Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Just before the Storm!

Hello All,
The heading is not health related but rather based on the fact that we are expecting a major snow storm tonight and we don't have Mel Lastman to call in the army... and embarrass us in the rest of Canada!
Hope your year is off to a great start. I have had several presentations which I have enjoyed immensely. My health is good and my weight actually hit 150 very briefly for a day but sits at 148/149 most days... no complaints. Met with the Oncologist at PMH a week or so ago and was told everything is fine and he doesn't want to see me for 3 months. Truth is I don't want to see him either! He says that what I have now is pretty much what I will get in terms of throat and mouth functioning. Some people get a bit more taste back as time progresses. At any rate I am here and can live with the way things are now, not an issue at all.
This is the last blog I will post but if you wish you can follow me on twitter. Link in through my website peterjensen.ca or drpeterjensen.ca.
One final time... thanks for all the support. Couldn't have done it without all of you.
Warm Wishes,
Peter

Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!
Hope you had a wonderful holiday week! We were very busy here as kids with kids came and, thankfully, went. December was a busy month with no real changes on the health front. My December 28th meeting with the doctors at PMH has been shifted to January 11th so no new news. Weight has plateaued, stuck, at 147 despite good input during the Christmas period.
Had a wonderful package of hand drawn cards from grade 1 students at a school in South Africa that Sandra and I are associated with wishing me a healthy recovery. There was also a complete bound book of drawings of love and concern from the kindergarten students… very thoughtful and very touching to say the least. My friend Peter Oliver is the force behind the construction of the schools through his charity the Leacock Foundation. An exceptional story…Google it if you’re interested.
Hard to believe just 12 months ago we were in the midst of final preparations for the 2010 Olympics. A lot has happen since then but fortunately it too feels like a distant memory. Eating more things but none too exciting as any spice that has any heat to it is bothersome. Had to try the odd sip of wine over the holidays…that beverage is a long way away if ever. Talked to a friend who is 9 years post treatment and spices still an issue. For him beer is more drinkable than wine but neither works for me. Surprisingly I don’t miss or regret that loss… but spicy chicken wings etc. that’s another matter!
Have a terrific 2011! Will update you all on February 1.
Warm Wishes,
Peter

Saturday, December 4, 2010

The Best of the Season to all of You!!

Still kicking!
Hello all. Missed you these past 4 weeks but updates on miniscule improvements would have been boring. Over the course of a month however such improvements are more noticeable. Weight was 147 this morning and I am clearly in a lot better shape. Running or biking 30 minutes at least 5 days a week and doing resistance training at least 3 times a week.
Just back from presenting in Arizona, where I also managed to play a reasonable game of golf. It was my first flight in 7 months. We, those of us at PCI, have been very busy following up on all our projects that came out of the retreat. Had a big meeting on Friday and there were 15 reports on initiatives that are under way. Fantastic!!
In terms of my health the saliva is the biggest issue. Winter heating can add to the dryness. I would say, however, that it comes and goes through the day. I don’t know if that means I am producing some saliva at certain times or not. I have a meeting with the medical people at Princess Margret on December 28th so will let you know in my New Year’s blog on January 1.
Wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season.
Warm Regards,
Peter

Friday, October 29, 2010

Thank You

Hello All,
Another week of moving forward with small gains on many fronts but still much room for future improvement, particularly in the food consumption department. I am able to eat more of most things but lots of restrictions. Still can't touch anything with spice, pepper, or strong flavours like ginger, cinnamon, etc. Anything with alcohol is out of the question, instant activity in every sensor in my mouth.. and believe me I have tried! Even something as benign as sparking water will set off the taste sensors in a not pleasant way.
Had a 2 day company retreat on Sunday and Monday. An excellent 2 days of looking to growth and the future with a massive list of 'to dos' as a result. Lots of energy and excitement around what is possible.
Managed to get a golf game in Thursday. It is so wonderful being outside in the fall. Warm sunshine, then dark clouds, wind, the colours, back to sunshine ... it all changes so quickly and such 'freshness' to it all. Sandra and I are at the cottage this weekend to close most things up. We will snowshoe in to the cottage in January/February so I stock it with water and food supplies now to cut down on what we have to carry ... have taken in a few bottles of wine just in case my mouth sensors have evolved by then!
This is my final weekly update. As mentioned earlier I will move back to my twitter account but update here on a monthly basis. Next update will be on December 4th. I want to thank you all for following along. There is something very wonderful in all of that. It really helped keep me on track as I needed to report to you each week. The sense of support was so very, very wonderful. I can't tell you the numerous people who I really didn't 'know' who have sent messages telling me that they were with me, following along, etc. Many acquaintances I had lost contact with, for example a woman that I had taught in high school in 1968/69, who sent wonderful, uplifting notes, emails, cards, etc. I have been very fortunate to have each and every one of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
With warmth and love,
Peter

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Yo Yo Weight Week

Hello All,
First and foremost... thank you for all the positive feedback on the Ignite newsletter. We have had more 'clicks' through it than any other issue. Lots of very thoughtful comments on the "When Heath and Performance Converge" article.
Now on to the week that was. Got a bit complacent and didn't stay as diligent on the calorie intake and bingo... my weight dropped to 142 for a few days. Back on track and at 144 this morning. As my exercise program increases in both intensity and duration (time) I obviously burn more calories. I started 'really' exercising on September 1 and so it's not surprising that 6-7 weeks in muscle mass has increased and therefore calorie consumption.
A very good week health wise with small improvements that are really hard to articulate. Can take a bit more food with less discomfort. The yard sticks are a bit strange. For example yesterday at 11:30 I happened to be at Just Hockey which is beside a Swiss Chalet so I went in and ordered chicken soup to go... from Swiss Chalet not Just hockey... their soup is terrible. Now a month or so ago I would have gotten two lunches out of that soup whereas yesterday I consumed the whole bowl and then afterwards had the realization that this is just another indication things are getting better. Boy that was a head shaking story wasn't it!
Got in a game of golf on Thursday ... no yard sticks there ... I still suck!
Have been meeting with a digital marketing company to try and learn what might fit best with what we do. Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Linkedin, ... it can get confusing for a Boomer. Tomorrow we start our 2 day company retreat and am I ever looking forward to it. Want to figure out how to energize the company through growth.
As I mentioned earlier I believe I'll stop the blog once I get to 145 and move to monthly updates. I'll go back to my Twitter account so you'll be able to stay in touch and be forewarned when an update is occurring.
Hope this finds you in great spirits and good health. Until next week...
Keep your head up and your stick on the ice...
Peter

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Social Butterfly

Another good week with lots of social events. Dinner out 3 nights and off to a 50th Birthday party right next door in 10 minutes or so. Can't eat everything... no spice... but I manage very well. Also managed a game of golf on Thursday.
Weight is about the same... depending on the day from 143 to 144. Have been working on video scripts for websites and our programs. It is so nice to have the time to do it. I had cleared my October schedule in late August with the uncertainty, health wise, after the set back. Now I have time to create... which I am really enjoying. Next speaking engagement is November 2 and 3 at Queen's.
A good week energy wise. Have increased my runs to 30 minutes... boy coming back is tough. I am sucking air 3 minutes into it. Weights are much easier and the gains are coming nicely. I look like a thin version of Arnold.
Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. Talk to you next week.
Warm Regards,
Peter

Friday, October 8, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Greetings from Black Lake. At the cottage for the holiday weekend. Twins and parents arrive in the morning....calm before the storm so I'll get the blog written now before one of the terrors trashes my iPad.
I will start by apologizing to my Danish cousin and her husband who informed me that they sent the half full glass. He informs me Danes have no nickels and therefore my 'manhole cover joke' didn't apply.
I am now a blimp like 143 and, despite a slight cold and incredible dryness now that the heat is on in the house, doing very well. Had a wonderful dinner with friends last Saturday. Nice to get out and socialize again even if I did insult the host by not being able to eat certain items...like pumpkin pie...which I have always despised but now have a built in excuse to reject. Had a terrific time last night with 3 of our Olympic gold medal hockey players. Went out to a small Italian restaurant I have gone to numerous times. I must admit I do miss my former love of flavorful food. Can't handle anything with any spice, heat, ... Beer and wine are impossible. Instantly feels like a bunch of needles in my mouth. My wife is slowly, I am being political here, diminishing my small wine cellar of my much loved Amarones.
Newsletter, Ignite, will be out on Monday for those of you interested.
Lots of meetings this week. Wonderful meetings that get me back into my work world which I am so glad to get back into. We have a 2 day retreat coming up on October 24&25...really looking forward to that as well as getting back to Queen's and finally teaching full days. Will be investigating humidifiers this week...any tips do let me know. Until next week have a great Thanksgiving weekend. See you then.
Warm regards,
Peter