A week in Review...

I took some time to grab some photos off my camera from the past week and thought I'd share some highlights with you...it's been a good week!!

Dec 21st - 5:30 am So...here I am waving goodbye to the boob! We're just about to leave for St Mary's Hospital to get the cancer out! What a great Christmas present for me!! About eight hours after we left home, we were back and I was set up for recovery! Today I feel pretty good. Roberta (the nurse) comes today to check me out. I was hoping she might remove the drains today, but I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen...still too much fluid. Oh well...they'll come out when they're ready!

Dec 23rd - Evening
The best hockey tournament of the year happens over Christmas - the World Juniors!! On the 23rd (which also happened to be Matt's birthday), Team Canada played a pre-tournament game against Finland at the Aud here in Kitchener. Team Canada won (5-2), and it was great that Matt, Alex and Brock (sporting my Team Canada Jersey!!) got to go to the game. Thanks so much for coming and hanging out with me Kelly so the boys could go cheer on Team Canada! Happy Birthday, Matt!!

Dec 24th - Christmas Eve
When your sister is an art major at University, sometimes by virtue of sibling law you have to be the "subject" for her masterpieces. So, with profound patience and compliance, Alex sat for over an hour on Christmas Eve while Lauren created a mask of his face. Thank goodness she remembered to create breathing holes for his nose!! The mold turned out great and now Lauren just has to figure out what she is going to do with it....

Dec 25 - Christmas morning
We had a wonderful, slow, easy Christmas morning. I was the first one up...and then waited almost two hours before everyone else was awake!! We opened our stockings and than our presents and it was wonderful taking our time and watching each other unwrap the mysteries in the paper!! We had our traditional Christmas breakfast (crepes a la Matt) and played a game of Funglish (new game for Christmas) before heading to New Hamburg. It was the BEST!! I was spoiled rotten by this beauty family that embraces me so tightly!!

Dec 25th - Christmas Dinner
I was happy I felt pretty good on Christmas Day and could join Matt, Alex and Lauren at the Austin family Christmas dinner in New Hamburg. Hosted by Granny and Grandpa (aka Beth & Bill), we were joined by Matt's brother and family (Peter, Leslie, Kathryn and Joel) and good family friend, Jeannie. Beth had dinner ready early and I stayed for a couple of hours and then Matt brought me home. Matt, Lauren and Alex stayed for dessert and a little more fun (so good to live so close!!). Thanks Tammy for coming over and hanging out with me for a couple of hours after I got home so Matt and the kids could hang out longer! As an aside, I want to tell you about the beautiful gift I got from Kathryn & Joel. They made each of us very cool bookmarks and chose the beads very carefully for each person. I got very emotional when I read what Kathryn wrote on my package (so she had to read it out for me). It said "I chose these beads for you because you are a brave cancer survivor. Good Job!" Kathryn is nine. And she touched my heart.

It has been an eventful week...and I am feeling good and maybe a little anxious to get going with the rest of the treatment plan. I know, I have to finish healing from surgery (first step...get these darn drains out)...and of course, I'm a little anxious to find out what the pathology report shows from my surgery. Besides those small details, I truly feel the world is a bright beautiful place...the sun is shining and my Mom is arriving for a visit today!! Life is good!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

PS - One more piece of good news...the creepy mustache (or in his words - cowboy mustache) that Matt has been sporting for the past three weeks is now gone! See...life is REALLY good!!

Merry Christmas!

Well...here I sit on Christmas Eve thinking I'd like to update all of you on how I've been doing the last few days. The nurse has come twice (on Wednesday and again today). So far I'm doing pretty good. I'm tender and a little sore and tired (same old!!!). Today was a rough day, I suffered a lot of nausea earlier today and slept a ton...but by mid-afternoon I was starting to feel better and now I feel pretty good.

I have exercises I do a few times a day, to make sure I'm using my left arm and to stretch out the muscles. The back of my left arm is pretty numb...I'm curious to ask the surgeon when I see him next what he was doing to make my arm numb...maybe digging around in there??

The drains are still in...too much fluid to take them out yet. Maybe Monday when the nurse comes back...

I've gone for a short walk every day since surgery. The fresh air feels awesome! I'm taking Extra Strength Tylenol for the pain...and I don't seem to need much. Before I go to bed, and again mid-day seems to be enough. I do have a prescription for Percocet, but I'm not interested in the side effects that come with it (i.e. constipation) so I've decided Tylenol will do just fine!!

I have somehow managed to catch a cold - I think it happened while I was at the hospital for surgery - figures that I'd catch a cold when I went to the hospital. It's been a pain in the butt the last couple of days, and so frustrating when I worked so hard to stay healthy.

I have been overwhelmed with the deliveries that have found their way to me over the last few days. Flowers, treats, gifts, fruit...it's truly overwhelming! Thank you!!

To all of you who continue to give me so much love and support, I wish you a wonderful Christmas! It is a great time for me to reflect on how blessed I am...and I wish you all the same.

With love always!

xoxoxoxoxo

Feeling ok...

Just a quick update to let you know I'm feeling ok. I've had a bath and had a bit to eat and I feel pretty good. I have a little bit of pain, but it's really not too bad (so far anyway). I even hope to go for a short wee walk this afternoon after a nap!

I thought Matt did an AWESOME job with my blog update yesterday and know that many of you agree with me! Besides telling him what his post title had to be (Thanks for the Mammories...) he did the rest himself!

I wanted that as the title because my original plan had been to write that on my left boob before surgery...but than I wasn't sure the ink would be a good thing...so I saved it for the blog instead! I also thought about writing "Not this One" on my right boob...but as it turned out, didn't need to!

I thank all of you for all the prayers, love and positive vibes you have been sending my way. I am so blessed!

Love to all of you...and I'll check back in soon!

xoxoxoxoxoxoo

Thanks for the Mammories!

Hi, this is Matt the scribe/nurse/personal chef/cabana boy. I know many of you have been following Sue's journey and how much it has meant to her. So I/we wanted to be sure to catch you up as soon as we could today after her successful surgery. Sue's doing well! ... so here we go!!

Sue, Sandra and I had an early morning. We were off to St. Mary's hospital at 5:30 am to be there for 6 am. We arrived on the second floor at 5:50 and had no wait, registered immediately and were whisked right into the day surgery unit. The clerk, Nancy, escorted us to the bed that Sue would leave from to go to surgery and recover in after surgery ... bed 26. Nancy was also the fashion consultant who left the "beautiful" backless gown along with a "lovely" housecoat.

Our first visitor in the day surgery unit was Michele the RN who hooked up the IV. After being asked by many people what her name and birth date was and what procedure she was having done, we knew they had it right ... it is actually comforting to know that they confirm, re-confirm, re-re-confirm everything. They go so far as spelling her last name each time as they read it from her wrist band. The OR nurse Monica and the OR attendant Lisa were next to join us and reassured us that they would take good care of Sue. Sue was wheeled through the operating suite doors at 7:40 am and Sandra and I bid her adieu for a couple hours. Sue had a determined look of someone who was "in the zone" on her face. It was hard to watch her wheel away but I was confident because of all the appointments we had gone through in preparation for this day. Sandra and I retired to the comfort (and it is a beautiful facility after the renovations) of the waiting room where we were told Dr Judges would find us if he wanted to report after the surgery. Afterwards we learned that Sue's surgery started at 8:10 and completed at 9:53. At 8:15, Sandra and I visited Tim Horton's for some nourishment (chocolate dip donut and some bagels).

In the OR Sue met 2 other nurses, the anesthesiologist, and Dr Judges. After walking to the OR table, she let the anesthesiologist know she was "easily nauseated" and he said he would do his best to help her with that. Dr Judges also said, "Are you ready for this?" to which Sue replied, "Yep, let's go!". She was out within minutes of getting settled in the OR under many warm blankets provided by the lovely nurses.

At 10:40 the pager went off and I thought I was going in to talk with Dr Judges, but they told me Sue was out of recovery. So I walked to bed 26 and there she was, bright-eyed and welcoming. I said, "You did it babe!" and she said ,"Yep, I did. Can I have some water." I got to look at her dressing and the 2 drains and all looked good. We found out that Sue had a tube down her throat to help with breathing during the surgery which caused a bit of a sore throat.

The CCAC representative visited and described the service (likely 4 visits at home starting tomorrow) from the Comcare nurse.

Then the post-op nurse came by to describe Dr. Judges orders, the shoulder exercises, pain medication, and taught us how to empty and measure the drains.

Over the course of the next 2 1/2 hours Sue had more water and 1/4 of a digestive cookie. She caught a little sleep.

We left the hospital at 1:30ish and arrived home and she has been in and out of sleep and eating and drinking a little.

I feel inadequate as a fill-in blogger because Sue is such a good, eloquent and humorous writer. Have no fear, Sue will return to her regular column in a couple days.

Thanks from me for all of the love and support you have shown. It has been very meaningful.

Sue says, "Hey!"

Matt

Ready...Set...

It's almost time to Go!

This time tomorrow I'll be at St Mary's Hospital, just waiting for my turn for surgery. I'm a little nervous for sure - mostly because I've never had surgery before! Another new experience for me!! My surgery is at 8:00 am and is scheduled for two hours. All happy thoughts welcome!!

I have a good day ahead...fitness, a visit from my Dad and a little TT/Reiki. Only positive energy allowed today as we gear up for tomorrow!! My sister is also coming tonight to be with us tomorrow...and so far it looks like the weather is going to cooperate!!

The plan is for Matt to update the blog tomorrow when we get home...so feel free to check the blog tomorrow night and see how we made out.

Thank you for the continued love, prayers and well wishes...it fills me up!!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

The Tree is Trimmed...

I am very excited to have our tree trimmed! Lauren came home from York University for a few days on Monday (she has one more exam to write on Friday) and so I took the opportunity when we were all home on Monday after dinner to decorate the tree. Doesn't it look fabulous! I will admit that Lauren did most of the work - she had a specific plan in mind, although I'm pretty sure we didn't do a very good job of following her lead...

I hope to finish my Christmas shopping today. I have just a little bit left to do, and than a bit of wrapping to do and I'm done!

I have been participating in a study with the University of Waterloo in the last week or so. I had an interview that took about an hour and a half one day last week. They just asked me questions about my chemo treatments and how I reacted and how it affected my eating habits. They are trying to get a feel for the similarities between all cancer patients (because every person's experience is truly different). From Sunday to Tuesday, I had to track everything I ate throughout the day, and provide measurements for everything. It was kind of like being on Weight Watchers again!! Today they picked up my food journal and gave me a thank you gift (a nice bracelet and a little bit of cash - hello Starbucks!!). They are going to assess my journal and than provide me with information on what nutrients I may be short on...I'm very interested to get this report back. They are also going to provide me with a copy of the whole study when it's done. I'm very curious to see where I fit with the other cancer patients!

I seem to be a little tired this week...so trying to get loads of rest and relax as much as possible!!! Six days and counting to surgery...

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Play Date!!

On Friday, I had a play date! It was such a great time. I borrowed my friend Tammy's dog, Cocoa, for the day. It was so much fun!

We went for a walk and got the mail, we had tons of snuggles on the couch and she even hung out on a chair and watched me package up cookies for a cookie exchange I went to on Friday night. What great company!

See how cute she is??!!

I tried to fix the red-eye...and I made her eyes look wonky. I'm new to photo editing!

She is such a snuggler and was quite content to hang out with me all day. Of course, she's also a little nosey too and had to check out the house and what the heck Matt was doing upstairs in his office! She only barked once the whole day, and it was this soft meager bark when she saw herself in the mirror in the hallway. So funny! Big thanks to Tammy, Gary & Zach for letting Cocoa hang out with me for the day!

I had a rough day on Saturday. Not sure if it was a touch of the flu, side effects from a pounding headache, or the fact that I just did too much last week. All I know is that my good friend Gracie came to visit me on Saturday and I was a lump on the couch...a sick lump at that. Thanks for hanging with me anyway, Grace!! Next time I'll feel better, I promise!!

I am very close to being ready for Christmas, which makes me VERY happy since surgery is a week tomorrow!! My master plan to be all ready before surgery is lining up nicely!!

And not only that, it looks like we'll have a white Christmas too!

xoxoxoxoxoxxo

EKG Anyone??

With my surgery less than two weeks away, I had a requisition from my surgeon that had to be filled...off to Life Labs I went today! I had it in my head that I wouldn't go first thing...didn't want to get stuck in a line up with all those folks who had been fasting prior to having their blood drawn. So, I got there about 9:20...and it was standing room only. Crap...called that one wrong. Turns out the Life Lab I went to only opens at 9:00 am. I really should have done my research better. The good news is, they know what they're doing there and I was in and out by 10:00. Pretty good considering I was #27!

First I had to have some blood drawn. This has really become old hat for me. I don't even feel the little prick of the needle going in anymore...who would have thought I'd become such a toughie??? I actually find myself quite fascinated by how fast the little tube fills up with my blood!

Than it was time for an EKG. Or ECG (same thing). What I was finding amazing today as I was sitting in the lab, patiently waiting for them to call my number, is that I've never had an EKG before. I have had so many tests in the past five and a half months that surely somewhere in there I would have had an EKG...but no. In fact, today was my first one. And what a curious experience it was for me.

I had a male nurse today...he was great at the blood thing and I was wondering if he was also going to do the EKG. Yep. He did ask me if I was comfortable with him, or if I would prefer one of the other nurses. I told him it was fine (the reality is, any modesty or embarrassment I may have had about my breasts went the way of the Dodo bird back in July...). Besides, I got a bit of a kick out of it when I realized he'd be one of the last to see my left boob...

Anyway...back to the EKG...they tell you to undress from the waist up and roll up your pants to your knees. Then, lie down on the bed and cover yourself with the sheet. I actually took exception to the "sheet". How about we just call it what it was...a big folded piece of paper. Do these people know it's winter outside??? He attaches a bunch of little receptacles - one on the inside of each leg (close to the knee), one on each arm (close to the shoulder), and the rest were around my chest and upper stomach. He attached wires to each receptacle and then it took about fifteen seconds for him to get the reading. He gave the wires a little tug and they all came off at once. Then he said I could peel off the receptacles (which are on with some two sided type of goo), get dressed and I was free to go. I was VERY VERY happy I got to peel off these little receptacles. A nurse in a bad mood could do some serious damage...

So, now my pre-op stuff is done. And the countdown is on...

xoxoxoxxoxo

Oh Christmas Tree...

I know...it's been a whole week with no updates! I have no excuses...just taking a short break from blogging I guess!!

My exciting news of the week is that we went hunting for a Christmas tree on Sunday and found a really good one!! I thought I'd share some pics from our adventure.

This is the hunting part...got to find the best one out there!! Eagle Eyes Alex is looking and looking and looking...

Got one! Quick change of coats between Dad & Alex so Alex can get down on the ground and start sawing...

TIMBER!!!

The sweet smile of success!! We got one!!

Coats changed back to the rightful owners and we're off to put it in the truck...have you noticed who's doing all the work here! Good thing we have Alex!!

We have set up the tree in the living room and it is awesome! A nice big even tree (for the most part). No decorations on it yet...we're waiting for the help to return and join us in the decorating of the tree!! I have managed to get some Christmas decorations out this week. Not too many...but a few to add some holiday cheer for sure!!

A couple of big thank yous to send out today...

To my glass girls for the beautiful bracelet they gave me. It's from a company called 'You've Got Balls'. I'm thinking that it's probably self explanatory...and if you click on the link you can see what the bracelet looks like! It's to give me some added courage while I work through the rest of my treatment and than I can pass it along when someone else is going through something and needs some "balls"...very funny and I love it!! Not sure I want to share it though...

Thanks to Michelle (and Patti too!!) for giving me some time on Saturday and helping me out with some Christmas stuff. I can't tell you girls how much help that was to me!!! Thank you!!

Yesterday my friend Kelly came with me to the Nu Me Boutique. It's a shop that specializes in mastectomy related products and came recommended to me by my surgeon. It's a great little shop and the lady there was so very helpful. I also met a lovely girl (I can say girl because she's my age...) who has recently been diagnosed and decided to stop in at the same time that we were there. Elena, it was great to meet you and to learn about special bras and prosthetics with you! I wish you all the best on your journey ahead. You can do it!!

Thanks Kelly for coming with me!! I did get a post-surgery bra/camisole that will help me keep things in place without being too restrictive (and it's very very soft). It even has little pouches for my drainage tubes...cool (if something like that can be cool!!). It comes with a little soft falsie to insert where my missing boob used to be (it's not missing yet but will be gone in two weeks). It's a nice soft pillowy type thing...much lighter than the future prosthetic I'll be looking into. While we did get to check out a couple of different prosthetics yesterday (did you know there are different ones for regular day use, swimming and working out??), I won't be purchasing one until after surgery is done. They are quite life like, kind of freaky in a way. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted on when I get one and what I decide I need!!

I've had two fun social nights in a row - a little gathering at Amber's and a little 'Festive Special' with Kim last night!! See...I really do have a bit more energy!! So nice to get out and feel like part of the world again, if only for a couple of hours!! I missed my work Christmas party this past weekend, as well as a Christmas party for Matt's work...yes, that would be the stinky part about trying to stay healthy...still trying to keep my crowd exposure to a minimum!!!

I actually have a "busy" week (for me that is) ahead. A little Christmas shopping...some baking for a cookie exchange...dinner with the "non" bookclub girls...fitness...reflexology...maybe a few naps here and there!! It's all good!!

xoxoxxoxoxo

Some REALLY Good News!!!

Ok...I haven't had much to say for the past two weeks...but today I have lots to say so you'll want to make sure you have a couple of minutes to give to me and my blog before you start reading!! Don't worry...it's REALLY GOOD NEWS!!!

Two weeks ago when I was at the Oncologist (just before my last chemo treatment), she told me my blood tests from earlier that day showed that my calcium levels were higher than normal. She quizzed me on my milk/cheese/yogurt intake and if I was taking any supplements or daily vitamins. I was a big NO on the supplements and vitamins and don't consume much in the way of milk, cheese or yogurt so we were a little baffled. Dr. Caliaretti was mildly concerned because a spike in calcium levels can be an indication that the cancer had moved to my bones. She asked me if I had any aches or pains, and I said I did, but had related it to the darn Taxol (chemo drug I was on at that time that is known to cause the muscle aches and pains). So, she decided to send me for a few tests just to make sure. Last week I went for a bone scan and CT Scan (like I had before chemo started) and I also had more blood work done yesterday before my appointment with the doctor.

At my appointment with Dr. Califaretti, she gave me the all clear!! There is no indication of cancer in the bones and my blood work showed my calcium levels were back to normal! YAHOO!!! The nodes also showed that they were NOT enlarged (more good news!!) We have been trying to figure out what might have caused the increase in calcium, and wonder if it might have something to do with the Vitamin water I had been drinking. It was often hard to get plain old water down, but I love Vitamin water, so I had been drinking at least a bottle a day. We checked the label and it has calcium in it, so maybe that's why my test results showed an increase...not really sure and strange that it hadn't affected previous blood tests. In any event, I've had a BIG HUGE grin on my face since my doctor's appointment yesterday!!

I also got the results from the MRI I had a few weeks ago. There is no indication of anything evil in the right boob (insert another yahoo here!!) and the tumour is showing to be about 2.5 cms in the left boob! It's amazing how much smaller it is now. In fact, they can't really tell from the MRI if the 2.5 cm is cancer, or dead cells (they'll find that out when they take the breast and do the pathology on it!!). Wouldn't it be amazing if that report showed no signs of cancer?? Because the chemo drugs can cause scar tissue as it kills the cells, they can't tell exactly what the "tumor" is from the MRI. The MRI did show some tentacles that come off the tumour and they're as long as 5.5 cms. Sure makes me feel good about the decision to do the full mastectomy!! No way are we leaving any of that behind!

I had to ask Dr. Califaretti if my last chemo treatment was a little heavier than the previous treatments since I've had a harder time getting over this last one. She said "No...they're all the same. However, your body is tired. It has been through a lot with eight treatments, only two weeks apart and with the accumulative effect, it takes a little longer each time to recover. Your body needs a rest!" (Sheesh...it feels like all I've been doing is resting!!). Anyway, this makes sense to me, and along with the little bit of stress I was carrying while I did the bone/ct scan and awaited the results, I guess I shouldn't be too hard on myself that it's taking a little bit longer to recover!! To that end, I have been feeling a lot better the last couple of days...still on the tired side and my appetite is still not what it was...but I have great faith I'm heading down the right path!!

Yesterday was such a great day! I was so estactic to get such good news! I think it might have been the best day I have had since this stinking journey began!

So, in case you were wondering if your prayers, positive thoughts and good wishes are working...here's the proof!! I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for continuing to send me your healing thoughts and prayers. I continue to be so truly blessed!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Still Not Much...

As I sit on the couch with Matt, watching the Toronto vs Ottawa game (it's 1-0 for Ottawa at the end of the first period), I realize I still don't have much to tell you.

It's been a slow week for me. I have not been at the top of my game and seem to be recovering from my last chemo treatment a little bit slower than usual. My body is struggling this week! I've been tired, had a head ache off and on and some nausea off and on. Today, especially, was a slow day. I am starting to feel a little better tonight and am looking forward to getting a really good night's sleep (fingers crossed).

I will say that seeing the white crap on the ground this morning made me grateful that Matt pushed me to get my snow tires put on a couple of weeks ago!!

I wanted to share with you a quote that was sent my way from my friend Jenn earlier this week. I love it when you get one that really resonates with you...


"The only one who can tell you 'you can't ' is you. And you don't have to listen."
- Nike


Happy weekend my friends!!

xoxoxoxoxo

I Got Nothing...

I've been trying to come up with something all day to write about, and as it turns out, I got nothing. I'm so boring!

I have been feeling a little rough today...stomach hasn't been 100% and things aren't going down easy. I'm suspecting it's those darn white blood cells doing their regeneration thing. My fingers are crossed that's it. No bugs allowed now!!

I'm eating...just little bits and nothing tastes all that great. And I've been trying to drink a gob (ha...remember that word...for you young 'uns that means lots) of water. I'm not sure I'm winning that battle but I'm trying!

Since I don't have much to say, I thought I'd share a picture of Matt, Alex, Lauren and I jumping for joy...this is from last summer (i.e. 2009), and I look forward to jumping for joy again in the very near future!!!



And one more pic for you today...for those of you who let me know you're proud of me for keeping my chin up and sense of humour in tact...laughter truly is the best medicine!!



xoxoxoxoxxo

Spoiled Rotten!!!

I found out on Friday that I wasn't the only one who was excited my chemo treatments were done! I am grateful for all the emails, text messages, phone calls and blog comments!! I'm so lucky to have such a fantastic (and huge) support network!!

I am also spoiled rotten. As my day progressed on Friday...the doorbell rang...and rang...and rang...


These happy face flowers were actually delivered on Thursday while I was at chemo...so they were waiting for me when I got home Thursday night.

They are from our neighbours, George & Pam and Sherry & Chris. I am so happy that we live on such a wonderful street filled with wonderful people who have been so supportive and caring.

George & Pam and Chris & Sherry never miss a chance to check in and see how I'm doing. Thanks neighbours!!



As you all know, I'm quite fond of daisies...

These big bright beautiful gerber daisies came from my friends (and fellow co-workers) at Arca.

I swear these are the biggest and brightest gerber daisies I have ever seen. The colours brought a huge smile to my face and it was great to know my co-workers haven't forgotten about me!!





From my good friends, the Staines family, I got the most beautiful bouquet of pink roses. Firmina had tried to convince them to send me eight roses (to mark my eighth chemo treatment) but the poor lad who took the order just couldn't quite get his head around that request. Works out good for me!!

While I'm usually not so good with scents...there is something sweet and pure about a rose and I just couldn't help sticking my nose in and breathing deeply!! And I didn't sneeze once! Love the pink!!



These beautiful, happy daisies came to me from my friends Judy, Barry, Rachel & Chris, who never miss an opportunity to let me know how much they love me!!

The card with these daisies said:

Sue - 1; Chemo - 0

I love it!!

I got this HUMONGOUS basket of goodies and this beautiful orchid from the great group of people that Matt works with at Manulife. There are so many goodies in this basket, we are going to need to plan a party! Good thing we have a good reason to celebrate!!


Thank you Manulife Distribution and Corporate Accounts for thinking about me and sending such a fabulous care package!

To say it was overwhelming for me on Friday to get all these flowers and goodies, along with all the emails, text messages, phone calls and blog comments would be a huge understatement. The love that came from all of you was almost too much. I love the flowers...they brighten up the house like crazy! And I love the energy that comes from all the love and positive energy you are all sending my way. What a lucky girl I am!!

I have been feeling pretty good all weekend. I'm a little bit tired and achey...but it doesn't seem to be as bad as last time (knock on wood). I even cooked my first whole chicken ever tonight (I know...pathetic that at 43 years old I'd never cooked a whole chicken before...but seriously cooking is not that much fun when you're only cooking for yourself). And by the way...it turned out great!


Through this crazy journey I'm on, I've discovered the simple things make my experience easier. Friends that come over to watch the Ranger game with me, still having some eyebrows after eight chemo treatments, feeling the warmth from an extra large heating pad...and having all of you join me! What could be better than that??

xoxoxoxoxoxo

1st Period Over...

Using Matt's analogy, the first period of my treatment plan is over and I'm now enjoying intermission until the second period (i.e. surgery) begins!! Great to put this into hockey terms!!

So, I can't begin to tell you how great it feels to have Treatment #8 completed and know that I don't have to go back for anymore chemo. I did have another reaction yesterday to the drug, which means they had to stop it, give me some oxygen and a little hydro cortisone, wait half an hour and start the drug (slower) again. It was totally fine and I didn't react as badly as I had the first time I got the Taxol. It was just a brief interlude and we were off again. It did mean my chemo took longer than I had hoped (just dragging out that last treatment as long as I could...). So I closed the place down. Yep, pretty much walked out of an empty Cancer Centre last night, lights dimmed and everything. Somehow that felt right to me. Bye Bye chemo!!

As promised we took some photos once chemo was all done...


Here's my happy dance as we were leaving the Chemo Suite!! Thumbs up and doing a jig!! Do you think my smile could get any bigger???!!!



They presented me with a certificate when I finally finished my chemo yesterday. I graduated!! All the chemo nurses signed it for me!! Each time I went, I pretty much had a different primary nurse, but since they work with buddies, I got to know a few of the nurses and they were teasing me yesterday when I had a reaction that I was just causing trouble and wanted to go out with a Bang!!




When we finally got home, my boys Matt & Alex, had a cake for me with supper! Isn't it beautiful? It's a chocolate chocolate cake and it was so moist and yummy!! I've said it many times before but I'm so lucky to have such wonderful nursing care, not only at the GRRCC but also at home!!




Just wanted to provide you with a side view so you could see how tall this beautiful cake is!! I can't wait to have a piece today...breakfast anyone??

I know that many of sent me love, prayers, positive energy and light yesterday. Thank you so much! I took it with me and it definitely helped!! I am so glad to be done this first part of my treatment plan. Now it's time to recover from chemo and get strong for surgery on December 21st. Taking a breather until the whistle blows for the 2nd period!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Just One More to Go!!

If you've been following along, you know I am SUPER excited about my chemo treatment tomorrow. It's #8...and that means it's the last one!! Holy crap am I excited. My first chemo treatment was on August 5th, and I've had them every two weeks since then (with the exception of my one week delay when I got the flu). I swear, there were days when I felt like the end was so far away...and now I'm here!!!

Yesterday I went to see my oncologist, Dr. Califaretti. She is really happy with my progress and both her and my nurse, Pat, congratulated me on my "Graduation"!! We took a picture while we there so I could put a face to their names for you!



Dr. Califaretti is on the left and Pat is on the right. They have been so wonderful to deal with and given me such excellent care. I am so grateful to both of them. Dr. Califaretti told me she was going to make sure I got the "Gold Cadillac" package and she has definitely lived up to her promise.

I am ready to celebrate the first part of my treatment plan being completed. With my surgery date all lined up, I know when the second part of my treatment plan is set to occur...yes...progress is a beautiful thing!

xoxoxoxoxoxox

Surgery Booked!

Yep...we have a date for surgery!

Yesterday I went to see Dr. Judges and booked my surgery for Tuesday, December 21st. We also confirmed I will be having a full mastectomy done.

I'm very happy with this date...it's the earliest date after chemo is finished and it means I don't have to wait until the new year (an extra two weeks) to get this cancer out!

I figure it also gives me tons of time to get all the Christmas shopping, wrapping, decorating and any other preparations done before hand. It'll be a quiet, low-key, stay put kind of Christmas and since Matt and the kids are fine with that, I'm a happy girl!!

I'm also happy with the decision to do a full mastectomy. Seems strange to be happy about losing a boob...so let me explain...if we keep in mind how large the tumour was when we started chemo, we know that there is a good sized risk of the cancer returning if we don't take it all. It would totally suck if we did a partial mastectomy and left some cancer cells behind. Obviously I'm not planning on going through this ordeal again...so I'm totally ok with letting her go! I am a little worried that I might topple over since I'll be unbalanced for a while!! If you see me leaning to the right, just give me a little push to right me!!

I got a phone call from an old friend I haven't talked to in ages last night and it was great to hear her voice!! Thanks for calling Patti Jo! I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!

Got to run...busy day today...fitness, then lab work and then we go to see Dr. Califaretti for the thumbs up for the last chemo treatment on Thursday!!

It's a good day!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoox

Busy Week Ahead!!

I am pretty excited about the week I have ahead...it's a busy one and I'm hoping I can keep you all up to date as I make my way through it...

Monday - Off to see the surgeon, Dr. Judges. We'll be booking the surgery and getting the details of what to expect. I do know it'll be day surgery, so my live-in nurse will be taking some notes tomorrow (I know I've said it before...I truly am a very lucky girl to have such a GREAT partner!!).

Tuesday - After my Well-Fit class, I'll be off to GRRCC for my lab work up and than I have my appointment with Dr. Califaretti.

Thursday - Chemo Treatment #8 - yep, that's right...the last one!! Wahoo! I cannot wait to be done! I think I'll spend my free day Wednesday planning my "End of Chemo" celebration!!

I will try really hard to keep the blog updated with my news and updates as the week progresses...and appreciate you all checking in on me!!

Matt & I went for a walk to Zehrs today. It's the longest walk I've been on since chemo...and I was pretty proud of myself after. It's not very far away...and it felt great to get out for some fresh air!!

I haven't done a movie review in a really long time, but felt the need to share what I thought of the movie we watched last night called "American Dreamz". It's starring Hugh Grant, Dennis Quaid, Willem Dafoe and Mandy Moore. You'd think with a line up like that it would be an OK movie. You would be wrong. And I can't believe I watched the whole thing. Terrible with a capital T. Be happy I just saved you 98 minutes.

Wishing you a lovely Sunday and much love!

xoxoxoxoxoxxo

The MRI Experience...

So, today I went to Guelph General Hospital for a Breast MRI. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous...just a little bit...

It turns out, it was a piece of cake! My appointment was at 4:55 pm,and by 5:05 I was getting my IV inserted and ready to go. You have to have an IV so they can inject some die to help with the images.

I had to lie face down on a "bed" that would move forward and be inside the MRI machine. My face was in one of those donut shaped pillows (like what they use when you have a massage) and both breasts dropped down into two holes that are in the bed. There are cup-type holders in these holes that my breasts went into. My arms were above my head. In one arm was the IV. In the other hand was the panic button. I wore a hospital gown that was open at the front. They told me it was going to be noisy, and so they gave me ear plugs.

I'm going to guess that lying face down is much easier than lying on your back. There is nothing to look at, so I just closed my eyes and went with it. You have to lie very very still. The worst part for me was the noise. It was, in fact, very noisy!! The damn thing knocks and bangs and humms and rings and makes more noises than you could even begin to imagine. I don't know what it would have been like without the ear plugs!!

They took some pictures and just when I thought they must be close to being done, they told me they were now going to inject the die and take some more pictures. I started counting in my head. Nothing in particular, just counting. It seemed to help pass the time.

We were all done and walking out the door by 5:45 pm. I thought that was pretty darn good!! Not much waiting around today. I do want to mention how friendly everyone was at Guelph General Hospital. I seriously have lucked out with all the lovely people who have had to deal with me throughout this journey!!

Not much else going on with me these days. Things are good and just moseying along. Boring...but so much better than the alternative!

I was so very proud to take a few minutes today to be reflective and feel gratitude for those who have fought and continue to fight so that we may be free. Lest we forget.

xoxoxoxxoxo

Thanks Mom!!

Sending out big thanks today to my Mom whose visit came to a close this morning. My Mom had been here with me since Tuesday night and headed for home on the train this morning.


We had a great visit and I'm not just saying that because she made me the softest, fuzziest, warmest housecoat ever!! While our visit was pretty low key, we really did have a good time just hanging out and chilling!

Thanks for coming to see me, Mom!!

I'm also sending a huge shout out to my nephew Luke, who celebrated his 10th birthday today.


This picture of Luke is from 2007...so it's an old one...but since I'm not at my apartment right now, I don't have quick access to a more current picture. Hope this one's ok to put on the blog, Luke!! I hope you had a GREAT birthday and enjoyed your Blizzard cake!! (Say...did you all know you can get a Blizzard cake at Dairy Queen? And how is it my nephew knows more about ice cream than I do??!!!)

I'm feeling pretty good today. The aches seem to be much better and I'm grateful for that!! And starting to get a little excited that this chemo journey is almost over!!

Well...it would appear this day has come to a close and my bed is calling! Wishing all of you a wonderful night's sleep.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Sunshiney Day...

Greetings from Foxhill this bright sunny Sunday! It's a beautiful day and the sun is shining and I'm looking forward to getting out for a little bit with my Mom. Yep...we're having a lovely time together...pretty low key but Mom seems to be enjoying just kicking back!

Lauren is home this weekend for her high school graduation (commencement ceremonies were on Friday night). It is great to see her smiling face and hear how she's doing at school! While I didn't go to the ceremonies, I'm pretty sure Dad must have taken a photo or two so I'll have to see if I can round one up!!

I had a couple of friendly visitors come to see me Saturday morning with a delivery of some homemade jam!!! My good friend Sherri and her twin sister Teri came by to say hello! They have a birthday this week so we had to take a picture!! Ok...we would have had to take a picture anyway!!


Nice fuzzy hair on me...this is what happens when you only have 52 hairs on your head and suffer from a little static cling!!

I'm struggling with some really achy legs and feet this weekend. Yesterday was especially tough. It helps to keep some heat on them and to keep my feet up...this doesn't work when you want to get out and enjoy the day though!! I know it'll get better in the next day or so, and that helps a lot too!!

I'm excited for my friends Heather and Barry who are running the New York City Marathon today...they will be at the starting line very soon. Good luck to you both and I know you will do great!!! I'll be following your progress on the internet!!

I am feeling sad this weekend with the loss of a friend who passed away on Friday night. Mo was a lovely man who never missed an opportunity to give me a big hug and tell me how great he thought I was. I will miss you, Mo, and I thank you for all the love and support you always sent my way.

My Mom and I are off to have a visit and lunch with Beth & Bill today...so must sign off and get going. I hope you all get a chance to enjoy the sunshine!!

xoxoxox

Number 7 Done - Check!!

I had my second last chemo today and I'm feeling pretty good! I'm tired...and just trying to stay up for a while longer so I don't wake up too early tomorrow!!

My Mom came with Matt & I to experience chemo for the first time and she took some pictures that I scammed off her camera to show you...


Snuggled under my blanket from my friends at The Waterloo Networking Company and ready for my drugs. You can kind of see the IV in my right hand...doing it's thing!!


Nurse Matt plugging me back in after a trip to the loo. I have to drink a ton of water so I pee often through the day. I have to take my IV pole with me and so we have to unplug the pump that moves the drugs through the IV while I'm on the move. When I come back we just plug it back in!!


Me and my man...with me every step of the way!! I am truly such a lucky lucky girl!!

I had a good day...we were at the chemo suite from 9:00 am until about 2:30 pm. Good thing we packed our lunch and got some treats from Timmys along the way.

I also scammed a couple of pictures from my Mom's camera of two of the cutest people I know waiting for the school bus...





My beauty niece Sharleen (aka Charlie)...






And my nephew - the very handsome, Billy...






I thank all of you for the positive energy you sent my way today, thinking about me and my chemo!! I sure appreciate it and know it makes all the difference in my healing. Know that I send the love right back to you!!


xoxoxxoxoxoxoxo

Ready for Number 7 Tomorrow...

I'm pretty excited about my chemo treatment tomorrow. Seems funny to say I'm excited for it...but I really am. Because after this one tomorrow I only have one left!! Wahoo for me!! I will be one VERY happy girl once I'm done chemo. I might have to throw myself a party...of course, since I can't risk any germs and getting sick before surgery, I'm thinking it might be a party of me with the 50 inch TV!! The big celebrating will come when I'm all done!!

Anyway, I did go to see Dr. Califaretti yesterday (the oncologist for those of you who are new) and she had a hard time measuring my tumour. Why you ask...because it had shrunk so much it was tough to find and tough to measure! So great to know the chemo is working. I have an MRI next week and that should give us a really good picture of both breasts...I'm not expecting the right boob to have anything and the MRI will help confirm that for me!

It's now time to set up a date for surgery and start planning the next steps. I'll keep you posted!!

My Mom is here for a visit for a few days. She brought me some presents that she made for me...


















I got a new hat and scarf! The hat is super warm (my Mom even lined it with cotton) and fits me perfect! It's going to be great when I go for a walk as it gets colder! It doesn't really look as silly as in this photo...





My Mom also made me a super soft housecoat. I love that it has a hood so I won't be cold when I get out of the shower. It's made from some super soft fleece like material...it will be hard to resist hugging me when I'm wearing it!!


I'm pretty spoiled!! And I love it!!
























I got an email today with some more trick or treaters...Ian the Leprechaun and Mark the nerd. Don't they look awesome!! So cute!

I want to give a shout out to my friend, Luisa! I am thinking about you and sending healing vibes your way!

Bring on chemo #7....I'm ready!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Trick or Treaters!!!

Check out our jack-o-lantern from last night! If you know my man Matt at all...you know he loves KISS (especially Gene Simmons)...and he did a FANTASTIC job on our pumpkin! We had total strangers taking pictures!!

My wee pumpkin was in fact too small to carve, so I just drew a happy jack-o-lantern on him. OK...so maybe it's obvious who has the real artistic talent in our relationship!!

Like my friend, Mindy, I brought out some old Partylite decorations for the front porch...I love these skeletons!!



I think I might have mentioned yesterday how much I love trick or treaters! I took pictures of some of my favourites from last night for your enjoyment!!!

This is my buddy, Alex. I told you about him in an earlier post when he did the CIBC Run for the Cure in my name!!


And this is Alex's little brother Gabe and his friend Sarah. They were our first trick or treaters...





Even Alex and Gabe's Mom & Dad (that's Heather and Adolfo to us adults) were dressed up for Hallowe'en!!!

Love all this Hallowe'en spirit on our street!!






When you wear the "Demon" make up, you have to at least put up the appearance of being scary...

Of course when the doorbell rang and a wee trick or treater was on the other side of the door, the big grin on Matt's face sort of gave the impression that the "Demon" forgot he was supposed to be scary!!



I got a great surprise when my friend Amber brought her two boys, Ethan & Aaron, across town to trick or treat! I was so happy to see them!!

Don't you think they make a great cheeseburger and football player?! Thanks so much for coming by you guys! It made my night!





This is another one of our young friends, the Wizard Wesley, who lives across the street. And his hippy sister, the Jiving Jade!!


Unfortunately the picture I took with Jade's trick or treating friends didn't turn out...bummer!!






One of my favourite trick or treaters is definitely Jenna. She is such a sweet girl and always has a big smile on her face! And I was worried last night that I missed her...she was one of the last to ring the doorbell!!





I also got a couple of trick or treater pictures emailed me today...and wanted to share those as well...


This is Matt's niece and nephew, Kathryn & Joel, who were dressed as Death Eaters from Harry Potter - and they made their masks themselves out of duct tape! Great job!!



A second picture emailed to me today of my girlfriend Judy's kids ... she normally has one boy and one girl ... I'm bummed that Chris looks better in a wig than I do!

This was a common pose for Matt last night...he just wanted to make sure everyone got the connection between his make up and the jack-o-lantern. I'm pretty sure most of the kids had no idea what to make of him...or the jack-o-lantern...but the parents loved it!!

Hope I haven't posted too many pictures...I just so love seeing these kids all dressed up and had to share!! Remember to enjoy all the treats life has for you!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo