On the Mend...

Just a quick post to let you know that I am feeling considerably better!!

I am no longer nauseous and the flu seems to have changed course and is now a cold. I am finding this much much easier to manage!! It's good to have my appetite back...

I have being lying pretty low the last couple of days so I don't have much to tell you about. I've been getting tons of sleep, so I haven't even been watching much tv...although I did watch the new series "The Whole Truth" and enjoyed it!! I'm undecided so far on "The Event".

I am not allowed to go to fitness while I'm sick (obviously I can't risk infecting the other cancer patients with my icky germs). I have been walking and trying to get some fresh air and hope to be back at the gym next week. For those of you who know me well...yes, this is Sue talking...I'm missing the gym!!

Thank you McGonigle clan for the beautiful bouquet of flowers I received today - they definitely made me feel better!!

I want to send a big shout out to my good friend, Ian Thom, who is celebrating his birthday today! Happy Birthday to you, Ian! I got a great little package of goodies from the Thom family this week, including a bracelet that Ian made for me!!! Thank you so much!!

I continue to be blessed by the outpouring of love, support and positive energy that is coming my way. Sometimes it even comes from the most unexpected places!! It is amazing to have such wonderful people in my life and sure makes getting over hurdles like the flu much easier!!

xoxoxoxoxo

Down and Out!!

Bad news...I have the flu. I have had a scratchy throat for a couple of days and I've been wondering if it was the white blood cells recreating themselves...OK...hoping it was the white blood cells rapidly dividing and recreating themselves...

I was wrong. I am just plain sick. I have a sore throat, a headache and I've been sick to my stomach...and it sucks! The oncologist confirmed for me today that this means no chemo this week. Everything gets rescheduled to next week...

I did do my blood work up today and it was all good! So this means my immune system should be in a good position to fight this stupid flu. And I'm preferring to look at this from the perspective that maybe my body needs an extra week to get ready for the next round of chemo.

And in the meantime, I'll drink lots of fluids and get lots of rest...

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't bummed...this means my treatment is now going to take longer and my surgery will be pushed out, running dangerously close to Christmas. But it is what it is...and we just move forward from here. I figure a little flu isn't going to deter my journey for long! I have cancer to eradicate...flu is nothing!!

xoxoxoxoxo

It's Still My Birthday!!

What a GREAT birthday!! I have had a really great day! Not only did I get a visit from Dad, Dave & Nancy - which was awesome - I have also received more emails and text messages than I can count, the phone has rung off the hook and I have received a huge abundance of posts on my wall on Facebook. And my amazing man made me an amazing dinner (more details on that to follow)...


What says a birthday better than a big bouquet of balloons??!! Big thanks to Luke & family for the balloon bouquet they sent to me today. I love balloons and think it's awesome that I actually got two bunches of them today!! You are never too old to enjoy balloons!!

I also want to give a shout out to my nephew Luke, who is doing the Terry Fox run on Thursday at school. I asked him if he knew what the run was for. And he said "Yes, it's for cancer. I'm running for you Auntie Sue!". Yep...got me with that one!!




Matt totally understands how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE my birthday. Of course, I start warning him weeks in advance...and I have to give him credit because he totally comes through for me!!!




For dinner we had Roasted Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin with Cherry Sauce, Grilled Asparagus and Rice. It was so yummy!!

I know the picture doesn't do it justice...suffice it to say my man can cook and I'm one very lucky girl!!



For dessert we had Angel Food Cake with Caramelised Peaches and fresh Whip Cream. It was delish!

And of course, keeping with the birthday theme, I had a candle in my dessert and Matt sang Happy Birthday to me! See, I told you he does a great job of indulging me!!

And no...I didn't eat the whole thing...

My friend Kim sent me my horoscope from the Globe & Mail today. I thought it was pretty good and wanted to share it with all of you:
Your physical energy may be low at the moment but that will change as the new solar year progresses and soon you will be looking for new physical and creative outlets for all that inner power that is building up. Aim for excellence in all things you do.

For my Facebook friends, I wanted to let you know that I've been trying to keep the whole cancer thing off Facebook...mostly because I can't really control what other's write about it on Facebook and I'm determined that this will be a positive journey. So, if you happened to write me a birthday message today that referenced the cancer journey I'm on, please do not be offended if I deleted it. I'm grateful to have you on this journey with me and sure appreciate the loving and support you are sending my way!!

Well...my day is coming to an end...I think it's time to start planning next year's festivities!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

It's my Birthday!!!

Did you ever see the movie Sixteen Candles? I love the part where Anthony Michael Hall as the Geek starts singing to Molly Ringwald's character "You say it's your birthday...it's my birthday too!!" I've been singing that to myself all day!!

I love love love my birthday!! It's my most favourite day of the whole year...because it's Sue Day!! Today I am 43. As an aside, I realized earlier today that the year my Mom was 43, was the year I graduated from High School!!! Interesting the different roads we take...

Anyway, my brother Dave and his wife Nancy phoned me on Saturday and told me they were going to come today and take me out for lunch for my birthday. I have been very excited about them coming...and they brought my Dad with them too!! What a great birthday surprise!! They brought me a big bouquet of birthday balloons and some homemade banana bread and the best homemade cards from my nephew Billy and my niece Sharleen!! And than we went to Swiss Chalet for lunch (my first time out to a restaurant since I started chemo). See...what's not to love about my birthday??!!!



I am grateful for all the loving that is coming my way today!! Thank you for the emails and birthday cards and phone calls and "wall postings"!!

xoxoxoxxoxoxo

Feeling Groovy...

Good Morning Saturday!!

It's been a few days...I've been a little tired...but today I feel ready to do something! I know it's early, but so far I feel like I might have some energy!! Oohh...what to do with that???!!

It has been a good week. I've had a couple of really nice visits, I had a GREAT workout at fitness on Thursday and hockey season has officially begun!!

My friends Mary and Kim came to see me (with ice cream in hand - who doesn't like a friend who shows up with ice cream???!!). I haven't seen Mary in a long while and it was great to catch up!! Thanks for the beauty candle gift set, Mary. I love the pulsing heart!!

On Thursday when I went to fitness, they told me I was going too hard. Can you believe that? I never ever go too hard. I was just in such a great mood when I started fitness that I went for it. It felt great. Maybe there is something to that whole endorphin thing after all!!

I was VERY happy to have my friend Karen pick me up on Thursday afternoon and take me for a drive by her new house! I can't wait to see inside!! I'm very excited for her and Larry and since the new house is in Wellesley will definitely be showing up next year for the Apple Butter and Cheese Festival!! The Festival, by the way is this weekend, for any of you who may be looking for something to do!!

A big thank you to Matt's cousin Ardythe, who made me a beautiful hand-painted silk scarf with daisies on it! I'm so happy you came by for a visit yesterday, Ardythe. And I love my new scarf!! And the bookmark too! I love Ardythe's work and am inspired by her talent!!

Matt came home yesterday with a basket of spices from my friends Jim & Bente. They sent me spices that are known to be cancer fighting (pepper, oregano, rosemary, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and garlic), with instructions for Matt to get cooking for me. I love it!! Of course, Matt has being doing loads of cooking for me, I just figure the extra encouragement can't hurt!!

Yesterday was the Kitchener Rangers season opener. No, sadly, I did not go to the game. I've decided I will avoid the Aud until my immune system is actually in existence again. I did, however, watch most of the game at home and am VERY happy to report that the Rangers beat the Saginaw Spirit (5-3). Not only did the Ranger season begin last night, but Alex started up his hockey last night too...yes, we live in a GREAT country that can't get enough hockey - it's not even October yet!!

I did open another gift from my big bag of gifts from Jim & Donna and have been munching on Jelly Bellys for the last couple of days. I think the cinnamon ones are my favourites, or maybe the popcorn...no the cherry...ok, I love most of them. For the black ones (that I'm not so found of) I'm grateful my good friend Alex is happy to help me out!!

Well...I'm sort of excited to see what today might bring. It's kind of cool to feel some energy coursing through my veins...especially after a week of being on the tired side!!

Happy Weekend Friends!!

xoxoxoxoxxoxoxo

List in Hand....

So today I have a list of things I want to get done. I have things piled at the back door ready to go...and now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that my energy holds out and I can get everything done...and than come home and crash later!!

Funny...the list I have to work through today is not that big (get some blood work done, mail some letters, send a package, renew my licence plates), and yet, I'm excited thinking about getting out and crossing these items off one by one!! Not to mention, I've decided today I will have my free Starbucks birthday drink!! Yes...my favourite day of the year is coming up and I am already getting excited about it!!

Yesterday we increased ALL my weights at fitness. It was harder than I thought...partially because day 5 or 6 after chemo my energy levels go down and I get tired easier...and partially because I keep thinking I'm stronger than I am. I still find it frustrating that I can't do what I think I should be able to do...

I had some lovely girlfriends come and join me for lunch on Monday and they brought me the best basket of goodies!! A really nice package of things to help me "take care" of myself. Thank you so much girls! And thanks for coming to see me!

Last night our friends Jim & Donna came by with a bag full of gifts. Everything is wrapped up and when I have a day where I need a pick me up, or I'm tired, or I just want to open a gift, I can take something out of the bag and open it up! I'm excited to see what all is in there. Last night I opened up a big beautiful cup that I'm looking forward to having some tea in later today!

You'll be happy to hear that I am pretty sure I've figured out how the PVR works and have the schedule set up for my tv shows. So far so good...I'm already behind in my viewing!! ha ha ha

Well...I'm off! Wish me luck on my mission today. Hope you all have a fantastic fulfilling day too!!

xoxoxxoxoxo

Happy Sunday Everyone!!

I got the best phone call yesterday from my nephew Luke. He called to tell me he was happy that my fourth chemo treatment went well!! I was glad he called because I wanted to thank him for sharing his Mom with me this week. Hope you had a great time at the cottage, Luke...did you go swimming in the river or was it too cold???!!!

Yesterday my friend Jodi came over and we watched the second half of the first season of Glee. We are now ready for the season premiere this week. I am surprised to admit how much I like this show. They have a lot to live up to after a great first season...I'm excited!!

While Jodi and I were watching Glee...Matt was at the MX track and took a spill! Turns out it hurts when your dirt bike lands on your foot! He's a little sore today and moving even slower than me!! That means I get to help him out a bit...nice for me after being waited on so much by him. We got him some massage therapy today (big thank you to Tammy!!) and he is feeling better and more limber. Lots of ice and rest and enjoyment of the 50 inch seem to be helping too!!

We went to a 50th birthday party last night for our neighbour Matt. I didn't stay too long...started to fade and needed to come home. I continue to struggle with not hugging everyone. I love to give and get a good hug so it's tough for me to decline one!! It's just too dangerous with no immune system...you just never know.

I'm feeling really good today. A little bit tired, but good. I had big aspirations of things I thought I'd get done today...not so much. Hopefully tomorrow. I've even made a list. We did enjoy some time on the front porch this morning. It was so beautiful and warm...I ate my breakfast out there and enjoyed the sunshine on my face!

We have homemade butternut squash soup on the stove and homemade banana bread cooking in the oven...it smells amazing in this house and I'm excited for dinner!!

Thanks to Peggy & Nikki for the beautiful flowers ... and you're very welcome!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Shout out to my buddy Chris M who is celebrating his birthday today! Hope you had a great time at the fair!!

xoxoxxoxoxoxo

Love My Sister!!!

My chemo treatment yesterday went pretty good! The nurse had a little trouble finding a good vein and had to call on the IV specialist to help her out...she switched arms and found a spot in my right arm...after doing a little wiggling around, she was in!! The good news is, it only took one poke...even if it was a BIG poke!

My sister was on duty this week. She arrived in Waterloo (from Barrie) on Wednesday night since Matt was leaving early Thursday morning. We had a fantastic visit and I'm so grateful she could come and be with me! She got a little giggle when I just crashed while getting chemo - those anti-nausea drugs make me a little sleepy!

We took a picture to show off my bald head at the request of another sister, Maureen. Sandy is pretty sure my niece Sydney has more hair than me!!



I felt really good last night after chemo. Just tired and a wee headache. I even ate some dinner. I went to fitness yesterday morning since my chemo was in the afternoon and I can't help but wonder if that oxygen flowing through my blood from the exercise helped with the treatment!! I am doing great at fitness - they are even increasing my weights next week. They took my blood pressure while I was on the bike and determined that I am good to go when my heart rate is higher than they had first suggested! This is good news for me! It means I can go a little harder!

It's been a good couple of days. I'm tired tonight but happy to report no nausea(love those good drugs). And I have to admit it was good to see my man come home!!

Happy Weekend Friends!!

xoxoxoxox

Treatment #4 ... Here I Come!!

Yep...got the thumbs up for my treatment today. Great news...still on schedule!!

More good news...the tumour has shrunk some more!! My oncologist is very happy with my progress and thinks I'm doing awesome. Me too! My blood work is good and I was pretty excited that the tumour has shrunk some more, and even more so this time than last time. It looks like this darn chemo is doing it's job. Keep your fingers crossed that it's knocking off any cancer cells that have left the boob thinking they're setting up camp somewhere else. We'll have none of that!

I asked my oncologist about the next four treatments. They change up my chemo drug after my treatment today for the next four. I was wondering if that means we start over with figuring out the anti-nausea drugs. It turns out, this second drug does not typically cause the same side effects (ie. nausea) so I will be able to cut back on some of the drugs I'm on now. The downside to the new drug...it'll take twice as long to administer as the drugs I'm on now. Total bummer. I think we should hire some entertainment to come into the Cancer Centre and amuse me ... maybe a little Great Big Sea???

My sister is here! I'm so happy to see her and it's great she is able to come and be with me so Matt can meet a work obligation. Someone other than Matt taking me to chemo will be a new experience for me (and my sister)...I'm sure it will all go smoothly! We'll update you later with a picture!

My friend Colleen came by earlier this week and brought me some more new hats! She added her own little touch by sewing some daisy buttons on the hats to mark them as mine!! Thanks Colleen!! And thanks for the other little goodies that you brought with you too!

Sending big thanks to Bill & Karen for the humongous basket of goodies that Bill brought to me this week. Holy cow! I'm good to go for a while ... lots of great snacks, some soup, fruit...thank you so much!!

I had some beauty flowers arrive yesterday from Barb & Greg. They brightened my whole day. Thanks for thinking of me!!

And last night we had a nice visit from Bob & Ruth Anne. They brought me the softest pillow and blanked ever! Oh...and a soft wee eye patch in case I want to shut out the world! Ruth Anne made some yummy peach flan and chocolate mousse...I'm so spoiled! Thank you both for a lovely visit!

Big shout out to Olivia today - Happy 8th Birthday you beautiful girl!!

My chemo today is actually this afternoon...first time I've had it after lunch. I'll try to update the blog after treatment and let you know how I'm doing. However...realistically it could be tomorrow before I get back on here...

Welcoming all positive thoughts and energies today...so excited to be at the half way marker!!

xoxoxoxxoxox

Good Day to You!!

Today has been a really good day! My energy levels are pretty good - even after a crappy night's sleep - and I even managed to accomplish something today!

Of course, I was very happy to see the season premiere of Oprah and Ellen today!! I am a big fan of both these ladies and find them quite inspirational! I can't believe that Oprah has been on the air for 25 years and this is her last season...time is running out for me to get to her show!!

It's a chemo week this week...treatment #4 on Thursday. That will mark the half way point in my chemo treatments. My fingers are crossed that I continue to stay on schedule...I am so happy (knock on wood) that I have stayed healthy and strong so far! Maybe this no hugging thing is working in my favour!!

One of my closest friends came to see me yesterday. Grace and I went to WLU together many moons ago...and we have stayed great friends since then. We even lived in Calgary for a year...before we decided we were homesick and came back to Ontario. We did have a ton of fun while we were there...


Anyway, here's a shot of me and Grace from yesterday! You're such a wonderful friend to me, Grace. I thank you for always being there for me!! And thank you for the awesome early birthday presents too!!

Speaking of birthdays...I want to give a shout out to some kids I know who are celebrating their birthday this week!! Happy Birthday to PJ, Olivia and Britt!! I'm wishing a big chocolate cake for each of you!!

Tomorrow is a fitness day for me! I'm surprised to say I'm looking forward to it!!

Hope everyone is having a great week. Much love to all of you!

xoxoxoxoxoxox

Scrappy Friends Deliver Personalized Therapy!

Yesterday was a GREAT day for me! I called on a few of my scrappy (i.e. scrapbooking) friends to provide me with some Scrapbooking Therapy...and man did they deliver!!

We had a super day. I kept the group small...which was really difficult because I have a great group of amazing scrapbooking friends...but important because I need to keep my risk of infection low and also since I can get a little over stimulated these days. I feel like a small child when they get too much stimulation - lights, noise, excitement, choice, etc...it's hard to focus!!

My scrappy therapists: Firmina, Sheri, Amber, Karen, Kelly & Lucy

We met at The Art House Studio, where everyone should go to get their creative on!! Karen is a super host and I knew it would be the perfect place for my therapy session!! I was right! We had a fantastic potluck lunch, and my scrappy friends helped me out by making some Thank You cards for me!! I seem to be going through them faster than I can make them myself...Thank You so much for helping me out with that girls!!

We had a nice surprise visit from Lisa of ScrapFest, who brought me the best little package of goodies to cheer me up and help with my therapy!! What a huge surprise for me!



For my scrapbooking friends out there, if you have not experienced ScrapFest, I strongly recommend you check it out!! Everything you could possible want under one roof...it's a little slice of heaven!

I was extremely tired by the end of the day...no napping for me is a BIG deal!! I got home and napped on the couch until I went to bed at 9:30...and slept until 7:30 this morning! I didn't even eat dinner!! I'm a little tired today ... but not too bad!! I have to admit it's a little frustrating to not have the energy to do one of the things that give me the most pleasure...I only made two cards yesterday. It was wonderful though, to sit and bask in the environment of friends and much laughter!! Thank you girls for your friendship and support through this journey of mine!

xoxoxxoxoxo

Cold Head...Warm Heart!!

I'm surprised that my head gets cold. I mean, it's not winter...the snow is not flying...and yet, I find myself with a cold head. I get out of the shower and I am instantly shocked by the cold on my head. I go for a walk down the street, and am distracted by the cold on my head. I am afraid I'm going to need to pull out a touque soon!! Of course, this does open up a whole new era of hats for me...

I'm a wee bit tired tonight. I had a busy day today!! I had a great reflexology appointment today - always does wonders to relax me and make me feel more balanced (thanks Jenn!). I did some preparations for a fun day tomorrow (sorry...you'll have to wait for that blog update for details) and than I had two great visits today!!


My Dad & Marleen are in my neck of the woods camping this weekend and they came by for a visit and to check out my new (lack of) hairdo!! Dad told me he was expecting my head to be shiny bald, so he was surprised to see I do still have some hair left...although I told him I'm pretty sure my niece Sydney (who is 7 months old) has more hair than me!! Have a great time in St Jacob's tomorrow guys!! Have a fritter for me!!


My good friend Judy also came for a visit tonight. Her son Chris plays AAA hockey and he was in town for a game tonight so Jude came to visit me while he played. It was awesome to hang out and catch up and hear how well Chris & Rachel are doing at their new schools!! And Chris won his game 10-1!! I know I should probably be cheering for the Kitchener team...but way to go Chris!! Thank you friends for the lovely gifts that came my way today! Rachel, I love the box!!

I'm off to bed because I have a big day tomorrow...I'll tell you all about it next post!!

Sweet dreams my friends!

xoxoxoxoxox

Look Good...Feel Good!!

So yesterday my friend Kelly and I went to the GRRCC and participated in the "Look Good, Feel Good" program. It's this great program where volunteers come together (along with a lot of donated product) to teach Cancer patients how to work with their make-up and wigs. I learned a ton! I am not a make-up girl...most of the time I wear none...so I had a lot to learn yesterday! I got a lot of free stuff - make up and skin care products, along with a beauty (?) sleep cap. They talked a lot about handling make up and the risks of bacteria and infection. Who knew? I had no idea I should throw my mascara out after a month while I'm on chemo (or that normally you should throw your mascara out after three months). There was lots of discussion about washing your hands constantly and using a little spatula to put creams on the back of your hand and use it from there, rather than dipping your fingers into the pot.

I got a little book that has lots of tips on how to do your make up to hide those tired days, create new eyebrows (if I lose mine) and accentuate the eyes if/when my eyelashes fall out! The book also has some tips on tying scarves and provides a website that I think has a tutorial on how to tie scarves as well.

It was a pretty fun afternoon. I was definitely the youngest one in the bunch...a reminder that I'm considered young for the diagnosis. Kelly & I definitely brought the average age down!! At the end of the session they had some hats people had knit that we could choose from (and yes...I got two more hats). I got a purple one and a pink one with a big huge flower on the side of it. I'm not sure about this new hat, but Matt, Kelly & Brock all liked it! Thanks for joining me yesterday, Kelly!!



I've been thinking a lot about all the kids heading off to school this week after their summer holidays. Two of my favourite girls headed off to University this past weekend and I'm so excited for the adventures they have ahead. I know they both got moved in and are enjoying what Frosh Week brings! Brooklyn & Lauren...I'm so proud of you both!!

I had decided I wanted to sit on the porch and watch the procession of kids as they headed off to school yesterday morning. I was terribly disappointed when I got to watch only two kids in our neighbourhood make their way to school...it seems everyone else gets a ride on the first day!! I'll have to try again later this week! Alex found his way to Sir John A MacDonald yesterday...and hopefully again today...and from all accounts so far, this going to high school thing is going to be good!!

I missed a party this past weekend celebrating the 50th Anniversary of my friend Grace's parents. I know they had a great time celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss and I think that's amazing!! Much love to you both!! xoxo

I've really been enjoying some great little visits with family and friends and thank everyone for understanding my energy levels are often short lived. I have been struggling with the 'No Hugging' thing...I love to give and get a good hug! I have to keep reminding myself that it's just too dangerous when I have no immune system. So, you better hold onto your hugs because I'll be looking to collect as soon as I'm done!!

xoxoxoxox

Mad Hatter Fashion Show...

I realized yesterday that I now have a hat collection. It has been building for the past month and I'm having some fun with it! As many of you know, I'm not big on the wig thing...so we've been focusing more on other types of head coverings. I have lots of baseball caps, so I've been trying to branch out into a new era of head ware. I thought I'd provide you with a little "Mad Hatter" Fashion Show and you can let me know what you think!


My old faithful!! I love my Canada bucket hat. It fits perfect on my head - not too tight and it's so comfortable. Not a big fashion hit though (unless it happens to be Canada Day!!). The upside is it does provide a lot of coverage (full head and ears!!). This is important now that I'm a little sun sensitive!



From Matt's Aunt Mary I received this super cool bejeweled hat! It's pretty comfortable and has some pretty cool studs that make me look pretty hip. ha ha

Thank you to Aunt Mary for understanding early that I would need a hat in my future!!


Matt's Mom Beth went shopping for some hats for me and I picked out this one from the selection. It has a little newspaper boy look to it and I love the cute button on the side.
I'm not sure about my facial expression in this picture - I blame it on my fashion photographer who was coaching me on the look that should go with each hat...


Thanks to Kelly for this beautiful scarf! It has so many colours in it, I think it'll go with pretty much everything I own!! I'm a complete novice at tying a scarf and I know there are tons of tricks I will learn...



I bought myself this tam at The Bay. I thought it was pretty fun and although it is knit it is not too heavy or hot. However, upon looking at this photo Matt took yesterday, I think it makes me look like Jack Nicholson. This is what happens when Matt tells me to look French...



Matt found a great selection of hats at Winners. He bought this first one for me all by himself. I've already gotten quite a bit of wear out of it. It's good to have some colour choices so we went back to Winners yesterday and bought a few more...



Another super fun hat. This one is hanging on the banister in case the door bell rings and I need to grab something quick to put on my head. This hasn't become a necessity yet (to cover my head before answering the door), but if it's someone I don't know, I like the idea of not shocking them with the bald spots!




I couldn't pass up this fedora type hat. I love everything about it. I can wear it back on my head or over my eyes...and I love the ribbon that wraps around it. It fits loosely which means it's pretty comfortable too!


This is my fancy hat!! I kind of like the flapper style and it has these great shiny black buttons along the side! I figure if/when I feel like going out, I can dress up a little bit with this hat!

I have always liked a good hat, and it's been fun to try on some very different styles and just go with it - a little outside my comfort zone in some instances!!

Besides, I figure you can never have too many hats!!

Thanks to my fashion photographer, Matt, for taking all the photos!! Anybody have a favourite??!!

On Tuesday my friend Kelly is coming with me to the GRRCC for a "Look Good, Feel Good" class. I'm expecting to learn more about head coverings, new ways to tie a scarf around my head and some make up tricks (for when my eyebrows and eyelashes fall out). I think there might be a basket of goodies we get to take home with us that day! I'm looking forward to it and we'll try to take pictures so we can share the experience with all of you!

I continue to feel good this time around. Eating is going well and my energy level is pretty good. I was up pretty early this morning (thus the early post), so I'm thinking a nap might be in order a little later!!

So far it's a rainy long weekend in K-W...hope the sun decides to make an appearance today!!

xoxoxoxoxxo

Feeling Good!!

So, yesterday was Chemo Treatment #3 and today I'm feeling really good. I was nervous and grumpy about going yesterday...but it was fine. In fact, they decided to inject my 2nd chemo drug a little slower this time to try and prevent the headache and it worked!! I only had a small headache last night and even managed to eat a little bit at dinner time!! Yeah me!!

This morning I went to Well Fit and even increased my repetitions a bit and my weight on one of the exercises...and I was challenged by my trainer to go from my knees to my toes when doing the plank. It was so much harder and I have a long way to go...but I did it!!

Today the nurse came to the house to give me my Neulasta Injection. She comes the day after each chemo treatment. Neulasta is a white cell booster that helps my body produce more white blood cells to reduce my risk of infection. Sometimes I can feel it working in my bones - they get a little achy.



Matt took a picture so you could check out my hair loss so far. Still have some hair on my head...not sure how that's possible with the amount we clean out of the tub every day and off my pillows!! It's incredible how much hair you really have on your head!!

A few thanks I want to share - to Bette & Jenna for the cool new books you dropped off for me and to George & Pam for the gift certificate to buy more! I'm so spoiled!

I also want to send out some loving to my cousins who had to say goodbye to their beautiful puppy TJ. I'm thinking about you guys and know you will be missing him like crazy!! Much love and hugs from Waterloo!!

Sending good luck vibes to my nieces Emma & Olivia who are gearing up for the fiddle contest tomorrow. I know you girls will make us proud. Smile and enjoy it!! And somebody take pictures for me!!

Well...it's nap time for me. Happy safe and long weekend to everyone.

With lots of love always!!

xoxoxoxoxxox

Ready for Round 3!

In a couple of hours I head to GRRCC for Round 3...I'm almost half way there!!

I'm a little bit nervous, wondering how I'll feel this afternoon/evening and keeping my fingers crossed the new drugs do their magic!!

I had some wonderful visitors yesterday. I am bummed I forgot to take a picture while they were here so I could post it on my blog! Thank you to Peter, Kathryn, Joel and of course Granny for coming by with some beautiful yellow daisies!! I love them and it was so nice to see you guys and girls!!

I also wanted to send a shout out to my coworkers who are now sporting new pink bracelets with words of strength, love, hope and courage for me!! Thank you Barb for coordinating and thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers!!

My family is gathering this weekend in Cobden to cheer on two of my nieces in a fiddle contest. I am (obviously) not able to join them (which stinks). I will be there in spirit and cheering loud from my perch on the couch here in K-W!! Take lots of photos for me!!

Sending loads of love to all of you!!

xoxoxo

PS - Almost forgot to send out a special thanks to Laurene and Michelle! Laurene was in Cape Cod for holidays and brought me back an Amethyst Power Pendant from Salem (ooohhhh...witchie....). Anyway, it's supposed to bring health and protection and I'm sure it will! And to Michelle who made me the most beautiful bracelet and earrings!! I totally love them both and can't wait to be able to wear them some place special!!