Toronto or Bust

We made it to Toronto! Planned before all of these shenanigans started, we're at a house essentially across the street from Lake Ontario in Toronto with Daniel's mom and stepdad. We don't get to see them nearly as much as we would like, so that alone has been lovely. It's been at least six months since we've seen them and James has changed so much (i.e. she sings nonstop and speaks in full sentences) since then, so I think that has been fun for them. 

Aside from not sleeping very well and some stomach annoyances, I feel great. In fact, for the first time in almost two months I'll go a couple of hours forgetting I have cancer. This is both a good thing -- how wonderful to feel "normal" -- and a not so good thing -- that moment when you see someone staring at you at the store or look down at the book you're reading and it's covered in little hairs  -- and you remember. But those certainly aren't crushing blows, so oh, well. Taking the good with the bad -- my eyebrows are starting to thin (con) but I'm loving not having to shave (pro). I don't worry so much in the open air, but I've been wearing a mask to the store, movies, etc. I don't love wearing a mask, but I really don't want to get sick again so better safe than sorry. 

I've felt so good since the weekend that I spent the first couple of days in Toronto probably pushing myself a little too much. You know when you've got a bad cold or are sick and finally the clouds part and you briefly feel like you can conquer the world? That's how it felt this time (without strep looming!) to come out of my chemo haze. Add that to vacation in a city where I've always spent the entire time walking endlessly and you can easily wear yourself out. 

Yesterday, James woke up really early and we headed out to explore, which turned into a three hour walk. We literally stopped and smelled the flowers (above, with the boardwalk and Lake Ontario just past those trees), hung out at a coffee shop, sat on a bench and looked at cars and "buses" (street cars), stopped at a diner for breakfast (left), walked to the boardwalk, went to the park, and talked to some dogs and kids. I was exhausted and hot by the time we were headed home (full disclosure: I was THIS close to jumping in a cab only to realize we were about a 6-minute walk from home). She was happy and delightful and we had a great time though. When we got home, we all headed to the beach at Scarborough Bluffs -- a hot tip from coffee shop guy -- before heading back home at nap time.

I felt a little tickle in my chest when we got back, so that, and my little nap that turned into a four-hour nap, was a bit of a wake-up call that I need to take it easier. Being forced to be back home for James's nap and bedtime each day probably helps. We get her in bed, clean up, turn on the Olympics and relax. Feeling sleepy but otherwise fine this morning, but I'm going to take it really easy today to be safe. Daniel and the girls are at the beach and I'm hunkered down at home. I started a new book for the first time in about a year, so I intend to read and nap today.

Claire wants to spend some time downtown at some point, we're weighing our indoor options for what looks like will be a rainy Friday and, other than that, we have no real plans. Which is exactly how we like our vacations. We've been cooking at home mostly, but I can't help but scope out nearby restaurants. I saw that a place a few blocks away has buffalo cauliflower so I'm going to have to venture there at some point.

I reached out to a fellow personal chef in Toronto for "nice" restaurant recommendations with veg options for a potential birthday dinner and, unfortunately, it turns out she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer as well. Chemo was pushed back a bit while they do further tests, so she's working some this week. Tomorrow she'll be in this area, so we're going to meet for coffee around the corner. I hate that we have more than being personal chefs in common, but I'm looking forward to meeting her and chatting. 

That's about it. Hopefully I'll keep feeling good for the rest of the trip and back at home until Chemo #3 next Thursday. Appointments with the plastic surgeon and my naturopath as well. Hope everyone's having a good week!