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
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
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
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
Sunday, November 21, 2010
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
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
Friday, November 19, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
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
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
Sunday, November 14, 2010
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
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
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