I just got the call from the Cancer Centre...my very first radiation treatment is tomorrow morning at 10:45!! I'm so excited to get started!! I will try very hard to post tomorrow (at some point) to let you know how it goes. As a disclaimer...know that it could possibly be Wednesday before I post...
I had a really great weekend with some FANTASTIC visits with some good friends. It has been so great the last week or two to feel good and to have some energy so I can get back into the world! We also went to see "The King's Speech" on Saturday night. It was fantastic and I highly recommend it!!
I went to Alex's hockey game yesterday and truly believe I was a lucky charm for him - he got a goal and an assist!! Way to go, Alex!!
Bundle up my friends...it's cold out there today!!
xoxoxoxxoxo
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Boob Shopping...
Yep...it's true. This week I went shopping for a new boob. Well, a temporary one anyway.
It's a really interesting world, this land of prosthesis and special bras. You want to make sure you have the right fit because even though no two breasts are the same (and I'm sure we've all felt lopsided at one point or another) the reality is you want to look as natural (and even) as you can. So, it was a matter of trying on different sizes of prosthetics and than putting my shirt on to see how it looked. We went back and forth for a while and than finally made a decision. Thanks to Faith at Nu Me Boutique and to my good friend Judy for making the experience so much easier (and enjoyable)!!
I ended up buying two breast prosthetics. One is for every day and one is for exercising. The every day breast feels like a natural breast. It's soft and wrinkly and feels pretty real. The breast for exercising is actually a little harder and more absorbent (should I sweat). It's also lighter than the every day breast. It's surprising how darn heavy these babies are!!
On the plus side, the government has a grant program for breast prosthesis that will reimburse me for part of the cost. This is great news because it was fairly expensive. And thankfully I have benefits that should help with the balance of the cost.
I do have an appointment coming up for a consult with a plastic surgeon. I don't plan to wear a prosthetic forever...but for now, it's great to have a good fit!!
Thanks Judy for the awesome lunch on Thursday! I am so glad you could come boob shopping with me and lunch was the icing on the cake!
xoxoxxoxoxoxo
It's a really interesting world, this land of prosthesis and special bras. You want to make sure you have the right fit because even though no two breasts are the same (and I'm sure we've all felt lopsided at one point or another) the reality is you want to look as natural (and even) as you can. So, it was a matter of trying on different sizes of prosthetics and than putting my shirt on to see how it looked. We went back and forth for a while and than finally made a decision. Thanks to Faith at Nu Me Boutique and to my good friend Judy for making the experience so much easier (and enjoyable)!!
I ended up buying two breast prosthetics. One is for every day and one is for exercising. The every day breast feels like a natural breast. It's soft and wrinkly and feels pretty real. The breast for exercising is actually a little harder and more absorbent (should I sweat). It's also lighter than the every day breast. It's surprising how darn heavy these babies are!!
On the plus side, the government has a grant program for breast prosthesis that will reimburse me for part of the cost. This is great news because it was fairly expensive. And thankfully I have benefits that should help with the balance of the cost.
I do have an appointment coming up for a consult with a plastic surgeon. I don't plan to wear a prosthetic forever...but for now, it's great to have a good fit!!
Thanks Judy for the awesome lunch on Thursday! I am so glad you could come boob shopping with me and lunch was the icing on the cake!
xoxoxxoxoxoxo
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Weekend Update...
I know…I’m a little late with the weekend update. I don’t really have any excuses, just haven’t taken the time to get my thoughts together so I can put pen to paper (so to speak). But alas, here I am!!
Before I get to that though, I thought I’d mention that I have not heard yet when my first appointment for radiation is…I’ll let you know when I know! I hope to hear from the Cancer Centre this week.
I had a super good weekend. My friend, Jodi, took me for a manicure on Friday morning. It was a belated birthday present (since I couldn’t have a manicure while I was on chemo). It was awesome and I love how very cool a French manicure looks! This is a picture of Jodi getting her nails done by the lovely Rose. We did take a picture of Rose and me as well…but my breasts were extremely uneven in the photo and I just couldn’t bring myself to post it!
We had a really nice evening in Toronto. It was a kick off event for 2011 for Matt’s work, and it was lovely to spend the evening with Matt’s co-workers. They are such a nice group of people and have been sending me lots of positive energy throughout my journey. We had dinner at Barberian’s Steakhouse…they had the largest shrimp EVER during cocktails…and yes I even had a cocktail!! My dinner was really good and I really enjoyed being out for the evening. We ended the night with a little nightcap (yummy Bailey’s on ice) and retired to our room at the Delta Chelsea. First night away since mid-July and it felt great to get out and do something normal!
The best part of my weekend was going to Vandorf to visit my Aunt Janet, Uncle Peter and cousins Jim and Ben. Vandorf is just north of Toronto (near Aurora) and we decided to go for a visit when we left the Delta Chelsea on Saturday morning. It was so great to see them!! My cousin Jim lives in BC, so I don’t get to see him very often. As it turns out, Jim was in town to get some testing done for cancer that’s been discovered on his vocal cords. Thankfully my Uncle Peter knows a lot about this type of cancer, since it was his area of study and expertise as a pathologist. It looks like Jim and I will be undergoing radiation at the same time and I gather GREAT strength knowing that we will be going through it together. This damn cancer picked the wrong family to mess with!
We made one more stop on our way home from Toronto. Since we were going right by York University, we sent a text to Lauren to see if she was home and stopped in to say hello. She was very busy painting (on a tight deadline), so we didn’t stay long…but it was so great to see her and see where she is living. Her room was actually relatively neat and I thought very well organized. It was awesome to see her artwork up on the wall and all around her!!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a nice dinner out on Saturday with our next door neighbours and that I also went to my first Kitchener Ranger game of the season on Sunday. I think I was a good luck charm for the Rangers, since they kicked the Soo’s butt and won 5-0.
On Monday we went to an appointment at the Cancer Centre to see a Genetic Counselor. It was such a great appointment and Matt and I both learned so much. The main purpose behind the appointment was to find out if I qualified to have the province pay for some genetic testing. The testing would tell us if I am a carrier of certain genes that have a pre-disposition to breast and ovarian cancer. It turns out I don’t fall under the strict parameters to qualify for the province to pay. We can request that my case be looked at again by a panel to see if subjectively they think I should qualify…or we can pay for the testing ourselves. We are noodling on what to do next. While I definitely believe information is power, the genetic counselor did a great job of pointing out the pros and cons of getting tested…and specifically the cons gave me pause to think a little longer. As you can imagine, if I do receive a positive result it will affect other family members who may also be carriers of this gene…and what if they don’t want to know that information? So, I’m reflecting on the whole thing and talking about it with Matt and together we will figure out the next step for me.
While it has felt great to get out there and feel like I have a social calendar again, it’s also been a reflective few days for me. It tuckered me out for a couple of days to have a busy weekend…and reminded me once again that it’s going to take a bit of endurance training to get back to where I was pre-treatment. My thoughts are with Jim and his family and I am bouncing some of the positive energy and love that has been coming my way to them…I figure there’s more than enough to share!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Before I get to that though, I thought I’d mention that I have not heard yet when my first appointment for radiation is…I’ll let you know when I know! I hope to hear from the Cancer Centre this week.
I had a super good weekend. My friend, Jodi, took me for a manicure on Friday morning. It was a belated birthday present (since I couldn’t have a manicure while I was on chemo). It was awesome and I love how very cool a French manicure looks! This is a picture of Jodi getting her nails done by the lovely Rose. We did take a picture of Rose and me as well…but my breasts were extremely uneven in the photo and I just couldn’t bring myself to post it!
We had a really nice evening in Toronto. It was a kick off event for 2011 for Matt’s work, and it was lovely to spend the evening with Matt’s co-workers. They are such a nice group of people and have been sending me lots of positive energy throughout my journey. We had dinner at Barberian’s Steakhouse…they had the largest shrimp EVER during cocktails…and yes I even had a cocktail!! My dinner was really good and I really enjoyed being out for the evening. We ended the night with a little nightcap (yummy Bailey’s on ice) and retired to our room at the Delta Chelsea. First night away since mid-July and it felt great to get out and do something normal!
The best part of my weekend was going to Vandorf to visit my Aunt Janet, Uncle Peter and cousins Jim and Ben. Vandorf is just north of Toronto (near Aurora) and we decided to go for a visit when we left the Delta Chelsea on Saturday morning. It was so great to see them!! My cousin Jim lives in BC, so I don’t get to see him very often. As it turns out, Jim was in town to get some testing done for cancer that’s been discovered on his vocal cords. Thankfully my Uncle Peter knows a lot about this type of cancer, since it was his area of study and expertise as a pathologist. It looks like Jim and I will be undergoing radiation at the same time and I gather GREAT strength knowing that we will be going through it together. This damn cancer picked the wrong family to mess with!
We made one more stop on our way home from Toronto. Since we were going right by York University, we sent a text to Lauren to see if she was home and stopped in to say hello. She was very busy painting (on a tight deadline), so we didn’t stay long…but it was so great to see her and see where she is living. Her room was actually relatively neat and I thought very well organized. It was awesome to see her artwork up on the wall and all around her!!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a nice dinner out on Saturday with our next door neighbours and that I also went to my first Kitchener Ranger game of the season on Sunday. I think I was a good luck charm for the Rangers, since they kicked the Soo’s butt and won 5-0.
On Monday we went to an appointment at the Cancer Centre to see a Genetic Counselor. It was such a great appointment and Matt and I both learned so much. The main purpose behind the appointment was to find out if I qualified to have the province pay for some genetic testing. The testing would tell us if I am a carrier of certain genes that have a pre-disposition to breast and ovarian cancer. It turns out I don’t fall under the strict parameters to qualify for the province to pay. We can request that my case be looked at again by a panel to see if subjectively they think I should qualify…or we can pay for the testing ourselves. We are noodling on what to do next. While I definitely believe information is power, the genetic counselor did a great job of pointing out the pros and cons of getting tested…and specifically the cons gave me pause to think a little longer. As you can imagine, if I do receive a positive result it will affect other family members who may also be carriers of this gene…and what if they don’t want to know that information? So, I’m reflecting on the whole thing and talking about it with Matt and together we will figure out the next step for me.
While it has felt great to get out there and feel like I have a social calendar again, it’s also been a reflective few days for me. It tuckered me out for a couple of days to have a busy weekend…and reminded me once again that it’s going to take a bit of endurance training to get back to where I was pre-treatment. My thoughts are with Jim and his family and I am bouncing some of the positive energy and love that has been coming my way to them…I figure there’s more than enough to share!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A New Tattoo....
How do you like it? I’m kidding…I didn’t get this new tattoo…but I did get five new tattoos yesterday at my radiation planning appointment. They’re each about the size of a freckle…and they are used as markers for the area requiring radiation. It is important that each time I go I get my treatment in the exact same place and these tattoo markers will help ensure this happens. The tattoos also mark the perimeter of the treatment and since in most cases you can’t have radiation in the same place twice, it may be important to have these markers for future reference. They also set me up with a mold that I will “lie” in each time I go for radiation. I had to lie on this “bean bag” type pillow – just my head and shoulders and I had my arms above my head. They get me in the exact position they need me in, and than they start taking the air out of the pillow…as the air comes out, the pillow hardens and they have the exact shape they need for me. It was very cool (and looked very strange when we were done!!) They then put me through a CT Scan machine, but with no dye injected into me. This scan was for treatment purposes (i.e. help determine where to send the radiation), as opposed to locate or diagnose a problem like a normal CT Scan. It was easy peasy and it was this scan that helped the lovely ladies who were working with me yesterday know where to put the tattoos.
So what does all this mean? It means my appointment with my radiation oncologist, Dr. Rachakonda, went really well yesterday. He (like my other doctors) is VERY happy with the pathology results from my surgery. Sure am glad I responded so well to the chemotherapy!! And even though it looks like we got all the cancer with the chemo/surgery combination, it’s still important that we proceed with radiation therapy. I will go for five weeks, and I go every day (Monday to Friday). Each radiation treatment only takes a few minutes, so hopefully I’m in and out of the Cancer Centre in half an hour or so. I got a special parking pass since I’ll be there every day (yes…I still have to pay for parking, but at least I know I won’t have to hunt down a parking spot in the garage!!). They took my picture yesterday so they are able to recognize me when I’m sitting in reception and waiting for my treatment. Good idea, I’ll feel like they know me!! After coming every day for five weeks, I’m sure they won’t need the picture reference anymore!!
It looks like my treatments will begin in about two weeks (I'm just waiting for the call with my first appointment date and time). Dr. Rachakonda will review the pictures (scan pictures, not camera pictures) they took yesterday and determine my treatment plan. Then the radiation technician will administer it each day. Dr. Rachakonda will check in with me once a week at my treatments to see how I'm doing and help manage any skin irritation I might be experiencing. The girls I met yesterday were so nice I have a really good feeling about how well this will go!!
I have a couple of stories I want to share with you, starting with a story about Jade. She is a lovely seven year old who lives across the street. She is quite bright and chatty and I find her really charming. Late summer or early fall, I was outside on the front lawn (hat on my head so as to not frighten the small children in the ‘hood) and along came Jade. “You look different”, she said to me. “Is it because I don’t have much hair anymore?”, I asked her. “Yes”, she answered. “Well…I got sick and have to take some very strong medicine. This medicine makes my hair fall out. When I’m better and don’t have to take the medicine anymore, my hair will grow back.” She thought about my answer for a minute or so and than said “I’m really glad you have a lot of hats!” Ah, out of the mouth of babes! This week I was walking to the mailbox when I passed Jade walking home from school. She stopped to talk to me and asked if my hair was growing back yet. I told her it was and asked if she wanted to see. She nodded so I took off my touque. Jade’s response was “Ooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhh!!” So great!
The second story is about a conversation I had with Matt earlier this week. We were shopping at Conestoga Mall and I was telling Matt about bathing suits you can buy to wear when you have a prosthetic. Matt didn’t understand why I would need a special bathing suit just because I have a fake boob. I told him I didn’t really want my prosthetic floating around in the pool, or hanging around near my belly button, and these special bathing suits had a pocket that the prosthetic would fit in holding it in place. His response “Why can’t you just velcro it into place?” And yes girls, he was serious. Apparently, he doesn’t understand why a big strip of velcro might not look appealing…or perhaps his thought was to attach the velcro to my skin…men!
I had a lovely lunch with my friend, Firmina, yesterday. Thanks so much for lunch my friend! It was great to see you and to catch up! And congrats on how well your wrist is healing!!
I am over the top excited about my day tomorrow. My friend, Jodi, is taking me for a manicure (a belated birthday present) now that I can enjoy a spa treatment again! Then Matt and I are heading to Toronto to stay at the Delta Chelsea and to go out for dinner with Matt’s fellow co-workers at Barberian’s Restaurant. I can’t wait. My first overnight away in six months…and I think I might even have a drink too!! Since it’s been so long since I consumed any alcohol, I’m sure lightweight doesn’t begin to describe me!!
Thanks for your patience waiting for this post. I know for some of you, it’s very difficult to be patient if I don’t post immediately…sometimes I just need to gather my thoughts before I can put them to paper (or internet as the case may be). And when we got home late afternoon yesterday, I was very tired and needed to rest as well. In my efforts to stay strong and positive (as most of you know, it’s not been in my nature to wallow through this process)…I need to make sure I take the time to understand what’s going on for me!
xoxoxoxoxox
Monday, January 17, 2011
Next Up...Radiation!
I'm gearing up to get the scoop on my next (and final) stage of treatment! This is very exciting!
On Wednesday afternoon we go to see Dr. Rochakonda. He's the radiation oncologist. I have an appointment with him to learn about my radiation appointments, and to get some radiation teachings (what happens, how often, where I go, etc). After that appointment I have another one to get set up with the form/mold that I will use when I go for my treatments. I'm not sure what all is involved with that, so I'll have to report back to you after my appointment on Wednesday.
I'm looking forward to this appointment because I'm anxious to find out when my radiation starts and how long I have to go for...and I'm so totally excited to start the next phase of treatment!
Today I returned to fitness for the first time since my surgery. It was great to get back and to get set up with my new workout routine. I have a few exercises for my left arm (even one with 4 lb weights)...but mostly we're concentrating on my other (strong) arm and my legs...and of course some cardio. Eventually we'll incorporate the left arm so it can catch up. It felt great to do a work out today!!
I think this is going to be a great week! Bring it!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
On Wednesday afternoon we go to see Dr. Rochakonda. He's the radiation oncologist. I have an appointment with him to learn about my radiation appointments, and to get some radiation teachings (what happens, how often, where I go, etc). After that appointment I have another one to get set up with the form/mold that I will use when I go for my treatments. I'm not sure what all is involved with that, so I'll have to report back to you after my appointment on Wednesday.
I'm looking forward to this appointment because I'm anxious to find out when my radiation starts and how long I have to go for...and I'm so totally excited to start the next phase of treatment!
Today I returned to fitness for the first time since my surgery. It was great to get back and to get set up with my new workout routine. I have a few exercises for my left arm (even one with 4 lb weights)...but mostly we're concentrating on my other (strong) arm and my legs...and of course some cardio. Eventually we'll incorporate the left arm so it can catch up. It felt great to do a work out today!!
I think this is going to be a great week! Bring it!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Easy Breezy Sunday Afternoon...
While I don't feel like I have much to report...I figure I should probably post any way...before the emails start trickling in...
I am doing really well. The cold and cough seem to have cleared up for the most part and I'm sleeping through the night again! Yahooey!! I guess the antibiotics from the doctor were a good plan after all.
I believe I am healing really well from surgery. The area still feels a little tender and sore as it continues to heal...and while there is still a little bruising, it looks good and there is not a lot of pain, more like an irritation than anything.
Matt was away for work for a few days and returned home last night. I think Alex and I did a fine job of holding down the fort...and it is always nice to have Matt come home!!
Today we are just hanging out at home...a little football, a little visit with a friend lined up for later...a nice easy Sunday for sure!
I do want to say thanks to our neighbours, Ron & Rose, for the beautiful bouquet of flowers that were delivered on Friday. They're beautiful!
I also want to say thanks to my beautiful nieces for the wonderful package that arrived at the end of the week. Homemade cards...a lovely poem...and a daisy bracelet that I love! Thank you Alyssa, Emma and Olivia for sending some loving and hugs to me!! And way to go Olivia for doing so well at your hockey tournament this weekend and getting the MVP!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
I am doing really well. The cold and cough seem to have cleared up for the most part and I'm sleeping through the night again! Yahooey!! I guess the antibiotics from the doctor were a good plan after all.
I believe I am healing really well from surgery. The area still feels a little tender and sore as it continues to heal...and while there is still a little bruising, it looks good and there is not a lot of pain, more like an irritation than anything.
Matt was away for work for a few days and returned home last night. I think Alex and I did a fine job of holding down the fort...and it is always nice to have Matt come home!!
Today we are just hanging out at home...a little football, a little visit with a friend lined up for later...a nice easy Sunday for sure!
I do want to say thanks to our neighbours, Ron & Rose, for the beautiful bouquet of flowers that were delivered on Friday. They're beautiful!
I also want to say thanks to my beautiful nieces for the wonderful package that arrived at the end of the week. Homemade cards...a lovely poem...and a daisy bracelet that I love! Thank you Alyssa, Emma and Olivia for sending some loving and hugs to me!! And way to go Olivia for doing so well at your hockey tournament this weekend and getting the MVP!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Healing and Coughing...
Yesterday we went for my check up with the surgeon and he thinks I'm healing nicely. He reminded me to keep stretching and doing my exercises. It's so important that I keep using my left arm like normal!! It feels pretty good. A little discomfort, but not too bad at all!!
Like Dr. Califaretti, Dr Judges thinks the chemo did a great job with the cancer/tumour...I'm so grateful that I have such a positive pathology report!!
Dr Judges also gave me the thumbs up to have a shower today!! It's been three weeks of baths...and I was so excited about having a nice long hot shower. As it turned out, I was good with a short warm shower...I guess I have to build up my shower endurance again!!
Today I went to see my family doctor because I have been struggling with a "cold" for more than a week and I am barking like a dog. My cough is pretty bad - deep and hard - and if I get coughing it's tough to stop!! Dr. Bajaj put me on some antibiotics in case it's atypical pneumonia (aka walking pneumonia). Hopefully we'll nip it in the bud quickly!! I guess my immune system is still a little compromised...
I got some beautiful daisies delivered today from my friends the McGonigles. The card on the flowers said "Sue - 2; Chemo - 0". I really do have the best cheering section ever!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Like Dr. Califaretti, Dr Judges thinks the chemo did a great job with the cancer/tumour...I'm so grateful that I have such a positive pathology report!!
Dr Judges also gave me the thumbs up to have a shower today!! It's been three weeks of baths...and I was so excited about having a nice long hot shower. As it turned out, I was good with a short warm shower...I guess I have to build up my shower endurance again!!
Today I went to see my family doctor because I have been struggling with a "cold" for more than a week and I am barking like a dog. My cough is pretty bad - deep and hard - and if I get coughing it's tough to stop!! Dr. Bajaj put me on some antibiotics in case it's atypical pneumonia (aka walking pneumonia). Hopefully we'll nip it in the bud quickly!! I guess my immune system is still a little compromised...
I got some beautiful daisies delivered today from my friends the McGonigles. The card on the flowers said "Sue - 2; Chemo - 0". I really do have the best cheering section ever!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The only fish of it's kind...
I know I tend to go on a bit sometimes about all the love and support I get from my amazing family and friends!! Today was one of those days when it made my heart full!!
Not only did I get to hang out with some lovely girls doing one of the things I love to do most (i.e. scrapbooking)...but I also got a wonderful email from my friend Suzie Thom. She was excited to read about my great news (see Friday's post) and was sharing in my celebration with me. Suzie also had a story from her young son, Anthony (he's 6), that she wanted to share with me...and I want to share it with you!
"This morning Anthony came to see me with a story of his dream. He said that he was on Manitoulin fishing with Papa, Daddy, Patrick (his brother) and Brenden (a friend). He caught a rainbow fish all by himself. It was a special fish...looked like a rainbow - the only fish of its kind in Canada - because it has the cure for cancer in it. I asked him if he hadn't woken up from that dream, if he knew where he would take the fish. He said cousin Terry, Auntie Mary and Sue Langdon. He said that he will have the other part of the dream another night...the part where he actually goes and helps people with his fish. Interesting that he should have that dream and discussion as you posted such a wonderful message. We are very happy for you...as you enter period 3! God Bless and lots of peaceful thoughts coming to you."
Thanks for catching that very special fish, Anthony!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Not only did I get to hang out with some lovely girls doing one of the things I love to do most (i.e. scrapbooking)...but I also got a wonderful email from my friend Suzie Thom. She was excited to read about my great news (see Friday's post) and was sharing in my celebration with me. Suzie also had a story from her young son, Anthony (he's 6), that she wanted to share with me...and I want to share it with you!
"This morning Anthony came to see me with a story of his dream. He said that he was on Manitoulin fishing with Papa, Daddy, Patrick (his brother) and Brenden (a friend). He caught a rainbow fish all by himself. It was a special fish...looked like a rainbow - the only fish of its kind in Canada - because it has the cure for cancer in it. I asked him if he hadn't woken up from that dream, if he knew where he would take the fish. He said cousin Terry, Auntie Mary and Sue Langdon. He said that he will have the other part of the dream another night...the part where he actually goes and helps people with his fish. Interesting that he should have that dream and discussion as you posted such a wonderful message. We are very happy for you...as you enter period 3! God Bless and lots of peaceful thoughts coming to you."
Thanks for catching that very special fish, Anthony!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Friday, January 7, 2011
It's a GOOD day!!
I thought I'd share a picture that was taken yesterday. I had a funeral to go to and decided this was a good opportunity to try out my wig. What do you think? It felt strange (and itchy) on my head, but I don't think it was too obvious to those that wouldn't know I'm actually a bit of a baldy! Although I swear my hair is growing in like crazy!! My sincere condolences to Sharon and Jeff...our thoughts are with you and your family!
I have been struggling with a bad cold/flu bug the last couple of days and I feel like crap. I have the sore throat, the chills and no energy...it stinks! It all started with that Team Canada loss...
Even feeling crappy I have to tell you that today was a REALLY good day! We went to see Dr. Califaretti to get the pathology results from my surgery and the report could hardly have been better!
Dr. Judges removed 17 lymph nodes (that means I have to make sure I keep doing my exercises for my left arm...don't want anything to freeze up or swell!!), and not one of those lymph nodes showed cancer. Also, none of the blood vessels or ducts showed any cancer! At this point there is no evidence that the cancer spread outside of the breast...at this point it looks like the chemotherapy did it's job!! They did find some minuscule cancer cells in the tissue they removed. The tumour was so large and it would have been very difficult for the chemo to work it's way through the whole thing, but I'd say it did a pretty damn good job!!
What does all this mean? It means at this point it looks like the cancer is gone! Of course there are no 100% guarantees, and I'll have appointments in the future to make sure that's the case. And of course, I still have radiation to get through. We're just waiting for the call from the Radiation Oncologists' office with my first appointment.
Bring on the third period! I'm ready!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
I have been struggling with a bad cold/flu bug the last couple of days and I feel like crap. I have the sore throat, the chills and no energy...it stinks! It all started with that Team Canada loss...
Even feeling crappy I have to tell you that today was a REALLY good day! We went to see Dr. Califaretti to get the pathology results from my surgery and the report could hardly have been better!
Dr. Judges removed 17 lymph nodes (that means I have to make sure I keep doing my exercises for my left arm...don't want anything to freeze up or swell!!), and not one of those lymph nodes showed cancer. Also, none of the blood vessels or ducts showed any cancer! At this point there is no evidence that the cancer spread outside of the breast...at this point it looks like the chemotherapy did it's job!! They did find some minuscule cancer cells in the tissue they removed. The tumour was so large and it would have been very difficult for the chemo to work it's way through the whole thing, but I'd say it did a pretty damn good job!!
What does all this mean? It means at this point it looks like the cancer is gone! Of course there are no 100% guarantees, and I'll have appointments in the future to make sure that's the case. And of course, I still have radiation to get through. We're just waiting for the call from the Radiation Oncologists' office with my first appointment.
Bring on the third period! I'm ready!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
And they're out!!
Now you can see why I'm so excited to have those darn drains gone!
Wahoo!!! It's a great day today!!
xoxoxoxoxo
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
What an AWESOME day!!
We had the BEST day yesterday! I am so very happy that I went with Matt to watch the World Jr semi-finals! It's great to be a hockey fan!!
We left Waterloo before 10:00 am yesterday because we wanted to make sure we had no delay at the border and we wanted to see both games! I am so glad we left early! We had one car ahead of us at the border, and had lots of time to get some lunch (at The Cheesecake Factory) and look around the Galleria mall a little bit. We didn't do much shopping (only one purchase) but it sure was great fun walking around the mall with our Team Canada jerseys on and getting high fives and big grins from people walking by!! We actually didn't spend a ton of time at the mall because we wanted to get parked and in our seats in good time - and the reality is I didn't want to wear myself out before even getting to the HSBC!
We were in our seats in time to watch Sweden and Russia warm up. Our seats were pretty high up (in the 300 level) but we had a great view of the game! It was totally cool to see the plays develop and even though we were up there, we were in it!! It was pretty cold in the arena for the first game, so my coat didn't come off and I was glad I had brought a blanket for my legs.
Between the 2nd and 3rd periods, Matt ran into Dave & Nancy Andrews (parents of Matt Andrews). They were sitting in the section beside us, a few rows down. They had two empty seats beside them for the first game, so we joined them for the 3rd period! And they also had reservations for The Harbor Club, which is a restaurant inside the HSBC. They asked us if we wanted to join them at The Harbor Club, which was fantastic since otherwise we would have had to leave the HSBC between games!! This way we didn't have to leave the building and we got a fairly nutritious dinner!!
These guys were sitting a few rows in front of us. I love their signs and there is no doubt these signs speak the truth! Team Canada was FANTASTIC and the Canadian fans rocked it last night!!
We took a Canada Flag with us yesterday and it was great to stand up and wave it every time Team Canada took to the ice, and of course, every time they scored!!
Can you tell by the grin on my face how TOTALLY excited I am to be there??!!
Definitely the best part of the whole day was the BIG WIN!! Way to go, Canada!! It was amazing to hear the crowd belt out Oh Canada and to redeem ourselves with Team USA! I honestly think Team USA was surprised that we beat them so handily! Team Canada didn't let up once and they totally deserved to win! Love the sight of that score board!!
The crowd started chanting "We Want Russia" with minutes left in the 3rd period. Crazy!! And every time the American fans would start chanting "U-S-A", they would get drowned out by us Canadian fans chanting "Can-a-da".
We got home pretty late last night (close to 1:00 am)...but it was good a drive. I think it took us about forty minutes to get through the border with all the rest of the Canadian fans! So totally worth it!! And I'm proud to report that I did stay awake the whole drive home and did my job of keeping Matt company!!
Today I'm a little tired and a little bit sore...so it's a chill day with lots of tv!! Tomorrow I am really hoping the drains can be removed...keep your fingers crossed.
Time to get rested up so I'm ready to cheer on Team Canada in the Gold medal game tomorrow!!! If I can't be there in person, I sure am glad I get to watch it on the 50 inch!! Game time is 7:30...Canada vs Russia...cheer loud for our boys!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
We left Waterloo before 10:00 am yesterday because we wanted to make sure we had no delay at the border and we wanted to see both games! I am so glad we left early! We had one car ahead of us at the border, and had lots of time to get some lunch (at The Cheesecake Factory) and look around the Galleria mall a little bit. We didn't do much shopping (only one purchase) but it sure was great fun walking around the mall with our Team Canada jerseys on and getting high fives and big grins from people walking by!! We actually didn't spend a ton of time at the mall because we wanted to get parked and in our seats in good time - and the reality is I didn't want to wear myself out before even getting to the HSBC!
We were in our seats in time to watch Sweden and Russia warm up. Our seats were pretty high up (in the 300 level) but we had a great view of the game! It was totally cool to see the plays develop and even though we were up there, we were in it!! It was pretty cold in the arena for the first game, so my coat didn't come off and I was glad I had brought a blanket for my legs.
Between the 2nd and 3rd periods, Matt ran into Dave & Nancy Andrews (parents of Matt Andrews). They were sitting in the section beside us, a few rows down. They had two empty seats beside them for the first game, so we joined them for the 3rd period! And they also had reservations for The Harbor Club, which is a restaurant inside the HSBC. They asked us if we wanted to join them at The Harbor Club, which was fantastic since otherwise we would have had to leave the HSBC between games!! This way we didn't have to leave the building and we got a fairly nutritious dinner!!
These guys were sitting a few rows in front of us. I love their signs and there is no doubt these signs speak the truth! Team Canada was FANTASTIC and the Canadian fans rocked it last night!!
We took a Canada Flag with us yesterday and it was great to stand up and wave it every time Team Canada took to the ice, and of course, every time they scored!!
Can you tell by the grin on my face how TOTALLY excited I am to be there??!!
Definitely the best part of the whole day was the BIG WIN!! Way to go, Canada!! It was amazing to hear the crowd belt out Oh Canada and to redeem ourselves with Team USA! I honestly think Team USA was surprised that we beat them so handily! Team Canada didn't let up once and they totally deserved to win! Love the sight of that score board!!
The crowd started chanting "We Want Russia" with minutes left in the 3rd period. Crazy!! And every time the American fans would start chanting "U-S-A", they would get drowned out by us Canadian fans chanting "Can-a-da".
We got home pretty late last night (close to 1:00 am)...but it was good a drive. I think it took us about forty minutes to get through the border with all the rest of the Canadian fans! So totally worth it!! And I'm proud to report that I did stay awake the whole drive home and did my job of keeping Matt company!!
Today I'm a little tired and a little bit sore...so it's a chill day with lots of tv!! Tomorrow I am really hoping the drains can be removed...keep your fingers crossed.
Time to get rested up so I'm ready to cheer on Team Canada in the Gold medal game tomorrow!!! If I can't be there in person, I sure am glad I get to watch it on the 50 inch!! Game time is 7:30...Canada vs Russia...cheer loud for our boys!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Happy New Year!!! And Go Canada Go!!!
I know...it's been almost a week since my last posting and my loyal followers are wondering "What the heck??!!". Don't despair! I'm back! And feeling really good. I have had a really good week and am feeling quite strong and fairly well rested. The drains are still in (damn drains)...and my fingers are still crossed that they will come out soon. They are still in because the fluid levels the drains take from my surgery site have to be below a certain level (25 ccs) before they can come out. I am getting very close and am pretty sure they'll be out in the next couple of days. The surgeon did warn me they could be in for two weeks...and of course I should just expect that I'm going to need all that time...
I am getting some great sleep and my cold seems to be almost gone!! Lots of reason to celebrate!!
For those of you following the World Jrs...I'm very very excited to report that I'm off to Buffalo tomorrow to the HSBC to see the Semi-Finals with Matt! I can't wait to see the Canada vs USA game...and I'm so totally excited that I'm going. We have known we would have tickets for this tournament for probably ten months and have been so excited and looking forward to it, and then along came this damn cancer and tried to put a wrench in my plans. Well...we're not going to have any of that! Drains or no...I'm heading to Buffalo to watch some World Jr Hockey!! Wahoo!! Go Canada Go!!
I thought I'd share a couple of photos with you from the past week. I got some great visits with family and I finally got to see some of my nieces and nephews (I haven't seen them since August). It was awesome to see their smiling faces!!
My Dad came on December 21st and I forgot to take a picture. It was an awesome visit and zoomed by way too fast. My Dad has been struggling with a cold all through Christmas...hope you're feeling better Dad!!
Matt and Alex went to Buffalo last week to watch some of the World Jr hockey games, and while they were gone, my Mom and Ian came to hang out with me. It turned out Matt & Alex stayed over night in Buffalo (to avoid the major long line ups at the border), so it was great to have my Mom here to stay with me!!
I am getting some great sleep and my cold seems to be almost gone!! Lots of reason to celebrate!!
For those of you following the World Jrs...I'm very very excited to report that I'm off to Buffalo tomorrow to the HSBC to see the Semi-Finals with Matt! I can't wait to see the Canada vs USA game...and I'm so totally excited that I'm going. We have known we would have tickets for this tournament for probably ten months and have been so excited and looking forward to it, and then along came this damn cancer and tried to put a wrench in my plans. Well...we're not going to have any of that! Drains or no...I'm heading to Buffalo to watch some World Jr Hockey!! Wahoo!! Go Canada Go!!
I thought I'd share a couple of photos with you from the past week. I got some great visits with family and I finally got to see some of my nieces and nephews (I haven't seen them since August). It was awesome to see their smiling faces!!
My Dad came on December 21st and I forgot to take a picture. It was an awesome visit and zoomed by way too fast. My Dad has been struggling with a cold all through Christmas...hope you're feeling better Dad!!
Matt and Alex went to Buffalo last week to watch some of the World Jr hockey games, and while they were gone, my Mom and Ian came to hang out with me. It turned out Matt & Alex stayed over night in Buffalo (to avoid the major long line ups at the border), so it was great to have my Mom here to stay with me!!
Yesterday my sister Sandra and her family came for a visit and stayed for dinner. It was so great to see them. I haven't seen Bruce, Brooklyn or Luke since the summer!
Brooklyn, me and Luke (look closely...I have some hair growth!!)
Gathering around the Christmas tree....
Today my brother David and his family stopped in Kitchener to have some lunch with us on their way home from visiting Nancy's family in the Chatham/Windsor area. We had a little Swiss Chalet and a great visit. The best part of the visit was seeing a video my brother shot at the Langdon family Christmas on Dec 18th. I didn't get to go, so they videotaped all these greetings wishing me a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, lots of love and good luck with my surgery...oh and some joke telling by the kidlets!! It's awesome!!
Sharleen, me and Billy
A brilliant looking group!!I am so happy that my family came to see me this year....since my travelling has been minimal! It's great to get all that loving!!
I've also had some great visits with friends over the past week (and some more visits with friends coming up in the near future). It feels really great to be more social than I was through chemo and to feel strong again!! I think that's some more normalcy I see on the horizon!!
xoxoxoxoxo
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