Gorillaz – Clint Eastwood – 2001 (This one is more about the chorus than about the entire song)
Day 6 of chemo: Happy to say that I am still doing very well. On Friday morning, I took Shelly for a hair cut that should be called more of a shear as she does not have much left. Her hair was very long as we were pushing it because it has been so cold out and some of us like it that way but we could not wait any longer because she was getting matted. Later in the day, I had a visit from my buddy Rick who had stopped by to chat for a few hours. Our dinner was delivered personally by one of my hockey buddies, Tom, who came way out of his way to bring a yummy full lasagna meal including all the fixings and dessert. Thanks Tom!
Friday night, I was able to go to band practice and stay all evening. The original plan was to just show my face but I toughed it out and stayed the entire night. I was getting tired toward the end but I made it and had a blast. It had been over a month since I was able to go to practice, due to a combination of timing and people being sick. I thought we sounded really good especially for the songs that I had not done in a while. Since our guitarist Phil was not able to sing that night, I had the chance to sing some new songs for me and I only massacred one or two with some others actually sounding good.
Saturday was a busy day for me. It all started when I picked up Cassy at her friend’s place where she had slept the night. It was going to be just a short pit stop as she needed to quickly get home and get ready for her soccer practice an hour later. Luckily, I did not need to bring her so, instead, I worked on the computer a bit while MA entertained her friend, France. Later in the afternoon, I dropped off Gen at a fencing course then she would be off to stay at a friend’s place for the night. On the way home, I did some groceries and, once home, I watched the last Senators hockey game for the season that I had taped earlier in the day. It was a great game for them but it was sad for me as I will not be watching them for a long time. With all the time off I have coming, it would have been great to see them play in the second season.
Later that evening, I met up with my baseball team for this year’s registrations and a small party. We usually go to our sponsored bar after the games and we had accumulated a huge tab over the last few years and finally decided to use it up. It was great seeing everyone again and catching up with all that went on with them over the winter. I stayed until about 10 PM which surprised me that I lasted that long given that I did not get a chance to nap all day.
Today (Sunday), we got an amazing treat from our neighbours. Not only did we get some delicious cupcakes but it came with an edible flower arrangement that Lisette made herself. It did not take long for us to finish off the arrangement. Good thing we took pictures before eating it all. Have a look below.
All in all, I am doing surprisingly very well up to this point. I think this week may be a bit more of a test to my system. This is the time where my old blood cells (red, white and platelets) will be dying off and the new ones that were going to replace them may not be around as they have been killed off by the chemo. This means that I am now more vulnerable to infections. I have stocked up on Purell so that we can all minimize my chances of getting sick. I was never a big fan of the stuff but the oncologist told me to use it. If this is the worst part, than I am more than happy to grin and bear it.
Finally, if you are passing by the website, reading the blog, feel free to leave a comment. It helps me see who has taken the time to read it and reminds why I do it. I appreciate every comment received and take the time to read each one. You can just say hi, wish me well, send a happy thought, crack a joke or just sympathize with all that is going on. What ever you feel comfortable in saying is alright by me. Your words help provide the inspiration and motivation to keep the blog going.
Hey Darren I think it’s great that you send this out, I check several times a day….we feel helpless being so far away……wish we could be a little closer so we could help. Although you seem to have a great group of friends and neighbors and the family that can’t be there thank them.
thinking of you guys, and glad to here you are feeling well.
Love from the Cantin/Baker household
Darren,
I can personally vouch for your prolific play at Thursday night hockey – playing opposite you, I had a great view as you skated past me on a breakaway, and again when you set up in your office to the side of the net and banged home a goal! You also did a heck of a job covering the point for your pinching d-men. For sure we were all thrilled, and inspired, to see you…especially so soon after round 1 on Tuesday. The fact you had a strong game was icing on the cake…as you know, not you, nor anyone, gets free passes on the ice…especially when Robocop (Cavanaugh) is out there!
Also, you should know, the blog has been a real source of inspiration.
As long as your time and energy allows, please continue to engage us with your wit and humorous
anecdotal messages…I hope it has some therapeutic value for you, as it does for your followers.
It is a very unselfish endeavor that shows your strength and courage…we thank you.
Here’s your joke of the day:
An old married couple was at home watching TV.
The husband had the remote and was switching back and forth between the fishing channel and the porn channel.
The wife became more and more annoyed and finally said:
“For God’s sake! Leave it on the porn channel. You already know how to fish!”
hehehe
Dave
Hi Darren. As I read your blogs, I’m inspired by the way you’re handling what’s being thrown at you. I echo your hockey buddy Dave’s reply above, and hope to see you in nets soon Tuesday mornings. Was also very surprised that a GOALIE could write so well!
Hi Darren, glad to hear you had a busy weekend. Its nice being able to catch up will old friends and hang out. I thought you usually go to bed at 8:00 on Saturdays, LOL. I too watched the Senators last game of the season. Its nice that the younger guys got a chance to play and show case their skills .. Too bad that their is no playoffs. I do not plan on watching any of the games. Maybe if Washington makes it to the finals I will turn the tv on for him and cheer him on. Maybe next year that boys will win more games and get back to the playoffs again. Thanks for the great posts, I will be looking for the next one.
James
Hi Darren:
I really enjoy reading your blog. You are such an inspiration and your stories are great. Scott is a real Senators fan and got to meet Dion Phaneuf and his wife Elisha Cuthbert (actress). They bought a home in the Carling area (of all places) and are renovating all 5 bathrooms and kitchen. Scott works for Gus’s Kitchen and Bath. When they come back to pay, Scott wants his jersey and hat signed…..if he isn’t too busy wiping the floor with his tongue as he follows Elisha around….lol. Huge hugs to you, MA and the kids. Thinking of you always. Take care and use that Purell!!! Jacquie
hey darren i’m happy that your feeling great take care!
Hey Darren, it’s been a VERY long time since I’ve seen or spoken to you or MA! I still think of you guys, and even a few weeks ago when I had seen Ginette, we had talked about having to plan something for us 3 women! Then I heard your news last week and have been following your blog ever since! Please know you guys, all of you, are in my thoughts and prayers a whole bunch, and I hope you can sense our well wishes! I promise to call soon! xoxo
Jody (Brown) Lemieux
It was really a good time on Saturday night. Catching up with old friends and meeting the new members on the team, should be a good year. Glad that you are doing okay and I hope things keep going well for you.
Hi Darren,
I really enjoy reading your blog and your positive attitude and ability to find humour in some of this craziness is inspirational. You are making me so proud and keep it up!! I will continue to pray for you and your family. Hang tough! You are amazing ❤️
Love Always,
Carolyne
Hey Darren I started reading initially in March and just came back to see all your newest posts! You’ve had an eventful month! Lots of blessings and sadly accidents like Mary Ann’s. Hopefully she is feeling better soon. It’s great that you were able to play hockey. Just being able to do something fun is great! We send our love all the way from Kirkland Lake! Lindsay PJ Sage and Emma xoxo