Much Better Day Today!!!

So today was a much better day than yesterday!

I went to fitness this morning and I have to tell you I'm getting better by the minute. I take loads of rests between each exercise and I feel so great when I'm done! I'm actually enjoying going...and that's a huge deal for me. I have been pretty sure that exercise is a necessary evil up until now but my view has been changing these last couple of weeks.

I had my blood work done today and it was all good!! That means I'm on schedule for my third chemo to take place on Thursday! This is great! I'm trying hard to stay on schedule so I can get done as soon as possible!! Dr Califaretti also noticed the tumour has shrunk a bit this week! Another bit of good news!! I got some new meds too to help with the discomfort I still have with some acid issues. The doctor explained the acid is probably due to the steroids that are in the anti-nausea medication I'm on...and since I'm loving how well the anti-nausea medication is working I'm all for finding a way to get rid of the side effects from them!!

I've had lots of people asking me if I am watching the soaps since I'm home every day...the short answer is no. When I was in University (many many moons ago), the girls on my floor in first year got me hooked on the Y&R and Days of our Lives. I haven't watched either of them in years, I'm just not a soap fan. I tried watching the Y & R with my Mom when she was here (it's her favourite!!)...but then I got all confused when Patch (well, that was his name when he was on Days in the 80s) was on the Y&R. I gave up. I'm actually more about the game shows!! And I can't wait for Oprah's final season and for Ellen to come back from holidays!!

Thanks for all the good wishes that came my way today hoping I had a better day! It worked. I did indeed!!

xoxoxoxoxo

Rough Day...

So today was a rough day. I woke up feeling crappy and it just got worse from there. I did not venture far from the couch all day...thank goodness for the big screen!!

Yesterday was a pretty big day for me, and I'm wondering today if I pushed myself too far yesterday and paid the price for it today. It didn't feel like too much yesterday...but I guess my body has a different opinion!

I'm totally bummed that I had to cancel my plans with Kim & Sharon tonight...thank you girlies for understanding and for the rain check!!

The good news is I did have some dinner tonight - besides a peach and six crackers, I hadn't eaten much today. Keep your fingers crossed that it settles!!

Tomorrow I have my blood work up done and meet with Dr. Califaretti to get the thumbs up for my next chemo treatment (currently scheduled for Thursday morning). My fingers are crossed that feeling crappy today doesn't change anything for my next chemo.

I think it'll be an early night for me! I just have to get this water in me before I go to bed...I know that'll make my nurse happy!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

xoxoxo

Time flies when you're having fun!!

You know, pretty much every day I think about updating my blog. So I spend some time thinking about what I might have to say and if anyone cares about what I have going on...and than suddenly I'm in bed thinking "Damn! I forgot to update the blog today!!". Yep...I can pretty much guarantee that has been my thought process since Wednesday (I can say that 100% since Tuesday was my last entry!!). And then tonight, I finally put my fingers to the keyboard and start typing away...feeling good about updating when suddenly I hit something I shouldn't have and lose the whole thing. All of it. Half an hour of typing and bringing you all up to date gone. I think I might have said a bad word when I realized what happened. In my out loud voice!! And than I decided to start all over again! Wish me better luck this time around...I'm not sure I have a third try in me...

I got some super cute pictures from my friend Eileen this week. I think she was inspired by my love of daisies and so she sent me pictures of their Daisy! This Daisy is a Miniature Dachshund...isn't she so cute! I'm an equal opportunity daisy lover and this one ranks near the top of my list - right up there with Gerber Daisies!! I love this picture of Ian giving Daisy some loving and wanted to share it! I'm so glad my Thom family friends are having a great summer! Hope to see you all soon!!



I received a really cool delivery this week from my friends the Archers. It was an edible arrangement made up of all different kinds of fruit. The pineapple was cut into shapes and the ones that were cut like flowers had a melon ball for the centre. It was very cute and while I hated to take it apart, it tasted even better than it looked! I'm very happy to report that it's all gone now! Thanks so much Dave, Tessa, Casey & Jamie for the healthy treat and for being so thoughtful!!


My Mom and her sister, my Auntie Maureen, came to visit me at the end of the week. My Aunt hails from Drayton Valley, Alberta (which is near Edmonton) and she was in the "East" for a little holiday and to help my Mom out with their auction earlier this week. I was very happy they could fit me into their Ontario tour and to get some healing hugs!! It was a short, quick visit...and didn't leave us enough time to get to Picards Peanuts. I have to make sure we do that the next time my Mom comes to town!!



I returned to fitness on Thursday morning and am VERY happy to report it was much better than Tuesday! I was able to keep my heart rate under control and didn't feel like I was going to pass out once! Yeah me!! I opted for the bike this time instead of the treadmill...I thought it would be good to shake it up! I felt really good after and am again very excited about exercising through my treatments to help with my energies and healing!

I have been feeling ok this week. I'm easily tired and have been a little frustrated at how much I just can't seem to do. I am not being hard on myself, it's just a learning curve to figure out what I am capable of and knowing when I can push that a bit and when I need to stop. And understanding that this changes constantly. It's a whole new awareness of listening to what my body (and mind) are telling me. I had a reflexology appointment this week that helped me a lot with relaxing (thanks Jenn!!) and I slept great that night!! I'm still struggling with discomfort in my esophagus and it totally sucks when I go to eat something I love only to find out it tastes terrible. This doesn't happen all the time, thank goodness!

I thought I'd give you a picture of me from today. I figure some of you have a mental picture of me with a bald head. Not quite yet. I still have some hair, although it does continue to fall out all the time. I have to give a shout out to my sister, Sandy, for her great idea to get a drain catch for the shower...good that all that hair is not going down the drain. Sucks for me to have to clean the tub EVERY day!! I thought about taking a picture of that for you...but decided not!! You can thank me later...



We had a great visit with our friends, Kelly & Brock yesterday. Kelly came and hung out with me for the afternoon and we were quite productive - getting dinner ready, washing my wig, and just getting things organized! Thanks for your help, Kelly! And for showing me how to tie a scarf on my head! And thanks to Brock who found me a case of my favourite water! I'm a happy girl!

Matt had a day of motocross today with the boys...and me, I stayed home and enjoyed 50 beautiful inches of viewing! Yes, I am love love loving this new TV. It is awesome to watch television on, DVDs on, and have I told you about the Aquarium channel? It's so cool! It's like we have a fish aquarium in the living room!! Since I spend so much time resting and chilling and generally hanging out in this room, having a television that is so much fun to watch is a total gift! And hey the other morning when I couldn't sleep and was up at 4:00 am, it was so great to turn on the TV and watch a recap of the Gold Medal hockey game from the Vancouver Olympics. Even knowing the outcome, I loved every minute of it and can't wait to watch more hockey on this big screen!! How many more days until the Kitchener Ranger season starts??!!!

Thanks for all the loving and support that you continue to send my way. It is amazing healing energy and I am so very grateful for it!

xoxoxxoxoxo

Just when you thought Exercise was a good thing...

So, the University of Waterloo has a Well Fit program that they run for people who are going through treatment for cancer. The idea being that exercise and fitness are a good thing to help in your recovery. I have been quite excited about this and in 100% agreement that activity and exercise will help me stay strong and fight harder. Last week I went to have an evaluation done. They tested my strength and endurance (including taking my blood pressure and heart rate several times while I was riding the bike and increasing the difficulty). This morning I went for my first class, and to see the exercises that they have picked out for me. There were different weight/core type exercises and then I finished up with some cardio (on the treadmill). It knocked me out! I thought I was doing great, got through all my exercises pretty good and did fifteen minutes on the treadmill. I am set up with a monitor for my heart rate and I have to keep an eye on the monitor to make sure my heart rate doesn't go above 120. I failed. I had a really hard time keeping my heart rate that low. When I was done on the treadmill we did some stretches, and it was during the stretches that I realized I wasn't feeling very good. Light headed, dizzy and ready to pass out. I sat down and had some water and felt the sweat wash over me. The people at Well Fit are awesome, and kept a close eye on me, my pulse and my blood pressure and after about ten or fifteen minutes I was ok to leave. Freaky. It's one of those frustrating moments during all this when you realize you can't do what you could before. When you realize you have to stop and reassess and remember what you're body is going through. Yet another learning curve for me!! I'll just take today as my starting point and move on from here, with a better idea of what to expect.

I did receive some very yummy goodies (and a great visit) from my friend Firmina today. Love love love the tortoises you brought with you, Firmina!! Thanks for coming and having lunch with me today!! And special thanks to Jakob and Lukas for the yummy cookies that came with you too!!

Special thanks to Alex for teaching me how to work the multitude of remote controls we now have for the new TV - it's awesome! And now that I know how to work all the components I'm good to go!! I like it when all the buttons work the way I think they're supposed to. And this might sound like a "girl" thing to say, but who knew HD would make such a difference??!!

My hair continues to fall out by the handful. The shower is the worse...but even just touching my head means a bunch is going to fall out. I figure by the end of the week there will be very little left. What I can't figure out is why the hair on my legs isn't falling out as quickly. I mean seriously, I am totally looking forward to having soft smooth hairless legs with no effort from me!!

I am on a mission to find myself the right head covering...I'm leaning toward a beanie cap but haven't gone shopping for one yet. Hopefully tomorrow if the energy levels are ok and I can figure out where to go!!

I want to give a shout out to some people close to me who are experiencing their own challenges and adventures right now. I know you are worried about me and I sure do appreciate all the love and support you are sending my way. Know that it is coming back to you from me as you work through your own challenges. And just like me, you will conquer!!

xoxoxxoxo

A Splendid Saturday!!

Yesterday my big outing for the day was to St Jacobs to buy some lemonade! My little friends Avery & Ian Leech, along with a couple of their friends, had set up a lemonade stand to raise money for The Red Cross to help support the people of Pakistan. They did awesome and raised around $200.00! And they didn't just sell lemonade...they had water and popcorn and freezies for sale! Of course, we had to sample one of everything!!

This is the beautiful Avery showing the pricing of their goods!!



Here is the whole group of lemonade (etc.) sellers. They were so captivating and excited to have some people come buy their wares. I hear they were even willing to do some drive thrus for those who did not get out of the car. How's that for service??



In the afternoon our friends Kelly and Brock came over. They brought me some Pretzel M&Ms (yummy) and Matt a new cookbook with menu ideas for those going through treatment for cancer. So totally thoughtful and it has some great menu ideas, whether I'm having trouble with nausea, bad taste in my mouth or lack of appetite. I think Matt'll be able to use it lots!! Kelly hung out with me for a while and the men went TV shopping!! It was so great to chill and catch up. And watch a little Glee... The men came back with a TV picked out and it's going to be delivered tomorrow. I am pretty excited about that and so grateful to Matt that he would make a big change like this now to make my recovery time more enjoyable. I do enjoy my TV!!

Thanks to Patti for finding some sugar free (non aspartame or splenda) candies for me!! I'm going to go this week and check them out. As an aside, since I haven't developed any mouth sores yet, I am still enjoying some regular sweets...nothing too crazy but enough to keep me happy!!

I'm feeling pretty good today. Yesterday I was very tired after my big trip to St Jacobs. I'm grateful the nausea is better this time around for sure. I do think I'm experiencing more fatigue this time around. It just means making sure I take the time to rest when I need it. I am struggling a little bit with a bad taste in my mouth when I eat. I know from the last treatment this will get better as more time passes after the chemo, it just stinks now because things I normally like don't taste that good. Some things are still fine, it's just figuring out what those things are!!


This morning Matt pulled the first tuff of hair out of my head. It was just a little tuff...but it is the beginning of my hair loss. I have to admit this is the part I've been dreading the most. I know I'll get used to it and it'll be fine...it's just weird to think about being bald for a while.

This lovely picture of a bouquet of daisies was sent to me from my friend Leanne who lives in Huntsville. She takes beautiful pictures for her own blog and picked these daisies for me so she could send me a photo. Leanne and I have known each other our whole lives - our parents were friends in high school!! Thanks, Leanne!

Happy Sunday to all of you!!

xoxoxoxo

Now that's much better!!

So, my second treatment was yesterday morning at 8:00 am and it has gone WAY WAY better this time around. I had just a tiny bit of nausea yesterday...but wasn't sick to my stomach once!! Wahoo! I did have a bad headache, but some Tylenol and sleep seemed to help with that. I was in bed at 5:30 last night and that meant I woke up at 4:00 this morning. Thanks to Jodi and her Glee DVDs so I could watch something on TV at that hour (otherwise I'd have been checking out Infomercials!!).

I'm happy to report that today I have no nausea (in fact I've already eaten twice today) and the headache has pretty much disappeared!

I thank Dr. Califaretti for the change up on my drugs. We have removed the Ondansetron and added Aprepitant. And we also took away the Prochlorperazine (which I could take every four hours as needed for nausea) and replaced it with Metoclopramide. I only had to take one of those yesterday!!

I certainly don't want to jinx myself and get too carried away...for those of you who sent all that positive energy and positive thoughts that it would go better I thank you. You definitely worked your magic. Special shout out to Peggy who gave me some Therapeutic Touch and Reiki after my treatment yesterday and to Tammy who provided me with some crystals to help with my journey as well! You never know how these things work...and I'm pretty much willing to try anything!!

One of the new additions we got for my journey is a Magic Bullet!! I'm very excited about this. I made myself a smoothie for breakfast on Wednesday and it was good. Yesterday we got some protein powder to add to future smoothies...so hopefully I can try that out tomorrow. We met with a lovely dietician named Margaret while I was having chemo yesterday. She was quite helpful and just reiterated the need for loads of fluids and protein. I seem to be doing well with my servings of fruits and vegetables.

My next chemo treatment is scheduled for September 2nd. So far I'm right on schedule...and as of yesterday's treatment 1/4 of the way through!

I think it's time for a nap, so I'm going to say adios!

From my heart to yours, thanks for the loving!!

xoxoxox

Ding Ding Ding...Round 2

So today I had my blood work done and went to see Dr. Califaretti, my medical oncologist. Have I mentioned how much I like her? She's lovely and helpful and reminds me a lot of my friend, Celina. So, because she looks so much like Celina, who comes from one of my favourite families in the world, I just know she will take good care of me!! Anywho, Dr. Califaretti gave me the thumbs up for Round 2 of chemo tomorrow (bright and early at 8:00 am)!! This is a good thing. We want to stay on track so that we can get these eight treatments done as quickly as possible.

I have some brand new anti-nausea medication to help with this next round. Keep your fingers crossed for me that they help. It turns out that for some people the wiring in their brain is such that they are more prone to vomiting. Nice. This explains a lot about my WLU days 20 plus years ago. Oh...and maybe some time spent in the Peg as well...

Anyway, I should have an easier time of it this round and I'm very hopeful that's the case!! I'm sure Matt is too!!

For those of you who are sympathizing with me on the sugar thing, I thought I'd add a couple more comments. It is very difficult to find a sugar free hard candy. I'm trying to stay away from bad artificial sweeteners (like splenda and aspartame - which much research shows is just evil and Matt would like to ban from his home). I think I'm ok with Stevia. If you know of some candies that would meet my specifications, can you send me an email on where to find them?? Kelly, I'm pretty sure there are no sugar free chocolate covered ju-jubes. Damn. And if there were some, I'll bet with my luck they'd be the green ones!!

To Mindy I need to shout a word of thanks! I am loving my new thermometer. It's super fast and suddenly it's not as frustrating an experience to take my temperature. Although quick funny story...when I went to buy it at Shopper's Drug Mart the lady looked at me funny when I asked her if they sold thermostats. Turns out words elude you with chemo...

I'd like to thank my wonderful co-workers for the gift I received from them today. I loved the card and the beautiful sentiments and loving!! I'll be thinking of you all with your brand new (looking) software tomorrow morning while I'm having chemo. If you get frustrated because it looks so different and things are in slightly different places, just remember I'd rather be figuring out the new software with you than sitting in the chemo suite!! :)

I'm pretty sure I will be lying low over the next few days, getting loads of rest and letting the drugs do their thing. Feel free to email and I'll respond when I can...and of course I'll be thinking about things to tell you about next time I blog.

Until then...keep happy tummy thoughts of me dancing in your heads!!

xoxoxox

I've Got a Friend in You!!

I know I have talked in the past about how lucky I am to have such wonderful people supporting me through this journey. And I truly feel so grateful every day. I get emails and phone calls and text messages and cards in the mail and I feel that love being sent my way! Every day. All day.

And than sometimes...you get an extra large dose of it that almost makes you wonder what you did to deserve it. You know, your family sort of has to be there for you...that whole unconditional thing and all...and I've left Matt without a choice since I've taken up residence in his home...

I don't really know how to express how much I love my friends. True, I'd be there for them and I'd be happy (and probably demanding) to help them if they were in my shoes...so you would think that I would just take their support and mosey my way through this journey. The thing is, I didn't have any idea the support and love and friendship would be as huge as it is. I didn't realize that old friends and new friends, good friends and casual acquaintances would all be such a large part of this experience and that I'd be so glad to have them ALL join me. Somehow it just makes it so much easier.

On Monday, I went to my good friend Karen's house for dinner. She made beer can chicken (holy yum!!), and along with Sharon's everything pasta salad and Kim's mini butter tarts, we had a fantastic feast!!

There was only a small grumbling when I told them we had to take a picture for the blog!! Special shout out to Karen who gave me my own hand towel while I was there - she totally gets the germ thing!!

Than last night I had a big surprise when the door bell rang and there stood my non-book club at the door (thank goodness I showered yesterday!!). Yes, we used to be a book club, but we decided we enjoyed each other's company just hanging out and having fun more than we enjoyed trying to figure out which book to read next!! So, we still share books, we just don't try to read them at the same time.

Anyway, back to last night...these lovely ladies showed up at the door for a "short" visit and a parcel for me. They made me a quilt! Can you believe it? They each went shopping for their own material, cut it into squares, and than Jodi sewed the squares and assembled it. Then they all got together after it was assembled to do finishing touches. I know that a lot of hours was spent on this beautiful quilt, and I can tell you I love it. I love that they each took the time to choose their fabric, knowing it would make me think of them...and that they also chose a fifth fabric to represent me (thats the daisy fabric that makes the X).

Kim, Jodi, Sharon & Kelly...you girls are amazing and I can't even begin to tell you how much this means to me!

To all my friends who are keeping in touch and lending support in more ways than I could even begin to imagine (or express) I thank you from the bottom of my heart and ask you to hang in for the duration...I know I can make it through this whole thing with your help!!

xoxox

Loving the Return of my Energy!!

What a great weekend!! Starting on Friday my energy levels took a jump and I have to tell you I feel almost normal again. Of course, the big danger is I will take advantage of this surge of energy, do too much and knock myself on my butt...so believe me when I tell you I am still taking it easy and trying not to over do it!!

On Saturday we drove to Cookstown for a visit with my family. It was great to see my family and for them to see me and know I'm fighting hard! It was especially important to me for my nieces and nephews to see me and know Auntie Sue is the same as always! Starting with this beautiful girl right here!! This is my niece Brooklyn, who is somehow already 18 and heading to Nipissing in the fall. I think she's amazing and I'm so proud of her. And I'm a little jealous of the fun she is going to have...ahhhh...University days...

It was amazing to get a big hug from the little people in my life!! Just look at this bunch of smiling faces giving me some loving! That's Emma, Alyssa, Olivia, Luke and Alex. Cutie Patooties!! They hardly grumbled at all when I made them stop their game for a photo op...I'm sure it was just a wee grumble because they all love me so much!!

Special thanks to my sisters Maureen and Sandy for doing double time in the kitchen to make sure Matt, Alex and I filled our tanks before we had to hit the road!! You girls are awesome and you ROCK!!

There's something to be said about going and getting a hug from my Dad! He has lots of questions about my treatment and is always concerned that I'm getting the best care. Thanks for the loving, Dad!! I hope Matt and I were able to answer all your questions.



Thank you Emma for the preview of your competition pieces! I'm sorry I won't be able to come and cheer you on over Labour Day weekend, but I will be cheering from K-W and hope you and Olivia do great!! I'll be expecting texts, photos and videos to catch me up to date!! Tons of fiddle talent in two tiny packages!!




The youngest smiley faces...a bit of loving from the Walker clan - PJ, Sam & Sydney.






I would be remiss if I didn't mention Dave, Nancy, Billy & Charlie...I missed seeing you guys today! I thank you for understanding how important it is that I stay as healthy as I can so I can keep my treatment plan on track. Not to mention I just don't have the immune system to fight anything that might be out there. It stinks that means I didn't get to see you on Saturday. I hope Charlie is feeling better and I get to see your smiling faces soon!!

One more shout out before I sign off...to my main man, Matt!! Way to go on your 10km run this morning at the Fergus Highland Games! You did awesome and I am beyond impressed at your focus and determination. It was sweet to see you cross the FINISH line, minutes earlier than expected!!

xoxoxo

Did you miss me??

I know, I know...it's been a few days since my last entry and you are wondering how I am and what I've been up to and if I got a wig...so hold on to your hats and let me fill you in!!

I had a super visit with my Mom. She arrived on Monday and left yesterday. We went to the GRRCC for a little "Intro to Chemo" class and a tour. I was able to show my mom the suite where I get my chemo. I know it let my Mom see what great hands I'm in and how many resources are available to me!! She also got to witness first hand that I do, in fact, have the best nurse ever with Matt. He takes awesome care of me and I know it let Mom go home feeling less worried about me. I know, she's a Mom, she's going to worry...at least she knows I'm doing really well because she's seen it for herself!!

My Mom and I did go to Hopespring (another amazing resource for Cancer patients in K-W) where I tried on a bunch of wigs (with the assistance of Irene) and came home with one. It was red and blond and brown and a little longer and puffier. And today, we took it back and got one that fits my face and style better (insert boring here). It was super fun to check out wigs with my Mom and try on all kinds of styles...it's just at the end of the day, I think I want to just be me. And I'm not really very crazy. Thank you so much to Irene who spent time with me not once, but twice this week, helping me find the one I want. And I just have to add that she encouraged me to come back if I change my mind again!! Wonder when that will get old for her??!!

I am feeling pretty good. I am stronger and have more energy in the evenings. I'm tired during the day and my attention span isn't always the best. I keep thinking I'm going to pick up a good book (I actually have two lenders ready for me on the table), but I haven't made it there yet. So far magazines and the newspaper seem to do me just fine! I'm tired because the chemo is killing off my blood cells and so my body has to make new ones. The white blood cells help me kill off infection. That's why I can't be around any sickies while I'm on chemo...my white blood cells are down and I don't have the same immune system to fight any crap with. I have been feeling some discomfort in my throat, kind of like heartburn. Chocolate milk helps. It's not there all the time, but when it is there, it makes me not want to eat or drink. And sometimes it makes things taste gross. I'm trying Tums to see if it helps. The red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs through your body. So, when these cells are killed off, the oxygen in the blood is down, and you get tired while new cells are produced. Any medical people that would like to comment on the above, please feel free...I hope I have it right!!

I do have to take my temperature twice a day because the risk of infection is so high. So far so good on that front. Although I'm impatient with the thermometer at Matt's so I think I'm splurging for a new one. Seriously...how long should it take to read my temperature?? Anyway, even if I feel 100%, I still take my temperature and confirm nothing is wrong. I have strict instructions (from EVERYONE) that as soon as I have a temperature (38.3 c) that I have to head to the Cancer Centre (or the ER if it's after hours).

I have been hooked up with CCAC. They came last Friday after my chemo to give me a needle to help with the replenishment of the white blood cells. I had a case manager come to the house today to explain the other services that they are able to get for me. It really does seem never ending...and amazing!! The services and resources really do make you feel like you are in the best of hands.

I did learn something while at my Chemo Class with Mom that had me cursing. They keep talking about sugar free candies helping keep the mouth moist (the risk for mouth sores is huge...although I haven't experienced any yet). I had to ask "Why sugar free". This was a stupid thing to do. The answer is "bacteria thrives on sugar". Are you kidding me? I love sugar! There is little chance I can get through this journey without chocolate and ice cream. So ... stupid little mouth sores ... I will conquer you with salt and water or whatever it takes but I will still enjoy some sugar!!

Thanks to everyone for the positive comments on my new short due. It's very very short...just need a teeny tiny bit of shampoo to wash it. At this point it seems a little too short for me, and so probably will grow it a little longer when I can. But it is fun to try something new and it's great to have the thumbs up from Debbie that my head is shaped fairly well. Hey! Maybe I'll ditch the wig all together and just be bald or scarved for the next few months. Wonder how brave I really am...

I know this is a long entry and I appreciate all of you checking in for an update. If you have any questions or thoughts you want me to comment on, please feel free to email me or post a comment here and I'll chat about it in my next posting. There are no bad or stupid questions. If I don't feel like being public with the info, I'll still get back to you!

With love to all of you!

xoxoxo

The Hairs Have Been Cut!!

Here is my pre-cut look...a little wild and crazy but I was hoping to grow my hair longer this summer...before this unexpected turn of events!!








And here is my post-cut look thanks to my friend Debbie who did a great job of taking me to this new pixie look! I'm now ready to try on wigs!!

It has been a good weekend!! I got lots of fresh air, had some nice visits with wonderful people and even got a chance to watch my man ride a few laps at the motocross track today. You'd wonder why it would feel so good to do something so normal!! It was awesome sitting on my lawnchair, with my feet up, my magazine in hand and strawberries in a dish to be eaten...and watching Matt hit the jump he's been working on!! Wahoo!!

Tomorrow my Mom is coming to see me for a few days. We're going to take an Intro to Chemo class together, and maybe do some wig shopping. No...I'm not going red and I'm not getting a mohawk (blue or otherwise)...and I've heard how hot these things are, so pretty sure I'll be keeping it short. My brother mentioned to me tonight that he has a ball cap with some hair attached to it that he'll lend to me...that sounds promising - NOT!!! I have this vision of me looking like Mike Myers...

It's bedtime, so time to knock it off for tonight. Need to make sure I get loads of rest...I'll fill you in more on that tomorrow!!

xoxoxo

Starting to feel a little more normal...

Hello Everybody!!

It has been a rough couple of days...I had my first chemo treatment on Thursday and within a few hours of getting home, I was feeling rough. Very nauseous and just feeling awful. We had a really rough night on Thursday night (thank goodness I have Matt!!) Yesterday I was back to the hospital to get some fluids injected via IV and some more anti-nausea drugs. I'm proud to report I haven't puked in 33 hours!!

I have to tell you how amazing everyone is at the Cancer Centre. Ann (pictured above with me giving me my first chemo treatment) was wonderful, as was Deb and Justine and the other nurses who stopped over to see how I was doing. Going back yesterday for some fluids, I felt like an old pro already!!

Anyway, today I'm feeling considerably better. Matt & I both got some great sleep last night and the nausea seems to be taking a break. I'm tired, and I have a minor headache. But other than that, I feel ok.

I know some of you have been wondering about the drugs, so I'll give you the short version of what I am taking:

I'm on the AC&T (high dose) chemo drugs. So the AC is Adriamycin (or Doxorubicin) and Cyclophosphamide. I get these two drugs for four treatments. The Adriamycin is red (bright red) and is injected via a big fat needle into the IV (that's what Ann is doing above). The Cychlophosphamide is just a clear drug that is administered through the regular IV. They also give me an anti-nausea drug via IV before any chemo drugs. When I'm done the four treatments of AC I switch over to the T part - Taxol (or Paclitaxel). I also have a needle the day after my chemo treatments (the nurse comes to the house for this) for Neulasta. The neulasta is to help stimulate the growth of white blood cells. I have three prescriptions for anti-nausea drugs. Two of these drugs (Ondansetron and Dexamethasone) I take the first few days after treatment. The third I can take at any time - every four hours - if I need it (Prochlorperazine). See...I wasn't kidding when I said I was learning a lot!!

I think I'm going to get my haircut and start thinking about some wig shopping...and for all you crazy people with crazy ideas, I think I'm going to try and stay as close to my normal look as possible...but I guess you never know!! Pictures to follow!!


Thank you to everyone who have been calling, sending emails, texts, and flowers. I am truly grateful for all the loving and am taking it all in!! Matt & I are heading out to get some fresh air today...it's going to feel great to get out of the house and not be heading in the direction of the hospital!!

xoxoxox

One Down...

Everything went well this morning at GRRCC. Everyone was wonderful and helpful and sweet.

I'm feeling quite rough since late this afternoon and still feel quite rough now. Nurse Matt is doing a fantastic job of taking care of me.

I promise I will give you a full update as soon as I can sit up for more than a few minutes at a time. I'm trying to keep as quiet as I can...so my cell is off and Matt is taking any calls that come in for me on his phone.

Thank you for all the emails. I will get back to those as soon as I can too!!

Love to all of you.

xoxox

Less than 12 hours from now...

Yep...it's true. In less than 12 hours I'll be hooked up for my first chemo treatment. How's that for speedy service??!! I am overwhelmed with the amazing and speedy service that I am receiving from the GRRCC (that's Grand River Regional Cancer Centre...what can I say, I'm a sucker for acronyms!!)

So, I got a call at 4:00 pm today to confirm that I have my first treatment at 10:00 am tomorrow. Wow. Talk about cleaning up your desk fast! I feel bad for the poor folks who got some last minute (can you say speed of lightning) training ... or in the case of Sue, a note on her desk! Thank you so much to all my friends at Arca, who are willing to jump in and help me out in so many ways!! Keep those work fires burning my fellow co-workers, I'll be back before you know it!! Special thanks to those who sign my cheque for your understanding, support and use of a laptop while I'm off. I love this sitting on the couch while blogging thing...a girl could get used to this!!

Back to tomorrow's appointment...here's the scoop...my appointment for the chemo is at 10:00 am. But before I have chemo, I meet with the pharmacist to learn about the drugs I've been prescribed (both the actual IV drugs for chemo, along with the pills I'll have to swallow). There are tons of them...and I can tell you more about them when I know more about them myself!!

The chemo should take about an hour and a half to administer. Matt is taking me to tomorrow's appointment. It's good to have two ears listening to what they tell me and since I can't drive the day of chemo, it's good to have a driver. Hope he doesn't mind too much if I puke in his new white truck!! ha ha ha Come on, I have to find some fun somewhere!! Anyway, back to the chemo. I can expect to lose my hair (every last morsel...even my eyelashes) within 2-3 weeks of my first chemo appointment. So I have called my friend Debbie to see if she can cut my hair short for me. I figure it'll be better to have short hairs fall out than long ones. My sidekick Matt thinks it would be funny to grab two large tuffs of hair from the side of my head and say "You're driving me crazy, I'm pulling my hair out!" He thinks he's funny!! Correction, he thinks he's hilarious. Anyway, they tell me I should shop for a wig before chemo because the chemo can make your scalp sensitive. Well..they didn't leave me much time for wig shopping, did they?? Hoping I'll feel well enough this weekend to give it some thought.

Speaking about side effects, the list is long...suffice it to say you'll have some interesting reading in the future. Maybe I should consider a "Poop Warning"!!

The last thing to tell you about tonight is that I will be having one more test. An MRI on both breasts. We can't get a breast MRI in K-W, so I think I'm heading to Mississauga for this one!! And yes, I'll let you know when it's been scheduled.

Well my friends, I'm off to bed. A girl needs her beauty sleep before her first chemo treatment. The camera is packed...I smell a kodak moment on the horizon!!

xoxo

And Aaaawwwwaaaayyyy We Go!!!

Yes...the big day has come and I have had my first appointment with my Medical Oncologist. She is really super nice and her nurse, Pat, is also wonderful. I have to admit I was a little nervous heading into the appointment today, but I feel really good about it now! Both Dr. Nadia Califaretti and Pat were awesome with the information and making sure both Matt & I understood the situation.

First the really good news!!! All of the scans and tests have come back clear!! That means there is no visible sign that the cancer has spread. I'm very very happy about this. I know that this does not mean that the cancer cells have not packed their bags and moved on...but it does mean that the chemo will (hopefully) blast any of those wandering bastards!! And it also means that the MUGA scan I had last week showed I have a healthy, strong pumping heart that is ready to take on the chemo drugs!

The other big news today is that my chemo treatments are going to start in the very near future. Either the end of this week or the beginning of next week. I was surprised to hear it could be this week, and am grateful we can get going so quickly!! I will hear from the Cancer Centre tomorrow with my appointment and than it's full speed ahead. I have been armed with prescriptions, information, advice and suggestions...and it's all spinning around in my head!! It is amazing to have so much information because in my humble opinion, information is power! And both Matt & I are all about understanding what is happening and what is going to happen. Yes, I know that's a big surprise to some of you!!

Here's how the chemo treatments will work. Me and my hired help go to the Cancer Centre for my treatments. They hook me up to an IV and I sit there for about an hour and a half. When I'm done, I get to go home. I am not allowed to drive myself. I will have one treatment every two weeks and I will receive 8 treatments. For those of you who struggled through Grade 3 math, that means 16 weeks of chemo...and chemo side effects.

It also means that I will have to stop working pretty soon. The doctor confirmed today that I will likely not be up for working once chemo starts, and even if I am, may prefer to work from home (especially since my immune system will be compromised by the chemo and I don't want to be any where near any sickies - or any potential sickies for that matter). Note to each and every one of you that I love and am very happy to have with me on this journey - Please do not come to see if you are sick, have a cold, or feel under the weather in any way. I wish you a speedy recovery and when you feel 100%, you are welcome to come see me!!

Well...I know some of you have been waiting for this update, so I'll hit post now. Feel free to email me or comment with any questions that you have and I will make sure I address them (if I can) tomorrow. I will have more information (hopefully) for you tomorrow when I know when my first treatment is scheduled for.

Here we go...

xoxoxo