Trial and Tribulations

 

Mid June and I was asked on the Thursday, if I could attend a screening day for the trial on the following Thursday. It was a mad rush to book flights, find accommodation arrange child care and pack for our trip. My friends Sandy and Beth were wonderful and booked flights on their airmiles, business class. They booked the flights on the Tues, giving us a rest day on Wednesday, screening day on Thurs and tourist day on Friday, before travelling home on the Saturday. They also agreed to take care of our children.
The first comical incident occurred when we were waiting to board our flight at Calgary. We presented ourselves when business class were asked to board, and the official asked us if we would need assistance to board the plane, with a No we were asked to sit down. It was obvious that we did not have what it takes to look business like. However we waited till the very end once everyone had been boarded and then presented our tickets. We were met this time with apologies and embarrassment, as he had misread the seat numbers, but we smiled with understanding and continued on.

one of the court yards at the NIH

 

Meal at "Mon ami Gabi"

 

Below are some of the sights in Washington.

 

The White House

 

Washington memorial.

 

Our trip was four nights, and it was a gift of time to James and myself to be together. We were able to enjoy our time, relax, enjoy eating out, quiet evenings and enjoy a different rhythm of life.

looking toward the Linken memorial.

 

world war II memorial.

 

The screening went smoothly and we met the whole medical team that would be looking after us. James and I also connected with a wonderful lady called Janet who was also being screened for a trial. We spoke with her over lunch about naturopathic alternative practices, and supplements. About our journey so far, our fears, our challenges and our change in perspectives. We called her later that evening to meet for tea and enjoyed her company.

After returning home on the Saturday, we learned that the screening had been successful and that I could start on the 17th July. Janet had wanted to start as soon as possible and she was to go on the Thurs . As it would be, our paths would cross during her last week as I would start.

My friend Linda had been in touch while we were away and wanted to come and help me, in the end we decided for her to travel to Canmore for the week before and then travel down with me for my first week, meeting my Mum who would stay with me for the full three weeks, James joining us with the kids in the last week.