Saturday, September 18, 2010

Falling Leaves

I just want to say a great big thank you to all of you who came out today to support me. The sea of purple was amazing. We truly have great friends. Thanks to John and Joan for organizing the "purple" and all the Guelph runners for the meals and support. You all incredibly kind and thoughtful people. Thanks also to my co-workers from Kitchener who surprised me and ran and cheered.

A cheerful heart is good medicine.
Proverbs 17:22

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Sunnybrook

Today I drove myself to Sunnybrook to get a second opinion and to make sure from now on I get the proper treatment (mastectomy first was not the correct treatment). While my 10 am appointment finished at 1 pm with long waits I am very glad I went. First of all I am glad to be receiving treatment in Guelph...much more personalized and no traffic to contend with!! Second of all the appointment afforded me 2 new opportunities and keeps me in the loop for further trials with triple negative cancer. I am going to be able to be in a study a Women's College Hospital with BRCA gene testing for triple negative. Currently I do not qualify for this test in Ontario because I have no relatives with breast or ovarian cancer. The test is close to $4000 but now I get it free. There is currently a 10% chance of being positive for it with triple negative. I am praying I will be one of the 90% who are negative for the sake of our daughters.
The oncologist is also suggesting an MRI of the non-cancer side because the CT scan showed something in the lymph node and it is still enlarged. This was not previously offered to me and I was told the ultrasound showed nothing but  no one could explain why.
Sunnybrook is going to be keeping me in the loop for further trials on triple negative which I am happy about!


Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always


Psalm 105:4

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Head Shaven

On Wednesday my Mom took me to my second chemo, the first at the Guelph General Hospital. It took 3 tries to get a line in but the nurses were wonderful. I did not feel well afterwards and later vomited. Not the best day. Yesterday my hair started really falling out and I let C give me a short haircut. Only a few tears when I realized that this is actually happening to me. I don't want to look like a cancer patient but I don't think there is any way out of this! Today David and I went freecycling and I could feel the wind on my head, something I never felt before. Tonight D shaved my head and I am starting to get used to this. I have decided I really don't like my wig (named Daisy) because she looks too poofy but she was the least poofiest of them all! I may just have to go the bald route, should cut down on wind drag when I get back to running.


Kindness is the oil that takes friction out of life.
     -- Author Unknown

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Infection

Today Q started Grade 12, A started her 8 month co-op placement in Kitchener and C started her co-op in Elora. Today I also saw my surgeon for my post-op appointment. The infection that I thought I had but the doctor said I didn't have but David said I did have I now do have! I have started on a 1 week course of antibiotics which will hopefully clear up the infection. If it doesn't clear up the surgeon said he will have to open it up which could possibly mean delaying chemo.
I also met with my radiation oncologist who told me I will have 5 weeks of radiation Monday to Friday starting 1 month after chemo is done. I also saw where I will have chemo tomorrow at the Guelph General Hospital.
On a personal note I want to say that the Guelph Runners are amazing! Thank you so much for the meals and for all of you who helped David with our Forest Street house on Saturday...it does make a difference. Also thank you to all who have brought food, flowers and are praying for us. It is so much appreciated!

Today is a most unusual day, because we have never lived it before; we will never live it again; it is the only day we have. William Arthur Ward

Friday, September 3, 2010

Day 10

Today is day 10 of my first chemo cycle. I injected myself with my last dose of Neupogen (for this cycle) as my ever faithful cockapoo Zech watches. He hasn't missed an injection yet! Today my hair is technically supposed to start falling out but so far nothing has happened. It's not that I am complaining but I would like to see some evidence that the drugs are doing their job! I will ask the oncologist on Tuesday if still no hair loss.
I now get to enjoy the next 3 days without a single needle being put into my body and I am happy about that!

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 
Psalm 91:1