and residential units.

My guess is that this very popular boutique for trendy women will also be affected by the redevelopment that is to occur at this corner.

The building below is one I often stop and admire. It has some dedicated residents who have put in their own stained glass windows on the top floor. I think they might also be the ones responsible for hanging cds from their roof tops. I thought it made a cool photo as these cds weren't on display the last time I walked this neighbourhood.

I will share more of this vibrant street in the days to come. For now I hope you enjoy these snap shots!

Shades of Red & Pink

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:17

I took these pictures in my garden last night. My first night in my own home since two days after Mother's Day. It is a great gift to be home and it will be even better when I can get everything out of boxes and onto shelves and into drawers.

It is going to take me awhile so thank God the weather has cooled down a bit as we don't have air conditioning. That is one thing I will miss from my hotel. Air conditioning and the beautiful ocean view. At home, I do have a beautiful mountain view. God is good and gives us good gifts. He never changes. Gotta love Him!

Harvest is Nearing

My beets are still small; about 1 inch or so in diameter.

The corn is doing well. I think the squirrels will like these.

I LOVE celery. They are great for soups and stock.

I will try this kale in my juicer soon! Should be nutritious.

My Hungarian yellow peppers. Not quite sure how to use these but will look on line for some recipes.

My sweet cherry red peppers. These are cute.

My cherry tomatoes are ripening as well though I have more green ones than red ones. They should be ready for salad soon.

I'll be Gone

Hi everyone,

It is moving day today. At last I move from the hotel where I have been for 10 weeks and move back to my condo. It is also travel day as I will go for the long weekend to visit family. Consequently, I won't be adding any new posts while I am away.

Have fun and stay cool!

Elizabeth is Very Sick

This is a report from my friend Pastor Jonah about a mutual friend, Elizabeth in his village.

She is sick, frail,her leg is not strong anymore, she is not eating enough, and she is in pain. These words describe Elizabeth, our mother who is just about 64 years old. Elizabeth has 9 kids to her name, 6 boys and 3 girls.

I felt so bad today, though I was supposed to encourage her, I was feeling low. Pray for me and her son, Thomas, who loves her so much. We try what we can to make her feel that life is worth living again.

Elizabeth has stage 3 cervical cancer and cancer management in Africa is still a new concept. We have been trying to read books to understand what cervical cancer is all about but it is hard.

We were moved from one hospital to a government one. I guess the nurses & doctors had pity on our meagre finances and Elizabeth has now been admitted in the ward. Pray for her.

Thanks Joyful servant for $100 towards her medical bill. God Bless

Walking to the next hospital. She is in pain.

Sent to the next hospital. (Elizabeth is in the middle).

Elizabeth supporting herself against the tree. Thomas on left.

(From me) You may ask, what is joyful about this post as I say that this is a blog about simple things which bring me joy? It is indeed difficult to find joy in such a circumstance. In this case, I am joyful that I have friends who will pray for Elizabeth. I am joyful that Elizabeth has now been admitted to the hospital where she will be attended and she will have more peace of mind that someone can help her with pain management. I am joyful that Thomas, her son, loves and cares for his mother so much and I am joyful that Pastor Jonah is there to support them in trying to get help.

Please pray for all of these dear ones. Thank you so much. Joyful

United Kingdom Puts on a Great Show

Here is what the CBC News had to say about the weather on Wednesday, July 29, 2009.

"Wednesday was the hottest day ever recorded in Vancouver, according to CBC meteorologist Claire Martin. At 5 p.m. PT, Environment Canada recorded a record-breaking high of 33.8 C, breaking the previous record of 33.3 C set in 1960. Martin said anyone hoping the heat wave blanketing B.C. will be breaking anytime soon might just have to find some other way to chill out. "It's a very stable weather pattern — and very pronounced. It's not moving anywhere fast," Martin said Wednesday. Temperatures have been soaring across the province all week, hitting the low 40s (in degrees Celsius) in hot spots such as Lytton in the Fraser Canyon, setting records and driving thousands to lakes, pools, and beaches."

Even with the record heat, people turned up in droves for the 3rd night of the annual Celebration of Lights. The competing country was the United Kingdom. I don't think it is accurate to call it a country as it is more than one country but I think you'll know what I mean * smile.

Tonight at last, I did leave the air conditioned comfort of my hotel room for the closer view of the fireworks afforded by walking down to the beach. I found a spot that wasn't overly crowded, but boy was it steaming out there. On the way back, I stopped at the corner convenience store to purchase a few cold beverages and immediately took a cool shower after getting in.

Now that I somewhat cooled I can leave these lovely photos for your viewing pleasure.


Here is a short video taken on my old Canon SD300 camera. It will give you a good idea of the sights, sounds and fireworks. I have several more and when I have a bit more time I will splice them together.

UNITED KINGDOM PUTS ON A GREAT SHOW!

South Africa Wows Vancouver

I posted about the first of 4 nights of the Annual Celebration of Lights here in Vancouver. You can read about it here

On Saturday we had the second of four nights of competition. South Africa was on the roster to show their pyrotechnic skills and it was worth the wait! I never got out to the beach to jostle with the thousands and thousands who did. It started pouring rain in the late afternoon and I wasn't even sure whether the fireworks display would go on. The show did indeed go on though it was slightly delayed.

Look at the spectacular sunset we had during the rain and just before night closed the sky to get ready for amazing fireworks.

I discovered a few nights ago that my old Canon SD300 isn't fast enough to take good night shots, especially with moving subjects. These are a few of the better shots I was able to salvage.

I also made my first little video with clips from the Canon's movie feature. I wanted to upload it last night after the fireworks display but the lightening storms seems to have knocked out my internet service for about 24 hours. I've learned that I need a faster shutter speed )and/or a camcorder if I want to get good night movies. I couldn't get the shots I wanted and it was tiring to hold the compact camera up for extended periods. Nonetheless I enjoyed my first foray into splicing these movie clips together. Hopefully, I'll improve with practise.

Celebration of Lights

July 25, 2009

South African Team shines in their pyrotechnic skills