Running on Empty

On Sunday morning I succeeded in going for a run for the first time since before my treatment started. And for the first time since I started jogging almost nine years ago, I was unable to finish my entire route (and my usual route is rather short). I managed about two blocks before I had to slow to a walk and catch my breath. I continued alternating running and walking until I completed a loop equivalent to half my route and spent the rest of the day recovering on the couch. Today the sore muscles have set in and I'm moving about like an old man with arthritis. Ah, fitness.

Of course, none of this comes as a surprise. Resuming jogging after a four month hiatus would be a challenge at the best of times, let alone after what my body has been through. So, I'm focusing on the fact that this is simply a beginning. Here's hoping it's not the beginning of a permanent charley horse.

Tube is Out!

I no longer have a tube coming out of my stomach!

This afternoon, Jeanette drove me down to Toronto General Hospital. They took me in at 1:00 PM and by 1:15 PM I was tube-free. It only stung slightly as the doctor slid the tube out; no anaesthetic necessary. I'm not to eat or drink until after 6:00 PM today and I'm to keep the bandage dry for the next 48 hours, after which the wound should be all healed up. What a contrast to the fiasco of putting the tube in.

To celebrate being newly unencumbered, I've purchased a water bottle with jogging holster. I hope to start running again by the end of the week. Hey, once you're free of the Matrix, you gotta rebuild those atrophied muscles.

Join Me at Work for a Spot of Tea

Now that I'm back at work, some of you may be interested in getting a glimpse of where that is. It just so happens that today marks the launch of Tea Time at Annick Press, a blog offering a behind-the-scenes look at the very children's book publisher for whom I work. Have a look and then run (don't walk) to your neighborhood independent bookseller and buy lots of Annick books so I can continue to afford things like food and shelter.

A Warm Welcome, A Fond Farewell

I cannot say enough about how wonderfully supportive my work colleagues have been throughout my treatment. True to form, they were just as generous in welcoming me back to the office last week. I was met by enthusiastic greetings, balloons, Timbits, and even a sign. Our Production Manager, Heather, pointed out that while there should be a comma after "back", it's inclusion looked weird next to the extended leg of the "k". First day back and I was already boning up on my copy-editing and typesetting knowledge. I spent the rest of the week reacquainting myself with the various projects and catching up with all that had progressed in my absence. After months of having been confined to our apartment, it felt good to be back at work.

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Since returning to work I've also had two follow-up appointments at Princess Margaret Hospital. Last week was with PMH dentist Dr. Lee, who commended me for, so far, fending off the plaque fiesta that usually accompanies the dry mouth of post-radiation. Today was an appointment with Dr. Chen for a post-chemo checkup. He was pleased to see that I'm doing well and said that there is no need to see him again. As swell a guy as Dr. Chen is, I was not at all sorry to say happy trails, kemo sabe.

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Next stop, G-tube removal on Wednesday.

Back to Normal (Almost), Back to Work (Mostly)

I'm happy to say that I am officially back to eating all my meals the old fashioned way (albeit more slowly than before). With the return of my eating abilities and my energy levels continuing to improve, I will be making my triumphant return to the office tomorrow, January 7th.

Although I'm technically returning full-time right away, my work weeks will be interrupted over the next while by various hospital appointments:

• Tuesday, January 8: Dr. Lee at the PMH dental clinic.
• Monday, January 14: Dr. Chen (who oversaw my chemo).
• Wednesday, January 16: Feeding tube removal at Toronto General!
• Tuesday, February 19: CT scan at PMH.
• Wednesday, February 27: Dr. O'Sullivan to review CT scan results.

I may be done with hospitals, but the hospitals aren't done with me.

Happy New Year!

Over Christmas Jeanette and I enjoyed some much needed peace and quiet with my folks at their home in Ayr. In a unexpected twist, I was feeling (and eating) well while Jeanette ended up being the patient. After months of worrying about me and stressing about the usual insanity of retail at Christmastime and dealing with countless sneezing customers, Jeanette finally succumbed to a doozy of a cold. We spent part of Boxing Day at a walk-in clinic in nearby Waterloo. I was relieved when the doctor diagnosed her with nothing more serious than a cold, but Jeanette was disappointed that he couldn't prescribe anything powerful to ease her suffering. Instead, we stocked up on over-the-counter cold medications.

Back in Toronto, we continued with the peace and quiet right through New Year's Eve. And what better way to wish good riddance to 2007 and welcome 2008 than some take-out from Swiss Chalet? Although my taste buds still aren't back to 100% and swallowing is still a bit of a challenge, I was no less pleased to finally satisy my months old craving.

Jeanette (who is feeling a little better but still coughing a lot) and I wish you all the best for 2008. We look forward to seeing everyone whom we weren't able to see over the holidays!