10 days - Her version

Well, if you are reading this, it means I survived.

Stefan recently went on his 10 day kayaking trip in Oregon with Survive and Thrive Expeditions.

Meanwhile, I was at home with the kiddies - here is a recap of the 10 days!

Day 1 - Sunday July 7th
Our anniversary - and I'm sending Stefan off for 10 days.  We won't be able to text or call each other.  TEN days!  Ackkkk!  I don't think I had realized the full potential of how hard this would be - how much I would miss him - when I signed him up!  I could just see Stefan though, relaxed, happy face, sitting back on his kayak!  It will be worth it.

We had an early start - Stefan's flight was at 7am.  I had my parents spend the night so I wouldn't have to bring the kids.  At 4:40, we are about to head out the door - me: "you have your passport?", "ticket?", "cash and credit card?".  stefan: "yes".

We are about a third of the way to the airport, when all of a sudden, Stefan FLIPS out.  "I don't have my passport $%#@ $&%(#, #U$U@O@O#I@$UI##O$.........."  Perhaps a small dent left in the side door.  me: "okay, calm down honey" - we pull over to look, sure enough, it's not here.  Phone home, and yes, it's on the couch.  I get my stepdad to meet us half way.  On the way back.....uh oh - flashing lights in my rear view mirror.  Stefan "$#@*".  Between Stefan's babbling and my clean record, we are lucky enough to get a warning.  We make it to grab the passport and to the airport (doing the speed limit!) by about 5:45.  Luckily I had checked Stefan in the night before.  He made it - with 14 minutes to spare!

A few more texts when he arrives safe - and he's cut off!

Meanwhile - back at home, I've got two very cranky kids.  I guess the heat and their colds and the previous night was a late night for them.  My parents take pity on me and hang with me for the day.  I feed them well with a nice BBQ dinner.  Whew - day one done.

Day 2 - Monday July 8th
Hospital day for Charlotte.  Since she has to fast - I wake up early with Nathan so I can try to get him fed before getting Charlotte from bed as I don't want her to see him eating.  We manage to get out of the house by about 7:30 and go to pick up my Mom who will help us out.  We arrive at the hospital for her 8:30 appointment.  Because both kids are sick - we are confined to a room - no problem - Nathan uses the IPAD while Charlotte plays.  She get's her lumbar puncture and her hour long lay down with plenty of snacks.  We make it out by 10:30 and drop off my mom before heading home for naps.  We even manage to make it out for the evening - Whitespot for dinner and the library after for some quite time.  All in all a pretty good day.

Day 3 - Tuesday July 9th
I work - a break from the regular home routine.  I'm all excited because I found a bouncy castle on Craigs List for the kids.  The guy comes by after work to set it up.  It inflates.  It smells a bit musty - first time he opened it this year.  My warning bells are ringing - but I feel all bad that the guy came to my house AND set it up for me.  5 minutes after he leaves - I'm kicking myself as it's pretty moldy.  I do try to return it - but I get "it's a craigs list sale - are you absurd?".  I scrub it down with vinegar and hope the sun will 'kill' the mold.  I'm grumpy from my rip-off purchase.  Missing my hubby like crazy.

Day 4 - Wednesday July 10th
Charlotte's worst 'steroid' day.  She's pretty emotional and wants lots of cuddles.  Normally this is just fine, but if Nathan needs something, all hell breaks loose.  I hear news of an adorable little oncology kid earning her angel wings.  Two pediatric oncology kid deaths in one week.  Not easy.

We brave a quick trip to the mall as Nathan is desperate for some shoes (his are giving him blisters).  My mom joins us, and her and Charlotte 'build a bear'.  We hit target - no luck with shoes.  We suffer a few tantrums from both kids and lots of dirty looks (really wishing Charlotte had a "I have cancer and am on steroids - be patient with me" button.  Back home for lunch.

My sink is clogged after I cleared out the fridge in the morning (note to self - don't overuse garborator).  I phone a good friend of Stefans who comes to help save the day.  After 5 hours of working on it, and replacing all the piping under the sink - still not working, and a leak.  Go sinkless for the night/day.  Do dishes in the bathroom.

I have a massage booked that night - but it gets cancelled.  I'm missing Stefan terribly and thinking "how am I going to do 10 days!"

Since I have a sitter already lined up - I cease the opportunity to head to River Rock to visit my bestie, Michelle, who is only there for the night on her way to a wedding in Victoria.  Get a visit in, AND win $160 at the casino - feeling a bit better.

Day 5 - Thursday July 11th
Another work day.  News of one more oncology kid earning angel wings.  Three in one week.  I have an after work event I had been all prepared to go to.  My parents were going to watch the kids.  But I'm feeling a bit in a funk, and tired (and hadn't put out Charlotte medicine for the night, and feeling anxious about the lack of kitchen sink).  I head home instead and have nice evening with my kidlets.  My step dad replaces the drain which stops the leak, we try drano on the clog.  It works!  I have a sink again!  My mom stays and we have a couple glasses of wine and play some cards.

Day 6 - Friday July 12th
My Mom stayed the night so joins us for the day.  We make a trip to Suter Brook in Port Moody so Charlotte can get a cinnamon bun and we can try to find shoes for Nathan again.  The kids shop is completely out of shoes - no luck again.  Kids are doing a lot better - Charlotte has adjusted to her steroids.  We are getting into the swing of things!

Find out that Charlotte's MRI has been scheduled for Monday.  Manage to get lots of cleaning up done at home.  We go to Rocky Point for an evening ice cream after dinner.  Try for the park, but Charlotte sees someone eating french fries, and wants some....NOW.  Back home for fries.  Only 4 more days - we can do this!

Day 7 - Saturday July 13th
Charlotte's last dose of steroids.  I really need shoes for Nathan - can only think of 'The Shoe Box' on Granville Island as the place to go - know I can't do that on my own with the kids!  A few texts to my friend who lives near there - and we have a plan!  Meet my friend, 'Aunty Dana', and we head to Granville Island.  Nathan has a tantrum on the walk there (the whole way there!!!!).  We get to the water park and Charlotte runs around.  Nathan is still upset.  In transitioning him from swimsuit back to clothes - he is finally happy when nude.  Leave him in his diaper and he is now the happiest baby on the island!  Note to self - naked kid = happy kid!  Hit the kids market - Charlotte has a blast with Dana while I finally find shoes!  Nathan needs the widest shoes in the store - glad we came here as selection is great!  We hit the market for lunch.  Nathan chases the pigeons and dances.  My kid is so cute, the tourists are taking pictures (hmmm, or they just don't have baby nudists where they come from?)!  Charlotte is really great and is loving Aunty Dana.  Head home for late naps and a lazy evening.

Day 8 - Sunday July 14th
When friends offered help after my 'woe is me' facebook post on rough day #4, I said 'help us stay busy'.  So we made plans with friends in North Van on Sunday.  We hit 'Party on the Pier' in Lonsdale Key for some fun - bouncy castle, crafts, face painting.  Charlotte had a blast, although her favorite part was 'Jude and Ewan's house and the marble tower with Heather'.

We went straight from there to dinner at my mom's with my brother and cousin.   Yummy dinner and distracted kids for a whole day - success!

Day 9 - Monday July 15th

Charlotte's MRI isn't scheduled until 1:30 - a lot of planning goes into making it a smooth day.  I wake Charlotte up to have breakfast in mommy's bed at 6.  Take her food away at 6:30 as she has to fast the rest of the day.  I get some food into Nathan early on.  Charlotte has some frozen apple juice slush at 9.  I have the babysitter come at 9:30 and take Charlotte out for distractions - to the toy store.  We entertain ourselves in Toys R us until 11:30, off to the hospital.  My kid is awesome!  She only asks for food twice and is very understanding when I explain to her she can't until she has had the pictures of her brain done.  She gets in around 2.  I have a nervous wait until 3 (I thought it was only going to be 20 minutes) until I'm called in to the recovery room to see my girl.  She is anxious to get home - and we leave as soon as possible!

Head home for her requested macaroni and cheese - anything you want my girl!  I clean the house in preparation for Stefan's return tomorrow!  Get a late night email 'I'm still alive' from Stefan.

Day 10 - Tuesday July 16th - Last Day!
We made it!  Stefan's flight is set to arrive at 11:30.   We spend the morning making a "We love daddy" sign for the airport and pick up some superman balloons!  I can not tell you how excited the kids were to see Stefan - especially Nathan who proceeded to dance and clap!  Soooooo happy to have him home!  Would I do it again?  For sure - Stefan had an amazing trip, and I'm so happy for him and the amazing opportunity he had!  (plus, now I guess I get a turn right?!)

10 days - his version

Name of the trip: Survive and Thrive

I was very lucky to have Taleen set up a trip for me with other cancer supporters and survivors.  All participants were under the age of forty.  All were looking to do a new physical challenge.   All were looking to see how others had done in the post treatment era.  Strong support physically, mentally and emotionally together.

Physically the trip was awesome.  (Huge thanks to VOBOC, Voyaging Out Beyond Our Cancer, for sponsoring my trip for me, and the gifts to my family!) The water level was low.  It was slow in calm areas which required much paddle work.  It was intense in rapid areas, especially when rocks were a plenty in the low water.  We usually started kayaking between 8:30 and 9:00 am and finished around 6:00 pm.

Mentally it tested how well we could communicate, improve and/or adapt to natural conditions.  The equipment we used was limited. Each of us was responsible for transporting two whole group meals and equipment for campsites.  We were responsible for taking all garbage/left overs/poop with us on the way out.  We were allowed to pee in the river.  Poop was to be stored similarily to how we pick up after a pet dog.  The enviroment was a priority  - No one was to take away from its beauty. 

I really found this mental  testing valuable as there were many last minute kayaking changes that tested communication skills and patience.  It showed how important it was to be prepared in the mornings, properly discuss approaches to river and camp concerns (nothing like thinking about rattle snakes), and ensure the team members had each others back.

Emotionally, I found this strengthening.  Our morning and evening discussions about developing personal inner thoughts strength was enlightening.  We were also given a full 24 hours to reflect on life - completely in an isolated area and completely alone.  It was rewarding experience. 

Someone from our group put together this beautiful 20 minute video of our trip.



72 km kayaking trip on the Owhyee River in Oregan.  Great group of people, amazing experience.



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A no impact trip, which meant EVERYTHING was packed up - these are 'poop' tubes.

Beautiful scenery

There were 10 cancer effected participants (survivors and family supporters) and four guides.

Water levels were low, trip was at risk of being cancelled.

My 'solo' place.  We had 24 hours of being on our own to reflect, come up with a mission.  Received letters from home this day.

Tackling some rapids.  The trip was a physical challenge.

petroglyphs

Sunset!  Amazing trip!  Missed my family - but would do it again in a heartbeat!

Camping Lessons

This post is a little late.  We did our first camping trip of the season on the July long weekend.  Since we had two successful overnight camping trips last summer with our then 3 year old and 6 month old - we thought we were pros.

We were quickly put in our place after our first 24 hours!

We went to the Shuswap for our first annual SFU Rugby Old Girls Camping trip.  There were 7 of us and our families (many hubbies were Rugby alumni as well).  10 little ones in all!  Despite a few hiccups the little bit - we had a blast!

Camping Lesson one - ALWAYS prepare for rain.  Even if the forecast is clear skies.  Not packing rain gear is the equivalent of killing a dozen spiders.  Just pack it!

Camping Lesson two - if you don't pack for rain - at least have a sister or friends near by you can arrange to visit (ahem - get them to play with yours kids and eat their food all while staying dry!)


We arrived late Friday night as Stefan had to work.  That meant the kids didn't get to sleep until 11pm.  Unfortunately, Nathan was up early at 4:30am and decided it was time to party.  When we made it out of the tent at 7:30 to prepare coffee - all of a sudden - thunder!  It started to rain, and we packed up into the car (since we didn't have rain gear!).  The moment Nathan was in his car seat - he was out - there was no way we were stopping.  So we crashed my sisters in Salmon Arm for a visit, and then to friends in Vernon for lunch.  By the time we were back at camp - we didn't see another drop of rain our whole stay.

Nathan slept much better after the first night - his usual 11-12 hours!  And we were all 'happy campers' from then on out!

We had an amazing time with our big group!  Dirty happy kids running around, campfire singing, smores, and beach time!  We are already planning year 2!