Camping win.

Eric packed up our outside gear last night.  We were up and sorted inside within a few minutes this morning.  The rain started on the highway home.  Yay.  No wet gear to deal with.

We had Jeeping friends come out yesterday for Canada Day.  They have two boys.  I naively thought the boys might hang out.  Nope.  Luk completely ignored them to the point of complete rudeness.  Kai tried but they are both busy kids and he only lasted a half hour before he needed to sit and zone.  We're supposed to be group camping with them this weekend.  I don't think dragging Luk to car camp is a good idea for any of us.  He hates the idea of sleeping in the Jeeps.  He's never done it so I'm not sure where the adamant ideas come from.

Trucks in the dirt.  Kai wouldn't sit down or squat.  Too dirty.  Lol.  We've come a LONG way.

So, Eric took Luk home the first night to hit the walk in the next day.  They were 1st.  Saw the Dr at opening.  Did his test at the lab.  Got results.  Yes, infection.  Medication prescription to the pharmacy.  They went for breakfast, picked up the meds and Eric brought him back to me.

I was supposed to lay low.  Luk was tired.  Kai didn't want to go outside while it was so cold.  So, we actually had a pajama day inside the trailer!  We had great food, awesome snacks, naps, movies and Luk even agreed to play Nertz with me.  Overall we had a pretty great low key day.

Eric came out at lunch time yesterday.  We enjoyed visiting with friends.  Then Eric watched a movie while I crashed.  Finally.  I had super, super serious insomnia the two nights before.  Perhaps from the Tremfya.  ?  I did develop a rash.  I had no cream so put deodorant on it, to keep it dry.  It seems to have worked and it's cleared up today.

Also some digestive upset, but that could have been from chili that was beyond my spice level of tolerance.  Who knows.  So many issues.

Also...I forgot my insulin one night.  I remembered in the wee hours and checked my numbers before taking it.  16!!!  Yikes.  I went online to Dr. Google.  Who told me to go to the emergency room.  Then I went to a.i. chat and put in the part about being new to the Tremfya infusion.  Then it said to drink water and don't exercise.  Scary night.  Then I woke up to a 4.8.  Go figure.

I told my Mommy I need a decoder ring.  Diabetes is insidious.

Eric got a lot done at home.  Lawn mowed.  Oscar's rear locker fixed.  It was a broken wire.  Squirrel's bed completed.  Along with assorted little chores.  He needs more time at home.  

Eric and I hit the hot tub this morning after we sorted the camping mess.  We had a lovely soak and right after we came inside the farmer behind us started spreading manure on the field.  Score.  Lucky day so far.

 

Tremfya Day

 

It all went well.  No issues.  My nurse also has Chrones.  We had some fun discussing our theories.  

So, now I'm immune compromised.

The goal is to slow down my over active immune system.  Targeting a particular protein.  So precise.  

So far there have been zero reactions.  I did pick up the right Benedryl on the way to the camp site though.  Breathing issues are common and I'm to get to emerg asap if I notice anything.  Scary stuff.

I ordered the fidget squirrel thinking it was attached to a lanyard.  Things on Temu are not always clear.  But, it turns out it's actually a phone handle.  Fei set me up.  It's fun.  I have definitely used it to fidget.  We'll see how long it lasts on my phone ;)

We're at the campsite.  However we suspect Luk might have another uti. Super common with cathing.  The pharmacist can only prescribe antibiotics to women.  Seriously.  That was the stupidest thing to hear. I then called his pediatrician and she is away until July 21.  Then I called the family doctor and his office closed at 3.  So, Eric took Luk home tonight so they can hit the walk in clinic tomorrow morning.  

Our medical system is soooo broken.

It'll be a quiet night for Kai and I.

Which is perfect since I'm supposed to sit still.

Side Gig?

 

Eric called me to ask me to come see the build.  He has so many little features.  Hidden areas.  Every inch planned.

Sooo much storage.

I even have a pass through basement area.  I needed a longer space for tent poles.  I might need a long hook to get things back in place though.  I have no idea why he made rounded openings. Because he could I guess.  They look like retro boat spaces.  I love it.

He has even made a hinged head piece that pivots up with a foot so the seats can move back and the flipped up piece will hold the mattress back.  

He could be selling this set up as a side gig.  But we won't.  Lol.  No time left in a day.

Always trying to catch up.

 

Visiting Eric's paternal Grandparents.

Hatley Memorial in Langford.

Saying final Goodbyes to Eric's Aunt Maxine.

We were a small group.  About 17 total.

We met for lunch first at the Brass Monkey.

Everyone went to Julie's afterwards but we skipped out.  Long day.  Boys were home on their own.

Saturday morning we were up and at it.  Squirrel and Oscar joined the convoy to deliver the cheque from Jeepapaloosa to the Cancer Clinic.

Lili came with me.  Kai and Luk went with Eric.

Lili played her music on the way and she had three Jeep songs on her playlist!  I need to update my Jeep list today when I find a quiet moment.

It was nice to be there for something not pertaining to my butt.

Yes, I'm the only one parked backwards.  For 3 reasons.

To show off Warrior Squirrel.

To keep my Intrepid banner out of the shot.  And finally because doing the one go perfect back up in front of everyone is WAY too intimidating.  For real.

$43000 from 2026

Over $350,000 over 12 years.

There were at least 5 of us there fighting.  So there was some emotions.

Three of us in active recovery mode.

The representative from the clinic cried a few times.  She loved all the painted f-cancers.  I showed her my cancer decal corner and she took a picture.

Belinda gave her a duck.

She said she loved the Squirrel so I ran to my stash and gave her a squirrel.  So that was fun.

I came home to a new Temu order and more squirrels to give away.  Even I will admit that the amount of squirrel's has reached total crazy town.

In my defence, Temu keeps showing me more and I don't sleep. So.  Things happen in the wee hours.  I shouldn't be left up to my own devices.

When we met up at Tim's there were some laughs because everyone was saying 'who is Squirrel?'.  Haha.  She was well received.

Afterwards we did lunch with the group.  Then Eric and the boys went home while Lili and I went to see the movie Girls Like Girls.  The lore of the song, then music video, then novel and finally the movie is sweet.  We need a continuing movie now.

We had a wee adventure in the city.  Trying to park Squirrel, who doesn't fit in parkades.  Ask me how we know.  Sheesh.  A little traumatic but she survived and then we just kept going until we found a street spot that we could be in long enough for the movie.

Oh, and on Friday, it took us three hours to get home from Langford.  I was driving Onyx.  That's a long time to be using the clutch and gears.  

At one point with Lili I was chanting, trees, dirt, trees, dirt, I'm not a city girl!  

Now, believe it or not.  We are home on a Sunday.  There is nothing on the calendar.  It's blank.  Such a thing of beauty.  I have of course over done it.  There is swelling in the nether region.  I know ya'll probably find that shocking.  Lol.  I started the day with a hot soak.

I'm hoping to finish a book this morning.  Have a nice relaxing lunch at home and then hit Walmart to get everything for campimg on Monday.  The boys and I are going to Bamberton for Canada Day.  

Eric has already been up and cleaned up the back deck because he is expecting family visits this week.  He has finished building Squirrel's bed and it's all stained.  He's hoping to install it today.

Eric and I are going next Sat to Nitnat River to celebrate a friends Birthday, we're camping in Squirrel and Oscar and taking both boys.  It's just one night.  Luk is extremely apprehensive about this plan.  Apparently it sounds extremely uncomfortable.  I think he means cozy.

Tomorrow is my first Tremfya infusion in Nanaimo at a private infusion center.  I finally read all the details last night at around 4am while I was still up.  Plan for 2 to 4 hours.  Wear comfy clothing.  Bring all the comfort things and things to do.  Drink a ton of water for two days before hand.  Oops.  Well, I can try today.  Then do nothing with very little movement for a few days afterwards.  That's a super hard one for me.  

Grooming

 

I was feeling particularly rushed for the last few weeks.  A lot was going on medically.  End of school.  Camping.  The dogs toes and hair cuts took a back seat.

I've tried a few times to find a groomer for them.  No luck finding anyone to take them.  So I've just given them bad mama cuts all along.

We drove past the new pet store who had a sign out saying there was a groomer on site.  She was willing to take them.  Today was the day.

I was traumatized just leaving them there and they looked horribly betrayed.  I just went home and Eric said "you left them?!"  I nodded.  He then said "is it horrible?"  And I nodded again.  

It was the longest two hours.  We were there 45 minutes early to pick them up.  By reports they did great.  I didn't.  The anxiety is just not worth it.  I vow to just do it myself from now on.  They look ok.  I forgot that there would be a smell different than the baby shampoo I use.  The cuts aren't any better than mine.  Perhaps a bit straiter on the bellies but I need to tidy their ears.  

They were definitely happy to see us.  

Sassy is annoyed at me and the second I put her on the front seat she leaped into Eric's lap and stayed there refusing to look at me.

Coco just looks panicked.

We're home.  They're on the couch with me.  I believe forgiven.

Eric is outside working on the bed in Squirrel.  He stained it today.

G.I. Scope

 

Made it through another procedure.

This one with Dr Smith, a Gastro Intestinal Specialist.

We all wondered what he had planned since the last two surgeons couldn't get past the stricture (closing due to scar tissue) at the surgical anastomosis from the colectomy in 2005.

His plan was to use a pediatric scope for stomach endoscopy.  It didn't work, so he had someone get an infant one.  That worked.  Then he was able to dialate the stricture.  I had no idea they could do that.  If the stretch or dilation holds it should be a massive improvement on bowel movements for me.  This is a wait and see.  I was sedated but wide awake.  Weird.  I'm dizzy and off balance but feel fine.

My poor battered sphincter is suffering.  Total incontinence again. Zero ability to close or clench.  Sigh.  Prayers the swelling goes away quickly.  I have too much to do.  

There was no sign of Chrones inflammation in the small intestine.  There is some inflammation and scarring in the anus from the surgeries.  A few biopsies were taken from the small intestine but he felt that things looked good and there was no need to worry.

The Tremfya starts on Monday. The nurses have never heard of Tremfya.

Temu for the win.

 

Who says money can't buy happiness.

$9.72 from Temu.

It defines me. 

Boys.

Thar's GOLD is these parts.

They did find some tiny shiny things.

The man, in his element.

Father's day was actually the relaxing day he hoped for.

We're home this morning and back at it.

The to do list is long.

Father's Day

 

Celebrating this guy by sticking to the campsite and doing nothing ;)

It's been a good weekend.  Lots of laughs and a ton of down time.

This boy.  Oy.  His said his phone wasn't charged because Luk unplugged him.  We suggested he figure it out because he has his own charging station.  Then the lights wouldn't work because Eric found him with his fingers in his charging port trying to plug in his phone with the wrong end and no button charger there. My gawd.  So, we needed to head out for fuses.  And the kicker...his phone was at 100% and so was his power bank.  Eric pulled his whole bed apart to find the button charger.  We need a better solution for him clearly.

Right beside the Lordco in Qualicum is a really great market.

The legion has pancakes in a private garden.  We were there right at 11:30 so it was lunch.  I'm on low residue for a few days before the next procedure so it was perfect for me.  I was concerned about a spike, but I didn't spike. Yay me.  Oh, and the pancakes were actually exceptional.  

Then on the way home, Eric decided to take a short cut.  I was protesting loudly and quite annoyed at my beautiful Cherry out on a trail.  Her first 4xing.  Turned out the trail was indeed a massive short cut.  She handled the trail like a champ and Eric was redeemed.  I see her in a whole new light now.

This is exciting.  We can't wait for the Hawaii trip.

Little Qualicum Falls

Little Qualicum Falls.

Our site is lower loop and just across from the river.  My favorite sound.

I had the best sleep last night.  Including a five hour stretch.  

It's 6am, I have no intention of getting up.  Next on the agenda, a morning nap.

Kai's last day of school.

Grade 10 next.

He's camping with me.

The new shower/potty tent on Squirrel.  She is going to be the best overlander.  I can't wait to finally camp in her.  We need more hours in a day.

The car door opens right into the space.  

I was supposed to rest yesterday after the fishbane experience and covid shot.  I didn't.  We were full on go for the whole day.  

Kai and I have no plans for today.  We will get some serious resting done.

Squirrel was in the shop yesterday.  Her issues were minor.  Eric gets to pick her up today.

Fishbane Reaction

The lunch time view.

I survived the day.

Human pin cushion.

Today was iron infusion day.

People with ferriton levels under 30 require infusions.  I was a 4.

Two attempts by the new nurse.

We got me set up with the other arm.  I had things to do.  Book loaded.  Movie loaded.  Ear buds charged.  Paper and pen to make a meal plan for camping.

I was a whopping 30 seconds into the infusion when all hell broke loose.

I honestly thought I was having a stroke.  Sweating, dizzy, nauseous, electric current squeezing my chest, pain shooting down my spine into legs and arms. Hard to breathe.  I used my call button.  The nurse came and said I think you might be having a fishbane reaction.

Huh?!

The pain!  I had to breath like I was in labor through it.  Pulse up to 118. They kept asking what I needed.  Who knows?!  For it to stop would be great.  The drip was stopped.  It calmed down in a few minutes.  They left me to sit for 20 more minutes then came back to say trying again was up to me and that although the fishbane reaction is rare, having it happen twice is unlikely.

You better believe I was scared to have the drip start again.  The nurse said that she hoped I'd try again because I'm alarmingly low.

Next go was all good.  Two nurses stayed for a while.

I got nothing done.  There were two ladies in the room with me.  One of them gave me her entire story because I just have that gift.  Her story was crazy, engaging.  However, part of her story included having her iud stuck, ripping a hole and causing prolonged damage and bleeding.  Hence the iron drip.  Also possible infertility.  I said she could adopt.  She said she didn't think the bond would be there without the biological connection.  I WAS NOT IN THE MOOD.  I told her there was no way I  would ever believe that any mother loves their kids more than I do.  Also, EVERY CHILD deserves a Mom.  Off my soapbox. 

So, as usual I was all extra.

I'm definitely adding more and more medical trauma as we go.

The nurse did tell me I handled it very well and I was a very brave girl.  Haha.

Lili drove me.

She had her own trauma while she was waiting.  She spilled almond milk in her back seat and spent the bulk of the wait cleaning.

We had ideas for lunch but I wanted safe food after my ordeal.  Chicken strips and ice milk.  We took our food to a park along the Gorge.  Which was supposed to be a peaceful break.  There was a school group there so it was entertaining but not peaceful and then I got a call letting me know the funding was approved for the Tremfya.

9 phone calls later and we have a plan.  The infusions are all booked.  The consulting nurse, the consulting pharmacist, the prescribing Doctor, the drug manufacturer, the compounding pharmacy in Ontario, the pharmacy in Surrey it will be shipped to, the Infusion center in Nanaimo and the private lab all checked in with me and checked that everyone else had checked in with me.  Then they all had to discuss my covid vaccine and when to do it.

It was ultimately decided it was safe to do this week.

I'm supposed to feel like I have the flu for two days after the iron infusion so I figured it would be a good day for it.

So far I feel fine.  I am tired and my neck is hurting and tight still.  

In amongst all of that Onyx went into the dealership today.  Her brain broke down again.  She got it replaced today.  Scary stuff.  Eric was shocked that it didn't cost much and they had the canbus connector in stock.  So, she is home already.  She drove beautifully.  It's fun to have her there where her beauty is appreciated.  The girl I was dealing with complimented my build.  Jeep thing ;) I told her she'd really enjoy seeing Squirrel tomorrow then.  Lol.  Squirrel's air bag light is on.  So she is having that checked out.

Camping tomorrow.  I have done NOTHING to get ready.