Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow out of control, usually because of DNA damage from ultraviolet radiation.  The most common types are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC is the most frequent and often grows slowly, but any skin cancer can cause serious problems if left untreated. Melanoma is less common but more likely to spread and can be life‑threatening.

My Experience with Basal Cell Carcinoma

Three years ago I was diagnosed with BCC.  I’ve had three surgical procedures to remove the cancerous tissue. In addition, I’ve had cryotherapy for some superficial BCCs.  Cryotherapy, also called cryosurgery, is a non‑surgical, minimally invasive procedure where a dermatologist applies liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy superficial cancer cells.  The treated area typically blisters and scabs over as it heals.  These treatments worked for me, but they were reminders that early detection and prompt treatment matter.

Treatments and What to Expect

Surgical removal is a common and effective treatment for many skin cancers. Procedures vary from simple excisions to more precise techniques that spare healthy tissue. Cryotherapy is used for superficial lesions and is quick, usually done in the clinic. The area will blister and scab as it heals.  Other treatments can include topical medications, radiation, or more advanced surgical techniques depending on the type, size, and location of the cancer.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• A new growth or sore that doesn’t heal.

• A spot that changes in size, shape, color, or texture.

• A pearly or waxy bump, often seen with BCC.

• A rough, scaly patch, which can indicate SCC.

• An irregular, changing mole, which could be melanoma.

If you have any spot that looks like the above or anything on your skin that changes, see your doctor immediately.

Prevention and Sun Safety

• Use sunscreen with a high SPF and broad‑spectrum protection every day. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

• Wear protective clothing, wide‑brim hats, and UV‑blocking sunglasses.

• Avoid tanning beds and intentional tanning.

• Seek shade during peak sun hours.

• Perform regular skin checks on yourself and ask a partner or friend to check hard‑to‑see areas.  Schedule routine skin exams with a dermatologist if you have risk factors.

Friday funnies

 

A scam to be aware of!

I saw this posted on social media.  It would be easy to fall for this scam so I'm sharing it.  

I was almost a victim of fraud, but I played along when I knew what was happening, share the hell out of this.

A couple weeks ago I received a call from a “ New Canadian “ claiming to call from Bell mobility in Toronto, told me he could give me a big promotional offer with a brand new iPhone 17 pro max, and a free Apple Watch, sounded great!  I logged into my Bell App and he walked me through what to click on and order and told me when I receive the phone at my house to call him and he would set me up with the amazing promotional code.  So the day my phone showed up I get a hold of him and he says oh they sent the wrong phone, it’s a 512 GB and the promotion is only for the 256, “ so sir I’m going to send you a return label you just need to print it off and tape it on the box and go drop the parcel off then I’ll have my dispatch team send you the right one “. 

Keep in mind this is all over WhatsApp instead of the regular phone line.  I played with him for a few days said I’d do it blah blah blah.  Meanwhile I phoned Bell directly and yes they said I was just about a victim of fraud so they gave me a code to take into the post office to print the proper return label (note that any cellphone packages say on them, do not return to any address besides the one on the box). the return label the fraudster gave me was for a storage unit in Toronto after looking it up.  I took a small box I had laying around the house, wrapped it and stuck an old empty iPhone box inside with a nice friendly note 😉😉.  Stuck the return label from the fraudster on it and took it to the post office, the lady knew me from when I sent the phone back to Bell and said this is awesome, it happens so much. 

DO NOT FALL FOR THIS SCAM. Another lady that was in line said this happened to her as well.

The Price is Right Canada Tonight!

 

Howie Mandel is the host of the Canadian version of The Price is Right Canada Tonight.  It starts on March 10th on City TV in Canada at 8 PM Pacific Time.

Cheryl, Lexie and my long time friend Laurie and I went to a taping of the show last December.  I cannot say anything more as I signed a non-disclosure agreement, but I got this email yesterday:

The time has finally come for Canada to see you COME ON DOWN!

We are excited to confirm that you will appear in the second episode of The Price is Right Tonight, airing Tuesday, March 17 at 8/7c on Citytv. 

I will post more details when I can!

Daylight Savings and Passports

BC passed legislation in 2019 to let it enact permanent Daylight Savings Time but pledged to wait until Washington State, Oregon, California moved, so as to avoid any economic disruption and disadvantage. 
Now, BC says it does not care what USA does.

I didn't write the above, but I saw it on social media, loved the language and decided to share on my blog.

On March 31, the cost of a Canadian passport will rise by 2.7 percent, the CPI increase in April 2024. For example, for those applying within Canada, the price of a five-year passport would rise to $123.24 and the cost of a 10 year passport would increase to $164.32.

If you need a passport or your passport expires within the next 9 months, get one before the end of the month.  A friend from Vancouver Island came here for a visit.  She went to the Service Canada Office in my neighbourhood and they told her the replacement passport would be sent by Canada Post and delivered in about three weeks.  She went home one week after she applied for her replacement and it was sitting in her mailbox.  The sign on the window of Service Canada says passports in 10 business days.  Looks like they are exceeding their own commitments.  

A lovely Sunday in Vancouver

There’s something special about Downtown Vancouver when the sun decides to show off.  Yesterday was one of those days—the kind that reminds you why people travel halfway around the world just to stand on our seawall and breathe in the clean Pacific air.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous: crisp but bright, with that early‑season warmth that makes the glass towers sparkle. You could feel the energy the moment you stepped onto the street.  Some tourists were seen —cameras out, maps in hand, and big smiles as they discovered the city’s corners for the first time.  It’s always fun watching people fall in love with Vancouver in real time.

On our trip from South Surrey, we took the double decker bus to Skytrain.  The bus we were on was almost full.  Those buses are rarely full even through the work week at rush hour.   Locals were out in full force.  When we were walking the seawall, cyclists zipped past on dedicated lanes, and families wandered through the waterfront taking in the views.  Even the street performers seemed to have a little extra spring in their step.

Notice the yoga class on top of the Cactus Club

I've never gone to Nanaimo on Hullo but plan to sometime this summer

You don't see Canada Place when there are cruise ships in town.  

The mountains have very little snow for March 1st!

Always nice to see Stanley Park

I wandered through some of my favourite spots—Waterfront Station, Coal Harbour, and Canada Place—and everywhere I went, people were soaking up the day.  

Days like this remind me how lucky we are to live so close to a world‑class city that still manages to feel welcoming and walkable.  Vancouver shines brightest when people are out enjoying it together, and today was one of those perfect snapshots of what makes this place so special.

Neil Sedaka

I was very sorry to hear about the death of Neil Sedaka.  Few artists have woven themselves into the fabric of popular music as seamlessly as Neil Sedaka.  His career spans more than seven decades, crossing genres, generations, and continents — a testament to both his talent and his ability to evolve with the times.  Sedaka’s story is not just about hit records; it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of a great melody.

Neil Sedaka was born on March 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, to a close-knit, working-class family.  His musical gifts emerged early. By eight, he was studying classical piano at the prestigious Juilliard School’s preparatory division — a rare opportunity for a child from his background.

But while classical music shaped his technique, it was pop that captured his imagination.  As a teenager, Sedaka teamed up with lyricist Howard Greenfield, forming one of the most successful song writing duos of the Brill Building era.  Their partnership would define the sound of early American pop.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Brill Building in Manhattan was the beating heart of American pop songwriting. Sedaka and Greenfield were at its center, penning hits for artists like Connie Francis — including “Stupid Cupid” and “Where the Boys Are.”

Sedaka soon stepped into the spotlight himself.  His early singles — “Oh! Carol,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” — became international hits.  His voice, bright and unmistakable, paired with his knack for irresistible melodies, made him one of the era’s defining stars.  I still sing his wonderful songs.

The arrival of the British Invasion in 1964 changed everything. Like many American pop artists of the early ’60s, Sedaka found his career suddenly overshadowed.  But instead of fading away, he adapted.

He moved to the UK, collaborated with new songwriters, and experimented with fresh sounds. His comeback was cemented in the 1970s when Elton John — a long time admirer — signed him to his Rocket Records label. The result was a second wave of hits, including “Laughter in the Rain,” “Bad Blood,” and a reimagined, slower version of “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” which made him one of the few artists to hit No. 1 with two different versions of the same song.  This era proved Sedaka wasn’t just a relic of the past — he was a master craftsman capable of evolving with the musical landscape.

Beyond the spotlight, Sedaka has always been known for his warmth, humour, and devotion to family. He married his wife, Leba, in 1962, and their partnership has been a steady anchor throughout his career.  Their children, Dara and Marc, have both pursued creative paths of their own.  Even into his 80s, Sedaka continued performing, recording, and connecting with fans — including through charming at-home concerts during the pandemic that introduced him to a new generation of listeners.

A wonderful artist with a fabulous life and he will be sadly missed.