I often write about all of the wonderful “myeloma friends” I have made over the years. And one of the great things about living in Florida is I often get to see them again–especially this time of year! January, February and March all roads seem to lead to Tampa. It isn’t unusual for us to have lunch or dinner with someone we know from up-north every week.
But like most things in life, timing is everything. Last week myeloma survivor and old friend, Barb Davis, and her husband, Fatih, met us for lunch in nearby Dunedin, Florida.
Dunedin is the winter home of the Toronto Blue Jays, which explains my T-shirt. Always fun to take in a spring training game, relaxing in the bleachers while sipping a Labatt’s Blue.
The weather was seasonably warm–in the mid 70′s. We had a wonderful time, visiting the farmer’s market and walking through some of the shops.
Sunday I shared brunch with myeloma survivor Ed Wolfman. Pattie and I stayed with Ed and his wife, Susan, in California when we flew west to see the Rose Bowl. His sister snapped this picture after our meal. Unlike the week before, our sweatshirts forecast a much cooler day–I don’t think the high ever reached 60 degrees.
Next week we hope to meet-up-with good friends and support group leaders Karl and Lorrain Vollstedt from Hastings, Minnesota and Sue and Harold VanDuyn from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The weather should cooperate by hitting high’s in the mid to upper 70′s.
Inspired to escape a winter that seems like it will never end? The bed in our guest room is empty and waiting–that is if you aren’t allergic to dogs and cats!
Feel good and keep smiling! Pat
March 4th, 2013 at 5:41 pm
That’s very Canadian of you Pat! Imagine…a Toronto Blue Jay’s jersey, a Toronto game, and drinking my favorite beer…Labatt Blue! Good for you! I hope you able to continue the process for many more years!
Earl McKenzie (British Columbia)
March 4th, 2013 at 6:09 pm
It was terrific to see you both. Next time, you need to come north, but probably not until June or July.
March 4th, 2013 at 8:07 pm
You bet, Barb! And Earl, with a name like yours you must be Canadian, eh! How wonderful to live in B.C. Maybe not if you have myeloma? Getting good care?
March 4th, 2013 at 9:11 pm
I think so Pat but it’s difficult to compare jurisdictions. I think our basic system is fine but I don’t
know if we’re doing as much “cutting edge” treatment and research as in the US. Some areas of Canada seem to be further ahead than others but that probably applies everywhere.
March 5th, 2013 at 9:52 am
Hi Pat and Earl, i hope that soon the drug companies concerned will apply to Health Canada for approval for pomalyst and Kyprolis. Then our provincial governments can pick them up as approved treatments…but it may take some lobbying on the part of patient groups to make that happen! It is difficult to be (a) patient sometimes with the internet allowing us to compare and contrast freely, but I think that eventually we will get the new drugs. I think that the newer drugs are part of what we need , especially if we require further treatment for relapses, etc.!
But anyhow, sorry you are getting so much rain in BC!! We had another big snowfall and my husband and I were using our new snowshoes again, right in our neighbourhood! I love winter but it stretches out too long here sometimes…we see wildlife though so that is nice. Saw a bobcat last week, two bald eagles and two deer! Without the leaves on the trees it is easier to spot them, and also some animals such as the bobcat and porcupines are nocturnal, and night starts early in the winter!
March 5th, 2013 at 5:45 pm
Thank God for the care we all have! Just breathing that clean, crisp Canadian air must add years to your lives. Who needs expensive, cutting-edge novel therapies!
March 5th, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Thanks Pat…nice to have a forum anyways to exchange info and views. i think that fresh air is the best too, but of course any new treatments that come our way are most welcome! Maybe you and Pattie will visit the Rockies sometime too!
March 5th, 2013 at 11:45 pm
Would love to, Nancy! In my spare time…