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