Do you know what time of year it is?

Tick engorged (left) and ready to latch (right).
I put them on a piece of tape, throw them away,
having removed them with the tiny, pointed tweezers.

Once engorged, they look like a
fat, brown pea.

We're back to tick time!

Yes, its tick season.
For those living in the fringes of potential tick territory, you best watch out.
All it takes is vigilance.
By June 21st we had found and removed 76 ticks. By July 10th we were up to 80. Things slowed down in the summer. We were only finding one or two a week. Late August, they picked up again and we are up to about 85. Read the full story here!

Daisy loves the forest.

In the past week, just when we thought things had calmed down, we've found two ticks on Buster and FOUR on Dorah.
They are easy to find. It takes 24 hours or so for anything like Lyme Disease to go from the black-legged ticks digestive system into the host.

Buster grooms his sister, Dorah

If you pet the animals, you can feel a partly-engorged tick and then remove it.

Now, most of our ticks are likely brown ticks or dog ticks, not the black-legged kind. But you cannot be too careful. All I do is shout "BUG!" and hubby grabs the tweezers, a piece of tape, ad the sucker is toast.

They are very tiny.
Here is one on Dorah.

Dorah is the cat, much like Sady (the queen), who spend the least amount of time outdoors. Dorah, while almost as big as Buster, and such a lovely white, has been in and out 6 or 7 times since dawn!
So why Dorah has more than the others, I do not know.

Buster usually goes out in the wee hours (3:00 - 7:00 a.m. today). Buster, despite being alpha male –the only male, defers to Dorah and lets her eat, she nudges him out.

Grumpy Sadie, tick removed!

Daisy has been outside since 7:00 a.m., I saw her off in the back 40, waved, she meowed, hopped up on the bench, and then went back to her mouse patrol.

Sadie watched carefully by Dorah,
enjoying the last warm days

More Camera Critters

The process of cancer treatment; Part III – tests, reading materials, documentation

We were at the Cancer Assessment Clinic just last Tuesday, Oct. 22nd. By Friday, the 25th, we'd been phoned for three appointments for the next month: a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, a Computed Tomography (CT, AKA 'cat') Scan, a bone scan to determine if there are cancer cells in the bones, and follow-up with the surgeon, after all the data was in.
Most importantly, for us, we've been documenting names, dates, doctors, health data, appointments, in the booklet we were provided, although other types are available.

Why do tests?

In education, we test to assess, diagnose, evaluate causes, determine treatment, and determine progress after said treatment.
It is important to understand at which stage the cancer cells sit (Stages I, II, III,  or IV) and if or where they are have spread and are growing.
For example, if you have Stage II Prostate Cancer, this is what you can expect:

• http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/MediaLinks/627858.html

From: Understanding Lab and Imaging Tests

The surgeon was amazingly illustrative about our range of options, depending upon test results, of course. The best treatment depends upon how invasive the cancer cells have become, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. His office, and his nurse, gave us copious amounts of reading material. For the most part, everything he talked to us about was in the booklets we had been given. We need not memorise it! Hubby wisely put it aside that day and the next. Then, he read it all. I flipped through some of it, but couldn't not digest it all.

Reading Materials

As with any information it can be overwhelming. Seeing as the MRI is the next test, I will read up on this specific test, google a map for the centre where we will go, and parse it out that way.

The doctor offered up several websites where we could get the best information. I knew of these from my M.A. on-line research and had published a post on it. I had done a great deal of research for my book, and knew where to go.

 Even so, many websites provide contradictory information. You must be a wise consumer.

I found, when both my parents were dying of cancer, there was little information once they were in treatment. Now, we can find articles such as Bone Marrow Cancer Survival Rates. Neither were likely to be cured, and they underwent treatments that reduced their quality of life. Mom had radiation in 2005, then one chemotherapy treatment, developed a blood clot and died. Dad had radiation that gave him an infection, UTI, and his missed Mom's funeral whilst in delirium.

My guidelines for reliable research...

1. Check the source of information is non-profit, e.g., Canadian Cancer Society (.org), University , or a government (gc= Government of Canada; gov= US government). Not CARP or AARP. They are lobby groups.
2. Check the credentials of the writer.
3. Check for date of publication.
4. Determine if the site is selling a particular drug and has a bias or could have been paid to provide the information. It is common. I get the requests daily.
5. Figure out who is paying for the site. Avoid those with Google ads.

   

   spiritualpathways.ca

6. Avoid sites with spelling errors. 
7. Check references for specific articles or issues. Bad research with poor construct validity abounds, as well as poor data or unreliable data.
8. Ensure that the content applies to you and your specific situation; the type of cancer, the stage of cancer.

I have a hospice client I visit with Stage IV, palliative bone marrow cancer, leukemia. I've been gathering resources for myself, as advocate, as well as information for him. He is in the latter stage of care. (See the image.)

Some of the good websites: 

• PubMed: National Center for Biotechnology Information
• Canadian Cancer Society (CCA) | American Cancer Society  both of these sites offer 

  

  Understanding
   Lab and Imaging Tests 

  information on cancer in general, and specific cancers. CCS will find you specific information, as well as peer support, drivers, etc.
• Specific societies, e.g., Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.org (LLS) I found Understanding Leukemia (PDF), from their website.
• LLS also provides: Understanding Lab and Imaging Tests (PDF)
• Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC): Cancer and Treatment
• Mayo CLinic Research
• 
  

Environmental concerns – fracking or hydraulic fracturing

I know how much we worry about our well water. The drought last year (2012) was frightening. We watched our trees wilt. Several near-by suburban communities and farmers had water issues. We ended up being fine. We have a deep well.

The news has been full of protests lately. They are many. We move so quickly ahead in all areas of science, whether healthcare, the government or big business has data or not. What is of utmost concern are the reports and data that are not made public.

The Canadian government, AKA PM Harper's PMO, has been clear on muzzling public sector scientists, who are not permitted to speak to media. Many complain about this issue.

Stop muzzling scientists, protesters tell Tories

www.thestar.com

Sep 16, 2013 - Hundreds of frustrated scientists descended on Parliament Hill Monday to demand that the Tories stop muzzling scientists and cutting research funding.

First Nations protested the intention of a company to begin fracking in New Brunswick. Police cars were fire bombed following months of peaceful protests. The N.B. government will not discuss this issue nation to nation.

Protest was an 'armed encampment' says N.B. Premier David Alward

http://www.theglobeandmail.com

Alward defended the RCMP’s actions that sparked violence, saying the encampment at the side of a highway leading into the village of Rexton was not a 'safe and secure place.' The police moved in to ensure the safety of the public, he said. Alward also called on native leaders across the province to…

It is no wonder they are worried with Environment Canada reports like this:

Chinook Fuels Ltd. Sentenced to Pay $60,000 for Offences under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

FORT McMURRAY, Alta. – October 24, 2013 – Chinook Fuels Ltd, of Fort McMurray, Alberta, was sentenced on Friday, October 18, to pay $60,000 in Alberta Provincial Court to the Environmental Damages Fund for offences under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The company pleaded guilty to the transfer of petroleum products into unregistered tanks, failure to register tanks with Environment Canada, and failure to have tanks installed by a party approved to do so in the Province of Alberta.

[Download the
full report here (PDF).] 

Then there is Jessica Ernst. She can light her well water on fire after fracking. Her water has methane and ethane. 

She is a scientist, 30-years employed in the industry, ironically enough.

She went through all the proper channels, finally writing a detailed report.  Her well water burned her skin until she figured it out. She now has to travel to get water. She questioned what was going on.

The report details one explosion.
An incident in which Mr. Jack was injured.

She states:

But, what I thought was discouraging, is…in me posing that question, I was called an environmental extremist both by Tom Flanagan on a CBC show and the National Post and I think that was a reflection of some of the bullying – unfortunately – that some environmental groups experienced in asking basic questions about what is the state of Canada’s environment. ... 

Hydraulic fracturing involves pumping water, nitrogen, sand and chemicals at high pressure

to fracture rock and allow natural gas or oil to flow through wells to the surface. 

Ernst attempted to sue the province for being in bed with the energy companies, as well as the energy companies themselves. The issue of Crown Land has been a difficult one.

 You'd think the provincial agencies were there to protect citizens, and the environment, but it hasn't proven to be the case. In listening to a CBC The Current report, she tells us that she has been unable to hold anyone accountable. She believes that her neighbours are afraid to speak out, and she believes many have been muzzled by non-disclosure agreements, having been bought out by the industry. She is standing firm, having seen what fracking has done to her water.

 

Fracking Immunity: Holding regulators accountable

http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/

Jessica Ernst says she could light her water on fire as it came out of the tap from her well

$33-Million Anti-Fracking Lawsuit On Shaky Ground

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/

ROSEBUD, Alta. - An Alberta woman has lost a round in her legal battle against the contentious process of hydraulic fracturing.Jessica Ernst launched a $33-million lawsuit against the Alberta government, the province's energy regulator and energy company Encana. She claims gas wells fracked around he...

Still, the leaves – they fall in the wind

The fall leaves are still lovely in spots. 

Forest walkies

Forest walkies Daisy Buster from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.
We went for walkies and heard lots of robins in the forest. Daisy tried to climb the tree to reach them (in this video). She gave up, shimmying back down like a tree woman, and decided to eat a small tree. (She is teething!)
The birds were amazing, as we haven't had our first hard frost. You can hear the hundreds of robins twittering. Dorah follows, then Buster runs on the carpet of leaves to catch up with us.

The process of cancer treatment; Part II –cancer assessment at the hospital

8:45 a.m.

We got up early. Fueled with coffee. Left the house at 8:45 for an 11:00 appointment. It was an hour and a
half drive. Getting topsy turned around in the parking lot, I remembered my friend's words. Most of the women she knew were more upset at having to drive, something they did not normally do, especially in the city. It is enough stress, without navigating a big hospital. Arriving in good time, I grabbed the parking ticket, remembering that we had to use a machine in the hospital, pay it, in order to get out of the parking lot. No humans were involved in this process. We also clutched all the paperwork we had to bring. A back pack would have been a good idea!

10:15 a.m.

We reported to the Cancer Centre, to register and get a hospital green card. They ask for this and your OHIP card at every new desk. Green card in hand, and delightful volunteer took us to find the Cancer Assessment offices, located on the 7th floor, we toddled off.

10:45 a.m.

ESAS

Once there, having presented both cards, there was a clipboard of papers to fill in. Three separate information sheets. One was 8 pages long! All good information relating to us, the
cancer, our families and how much support we wanted. There are many places for family to get support, especially the Cancer Society. One of the sets included the ESAS, an important pain assessment tool.
There was room on the Ottawa Hospital form for a PPS score. The Palliative Performance Scale. This is helpful for those in later stages of cancer. You can find more tools here.

Fortunately, we'd filled in the first sheet -the Self-reporting History form (PDF), having printed it off of the web, and that saved us time.

Note to self: When they tell you to get there for 11:00, and you arrive early, go grab a coffee, have a cookie and relax until your time is closer. You'll find out why later.

10:45 a.m. 

Forms filled in, we waited. Now, we were told to be there for 11:00 to fill in forms, but our appointment with the surgeon was for 11:30. Wisely, we'd brought water and snacks. Check here for the list of things you should take with you! Happily, we had things to read, a newspaper, I brought women's magazines, some puzzles.

11:30 a.m.

The nurse called us in. Entering a small room, we sat at a round table, the sun and clouds wafting by the window. The predicted rain did not happen. It was a lovely blue sky. We went over the forms with her. Offering more literature, we accepted. She took the forms away, and assured us that the surgeon would be in to see us soon. She advised us that the surgeon had an intern with him. Fine by us! She closed the door firmly behind her, leaving us in privacy.
By 12:00 I suggested we nibble on our snacks. Who knows how long we'd be. I could hear the doctor in the room next door. Soon, I figured I had better visit the loo before it was too late.

11:44

12:35 p.m.

The surgeon and his intern entered, iPad in hand. After an exam, he explained our options. He explained the next steps. It all hinges on a blood test, CT Scan, an MRI, a bone test, and then we're back to the surgeon.
On his iPad he showed us exactly where the cancer was, what he would do, and what was next. He was energetic, engaging, and enthused about his robotic surgery tools.
The tests should all be done within two or three weeks. Surgery, if it is called for, near or just after Christmas.

here we are: 12:17

1:10 p.m.

Our nurse returned, bringing some promised reading material. There were a couple of forms we could fill in now, such as providing tissue samples for a cancer sample bank. We were happy to do this. She outlined the binder that provides us with places to write down the names of all our specialists, the dates of appointments, she had written in the test results on our file from our precious specialist. She also gave us a form for the blood test to do today.

 Off we went, back downstairs. We needed to find the patient registration desk, 2nd floor, and then we'd be put in the cue for the blood test.

Slim

2:00 p.m.

Now, there were quite a few people. We expected a bit of a wait. But by 2 p.m., a 4-hour marathon, finis. Test done, off to try to find a machine where we could pay for parking. Putting the chit in the slot, it told us we owed $13.50. It spit our $20 back out. I shoved it back in, insisting that it had to take it, and our change appeared in the slot below. Then, back to find another washroom for a pitt stop.

3 happy cats

We were free, once we found the car!

3:00 p.m.

At the restaurant for lunch, and to deliver Slim to the kids' house. Good thing we had snacks.

5:00  p.m.

We arrived home safely. The cats were happy to get outdoors after being cooped up all day.

Geraldine bullfrog –looking a bit sleepy

Yesterday, she was hunkered down.

 Yesterday, our bullfrog was sitting in her pot, in the centre of the goldfish pond.
Her eyes closed, she contemplated her winter sleep.
I have brought some of the goldfish in, as the pond is only a couple of feet deep.
Geraldine, however, is on her own!
The contrast in colours between summer and fall are striking. Both flora and fauna.
Geraldine seems more brown.
The plants have gone rather dull brown, too.

Isn't she amazing?!

She has a buddy. Can you spot it?

Daisy and Geraldine in August!

greens aren't green now

The flowers have stopped blooming.

Last views of the robins, methinks

Fine fellow!

They are munching on the berries, it was a banner year for berries this year!

Chilly days, but many berries about.

Off we went for walkies.

Yes, I know, sounds crazy, but the cats like to walk with me. I'm not sure why.

But my eyes and ears were drawn upwards. 

I could believe the noise in the canopy. Hundreds of robins!
They were hiding out in the cedars, avoiding the blue jays.
Listen to them! 

Another forest trip, this time 100s of robins were singing in the canopy. Daisy thought she could climb up and visit with them. She changed her mind and shinnied back down!
Daisy in the forest from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Can you see them in the middle?
Three of them!

I spotted this one nibbling away.

Acting as an executor –get advice

Unfortunately, this is the reason we need to involve accountants and lawyers in helping us act as executors. He should have known, or been told, even if he had forgotten.

The bank was delayed in getting the RRSP turned over from his late wife to himself, which is usually automatic from spouse to late spouse. This is why doing my late mother's estate was easier than Dad's. Everything just turned over from her to him.
You must file a tax return for the deceased. I had to for dad. It wasn't easy. Not when you are in mourning. Our Allan Turnbull, in Bala, was an amazing accountant. He provided us with much advice. As was my dad's lawyer.
Someone's head should roll.
You also need to get a letter from the tax man, stating that the proper taxes were filed, and the estate is cleared, your job is over.
He can blame the bank, but please, people, find the right professionals to counsel you.

$35K tax bill for widowed dad from Scotiabank's mistakes

 

A widower with five children was slapped with a $35,000 unnecessary tax bill after Scotiabank made several mistakes on a routine registered retirement savings plan transaction.

The process of cancer treatment; PART I

You've had the biopsy. It came back positive. You've dealt with the emotions. (If not, seek counselling. There are many there to help.)
Your physician has referred you to an oncologist.
What can you expect?

My previous post, Preparing for a Visit With a Specialist, provides some more suggestions.

If you live in a rural area, as we do, you must face a big trip into the city to visit the hospital.

What I find is that if it is the regular driver who is having treatment, the spouse, or partner or another family member must drive. This can provide its own concerns.

Remember that there are several strategies to find transportation to get to the Cancer Centre: Community Home Support provides drivers (e.g., CHSPC.ca), contact your local CCAC for a self-referral.
The Canadian Cancer Society (ONT) provides volunteer drivers. For for those on Ontario Works or Ontario Disability, contact your case manager.

• Firstly, check out the hospital's website. It will provide you with some information, e.g. The Cancer Clinic, including driving directions. 
• Make sure you know what to bring on your first visit.

• Gather together your OHIP card; the name, phone number and address of your GP; any 

  

  My ducky and I assisted a client

  medications, including over the counter vitamins; your hospital card (if you have one).
• Check out any specific instructions. For example, the Ottawa General Hospital states that you must first check in and register at the main desk. If you do not have a hospital card, you will be issued one.
• Parking is not cheap. Several hospitals charge $14 or $15 per day. 
• Take a pen and paper.
• Be prepared to answer the Self-reporting History form (PDF). In fact, print it and take it with you. It will save you time and energy.
• Take a family member or friend. Contact your local Community Home Support CCAC office, or your local hospice, if you need someone to attend with you. I have perform

  

  Volunteer driver with step-stool

   ed this service for many clients.
• Prepare a list of questions if you have them. Please read this post regarding treatment plans, treatment options, side effects.
• Bring something to read or to do: puzzles, magazine, a book.
• Prepare a snack, bring water or juice.
• Bring your drug benefit card, if you have additional health insurance.
• Do not wear perfume. It's not fair to anyone in hospital.
• Know that there are always volunteers to assist you, should you require it.