Tomorrow will be the one year anniversary of the creation of this blog. It was originally created to share the progress of Cathy's recovery with friends and family. I can honestly say that, at that time, I thought she would fully recover, and we'd have the old Cathy back.
What a difference a year makes. Or a month. Or a day. Life goes by fast. Death comes quickly.
Cathy had her major surgery around this time about a year ago. It was a scary time, and I realize now that we never really knew how scary the results actually were. She did not want people to know the specific details of her "recovery", as she did not want people to worry.
We were only allowed to reveal so much on this blog. If you look back at the posts, there is always a cautious optimism in the tone. I think we were willing ourselves to think positively, that everything would be OK.
But life marches on, with no pause for those it's left behind. We've all gone more or less back to our daily routines. But it is never easy. I'll find myself staring into the mirror in the morning asking, "WTF - did this really happen?"
It's interesting to me that this blog still gets traffic. Quite a few visitors a week, actually. So I will keep it going, as it obviously serves some kind of purpose, if only for the selfish reason that it helps keep me sane.
I've put back smiling Cathy, as that's how we ultimately remember her. And I've updated the look from it's funereal theme of the past few months. Grief will come and go, but our happy memories, the recall of her laughter, will always be there.
Thanks for hearing me out, whoever is out there.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Birthdays & Festivals
Today Cathy would have turned 46 1/2. Yes, she was one of the few people around who celebrated their Half Birthday, if only to give everyone six months notice that her real birthday was coming up.
We are also thinking about Cathy today as the Toronto International Film Festival begins tonight. That these two momentous ocassions are colliding on the same date would have been a great delight to her.
TIFF was clearly one of her most favourite times of the year. A lot of us have great memories of attending films with her, or just stalking...er...hanging out in Yorkville hoping to catch a glimpse of one of her favourite celebrities.
If anyone goes to TIFF this year, let's leave an extra seat for Cathy.
We are also thinking about Cathy today as the Toronto International Film Festival begins tonight. That these two momentous ocassions are colliding on the same date would have been a great delight to her.
TIFF was clearly one of her most favourite times of the year. A lot of us have great memories of attending films with her, or just stalking...er...hanging out in Yorkville hoping to catch a glimpse of one of her favourite celebrities.
If anyone goes to TIFF this year, let's leave an extra seat for Cathy.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who participated in and contributed to last evening's memorial. The general consensus is that it is just what Catherine would have wanted. We will be posting photos from the event next week to the blog. In the meantime, many have asked about the closing poem. I have posted it below:
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.
All is well.
- Henry Scott Holland
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.
All is well.
- Henry Scott Holland
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Remembering Catherine: A Celebration
Details are now confirmed for the AGO memorial for Catherine. The event will take place on Thursday, July 22 at 6 p.m. in the Galleria Italia at the Art Gallery of Ontario. There will be music, some of Catherine's artwork, and the sharing of happy memories of our dear friend. Those attending just need to show up at the main entrance to the AGO, and you will be escorted to the Galleria.
Following the memorial, a reception will be held at the AGO's FRANK restaurant, at approximately 7 p.m.
The invite is posted above. Please RSVP to friendsofcatherine@rogers.com by July 20.
If you would like to forward the invite to anyone you know who might be interested in attending, please let me know at scott.henderson@rogers.com and I will send it to you as an attachment.
Additionally, we will be reading out anecdotes and memories from Catherine's friends and co-workers that have been posted to this blog and elsewhere. If you have a memory to share, please post it here and we will try to include as many as possible.
Following the memorial, a reception will be held at the AGO's FRANK restaurant, at approximately 7 p.m.
The invite is posted above. Please RSVP to friendsofcatherine@rogers.com by July 20.
If you would like to forward the invite to anyone you know who might be interested in attending, please let me know at scott.henderson@rogers.com and I will send it to you as an attachment.
Additionally, we will be reading out anecdotes and memories from Catherine's friends and co-workers that have been posted to this blog and elsewhere. If you have a memory to share, please post it here and we will try to include as many as possible.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Looking For Your Memories...
Hi Friends of Catherine
As you know, planning for our arts and culture style memorial are starting to come together for July 22nd (thanks Scott!!). We will have our DVD photo tribute of Catherine's life on display once again. I would like to add your favourite photos of Catherine as I know there are parts of her life that I did not capture. I would especially like to include more photos of CC and her art and her time in Kingston. If you have any photos that you would like me to include, please email to bkubilius@acanac.net
Thanks, Barb
Friday, June 18, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
AGO Memorial This July
It's been one week since Catherine's passing. And as each day goes by, it doesn't get any easier. It is still uncomprehensible that we will never hear CC's raucous laugh again, that we will never hear the clang of her bangles, that we will never see her mischievous smile, that we will never marvel at her make up, that we will never witness her fiery passion....ever, again.
This blog has been a cource of comfort, not only to CC's family, friends and co-workers, but to CC herself. In her last weeks when she wasn't up for communication, she would visit the blog on her iPod from her hospital bed. And in the days following her passing, literally hundreds of people visited the site, catching up with CC's story, re-connecting with shared friends from her past.
And so on this one week anniversary, the moderators of this blog would like to thank everyone for visiting and posting their comments and for sharing in Catherine's life as it came to an end.
We would also like to announce that a memorial tribute to Catherine at the AGO is being planned for this July. This will be a time for CC's friends, family and co-workers to come together and pay tribute to her in the building and institution in which she took such enormous pride. We are also hoping to exhibit some of her art at the event, and we can take comfort knowing that she would have loved having her artwork exhibited at the AGO!
The blog will continue to be updated as details are confirmed for the event. We encourage you to "stay tuned" until then.
On behalf of Catherine's famly and friends, thank you.
This blog has been a cource of comfort, not only to CC's family, friends and co-workers, but to CC herself. In her last weeks when she wasn't up for communication, she would visit the blog on her iPod from her hospital bed. And in the days following her passing, literally hundreds of people visited the site, catching up with CC's story, re-connecting with shared friends from her past.
And so on this one week anniversary, the moderators of this blog would like to thank everyone for visiting and posting their comments and for sharing in Catherine's life as it came to an end.
We would also like to announce that a memorial tribute to Catherine at the AGO is being planned for this July. This will be a time for CC's friends, family and co-workers to come together and pay tribute to her in the building and institution in which she took such enormous pride. We are also hoping to exhibit some of her art at the event, and we can take comfort knowing that she would have loved having her artwork exhibited at the AGO!
The blog will continue to be updated as details are confirmed for the event. We encourage you to "stay tuned" until then.
On behalf of Catherine's famly and friends, thank you.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Ontario Culture Vulture
The following is an account of CC's career in the Ontario Public Service and was posted on the government intranet by CC's colleagues:
Catherine Ciavarella passed away on June 6, 2010. Many of you will remember Catherine. She was very passionate and knowledgeable about her work in culture and with the ministry’s agencies. Catherine was a great lover of art, architecture, and design and was devoted to the not-for-profit sector. She loved film and was an avid Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) attendee. Her contributions were appreciated and she will be missed.
Catherine began her OPS career in November 2000. She often told colleagues about her first day of work, eagerly arriving on Remembrance Day to discover that provincial offices were closed. Before joining the OPS, Catherine was the Executive Director of the Kingston chapter of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI).
Neil Downs was a technical advisor on the interview panel when Catherine was hired. Neil’s lead file was the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). John Shipman was the Manager of the Voluntary Initiatives Unit with the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation and he recruited Catherine to provide additional policy advisor support and back up on the OTF file. Soon after she was hired, Neil began a secondment as Manager, Corporate Policy and Catherine became the key policy advisor to the OTF.
In February 2001, the ministry was reorganized and Catherine moved with the OTF file to MGS before returning to the Culture Agencies Unit managed by Shirley Phillips. While working with Shirley, Catherine led a major program review of OTF and then took on the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) portfolio, working closely with the gallery during the Transformation AGO project. She became extremely knowledgeable about the ‘world’ of agencies. During this time, Catherine also chaired the ministry’s Discovery Awards. She mentored interns and summer students, and made it a unique experience for all of them. Catherine was the organizer of all staff birthday celebrations, parties, social events (which usually involved after hours martinis), baseball and the annual Academy Awards staff lottery.
In November 2004, Neil Downs followed Shirley as Manager of the Culture Agencies Unit. Catherine became lead Agency Coordinator for the Royal Botanical Gardens. From 2004 to May 2007, Neil relied on Catherine as the Unit’s most senior Agency Coordinator. In addition to the RBG, she continued to work with the OTF and AGO. Later, Catherine became the lead Agency Coordinator for the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) as they underwent their significant Renaissance ROM capital renovation. Catherine continued as MCL’s social convenor, organizing the popular “Tapas Tuesdays”.
In 2007, the Culture Liaison Unit was established, managed by Suzanne Rowe Knight. Catherine was a member of this ‘small but mighty’ team continuing her work with the AGO, OTF, RBG and ROM. Eventually, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection was added to her portfolio. Over the years, Catherine was involved with most of the ministry’s cultural agencies in some capacity. She also worked with many areas of the ministry and the OPS. Catherine was a member of the Corporate Resources Branch Performance Measures Team, and represented the Unit at the inter-ministerial Agency Coordinators’ Forum meetings. She worked closely with the Sports, Culture and Tourism Partnerships Secretariat on the AGO, RBG and ROM capital projects, and with the Legal Services Branch on numerous Foreign Cultural Objects Immunity from Seizure requests to protect cultural objects while on exhibition in Ontario.
Catherine was absolutely passionate about her files. She had a firm understanding of relevant agency legislation and directives, most importantly the Agency Establishment and Accountability Directive, and she worked hard on behalf of the cultural agencies to ensure central agencies, particularly MBS/MGS, provided the support needed so that these important cultural institutions would grow and prosper.
We are coordinating a donation to the Princess Margaret Hospital in memory of Catherine. If you would like to join us, please contact Ann Kavanagh in the Culture Agencies Branch before Tuesday, June 15th. Ann can be reached by phone at 416-314-7610 or email at ann.kavanagh@ontario.ca
Our thoughts and sympathies are with Catherine’s family, friends and colleagues.
Steven Davidson
ADM, Culture Division
Catherine Ciavarella passed away on June 6, 2010. Many of you will remember Catherine. She was very passionate and knowledgeable about her work in culture and with the ministry’s agencies. Catherine was a great lover of art, architecture, and design and was devoted to the not-for-profit sector. She loved film and was an avid Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) attendee. Her contributions were appreciated and she will be missed.
Catherine began her OPS career in November 2000. She often told colleagues about her first day of work, eagerly arriving on Remembrance Day to discover that provincial offices were closed. Before joining the OPS, Catherine was the Executive Director of the Kingston chapter of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI).
Neil Downs was a technical advisor on the interview panel when Catherine was hired. Neil’s lead file was the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). John Shipman was the Manager of the Voluntary Initiatives Unit with the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation and he recruited Catherine to provide additional policy advisor support and back up on the OTF file. Soon after she was hired, Neil began a secondment as Manager, Corporate Policy and Catherine became the key policy advisor to the OTF.
In February 2001, the ministry was reorganized and Catherine moved with the OTF file to MGS before returning to the Culture Agencies Unit managed by Shirley Phillips. While working with Shirley, Catherine led a major program review of OTF and then took on the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) portfolio, working closely with the gallery during the Transformation AGO project. She became extremely knowledgeable about the ‘world’ of agencies. During this time, Catherine also chaired the ministry’s Discovery Awards. She mentored interns and summer students, and made it a unique experience for all of them. Catherine was the organizer of all staff birthday celebrations, parties, social events (which usually involved after hours martinis), baseball and the annual Academy Awards staff lottery.
In November 2004, Neil Downs followed Shirley as Manager of the Culture Agencies Unit. Catherine became lead Agency Coordinator for the Royal Botanical Gardens. From 2004 to May 2007, Neil relied on Catherine as the Unit’s most senior Agency Coordinator. In addition to the RBG, she continued to work with the OTF and AGO. Later, Catherine became the lead Agency Coordinator for the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) as they underwent their significant Renaissance ROM capital renovation. Catherine continued as MCL’s social convenor, organizing the popular “Tapas Tuesdays”.
In 2007, the Culture Liaison Unit was established, managed by Suzanne Rowe Knight. Catherine was a member of this ‘small but mighty’ team continuing her work with the AGO, OTF, RBG and ROM. Eventually, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection was added to her portfolio. Over the years, Catherine was involved with most of the ministry’s cultural agencies in some capacity. She also worked with many areas of the ministry and the OPS. Catherine was a member of the Corporate Resources Branch Performance Measures Team, and represented the Unit at the inter-ministerial Agency Coordinators’ Forum meetings. She worked closely with the Sports, Culture and Tourism Partnerships Secretariat on the AGO, RBG and ROM capital projects, and with the Legal Services Branch on numerous Foreign Cultural Objects Immunity from Seizure requests to protect cultural objects while on exhibition in Ontario.
Catherine was absolutely passionate about her files. She had a firm understanding of relevant agency legislation and directives, most importantly the Agency Establishment and Accountability Directive, and she worked hard on behalf of the cultural agencies to ensure central agencies, particularly MBS/MGS, provided the support needed so that these important cultural institutions would grow and prosper.
We are coordinating a donation to the Princess Margaret Hospital in memory of Catherine. If you would like to join us, please contact Ann Kavanagh in the Culture Agencies Branch before Tuesday, June 15th. Ann can be reached by phone at 416-314-7610 or email at ann.kavanagh@ontario.ca
Our thoughts and sympathies are with Catherine’s family, friends and colleagues.
Steven Davidson
ADM, Culture Division
In Tribute
On the day of her funeral, Barb, Connie, Hilary, Rhonda and I remember our dear friend:
- She was foremost a creative person. A trained artist, she loved beauty in all forms, from art to music to film to architecture.
- She placed family first: she was a devoted daughter and aunt, and loved her mother and her nephews above all.
- She was a loyal, loyal friend. She had tremendous compassion, sharing in both the happiness and sadness of her friends and co-workers.
- She new how important it was to mark life’s progress. She remembered everyone’s birthdays, including her own.
- She was vivacious, with an enormous sense of fun. She had a fabulous wit, loved to laugh, and found humour in the most mundane.
- She was passionate and intelligent, and liked to debate and discuss.
- She knew how precious life was, and as a result engaged in life full throttle. She understood how to make moments matter, and then held them dear to her heart.
- She had a love for culture. She had enormous pride in contributing to the renaissance of the AGO and ROM.
- Her perfect day was a ride on her bike, a dip in water and some sunshine on her body.
- She was elegant, with a distinct personal style and beauty.
- She loved to dance.
- She didn’t covet a large amount of material possessions; rather, just a few things of quality and meaning.
- She had a great sense of place, and was equally home in Hamilton, Kingston and Toronto.
UPDATE: Read more tributes to Catherine here: http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/tributes.cfm?o_id=635052&fh_id=12177&s_id=CE9E7BAB263055CF8620E9F5008FB698
- She was foremost a creative person. A trained artist, she loved beauty in all forms, from art to music to film to architecture.
- She placed family first: she was a devoted daughter and aunt, and loved her mother and her nephews above all.
- She was a loyal, loyal friend. She had tremendous compassion, sharing in both the happiness and sadness of her friends and co-workers.
- She new how important it was to mark life’s progress. She remembered everyone’s birthdays, including her own.
- She was vivacious, with an enormous sense of fun. She had a fabulous wit, loved to laugh, and found humour in the most mundane.
- She was passionate and intelligent, and liked to debate and discuss.
- She knew how precious life was, and as a result engaged in life full throttle. She understood how to make moments matter, and then held them dear to her heart.
- She had a love for culture. She had enormous pride in contributing to the renaissance of the AGO and ROM.
- Her perfect day was a ride on her bike, a dip in water and some sunshine on her body.
- She was elegant, with a distinct personal style and beauty.
- She loved to dance.
- She didn’t covet a large amount of material possessions; rather, just a few things of quality and meaning.
- She had a great sense of place, and was equally home in Hamilton, Kingston and Toronto.
UPDATE: Read more tributes to Catherine here: http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/tributes.cfm?o_id=635052&fh_id=12177&s_id=CE9E7BAB263055CF8620E9F5008FB698
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Now at Peace
It is with devastating sadness that we announce together that Catherine passed away early this morning. Catherine fought her disease as she lived her life, fearlessly, refusing to give up until the very end.
A visitation is planned for Tuesday, June 8 at Friscolanti Funeral Home (43 Barton St. East near James) in Hamilton from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
The funeral will be held at St. Eugene's Roman Catholic Church (232 Queenston Road at Parkdale Avenue N.) in Hamilton on Wednesday, June 9 at 10 a.m.
We encourage everyone to share their memories with Catherine on this website, so that we may mourn collectively and celebrate her life together.
UPDATE: Read Catherine's obituary here: http://www.lifenews.ca/thespec/profile/100322--ciavarella-catherine-ann
UPDATE: Catherine's obituary in the Kingston Whig-Standard: http://yourlifemoments.ca/sitepages/obituary.asp?oId=398147
A visitation is planned for Tuesday, June 8 at Friscolanti Funeral Home (43 Barton St. East near James) in Hamilton from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
The funeral will be held at St. Eugene's Roman Catholic Church (232 Queenston Road at Parkdale Avenue N.) in Hamilton on Wednesday, June 9 at 10 a.m.
We encourage everyone to share their memories with Catherine on this website, so that we may mourn collectively and celebrate her life together.
UPDATE: Read Catherine's obituary here: http://www.lifenews.ca/thespec/profile/100322--ciavarella-catherine-ann
UPDATE: Catherine's obituary in the Kingston Whig-Standard: http://yourlifemoments.ca/sitepages/obituary.asp?oId=398147
Monday, May 31, 2010
Home at last!
Catherine was finally released from hospital on Friday after 19 days! She had a few painful procedures while there but is hoping they will help manage some of the symptoms that are making her uncomfortable. The new oral chemo that she is taking has a major side effect of fatigue. Cathy is extremely exhausted, weak and unable to do much right now. She appreciates the good wishes but needs privacy and quiet at the moment. Her mom has been by her side for the last week or so which has been a wonderful support to Catherine.
Monday, May 24, 2010
2 Weeks in Hospital is Too Much!
Catherine is still in hospital while the doctors try to figure out how to relieve her symptoms and achieve a fluid balance in her body. Feeling pretty fatigued, uncomfortable and frustrated -understandably so. Catherine is not feeling up to visitors or talking on the phone. On the bright size, CC looks surprisingly good with her supershort hair as it starts to grow in.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Fiesty
CC is still in the hospital, but doing OK. She almost headed home today, but it was decided to do another minor procedure, which should happen over the next few days. Fingers crossed she will be home for the long weekend.
CC has assumed (resumed?) a new fiesty spirit, which is great to see. She has been asking questions non-stop to her doctors and is fully engaged in her treatment. All-in-all her hospital stay is making her more comfortable.It is tough going for sure but every now and then she has been letting fly a few zingers, as is her way.
CC has assumed (resumed?) a new fiesty spirit, which is great to see. She has been asking questions non-stop to her doctors and is fully engaged in her treatment. All-in-all her hospital stay is making her more comfortable.It is tough going for sure but every now and then she has been letting fly a few zingers, as is her way.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Back in the Hospital
Unfortunately, CC has been admitted to hospital again for a few days for some minor procedures. As she deals with these next steps in her recovery, she would like to thank everyone for their concern but asks people refrain from visits and phone calls.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Back on Track
CC has begun the next stage of her treatment as of last night. In preparation, we had a couple of appointments yesterday followed by a trip to the drive-in at McDonald's for dinner. We shared some fries and had a nice drive home with the windows down, soaking up the fresh air on a beautiful spring day.
Barb drove CC to Burlington on Friday, where she enjoyed a two-night visit to her brother's and helped celebrate her newphew's birthday. Otherwise, CC has been been building her strength in anticipation of this round of treatment while staying in constant contact on her new iPod.
I hadn't seen CC in a while and I must say she was looking good. Fingers crossed that there will be no major side effects as we enter into this phase!
Barb drove CC to Burlington on Friday, where she enjoyed a two-night visit to her brother's and helped celebrate her newphew's birthday. Otherwise, CC has been been building her strength in anticipation of this round of treatment while staying in constant contact on her new iPod.
I hadn't seen CC in a while and I must say she was looking good. Fingers crossed that there will be no major side effects as we enter into this phase!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
This Week
Am doing ok- have been getting better since radiation. Will be seeing doc tomorrow and may be moving forward again with treatment...am getting out and about a bit which is really good.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Easter Monday
Been a bit since the last posting- I've been having a bit of a rough ride since radiation, but have been improving since last week. As a result, I was able to go to my brother's place on Good Friday for a dinner with my mom, etc. I have not been anywhere (with the exception of hospital stays) in 7 months so this was a big deal for me- I even stayed overnight and returned on Saturday. It was good to have a change of scenery and to spend time with my nephews- now 17 and soon to be 14! My brother has been taking care of my car as I haven't been driving- it is now like a brand new car! I was up to driving a bit around the neighbourhood, but am still very weak to be able to drive back to TO (my car is standard, so takes alot of effort). On the way to my brother's, my sister-in-law and I picked up my mom at her house- I haven't seen the house since Sept, so it was good to be there again. We had a nice Easter and Rhonda and Judi brought dinner yesterday as well, so was all good. I will be seeing doc next week- we decided not to rush into my next teatment given how I've been feeling- I will likely start soon though. Am seeing another doc tomorrow to discuss how I am managing and will be seeing another doc later this wk as well- I have lots of excellent care and I need it all. Hope everyone had a happy Easter.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Hanging In
Finished radiation for now yesterday. Am feeling fatigued and have a few ongoing problems to deal with as a result of treatments. Last week, I was able to get out and about a bit and had a great day at AGO with Hil, Connie and Nada- we even had a great dinner at FRANK restaurant- a real treat. Would love to have that kind of energy every day- I think the radiation tiredness is kicking in now which will take two or three wks to get better (am still tired from the chemo too).
I've been through alot of serious urgencies lately- had to have a blood transfusion around my birthday (am better now) and hospitalization/radiation was unexpected- meant to deal with a specific tumour only (that was a tough one for me). My doctor and I discussed a change of course for my treatment (I currently have 4 doctors for a variety of things) which will begin once I recover from radiation in April.
I have received some terrific bday wishes and gifts and really really appreciate them. I have just made it to 46 and will keep hanging in through all this.
I've been through alot of serious urgencies lately- had to have a blood transfusion around my birthday (am better now) and hospitalization/radiation was unexpected- meant to deal with a specific tumour only (that was a tough one for me). My doctor and I discussed a change of course for my treatment (I currently have 4 doctors for a variety of things) which will begin once I recover from radiation in April.
I have received some terrific bday wishes and gifts and really really appreciate them. I have just made it to 46 and will keep hanging in through all this.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Back From Hospital
CC returned home from the hospital on Monday though she continues her daily radiation treatments as an outpatient. They are quick and easy, just a bit of a pain to make the trek back to the hospital everyday for about a minutes worth of treatment.
Back at home, CC is loving her new handheld technology (iPod Touch and a beautiful sleek new Sony camera). She is discovering all their fabulous features and will be getting back into her photography tomorrow (hoping to go to her beloved AGO tomorrow for the first time since September).
Learning from past mistakes, she will only be handling her delicate new camera with the wriststrap on!
Back at home, CC is loving her new handheld technology (iPod Touch and a beautiful sleek new Sony camera). She is discovering all their fabulous features and will be getting back into her photography tomorrow (hoping to go to her beloved AGO tomorrow for the first time since September).
Learning from past mistakes, she will only be handling her delicate new camera with the wriststrap on!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Change of Plans
CC is not undergoing a fourth round of chemotherapy after all. There has been a change of course in her treatment, which will see her taking oral chemotherapy in a few weeks. In the meantime, she has had a setback and is in the hospital for a few days. She will be undergoing radiation therapy for the next 10 days, although it is uncertain for how long she will be in the hospital. She is stable and comfortable and hooked up with TV, magazines and her new iPod.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Ready for a change of scenery...
Catherine enjoyed the fabulous birthday weather yesterday and the good wishes of friends and family. Here she is in one of her more footloose and fancy-free moments (note the nice socks! ).
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Happy Birthday!
Just a quick update on the birthday girl's day. Rumour has it she is actually out at a movie and then will be coming home to load up her new iPod Touch with music this evening. Looking forward to details!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
And the Oscar goes to....the Birthday Girl!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
CA! NA! DA! CA! NA! DA!
Whew! What a day! Pizza, wings, hockey and mitts with maple leafs!
Like all good Canadians, CC was glued to the TV for the Canada v. US hockey game today and closing ceremony.
Betcha didn’t know our girl knows her hockey! She wowed us by explaining icing and off-sides, player strengths, and strategy like 6 men on ice in the last minutes. Her running commentary was peppered with gems like “the Americans really want to get a goal” and “if the US gets one more goal that will tie it up and then it’s anyone’s game!” Well, incredulously, she did call them scoring that goal in the last seconds of the 3rd period.
Now that we’ve won, its time to sell those maple leaf mitts for top dollar on e-Bay. If we’d lost, she was going to have to fling them off the balcony!
So many surprises…crocs, baseball, McDonalds, now hockey. What will she reveal next?!
Like all good Canadians, CC was glued to the TV for the Canada v. US hockey game today and closing ceremony.
Betcha didn’t know our girl knows her hockey! She wowed us by explaining icing and off-sides, player strengths, and strategy like 6 men on ice in the last minutes. Her running commentary was peppered with gems like “the Americans really want to get a goal” and “if the US gets one more goal that will tie it up and then it’s anyone’s game!” Well, incredulously, she did call them scoring that goal in the last seconds of the 3rd period.
Now that we’ve won, its time to sell those maple leaf mitts for top dollar on e-Bay. If we’d lost, she was going to have to fling them off the balcony!
So many surprises…crocs, baseball, McDonalds, now hockey. What will she reveal next?!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Ciavarella Wins Semifinals, One Round to Go!
Forgive me, readers, for not posting for a long time. I've been in Vancouver at the Olympics and don't have first-hand knowledge of the progress of Team Ciavarella. Instead of posting, I've been reading to keep up to date, and it seems like our star forward is in the medal rounds now. The revised format is as close as I can get to an Olympian theme, but with the last few days of the Games to be consumed by hockey, it seemed only appropriate. It seems our team captain has been sidelined with some chemo penalities, but we know this power play won't last for long, and she'll be at full strength in no time (yes, I'm mixing metaphors; work with me). I'll be home next week, and will be able to blog more frequently, and am already working on an Oscar theme....until then, GO! CATHY! GO!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Recovering from 3rd Cycle
Thank you for all your nice wishes and thoughts. I finished round 3 on Friday and, this time, I have some bonus side effects adding up, but am hanging in. This week will be a low one I suspect (and not so great physically) and you can never have enough TV and reading :) To distract me, I have a couple of appointments in the hospital this week. I am so sick of not being active and I am mentally bored, so if you have anything interesting to offer, let me know!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Round 3 begins!
Happily, Catherine had a full day of firsts yesterday. She went to a movie for the first time since the film festival in September, ate her first bag of popcorn and went to the grocery store on her own. I am glad Cathy enjoyed herself a little before starting round 3 of chemo today. Lots of waiting today which was very tiring. Round 4 begins on March 11th shortly after Catherine's birthday celebrations. CC is pictured here with one of her doggie friends in one of her favourite places, "The Meadow" in Cobourg.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Happy Birthday Hilary!
I think this blog is as much about my friends/friendship as it is about me, therefore, I wanted to wish my good friend Hilary a very happy (big) birthday! Last night, we had some nice take out and a movie and I beat Hilary to our hockey challenge (long story, but I won, therefore Hil must buy me an iPad). Hilary has been such a good friend to me for many years, but especially since I have been sick- with long visits in the hospital and her anticipating the things I would need to get through all this- or even just to get out of the hospital (crocs). Friends are the people you trust and can count on no matter what. A true friend supports, forgives and understands alot of things. That is what Hilary is and I am lucky to have such a friend. Happy Birthday Hilary! Love, C
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Round II Chemo Done
Finished chemo on Friday. I am tired, but ok. Hoping to feel a bit more peppy over the next three weeks until next chemo. Went out for brunch today with friends- my first brunch...am working up to sitting through a movie in the threatre, which I think I can now do. Slow and small steps, but have had nothing but fatigue and weakness, so that is big progress.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Round II Chemo
I started my 2nd round of chemo last Thursday and am heading into a full week of chemo this week. Prior to going into this chemo, I've felt better (less fatigue, etc.) than I've felt since surgery- I've felt a glimmer of hope that I can regain my strength and get back eventually to where I was physically (maybe not emotionally) to some extent in time. It's only been 3.5 months of all this, but I've waited so long for treatment and really need it. Unfortunately I have a big battle and wish more than anything that my family and friends did not also have to go through this- it is very hard on everyone and I have not always made it easy to be cared for.
Again, I have so much to be thankful for- Hilary cleaned out my fridge yesterday and drove me to the hospital last week for a test, Scott brought by groceries today and was with me for my Friday chemo, next week, Rhonda, Shirley, Nada, Scott, etc. will also take me to chemo and Barb may bring my mom over to visit. I hope I can also tolerate this round and come out stronger. I'm frustrated by the baby steps I've had to take (to walk a short distance or to be able to eat solid food), but that is what this is. Thanks again for all your good wishes, thoughts and prayers.
Again, I have so much to be thankful for- Hilary cleaned out my fridge yesterday and drove me to the hospital last week for a test, Scott brought by groceries today and was with me for my Friday chemo, next week, Rhonda, Shirley, Nada, Scott, etc. will also take me to chemo and Barb may bring my mom over to visit. I hope I can also tolerate this round and come out stronger. I'm frustrated by the baby steps I've had to take (to walk a short distance or to be able to eat solid food), but that is what this is. Thanks again for all your good wishes, thoughts and prayers.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
I'm Loving It!
Have you EVER seen Cathy have a Big Mac & fries? Not in the last 20 years she reports, but she's chomped one back two days running now. 800 calories per feast apparently. Pizza Pizza sales are up too! Our girl is fattening up a bit and loving it (for now at least).
Monday, January 11, 2010
Out and about on King Street
CC has been feeling stronger this week than she has in ages. She recently ventured out on her own for a walk around the block and a visit to the video store, and on Saturday she enjoyed an outing to a favourite art gallery and a beautiful living store. It was nice to get out and do some of her old Saturday things. Round two of chemo starts later this week.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year, Catherine!
Hilary, Rhonda, Judi, Dan, Louise, Scott, Barb and Connie are seen here toasting Catherine at midnight. CC, our photographer, has been feeling a little better the last couple of days and was able to stay up later than any of her New Year's guests! We all wish you health and happiness for 2010!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)