Country Roads
Hello! I am in the heart of the Nova Scotia countryside, and still managed to find a wireless signal at a convenience store. We’ve decided to stay an extra day at the family cottages, and who can blame us. Here’s just a snippet of it in pictures. My family used to move out here in the summer when I was growing up. My heart belongs here. When I dream, I dream I am here. I can already feel that the salty, grassy air is instantly healing :)
I’ve been feeling really good this weekend. The shots that make my bones hurt are over for now, and it’s been almost two weeks since my last chemo. Almost feel like my old self again apart from lagging fatigue and slight shortness of breath (both normal for now). I was supposed to be at an Arcade Fire and U2 concert today with my dad and 99,998 other people. But I had to be responsible and tell myself that perhaps a giant outdoor concert wouldn’t be the best thing for my health right now.
Instead, hanging out with my two big sisters, mom, Nana, Aunt, step-dad and poodle. Lots of laughs, good food, walks, sunshine, reading, and afternoon naps. Back to civilization tomorrow to see some friends. Then back in the chemo chair on Tuesday.
I’ve been coming to the cottage every summer over my 25 years, and somehow this year feels so much sweeter.
See ya Monday!
Posted on July 30, 2011, in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. 46 Comments.
The Great Balancing Act 
This post made my day, well, its stil early in LA so it at least made my morning. See you happy and relaxed, and hardly any mention on of cancer.
as it should be ;)
Cancer who? Cancer is on vacation ;)
I’m so happy you’re having so much fun! I mentioned you in my post this morning, and how you’ve been helping me put my life into perspective. The pictures are beautiful (as are you) and I hope you enjoy the extra day the cottage! By the way, Kindles = LOVE. I just got one. Have a fun Saturday, love! Can’t wait for the next update.
Beautiful pictures! I really need to make it to that side of the country one day! Glad you are feeling good. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers :)
It’s so nice to see you enjoying your days. The area is gorgeous, I don’t blame you for feeling relaxed and tranquil. Hope you continue to have a wonderful weekend at the cottage, with your family and hopefully with more sunshine. Take care.
Beautiful pictures!! i love how the houses dot the coast line. What book are you reading?
A really interesting book on the history of cancer: http://www.amazon.ca/Emperor-All-Maladies-Biography-Cancer/dp/1439107955 I know it sounds boring, but I find it all so fascinating!
Great shots!! I hope to aspire to be a great photographer one of these days… (just need a better camera)
I am been debating getting an ereader – between the Kobo or the Kindle. I would love your input… email if you would like healthyhayley2010 (at) gmail (dot) com
Kindle all the way! My sister had a Kobo, and based on that, I really like the feel and look of the Kindle better. It’s light and easy to hold on to, and most importantly, easy on the eyes. Not sure if you can do it with the Kobo now, but the new Kindles have wireless and you can go right on Amazon to buy books without even hooking it up to the computer. Some of my best blogging friends bought me the Kindle when I was first admitted to the hospital and it’s become my new favourite item!!!!
Doesn’t sound boring at all. Sounds like you’re using your time wisely to expand your knowledge of something huge in your life right now. Sounds pretty smart to me!
Great. Now I’m going to have John Denver’s Country Roads stuck in my head all day.
Thanks a lot Susan.
;)
Glad to see you’re having some great quality time with your family.
Oh my gosh this looks stunningly gorgeous. Glad you guys decided to stay an extra day!
Nice, lovely “reportage”. you bring me the freshness of the countryside, and amirable bravery… Again i wish you every luck for the u-coming chemo..
good girl!
Looks like a great place to spend some time away! Your title calls to mind this song by Ryan Bingham: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nXspBXknzg
Enjoy the rest of your weekend in paradise!
Awesome shots! You look cute. Glad you’re soaking up the feeling good feelings and having a good time. Love you!
That is a beautiful place! Can’t blame you at all for staying an extra day! Glad you are feeling so good and having such a great time! XOXO
Beautiful pictures – so glad you’re feeling well. When is your next treatment?
Tuesday! Part of the reason why I’m enjoying this weekend so much, scared next week will be a write-off!
Its so beautiful Susan!
I hope you are having a fantastic time and a good break away from everything.
What is Nova Scotia like in March? I am planning a trip to Canada in January to March on a Holiday Working Visa and would love take a trip to Nova Scotia if possible :)
March is still the dead of winter! Spring doesn’t arrive till late April/May. On the east coast anyways :)
What amazing pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love that you are there & enjoying!
Love the pictures Susan, they are gorgeous! It’s inspiring me to take a trip there. Unfortunately, even though I’ve lived in Canada my entire life, I haven’t exactly been anywhere in Canada besides Ontario. It’s so pathetic, I’ve been to parts of Europe, the US, and Mexico, but I’ve never experienced any of the awesome things that Canada has to offer. I’m a pathetic excuse for a Canadian. :(
But I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself and feeling great! ;)
So happy you are enjoying yourself. You look incredible. :)
Gorgeous!!!!!! Glad you’re there and feeling the wind in your hair!
Your pictures are beautiful and so glad you’re there now… what a wonderful place~ blessings, love and prayers~
What a lovely vacation spot! Enjoy your weekend.
Photos are spectacular and I totally understand how you feel about it feeling sweeter this year more than ever before. I’ve told you the story (about 30 time) about the time my Dad and I drove up the coast in florida after he got out of the hospital one time. And also once when he was really sick early last year. but he wanted to go to the beach in Malibu- it was so so sweet even though I’d been there a million times. I get it. Enjoy <3 Hugs.
I love that story. You could tell it 30 more times and I wouldn’t get sick of it :)
Love this post! It is good for you to just get out of the cancer circle of thinking…
Yayy for NS!! Your photos make me smile. I’m really happy you’re having a wonderful family getaway :-)
Ohh… love the pics! We had a cottage at Mitchell Beach (on the Northumberland Strait, near Pugwash) for ten years of my childhood… loved it there. My sister and I loved to dig up razor clams just for fun when the tide went out. You had to sneak up on them or… ZIP! they hid in the sand bar! LOL
Enjoy the long weekend and the view from the top of the ferris wheel. ;o)
Our cottages are on the north shore too! We actually used to take day trips into Pugwash a lot growing up. People always ask if we dug for clams, but the razor fish are way more entertaining!!! The only bummer about this trip is that I had to wear sneakers on the flats in case I stepped on a razor fish and got a bad cut – that happened a lot growing up too.
You’re just like a human sponge, with your body and soul taking in all the goodness that the Universe is offering you right now! Way to go!!
I love the pics specially the footprints in the sand. It’s nice to see you having a great time. Stay happy! :)
What an uplifting post! I’m glad that you and your family had the chance to get away. I just moved to Nova Scotia last week. And I kind of think that it was the place that I was dreaming about too, even though I’d never been here before.
It looks so peaceful there! I hope you’re getting lots of relaxing QT. :)
Your photos remind me of the Footprints in the Sand poem…
I’m not overly religious, but it’s comforting to know you don’t walk alone …
My sister recited that poem as I was taking the pictures :)
Hugs for your sister! ( and you of course!)
Been there as a sister-in-law — it’s not always easy, but it’s definitely rewarding.
So glad she’s there for you.
I like your reply: cancer is on vacation. Take care. Get well soon.
Hi Susan,
I’m only a recent follower of your blog but your spunky attitude towards your current health journey are so inspiring! I hope you have a wonderful time at the cottage and I wish you all the best, get well soon my new friend.
:) Amy
I haven’t read any blogs in over a month and spent the last two hours reading about the past month and a half of your life and crying for you. My boyfriend was diagnosed with cancer unexpectedly in January and even though his was successfully removed with surgery (although we had to wait a month for a “real” diagnosis since the nearest oncology lab is 5 hours away and they’re backlogged like crazy. We’re in Cape Breton and unfortunately our cancer centre doesn’t have a lab and has no support for his kind of cancer), we’re still dealing with the check-ups and tests and the fear it will come back. My heart completely broke when I started reading about your diagnosis and your treatment so far and I’d like to do something for you if I can since I missed the auction. Please let me know if there’s anything you need, and good luck with your next treatment!
I had to wait three weeks for my diagnosis, and I’m in a city!! Don’t even get me started on the state of pathology in the Maritimes… for such an important position, it seems we are seriously lacking in that department. Most doctors have to send samples to Halifax, Toronto, and even the U.S.
Unfortunately, cancer never fully “goes away.” Already I understand the fear I’ll have of it coming back someday. But that fear doesn’t mean it ever will!! Hope your boyfriend is doing well.
Susan, I love this post. The pictures are full of life, and they’re just beautiful! I love that you have a place that you can go to and life life simply…relaxing, loving, smiling, laughing…it’s fantastic, and I love it. I hope you had a beautiful weekend!!
Beautiful photos, it warms my heart to see you having a great time. Kindles are fun but I hate having to pay so much for the “books” for them. You can’t give them away and can’t sell them, I feel like they should be cheaper.
TOTALLY agree!!! I just paid $20 for a 600 page book. Yes, a large book, but $20 is a little steep for something that’s digital. I feel the same way about music downloads too.