tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264328922024-03-14T04:02:13.934-04:00Meerkat's HopeChronic Lyme Disease; sharing thoughts, hobbies, photography and random ideas. I've made it my job to educate people about Lyme, not to create paranoia, but to give information needed to protect themselves and loved ones. /
(*Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease and one of the fastest-growing infectious diseases in Canada and the USA. More people in North America contract Lyme disease than AIDS, West Nile and Avian flu combined.)MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-45924012663501903862016-05-12T16:33:00.000-04:002016-05-12T16:34:08.955-04:00<strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 24px;">Lyme Disease Conference Update</strong><br />
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<em>May 11, 2016</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As posted by <a href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/" target="_blank">Elizabeth May</a>, who brought the Private Members Bill about Lyme Disease (Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, leader of the Green Party). <a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2014/12/senate-unanimously-passes-federal.html" target="_blank">See blog post about Bill C-442</a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">As many of you know, the Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Conference will take place in Ottawa starting o<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_261404761" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">n Sunday, May </span></span>15. Patient representatives and stakeholders will be speaking at the public foru<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_261404762" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">m Sund</span></span>ay evening. Members of the public can also register to attend the conference, including the public forum, however the speaking slots for th<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_261404763" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">e Sund</span></span>ay night are now full.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">You can also listen to the conference online if you are unable to attend in person. If you select this option on the registration form, details will be sent to you about conferencing in.</span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">The government has now opened up <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u%3D102906%26qid%3D18641871&source=gmail&ust=1463171043535000&usg=AFQjCNEoEa-Q5e-IbdvCUtdR4yo8qAVp_Q" href="http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=102906&qid=18641871" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">registration</a> so that an unlimited number of people can listen in to the conference online.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">The <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u%3D102907%26qid%3D18641871&source=gmail&ust=1463171043535000&usg=AFQjCNGM6tVuTURFYzWhNnev8F0-mo8u7Q" href="http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=102907&qid=18641871" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">conference agenda</a> has also been posted. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u%3D102907%26qid%3D18641871&source=gmail&ust=1463171043535000&usg=AFQjCNGM6tVuTURFYzWhNnev8F0-mo8u7Q" href="http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=102907&qid=18641871" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">You can read it here.</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Once again, the details are as follows:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><strong>Event:</strong> Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Conference</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Where: </span></span></strong><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Government Conference Centre, 111 Sussex Drive, Ottawa</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">When: </span></span></strong><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">May 15-17 -- public forum will be hel<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_261404765" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">d May </span></span>15 fro<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_261404766" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">m 7:00-9:30 </span></span>PM</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><strong>Register: </strong><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u%3D102906%26qid%3D18641871&source=gmail&ust=1463171043535000&usg=AFQjCNEoEa-Q5e-IbdvCUtdR4yo8qAVp_Q" href="http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=102906&qid=18641871" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Complete this form</a> and email it to </span></span><a href="mailto:LymeDiseaseConference-ConferenceMaladieLyme@phac-aspc.gc.ca" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">LymeDiseaseConference-<wbr></wbr>ConferenceMaladieLyme@phac-<wbr></wbr>aspc.gc.ca</span></span></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Agenda: </span></span></strong><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u%3D102908%26qid%3D18641871&source=gmail&ust=1463171043535000&usg=AFQjCNHzbRJFcQzdtzG61wp_56gaAucCjA" href="http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=102908&qid=18641871" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">PDF available here</span></span></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Website: </span></span></strong><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u%3D102909%26qid%3D18641871&source=gmail&ust=1463171043535000&usg=AFQjCNEvtyWfteWhx32i__5j0BFrtatOsw" href="http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=102909&qid=18641871" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">canada.ca/lymedisease</span></span></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Contact: </span></span></strong><a href="mailto:LymeDiseaseConference-ConferenceMaladieLyme@phac-aspc.gc.ca" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">LymeDiseaseConference-<wbr></wbr>ConferenceMaladieLyme@phac-<wbr></wbr>aspc.gc.ca</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">For more information about the conference, you can visit <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u%3D102910%26qid%3D18641871&source=gmail&ust=1463171043535000&usg=AFQjCNG-USU_e4yR9tNy8qNcNKuXsJi0nw" href="http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=102910&qid=18641871" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><strong>canada.ca/lymedisease</strong></a>. To register to participate in the conference and public forum, you can <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u%3D102906%26qid%3D18641871&source=gmail&ust=1463171043536000&usg=AFQjCNGwSjuCyjXO9X67hIMjnOR36aBMpw" href="http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=102906&qid=18641871" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">fill out this form</a> and email the completed form to the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u%3D102911%26qid%3D18641871&source=gmail&ust=1463171043536000&usg=AFQjCNGsd8koZzsIFPo7JcaSy9k8qCOLkQ" href="http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=102911&qid=18641871" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Conference Secretariat</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">If you have any questions about the Lyme Disease Conference, you can also <strong><a href="mailto:LymeDiseaseConference-ConferenceMaladieLyme@phac-aspc.gc.ca" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">contact the organizers by e-mail</a></strong>.</span></span></div>
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MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-89592848874189170112016-04-27T22:15:00.001-04:002016-04-27T22:15:38.024-04:00Lyme Conference in May, Ottawa<br />
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After many discussions and delays, the conference that is required under federal Bill C-442 will take place May 16th and 17th in Ottawa (a Monday/Tuesday). We would like to have a public forum evening, preferably on Sunday May 15th, but the details will be decided by the planning committee for the conference. </div>
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The conference is open to the public and medical professionals, and will be live-streamed online. More information can be found <a href="http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/diseases-conditions-maladies-affections/disease-maladie/lyme/federal-framework-conference-cadre-federal/index-eng.php" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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If you wish to attend any sessions in person, you would have to register by completing <a href="http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/diseases-conditions-maladies-affections/disease-maladie/lyme/federal-framework-conference-cadre-federal/alt/registration-enregistrement-eng.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this form</a>. </div>
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We need more people to register online for the Webinar of the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_641456000" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">May 15 to 17</span></span> conference EVEN IF YOU DO NOT INTEND TO WATCH PLEASE REGISTER </div>
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The numbers are low so far and we need to show them there is a lot of interest !! </div>
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Have your family and friends register as well !! Once they have registered they are more likely to watch. </div>
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<b>WHAT IS BILL C-442?</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Bill C-442 is an Act to Create a National Lyme Disease Strategy. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">R</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">ead more on </span><a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2014/12/senate-unanimously-passes-federal.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">this blog post,</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> please. </span></div>
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MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-51229077729234419922016-04-20T20:31:00.001-04:002016-04-20T20:31:56.710-04:00Long overdue updateWhere did the days go? A common lament these days, it would seem. I've been meaning to update - but something always happened to eat the time available.<br />
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All in all, good news all around.<br />
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<b>THYROID CANCER</b><br />
Arno had his Radioactive Iodine treatment in December. He was kept completely isolated in a room for two days and the third day his readings showed that his body did a good job and he could come home.<br />
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During his checkup in February we were told that the only absorption of the RAI was around the throat area. That means he is cancer-free and that nothing has spread elsewhere in his body. He has to have another scan and checkup in a few weeks.<br />
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His meds seem to be balanced enough and he hasn't complained of anything, but we have to keep watching it. Since he has no thyroid, he has to use medication to replace those hormones.<br />
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<b>BRAIN TUMOUR</b><br />
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I saw the brain surgeon on April 18, after an MRI on April 9. He is quite happy with the healing. The picture on the right was taken with the cell phone off his screen, so not very clear,<br />
<br />
About driving - that has to be seen! Need to make an appointment with the neurologist who saw me in the hospital and he has to complete the forms to apply for reinstatement of the licence. Then the MTO will take up to 30 days to review the file and decide if I'm to be allowed to drive again. On June 14, it will be a year and after that it will be much harder to try and get the licence back.<br />
<br />
<b>LYME DISEASE</b><br />
In February we went to see Dr. McShane again. She concluded that my Lyme, Babesia and Bartonalla are all still active and on the go. But I didn't want to go the antibiotics road again and am using some alternative ideas, with the urging of a specialist, the support of another specialist and the knowledge of my family doctor.<br />
<br />
<b>OTHER STUFF</b><br />
Some fun events have happened in the mean time!<br />
<br />
One joyful occasion was to be part of the cast of a Murder Mystery production. The title: Sam's Last Safari. Poor Sam, the winner of a lottery after a spell by a witch doctor, took an entourage back to Africa. His aim was to bring back a pet lion ... but he ended up being eaten by one!<br />
<br />
Much hilarity ensued and the cast had a ball.<br />
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There were some travels, wine tasting as usual in the Niagara region with a group of good friends, and lots of work being done. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alf Clausen</td></tr>
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In December, we celebrated the 100th birthday of my good friend Carolyn's father. Same day as Frank Sinatra, nogal! What a party. Family came from near and far, even from overseas, to celebrate the auspicious occasion. Of course there were congratulations from Queen Elizabeth, and various officials, as well as on radio and TV. </div>
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His grandson (40-ish himself) shared a film he made by interviewing granddad. Alf showed his daily exercises, which include weights, cycling while on his back on a yoga mat, and more. He keeps busy by dancing, dining, card and domino games with friends, walking, church, and reading every label of food he eats. What an example he is! </div>
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We also had snow into April - even though our usual snowy month of February had nothing! My poor snowdrops were encased in ice during an ice storm as well. Such brave little blooms! Hopefully, the warmer weather is here to stay now. What would Canadians talk about, if not the weather??</div>
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<br />
Thank you for reading, whatever your reasons might be.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
PRIVATE POST<br />If you have been given the password, you can access this post. It is not for public consumption, being of a rather sensitive nature. <a href="http://marlenemeerkat.blogspot.ca/2016/04/the-bud-and-i.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LINK</a></blockquote>
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MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-90207785271917441162015-10-21T16:11:00.002-04:002015-10-22T20:57:57.103-04:00Good news storiesIt worked!<br />
<br />
Friends, family, acquaintances and strangers - thank you for every letter or email written after the request in the previous blog post, titled "<a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2015/10/lets-write.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Let's Write!</span></a>" I'm way behind with updating this blog and have been sitting on the update for several days. My apologies. Again.<br />
<br />
In short, we needed to ask the powers that be for an extension of the date set for a conference about Bill C-442*.<br />
<br />
Jim Wilson, president of CanLyme, wrote:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Our letter writing action worked. PHAC has agreed with us to send a letter to the new Minister of Health to extend the date of the conference to at least May of 2016. They called me Friday indicating they had been hearing of many letters suggesting an extension of time and that they will support it.<br />
It should now be a simple rubber stamp of approval for the new Minister of Health (or existing one depending upon the outcome of the election) to extend the date.<br />
Thank you everyone for taking the time to write... we can be a powerful group when needed.</blockquote>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">[ * Bill C-442 is the Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Act, which was posted in December 2014. <a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2014/12/senate-unanimously-passes-federal.html" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">See post</a> ]</i><br />
<br />
<b> WHAT A PARTY!</b><br />
<br />
Have you ever felt truly humbled and overwhelmed by the goodness and goodwill of people? I'm not talking about bringing a pot of soup when someone is sick, or flowers when there has been a death in the family. I'm talking about people going out of their way to organize and arrange an outpouring of love, a support that transcends towns and counties, spending their time, energy and money to create a festival of fun for people to get together, to show support as we go through a difficult time.<br />
<br />
Bonnie is a force of nature with a heart of gold. I think she might be able to arrange for snowmen to dance if she wills it hard enough. When she heard of Arno and I both going through surgeries at the same time (me: brain tumour; him: thyroid cancer) as posted on this blog before, she swung into action. And swept many other friends along with her.<br />
<br />
I knew something was being planned and arranged for the end of September, but requested it being low-key, like a potluck with some games and fun somewhere in the open, just outside the city. As the days before and shortly after our respective surgeries went on, I became aware of some whispers and giggles as friends made plans behind my back. I was not about to spoil their fun - they were planning a surprise and why mess it up? I don't even know how many people have been involved with planning and arranging and don't want to offend anyone!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4XTl3KIyJc/VgseFJdIujI/AAAAAAAAuIM/dmduQMvF9cs/s1600/IMG_1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4XTl3KIyJc/VgseFJdIujI/AAAAAAAAuIM/dmduQMvF9cs/s320/IMG_1968.JPG" width="320" /></a>But never in my wildest dreams could I imagine what was being created. When we arrived around 2 pm on that Sunday afternoon, there were tents and tables, chairs and a jumping castle, people milling about playing various games or browsing the used books, someone behind a BBQ to provide food, bowls of chips and snack food, and even a magician. Friends from near and far came over to smile and hug and enjoy our shocked faces. Those who couldn't attend, sent cards and gifts and good wishes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpEdeuXz28U/Vgsd88EXO6I/AAAAAAAAuHM/9vBZskErfow/s1600/IMG_1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpEdeuXz28U/Vgsd88EXO6I/AAAAAAAAuHM/9vBZskErfow/s320/IMG_1951.JPG" width="285" /></a>There was a corn roast with corn and kettle to cook them in, donated by Gord. When I thanked him for it, he simply said, "You are my friend. I do things for my friends." And that was that.<br />
<br />
<br />
Various groups of friends from different walks of life could meet and mingle and in some cases even say, "Hey! I know you from such-and-such, how do you know them then?"<br />
<br />
I tried to take pictures and talk to everyone, but think I wandered around in shock for most of the day.<br />
Below is a collage of only some of the pictures and people. (Click to view bigger)<br />
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<br />
Oh but wait, there is another good news story! It could have been a tragedy, but it turned out to be an amazing tale to tell - and added to my belief that there is no such thing as coincidence.<br />
<br />
Friend Anne B and her husband Trev are long-time friends. We even shared a hotel room together way back in 2000, in San Diego. The three of us. But that's another story.<br />
<br />
Trev and Anne were some of the first arrivals at the Fun Fest. She made sure to wear a bright green top in support of Lyme disease. When I looked around for her after I gathered about some of my wits, she was nowhere to be found. And then the story came out.<br />
<br />
Trev was chatting with Ralph. Suddenly, one of the annoying yellow bees (wasps / yellow jackets) stung him on his hand. Within minutes, he started swelling. And we were at least twenty minutes from any of the four nearest hospitals. Ralph called for his wife, Anne K, to bring her <a href="http://epipen.ca/" target="_blank">EpiPen</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">®</span>. It was administered and Anne B took off to a hospital with Trev.<br />
<br />
By the time I heard of the story, since friends were hiding it not to spoil our fun, they were at the hospital and Trev was getting treatment. He was put on IV and given another shot. The doctor said it was "a very close call". The EpiPen<span style="font-size: x-small;">®</span> gave him time to get to the hospital and for more treatment.<br />
<br />
Here comes the amazing part. Anne K usually only takes one of her two EpiPens. Trev had never needed one before. That morning, when Anne K was switching purses, she looked at the EpiPens, noticing that one would expire in Nov. 2015 and has never been used. She decided on a whim to take both along that day. Coincidence? No such thing!<br />
<br />
The day ended with a rousing game of horse racing --- involving plastic horses, numbered squares, dice, lots of yelling and much laughter,<br />
<br />
It was a day of great fun.<br />
It was humbling.<br />
It was amazing,<br />
It was healing.<br />
<br />
If I haven't yet thanked you in person, sent an email or made a phone call or sent a card to thank everyone for what they had done to make this an unforgettable day, please forgive me. Know that we are overcome with your kindness and generosity. We can only try to pay it forward.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you.</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5lQCt_5zJU/VifwdeSzFxI/AAAAAAAAuO0/8zc9rHvGBDA/s1600/2014-10-18%2B15.46.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5lQCt_5zJU/VifwdeSzFxI/AAAAAAAAuO0/8zc9rHvGBDA/s320/2014-10-18%2B15.46.07.jpg" width="320" /></a>Dear Life,<br />
Today I'm thankful for friends,<br />
for EpiPens,<br />
for folding chairs and laughter, <br />
for people who are willing to care, <br />
and for the joy of telling stories. <br />
Marlene</blockquote>
<br />
<br />MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-23298963337654089892015-10-09T16:07:00.000-04:002015-10-22T21:00:09.347-04:00Let's write!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm several blog posts behind --- time seems to be hopping out of my hands! My apologies. I'll get to post the story about an amazing party held for us on September 26 <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2015/10/good-news-stories.html" target="_blank">(post added)</a></span>, about a visit to a quaint town in upstate New York and about dipping a toe (literally!) into the waters at the very southern tip of Canada. But first --- an important post and request for help if Canada is to set up a federal framework to deal with Lyme Disease. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8rw9DBXKQsNjnicQR21Lil6Um-vclFTOsek5Q6h8ySBBJnh6AorEIpZOc_zSM06Df4-3h4BVakvDP3LWy9aTihfBxKneXV3Ry-2ZyKeOqZjZ_LSxzFHYaKd5VdbSYBaN5KMTeA/s1600/lyme-treat_guidelines.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8rw9DBXKQsNjnicQR21Lil6Um-vclFTOsek5Q6h8ySBBJnh6AorEIpZOc_zSM06Df4-3h4BVakvDP3LWy9aTihfBxKneXV3Ry-2ZyKeOqZjZ_LSxzFHYaKd5VdbSYBaN5KMTeA/s320/lyme-treat_guidelines.png" width="246" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As per Bill C-442 *, the Lyme Disease Conference is required to be held by December 16, 2015 - but Health Canada hasn't planned for the event. There is no venue, no agenda, no date confirmed, no budget and no invitations to attendees.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Time has run out to stage a professional conference.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>[ * Bill C-442 is the Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Act, which was posted in December 2014. <a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2014/12/senate-unanimously-passes-federal.html" target="_blank">See post</a> ]</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jim Wilson has sent the following information and background:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The bureaucrats responsible for organizing the conference delayed appointing the chairpersons to organize the conference until late July 2015, despite many requests to get things going. Three chairpersons were finally appointed:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jim Wilson, president and founder of CanLyme (</span><a href="http://canlyme.com/about/canlyme-board-of-directors/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">link</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dan Gregson, President of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease of Canada (AMMI) (</span><a href="http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1308872-false-positive-lyme-tests-worry-researcher" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">article plus picture</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dr. Greg Taylor, Chief Public Health Officer for the Public Health Agency of Canada (</span><a href="http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cpho-acsp/index-eng.php" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">link with picture</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">) </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The first meaningful meeting was set in August - but then the election was called for October 19.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once the election was called, the Public Health Agency of Canada claimed that they could no longer talk to the chairpersons until after the election because election rules of Caretaker Convention applied which stipulates that only routine government businesses can be undertaken.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a result the chairpersons have not been able to plan for the conference as required under Bill C-442 and in no way can they effectively execute a professional medical conference in the 7-8 weeks between October 19 and December 16, 2015. Medical conferences typically require many months of planning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Currently there is no budget for this conference, no venue, no date, and no attendees.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They have sought advice from insiders and found that we can ask for an extension to the requirement that the conference be held by Dec. 16th this year - if major stakeholders agree. We want that date extended by at least six months, preferably into May 2016. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Each Lyme patient is an important stakeholder.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please use your own words to get the following message through:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Bill C-442 requires that a medical conference be held by December 16, 2015.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Due to bureaucratic delays in not appointing chairpersons to organize the conference until the election was called, no discussions have been allowed and will not be allowed until after the election due to Caretaker Convention rules. There is no budget, no venue, no date, and no selection of presenters or attendees. In no way can a professional medical conference be structured with stakeholders in the few weeks following the election until Dec 16, 2015.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I am asking for your support in requesting an extension to the time commitment under the legislation for the medical conference to be held, moving that date forward to May 2016.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Only then can a properly structured conference be executed that will meet the good faith intent of the Bill that received unanimous support from all parties. The issues of diagnosis, treatment and surveillance are complex, requiring experts from various fields of science and medicine to provide input.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Looking forward to your reply."</blockquote>
The people to write to are:<br />
<br />
1) Stephen Harper stephen.harper@parl.gc.ca<br />
<br />
2) Justin Trudeau justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca<br />
<br />
And very importantly, to the federal Deputy Minister of Health which can be done at <br />
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/contact/ahc-asc/deputy-sous-eng.php<br />
<br />
If you wish you can also send cc's to your local party candidates.<br />
<br />
================================================================<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you for taking action and for sharing this message with other Lyme patients in Canada! Every person counts. Together we are stronger.<br />
<br /></div>
MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-24211946057627541432015-09-27T09:07:00.000-04:002015-09-27T13:13:17.960-04:00Mundane tales<b>ADVENTURES ON SATURDAY</b><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">Hello, Life,<br />
Today I heard that I'm "just a little old lady with a hole in her head" and need to be taken care of. Courtesy of Theo. Once I stopped laughing, I demanded that they put on a T-shirt for me immediately!<br />
Sincerely, Marlene</blockquote><div>Every day is an adventure if I get to spend it with some of the many people I love.<br />
<br />
Breakfast --- a favourite part of our day! And the kids never say no to the opportunity to share. Last weekend we went to EggSmart again to have breakfast. Doesn't it look great? Our son bought us breakfast. All together now: "AWWWWW!"<br />
<br />
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And notice - Theo has developed curls these last few months! He always had stick straight hair like his mom. He said this week, rather than fight the curls, he has decided to embrace them. I love them!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>WOMEN'S BREAKFAST</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Twice a year, we get together - about fifty of us. (A week later, not the same day as the picture above, in case you are worried about our eating habits.) The food is always amazing. The jokes --- well -- imagine when a group of women get together and start chuckling! Our group at our table had our own fun and jokes, we visited with other friends at other tables and generally enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, catching up with friends and acquaintances. Pam had a hard time getting us to be quiet! Today's speaker was talking about an amazing adventure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CV3hnhzQMEw/Vgc5oxyka_I/AAAAAAAAt6M/OJmBzvoTITU/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CV3hnhzQMEw/Vgc5oxyka_I/AAAAAAAAt6M/OJmBzvoTITU/s200/IMG_1848.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cVc1c65-Bc/VgdbtK9nXpI/AAAAAAAAt7w/jFApTcHPIDk/s1600/Camino_map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cVc1c65-Bc/VgdbtK9nXpI/AAAAAAAAt7w/jFApTcHPIDk/s320/Camino_map.jpg" width="320" /></a>The topic today was about the Camino, walking the almost 800 km (almost 500 miles) from France across northern Spain to the ocean. Barb donned her gear, including backpack and complete with two socks clipped to the back, flapping to dry as she explained the packing, the plans, the needed items, and the sleeping arrangements along the route. We hung on her words, imagined sleeping with perfect strangers in a room, being stepped on by an inebriated man, trudging on day after day despite blisters, sickness, exhaustion and streaming rain. She started with a companion but within days found herself alone on the road. It started out as a hiking trip for her and ended as a deeply spiritual experience. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3BRpKKMeFk/Vgc1VFjaF7I/AAAAAAAAt5k/EED4xPmRTI8/s1600/FarmerMarket_5704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3BRpKKMeFk/Vgc1VFjaF7I/AAAAAAAAt5k/EED4xPmRTI8/s320/FarmerMarket_5704.JPG" width="320" /></a>One of the great pleasures of summer is to stop by the Saturday farmer's market, fill up on fresh fruit and veg, meandering down the middle of Main Street and petting a few dogs along the way. Today was no different. Mid-morning found the four of us strolling down towards our favourite ice cream shop. They are closing this weekend, so we had to go down and get one more helping of the very excellent quality flavours offered!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMbeEDC_Frs/Vgc8GlEzUWI/AAAAAAAAt6g/44n9SK2-nxY/s1600/IMG_1856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMbeEDC_Frs/Vgc8GlEzUWI/AAAAAAAAt6g/44n9SK2-nxY/s200/IMG_1856.JPG" width="131" /></a>Halfway down we stopped for Theo to try some Concord grapes. We all love them - we call them "glippertjies" in Afrikaans, which means that the sweet flesh of the grape easily slips out of the tart skin. Theo wanted to buy the large container but since the end of the market was near, we got a two-for-one. Off we strolled, each couple with a large bag of sweet, black grapes. We wandered down the street, and offered grapes to the few friends we encountered.<br />
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The leaves on the trees are changing, the quality of the sunlight is somehow sweeter, fuller, creating longer shadows which have a little chill when we step into them. Downtown feels alive, the large Jumbotron on the Garden Square pull people to the tables and create a vibrant, metropolitan feel. It is a joy going down there, getting a tea from T by Daniel or soup from the Little Ice Cream shop, and to sit and chat on the square, </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>ICE CREAM</b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXGShQl1FH0/Vgc8Jje2JEI/AAAAAAAAt7A/O9bNc_HCx0o/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXGShQl1FH0/Vgc8Jje2JEI/AAAAAAAAt7A/O9bNc_HCx0o/s200/IMG_1860.JPG" width="150" /></a></div> </div>But our object was to visit our other favourite ice cream shop, where the owner knows us, greets us like family and knows our tastes and likes. He is closing this weekend for the winter, and Arno had to have one more rum-and-raisin cone! I didn't get pictures of all of us, but here is Theo's combination for today. Notice the size of the three scoops of excellent ice cream. He plans his tastes exactly, with a science of starting with one, flowing into the next and ending with a third.<br />
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We sat at the tables and chatted, watching the people stroll around the booths of the Farmer's Market at that end of the street and enjoying the visit.<br />
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<b>SURGERY UPDATES</b><br />
For those who want to know and didn't come here to read about ice cream and grapes!<br />
Arno's stitch came out this week. The wound is more swollen underneath, but there is no infection. We think there is more scar tissue, since the two surgeries were only two months apart. Picture will be below the text, but it really is not gross!<br />
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We now have an appointment with an Endocrinologist who will determine next steps. We don't know if the Radioactive Iodine will be done or not.<br />
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My wound is healing well and thanks to the foam above my bed (<a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2015/09/bubbles.html" target="_blank">see post</a>), I haven't hit my head once! The bubbles seem to be diminishing too. When I pick up something heavy (not allowed, but I forget) there is a clicking inside my head. Maybe the bone settling like a broken arm.<br />
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The friends from around town have cared for us, fed us, brought us treats and more to sustain us. We can't thank them enough. We can't repay them. We can only "bless them and accept it" - quote by Biska. We are doing that, With every morsel we enjoy we feel warm and loved. Thank you.<br />
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<b>FUNFEST</b><br />
We know some friends have been planning a celebration for Sunday, getting together around a corn roast, salads, hotdogs and hamburgers. But we keep hearing little bits and pieces, about food donations, about a silent auction, about a magician and a jumping castle, about friends driving in ... I thought it would be a small potluck get-together for a few friends. Our hearts are full of appreciation as we fight the embarrassment about a fuss and many people working hard to create something special. The weather looks to be great. Watch this space ....<br />
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<b>PICTURES</b><br />
We made and cut out letters to attach to a backdrop to set up at the event today - we have to contribute SOMETHING! Bought a bag full of fun hats, boas, masks and a wig for people to put on and use the backdrop and their own phones or cameras to take fun pictures.<br />
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Arno's wound, just after the stitch came out on Wednesday.<br />
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</div>MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-83256274608342528662015-09-21T23:30:00.000-04:002015-09-21T23:36:17.728-04:00BubblesThese bubbles in my head --- yes. That's right. I'm officially an airhead. All insults welcome.<br />
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Seems that the air trapped inside the skull after the craniotomy will take a while to disperse. I have this dripping or popping inside my head, which started when I was still in ICU. Quite funny, really - sometimes louder than other times, and often it sort of echoes inside my mouth or teeth.<br />
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At first the sound was mostly on top of my head and I could put a finger on the wound site and almost "feel" the sound which happened at the same time inside my mouth. No, not a pulse, I checked! The rhythm is different. This is a whole other animal galloping around.<br />
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Lately it seems the sound had settled in my forehead, just above the right eye. If you tap a forefinger on your forehead, not too gently, you'll more or less hear the same sound. Sometimes it is much louder than other times. I've tried taping the sound - like having Pop Rocks inside my mouth - but nothing recorded. Guess it is all in the mind ....<br />
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Two weeks since surgery, and it is utterly amazing how much healing has happened. Mind you, I do keep bumping my head! It freaks Arno out. I hit it when getting into or out of a car, I hit it on the wall at the top of the bed. You know how a hurt finger or toe keeps getting bumped and in the way? Well, it seems to work with a head too!<br />
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Saturday I gave it a really good whack when settling on the bed to read a bit. The pillow I had ready, somehow moved down and whack! Arno was so upset, he went into our storage space, dug out a foam mattress cover and with some painter's tape in hand, set to making a bed buffer for his whacky wife. He'll probably not be happy about me sharing the picture, but here it is! Double layer foam, stuck to the wall good and proper without damaging it. I said if the tape stays a while, it might pull off the paint. "Then I paint the wall again!" he declared quite adamantly. Good man. Yes, I know.<br />
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The kids are having fun -- I now have two knit hats to add to the collection covering the bald spot, courtesy of Jaco and Chelsea! Sunday morning the pink one made its debut at church. But I had to send a picture to ask if it is the "acceptable level of floppiness" or if adjustments might be needed. I have no sense of style, see? They also brought a handful of socks, some with half a face of a cat or pug on either foot. The pugs went along to the fairgrounds on Sunday, and amused some friends.<br />
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<b>FALL FAIR FUN</b><br />
The annual Fall Fair is over for another year. I love the fair, the smells, the sights, the people and the displays. Only wish we can somehow get more interest and have more people to take part! It is not about winning; it is about putting something in place to look at, to enjoy, to share, and to learn or teach. Did you know you can enter all sorts of crafts and hobbies, including baking, jams and jellies, knitting or crochet, antique items, flowers (both cut and potted), and more? Seriously - it is fun! Gardeners can enter their vegetables, including a class for the oddest shaped vegetable.<br />
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Look at these huge pumpkins, for instance, grown by young men in the community. The stalks top left are sunflowers, and the competition is for the tallest one.<br />
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Every year for the last five years or so, I've had the joy of being close to one of the raptors that were brought to educate and entertain visitors. Arno usually took the pictures. However, this year, he had the chance of holding the Bald Eagle as well. She is much heavier than she looks!<br />
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You can see the steri strips still covering his wound site. The stitch comes out on Wednesday. This time the wound seems more swollen than the previous time. We just hope it will heal as well again! We have the Miracle Oil all ready for application.<br />
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<b>THE PORK ON THE PORCH</b><br />
Today I received a phone call, saying that one of the kind church friends had left a meal for us on the porch. I just happened to be out at that time.<br />
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An hour later I arrive home --- and find no covered dishes waiting to be taken inside. What to do? I already sent a thank you, but what could have happened to the food? Nobody would have taken it from an enclosed porch, surely? And suppose there are dishes to be returned? I would have to check in and brave any discomfort.<br />
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Within two or three text messages flying back and forth, we determine that the delivery was made one street over. Now what? Do I try to find the house owners? Do I go and demand my food back? Do I leave it and hope they will enjoy an unexpected supper?<br />
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Too many questions, and too many options! I'm not so sure I'd eat a meal that suddenly arrives at my doorstep without prior notice! Suppose they toss it out? No, I'm off to find my food!<br />
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Around the block I walk, cell phone firmly clutched in hand, watching the house numbers. Two doors down from the target house, a lady is washing her car and fighting one of the obnoxious bees that seem to be everywhere this summer. We exchange pleasantries, and I wonder if she might watch where I'm going.<br />
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The house appears -- covered porch in sight - and I can see the containers from the sidewalk. All quiet. Nobody home. So I pick up the containers and purposefully stride away, arms full and eyes forward. Did anyone watch? Will I be stopped for stealing someone's food? Maybe if I move quickly enough I can be away before they start questioning what's going on!<br />
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Around the corner -- switch arms -- breathe --- go! Old bod protests against the sudden activity, clearly still trying to pretend to need to rest every so often. But here's our house, and a table. Phew! Breathe, woman, breathe! Hubby chooses that instant to call. I'm giving an admirable impression of heavy breathing on the phone and can hear his concern mount on the other side. "Wait .... (wheeze) .... food ... (hiss) ... key .... (whoosh) ..."<br />
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All's well that ends well, and the kindly prepared meal is where it is supposed to be! Pulled pork and the freshest rolls, cabbage salad and a shepherd's pie to freeze for later. The generosity of people is amazing, and all we can do will be to pay it forward.<br />
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Little does number # Behind-us Street know that for a brief, shining while today they had supper all prepared and ready for them - and just as suddenly, it was snatched away, promptly done out of food!<br />
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Dear Life,<br />
Today I'm thankful for laughter and misunderstandings, for cell phones and text messages, and for the many kind people around me.<br />
Marlene</blockquote>
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MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-39895798265802782492015-09-18T18:16:00.000-04:002015-09-18T20:13:18.976-04:00Staples begoneIt's good, and clean, and fresh, tralala ....<br />
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No, I have no idea why that old jingle from my childhood popped up as I started this blog post. An old washing powder ad that still sticks in my head decades later. Maybe because the staples are out of the wound today? I was so ready to have them gone! The wound looks good, has been inspected by all and sundry (some pictures to follow) and I've got a collection of borrowed hats and scarves to cover up if the need should be.<br />
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Mind you, when I walked into the doctor's office today for the appointment. I stood in line and then looked over my shoulder to see if friend and driver Sue had sat down yet. My eye caught the face of a young woman, with her eyes absolutely glued to my head. (I did have a hat, but it was in my hand and not on my head ... didn't think anyone would notice.) Her face was like a cartoon image. With bugging eyes, mouth slightly open and sort of skew, head tilted, unblinking gaze. What was she thinking when she saw the staples? Why did she even notice as I blew by her? Did the light catch the metal? Did she just see Friday the 13th? Is she afraid of Zombies??<br />
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It was all I could do to twist back forward and not to dissolve in laughter or go over to her to pat her on the head only to have her run screaming the other way!<br />
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So here's a quick collage, showing the special staple remover, the staples (28) out and the wound immediately after. Biggest view is the staple extractor, all clean and sterile so Marilyn doesn't have to be too freaked out!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ten days after surgery</td></tr>
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Next stop: Off we went, hunting for animal print socks I "needed" today to complete the look. The previous days were pink, with the pirate's hat from Jan. Bought some funky large earrings to go with it. </div>
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Yesterday was green, and green socks (I love socks) to add. But today just wouldn't work, so we had to go hunting around a bit. Found some funky pink animal print socks. And a pink-ish animal print neck warmer of sorts I concocted on top of the head. </div>
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Five of us were going out for lunch. Anne wanted to see the wound. So she stood up to unravel the hat thingy. Don't believe her face, it wasn't that bad, I promise!</div>
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Marilyn doesn't like having her picture taken, but we had a good old visit around the table. Great to catch up with friends, good food and laughter. Sue found me gourmet jelly beans --- yes the same ones I spilled all over the bleachers at the softball game! Eveyone had a taste. Today, I mean. Not the ones on the bleachers. The lovely scarf with cats on it is so soft and lovely, and one can never have too many Timmies cards .... Oh yes, and check out these gloves Anne gave me. With more "animal fur" added. She says so I can text in winter. LOL </div>
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Right, the socks. Forgot to show you those.<br />
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<b>UPDATE: ARNO's SURGERY + Fall Fair</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EU9JV6aD_xw/VfyJ3xePmXI/AAAAAAAAt3c/-0M9bK8uHjw/s1600/Screen%2BCaptures1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EU9JV6aD_xw/VfyJ3xePmXI/AAAAAAAAt3c/-0M9bK8uHjw/s320/Screen%2BCaptures1.jpg" width="320" /></a>As reported in the previous post about the surgery on Sept. 16, all went well. Arno was kept overnight to check his levels. Thursday morning our younger son picked me up and took me to hospital, where I sat with my feet on his bed as he stayed in bed ..... and on the phone ... and on the laptop .... working. Yes. I have proof!<br />
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Trying to give the pink a rest, I concocted a green scarf around my head (no flair, unlike my friend Carolyn who always looks lovely in scarves), added a green-print top, green socks and the silver earrings. So that was Thursday -- picture -- and then with hubby in his hospital bed, clearly on the phone, and me wearing the same green scarf. See? He was working, 24 hours after surgery. And yes, I look a bit flat and wilted, I know. Previous day was a bit long!<br />
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Around noon, Carolyn picked me up from the hospital and we went off to the Fairgrounds. It was opening day, judging day, and we are involved with the Photography section. I've been convenor for several years (thanks, Pam!) and this year didn't think I'd get to the busiest day with all the surgeries happening. People bring entries the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, then we have potluck with the judges and the big judging of all entries happen during the Thursday afternoon. The fair opens Thursday at 5 pm and runs until Sunday afternoon.<br />
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Thank goodness for an excellent team! Our judge was quick and decisive, the walls were covered in pictures and ribbons quickly and we had done our duty for another year. The entries are down, though --- no idea how to get more people to enter their pictures. Next year's theme will be "Apple Blossoms and Honey Bees" - maybe that will create more buzz!!<br />
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Around 3 pm, Arno was discharged after the surgeon stopped by to see what he looked like. Friend Bill picked him up, drove to the pharmacy for prescription and then dropped him at home. I was just deposited at home as well, and both of us zonked out for maybe half an hour or so.<br />
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We felt a heap better after that, believe me! But it was not the end of an utterly awesome day. The doorbell went -- and Sheila breezed in with arms full of tin foil pans and delicious aromas following her. She brought a full meal of pork tenderloin, cabbage rolls, green beans, fresh croissants, a pecan pie (thanks to Donna!). How wonderful. This is a first time ever for us -- but when we needed to eat last night, we dished up, toasted our blessings -- and had a meal together in peaceful quiet.<br />
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THANK YOU. Everyone. Thank you for looking after us. Thank you for caring and sharing your love.<br />
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<br />MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-10539966375250986452015-09-16T08:07:00.000-04:002015-09-16T18:51:13.808-04:00Another surgeryHere we are again - Feels like almost old hat by now!<br />
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Friend Joe picked us up around 6:30 am to bring to hospital for Arno's second surgery. The full thyroid and para-thyroid will be removed today, exactly 2 months after the left side was removed.<br />
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Gentle pink clouds on the horizon as the sun rose to greet us.<br />
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Thank you for all the messages, phone calls, care and concern coming our way!<br />
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<i>8:00 am our time</i><br />
Things went very quickly this time!<br />
Processed, IV in, blood work done, paperwork checked. Arno is now sitting in a chair, waiting for the anaesthetist, operating nurse and surgeon to come by. If all goes well and according to schedule, he should be wheeled in around 9 am. Surgery to take about 90 minutes. I'll be waiting in the area and update when there is news.<br />
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<i>Update: 9 am our time (plus 6 hours in South Africa) </i><br />
I'm impressed! Right on time at 9am all three mentioned above came by to talk, check and take Arno to the theatre. Surgery should last about 90 minutes. I'm having a coffee and hash brown while waiting. The surgeon will come find me in the waiting room after surgery to update.<br />
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<i>Update: 11:00 am </i><br />
No real update yet, since I'm still waiting for the surgeon to come out. Two hours now, but I know<br />
people are checking in. Arno's blood pressure was again quite high before the start of surgery and he had a bad headache. Last time they also had trouble with the blood pressure. I'm sure that's all the delay is right now.<br />
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<i>Update: 11:40 am</i><br />
Just spoke to the surgeon. He said everything went well. He didn't see anything that looked like obvious cancer in the thyroid that was being removed today. They tried to save the para-thyroid so the calcium levels can be better controlled. Arno will stay the night and might go home late tomorrow if all goes well, or possibly Friday.<br />
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We have to go in to see the surgeon next week to get the stitch removed and the wound checked. At that time.,we'll also get a referral to see an Endocrinologist to determine next steps.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
(<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #006621; font-family: Roboto-Regular, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; white-space: nowrap;">www.hormone.org/contact-a-health-professional/endorcrinology</span><span class="st" data-hveid="60" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #222222; font-family: Roboto-Regular, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="color: #444444; font-weight: bold;">Endocrinology</span> is the study of medicine that relates to the endocrine system, which is the system that controls hormones. An <span style="color: #444444; font-weight: bold;">endocrinologist</span> will deal with diseases that are caused by problems with hormones.)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto-Regular, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><i>11:50 am</i> - Arno is now in recovery and might stay another hour before being moved to a room on the sixth floor. </span></span>Depending on his recovery time and being awake, the next update might take an hour or two.<br />
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<i><img src="webkit-fake-url://a2ac1300-0398-4c1e-952e-a555465d96a4/imagejpeg" />Update: 1:33 pm (7:33 pm in RSA) </i><br />
Arno is in his room, is talking and walking a bit. He is still only on clear fluids at this point. He is alone in an isolation room just because there are no other rooms available.<br />
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Fresh out of surgery</div>
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For those concerned about me: all good, thanks! Friend Sue is here and I'm under strict orders that she is in charge. I have no say .... 😀<br />
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Oh, the surgeon was quite taken aback when I asked for a spare nurse to take out my staples. Sort of a family deal. He then grinned and shook his head. Poor guy!<br />
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UPDATE FOR THOSE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD<br />
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Theo stopped by the house to pick up Arno's laptop, since that can be switched onto the network and he can watch movies if he's awake during the night.<br />
Updated pictures were sent so people can see the improvement a few hours, some rest and pain meds made. The human body is amazing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small, tidy wound and thin draining tube</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J24Mx6ymhjE/Vfnv6igAd6I/AAAAAAAAt0Y/9WPW1LjPrGU/s1600/IMG_5580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J24Mx6ymhjE/Vfnv6igAd6I/AAAAAAAAt0Y/9WPW1LjPrGU/s320/IMG_5580.JPG" width="180" /></a>Doesn't he look a little brighter already?<br />
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Here's a bit showing the room, with the window looking out over the city to the right. He only has an IV going, and some oxygen to help, but the heart monitor will only be put on during the night. As soon as they are happy with his fluid intake, the IV will be removed too.<br />
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Below is a picture of the liquid meal the man had tonight. He felt he needed to share to get some sympathy ... Broth, milk, juice, tea and sorbet.<br />
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Hopefully in a few hours the nurse would allow him to enjoy some of the snack foods packed in his overnight bag.<br />
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All in all, a good day, although a tiring one!<br />
Thanks again for all the help and support on many levels<br />
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~~~ This ends tonight's transmission ..... Field Guide end, September 16, 2015. ~~~ </span></span></div>
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MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-11727309645915021132015-09-14T10:39:00.000-04:002015-09-14T14:21:58.176-04:00Gratitude<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Dear Life,<br />
Today I'm grateful for sunshine, friendship, casseroles, caring people with warm hearts and prayers reaching out across the globe.<br />
Marlene</blockquote>
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On Saturday morning we went off to the Fairgrounds to help set up for the Fall Fair which is starting this coming week. I was ordered to sit and be quiet. Hmf! But it was nice to see all my friends. Working the Fall Fair is like meeting family.<br />
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Hubby was doing the heavy lifting and sorting, I wiped down plastic and drank coffee. Oh and showed those who wanted to see, the staples in my head. Always something to do, right?<br />
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Sunday we ventured out to Church - me wearing the <a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2015/09/what-hat.html" target="_blank">pink pirate's hat</a> from Jan (see post) and large earrings to complete the look. Really don't want people to get sick when they see my head at this stage, although it is a very neat and tidy wound. The support and outpouring of love made us feel humbled and overwhelmed.<br />
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We are embarrassed but Rev. Lloyd sat us down in hospital last week and told us to allow people to help, to reach out, and to embrace us. Thank you, everyone, for every greeting, every smile, every casserole or loaf promised, for driving and looking after us during this time. We sincerely appreciate every gesture and email.<br />
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<b>PICTURE FUN - The twins</b><br />
Joe is my champion, my brother, my twin, my friend. Picture below was taken at church the Sunday before my surgery on Tuesday -- we didn't know how bald I'd be after surgery and we needed to have a record! Front view with wide smiles, as you can see. Below that is the one from yesterday ...<br />
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Back views of our heads a week later. Who looks best? Yes, I know no warning on the staples this time, but it is clean and no blood and only the partial wound! Staples will be taken out on Friday, ten days after surgery. There is very little pain and I've only taken ordinary Tylenols two or three times a day since surgery. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">(Full wound taken on surgery day is on this post if you are curious. <a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2015/09/brain-surgery-day_8.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>) </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Today I'm by myself for the first time in days! Friends will pick me up for a coffee date and we'll have fun and laughter in the sunshine for an hour or two before the old bones would have to be rested on bed again. Seems the body will take a while to shake off the effects of the anaesthetic and the surgery, but there is a heap of improvement already, for sure. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Arno is ready for his surgery on Wednesday. I think he just wants to get it over now so that we can carry on with our lives. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">My brother André was finally discharged today after his surgery last Wednesday! I have pictures of his wound, but haven't asked permission to use them. There is still some bleeding and yesterday two blood clots came out but at least he was set free and would be able to sleep in a quiet bed now. He still has to take it easy for a week as the internal wounds heal. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Arno's brother Chris in Australia, who had cataract surgery on Sept. 3, says he can see colours so much clearer now. Although the eye is still a bit scratchy, it feels a lot better to be able than to see through a haze as the other eye still does. That one will be done in a few days. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><b>UPDATED AFTER MEETING WITH FRIENDS</b></span></div>
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What joy to be with friends, to be out in the sunshine, to share coffee, cookies and stories and to know a week ago the surgery was still on the schedule. What amazing lives we live! I am always referred back to the poem often contributed as being written by Walt Whitman, but it was really Angela Morgan. </div>
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[Shared on this blog in 2011: <a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2011/08/such-age-as-this.html" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Such An Age As This</a><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sue picked me up and friend Anne B. met us at Fortinos to share conversation and catch up. We had to pose for a picture, right? Marilyn did the honours this time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anne with her smile and blonde hair, and me with the pink pirate's hat and silver earrings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Marilyn brought a gift of her homemade scones, which are a particular favourite of mine --- only have to have brain surgery to convince her to make me some, hehehe! So we had to go hunt for clotted cream, which has been sold out for months lately. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ran into Sheila and we had to smile for a picture of course!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Such joy to have so many friends, to run into familiar faces, to be happy to see each other and to feel the warmth and care holding us up. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNXoYgdrHOU/VfcBkYfXh_I/AAAAAAAAtyU/ydRBcx4Ycms/s1600/Sheila-pirate_5534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNXoYgdrHOU/VfcBkYfXh_I/AAAAAAAAtyU/ydRBcx4Ycms/s320/Sheila-pirate_5534.JPG" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Sheila</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">GUESS WHAT???</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, for the first time since about May, there was Clotted Cream in Fortino's!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I just had lunch of fresh scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream, added some rooibos tea --- now to rest and enjoy life!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you, Marilyn, for this gift; thank you all my friends for your love. There's more, many more to thank, and you know who you are and what you are busy arranging. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ypzd5HCEpSM/VfcBlOUEyII/AAAAAAAAtyc/FJM5OuO4LNM/s1600/Scones-clottedCream_5535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ypzd5HCEpSM/VfcBlOUEyII/AAAAAAAAtyc/FJM5OuO4LNM/s320/Scones-clottedCream_5535.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Clotted cream</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">....."</span>Due to its high saturated fat content, the regular consumption of clotted cream is usually thought to be bad for health, though some dairy fat in the diet is considered beneficial. ..." </i> </div>
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and I want to believe!! LOL</div>
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clotted_cream</div>
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<span data-dobid="hdw">grat·i·tude</span></div>
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<span class="lr_dct_ph">ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/</span></div>
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<i>noun</i></div>
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the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.</div>
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MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-81023312547341789352015-09-11T11:51:00.000-04:002015-09-11T11:51:05.964-04:00What a hat! To be home in my own bed, with my own pillow, the cats and quiet - what a bonus! And no, Anne, nobody pooped the bed last night --- but the one cat apparently pooped on the porch this morning and made Arno very upset since there was clean cat litter and scooped boxes as always for him! LOL<br />
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For the cat, that is. Not for Hubby. You asked!</div>
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Getting home yesterday afternoon, I was sent straight to bed. Started reading some emails and fell fast asleep. Guess I was more tired than I thought I was and sitting up in the car for the drive home was probably exhausting too. </div>
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Had a good sleep for most of the night, caught up with brother Andre at around 4 am our time this morning and saw his wound as well. He has a longer cut but I have more staples, so there! He has 17 and I have 25 .... He is still on soft food and must take a lot of fluid to help flush out the bladder. He'll probably still be in hospital until Sunday. </div>
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Friend Sue picked me up this morning and we went for breakfast at our favourite little shop nearby. Yes, I was wearing a scarf to stop people from throwing up if they looked at my head! The place was full but we managed to find a table. Before we went out, I chatted with various friends and mentioned to one friend where we'd be, not thinking anything of it. </div>
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Next moment, 3/4 through our breakfast, Sue said, "Here comes a woman with hats ..." </div>
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I thought, no, it can't be, but it was! Jan, my crazy, artistic friend who is a whizz with sewing anything you can dream of, had popped in covered in pink feathers and carrying two hats!</div>
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The tables were all full but she plonked a hat on my head and we had a good laugh with everyone around us! They were all staring and I whipped off the scarf so she could pop down a hat on my bald pate. She said she was going to make me something to wear after surgery, but didn't expect me to be out so soon and clearly took the idea too seriously!<br />
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So what do you think? Sue took pictures with the cell phone.<br />
Pics on the right was when Jan first came in, standing in the middle of the restaurant with the windows behind us. The big one was when the people next to us left and Sue ordered us to pose properly for the camera. As you can tell, we were both very bored with ourselves. LOL<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhzPr_exCQgLrdKdGlaQ_K7X4uIZA0kwoxjQhm8uWQ4mA66mGXegepeq38uJFHnHAkt6i1awCxGdffqI5I4pcaygS0IZWbl50AzfL2qJWZX4k-CbsLcNIpe_f6r2DStzphc-LMg/s1600/Thyroid1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhzPr_exCQgLrdKdGlaQ_K7X4uIZA0kwoxjQhm8uWQ4mA66mGXegepeq38uJFHnHAkt6i1awCxGdffqI5I4pcaygS0IZWbl50AzfL2qJWZX4k-CbsLcNIpe_f6r2DStzphc-LMg/s320/Thyroid1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_582101277"></span><span id="goog_582101278"></span>Jan, you are a gem! She had also bought a pink sort of pirate's style soft fabric hat, you can see over her hand, which was then put on under the hat for the last picture. I guess I'll have to get some bright pink stuff to borrow and wear during the upcoming Fall Fair to go with the funky hat!<br />
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I am so blessed to have all these people in my life --- THANK YOU!<br />
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MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-77033453921900810822015-09-10T21:41:00.000-04:002015-09-10T22:31:32.663-04:00Night at the hospital<span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Posting from home!</span><br />
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Apologies about no blog update yesterday. Didn't think anyone wanted to know anything after the fact of the completed surgery but caught flack from Janie (fortunately not a shoe flung to the head this time from her!) Trying to do a blog post from the iPad is - well - interesting to say the least.<br />
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So here goes. Updating you through the two nights and today spent at hospital. The end of this post will carry a warning so anyone squeamish can avoid scrolling past the "safe" stuff.<br />
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Yesterday (Sept. 9) was interesting after very little sleep during the night following surgery. My alarms and monitors kept going off since stuff attached to all four limbs and blood draining tube coming out back of the head out of the incision.<br />
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I tried sleeping, then playing games on the iPad, doze a bit, chat a bit - technology helped to pass the night, for sure!<br />
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Around 1:00 am during Tuesday night, which is 7 am Wednesday morning in South Africa, I phoned my dad to wish my brother success with his own surgery. Complicated bladder procedure. He was just getting changed so couldn't talk to him but good to set my dad's mind at ease about me so he could concentrate on the next child in surgery!<br />
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The ICU room was fabulous. My night nurse, Catherine, a jewel. Within minutes of coming on duty, she had sorted out my blood collecting container from the wound by pinning it to the front of my surgical gown - it kept slipping off my shoulder and tugging the draining tube inside the wound. Sort of like a mini-suction tube like you have at the dentist. Pinned to the gown, it magically didn't move and pull!<br />
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She didn't want to smile for a picture, though. But gave me a hug when she went off duty the next morning. Truly a sweetheart.<br />
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Catherine helped me brush my teeth in bed, since I couldn't get up yet. Towels and dishes, water and wash cloths were brought. Such a little thing, but makes such a difference I how you feel. In the previous blog post you could see my liquid meal. Catherine went hunting for apple sauce to add to the bounty. She came back with six little packets she had "stolen" from somewhere. Just a little more substantial than lemon jello and cranberry juice! I snacked on those during the night. <br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">7:41 am, Sept 9, 2015 (less than 24 hours after start of surgery):</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b><br />
Surgeon came by to visit, took one look and stood smiling like a proud papa at the foot of the bed. Guess that's a good sign! He also removed the head draining tube which was a huge relief.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxLSuiSzAkU/VfFzmM_3e5I/AAAAAAAAtvw/p-xIih-T6N4/s1600/2015%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxLSuiSzAkU/VfFzmM_3e5I/AAAAAAAAtvw/p-xIih-T6N4/s320/2015%2B-%2B1" width="320" /></a></div>
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Biska wanted to know if the wound was covered or not, so I took a picture. Then Fi reckoned it was <i>covered to protect my brain from zombies! </i>My nurse, Jerry (who used to be a lumberjack in a previous life), told me to go look at YouTube to find <i>how to avoid a Zombie Apocalypse.</i> Such good and supportive friends, dragging new people into the void, right? Lol </div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: start;"><b>8:50 am, Sept 9, 2015 (24 hours after start of surgery): </b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I have COFFEE! and it tastes good, not like the muck served up at Brampton Civic Hospital. If Trillium can serve "real" coffee to patients, why can't Brampton? Same county and all that. </span></div>
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Catheter removed and monitors off. Finger thingy to measure blood oxygen off. Yay! That thing bugged me squeezing my finger all night long. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_c-vVVXRTk/VfIkSp9TH9I/AAAAAAAAtwE/clIXFzW-nak/s1600/2015-09-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_c-vVVXRTk/VfIkSp9TH9I/AAAAAAAAtwE/clIXFzW-nak/s320/2015-09-10.jpg" width="320" /></a>Catheter was removed and Nurse Jerry said I should want to go to the washroom to drain my bladder in about four hours. Nope! My body, as usual, had its own ideas. Less than half an hour later he helped me stand and I went potty all by meself. Twice in one hour. Still swollen enough not to be able to get rings back on. </div>
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Bat comments: <i>I'm astounded! God is awesome!</i></div>
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She reckoned I deserved a sucker. Friend Bev came by with a Fortinos Cranberry-oatmeal cookie as prize. And another Timmies coffee. Hubby had already brought one earlier that morning when he stopped by. </div>
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Green prayer shawl made by friend Sue H. kept me company in bed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4qn-NEGkls/VfIkSo4Qc-I/AAAAAAAAtwE/kdOmxGJEadk/s1600/2015-09-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4qn-NEGkls/VfIkSo4Qc-I/AAAAAAAAtwE/kdOmxGJEadk/s320/2015-09-10.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The DVT pump cuffs from ankle to thigh on each leg</td></tr>
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<b style="color: #3d85c6;">around 7 pm, Sept 9, 2015 (31 hours after end of surgery): </b></div>
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Walked with Arno through the hospital to the Timmies at the Main Entrance to visit with Jaco and Chelsea since my new room had barely enough space for two beds, never mind visitors. By then the wound dressing had come off and I had 25 staples and a very funky new hairdo on display. (Picture will be at the end of this post, so if you don't want to see, don't scroll pass a clear warning I'll insert!) </div>
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Biska: <i>Was your bum hanging out your green gown at least?</i></div>
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Hmf!</div>
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Answer: No! As soon as I was upright during the morning after surgery, I went to wash myself from forehead to tail and dressed in my own pink pjs. Nurse came by to help me wash --- and stood in the door with hands on hips, smiling and frowning at my attire. But she couldn't have been too mad. Called me "sunshine" and came by to visit in the new room. </div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Between 1 am and 3:30 am, morning of Sept. 10:</b></span></div>
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My new roommate was noisy and complaining from the start when I got to the new room at 7 pm.<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-weight: bold;"> </span>Every time my nurse came in to do the paperwork to get me checked into the new ward, roomie would set up a wailing and demand for attention. Nurse would look at me apologetically and go over to her side. That's when hubby and I left the room to leave them to it, visiting with the kids elsewhere. Roomie was waiting for surgery but we couldn't understand why she was kept in a room instead of down in pre-op. </div>
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Finally by 11 pm I had my last meds, put in my foam earplugs and donned eye mask to try and sleep. It worked - for about two hours when nurse shook me awake to give another pill. After that, sleeping was a joke, what with roomie kicking up a fuss as soon as her family walked in the room, setting off her IV alarm with her antics and then not pressing the bell to get the nurse to quiet the thing again. Piercing through the ear plugs. They kept telling her it was a sensitive thing and not to carry on so, but she would have none of that. </div>
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I kicked up Netflix and put in the earbuds to watch Lilo and Stitch and not try to antagonize Morpheus! Then roomie pooped the bed. Poor nurse had to clean up while I could pull my head under the sheet. By 3 am they bumped and moved my bed to get hers out to go to operating theatre. </div>
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Sleep came after that, until once again I woke to bed being pulled and moved around to get her back in the room after surgery. She was on a morphine pump and I could hear the thing going constantly, again with the IV alarm going off every few minutes. </div>
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By 5 am I slept again, only to be shaken awake again at 6 am for a pill and taking of vitals. A really good nap to about 6:45 am was enough to make me feel a little more human again. </div>
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** Rant over ***</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>7 am, Sept. 10 (47 hours after start of surgery):</b></span></div>
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Took my trusty and beloved small Norwex cloth into the teeny tiny bathroom and started wiping some of the hard, dried blood out of the front part of my hair. Amazed at how much came out and how much better I felt after that! </div>
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Breakfast arrived shortly after, and now knowing that the coffee was good, asked if there was maybe an extra cup around meant for a patient who was discharged. Roomie, probably trying to make up for the night, offered hers since she wasn't going to drink it. So I returned the favour by sharing lotion with her for her feet and a bendy straw I had brought from home. </div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>About 9 am, Sept 10:</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rvxrz6n_SS0/VfIkp7L3AaI/AAAAAAAAtwM/83GJqznAoRY/s1600/2015-09-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rvxrz6n_SS0/VfIkp7L3AaI/AAAAAAAAtwM/83GJqznAoRY/s200/2015-09-10.jpg" width="150" /></a>Surgeon stopped in, smiled broadly and said he's "telling other doctors about me" - not sure what, since I was really trying to behave and not be difficult! He said he is leaving it up to Arno and I to decide what to do, going home today or staying until Friday morning. And I finally got him to smile for a picture with me after begging since before surgery! Thanked him for relieving the pressure in my head that felt like a tight helmet for the last few years. My head certainly felt lighter, after son Theo asked me to pay attention to that. </div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Around 11 am, Sept 10:</b></span><br />
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Friend Rouxline came by after merrily driving down to the Lakeshore instead of turning on Queensway. LOL She had a goody bag in hand, but took one smell in my room and we departed to Timmies again to visit and have a steeped tea. Friends Carolyn and Bill called to say they are dropping by and joined us, her with a container of her 99-year old dad's homemade date squares which I love, and a container of more goodies. I thought I was going to go on my blubber during this surgery ... no such luck! </div>
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After Carolyn and Bill walked me back to my room, knowing Arno was on the way, I enjoyed lunch - which was again too much to finish. I had the cauliflower soup, fruit and salad and left the pasta for Arno.<br />
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Told the nurses I'd vacant the bed and go sleep at home for the night. They started the discharge process, I waited for another friend to drop by --- thanks, Alexa! Took only about three years and a brain operation to see you again .... and then we were on the way home.<br />
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Peace and quiet, a nap on my own bed, cats saying hello, rooibos tea and Theo's homemade buttermilk rusks -- life is good!<br />
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From brain surgery to home in about 55 hours - not bad, I'd say. And not at all what was expected. Thought I'd be out of commission for days. Prayer at work. <br />
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MRI to be taken in about 6 weeks and back to the surgeon for checkup after that.<br />
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THANK YOU for all the messages, care, thoughts, prayers, emails, calls and interest from all over! I'm truly humbled and buoyed up by many people.<br />
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Now we concentrate on preparing Arno for his surgery on Sept. 16.<br />
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Oh and brother Andre came through his surgery, originally in a lot of pain, but now under control. He was still on bed rest and liquid diet when I talked to him earlier today. But sounded in good spirits and on the way back to health now that it was all over.<br />
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Thanks for all the thoughts surrounding him too!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #cc0000;">WARNING</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;">Picture of wound with staples showing will follow below. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Stop scrolling now if you don't want to see. I'll post small and those who want to see details, can click to enlarge. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Still scrolling? Okay, here's a "safe" picture of the pink pjs and green prayer shawl. But below that is the staples. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2LI1pWQ7OE/VfIkSjqpoaI/AAAAAAAAtwE/Ytpd0DYCv0Q/s1600/2015-09-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2LI1pWQ7OE/VfIkSjqpoaI/AAAAAAAAtwE/Ytpd0DYCv0Q/s200/2015-09-10.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view with 25 staples and funky hairdo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">The black marks and yellow-green bruises are where the prongs were stuck into the skin to hold the head absolutely still during the drilling and sawing process, as well as the surgery itself. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Staples come out next week, about ten days after surgery. I got a special staple remover! My usual doctor will remove them. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Good night, sweet friends!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-20562432182051100652015-09-08T11:30:00.002-04:002015-09-08T20:34:29.019-04:00UPDATED: Brain Surgery Day <span style="color: #38761d;"><i> Marlene: </i>Writing this post on Monday evening, and setting to go live at 6 am our
time on Tuesday, September 8. At that time, we should be at the
hospital. So no, Valerie, I'm not posting from the operating table! :-)
Technology is!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;">We had a joyful Monday as we got to spend time with both sets of kids.
What a privilege! We had a photo shoot in Gage park, using the
magnificent plants and flowers to play with backgrounds. Below is a
quick collage of just a few shots.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Tripod, remote shutter release, various stops and poses and patient subjects.</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFSZlUp75vRZCViytiFT5BuBJF4yCR530KSdRe4ywbV2IjeeNI954xdNdD9WWtokVM_RdatF6EvdLxEKGVaKZYYdn2GhTJOubEl6VJvexAWRlBeXBODHbQ5zBlUuhQUnQBABD/s1600/2015-Sept-PhotoShoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFSZlUp75vRZCViytiFT5BuBJF4yCR530KSdRe4ywbV2IjeeNI954xdNdD9WWtokVM_RdatF6EvdLxEKGVaKZYYdn2GhTJOubEl6VJvexAWRlBeXBODHbQ5zBlUuhQUnQBABD/s400/2015-Sept-PhotoShoot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_728930091"></span><span id="goog_728930092"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">Afterwards, we stopped at <a href="http://www.tbydaniel.com/" target="_blank">T by Daniel</a> and had the man himself serve us with his usual exuberance!</span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br />
Thank you to so many people for love and care, messages and calls, concern and prayers. We can never thank you enough.</span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br />
Off to bed now --- and Jenni will take over, posting a few times during
the day as she gets updates from Arno. Remember to hit Refresh / reload
if you come back later for updates!</span><br />
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<i>Jenn (11.30am):</i> Marlene and Arno made it to the hospital at 6am and were processed through very quickly by hospital staff. Arno sent this pic at a bit before 8am saying that they had an estimated 3 to 4 hour operation ahead and when I last followed up around 11.15am, it was still a work in progress.<br />
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<i>12:30pm:</i> Marlene is out of surgery. The doctors say that they were successful in removing most of the growth and preliminary analysis shows it to be benign. She will be kept in recover for a couple of hours and then moved to the after-surgery critical care area so that the staff can monitor her.<br />
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<i>1:30pm:</i> Arno sent a couple of pics of Marlene coming to with her head bandaging slightly visible in the second photo (the surgeons shaved a piece off near the top of her head ... very punk rock!). He says she is a bit groggy but is talking and seems to be doing okay.<br />
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<i>5:00pm:</i> Marlene is on her way to the critical care area. As you can see, she's already on the phone and checking in on people.<br />
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<i>6:20pm:</i> Marlene sent me a collage of what she sees from her bed right now with all of the cables and tubes hooked up to her. Says her head is a bit sore but mostly okay, and that her hair feels the weirdest right now! All stiff from the operation. She will be staying in this room until tomorrow afternoon and then should be moved to a shared room at that point. <i>(TW: picture below includes a shot of the bandages, which are a bit bloody)</i><br />
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<i>7:00pm:</i> No coffee, but Marlene gets a liquid dinner (not that kind of liquid dinner...)<br />
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<br />missjenni4http://www.blogger.com/profile/18143528552751635374noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-73119826011284455472015-09-08T06:00:00.000-04:002015-09-08T06:00:01.784-04:00Brain Surgery DayWriting this post on Monday evening, and setting to go live at 6 am our time on Tuesday, September 8. At that time, we should be at the hospital. So no, Valerie, I'm not posting from the operating table! :-) Technology is!<br />
<br />
We had a joyful Monday as we got to spend time with both sets of kids. What a privilege! We had a photo shoot in Gage park, using the magnificent plants and flowers to play with backgrounds. Below is a quick collage of just a few shots.<br />
<br />
Tripod, remote shutter release, various stops and poses and patient subjects.<br />
<br />
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Afterwards, we stopped at <a href="http://www.tbydaniel.com/" target="_blank">T by Daniel</a> and had the man himself serve us with his usual exuberance!<br />
<br />
Thank you to so many people for love and care, messages and calls, concern and prayers. We can never thank you enough.<br />
<br />
Off to bed now --- and Jenni will take over, posting a few times during the day as she gets updates from Arno. Remember to hit Refresh / reload if you come back later for updates!<br />
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MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-49903983667841098832015-09-05T16:27:00.000-04:002015-09-05T21:25:32.884-04:00Broken or not?<br />
Hello, friends,<br />
The previous post was password protected because we needed to get the news to friends and family first. We are facing a rather interesting September.<br />
<br />
Two surgeries are over already! Our little kitten, Chewy, had to be neutered on <b>Sept. 2</b>. All went well and he is none the worse for wear.<br />
<br />
Arno's brother in Australia had to have cataract surgery on <b>Sept. 3</b>. The eye is still a little scratchy, but we have full hope that all will be clear very soon. The second eye will be done later this month.<br />
My brother in South Africa will have complicated surgery on <b>September 9</b>.<br />
<br />
My <b>surgery on Sept. 8</b>, as posted before --- also the day our schools start again after the long summer holidays! We have to make sure we get to the hospital early enough. <br />
[Jenni will post updates during the day to this blog. To see if there is anything new if you come back to the same post, hit F5 on your keyboard, or just refresh / reload your browser.]<br />
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Added to this busy schedule is that Arno needs more surgery, two months after his first surgery. He will be in another hospital 8 days after mine, on <b>Sept. 16</b>. Wonderful friends are driving to take him to the hospital, maybe visit or bring items, since I would be out of commission and can of course not drive yet.<br />
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<b>HISTORY OF THE LUMP</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Sept 2, 2014: I notice the lump on the left side of Arno's neck. </li>
<li>Saw our doctor who ordered an ultrasound. </li>
<li>Ultrasound found a lump of 7 cm on the thyroid, as well as two nodules on the right side. </li>
<li>Try to schedule a biopsy --- finally managed to get one at the <b>end of November 2014</b>. </li>
<li>By the way, we were told several times that a thyroid nodule or lump (quite common) is biopsied when it gets to 2 cm or about 1 inch. </li>
<li>We were told the biopsy was clear, no cancer. So - we had to wait for surgery. </li>
<li>Several months went by and after about five months of no surgery date, we called the doctor's office again. One of the (rather unfriendly) women said it "would take another year". </li>
<li>That was unacceptable, so we made another appointment to see the doctor. </li>
<li>His comment: "Why do I see you in my office and not on my operating table?" When we told him what the women said, he went with us to order them that surgery must happen by August at the latest. </li>
<li>On June 14, I had my collapse and spent four days in hospital. During that time, he got the call that his surgery would be in July. </li>
<li>On July 15, the left side of his thyroid was removed. We had to wait for pathology results. </li>
<li>A month went by --- no results. I was told to keep calling the office, since they might not call us. Five weeks - no results back yet. That was after we were told originally that results would be back as early as ten days after surgery. </li>
<li>Almost six weeks after the surgery, the results were finally back and we arranged to see the surgeon again. I quote: The removed lump was 7.5 cm in size. Of that, 6 cm is cancer.</li>
<li>When the surgeon delivered this verdict, I told him that his biopsy in November came back clear - no cancer. <i>Did he put the needle in the tiny part where there was no cancer? </i></li>
<li>Then surgery was suddenly scheduled to happen immediately, within three weeks. When I said I have brain surgery on Sept. 8, the surgeon let fly a rather strong exclamation. </li>
<li>Is our health system broken? You tell me. </li>
<li><i>Arno will have a full thyroidectomy --- a year after the lump was first noticed. </i></li>
</ul>
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Thank you to everyone who cares, who prays, who sent messages or cards, offered help, driving, cooking, fun and joy! We love you, we appreciate you and we are being held up by you. </div>
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MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-17466789382225259812015-08-13T09:25:00.000-04:002015-08-13T09:48:00.194-04:00Personal Favours<br />
This post is a bit different, and more difficult to start than I thought it would be. It is quite personal. Wow! A personal post on a blog? Imagine that! I must the the first to have ever done that!! (Tongue firmly in cheek.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BMupkmSbCwTCMxu_5dsGOn__23hxx8So6DUsybHKTMhrWakihPlg-TPRwqTY5OInCQiPJ0-XAKnlK1IM8Um7mf1rW_nh7XmjvHuZXS7w7I3WnOAVg79D8aSVtgtvfNVnjeKfyg/s1600/Nate-poster-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BMupkmSbCwTCMxu_5dsGOn__23hxx8So6DUsybHKTMhrWakihPlg-TPRwqTY5OInCQiPJ0-XAKnlK1IM8Um7mf1rW_nh7XmjvHuZXS7w7I3WnOAVg79D8aSVtgtvfNVnjeKfyg/s320/Nate-poster-4.jpg" width="204" /></a>A dear friend of mine, and known also to many Africammers who might read this blog, has a very special grandson. Young Nate didn't grow properly, and although his shining brown eyes follow the action of his older brother and friends while they play, he is too fragile to run and join in. He frequently gets sick. Tests found that he suffers from a rare genetic disease, called <b>Fanconi Anemia</b>. FA is an inherited disease that can lead to bone marrow failure and cancer. It is so rare that only about a dozen families in Canada are affected.<br />
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He would need a bone marrow transplant, but nobody in his family is a match. The transplant will not cure FA, but will give Nate a chance at a more normal life. The family is reaching out to ask people to register to be swabbed for a possible match. You could be the OneMatch that saves someones life. Perhaps you are not a match for Nate, but maybe you might be for someone else who is also looking for a donor.<br />
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<b>Living too far away?</b> You don't have to physically go to the clinic to be swabbed; you could also register online to have a kit sent to your home.<br />
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Please see the poster with Nate's picture (click to enlarge) for the clinic hours and address.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzwRYsYFqZ9-0hvfCtSj26cFiZs4zivu3ocCPBmLaL2I2LhVwxcXWOpEcPakD59R3p5eIOvdO48UrWDeH3aADZkQKk9laDQAY8vsimz7xvUg2JfBYRU4gDSBWDvpqwXSDWITkhg/s1600/TeddyBear-stories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzwRYsYFqZ9-0hvfCtSj26cFiZs4zivu3ocCPBmLaL2I2LhVwxcXWOpEcPakD59R3p5eIOvdO48UrWDeH3aADZkQKk9laDQAY8vsimz7xvUg2JfBYRU4gDSBWDvpqwXSDWITkhg/s1600/TeddyBear-stories.jpg" /></a> If you have young children, nephews and nieces or grandchildren, perhaps purchasing a new story book might be up your alley and you are still helping! Part of the author's income will be donated to the FA Research fund in Canada.<br />
<a href="http://amzn.com/B0105F807Y" target="_blank">Teddy Bear Stories by Tom Germann</a><br />
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<b>No Kindle? No worries!</b><br />
Remember you don't need a Kindle to read - the free Kindle app on Amazon can be used to read Kindle format books on your phone, tablet or computer. I love mine, especially because I now always have a book in my pocket.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">To learn even more about young Nate and this rare disease, a Powerpoint Slideshow was prepared by the family. I converted it to FLV and uploaded to <b>YouTube</b> to make it easier to view. No sound, but read the text, it only takes a minute. </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VF4xqPvDpaE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VF4xqPvDpaE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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THANK YOU for reading, sharing and perhaps getting swabbed!<br />
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<b>BLOOD DONATION</b><br />
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<b>Since I'm asking favours -- told you this was a very personal post! </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLQt4DFdILzazIS7vO7n8lLT9fVXAYxB3GM0gBtwnzXzpbhAGa5j-xQ2x5Z056c3u7PkQd-i4fQTWRxzKNObuqBhU4C18FAYzKs7ZotCTNwWwaIp78sgM84echemrpDl1qlgxdw/s1600/BloodDonor-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLQt4DFdILzazIS7vO7n8lLT9fVXAYxB3GM0gBtwnzXzpbhAGa5j-xQ2x5Z056c3u7PkQd-i4fQTWRxzKNObuqBhU4C18FAYzKs7ZotCTNwWwaIp78sgM84echemrpDl1qlgxdw/s320/BloodDonor-poster.jpg" width="208" /></a>Maybe you have seen this blog before, maybe not. On an earlier post I mentioned that I haven't been able to get permission for my adult sons, both blood donors for almost a decade, to donate blood to be used during my upcoming brain surgery. (Read <a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2015/08/surgery-updates.html" target="_blank">Surgery update</a> - scroll down a bit to the second paragraph under the heading "Meningioma")<br />
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Today I found that there is a special program where friends and strangers can donate blood in honour or remembrance of someone.<br />
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So this is my request: Since I would need about 2 litres of blood (4 pints) during my surgery next month, would a few people reading here be willing to go out to donate back to the pool, please? When you do, you can mention your intentions to the person tending to you, and you will be given a special card to mail if you wish to do that. Of course anonymous donations work too!<br />
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Thank you from the bottom of my heart for replenishing the pool, in honour of a friend or loved one. (If you can't donate blood due to previous illness or disease, there is a program to donate blood for research. <a href="https://www.blood.ca/en/blood/blood-research" target="_blank">LINK</a> )<br />
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Donate blood in honour of someone: <a href="https://forms.blood.ca/centreapps/internet/uw_v502_mainengine.nsf/page/E_In%20Honour%20Program?OpenDocument" target="_blank">Program link</a><br />
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<b>Thank you</b> for reading and sharing this post. Links are below; just click the one(s) you wish to use.<br />
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<br />MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-67280760224947141792015-08-10T16:36:00.000-04:002015-08-12T11:14:12.269-04:00Surgery updates<h4>
Thyroid</h4>
Less than a month after his partial thyroidectomy, hubby already played softball again! The healing is amazing.<br />
Below is a combination picture - taken less than 24 hours apart. The first one was taken shortly after surgery. Tape measure is around his neck to check for any swelling.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizERtMmEHuJH29Xn4dwpYf0GWtzDy-4DraT244daogLLXPYF4YlK0Jb2cYmL1RaExPi4NGzyOssO_YPLXa2lXxMawDNu3zAa2XqVjVkGzx5eCk6UM9inNj6nOWrgcSGf9_avDZOw/s1600/IMG_5024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizERtMmEHuJH29Xn4dwpYf0GWtzDy-4DraT244daogLLXPYF4YlK0Jb2cYmL1RaExPi4NGzyOssO_YPLXa2lXxMawDNu3zAa2XqVjVkGzx5eCk6UM9inNj6nOWrgcSGf9_avDZOw/s320/IMG_5024.JPG" width="320" /></a>The next day, the tape measure was gone and he looked a little bit more "there"! The <a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2015/07/one-surgery-down.html" target="_blank">draining tube</a> was removed about 24 hours after surgery and only left a small scab.<br />
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A week later, we had to go in for the stitches to be removed. Since it was only a single stitch, sort of like a blanket stitch (new to us!) I hardly had time to get the camera in place for a picture! He said it was more trouble to have the steri strips being pulled off than for the stitch to be removed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ0-Tkoif5fyuYQHx1ty_DTZrm_DAe9C7XiqAXwb9uBWx41WbyhylYNIvndbGHWxqZ_usMIx-OQZm_u2YU5sUJ7IKV20VI9uuq6k3-h9iL6XlW-_0a5pbXf-Cfj29T1jfSBX9kg/s1600/IMG_5117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ0-Tkoif5fyuYQHx1ty_DTZrm_DAe9C7XiqAXwb9uBWx41WbyhylYNIvndbGHWxqZ_usMIx-OQZm_u2YU5sUJ7IKV20VI9uuq6k3-h9iL6XlW-_0a5pbXf-Cfj29T1jfSBX9kg/s200/IMG_5117.JPG" width="150" /></a>The surgeon was happy with the result after seven days. We are still waiting for the pathology results of the removed half of the thyroid, though. I was hoping to have that ready and was holding off on this update for that reason.<br />
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Picture to the right was taken a week and one day after surgery, only hours after the stitch was removed.<br />
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Thank you for all the messages of concern and offers of help!<br />
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<h3>
Meningioma</h3>
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If you read a previous entry on this blog, you would know that I was diagnosed with a brain tumour, called a meningioma. My surgery is still scheduled for September 8 at Trillium hospital. By all accounts, their neurological department is excellent. (And it seems they have better coffee than Brampton Civic, which will be a plus! But I'm packing my rooibos teabags anyway.)<br />
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Realized last week I might need blood transfusion for my surgery. My sons have been blood donors for about 8 years, and I can use both their groups. I am A+; so is younger son and elder son is O+. Called to ask if they can donate blood to be used for me, found out I would need about 2 litres during surgery. So that is in the works.<br />
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Blood Services Canada said a parent can donate blood to be used for a child's surgery, but an adult child can't donate blood for a parent's surgery. Silly and makes utterly no sense! Now the surgeon's office is trying to let me know how we can go about using the boys' blood. Voicemail was garbled , though. I said if it is too much trouble, I'd just ask my sons and a few friends to go donate blood, which means the general pool gets replenished.<br />
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Oh yes, and the hair! So may people asked if I will have to shave my head. The surgeon said they'll shave what they need, but I decided to have fun with it. So did the hairdresser. She created a funky, spiky hairstyle, which will be cut once more before surgery and go quite a bit shorter. Another friend is making me a very bright hat so that people don't have to get sick when they look at me after surgery!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTymOPs8PxT7QQrXRBdqbbMTv-NgcivhXbhaXx4J1Dz4KlHZdLS0eKXHUlGEKOGYGS47C9Bu0WXZ1V9-vKo2EdxJqhy0whaLHOpB1xBrmIkyBxCmNuGe7edfGywKrmFDCreToDkw/s1600/IMG_5193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTymOPs8PxT7QQrXRBdqbbMTv-NgcivhXbhaXx4J1Dz4KlHZdLS0eKXHUlGEKOGYGS47C9Bu0WXZ1V9-vKo2EdxJqhy0whaLHOpB1xBrmIkyBxCmNuGe7edfGywKrmFDCreToDkw/s320/IMG_5193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is a picture with a friend on the city plaza while we were enjoying the Farmer's Market. I'm the one on the right .... What do you think?<br />
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I'm still playing with it and learning how to do different things with the spikes. Part of it is adding some colour, using cream eye shadow. It works, and washes out with shampoo.<br />
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As for symptoms - headaches, fatigue (especially while working on the computer) and sometimes an unexplained twitch of the leg or arm might all have to do with the <a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2015/07/mah-mushroom.html" target="_blank">mushroom</a> I'm growing in my head.<br />
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A very interesting year for us, indeed! </div>
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Thank you to friends and family near and far, who carry us in thought and prayer. </div>
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MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-52783337480088863642015-07-15T21:08:00.000-04:002015-07-15T21:33:00.293-04:00One surgery down!<div>
<i>(Posted from iPad so annoyed with limitations. Forgive mistakes! Please hit F5 or update to see any edits) </i></div>
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Thank you so much to many people all over the world for messages and care, prayer circles and more after the previous two posts on this blog. We appreciate each one and stand amazed at the concern of friends and strangers. <br />
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Arno had his surgery today. All went well. I spoke to the surgeon afterwards and he was pleased with the outcome. <br />
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Only the left side of the thyroid was removed, which is good news indeed. The right side was left and will be tested in about six weeks. If enough hormones are manufactured, he won't have to go on medication. <br />
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The part that was removed, will be tested and the results will be back in about ten days. If it is clear (no cancer) a second surgery to remove the rest of the thyroid won't be necessary.<br />
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The stitches will be removed in a week and the wound checked. There is currently a drain to remove any fluid. He is staying the night because of the C-pap machine (sleep apnea) and should be discharged by lunchtime tomorrow if the doctor is satisfied. Then he has to take it easy for a few days. No lifting things, no driving, no stress, rest, etc. <br />
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For those who might not know, the thyroid is like a butterfly around the throat. See image below.<br />
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<a href="http://medicalterms.info/img/uploads/anatomy/thyroid-gland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://medicalterms.info/img/uploads/anatomy/thyroid-gland.jpg" /></a></div>
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From <a href="http://medicalterms.info/anatomy/Thyroid-Gland/" target="_blank">Thyroid Gland</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUomECDiAgPq14WWMiP-uuDMHMgZuCVDqgGBmXQ08EJkD5yJjsFp1or-eeCBLFpA8w6fYM-C51I-EnLacip-i4x2WIT9Kv9o1MUqU_rWamiezIPsEkt1nwN18BI-drgmjrXIfz3g/s1600/IMG_5013-779250.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6171909582814969570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUomECDiAgPq14WWMiP-uuDMHMgZuCVDqgGBmXQ08EJkD5yJjsFp1or-eeCBLFpA8w6fYM-C51I-EnLacip-i4x2WIT9Kv9o1MUqU_rWamiezIPsEkt1nwN18BI-drgmjrXIfz3g/s320/IMG_5013-779250.JPG" /></a><br />
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Arno's incision today with draining tube in place.<br />
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<img src="webkit-fake-url://78b178db-b747-420e-9d48-3746e5208a4a/imagejpeg" />MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-13335784884422356392015-07-07T14:42:00.000-04:002015-07-07T15:16:38.097-04:00Consultation with the NeurosurgeonHello, everyone!<br />
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First of all, thank you for all of the calls and messages wishing Marlene well today! They have not gone unnoticed but she figured it would be easier to do a big post so that everyone could get an update at the same time.<br />
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Marlene and Arno went to the Queensway hospital this afternoon to finally have a neurosurgeon review her MRIs and give his opinion on what her next steps should be. After a bit of a wait while he took a look at her scans, he was to the point and up front with the situation. An MRI from back in 2008 did not show any signs of the growth, meaning that this is a much more recent development but due to its location on Marlene's brain, there is some risk in removal (continued or increased seizures if the tumor cannot be removed in its entirety). She asked the doctor what he would recommend if it was someone close to him and he confirmed that he would still advise removal over leaving the mass to most likely grow further and possibly cause more problems down the road.<br />
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At this time, there is an appointment made for Sept 8th for surgery, but updates will be provided between now and then if it requires rescheduling.<br />
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Thanks again for everyone's well wishes! We will continue to update this blog as we get more news/developments, but please feel free to leave comments for Marlene and Arno during this process.<br />
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missjenni4http://www.blogger.com/profile/18143528552751635374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-1862240322395942852015-07-03T14:32:00.000-04:002015-07-03T16:03:24.580-04:00Mah MushroomPeople who visit this blog might have noticed the lack of regular posts the last few months. I stepped back from the activism to get help for Lyme patients, but thank the Lyme community humbly for a <a href="http://whatislyme.com/marlene-ziehl-spies-canadian-lyme-disease-activist/" target="_blank"><i>tribute</i></a> they posted. A lot of things have been happening these last months, and this July, many of those might finally come to a head. I'll try to summarize in a succinct way! There are a few headings here below; skip or read at your own discretion, please. :-)<br />
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<h3>
The bruising</h3>
For more than a year now, weird, large, very sore black bruises have been appearing on my legs without any trauma. <br />
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I've once again been referred for many tests, including oncology / hematology. Blood taken - 18 vials on Halloween (how's that for irony! LOL) and then referred to the McMaster University Medical Centre in Hamilton for yet more tests. Twelve vials the first time and ten vials a month later. They are sure it is vasculitis, probably a complication of my Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) but my rheumatologist doesn't agree. Those tests and visits kept me busy with no real answers, so I called it quits. I'm happy. Forget a diagnosis and I'll just deal with the bruises. And no, hubby didn't beat me up or kick me back at night when my Restless Leg kicks in! (Pun definitely intended.)<br />
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The boob</h3>
In April I had a mammogram as part of the Ontario screening program and was called back a week later for an ultrasound. There were "things" found in my left breast and I have to go back in October to have that checked out again. No worries, though, I wasn't going to post a picture of THAT!<br />
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The lump</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIUxaVRCqHaS_zYfg3dK3FGdgq1GewuOlogSMggr8VLw1MJvwHqVR4J3wt83qNbM9CA2Qb5VrBTbo_QovgwUHVCjNgzYbVO7UeZycwVEibGSzBEhrqOacUC-dQWn3cfffk8s6lg/s1600/Thyroid-Sept2014-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIUxaVRCqHaS_zYfg3dK3FGdgq1GewuOlogSMggr8VLw1MJvwHqVR4J3wt83qNbM9CA2Qb5VrBTbo_QovgwUHVCjNgzYbVO7UeZycwVEibGSzBEhrqOacUC-dQWn3cfffk8s6lg/s320/Thyroid-Sept2014-2.jpg" width="320" /></a>In September last year, while on vacation, I noticed a large lump on the left of Arno's throat. We were out of the country but managed to see a doctor who called in a second opinion. Back in Canada, ultrasound confirmed a 7 cm (2.75 inch) nodule on his thyroid, and two more nodules on the right side. <br />
A needle biopsy found no cancer. The surgeon said the lump has to come out, though, and because it is so big, cancer is not completely excluded through the biopsy. However, even if it is cancer, it is very slow growing and should not be life-threatening. We have now been waiting nine months for a surgery date.<br />
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<h3>
The collapse</h3>
In the middle of June, while we were busy making a batch of antipasto to have on hand for the summer, I felt weird. This was around 5 pm on Sunday night, June 14. While walking upstairs to collect laundry, I suddenly couldn't see, the stairs were jumping all over the place in my vision, I felt very confused and sort of out of it. My left side felt as if it was under water and had to be dragged along. On the landing I was even more confused, forgetting where I was going. I walked to the bathroom but had "forgotten" I had a left side and walked smack-dab and left boob first into the door jamb, rattling the house. Arno thought I had fallen down but I kept calling to him I couldn't see. I turned around, minus laundry, and tried going back downstairs - no, I don't know why! Told you I was confused! Almost fell off the stairs several times because I just couldn't focus. Back in the kitchen I felt like a padlock was hooked into my left cheek, pulling my whole face down. I tried to talk to Arno but he couldn't make out what I was saying, since my speech was slurred.<br />
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He made me sit on the floor while he finished bottling the sauce, where I looked up the symptoms for a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA). He drove me to Emergency where we were processed very quickly and into a room with ECG within half an hour. Two doctors gave him heck for not calling an ambulance - which would have taken me to the Stroke Centre. We didn't even know it existed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgNNuKooyidUyjHhUHrmIRlO3h7oOa9IYLzm7z1vaYJYY9mJCeCZBBMsj5Qx3tNjgGBJ0OjhdSW8Kc8qRNZUwRI9a3wGCGoGlG6ji8O1HJjNXvufnOWqDrf6461zRLwF8kfVQvQ/s1600/MRI-1Meerkat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgNNuKooyidUyjHhUHrmIRlO3h7oOa9IYLzm7z1vaYJYY9mJCeCZBBMsj5Qx3tNjgGBJ0OjhdSW8Kc8qRNZUwRI9a3wGCGoGlG6ji8O1HJjNXvufnOWqDrf6461zRLwF8kfVQvQ/s200/MRI-1Meerkat.JPG" width="198" /></a>The next test was a CT scan, which found a mass in the brain. Then an ultrasound of the neck veins. Around 11 pm yet another doctor came by and mentioned a few possible diagnoses. They were going to keep me for an MRI. Arno went home, and I spent most of the night on a cot in the busy ER, then a few hours in a corner of a hallway near the nurses' station in the Neuro ward.<br />
<br />
An MRI confirmed a brain tumour called a Meningioma. I just dubbed it <span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;">Mah Mushroom.</span> Growing quietly in the dark. Yes, I had symptoms over the last few months but have mostly ignored them. I am even using a bath chair and handle, borrowed from a friend a few months ago because I felt unstable while taking a shower. A few times the headaches reduced me to tears. A feeling of a vice screwed tightly around my head has been ongoing for several months, as well as visual disturbances. I think my blocked left ear might also have something to do with it.<br />
<br />
A Neurologist came by around 10 pm on the Monday evening. He spent a long time and said I have to be put on anti-convulsants to avoid seizures. What I had was not a stroke, but a seizure due to pressure on the brain. I was in hospital for four days, and the seizures continued on the left side until the meds kicked in by the Tuesday evening.<br />
<br />
After just a week, my old bod went into its usual shenanigans and rejected the meds. I had hives, spots, galloping heartbeat, headache, sweats and shakes. So of course the meds had to be changed - or live with the seizures, which was not an option according to the doctor. I've now been on new meds a week, and so far, so good.<br />
<br />
The tumour is near mid center membrane in brain, on top of the head, so might involve some of the large veins, possibly the bone of the falx and other things.<br />
<br />
On July 7 I have an appointment with a neurosurgeon who will talk about the following steps, surgery or not, when and where.<br />
<br />
I had to return my driver's license and am grounded until such a time as my doctor deems it would be safe to drive again. It might be several months, up to a year. But I have <b><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">AMAZING friends</span> </b>who all swooped in and offered to drive me / us to and from hospital, to and from appointments, shopping, church and the like. How blessed are we???<br />
<br />
Oh and guess what?? While I was in hospital, Arno finally got the call! His <span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;">surgery</span> is on July 15. What an interesting month for us!<br />
<br />
Not knowing how things might progress over the next few days or weeks, I've set up a ......<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Guest Author</b>: </h3>
Jenni - She's family, she is articulate and she is an artist. But most importantly, she said "yes" when I asked if she'd take on the job! When / if I have surgery, I might be out of it for a day or two. Friends (bless them!) and family want to be kept updated, hence asking Jenni to do the honours. The posts might be graphic, might include pictures, might sometimes be meant only for family and close friends. In that case, a post might be password protected for a while. Lots of "mights", I know, but guess that is where we are at this particular time.<br />
<br />
Please check out Jenni's artwork! She has a website, a Tumblr account, Instagram and a deviantArt account. Her Bio is on <b><a href="http://jennstonge.ca/about/bio.html" target="_blank">The </a><a href="http://jennstonge.ca/about/bio.html" target="_blank">Caffeinated Rose Bride</a></b>, with other links at the bottom of that post.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoSMPfUW8q22C9N5UIUKp0e6sB8Utn2-bIVZy3El8os92ygFSu4WcLrcQViNSKVyd5cpzlbOx6d1YGIvZu3ClNLbaiNJHdayp4_oNBd4579UAlghxaloH21K4P61pGFch5CeX5g/s1600/Jenni-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoSMPfUW8q22C9N5UIUKp0e6sB8Utn2-bIVZy3El8os92ygFSu4WcLrcQViNSKVyd5cpzlbOx6d1YGIvZu3ClNLbaiNJHdayp4_oNBd4579UAlghxaloH21K4P61pGFch5CeX5g/s200/Jenni-1.jpg" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenni - as I see her (copyright Jenni)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HLU3XUkNrOmye0VgRoZna7pqF-8G_vzTZ5CTJno3rAYImKM2uDUZHEkKJUQAhYayKZAGWUd3NiW5fSbRfEtyQDWL8wI5VfSaPcERfq-kfM7CmfRQy5RzAdGwEiqYBYHTzkcBXg/s1600/Jenni-grump-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HLU3XUkNrOmye0VgRoZna7pqF-8G_vzTZ5CTJno3rAYImKM2uDUZHEkKJUQAhYayKZAGWUd3NiW5fSbRfEtyQDWL8wI5VfSaPcERfq-kfM7CmfRQy5RzAdGwEiqYBYHTzkcBXg/s200/Jenni-grump-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way she says she is! (copyright Jenni)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you are still reading, take a break for bravery!<br />
But thank you for caring. See you on the flip side. :-) <br />
<br />
<br />MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-82184883039819290632015-03-28T12:29:00.003-04:002015-03-28T12:29:36.095-04:00Liberals turn their back on Lyme Disease<br />
<br />
If anyone is still reading this blog, I'll just quote two pieces of correspondence here and leave you to make your own assumptions, draw your own conclusions, and realize that the fight of Lyme Disease Patients in Canada is far from over.<br />
<br />
In 2013, shortly after Kathleen Wynne became the new premier of Ontario, I wrote to her to implore her to take the unfair treatment (or non-treatment) of Lyme Disease patients into consideration.<br />
<br />
In April 2013 I received the following email, and I quote without ANY changes other than adding the date:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">4/4/13: Thank you for taking the time to send your online message regarding Lyme disease. I appreciate hearing about your experience and have noted your concerns.</span><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The happiness and health of Ontario residents must be enshrined. That is why our government will continue to build the strongest and most innovative health care system in the world, so that hospitals and research institutions keep setting international standards and saving innumerable lives.</span><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Thank you again for contacting me. Please accept my best wishes.</span><u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Kathleen Wynne</span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Premier of Ontario <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uu3cpQYa1MEncAbSQ48TJnIHCOctzZ3_Ty9b-303fc6hNMSEctpCioEl2jT2gSmsDeEfb4nNcHfvIMB0y1_PSVP6NtKcog7AqY7o0jbjl9CScuM0TE6WS81noQVf_Ow4oP9Y0Q/s1600/KathleenWynne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uu3cpQYa1MEncAbSQ48TJnIHCOctzZ3_Ty9b-303fc6hNMSEctpCioEl2jT2gSmsDeEfb4nNcHfvIMB0y1_PSVP6NtKcog7AqY7o0jbjl9CScuM0TE6WS81noQVf_Ow4oP9Y0Q/s1600/KathleenWynne.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathleen Wynne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Yet, this morning, this message appeared in my Inbox:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPGE9TJWLbdzaQsR0MIzy9tU0vatXI8ZF0dNtGNnx9pDRlJDv9ck6rRiBlSv_wNjBb6lbK2z1GB13phJCRyVjlTJbtirJAARFP-OUpX9KTaHU-rpRRVJ4CuLHXmhqeONu3DUZSg/s1600/RandyHillier1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPGE9TJWLbdzaQsR0MIzy9tU0vatXI8ZF0dNtGNnx9pDRlJDv9ck6rRiBlSv_wNjBb6lbK2z1GB13phJCRyVjlTJbtirJAARFP-OUpX9KTaHU-rpRRVJ4CuLHXmhqeONu3DUZSg/s1600/RandyHillier1.jpg" height="68" width="320" /></a> wrote on March 28, 2015:</div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Georgia, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
As many of you will know, I, along with many members of both the PC and NDP parties, have been attempting to address the serious health concerns in our system, especially with regards to Lyme Disease diagnosis and treatment. One of these attempts is Bill 27, Toby Barrett's private members bill, which was passed by all parties during Second Reading on November 20 2014. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Georgia, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
It saddens me to inform you that our attempts have been dealt a grave blow this week in Committee. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Georgia, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
Toby Barrett's Bill 27 was scheduled to have public hearings and consideration beginning <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_144786169" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">April 28th</span></span> and be completed in May. All committee members agreed to this on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_144786170" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">February 18</span></span>, and it was also agreed that after these hearings the bill would then proceed for Third Reading. You can read the text of the agreement at the bottom of this email. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Georgia, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
On March 24th the Liberal members of the Committee, under the direction of Premier Wynne and her House Leader, Yasir Naqvi, ordered the Liberal members of the committee to strike down the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_144786171" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Feb 18</span></span> agreement. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Georgia, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
As it now stands, Bill 27 will probably never be called for Third and Final Reading without a significant change in the Liberal's hearts. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Georgia, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
I encourage you, your family, and your friends to help change these Liberal hearts by emailing and phoning the following people and expressing your views on how the Liberals are frustrating and obstructing all members of the Legislative Assembly. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Georgia, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
The Premier Kathleen Wynne can be reached at <a href="tel:416-325-1941" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+14163251941">416-325-1941</a>or <a href="mailto:premier@ontario.ca" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">premier@ontario.ca</a><br /><br />Hon. Yasir Naqvi, Government House Leader can be reached at <a href="tel:613-722-6414" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+16137226414">613-722-6414</a>or <a href="mailto:ynaqvi.mpp@liberal.ola.org" rel="noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">ynaqvi.mpp@liberal.ola.org</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Georgia, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
Minster of Health Eric Hoskins can be reached at <a href="tel:416-656-0943" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+14166560943">416-656-0943</a>or <a href="mailto:ehoskins.mpp@liberal.ola.org" rel="noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">ehoskins.mpp@liberal.ola.<wbr></wbr>org</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Georgia, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
Best regards,<br /><br />Randy Hillier<br /><br />P.S. As always, you can keep up to date with me on <a href="http://www.randyhilliermpp.com/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frandyhillier&e=10e5fc3ca0ef278fb9fdd682970e693d4f1d1b2a&utm_source=randyhillier&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=lyme_delay&n=2" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.randyhilliermpp.com/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2Frandyhillier&e=10e5fc3ca0ef278fb9fdd682970e693d4f1d1b2a&utm_source=randyhillier&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=lyme_delay&n=3" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter.</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Georgia, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
Full Text of the Agreement:<br /><br />That, prior to commencing consideration of Bills 12, 27 and 42, the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly, for a three-week period initially, to be reviewed after two weeks, conduct a review of the petition procedures currently in use at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and the use of e-petitions in other jurisdictions; and</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Georgia, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
That the committee produce a report on the advantages and disadvantages of integrating e-petitions into the assembly’s existing petition procedures and recommend whether e-petitions should be implemented and, if so, which would be the best practical model; and</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Georgia, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
That, in order to assist the committee’s review, the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario be invited to appear before the committee, the table research office be instructed to provide background information on e-petitions and the committee hear from any other witnesses it deems relevant.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Georgia, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
Following that, the committee will be looking at two weeks of Bill 12, three weeks of Bill 27 and two weeks of Bill 42.</div>
MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-35429156845786738062015-03-21T18:27:00.000-04:002015-03-21T18:27:13.688-04:00NO Brampton Lyme Awareness day planned for 2015Today, March 21, was the first time anyone had asked about a possible Lyme Awareness Day in Brampton for 2015. It seems everyone is either busy with their own events, or dealing with other issues in their own lives.<br />
<br />
My apologies. We are dealing with several health and business issues and there just is no energy left to arrange a formal Awareness Day this year.<br />
<br />
I was thinking of maybe just doing a drop-in picnic or get-together informally in the park. I have T-shirts left from last year if that works for anyone. Possible dates available at this point to work with or arrange something low-key: May 2, May 9 or May 30, 2015.<br />
<br />
Please check with your local town or city about any Lyme events, or arrange something yourself! All I did was go to the city to ask about a possible park, or you could ask a school or sports club for a venue. And then use friends, church members or family members with their own ideas to put together something that works for YOU.<br />
<br />
From the onset, my personal mission has been to bring awareness and to get doctors to think about the human behind suffering patients. So much awareness was raised in the last years, and the law passed in Canada is proof of that! <br />
<br />
THANK YOU, to all my friends and family who stood behind me and worked so hard to bring that dream to fruition. Now the lawmakers are on the bandwagon - let's hope and pray we get a Canadian Lyme Disease Act in place very soon! <a href="http://meerkatmarlene.blogspot.ca/2014/12/senate-unanimously-passes-federal.html" target="_blank">LINK</a><br />
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<a href="http://lymewalkbrampton.ca/">http://lymewalkbrampton.ca</a></div>
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Blessings on your journey to health.<br />
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<br />MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-71431051653417573222014-12-12T12:26:00.003-05:002014-12-12T12:27:34.028-05:00Senate Unanimously Passes Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Act <br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;">
<strong>PRESS RELEASE </strong><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1425820911" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">12 December 2014</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;">
<strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1425820911" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;"><br /></span></span></strong></div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">
<strong>Canadian Senate Unanimously Passes Elizabeth May’s <em>Federal Framework on </em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Lyme Disease Act</em> </strong></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;">
<strong>OTTAWA - </strong>Elizabeth May’s Private Member’s Bill, C-442, the <em>Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Act</em>, was passed unanimously at third reading by the Senate the morning of Friday, December 12. The bill now awaits Royal Assent by the Governor General for it to become law.</div>
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<a href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/" target="_blank"><img alt="Elizabeth May, O.C., M.P." height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiZiCko_kFCBE8vn-VBjKaiz4xyNj2E7ajBjAzojb0zYIyiiEFNorjCmFN2qpCjFDc8GDTamb3QGwwu2WUqt3W3ktqO8RDcIWTohvRescgiRPs8OtMmcmX-5dixXqkIeaic4YpMLFQk0GZqPrqFAQuv7KXE7TD4uw=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /></a></div>
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“I am so thankful to my colleagues in the Senate, especially the bill’s sponsor Senator Janis Johnson, for passing C-442,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands. “This victory belongs to all Canadians coping with Lyme disease and their loved ones. This bill never would have been passed into law without their advocacy and willingness to tell their stories.”</div>
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First introduced in June 2012, Bill C-442 was passed unanimously with multi-partisan support in the House of Commons in June 2014. It will establish a framework for collaboration between the federal, provincial and territorial Health Ministers, representatives of the medical community, and patients’ groups to promote greater awareness and prevention of Lyme disease, to address the challenges of timely diagnosis and treatment, and to push for further research.</div>
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“The hard work of Minister of Health, Rona Ambrose and the entire Lyme community were instrumental in making this bill a reality. I am also grateful to Senator Kelvin Olgilvie, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, who helped to move C-442 through the committee process, after it was delayed by the shooting on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1425820912" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">October 22</span></span>,” added Ms. May.</div>
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“C-442 is now the first piece of Green Party legislation in Canadian history,” stated Bruce Hyer, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP for Thunder Bay – Superior North. “I am proud of the way Elizabeth was able to work across party lines to pass the first Green Party bill. The passage of this bill will make such a tangible difference for those dealing with Lyme disease.”</div>
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Although it is rare for private member’s bills to be passed through both the House and Senate, Bill C-442 has received multi-partisan support from Senators and Parliamentarians, in addition to the Canadian Medical Association, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation.</div>
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“Now that the bill has passed, I look forward to working with all relevant interest groups and governments, under the guidance of Health Minister Ambrose, for the national conference to develop the federal framework to deal with this dreadful illness,” concluded Elizabeth May.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">http://elizabethmaymp.ca/</span></span></div>
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MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-3751544690733273892014-12-11T21:34:00.000-05:002014-12-11T21:34:14.496-05:00Lyme Disease before Canadian Senate December 12<br />
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<strong>Advisory</strong></div>
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<strong>Elizabeth May's Lyme Disease Legislation </strong><strong>Expected to Move to Third Reading in Senate <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1181921223" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tomorrow</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong>OTTAWA – </strong>The Senate is expected to take up Elizabeth May's Private Member's Bill C-442, the <em>Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Act,</em> at third reading <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1181921224" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">tomorrow</span></span>. </div>
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The Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology unanimously referred the unamended bill to the Senate on December 10.</div>
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Third reading is the final stage of a bill's passage through the Senate. If the bill<em> </em>passes third reading, it will await Royal Assent, at which point it will become law.</div>
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<strong>Date: </strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1181921225" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday, December 12, 2014</span></span><br /><strong>Time: </strong>Between <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1181921226" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">9:00 AM and 1:00 PM EST</span></span><br /><strong>Location: </strong>Senate, Ottawa ON</div>
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Please note that the meeting is subject to change. Further details will be provided as they become available.</div>
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To access a live audio stream of the Senate debate, please visit:</div>
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<a href="http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=102032&qid=13152349" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://senparlvu.parl.gc.ca/<wbr></wbr>guide.aspx?Language=E</a></div>
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<b>Earlier news ---</b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700;">Bill C-442 is carried in the Senate:</span></div>
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Listen to testimony of December 3rd, 2014 as posted on <a href="http://canlyme.com/2014/12/10/bill-c-442-is-carried-as-is-in-senate-hear-testimony-in-canadas-senate-committee-on-bill-c-442-an-act-respecting-a-federal-framework-on-lyme-disease-as-bill-moves-forward/" target="_blank">CanLyme's website</a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700;">Elizabeth May, MP</span> (begins after intro)</div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700;">Jim Wilson, CanLyme</span> (starts at 56:18 on time-bar)</div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700;">Dr. William Bowie, AMMI</span>, (starts at 1:03:55 on time-bar)</div>
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MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26432892.post-44394130580242963622014-10-21T23:40:00.001-04:002014-10-21T23:40:29.436-04:00Lyme Disease Bill discussion going forward TOMORROW (Oct 22, 2014)<h3>
<b>Elizabeth May to testify before Senate Committee regarding Lyme Disease Bill</b></h3>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">October 21, 2014</span><br />
Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for SaanichGulf Islands, will testify before the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology tomorrow as the sponsor of Bill C-442, An Act respecting a Federal Framework on Lyme Disease.<br />
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<b>Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2014</b><br />
Time: 4:15 PM (Eastern)<br />
Location: Room 2, Victoria Building, Parliament of Canada<br />
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First introduced by Ms. May in 2012, Bill C-442 will establish a framework for collaboration between the federal, provincial and territorial Health Ministers and the medical community, along with patients and experts.<br />
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The bill is sponsored by the Hon. Senator Janis Johnson and was drafted in order to create greater awareness and prevention of Lyme disease, to address the challenges of timely diagnosis and treatment, and to push for further research.<br />
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Note: Elizabeth May will speak at the Wednesday meeting at approximately 4:15PM ET. To view her presentation which is being livestream, click on the following link:<br />
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<a href="http://www.parl.gc.ca/sencommitteebusiness/CommitteeMeetingSchedule.aspx?parl=41&ses=2&Language=E&comm_id=1047"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.parl.gc.ca/sencommitteebusiness/CommitteeMeetingSchedule.aspx?parl=41&ses=2&Language=E&comm_id=1047</span></a><br />
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<b>List of Witnesses</b><br />
<b>Wednesday, Oct 22nd, 4:15PM ET</b><br />
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Elizabeth May, sponsor of the Bill<br />
Dr. William Bowie, Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia (Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Canada)<br />
Dr. Daniel Gregson, President (Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Canada)<br />
Jim Wilson, President and Founder (Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation)<br />
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<b>Thursday, Oct 23rd, 10:30AM ET</b><br />
Robbin Lindsay, Head, Field Studies, Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens Division, National Microbiology Laboratory(Public Health Agency of Canada)<br />
Dr. Marc Ouellette, Scientific Director, Institute of Infection and Immunity, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec(Canadian Institutes of Health Research)<br />
Steven Sternthal, Director General, Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (Public Health Agency of Canada)<br />
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<i>(Original post <a href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/elizabeth-may-testify-senate-committee-lyme-disease-bill">http://elizabethmaymp.ca/elizabeth-may-testify-senate-committee-lyme-disease-bill</a> )</i><br />
<br />MeerkatMarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506362367135728672noreply@blogger.com0