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If you see red x's...just right click on your mouse, go to where you see"show picture" There ya go  
Song playing = The Heavy Water Plant song
I managed to get this entry all mixed up...to better understand it, you may be best off reading from the bottom to the top lol.. sorry about that.. I am a little rusty & had been meaning to finish this off since May.Thank you all for your visits. I will tey to get around to see yas all here & there,when I can... I am not here much during the Summertime we are usually camping etc. Have a great Summer everyone 
  
Music Playlist at MixPod.com
Health Update 3
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I went for an apt with a Radiation Oncologist on April 23rd. My cancer nurse of the day was Nancy. I gained another 3 lbs.The Dr. examined my lungs, back & front, & tapped on my stomach area .I had a small low grade invasive adenocarcinoma in my sigmoid colon. They removed 10 lymph nodes to examine,during my surgery on Feb. 5th, & all came back cancer free.
Depending on the area the cancer was found (Its noted as 20cm in one place but 15 in another) I have a 20 -30 % chance of recurrence if lower than 20
My cancer had a good margin, with a 0.9 cm spread into the muscle.
There s only a 10% chance that I will have the cancer reoccur there,so he figures that there is not much of a benefit for me to have the radiation .
I went for a apt with my Oncologist today (May 19th)
We were greeted in the waiting room by 2 sweet volunteers who were offering coffee, tea, juice & sandwiches as well as offering a free program that you can sign up with to get more info from DVDs etc.
I was given the results of the CT scan that was done on May 12th,as well as the blood work that was done on May 13th.
Todays cancer nurse' name is Beth :) My Ct scan results came back normal. My blood-work is good but my ferritin is down to a 21, So he suggested to get in touch with my family Dr. to set up apt for a cpl more iron infusions.Despite the fact that this Dr. is also a blood specialist,he seems puzzled that my body cannot absorb iron through my gut.He told me that there is a new RX iron pill on the market; but because of my gut not absorbing, that more than likely will be no good to me.
I have to go this Friday for an infusion. I have to have a CEA level checked with blood-work every 3 mos for a year,then every 6 mos after that & I have to have a colonoscope done every 6 mos for five years.I will need another CT scan in one years time.
Although I should be doing the dance of joy because of these results. I will explain why I am not.
A friend of mine from P.E.I. was diagnosed with colon cancer at the same time, as a former neighbour of mine from the place where I grew up at. She had chemo & radiation therapies done & is still doing well, years later. The former neighbour only had the surgery done, no treatments. About 3 years later, the cancer came back & within mos. had claimed his life. I mentioned this to my surgeon & was told point blank that, "This happens all the time"
Life is unpredictable. I will continue to follow the orders of my Drs. & not dwell on the "what ifs'
I am feeling great, but have been experiencing some symtoms, that are similar to those related to colon cancer, minus the bleeding.
When I mentioned this to the Oncologist.He said that it may possibly be I.B.S. which I had been told I had in the past.
Thing is, those symptoms all disappeared after my cancer surgery was over. I have been experiencing stress,since around
the time the symptoms occured .I have been worring over the health of a cpl of people who mean alott to me.I go back to
see the surgeon in July. Hopefully all will be well with me by then.I'm not sure when I will be having my first C.E.A. test done. I am hoping it will be soon.
Thank you all,so very much for your prayers.
They have worked wonders for me =)
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Our anniversary, May 5th
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On the morning of our 31st wedding anniversary,we took a scooter up the fishing village"El Cayveco" I had placed an assortment of things like, shampoos, soaps,disposible shavers etc, in baggies & passed them out to the neighours there.Those are the things they tend to look for the most after shoes & clothes.
The meal that the lady of the house(Ofelia)had prepared for us was amazing!!! Not one, but 2 lobster tails each!! The lobster in Cuba is not like our Atlantic lobster,its usually tougher & not as much flavour, but how-ever this lady cpooked them, they were the best we have ever tried in that country !! She also had prepared whats called salsa, which goes over the lobster, that too, is not like what we consider salsa.It was a reddish sauce with lotts of onion in it.There was also another huge plate filled with some other kind of fish. I had some & loved it.She had the traditional rice & beans as well as fried banana chips & a big plate of tomato too.The bananas were very scarce for some time after hurricane Ike last year,they were pretty much wiped out by it.They also served us the best shrimp in sauce ever !! Ofelias 27 year old daughter,Dianela,spoke very good English.Her mother & I are the same age.We also have somthing else in common. She too had/has cancer & judging from her incision scar she showed us, I think it's the same kind I had.She went through 2 surgeries, chemo & radiation & is now batteling it again.She has to go for more chemo,she'd be going through that again now(a week after we left in fact).Her tumour weighed 10 klg! She looks healthy & is in good spirits but said that she had lost all her hair and was very sick from the treatments.She had to go to the hospital in Holguin which is quite a distance from where she lives.When she was allowed to go home, a nurse went in daily to give her ivs to build her up again..I hope to see her feeling well, when we visit there next time.
We were invited over to Carlos & Miriams house later that afternoon. They had pieces of pork done up for us, kind of deep fried..It was good! They also had banana chips which we both love ! We brought along some wine for everyone, to celebrate our day.Carlos had the music cranked, Miriams daughter stopped over to visit with us again too.She is so sweet! She gave me a beautiful ring that she was wearing just because I commented on how I loved it !! On a previous trip to Cuba, there was another young girl named Milka who done a similar thing... she gave me her braclet,right off her arm....she told me that it was for good luck.That was after we had talked about my health problems... the braclet has all religious figures on it.The Cuban people are so very nice & frindley & generous.They are like Cape Bretoners =)
Not too long after arriving back to the resort, we got changed & went out for supper. I had told Kelly that I didnt really want to go, because..I was still full...from eating continuously the whole day...he talked me into it regardless... When I got there, I realized why he was so adiment about it... as we sat on a cpl of lawn chairs at a table, outside of the resturant waiting for it to open.Kelly went in to check on something... then arrived back with a beautiful bouquet of flowers =) He had arranged this days before with the waiter.They were beautiful!!
We ordered yet More lobster... they also brough us an awesome shrimp dish too. I did manage to eat some of the lobster & shrimp,dispite being so full...Next thing ya know...the waiter approached carrying a beautiful & delicious cake. which Kelly had also pre arranged with the waiter ahead of time again. He wished us a Happy Anniversary =) As I tried a forkful of cake... I could hear a saxaphone playing ,coming from the kitchen area... they were playing a wedding song... we had seen a beautiful wedding at the resort..I was looking around for the newlyweds... when all of a sudden...the music got louder as he approached our table... he was actually playing it for us !!! Hahaha...that was such a suprise !!!The waiter,is also a magician ! He did a few tricks & had me help out with one.. it was great !!!
After supper we took a bottle of wine down to the beach. It wa such a beautiful night... lotts os stars out.. you could hear the music from showtime, in the distance....the water was very calm...just perfect !!!
A gaurd came down to where we were & handed me a hand made cricket/grasshopper. That was so nice of him =) We expained that we were celebrating our wedding anniversary & Kelly asked him if he'd mind taking a picture...so he did =) This was one of my favorite anniversaries ever!!! What a wonderful day from start to end. !
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Briasis in Guardalavaca Cuba April till May 10th
Use the scroll bars to read the entries in the tables.
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The reason for returning to Cuba so soon,is because;Kelly figured that if I should need chemo,I may be too sick to really enjoy my summer, so this was to be our summer.The weather was aweseome! Only a few min sunshower while we were on the beach one day.That was it, although we had some windy days, we had sunshine every day =)
On our first day at the resort coming back from breakfast I heard a friendly voice call out "Iris!" I looked over & saw Sheri & Amanda.I could hardley belive my eyes. It was great to see them again. Although they too are from N.S. we met at Cova Roves Resort in Cuba 2 years ago! We went for a swim together & had a ball at the Disco with them ( as well as some Cape Bretoners) one night.I'm terrible at remembering faces (unless there is somthing extremly stiking about them)Its terrible, because..I could be standing right next to the ppl we met the night before & not know its them, unless its brough up by someone.
One afternoon, after meeting Carlos a.k.a.Charlie & his wife MIriam at the beach..we along with Amanda & Sheri ,we all went down to "La Roca" Disco, for free dancing lessons from Carlos... it was fun... I have 2 left feet & Kellys are worse lol....I can't seem to follow directions what-so-ever !! HAhahaha.The girls on the other hand had no problem with learing the steps. We had met Carlos on our previus trip, he was translating for us as we visited ur friends who are like family to us, Robert & Magdiala & Roberticos home, in Holguin City.During that trip, Kelly told Carlos on a previous trip that we would go to his home to visit,so we did.Three times in fact ! They live very close to the resort we were at.It was fun =) They even got up dancing a cpl of times... Kelly too lol...
We took a horse and buggy to the fishing village"El Cayveco" one day, along with a suitcase filled with clothes etc for the locals.They sure do appreciate everything you give to tthem.I always hand out pictures of them, to them, from our previous visit there. We were offered a lobster dinner at one familys home there.. they usually charge 10 peceos, but told us, to come & enjoy it for no charge because we always visit them & bring things along for them,clothes, shoes, etc. We decided to take them up on their offer on May 5th,but we insisted that they take some peceos as a token of our appreiation.Some ppl gave me beautiful shells as gifts .I love sheshells & now have quite a selection.
On another trip on a scooter around the outskirts of the resort, we wonderd into a Millitary place... We were quickly stopped... men were gesturing towards us to leave & wisteling etc.... they didn't look too friendly neither.. Oh & in case you ddnt know..it is illegale to take photos of any police in Cuba. On our last trip at the 'Hill of the Cross' in Holguin, Kelly asked one if he could, & he obliged. I do know that people have been thrown in jail for it though..I think that there should be some warning about that at the airport or with the travel agencency & tour organizers for excursions.
Our wonderful Cuban family that we met some time ago (from Holguin) came all the way to where we were, 3 times by bus ! Its an hour long drive by taxi, & thats with the driver driving like crazy fast ! Every visit from them, I was presented with flowers by little 7 year old Robertico =).We had a great time together. Robert, is a cook & he brought us some delicios foods.Kelly got the fries from the resort to go with it... Robert had a delicious shrimp mixture done up & some other form of fish, with no bones in them. Man oh man was it ever good !! They showed us an almond tree on the beach. The got us an almond from it... it has a very odd covering over the actual almond.It was good though :) Little Robertico found a sand crab.... & a big shell with what looked like a pearl in the center of it. Hes quite the little explorer. He wrote our names out in the sand too. Very smart little boy ! He had fun drawing pictures in the sand too. He always finds something to occupy himself with... he makes friends with everyone around him =) When his parents call to him that its time to go, he don't hesitate,nor complain, regardless of how much fun he may be having at the time... hes such a good little kid. Robert & Migdiala are wonderful parents ! They emailed us from a friends house, telling us how much of a good big brother is now that his baby sister is here =) I knew he would be.
We spent our time, listening to music from my i-pod. we have some small portable speakers,we went swimming...enjoying food & conversation together, we took Robert & little Robertico on thier first catamaran ride... local Cubans are not usually alllowed to use the resorts things like that... but Kelly talked to the right man & he said it was ok by him =) They loved it !! Kelly & I took little Robertico out on a paddle boat... he loved that too... I sat across the front so that he & Kelly could do the peddling & stiring.Robertico helped to push the boat back in-shore with Kelly too =) Hes quite the litte man & he has the most wonderful personality I have ever seen in a child his age.His Mom Migdaila didn't go on the boats... she was pretty far along in her pregnancy. She has since had her beautiful baby girl, Angelica,(Robitico named her;) I can hardley wait to meet her & see the family again when we go back in Nov ! This time we will be traveling to their home to spend the day.Its rather expensive for us to do that.... thats why we couldnt on our last trip... after 2 trips back to back... there is only so much we can afford..Its alott cheaper for them to travel to the resort.
We may take them to the main town square & see if we can spot Alex... a very friendly guy, who we met a long time ago, he tries to be a tour guid of sorts... but speaks very little English.... I am very good as guessing what he is saying by his charades. At the end of the day with him....Kelly gave him the shirt off his back the first time we met.. He was thrilled...as the one he had on had a big hole in the back of it.Since then we brought down a bag of goodies for him. He sure appreciated it..Kelly drove back to the resort in the taxi with no shirt on lol. |
We didnt manage to stay awake for all the nightly entertainment, but what we did see was fantastic !! Especially the water show ..wow!!! All of the entertainment group, were in the pool, acting out skits & doing syncronized swimming/dancing etc... it was Wonderful!!
We enjoyed the music of Joel the violinist. He plays Abba songs & many other types of music... hes amazing !! He has a work visa, so he is able to travel. He & his wife told us, that they had been to Canada a few times... to the bigger cities.His wife took the cam corder from Kelly to video us, as Joel played for us at our table... what an honour.... thing is though.... when Kelly passed her the camcorder... he had it on pause the entire time....sooo needless to say, we dodnt have that documented now.. *sigh* We took a shot over to the next resort over from us at the suggestion of Joel & his wife. We had stayed there many times before.It was great.....there were people up on the floor dancing... even though it isnt actully a dance floor... what a great crowd! There was this young girl there with Downs Syndrome...she had the time of her life... before we left I went over & spoke to her. I told her that we really enjoyed her dancing... & that she sure is a good dance... she was so proud =)
Carlos gave me some pretty flowers from his garden, on our anniversary as well as a DVD of music videos & a CD of assorted songs.Miriam gave me a few bags of delicious Cuban coffee !! Mmm heavenly !! She makes a great cup of coffee too, using a stange looking contraption....its amazing how creative they are.I got to meet her beautiful enfant neice a cpl of times too. She took me to her parents home where her sister was with the baby. Another time she brought the baby over to Carlos house.
Carlos & Miriam took us to a Local Disco, closeby one night... The music was Awesome !!! The dancers there, were out of this world,including Carlos & Miriam ! We had our own special waiter...he danced all the while... it was Great !! It was quite a walking distance from our Resort... they came & got us & also walked us back there after the Disco, it was real late by then. We had a ball =)
We met a nice cpl from Pictou while we were there too,Brad & Marie :)
Kelly ran into another Cuban family that we had met a few years ago, through our dear friends Archie & Joyce.They came down to the beach with Kelly. I was quite suprised to see them. They had another family friend with them he was going to College to become a layer.. He spoke great english (as does Milka) and they liked my top 40 songs .The mother of the family, Zoila & I went in for a swim while the rest sat & talked on the beach.
On our last day there, Milka brother Louisbell came with her....he wasnt with them the first day we went there,he was out of town visitng his children. It was nice of them to come & see us oof. That was the day we were leaving. Milka also gave me a Mothers Day card & one for me to give to Joyce as well.Shes very thoughtfull. Carlos & Miriam, met us at the lobby as we prepared to leave for home. He helped with the luggage. It was a nice send off.
 
 
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We returned from Cuba on May 10th (Mothers Day) We made it home the following day,because our flight was arriving in N.S. late at night, we spent the night at a hotel.
I enjoyed my Mothers Day when we got home. We took some flowers up to Mas grave.I got 4 beautiful cards,one from each of our sons, one from Allison & also one from Milka(a young girl we met a few times, in Cuba).Danny gave me a heavenly chocolate fudge cheesecake & Mark gave me one of those picture frames that you set up from digital pictures on your computer .
Congratulations Alisha & Jamie on the birth of your daughter Caylee Dawn, a sister for Jessica. Congratulations Migdiala & Robert on the birth of your daughter Angelica Maria,a sister for Robertico.
I finally got my own wii fit.I got an extra mat etc. from a gift certificate given to me from my sister-in-law & brother-in-law Joanne & Fabian, after my surgery.Now I gotta get crackin.The Oncologist told me (yesterday) to walk for 1/2hour every day.This will be more fun.
May 15th was Das birthday,we brought some flowers to his grave.Tammys birthday is also in May,she would have been 31, but didnt make it past 19. We brought her some flowers too.
We spent our first night up the Country on May 19th.Its still not warm enough yet, but it is,when ya bundle up in a big winter coat around the fire.I had noticed alott of acorns up there, even close to the horseshoe pit. I found that very odd....that meant that the squirreles were back, which in turn means that our dog away from home,(Chevy) Porkchop must not have been around. I was worried that something may have happened to her. I got out the phone number of her owner.She told Kelly the sad news. Porkchop was killed by a car near the firehall, by a relative of her owner.I was heartbroken. We loved that dog every bit as much as we love our own.It sure feels empty up there now, without having her around us.We will miss her somethiing aweful.
We did enjoy an eagle flying closer down to us than usual & a beautiful bunny hopping around the yard.We filled the bird feeder, it wont be long untill they begin to visit.We will get the humming bird feeders up next.I am looking fwd to enjoying my summer afterall. I hope that you make the best of yours.
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Please keep my dear friend Joyce in your prayers.
She had a lumpectomy & mascetomy done now she is facing chemo & radiation therapies.
Thank you so much
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Tag created by Katwomn from Casy Coons Cats group,which I hope to rejoin after the summer is over 
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Hello guys,
Today I had my first visit with the cancer Dr.M.Hussein(Oncologist)
The cancer nurse,Darleen,took my BP & temp & weighed me. I have gained either 15 or 20 lbs !!!I knew things were beginning to get a little snug, but this is ridiculous lol...I have had so many sweet treats given to me both, while I was in the hospital & since my return..and the thing is.. I am the only one in the house here now, who loves sweets...& I hate to waste anything... So..that explains it.My Mother-in-law was happy about it & told me I needed it anyway.I feel good & that is all that matters to me !
The Oncologist tested my lungs ,tapped on my back & stomach area.Then we talked.He told me that I have a stage 2 cancer (T2).It had spread into the muscle tissue but no farther than that. It was a low grade cancer & not very big, which makes him believe that it wasn't there as long as I (& the surgeon )previously thought.
He seems to think that the reason for my long time anemia stems from my extreme,bloodloss as a result of many many, fibroid tumours in my uterus..which by the way...the surgeon, after opening me up...called in a Gynecologist Surgeon to remove after seeing the size of it.Normal size is like a pear, mine was as large as a football.I was left with only one remaining ovary.
I have had blood-work done since my last trip to Cuba & had another iron infusion. I then had a complete blood count done and all my levels are great =)
The type of cancer I have is inherited.My mother was diagnosed with colon cancer when she was 47 years old.The name of the type of cancer I had removed is called adenocarcinoma. I consider myself fortunate to have not, had to have had a colostomy put in place.If down the road one day, its recomended to me.Than so be it.
There is a 50% chance of offspring developing colon cancer ,when one or more parents have had it.My kids will be tested during the summer.
I have to have more blood work & another cat scan done, before the Dr.can say for sure weather or not I will be having chemo and or radiation therapy, but so far, its pointing towards no treatments !
I will meet with the radiation Oncologist on the 23rd.He may schedule me in to have an MRI done.
I will be having the tests suggested by Dr.M Hussein done sometime after May 10th. I will have to wait for the call from them.
Things are looking good at this point.
I was told by my surgeon that I have to start 20 to 30 min. of cardio at least 3 times a week.He told me that I healed well he also told me that because of my young age,chemo may be a possibility for me.
The Oncologist told me today (April 20th) that if I do have to have 6 mos of treatments, they won be harsh... they will be mild treatments.. & he told me that sometimes people who receive that type of treatment, do not even loose their hair.(not that, that is a major concern of mine)Getting & staying well is my main concern.
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Table made my Coronagurl
 
I was just reading some material I got from the cancer clinic yesterday when I ran acroos this important info below!
I didn't know about that second list of relatives (below)are also at a higher risk of inheriting colon cancer,
more-so than the avererage person !!
 PLEASE READ!!
I added 4 new pix to the end ofmy photo album a few days ago.
As you can see, I am feeling great ! Many thanks for your prayers & well wishes 
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I had a few very special visits recently,from friends living out of town, as well as meeting a new one.(a beautiful baby boy )
It sure was great to see them =)
They all came bearing gifts too. I have been given sweets from Scotland,homemade cheesecake & a beautiful angel plaque,& also book called "The Secret" along with a very nice Faith,Hope,Love,bookmark.
My Dear Mother-in-law gave me a wonderful neck pillow to help me to relax when I fly.My Mother in law also gave us tickets to see a Country Jamboree at the Savoy theater.It was a great show =) It was made extra special by watching a very young grandneice,dance around & singing along to many of the old songs ♥ She also gave me even more sweets !
I also got more sweets & some beautiful Easter Lillies from Danny & Natasha. 
They brought over his Wii.We all had fun playing bowling & boxing.I KO'd the first guy up on the screen, first try hahaha
Thank you for everything guys!
I am now looking fwd to a visit from a special long time friend this summer.
Life is good ♥
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I was given some Saint Anne oil from a lady who is a colon cancer survivor.  She was very ill at times with her battle. She went down to 72 pounds!
She was given 3 mos to live one time.... she was also given 9 DAYS to live years later.
She told the Dr.s she is not ready to die !That was years ago too.
It is going on 27 years now since her diagnosis !!!  Shes a lady of great faith.
Our sweet friend Joyce was diagnosed with breast cancer a few days after our return from our last trip to Cuba.
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Fifteen Causes of Colon Cancer by Donna Myers .
My cause was Genetic, not lifestyle related.
1. Age Age is the number one risk factor for colon cancer. Does that mean that age causes colon cancer? Not directly. It's just that by age age 50, one in four people has polyps. You'll learn more about polyps and their role in #14.
2. Alcohol Research has indicated that alcohol increases colorectal cancer risk. Research has also shown that it lowers it, or that it has no effect at all. So which is right? All of it may be. The key appears to be what kind of alcohol you're drinking.
3. Diabetes A study published in the journal Gastroenterology found that insulin dependency contributes to colon cancer development. In general, diabetics are up to 40% more likely to develop colon cancer than people who don't have diabetes.
4. Diet Diets high in fat and cholesterol (especially from animal sources) have been found to cause colon cancer. Low-fiber diets have also been associated with increased risk, but the research isn't as clear.
5. Environment Research has shown that environment can play a big part in colon cancer development. Where you live, who's around you, your occupation, and even when you work may all influence your risk of developing colon cancer.
6. Ethnicity, Race, and Social Status Does colorectal cancer afflict everyone equally or are some groups of people more likely to be diagnosed than others? The reasons are varied, but some groups get colorectal cancer more often than others. Ethnicity, race, and social status all play a part.
7. Family Medical History Most colon cancer occurs in people with no family history of the disease. But, colon cancer can run in the family. Whether you're at increased risk depends on which family member was diagnosed and at what age.
8. Gender You may have heard that men are more likely to get colorectal cancer than women. You may have heard it the other way around, too. Both statements can be true depending on the context.
9. Genetics Researchers estimate that about 25% of colon cancer cases have some sort of genetic link. Examples of the most common genetic causes of colon cancer include mutations leading to FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis) and HNPCC (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer).
10. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Inflammatory bowel disease, often characterized by conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease, increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. In general, the longer a person has had inflammatory bowel disease, the greater his or her chance of developing colorectal cancer.
11. Lack of Exercise There's no denying that exercise is good for you. The couch potato in me would like to see a study every once in a while declaring otherwise, but that just doesn't happen. Research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle contributes to colon cancer development.
12. Obesity Nobody likes to have the word obese thrown at them. But, obesity is a medical term that indicates someone exceeds their recommended weight, one step beyond simply being overweight. And the answer to the question is yes, obesity does increase colon cancer risk.
13. Personal Medical History Your personal medical history can significantly impact your chances of developing colorectal cancer. A medical history that includes polyps, bowel inflammation, or certain cancers is particularly relevant.
14. Polyps Virtually all colon cancer develops from adenomatous polyps in the colon, generally referred to simply as colon polyps. A personal or family history of polyps puts you at higher risk for colon cancer.
15. Smoking Long-term cigarette smoking causes colon cancer for two main reasons. First, inhaled or swallowed tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon. Second, tobacco use appears to increase polyp size.
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I don't have time to make any visits just now. I will be back here on the 2nd week of May.
Our 31st wedding anniversary will be on May 5th. We will be out of town during that time.  You can turn off the music by clicking the 2 vertical lines on my music player in the blog entry below this one.
Thank you all so very much for signing my photo guestbook 
Congratulations Allan & Tammy on your upcoming wedding 
All the best to you both as you begin your lives as husband & wife 
*HUGS* TOTAL! give MamaIris more *HUGS*
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Music Playlist at MixPod.com
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April 16th Update
 Cherl Playter is out of the hospital now
You can visit here, at the link below
http://practicinglucky4mysake.spaces.live.com/
^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^v
Thank you for the beautiful card Sus
http://www.jacquielawson.com/preview.asp?cont=1&hdn=2&pv=3152146
UPDATED APRIL7TH 2009.
Yesterday I got a package of information for the hospital about treatments etc.
A cpl of min later the cancer clinic called.
I have an appt to see the radiation Onocologist (cancer Doctor) on April the 23rd.
Its just to go over my health information & to inform me what comes next.
UPDATE!! I have my first Onocologists appt on the 20th !
I am feeling great too by the way 
I dont use this address for my facebook account..
I have been getting invatations from here, please just sign into your fb account & do a search for
Iris Shea Sparrow & if I recogonise you as one of my spacers here, etc.... I will add you.
I don't add complete strangers.I'm sure you'll understand.
My FB account in private.
Thank you for this beautiful inspiring video Robert.One part of it,has a part of a prayer that I have used
before at the hospital when I was a little uneasy during a ct scan.
It was given to me by a wonderful woman that I really admire.
http://www.lightmovie.com/
Thank you as well for the words to live by "Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events,
have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow
hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."
Thank you for the angeles & songs too, I love them !
Thank you Geri for the sweet St. Patricks Day Card & Garry for the pretty flower.
Thank you for the beautiful gifts. I have/am in the process of adding here 
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Please keep my friend Cherl Playter in our prayers.She is back in the hospital.
They are checking to see if cancer cells have spread to the fluid around her heart.
You can see her space here http://practicinglucky4mysake.spaces.live.com/
She also has a facebook.
Have a great week folks.
^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^v
 Happy Easter 
•:*:• •:*:• •:*:• •:*:• •:*:• •:*:• •:*:• •:*:• •:*:• •:*:•
 
For those not familiar with MSN Spaces.. just keep moving the scroll bar in the table below down,to read about our vacation in Cuba.
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Hi Guys,
We are back from a great vacation with 2 good friends from New Brunswick,Archie & Joyce.On our 2nd week in Cuba, our two sons joined us too =)
We relaxed on the beautiful beach at a resort which we have been at twice before.We love the people who work at Club Amigo Guardalavaca 
I lost my camera in a washroom on our last day.About 1/2 hour later, on our way to a snack bar, a beautiful bird with an unusual tail landed in front of us. I reached in to get my camera to take a pic, thats when I realized I didnt have it. A very honest maid who was working there, had found it & placed it in her working closet.As soon as I asked if anyone had found a camera, she went directly to her closet & got it for me... I was sooo appreciative! I got hername & told the people at the head desk about her.
We visited with a family of friends of ours whom we had met before.They live in Holguin city.We grew very close to each other in a short period of time.They had us over to their beautiful home, on our last trip there & also for yet another wonderful feast this time. The man of the house Robert, is a cook...a very good one too =)They went all out & bought a pig in anticipation of our arrival which was supposed to be in Dec. of 2008. We enjoyed a spectacular feast of salad,pork, yucca(with an onion sauce) ,maiz ( Mmm I loved that!) traditional Cuban rice & black beans,as well as fried bananas. Kelly had given them all a taste of peperetts...they have never tasted anything so hot before...little Roberticos reaction was priceless hahaha =D
Afterwards, we relaxed in their living room, where their cute little 7 year son Roertico ,did some fancy dancing for us lol...Kelly tried hopelessly to learn from him lol. We met Magdialas (The lady of the house)cousin Afred who works as a weather man on the local tv station as well as Carlos, also known at the local disco scene as Charlie.He does a mean beep-bop! Mark hung out with him alott.He took Mark to various Discos/Bars.Joyce & I were given a beautiful bouquet of flowers both on the first day that we had met up with our Cuban family at the resort, as well as when we left their home after a wonderful meal with them.They are so very kindhearted.
Kelly & I along with Mark (Danny had sprained his foot the night before, after falling up the stone stairs after a 3:am swim(not a very wise decision I know) we got our fave taxi driver (Cirilo Garcia) to take Mark on a tour of Holguin,The Cross of the Hill etc . We always go to the town square to meet up with our friend Alex & bring him some gifts.Hes a young man we met, who tries very hard to be a tour guide, dispite his lack of knowlege of the English language.He kinda does charades & I am GREAT at guessing what he means hahahaha.Hes fun.
We met up with friends of Archie & Joyce both at the beach & on day we got a horse & buggy ride close to where they live.They have new pups & many other animails... baby turkeys, ducks.... a pig... etc.The daughter of the family (Milka),done our nails for us =) Her Mom,Zoila, makes a wonderful homemade lemonade which we all enjoyed.They lost everything during hurricane Ike & are now in the process of rebuilding again, this time a brick home. Luisbel is helping his father Andres,build it.
Kelly & Joyce & Archie & I , took a relaxing horse & buggy ride by,Antonio with his horse Pacho, into the fishermans village as we usualy do, to bring clothing etc for the locals.Its so very sad that so many homes there were destroyed by the hurricane....it never distroyed their spirit though... they are such a friendly neighbourhood there.Many are in the process of rebuilding there too.... they are right along the waterfront.We were given many gifts in return ...beautiful hand made necklaces & braclets & a gorgeous shell to add to my collection too.
We ran into Gord & Jean during the one of the 'Welcome Back Lobster Suppers 'at Club Amigo.Its always nice to see them.Gord (War Vet) gathers a collection up for the waitresses & waiters wich it greatly appreciated by all. Jean is a tiny little lady, but dont mess with her... she puts people in their place hahaha..They have been going to this resort for many years now, sometimes spending mos at a time there !They are envolved in everthing,as far as activities go.They win many awards, which are presented to them during the evenings entertaiment.They are great dancers 
& seem to be so very much in love.... 
I have heard that they will be celebrating their 80th birthdays , at the resort in Nov.!!! You'd never guess their age, they are very young at heart.
On Marks birthday,our Cuban family, as well as Magdialas cousin & self taught "translator"(4 languages) Carlos came over to spend a day on the beach with us. It was Awesome! Robert brought along a delicious shrimp dish, made by Robert. Joyce & I had a ball in the water when the waves got rough. Mark went snorkling & found in a sand dollar which was given to Robertico.Music played in the background, from the place where were seated.The sun was beautiful ! The boys layed on beach cots to dry after having fun in the water,swimming, exploring etc.Little Roertico, was like a little brother to Mark & Danny, copying their every move, if they had a hat on he put one on... if they drank beer, he drank his non alcohol can of beer hahaha ...Magdiala is due to have her baby girl in May,although it looks like she is ready to have her, any min lol... We had brought a blow up spiderman bat for Robertico... Joyce & Archie brought a blow up soccer ball. Joyce jokingly placed the ball under her shirt & posed next to Magdiala hahaha..
Later that evening,we went for an A la carte supper...Kelly got ahold of the waitress ahead of time to let her know of Marks B-day. At the end of the meal....the waitresses turned out the lights & brought him a cake with a candel in it... 
everyone sang Happy Birthday to him =)They don't have entire cakes,at that resturant... the ladies went over to another resturant to get the cake for him. How very nice of them to do that. A great day was held by all. 
Joyce & I had a great time in the pool on floaties ( she always brings them ) We met a cpl from P.E.I. there.Barbara was her name... she was just like a Cape Bretoner... very friendly ...seems like I knew her forever.
One night at the piano bar we met a nice cpl from Finland the ladys name is Arja. We exchanged email addresses.There was this man who played fiddle there at the piano bar, who was simply amazing ! He had the place hoppin everytime he played !!The local houseband is Great too, as are the ones who play the resturants !
We had great weather the entire trip.It rained for about 45 mins while we waitied for our bus to arrive to take us to the airport on our last day. While waiting at the airport Kelly noticed about 3 rows behind us, a familiar priest ! At first I thought he was a priest from Boisedale, but then I remembered, that he used to be a priest at Holy Cross Church here in our town. In fact I showed him a pic of him & I toether in my i-pod...he was the priest who baptized my Godchild 9 years ago !!! What a small world eh !
We returned to Halifax just after a snow storm.
We had a wonderful time, but its always good to be back home again I missed my pets so much. 
  
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for the beautiful angels Robert. 
Thank you for the thougtful cards Ellen 
 Thank you for phoning me last week Francisca.It was great talking to you yesterday too.Thank you too for all of the great postcards from Spain !
Do this remind you of anyone? 
March is colon cancer awareness month. Get screened !
The Blue Star
symbolizes the fight
against colon cancer. The star represents the memory of those people whose lives have been
lost to the disease and the shining hope for a future free of colon cancer.
Myths About Colorectal Cancer
Below is a scan from March 26th Cape Breton Post
It took me all day (March 4th & March 5th) to get some visits done here at Spaces. I really enjoyed my visits with you.
I will see you all ,when we return from our trip.Take care & be kind to one another 
Music Playlist at MixPod.com
Thank you for your visitis & comments.
I HAVE GREAT NEWS!!!
Scroll the pink bar below in the table.
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I was at the hospital for an ultrasound today on my leg. I had been having pain in the leg & went to have it checked outa cpl of days ago. On Tuesday I got an appt. for the ultrasound.;1:30 pm today. I was given a shot of a bloodthinner (while I had reg while hospitalized) & I had bloodwork done first.
The results from the ultrasound came back good. No bloosclots =)
I was at home watching Ellen when the phone rang. My Dr. had my pathology reports back. I had expected that we were about to be told some bad news, regarding an organ, but as it turned out.... everything was GREAT!
There was no spreading of the cancer. The cancer was a low grade cancer(the best possible outcome) I was so relieved !!! A cancer specialist who has recently won an award ,placing him in a catagory of The Best cancer Dr. in Canada,,,,had phoned to speak to my Dr. while I was there about another patient. My. Dr. had him pull up my info. The cancer Dr. said that by the looks of the pathology report, he thinks that there is a possibility that I may not even need to have treatments !!. The last word on that still remains with my sergeon though.So either way, I feel much better about how things look for the long haul now. =)
We will be out of the Country for a cpl of weeks mid-March,enjoying a vacation that we had booked with a cpl of friends of ours long before my diagnosis.I am doing really well now & was told by 2 Drs. to go & enjoy my vacation =) We are so looking forward to seeing our friends Joyce & Archie as well as our Cuban family, Magdalia, Robert & Robertico
YES!!! YES !!! YES !!!! Life is good =)
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Thank you for the 2 beautiful tags below Marji
also for adding the wonderful support tag from Geri (rainclouddancingwoman) (seen below)(to your space
 for signing my photo guestbook
Leaving March 8th back 2 weeks later
Click Below
 
Music Playlist at MixPod.com
Checking to see if MSN Spaces is going to work right for me.
I have some wonderful news today (Feb.18th) !!!!
There is so much more to this entry, but it can only be seen by me, in edit mode. I have no idea whats going on with MSN.
To turn music off click on the pause button on the player below.The 2 verticle lines.
 
It was exactly 1 month ago today that I was diagnosed with cancer.My surgeries (yes I had a suprise bonus one ta boot) on Feb.5 th went well & I'm now home recouping. I may be going for treatments in 3 months time.The Dr.s,the nurses & the staff on the 4th floor of the Reginal hospital are wonderful!!!
 I hope that you all had a very Happy St. Valentines Day
Thank you for the above tag Geri
*HUGS* TOTAL! give MamaIris more *HUGS*
Get hugs of your own
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