Why final ?? Because there's so little to report ! You can see that the time between posts has gotten longer and longer. That shows that I am better and better, doing more and more things that are part of normal life. I went to the USA with a group of girlfriends the last weekend in April to go shopping - had a great time ! David and I went to Toronto last weekend to attend a surprise birthday party for a dear friend of many years. We're heading out of town for Mother's Day and later this month, flying to Texas to spend time with family there and help our granddaughter celebrate her first birthday. I have been digging over flower beds and starting a new one, cutting the grass, and other usual household chores. So you can see that my energy level is much improved, along with my general health. I feel almost back to normal and am so thankful to be there. Thanks you all again so much for your prayers and love and support as I passed through this experience. It was humbling but such a comfort to know that so many took me 'under their wing' and held me up in prayer. It gave me courage.
The other big lesson I learned (re-learned?) through this is that God is present and active in our everyday lives; we have only to ask. I returned often to the promises I felt I had been given at the start of this and took strength and courage from them to keep on going. I can see so many ways that He provided, and continues to provide opportunities to be cared for and to get through this. Thanks be to God !
David continues to see improvement in his eye, although it is slower than he would wish. It tires as the day goes along and he often has a headache by the end of the day. He has a follow-up appointment early in June, so he is stil under the doctor's observation and care.
My sister was able to start driving herself last week and is enjoying the freedom that has been restored to her. That also means that she is at work longer, because there is no reason that she has to leave. She started working 5 days this week and is planning to attend a major annual conference for her profession in Calgary at the end of this month. So she is better, but still sore and still tires from the pain of the ribs and shoulder. It's a long process and she hasn't really been 'off work' to recover; the computer and the phone have always been there.
Once again, I thanks you so much for your interest, love, support and prayers. It was pretty scary there for a while but it looks like we're back in the sunshine and on the open road again. God is able !
(I plan to write again in September when I come off the trial drug and add any news that will result from that, but not until then unless there is other news.)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Update - Friday, April 18, 2009
As you see, time between posts is extending and for a very good reason. There is less and less to report on - we are all getting better !
I am feeling better and stronger all the time, although I am not back to what I was before all this started. I'm now trying to sort out what is age-related fatigue and what is still recovery from medical treatments. Hard to know ! I was outside working for an hour or so yesterday in the sun and then sat for a while on the front porch in my favourite spot - more sun! Felt wonderful! Then I was in bed by 8:30...slept 12 hours. So - hard to tell. I'm desparately out of shape, one way or another and that will be my main project this spring and summer.
David had a follow-up visit to his eye surgeon this week and all is going well there, too. He has stitches in his eye which will dissolve but are still irritating. It will be 6 - 9 months before his vision has stabilized completely although he can see better all the time.
My sister continues to improve as well although it is also a slow process for her. The pins are out of her wrist, stitches for that are removed, sling is not needed all the time, physiotherapy is helping. Those broken ribs are still painful though and she still is using a cane. She gets to her office about three days a week and continues to work from home at other times as she has been doing right along. Ottawa has a great ParaTranspo service and this is her transportation most of the time.
So - we see on going improvements and are getting back into life. It's so good to feel healthy again ! Thank you for your ongoing prayers.
I am feeling better and stronger all the time, although I am not back to what I was before all this started. I'm now trying to sort out what is age-related fatigue and what is still recovery from medical treatments. Hard to know ! I was outside working for an hour or so yesterday in the sun and then sat for a while on the front porch in my favourite spot - more sun! Felt wonderful! Then I was in bed by 8:30...slept 12 hours. So - hard to tell. I'm desparately out of shape, one way or another and that will be my main project this spring and summer.
David had a follow-up visit to his eye surgeon this week and all is going well there, too. He has stitches in his eye which will dissolve but are still irritating. It will be 6 - 9 months before his vision has stabilized completely although he can see better all the time.
My sister continues to improve as well although it is also a slow process for her. The pins are out of her wrist, stitches for that are removed, sling is not needed all the time, physiotherapy is helping. Those broken ribs are still painful though and she still is using a cane. She gets to her office about three days a week and continues to work from home at other times as she has been doing right along. Ottawa has a great ParaTranspo service and this is her transportation most of the time.
So - we see on going improvements and are getting back into life. It's so good to feel healthy again ! Thank you for your ongoing prayers.
Monday, April 6, 2009
VERY Belated Update - Monday, April 6, 2009
Greetings! Well, a lot more time has gone by since I last wrote than I expected. The principal reason for that is my extended stay in Ottawa with my sister. I travelled there by train Monday, March 16 and was only there a couple of days when I realized that I needed to stay longer than I had planned. Broken ribs cannot be stabilized with bandaging or casts and almost every time she changed position, something shifted and hurt. Add to that a left shoulder needing a sling and a left wrist in a support/half cast and you are down to one working arm. So I was able to be chauffeur, sometime cook and general handy person for her for 2 weeks. I could have stayed longer, but I had my own medical appointments to keep back here. She is improving but it will still be several weeks before she has the use of her left arm and those ribs heal.
We were able to get in some visits with cousins and I still have a good friend from high school that I was also able to see, so we had some fun times, too.
I returned home by train Sunday, March 29 and had my last (I think) MUGA scan for my heart Monday and my delayed Avastin treatment in Windsor on Tuesday. Neither of these causes me any physical distress and I am now just generally recovering from the whole treatment procedure. I find that I do not need my afternoon rests as much - just every couple of days now, depending on what else I am doing, instead of every day. Also, my hair has grown back in enough that I have stopped wearing my wig and go out 'au naturel' now. It's quite grey/silvery and still quite short, so I look very different from what people are used to but it is a relief to be bare-headed again without the constriction of the wig. I practised in Ottawa to get used to it and am now letting the 'home folks' recognize the new me.
It is David who is keeping us from getting bored these days - he has had to have a second eye surgery for his detaching retina. He had a follow-up appointment Tuesday, March 24 for the first surgery - the second week that I was in Ottawa. Fortunately, our daughter was able to go with him to that appointment and when the doctor decided that a second surgery was necessary, she was able to stay and go with her dad to that, too. We certainly appreciated her help, both with her dad and for making it possible for me to stay in Ottawa with my sister. His second surgery was Friday, March 27 and he is still having some discomfort and other issues with it. After my Avastin treatment last Tuesday, I drove with him to Sarnia for his Board of Education meeting, so that I could drive home and those of you who know him will realize what a concession that is! Between the darkness and the forecasted rain, he did not feel that he could see well enough to drive home alone. He has a follow-up appointment next week and we will see what comes from that.
So - there you have it ! We are keeping on keeping on ! Thank you so much for your prayers and your ongoing interest and concern. We certainly appreciate them. I hope you have a blessed Easter, however you celebrate it and have time to remember and be thankful for the tremendous gift God gave through Christ's death and resurrection. Without it, we would have no reason to pray or to hope; I would have had no one to turn to these last few months for strength or hope as I faced this disease. But because of it and because I have chosen to place my trust in Him, I have been able to face it in confidence that my life is safe in His care and with faith that He is guiding and protecting me through this time. As the scriptures say, "Whoever will, may come" - it is a gift open to any who will choose it.
We were able to get in some visits with cousins and I still have a good friend from high school that I was also able to see, so we had some fun times, too.
I returned home by train Sunday, March 29 and had my last (I think) MUGA scan for my heart Monday and my delayed Avastin treatment in Windsor on Tuesday. Neither of these causes me any physical distress and I am now just generally recovering from the whole treatment procedure. I find that I do not need my afternoon rests as much - just every couple of days now, depending on what else I am doing, instead of every day. Also, my hair has grown back in enough that I have stopped wearing my wig and go out 'au naturel' now. It's quite grey/silvery and still quite short, so I look very different from what people are used to but it is a relief to be bare-headed again without the constriction of the wig. I practised in Ottawa to get used to it and am now letting the 'home folks' recognize the new me.
It is David who is keeping us from getting bored these days - he has had to have a second eye surgery for his detaching retina. He had a follow-up appointment Tuesday, March 24 for the first surgery - the second week that I was in Ottawa. Fortunately, our daughter was able to go with him to that appointment and when the doctor decided that a second surgery was necessary, she was able to stay and go with her dad to that, too. We certainly appreciated her help, both with her dad and for making it possible for me to stay in Ottawa with my sister. His second surgery was Friday, March 27 and he is still having some discomfort and other issues with it. After my Avastin treatment last Tuesday, I drove with him to Sarnia for his Board of Education meeting, so that I could drive home and those of you who know him will realize what a concession that is! Between the darkness and the forecasted rain, he did not feel that he could see well enough to drive home alone. He has a follow-up appointment next week and we will see what comes from that.
So - there you have it ! We are keeping on keeping on ! Thank you so much for your prayers and your ongoing interest and concern. We certainly appreciate them. I hope you have a blessed Easter, however you celebrate it and have time to remember and be thankful for the tremendous gift God gave through Christ's death and resurrection. Without it, we would have no reason to pray or to hope; I would have had no one to turn to these last few months for strength or hope as I faced this disease. But because of it and because I have chosen to place my trust in Him, I have been able to face it in confidence that my life is safe in His care and with faith that He is guiding and protecting me through this time. As the scriptures say, "Whoever will, may come" - it is a gift open to any who will choose it.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Update - Sunday, March 15, 2009
We've just returned from a weekend in Kitchener- Waterloo where we attended the funeral of our youngest son's fiancée's mother. It was actually a very encouraging experience - a very strong family, strong in their love and support for each other and strong in their faith that their wife and mother is safe in Heaven's keeping.
Tomorrow, I take the train (the really early one!) to Ottawa to spend the week with my sister. I am looking forward to seeing her and being able to help her as she adjusts back to regular living. David is staying here and looking forward to a quiet week - not having to drive anyone anywhere !!
There's not much else to report - I'll bring news from Ottawa and elsewhere when I get back after March Break. Thanks again for your prayers for all of us.
Tomorrow, I take the train (the really early one!) to Ottawa to spend the week with my sister. I am looking forward to seeing her and being able to help her as she adjusts back to regular living. David is staying here and looking forward to a quiet week - not having to drive anyone anywhere !!
There's not much else to report - I'll bring news from Ottawa and elsewhere when I get back after March Break. Thanks again for your prayers for all of us.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Update - Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Another interesting week! We made it to London in good time last Wednesday - David drove - and had several eye examinations at the Ivey Institute on the south side of London. It was determined that surgery was needed and we were sent across town to St. Joseph's Hospital on the north side, where the ophthalmology surgery is done. After going through the regular admitting routines, we waited for a time slot and were fortunate to be called around 4:15 p.m. - could have been between 7 - midnight! The actual surgery took about 45 min. and by 5:45 I was back with David and we were being told we could go home. We were able to leave around 6:30 and had supper in London before driving home. What a day ! He had to sleep face down that night, because of the gas bubble in his eye holding the retina against the back of his eye. We were asked to return Thursday afternoon for a check-up, so I called Windsor and put my Avastin treatment over to Friday.
Good sleep for both of us that night and off to London again for the check-up. When the shield came off David's eye, it was a sight to behold - purple, swollen and the eyeball itself a blood red. Also, he could not see anything out of it, which was rather scary. However, it has improved daily and his vision is returning little by little. We return to London Tuesday March 24 for another check up and it will be interesting to see how much it has improved by then.
I drove myself to Windsor on Friday for my Avastin treatment, which went very well - a non-event. My blood pressure was exceptionally good, my port wasn't clogged - even had a nap while it was going in. If I had not been admitted to this clinical trial, I would have finished going to Windsor at the end of my radiation. As it is, I will see my oncologist every 3 weeks until Sept. and then every 3 months for 2 years and then every 6 months for the next 2 years, so I will be well supervised. Since this type of cancer has a high rate of return in the first three years, that is especially good. Once I pass that three-year point, I will be considered 'out of the woods'.
My sister is continuing to do well at the rehab and will probably be going home this coming Friday. That will be a month from the time of her fall. She is looking forward to getting out of the hospital but also realizing that this will present new challenges to her. She won't be driving for a while, so has to make arrangements with the ParaTranspo service and a few other things like that. I am planning to take the train to Ottawa next week and spend some time with her.
Yesterday, we were saddened by the news of the death of our youngest son's fiancée's mother. She had surgery Dec. 11 for removal of her gall bladder; at that time multiple tumours were discovered in her digestive system and it was not possible to remove all of them. We had hoped for a longer time for her, but it was not to be. We plan to attend the funeral this weekend.
So - we go from day to day. Robins have returned, daffodils are poking up, spring is on its way. Thank you again for your prayers and for your thoughtfulness in sending cards. A special thank you to a good neighbour who magically brings chili on nights when I haven't got the energy to cook. May all your kindnesses come back to you !
Good sleep for both of us that night and off to London again for the check-up. When the shield came off David's eye, it was a sight to behold - purple, swollen and the eyeball itself a blood red. Also, he could not see anything out of it, which was rather scary. However, it has improved daily and his vision is returning little by little. We return to London Tuesday March 24 for another check up and it will be interesting to see how much it has improved by then.
I drove myself to Windsor on Friday for my Avastin treatment, which went very well - a non-event. My blood pressure was exceptionally good, my port wasn't clogged - even had a nap while it was going in. If I had not been admitted to this clinical trial, I would have finished going to Windsor at the end of my radiation. As it is, I will see my oncologist every 3 weeks until Sept. and then every 3 months for 2 years and then every 6 months for the next 2 years, so I will be well supervised. Since this type of cancer has a high rate of return in the first three years, that is especially good. Once I pass that three-year point, I will be considered 'out of the woods'.
My sister is continuing to do well at the rehab and will probably be going home this coming Friday. That will be a month from the time of her fall. She is looking forward to getting out of the hospital but also realizing that this will present new challenges to her. She won't be driving for a while, so has to make arrangements with the ParaTranspo service and a few other things like that. I am planning to take the train to Ottawa next week and spend some time with her.
Yesterday, we were saddened by the news of the death of our youngest son's fiancée's mother. She had surgery Dec. 11 for removal of her gall bladder; at that time multiple tumours were discovered in her digestive system and it was not possible to remove all of them. We had hoped for a longer time for her, but it was not to be. We plan to attend the funeral this weekend.
So - we go from day to day. Robins have returned, daffodils are poking up, spring is on its way. Thank you again for your prayers and for your thoughtfulness in sending cards. A special thank you to a good neighbour who magically brings chili on nights when I haven't got the energy to cook. May all your kindnesses come back to you !
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
You Never Know....Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Greetings ! Yes, I finished my radiation treatments yesterday ! It seems rather unreal and will take a few days to sink in, I guess. I have an Avastin treatment on Thursday, so I won't be away from Windsor too long. However, after that, I think things will feel like they have changed, since I will only have to go back every 3 weeks now until September. I am tired, as I was advised I would be, and my radiation burn area is sore in a couple of spots, but that's all. I have cream to apply and I do! So it is now just a question of healing and recovering from all the treatments that I have had over the last 6 months.
Today brought a new health surprise for David. He had been noticing a dark spot in his right eye for several days, rather like an eclipse taking over part of his vision. It didn't hurt although it was tricky to read; still went to Toronto for his meeting on Friday and Saturday. (Our youngest son and his fiancée had come to drive me to Windsor.) Today we went to our optometrist and were told that he has a 25% detachment of the retina - quite a shock. He is scheduled for surgery at the Ivey Institute at Victoria Hospital in London tomorrow. We have to be there for 8:00 a.m. so it will be an early start ! As far as we know, he will be coming home the same day. We would appreciate your prayers for this situation.
My sister is still in hospital in Ottawa after her fall. She had surgery last Friday to correct her shoulder position and her wrist, since the doctors were not pleased with the way they were healing. This was unexpected and painful. Yesterday, she was moved to a rehab. unit at another hospital where she will be for 5 - 7 days while she is helped to learn techniques for dressing, showering and getting up out of a normal (flat) bed. Her left arm is in a sling to support her shoulder and her wrist is in a partial cast, so she has little use from it.
So there you have it. You never know what a day will bring ! Thanks again for your prayers.
Today brought a new health surprise for David. He had been noticing a dark spot in his right eye for several days, rather like an eclipse taking over part of his vision. It didn't hurt although it was tricky to read; still went to Toronto for his meeting on Friday and Saturday. (Our youngest son and his fiancée had come to drive me to Windsor.) Today we went to our optometrist and were told that he has a 25% detachment of the retina - quite a shock. He is scheduled for surgery at the Ivey Institute at Victoria Hospital in London tomorrow. We have to be there for 8:00 a.m. so it will be an early start ! As far as we know, he will be coming home the same day. We would appreciate your prayers for this situation.
My sister is still in hospital in Ottawa after her fall. She had surgery last Friday to correct her shoulder position and her wrist, since the doctors were not pleased with the way they were healing. This was unexpected and painful. Yesterday, she was moved to a rehab. unit at another hospital where she will be for 5 - 7 days while she is helped to learn techniques for dressing, showering and getting up out of a normal (flat) bed. Her left arm is in a sling to support her shoulder and her wrist is in a partial cast, so she has little use from it.
So there you have it. You never know what a day will bring ! Thanks again for your prayers.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Update - Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Coming down to the wire, friends ! Today will be my last 'main' radiation treatment; then 4 ''booster' treatments on a smaller area (same location). I'll be done radiation completely next Monday, March 2. There will be a follow-up appointment with my radiation doctor and then that will be it. This Thursday, I also go to a lymphodema clinic to learn about future care of the arm on the surgery side - left, in my case. Because of the number of lymph nodes that were removed, I can never use that arm for blood pressure readings or blood sampling again - nothing that will restrict fluid flow. Plus, there are some other restrictions and care, all to avoid swelling in that arm. Something new to learn every day !
I have come through the radiation treatments quite well - I have a burn area 8" x 6" on my chest wall - surgery site - but no blistering or cracking, as was mentioned in the initial warnings. I have hydrocortisone cream to apply twice daily and that keeps me comfortable. The burn is red, like a sunburn, but doesn't have that burning sensation, fortunately - just a tightness in certain spots. It will recover and heal, of course. And - I now have eyebrow 'stubble', where my eyebrows are starting to regrow! Eyelashes are showing up, too, and my 'halo' continues to show up in the light more and more. I've learned this winter that you really do lose a lot of body heat from your head!
My dear sister is still in hospital in Ottawa, recovering from her dreadful fall. She will move to a short-term rehabilitation centre at another hospital later this week, since she would not be able to manage at home yet. Most of her injuries are on the left side - broken wrist, dislocated shoulder, possible concussion, six broken ribs, a cut from left eyebrow to hairline, another cut below her left ear on her throat from the mug, needing 13 stitches, plus lots of bruising -and she will need time before she can do stairs and lots of other things. Please remember her in your prayers.
Thank you again for your prayers for me during this time of illness. There's a big light at the end of the tunnel ! I'll still be getting the trial drug, Avastin, every three weeks until the end of September, but after March 2, my life should be more or less back to normal.
May God's presence be known to you this week.
I have come through the radiation treatments quite well - I have a burn area 8" x 6" on my chest wall - surgery site - but no blistering or cracking, as was mentioned in the initial warnings. I have hydrocortisone cream to apply twice daily and that keeps me comfortable. The burn is red, like a sunburn, but doesn't have that burning sensation, fortunately - just a tightness in certain spots. It will recover and heal, of course. And - I now have eyebrow 'stubble', where my eyebrows are starting to regrow! Eyelashes are showing up, too, and my 'halo' continues to show up in the light more and more. I've learned this winter that you really do lose a lot of body heat from your head!
My dear sister is still in hospital in Ottawa, recovering from her dreadful fall. She will move to a short-term rehabilitation centre at another hospital later this week, since she would not be able to manage at home yet. Most of her injuries are on the left side - broken wrist, dislocated shoulder, possible concussion, six broken ribs, a cut from left eyebrow to hairline, another cut below her left ear on her throat from the mug, needing 13 stitches, plus lots of bruising -and she will need time before she can do stairs and lots of other things. Please remember her in your prayers.
Thank you again for your prayers for me during this time of illness. There's a big light at the end of the tunnel ! I'll still be getting the trial drug, Avastin, every three weeks until the end of September, but after March 2, my life should be more or less back to normal.
May God's presence be known to you this week.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Update - Monday, February 16, 2009
I am happy to be able to report another good week. I continue to feel less tired and able to function more normally. I had all my scheduled radiation treatments and was able to have my Avastin treatment on Thursday as well. Blood pressure continues to be an issue with that but I just made it 'under the wire'. I am starting to have redness of skin in the chest area - you could practically put a ruler on it as the edges are quite clearly defined - but that is not only expected but desired, according to the radiation technicians. The tumour was quite close to my chest wall and they want to 'dose' the skin as well as the muscles in that area. I have been given hydrocortisone cream for the redness and it is helping.
David had to be in Toronto Thursday and Friday of the week, so my daughter came and drove me to Windsor for my appointments those days. It was great to have time with her and we got in a little 'shopping time' after I was finished at the Cancer Centre. I have been so thankful for the support and encouragement of my family during this time. David was back in time to treat us to a most enjoyable dinner out for Valentine's Day, also much appreciated, complete with flowers.
I would ask for your prayers this week for my sister, though. She mis-stepped on her way to her bedroom Saturday night in the dark and fell down the entire staircase at her home, hitting a bench at the bottom of it as well. She had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital and has suffered broken ribs on both sides, a broken left wrist, dislocated left shoulder and many bumps and bruises. She was carrying a mug of hot milk; the mug struck the wall and cut her throat as well as her forehead and she has stitches in both locations. I have spoken to her several times by phone (she lives in Ottawa) and she seems better today but I am not able to go to see her because of my treatmenr schedule and that is hard. This will be a lot for her from which to recover; we don't bounce back quite a quickly as we get older.
I have received Valentines and Valentine gifts this week ! Thank you for remembering me still and for your kindness. Thank you also, of course, for your prayers. I never know who all is praying for me and it is comforting and touching to be out somewhere, meet someone I haven't seen for a while and have the conversation close with - "Oh - and I pray for you daily." It's really very humbling but I appreciate it so much and feel that it is one of the main reasons why I have been able to deal with this illness as well as I have.
May God be with you this week and may you be conscious of His presence with you.
David had to be in Toronto Thursday and Friday of the week, so my daughter came and drove me to Windsor for my appointments those days. It was great to have time with her and we got in a little 'shopping time' after I was finished at the Cancer Centre. I have been so thankful for the support and encouragement of my family during this time. David was back in time to treat us to a most enjoyable dinner out for Valentine's Day, also much appreciated, complete with flowers.
I would ask for your prayers this week for my sister, though. She mis-stepped on her way to her bedroom Saturday night in the dark and fell down the entire staircase at her home, hitting a bench at the bottom of it as well. She had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital and has suffered broken ribs on both sides, a broken left wrist, dislocated left shoulder and many bumps and bruises. She was carrying a mug of hot milk; the mug struck the wall and cut her throat as well as her forehead and she has stitches in both locations. I have spoken to her several times by phone (she lives in Ottawa) and she seems better today but I am not able to go to see her because of my treatmenr schedule and that is hard. This will be a lot for her from which to recover; we don't bounce back quite a quickly as we get older.
I have received Valentines and Valentine gifts this week ! Thank you for remembering me still and for your kindness. Thank you also, of course, for your prayers. I never know who all is praying for me and it is comforting and touching to be out somewhere, meet someone I haven't seen for a while and have the conversation close with - "Oh - and I pray for you daily." It's really very humbling but I appreciate it so much and feel that it is one of the main reasons why I have been able to deal with this illness as well as I have.
May God be with you this week and may you be conscious of His presence with you.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Update - Sunday, February 8, 2009
Well, I have better news for you this week. Everything has gone according to schedule and I am also less tired than I have been for the last two weeks...actually feeling almost normal again. I saw my oncologist Monday and in the course of check-up questions realized that several things had improved without me noticing - my mouth lining is not bothering me any more, the tingling in my fingers only remains in my index fingers and thumbs and my big toes are not as sensitive - shoes don't hurt as much. So - gradual improvements and recovery from that last type of chemo. I still have to finish growing out my 'chemo nails' - we're about halfway on that. My blood pressure numbers weren't too good, though, so I was sent back to my family doctor, who is trying me on another medication which seems to be working already. Another improvement ! So, all in all, the news this week has been positive.
I am about the halfway point in my radiation treatments - Friday was #14 out of 29. No skin problems so far either. David will have to go out of town again this week so my daughter will come to drive me Thursday and Friday; it will be very good to see her again and will give her a chance to see where I have been going all these months.
The weather is changing again; temperatures have risen above freezing since Friday and there has been a lot of snow melt. Where we had drifts and snow piles higher than the cars in some areas we now have green patches showing through; we may lose all the snow if it continues and may have another danger of flooding, depending on how quickly it goes. It's been great to have the sunny days, though!
Thank you again for your cards and prayers - I'm so thankful for my good week.
I am about the halfway point in my radiation treatments - Friday was #14 out of 29. No skin problems so far either. David will have to go out of town again this week so my daughter will come to drive me Thursday and Friday; it will be very good to see her again and will give her a chance to see where I have been going all these months.
The weather is changing again; temperatures have risen above freezing since Friday and there has been a lot of snow melt. Where we had drifts and snow piles higher than the cars in some areas we now have green patches showing through; we may lose all the snow if it continues and may have another danger of flooding, depending on how quickly it goes. It's been great to have the sunny days, though!
Thank you again for your cards and prayers - I'm so thankful for my good week.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Update - February 1, 2009
This is the longest I have gone without updating the blog - 2 weeks today! That will perhaps give you some idea of my fatigue level. However, I'll bring you up to date today.
First of all, I was able to have my Avastin treatment Jan. 22, so I am now on track to have this every 3 weeks until September...unless my blood pressure numbers get too high again, I guess. Everything went as it was supposed to and there was no problem with my port, as I have had before. Takes about 45 min. to 1 hr.
Secondly, I have now had 9 radiation treatments in the last 2 weeks (the first day was a check film to make sure all alignments were correct.) There doesn't seem to be a lot to them - I just lie there on the guerney while the machine moves around me; I get 4 'shots' - front and back for lymph glands above my collar bone and also for my chest wall. The only way I know that anything is happening is the noise from the machine when it's radiating me - sounds like a little bagpipe drone. No pain, no heat - no sensation at all. It takes about 15 min. for the whole treatment but there's only about 1 min. 30 seconds combined of radiation. The rest is positioning, aligning and so on. Add to that 70 min. driving each way, plus a stop usually for lunch. Doesn't sound too bad but as the week goes along, I find myself getting more and more tired. I usually have to lie down for a while when we get home and am heading for bed around 9:00 p.m. most nights. My skin is fine so far - no sign of reddening anywhere from the radiation. I use lotion on the area most nights and so far, so good. Compared to the chemo treatments, there doesn't seem to be much actually happening to my body but the fatigue I am experiencing tells me otherwise.
So - 2 weeks done, 4 weeks plus a day to go. David drives me faithfully almost every day. He had to be in Toronto this past week and my sister was able to drive me Thursday and Friday. It was good to have some time with her. The weather has been co-operative for the most part; this past Wed. was not good but David has lots of experience in bad weather and we were fine. It continues to snow and we have had the laneway ploughed out another 3 times - brings us up to a total of 8.
Thank you again for your ongoing prayers as well as your cards. I appreciate them so much.
Here's the verse that was in my little devotional book last Wed. - "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction." Mark 5:34. I found it very comforting.
First of all, I was able to have my Avastin treatment Jan. 22, so I am now on track to have this every 3 weeks until September...unless my blood pressure numbers get too high again, I guess. Everything went as it was supposed to and there was no problem with my port, as I have had before. Takes about 45 min. to 1 hr.
Secondly, I have now had 9 radiation treatments in the last 2 weeks (the first day was a check film to make sure all alignments were correct.) There doesn't seem to be a lot to them - I just lie there on the guerney while the machine moves around me; I get 4 'shots' - front and back for lymph glands above my collar bone and also for my chest wall. The only way I know that anything is happening is the noise from the machine when it's radiating me - sounds like a little bagpipe drone. No pain, no heat - no sensation at all. It takes about 15 min. for the whole treatment but there's only about 1 min. 30 seconds combined of radiation. The rest is positioning, aligning and so on. Add to that 70 min. driving each way, plus a stop usually for lunch. Doesn't sound too bad but as the week goes along, I find myself getting more and more tired. I usually have to lie down for a while when we get home and am heading for bed around 9:00 p.m. most nights. My skin is fine so far - no sign of reddening anywhere from the radiation. I use lotion on the area most nights and so far, so good. Compared to the chemo treatments, there doesn't seem to be much actually happening to my body but the fatigue I am experiencing tells me otherwise.
So - 2 weeks done, 4 weeks plus a day to go. David drives me faithfully almost every day. He had to be in Toronto this past week and my sister was able to drive me Thursday and Friday. It was good to have some time with her. The weather has been co-operative for the most part; this past Wed. was not good but David has lots of experience in bad weather and we were fine. It continues to snow and we have had the laneway ploughed out another 3 times - brings us up to a total of 8.
Thank you again for your ongoing prayers as well as your cards. I appreciate them so much.
Here's the verse that was in my little devotional book last Wed. - "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction." Mark 5:34. I found it very comforting.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Update - Sunday, January 18, 2009
It's been another very quiet week and I am reading, reading, reading - no idea how many books I have gone through since the beginning of this month! Lots of time on the couch - still not a lot of energy. However, I passed the 2-week mark on Friday from my last chemo and did not have to have more chemicals put in my body, so perhaps there will be an improvement this week.
Thursday, Jan. 15, I was supposed to have a treatment of the trial drug, Avastin, that would switch me over to a 3-week cycle. However, my blood pressure numbers for several days that week were too high and it was postponed to Jan.22. My b.p. meds have been doubled since Dec. 24 but the Avastin restricts the development of new blood vessels (would starve a newly-developing tumour) and must have some constrictive action on blood vessels too. I saw my doctor and came away with an additional b.p. med.! I am keeping track again and have to relay my numbers to Windsor on Wed. and that will determine if I get the treatment on Thursday or not.
Tomorrow, we start our daily trips to Windsor for my radiation course of treatments. These will continue every weekday until March 2. This is quite different from the chemo - just 15 min. It's more like a daily x-ray. I should have a couple of weeks of continued recovery time from the chemo while I start but then I have been told to expect to be the most tired the two weeks after I finish in March. Fortunately by then, there will be more sunshine and daylight and winter will be more or less over.
Thank you, again, to those of you who have been praying for David and I after my last post. We have regained our equilibrium and are doing OK. I had to realize again that the doctor (radiologist) has to advise you of all possible outcomes of the new treatment you are beginning, no matter how small the chance is that it might happen to you. At my oncologist appointment on Thursday, I talked about my reactions and both the nurse and the doctor spoke about the way people feel when they finish chemo - no specific action left to be taken 'against the foe' - apparently I am right on track to be anxious, especially as a 'goal-oriented person'. But my doctor said,"You have done everything you were supposed to do - you have finished the course - it is gone." So - I was encouraged, and enlightened.
To those of you who do not live in this area - we are having a 'real winter' this year - received 20cm./8" MORE snow on Saturday and could not leave our house until our faithful farmer neighbour ploughed out our laneway. This makes the 5th time this season that he has had to do this - before Christmas, it was 3 times in one week. Those of you who live farther north may laugh at that 'little bit of snow' but it is a lot for us ! Everything is well blanketed with snow and on a sunny day it is quite pretty.
And, lastly, in another week, my hair should start growing back in !!! I have a good crop of stubble but it should start to grow seriously 3 weeks after the last chemo, which was Jan. 2.
Thursday, Jan. 15, I was supposed to have a treatment of the trial drug, Avastin, that would switch me over to a 3-week cycle. However, my blood pressure numbers for several days that week were too high and it was postponed to Jan.22. My b.p. meds have been doubled since Dec. 24 but the Avastin restricts the development of new blood vessels (would starve a newly-developing tumour) and must have some constrictive action on blood vessels too. I saw my doctor and came away with an additional b.p. med.! I am keeping track again and have to relay my numbers to Windsor on Wed. and that will determine if I get the treatment on Thursday or not.
Tomorrow, we start our daily trips to Windsor for my radiation course of treatments. These will continue every weekday until March 2. This is quite different from the chemo - just 15 min. It's more like a daily x-ray. I should have a couple of weeks of continued recovery time from the chemo while I start but then I have been told to expect to be the most tired the two weeks after I finish in March. Fortunately by then, there will be more sunshine and daylight and winter will be more or less over.
Thank you, again, to those of you who have been praying for David and I after my last post. We have regained our equilibrium and are doing OK. I had to realize again that the doctor (radiologist) has to advise you of all possible outcomes of the new treatment you are beginning, no matter how small the chance is that it might happen to you. At my oncologist appointment on Thursday, I talked about my reactions and both the nurse and the doctor spoke about the way people feel when they finish chemo - no specific action left to be taken 'against the foe' - apparently I am right on track to be anxious, especially as a 'goal-oriented person'. But my doctor said,"You have done everything you were supposed to do - you have finished the course - it is gone." So - I was encouraged, and enlightened.
To those of you who do not live in this area - we are having a 'real winter' this year - received 20cm./8" MORE snow on Saturday and could not leave our house until our faithful farmer neighbour ploughed out our laneway. This makes the 5th time this season that he has had to do this - before Christmas, it was 3 times in one week. Those of you who live farther north may laugh at that 'little bit of snow' but it is a lot for us ! Everything is well blanketed with snow and on a sunny day it is quite pretty.
And, lastly, in another week, my hair should start growing back in !!! I have a good crop of stubble but it should start to grow seriously 3 weeks after the last chemo, which was Jan. 2.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Update - Friday, Jan. 9, 2009
It's been an unusual and difficult week; I haven't been able to write about it until today, for several reasons.
On Monday, we went to Windsor to meet my radiologist and start the process for my radiation treatments. In the course of the explanation of what I would be having, the phrase 'high risk of return' was used and it somehow caught both David and I off guard and threw us 'for a loop'. It's not news - we knew I had several factors that weren't good - but I guess that I had been doing so well through the chemo that we had not thought about it for a while. I will have 25 regular radiation treatments, starting Jan. 20 (trial run Jan. 19), followed by 4 booster treatments on my chest wall, because the surgeon was only able to get a clear margin of 2 mm. instead of 2 cm. So that was one of the upsetting details to think about again this week. (I should be finished about the end of February.)
Then, I was just really affected by the chemo this time and spent a good deal of the week horizontal, on the couch or on my bed. It hasn't hit me like this since the first time in September. My fingers are numb/tingly on all the last joints - hard to put in my earrings or do up buttons - and my toes are too tender to wear my boots. I hobble slowly, like a little old lady. Small things, I agree, when compared to what else I might be dealing with, but discouraging and also upsetting this week. I'm not a good 'sick person'. Last evening and today I am finally feeling more energetic and less sore and my taste buds are coming back to normal - so I am happier and feeling more positive.
So - I had to choose again to have faith in the promises I feel God gave me at the beginning of all of this, that I would survive due to His care and the care of others, and look away from the pit at my feet to the light at the end of this journey - and practise saying again, "Thy will be done in my life/on earth, as it is in Heaven." It took a couple of days to get there, which is why I couldn't write earlier. But here I stand - thanks again for your prayers.
"Even when walking through the dark valley (shadowed by) death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way." Psalm 23.4
On Monday, we went to Windsor to meet my radiologist and start the process for my radiation treatments. In the course of the explanation of what I would be having, the phrase 'high risk of return' was used and it somehow caught both David and I off guard and threw us 'for a loop'. It's not news - we knew I had several factors that weren't good - but I guess that I had been doing so well through the chemo that we had not thought about it for a while. I will have 25 regular radiation treatments, starting Jan. 20 (trial run Jan. 19), followed by 4 booster treatments on my chest wall, because the surgeon was only able to get a clear margin of 2 mm. instead of 2 cm. So that was one of the upsetting details to think about again this week. (I should be finished about the end of February.)
Then, I was just really affected by the chemo this time and spent a good deal of the week horizontal, on the couch or on my bed. It hasn't hit me like this since the first time in September. My fingers are numb/tingly on all the last joints - hard to put in my earrings or do up buttons - and my toes are too tender to wear my boots. I hobble slowly, like a little old lady. Small things, I agree, when compared to what else I might be dealing with, but discouraging and also upsetting this week. I'm not a good 'sick person'. Last evening and today I am finally feeling more energetic and less sore and my taste buds are coming back to normal - so I am happier and feeling more positive.
So - I had to choose again to have faith in the promises I feel God gave me at the beginning of all of this, that I would survive due to His care and the care of others, and look away from the pit at my feet to the light at the end of this journey - and practise saying again, "Thy will be done in my life/on earth, as it is in Heaven." It took a couple of days to get there, which is why I couldn't write earlier. But here I stand - thanks again for your prayers.
"Even when walking through the dark valley (shadowed by) death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way." Psalm 23.4
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Jan 2, 2009 - Last Chemo Trip!
We had just returned from Kitchener the day before but we made it up by 5:30 or so and were in Windsor in the lab just after 8:00 a.m. There was a line-up - something I hadn't seen before. We were processed about 8:30 and upstairs waiting to see the doctor before 9:00 a.m. I didn't see my own doctor as she was taking a holiday, but was able to have my check-up shortly after 9:00, got my meds from the pharmacy and was called in to the chemo suite by 10:00 a.m. (My blood pressure numbers were fine all day, so we are wondering if the device I was using at home was accurate.) It was looking pretty good for an early day until they tried to get my port open...three hours later, it cleared. It was frustrating, since this had happened two cycles back as well. There is a protein build-up inside the vein and it has to be cleared out before they will administer the chemo drugs. They certainly don't want them going into the wrong location inside of me. So, the end result was that I closed the place down at 6:00 p.m. and two nurses had to wait with me to finish the procedure. A long, frustrating day - but the last one ! I will still have to go to get the experimental drug chemo until Sept. but that's only 30 min. so even if I have this port problem again it won't take so long. We left Chatham at 7:00 a.m. to be in Windsor for 8:00 a.m. and we left Windsor at 7:00 p.m. (stopped for supper) to be home for 8:00 p.m. Long day.
I return to Windsor Monday afternoon to meet my radiologist and get set up for my treatments for that - marking the location, etc. I should also be getting my schedule, so I will know when this starts and time of day, etc. That will give shape to the next two months, as I will go daily to Windsor, Monday to Friday, for 6.5 weeks. The actual treatment time isn't long, apparently, but it has to be done daily. On Jan. 15, I also get my Avastin chemo but will switch to a three-week cycle for it then. A couple of days, I will have both chemo and radiation, I guess. Then there will also be some tests again - a heart video and possibly another CT scan. I am well monitored.
And, last but not least, my hair should start growing back about the third week in January - it's already kind of growing and looks like stubble, so I'm optimistic. I imagine by Easter I will have enough to stop using my wig, or possibly sooner.
Thanks again for your prayers and your ongoing support. I wish each of you a Happy/Blessed New Year for 2009 !
I return to Windsor Monday afternoon to meet my radiologist and get set up for my treatments for that - marking the location, etc. I should also be getting my schedule, so I will know when this starts and time of day, etc. That will give shape to the next two months, as I will go daily to Windsor, Monday to Friday, for 6.5 weeks. The actual treatment time isn't long, apparently, but it has to be done daily. On Jan. 15, I also get my Avastin chemo but will switch to a three-week cycle for it then. A couple of days, I will have both chemo and radiation, I guess. Then there will also be some tests again - a heart video and possibly another CT scan. I am well monitored.
And, last but not least, my hair should start growing back about the third week in January - it's already kind of growing and looks like stubble, so I'm optimistic. I imagine by Easter I will have enough to stop using my wig, or possibly sooner.
Thanks again for your prayers and your ongoing support. I wish each of you a Happy/Blessed New Year for 2009 !
Christmas 2008
Well, we had a great time, in spite of several airline mix-ups. First to arrive was my daughter from Kitchener, who came Saturday, Dec. 19 ahead of another snowstorm and two days before she had planned to come. Next, son from Seattle and lovely girlfriend, who had an unplanned overnight in Las Vegas but made it for a lasagna supper Tuesday, Dec. 23. On Dec. 24, we had a lovely evening with some of our oldest and dearest friends after the Candlelight Service at church. The phone rang while we were all munching and talking with the best news - the Texas crew were going to be able to make it after all ! Plans had changed at their end and they had tickets to fly up Christmas Day afternoon ! We were all pretty excited ! Their original plan was to overnight in Detroit and arrive early Boxing Day; actual outcome was an overnight in Chicago and arrival in time for Christmas dinner late on Boxing Day. Christmas Day evening saw the arrival of our youngest son from Kitchener and his lovely girlfriend. My sister also drove down from Ottawa on Boxing Day. So, by Boxing Day evening, we were all under the same roof, enjoying Christmas dinner at a very extended table! I was able to cook that dinner and it gave me huge satisfaction to be able to do so.
The next day, the men took over the kitchen and David cooked a wonderful French meal - fois gras, cassoulet, roast duck and crème brulée ! The ladies retreated to the hotel where most of the people were staying and had a relaxed lunch and some shopping. I went for a brief walk with my Texas grandson and helped him make and throw some snowballs - a first for him! Quite a day !
But then we got to the sad part, where people had to leave. Our Seattle son and girlfriend had to leave Sunday, Dec. 28 - had another unexpected overnight as part of their return trip and a late departure on this trip too. Our Kitchener son and girlfriend returned Monday and my sister left Tuesday morning to drive back to Ottawa. Fortunately, she had good weather both trips. The rest of us packed up Tuesday also and went to Kitchener for New Year's so we were able to have a couple more days together. We were treated to a wonderful Asian dinner at a restaurant Tuesday evening, where David presented me with a beautiful necklace , to celebrate the successful end of my chemo. Then we had twelve people at my daughter's house New Year's Eve, enjoying an amazing Laotian/Thai dinner prepared by my son's lovely girlfriend and her sister.
New Year's Day was the wrap-up - we had breakfast together and then had to leave. The Texas crew drove back to Detroit to prepare for a 7:00 a.m. flight the next day - a baby and a toddler and all the attendant baggage; they made it, too ! David and I returned home later in the afternoon and called it a day.
So, all in all, it was a wonderful time, especially because we were all together for a couple of days, because I got in lots of grandma time that I wasn't expecting and because all of our children and my lovely daughter-in-law and their great girlfriends did so much to just make it happen. I thank you all for your time in airports, time in the kitchen, time doing odd jobs around the house, time just being here. It was the best gift of all.
The next day, the men took over the kitchen and David cooked a wonderful French meal - fois gras, cassoulet, roast duck and crème brulée ! The ladies retreated to the hotel where most of the people were staying and had a relaxed lunch and some shopping. I went for a brief walk with my Texas grandson and helped him make and throw some snowballs - a first for him! Quite a day !
But then we got to the sad part, where people had to leave. Our Seattle son and girlfriend had to leave Sunday, Dec. 28 - had another unexpected overnight as part of their return trip and a late departure on this trip too. Our Kitchener son and girlfriend returned Monday and my sister left Tuesday morning to drive back to Ottawa. Fortunately, she had good weather both trips. The rest of us packed up Tuesday also and went to Kitchener for New Year's so we were able to have a couple more days together. We were treated to a wonderful Asian dinner at a restaurant Tuesday evening, where David presented me with a beautiful necklace , to celebrate the successful end of my chemo. Then we had twelve people at my daughter's house New Year's Eve, enjoying an amazing Laotian/Thai dinner prepared by my son's lovely girlfriend and her sister.
New Year's Day was the wrap-up - we had breakfast together and then had to leave. The Texas crew drove back to Detroit to prepare for a 7:00 a.m. flight the next day - a baby and a toddler and all the attendant baggage; they made it, too ! David and I returned home later in the afternoon and called it a day.
So, all in all, it was a wonderful time, especially because we were all together for a couple of days, because I got in lots of grandma time that I wasn't expecting and because all of our children and my lovely daughter-in-law and their great girlfriends did so much to just make it happen. I thank you all for your time in airports, time in the kitchen, time doing odd jobs around the house, time just being here. It was the best gift of all.
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