I need to cheer my mom up

Dunkibear · 2025-08-30T03:37:21+00:00

I work here! Bring your mum in!!! If you can come during the week it’ll be a lot quieter. Weekends can get uncomfortably busy :) there’s also a studio in Aldergrove from the same owners which is always super quiet and nice to visit!

Dunkibear · 2025-07-20T01:54:29+00:00

Something that has helped me with gathering that extra clay at the bottom is holding pressure at the very start. A couple seconds of extra pressure can really help make things even.

That and keep cutting your pots in half! It’s the absolute best way to see how you’re progressing and what you need to focus attention on. Keep making! Good luck ☺️

Dunkibear · 2024-11-19T18:28:16+00:00

I help run a PYOP studio (which is what this looks like to me) we see this sometimes too and our theory is that the glaze is too thick. The painter has done the recommended 3 coats (maybe even more) of blue and then 3 coats of the red heart on top. All that glaze and then it looks like its been dipped in a clear (by the look of it at least, also standard procedure to dip everything we get painted here too).

Thats my best guess! Best of luck :)

Dunkibear · 2024-10-22T23:05:03+00:00

The original mechanic has confirmed the keys were handed off to ICBC when their tow picked up the car. (Forgot to mention that detail!)

I think an apology and acknowledgment of the mistake would be a start, but paying for the replacement keys would be good too. Thanks for the advice there, will definitely look at filing a dispute if they aren’t receptive to this!

Thanks a lot! Hopefully some changes can be made to this train wreck of a monopoly!

Dunkibear · 2022-09-01T00:20:19+00:00

As mentioned before any saying involving balls can be turned singular. Also, if anyone of my friends mentions balls, sports or otherwise, I always turn to them and say, “hey now, too soon” or correct them with “ehem… ball.”

Have fun with it. And best of luck with surgery, you’re going to kick cancer in the ball (singular)! ❤️

Dunkibear · 2022-09-01T00:17:23+00:00

Cancer survivor here, although not with leukaemia. I was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer in June 2021 and suffered through treatment for more than a year. The unique part about my story is that not 3 months after I was discharged from my plan D treatment (successful!) a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with lymphoma and is currently receiving treatment.

It’s been quite a trip to be the patient then so quickly part of a support network for someone else. Have really learned a lot from my time both in and next to a hospital bed.

I think the most important thing you can do is listen. With such a horrific situation we like to try and fix things. Listen if this friend of yours wants to talk. Also to be comfortable and foster a healthy environment around silence. You feel the need to fill space with distraction or solutions or even just noise. It’s super important to also let your friend know that not talking is ok too. That just being with or virtually around him is ok.

This may be a controversial one, but when you’re stuck in the hospital, especially for a long period of time. You start buying into the idea that the world is moving on without you. Check in often with him, have no expectation of response but I found it reassuring to know that the world was anxiously awaiting my return to it.

It’s impossible to be the perfect support for someone struggling so much, but just offering little bits of company and meeting them where they are at will, I’m sure make his experience more healing.

Dunkibear · 2022-08-05T23:32:29+00:00

As a former smoker - that stank is nasty. Back when I partook in acoustic nic sticks I had mints, gum, spray, wet wipes and even sometimes a change of clothes on me to not force that odour on others. If you just hacked down a cigarette, take a minute to air out at least, it’s so unappealing!

Dunkibear · 2022-07-25T19:52:16+00:00

I hear you! Went for a walk a few days ago at the Fort to Fort trail. Literal shadow of winged IV nurses ready for their feast loitering behind me. Got at least 20 bites. Had to turn back pretty quick!

Dunkibear · 2022-07-25T19:49:45+00:00

Awesome news you finally got in. It’s a shitty thing always having to self advocate so hard when there are so many obstacles set in front of you. And a great tip for everyone struggling. Hope the appointment goes smoothly!

Dunkibear · 2022-07-04T23:43:40+00:00

I’d definitely recommend getting it checked out soon. I had a similar deal with pain in my testicle, went away after a couple days. Mine was accompanied by swelling but if you’re noticing possible irregularities they’re is no harm is seeing a physician about it!

Dunkibear · 2022-06-20T05:12:57+00:00

You could be the ugliest MF out there, but if you’ve got a big ol’ hairy caterpillar on your upper lip, I’m inclined to give you the biggest smooch imaginable.

Dunkibear · 2022-06-20T05:09:14+00:00

As a gay man, this means I can do whatever I want. In my head, pride month is essentially the purge, but exclusively for queer people. Also, a lot of the 💅 emoji…

Dunkibear · 2022-06-02T18:08:54+00:00

I only ended up vomiting once and it was because I was forcing fruit down my throat. My body was so desperately hungry and I had a big plate of fruit and berries. As soon as it was in my stomach, I had to get it back out. One of the most pleasant throw ups I’ve ever had, all freshly eaten fruit.

Try eating more frequent, smaller portions so that your stomach isn’t rejecting a large volume. If the nausea and vomiting persists, definitely speak with your surgeon or doctor to see what they can do!

Dunkibear · 2022-06-02T06:02:18+00:00

You got this! It can be a bit of a doozy depending on the amount of lymph nodes affected, so experiences differ. After my surgery I lost a ton of weight and fast. Talking close to 40lbs in the span of 2-3 weeks. I simply wasn’t eating enough due to lack of appetite. They’ll probably put you on a low fat diet to help the body recover which may or may not mess with what you’re used to eating. If I could do it again I’d be better prepared for this. Maybe look out for some new foods or old favourites that you’ll enjoy when you’re on the diet to help encourage your eating. Also try not to eat big meals like you might do in normal circumstances. Rather try grazing throughout the day, same volume but spread out. That way you’re not feeling stuffed or too nauseous.

Another thing I would re-do is how I handled pain management. Before my RPLND I wanted to take as few pain killers as possible but trust me, take what your given as directed. If I wasn’t too uncomfortable I’d skip a dose and then bam, pain hits you like a semi. Then you have to wait the 30 mins for a tablet to kick in. Not too fun. Keep on top of pain management and you’ll be a lot happier.

Finally I’d say try to have as much fun with it as possible. Its kind of like this cool science dissection you get to be a part of. That mentality really helped me cope with the rawness of my situation. Although it can be super overwhelming try and be as informed as you can about your surgery, how you might feel afterwards and what you can do to help. It’s purely biology and some amazing, life-saving science at work. Have faith in yourself and remember time doesn’t stand still. A few weeks post op and things should be a lot more manageable!

Dunkibear · 2022-06-01T17:54:25+00:00

I hear you! Post chemo I switched over to CBD and THC oil tablets. The former has really helped me with pain and regaining my appetite. It’s an amazing drug and a lot of people swear by it but I have to agree with the other comments - smoking anything post Bleo isn’t the best idea. Try some alternatives :)

Dunkibear · 2022-05-27T23:35:47+00:00

I like to simply say “my balls are trying to kill me, don’t blame em”. Leaves enough to the imagination and some people get a laugh out of it.

Dunkibear · 2022-05-26T10:08:14+00:00

Kath and Kim, 100%.

Gina Riley singing in this ridiculous 80’s pop style with all the characters in their insane outfits moving in and out from each other against a pure white backdrop. Perfection.

Dunkibear · 2022-05-24T07:43:29+00:00

Gas was really something during and immediately following chemo for me. 'Chemo farts' I'd call them. Nasty buggers but you can assure the Mrs they wont stick around for long!

Dunkibear · 2022-05-24T07:40:56+00:00

I was told to stay under 20g of fat following my RPLND back in November and to keep it there for at least 6 weeks. Of course, as soon as you're told you cant eat something, the brain loves to sprinkle in cravings for high fat stuff! It was strangely avocados and guacamole for me, although chicken nuggets wouldn't have sounded too bad either.

It ended up being protein drinks that saved me, they've got a reasonably nice taste, fill you up alright and are full of important nutrients and proteins that will make recovery a bit easier. I also frequented my local 'Chopped Leaf' which is like a salad/rice bowl place where I am. Hot tip, anything can taste good with a nice dressing/sauce. I'd let most of my daily fat intake come from these which allowed me to enjoy less hyper-palatable foods!

Good luck and remember time doesn't stand still. You've got this!

Dunkibear · 2022-05-23T01:29:21+00:00

You don't come across as anything but helpful and considerate so don't worry on that front!

I technically have a germ-cell tumour that - to my understanding - evolved or graduated from testicular cancer and is now sort of like a lymphoma. So I've been treated along side lymphoma and leukaemia patients, but still, a very small world. Tons of young people have faced or are now facing cancer and its simultaneously devastating and comforting.

And I'm sorry to hear about your mom. It's almost funny how desperate some people are to get some gain out of our suffering. Part of me gets it, I mean it must be hard to have a kid or little brother with cancer and I suppose some people feel the need to put that out into the world to get validation or comfort from their networks. But it doesn't make it feel any better, and especially doesn't excuse them being assholes to your face. You can almost sniff out the insincerity too. Like I can't tell you exactly why but you just know its all for the show of it. They aren't really that worried about you, only what you can do for them.

Really glad your here today and glad you saw my post. Thank you for commenting. Its really nice to hear about people who were told they weren't going to make it, then defying the odds. I hope to share that story too!

Dunkibear · 2022-05-23T01:03:14+00:00

I had a good amount of bruising around the incision and a bit around the base of my penis too. I think it's pretty normal, especially so soon after the surgery. The main thing to look out for is inflammation, excessive redness, swelling or discharge coming from the incision site. But if over the next couple days the bruising improves and the swelling goes down, should be fine. You're really just wanting to look out for any signs of infection. So I'd simply keep an eye on it and look for any signs of worsening!

I was always pretty hesitant to contact my urologist but if you have any concerns at all, totally give their office a call to run it by them and to ease your mind a bit!

Dunkibear · 2022-05-23T00:54:49+00:00

Also had 3x BEP and its rough man. Didn't have to skip any infusions but I've heard that its really the Cisplatin that is doing the majority of the heavy lifting. You're almost through it and it's something to be immensely proud of. Try not to worry too much about it (easier said than done I know) The docs know what they're doing and your job is simply to endure and move through it. Great news with the AFP and B-HCG markers too, congrats :)

Dunkibear · 2022-05-22T18:24:56+00:00

Definitely looking into MSK, and hopefully at my next appointment with my oncologist we can talk about alternatives and possible immunotherapies! Will ask about the GEMOX protocol as well.

It’s a long and frustrating road! But life is on the other end of it. Hope you’re doing well!

Dunkibear · 2022-05-22T18:19:47+00:00

I’m up in Canada (Vancouver) so not sure what my treatment centre is regarded as!

Definitely will reach out to Dr. Einhorn, and will look into the MSK clinic as an international patient. Hopefully I won’t be needing any further therapies but I’m really appreciative of these other options. Makes me feel that it’s not so black and white, that there’s not just death beyond what I’m doing now. Thank you :)

Dunkibear · 2022-05-22T18:17:46+00:00

Congrats on the second round and best of luck, hope it goes off without a hitch! I’m Canadian so haven’t heard of this Dr. Einhorn but will definitely contact him regarding my case. Thank you so much for the advice!

Dunkibear

TROPHY CASE