Radiation, Surprise Visitors and more

Hello everyone,

Christmas is just around the corner and I figure I should update the blog! – It has been a while, hasn’t it!

Last week, Brian and got to go to the 2010 Grant Recipient Reception for the CBCF for doctors who are doing various type of research with respect to breast cancer. It was a nice short and sweet event. No long speeches – just two and they were done within 45 minutes including handing out the monies and plaques. Was fun chatting with various staff from the foundation – all different levels. It was held at the Bill Reid Art Gallery and standing amongst his artwork as amazing – just wish I could afford some of it – but you could feel his spirit within the building. For those of you who do not know who he is, he is a renowned Haida Gwaii artist and is known all over the world. I also got my letter which is going out to over 100,000 people as one of the foundations big fundraiser and I proud to have my name attached to it.

Things at the BCCA have not changed from when I left them in March. As mentioned in the previous update, Dr. Sasha sent an email to Dr. Kwan at the agency for my appointment. Nothing. I had to call the agency and ask if there was an appointment to meet with him – and yes there was, they just hadn’t phoned me to let me know. So Brian and I met with him and a young student doctor. The appointment took almost 3 hours – long – never had so many questions asked!! They said I would get a call for my first appointment – they would do the brain first. Guess what – I had to call them to get the appointment – they were too busy to call patients with their appointment times. But I did get my times slowly but surely and radiation began. It was an interesting experience for sure. I felt like I was under the “K-Mart” blue light special! And it was warm. There were five treatments for the brain and then he decided he was not going to map neither the spine nor the hip. He told me to tell Dr. Klimo to order a bone scan!! Let’s just say, Dr. Klimo is not impressed – he knows there is something in the spine and hip! So, I have a bone scan on Monday afternoon. If I had to wait for the BCCA to book one it would be at least one or two months. Klimo orders and it is done! He had wanted it done yesterday but they were booked – and I am glad!

Chemo has started again and I am so glad. Gotta fight the dang tumours in my body. And also the extra drugs to keep the red and white counts where they should be – and that means bonus Airmiles at Safeway – wahooo!! Chemo starts today and then the next session is Christmas Eve – that will be the 3^rd one that has landed on that day! At least it is being done!!!

Went out to Club Colour the other day with my neighbor and painted a few pieces of ceramics for gifts for some of the staff at the clinic – will pick them up next week – and yes, will take pictures of them and post here. It is always so relaxing doing the painting and a lot of fun.

I finally applied for my handicap parking pass – now just have to take it into the office which I will do today on way home from chemo, if my driver had time! Will make things a lot easier when going out and not having to worry about running out of steam within a few feet – there are lots of spots where I grocery shop and at the mall.

The tree is up with the lights on – no decorations as of yet – will have to get on that. The lights are in the windows and on the pony wall. Just need to move the decorations from the boxes to the tree! Maybe I can get some volunteers!!! Patrick and Brian put the lights on the tree! And then get started on my Xmas baking. Have started making some chocolates and think tomorrow will be mincemeat and butter tarts. Then lots of little cookies with my Mom’s really old cookie press – can do lots of shapes for the shortbread and make some other cookies from the recipe book that I remember as a child. Then into the freezer they go.

We have another birthday party for one of our granddaughter’s. Ayla turns 2 on the 17^th, but her party is tomorrow, so will be lots of fun – a whole bunch of little kids running around!! Noise level should be interesting in the building they hold it in, but it is warm and that is good!

Christmas will be a little different this year. Brian has to work on Christmas Dad, but it is an afternoon shift so really not that bad. I am going to my former neighbor’s for dinner that evening – her daughter and son-in-law live a few blocks from here so they will take me. My kids will be at their father’s house. I will be hosting our Christmas dinner on Boxing Day – pot luck and can’t wait. Always fun to have the family over for dinner, especially when there are little kids around.

We had surprise visitors yesterday afternoon. My neice Elaine and her husband Jim had driven down from Clearwater to do some shoping and visit with his son who just lives up a few blocks from us. They were headed back home today so was just a short visit with us but tha tis ok. We don't get to see each other very often so the time we had was special.

Well, guess I should sign off for now, need to make a few phone calls before I go out and go out onto the deck and clean up the mess the Gloria made – she managed to knock over the recycle can and plastic is everywhere – silly cat. Write some cards and mail a gift.

So, if I am not on before Christmas – A Very Merry Christmas to everyone and lot of a peace and love. Looking forward to comments – they really do brighten my day when I read them.

Roni

Vancouver Fashion Week, Doc appts

Hi everyone

Well, I was part of the Vancouver Fashion Week - and what a lot of fun this was - this was the first year they included the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and some breast cancer survivors. Brian and I went to the Opening Gala on the Tuesday evening, November 2nd and met up with the designer who was going to be "dressing" me - Patricia Fieldwalker. What a wonderful lady she was! She was quite excited as to what she was going to be doing to me the next day. So, on Wednesday evening, the 3rd, we went to the hotel and were shown backstage to the dressing area. I had three hair dressers descend upon me - oh stop laughing, they had stuff to play with! Dylan, Katie-Rose and a few others had a blast playing with the french silk lace that Patricia had provided them along with an emerald green silk rose she had made. There were lots of bobby pins holding it all together and all had sparkles on them. Then the makeup artist got her chance with me. She did a great job but one of the head makeup gals came over and told her to make me more smokey - and she did - I suddenly had eyebrows again and beautiful green eyes, though she did have a heck of a problem with the eyelashes (mine are not very long). Then it was sit around time, Brian was asked to leave the room after being there for 90 minutes but he didn't mind, you can only look at the ceiling and your shoes for so long. With lots of 20 year olds clad in very little clothing all over the place. I had no real idea as to what was going on. All I knew was that one of the models would be in the robe before me and come off stage and I would get to put it on. It was so beautiful - wish I could have kept it. Brian was out front at this point watching the show and waiting for me to come out. Now at this point I am in the robe and waiting in the wings with the models and Patricia. She took a look at the robe and retied it to lay flat. And remember, I am also in 3.5" spike heels!!! The models did their last walk of the runway and then they introduced Patricia and myself - I couldn't hear this from where we were, but once she took my hand and led me onstage, it was exciting, there were people applauding and cameras flashing and down the runway we went!! It was a lot of fun and would do it again for them next year! When I came off stage, I was approached by the gal from the CBCF telling me that Black Out Productions wanted to do an interview of me! Told her ok, I needed to find my husband - who was in the media room at this point and they were waiting for me - no one told me that and I had gone backstage and changed into my jeans again, leaving my head wrap on. I quickly made to the media room, had a picture take with Patricia and then the organizer of the event, Jamal wanted pictures with me and with some of the models. There were cameras everywhere! Then it was time for the interview with Lauren. And of course I couldn't make it through without some tears but that was ok, They have included my blog on their website and I think that is awesome! Blackoutproductions.ca and then look for Breast Cancer Survivor Walks the Catwalk at the VFW. I can't get it to embed on this page, so you will have to do a little work and you can hear the interview and watch me walk down the catwalk!!!.

I lost a very dear friend on Wednesday afternoon - Samantha passed away at the age of 19. Even though I knew it was coming it was a very hard death the accept. This young woman became an instant friend two and a half years ago and she will be sadly missed. She was such an inspiration to other people, including me, to not accept the word can't. I was glad that I got a chance to visit with her at the hospice and to talk with her on the phone when I was in the hospital after my surgery - even then she was encouraging me to go forward. May you RIP Sam and you will always be in my heart.

Brian and I went to see Dr. Sasha on Wednesday and told him that I had had to call the FVCC to find out if I had an appointment - which I did - and my comment to the the clerk was, when was someone going to phone me? My appointment is Monday morning at 8:15. Dr. Sasha said he would send another email to Dr. Kwan telling him to get the treatment going - I was already three weeks behind and 2 months behind in my chemo. You can't do radiation and chemo at the same time - so this has been a major road block. I plan on telling him as well to get the treatment going this week. I want to get my health back as it has deteriorated considerably - I get winded very easily and find it difficult to walk up and down the stairs. This is all so new and a little nerve racking to say the least. But hopefully this doctor is good and knows what he is doing and gets into action quickly.

Hugz

Roni

That has been about it for the last few weeks. Will update next week with what Dr. Kwan has to say and also what Dr. Klimo has to say as I am to phone the clinic with my appointment dates and then go from there.

Just an update

Hi everyone

Just an update to keep everyone in the loop! Not too much has been going on over the last three weeks other than healing - and that is what s important!

As mentioned in the last post, Dr. Mutat took out his handiwork and it is healing wonderfully and he did a pretty good job at it as well.

I go back and see Dr. Klimo on the 10th for the change in protocol and then more than likely on the 12th for chemo - at long last - I am way too past due for my chemo (was due Oct 1 and well it kinda got pushed back) and need to get the nasty drugs into my system to start battling the tumours again. I also have an appointment with the BCCA to see a Dr. Winkle Kwan who is a radiation oncologist - Nov 15 - long time away at the FVCC where I had been previously. We were hoping to have gotten the radiation information and got the process going. But guess will have to wait to see him and see what he has to say.

On a real bright note, I will be part of Vancouver Fashion Week starting at the gala tomorrow evening. My designer, Patricia Fieldwalker is talking with the organizer and seeing if she is making me two outfits or one. I had thought just one for the fashion show on Wed but she seems to think she needs to make something for me for the gala - heck, I will take whatever she suggests! She sounds very bright and upbeat and that is real nice to have right now. At the end of the month, Brian and I will be attending the 2010 Grant reception for some of the top achievers within cancer research and I am very proud to be a part of this.

I want to send out some thank you notes via here - I know, cheating!!!! Anita - from UWLM - you make awesome banana blueberry bread!!! My friends from England want the recipe!!! Pink Angel thank you so much for the Cancer Vixen book - I am enjoying reading it and can relate all the way through, as can you I bet!! Annie, my wonderful older sister - thanks for the lottery ticket - it is a winner as you told me and has a few more draws to go - maybe a few more bucks would be nice!! Rae & Wilkie - thank you so much for the M&M card - it will go to good use for sure. Lori - the scone lady - they are amazingly good - one box down and another to go. NJ - your cake as always is so good - I really do want the recipe!! Other gals from UWLM for the chili and the pasta sauce - thank you so much - they are coming out next!!! All the flowers that came to the hospital and to home - they made my days even brighter. Especially the ones from the wedding in Hope!!! Long story on that one!!!!

Well that is about it for today - good news for a change and that is nice to have. Soon enough we will be back to ct scans and xray reports to see how the chemo and the radiation are working together in getting rid of the damn tumours.

Love to all
Roni

And now let the games begin

Hello everyone!

First of all, I want to send out a very special thank you to everyone who sent so much love and support to both me and my family over the past few weeks. It has been amazing and I am so overwhelmed at what I received. I hope that I can give it back ten-fold at some point in my life. Gals from work, Lodge Southern Cross, friends from afar and near - Thank you again!

This picture was taken just prior to the start of surgery - sort of the deer in the headlights look. Not sure what to expect for sure.

This is Friday afternoon just prior to Dr. Mutat taking the dressing off and with Diane - of the best nurses that I had while in - she had a tough job ahead of her and handled it with such professionalism and kindness.

This one was taken by Shannon once they put me in the ICU ward. I think I was awake and as soon as she went to take the picture, out I went!!! The hockey turban helped keep everything inside - hard to believe that less than 24 hours later it was off of my head! And yes, there are tubes coming from every which direction and yes, like the dressing, were all gone within 24 hours and it felt great and being able to just get up and walk around. When Dr. Mutat came to see my Friday afternoon, he told me I could go home Sunday - I said nope - I was not ready - emotionally or physically.

The Sunday morning stoned look!!!

For those of you who have been asking, here is a bit of information about the three tumours which Dr. Mutat removed on October 14th. One was the size of a half a pear - if you have a can of pears you can get the idea. That was the one that has been causing the most trouble and it all now makes sense to me. The other two were the size of creamers. They also found two on my spine - one at T-11 and one at V1 and the other is on my hip. These all now make sense in respect to pain I have been having.

Dr. Klimo is calling the BCCA to set up an appointment with the radiation oncologist for the brain and back and this will be done at the Fraser Valley Centre in Surrey. This will be all new to me and it is a little scary with what to expect etc. And he is also going to change my chemo protocol. I did not know but the brain blocks chemotherapy via the blood system. So it is going to try and think of another way to get in - like bloody hell it is!!

I go and see Dr. Mutat on the 28th for him to remove the 41 staples in my head - and I will be so glad once these are gone and I can go back hopefully to my normal sleep pattern. All in good time and one hour at a time.

I must say, that the medical care that I received while I was at Lions Gate Hospital, was the best I have ever received in any hospital. The nursing staff were fantastic, I can't say enough good things about them. Two of them stand out in particular - Diane and Kelly - you were great!! Diane had the hard part of taking the drainage tube from my head and that was the most painful thing that I have had done, but she just held my head, told me to press the medication button and let me cry. Even the food was decent - and that is saying a great deal - yummy meatloaf! Sure there was the odd nurse that wasn't quite ready for that floor but she will grow in time and will move elsewhere within the medical field. Kelly is a one year grad from Douglas Collage and is going to be a great nurse - she asked me if I would like a shower!! Chair showers are far too underrated......LOL..... they are awesome! It sounds like it would be easy, but you need three hands when it comes to juggling the nozzle, facecloth and soap - it is not as easy as one would think it would be. I managed to sneak the bottle home!! I even got a room with a view - not kidding. I requested a semi -private room and I got it on Saturday night - they needed my bed in ICU for a critical care patient from Emerg and I was the healthiest one on the ward and I could walk. Off Diane and I went to a sleepover! I got to pick my bed - by the window and by the bathroom. I had an inlet view and for those of you from the lower mainland will understand that. And had the room to myself till Sunday evening and it was perfect.

Thank you to Shannon's co-workers for making food packages for us - greatly appreciated. Anita's banana/blueberry loaf has been a hit with everyone who has had it! Peggy for the wonderful soup and lunch yesterday. I know there is more coming and just an early thank you very much. NJ - your cake is wonderful as usual - just attacked it today - and hopefully will last for company on the weekend!

I also received a bouquet of flowers and a beautiful note from a young lady I have not met but will do so this week. It brought tears to my eyes, but tears of happiness and joy - thank you so very much Selina!

I owe so much to my family - Brian, Shannon, Meghan, Patrick, Lindsay, Matt and CW - you were with me every way of the step and for this I thank you and love you. Not sure how I would have made it through this ordeal without you by my side!

There was to be another picture but will add it later, I want to get this out to people so that they know I am ok and looking forward to what my future holds!

This was taken with Dr. Mutat after he had removed all of my staples and he asked if I wanted to keep them - no thanks!!! There are a couple of titanium clps which will stay in to hold the brain intact (Good thing!)

Love

Roni

Quick update

Just a quick update here....

Mom is being released tonight from the hospital. I'm sure she will love to have visitors once she has settled in. Just call first is all she's asking, to make sure she is up to having company.

Surgery Updates

Hi Everyone,



Sorry to have not gotten this up sooner, it's been a bit busy the last couple of days.



Mom went in for surgery between 9 and 9:30am on Thursday morning. The surgery was supposed to last about 6 hours, however, it didn't end up taking quite that long. After a VERY long day waiting for news, the surgeon came out to talk to Shannon, Lindsay, Brian and Patrick to let them know how the surgery went. He was able to remove 3 tumors from the right side of her brain and she was stable the entire time. Mom then went into recovery for the next hour and a half and then was taken up the Neuroscience Critical Care Unit.



As the anaesthetic wore off and the pain meds kicked in (she was on patient controlled medication), Mom was quite the source of amusement. She even told Patrick he had to leave because he was too hot. . .



We have all been taking our turns to go in a visit with Mom and bring her anything she needs-magazines, pillows, chocolate, etc.



The nurses have been quite happy and surprised with how well Mom is recovering. The plan was that Mom would be in the NCCU for 48 hours and then in different ward for another 3-5 days, depending on her recovery. Well, the surgeon came by early last night to change the bandages and remove the iv/drainage tubes, (she had a central line in her neck, a line in her
port, an arterial line in her wrist, and a drainage tube from her brain about the size of an old style mouse cord), and was very happy with how well she was healing. So happy that he has said she may be able to come home on Sunday.



So what this then means, is that she won't be able to have any hospital visits from anyone other than immediate family. Mom will however be able to have visitors at home, once she has settled in and is feeling up to it.. For those who would like to come by and visit, please call first to make sure Mom is feeling up to it.



Mom wanted me to say a HUGE thank you for all the prayers & thoughts!!! And that she is looking forward to being home, in her own bed and talking to all of you again soon :)

Unexpected News

Hello everyone,

This is not a blog I anticipated writing after seeing Dr. Klimo on Thursday. When I sent to see him, first thing is off to the exam room and he checks for lumps and bumps (as he calls them) and asks me if there is anything new I should be telling him. Unfortunately, there was something I had to tell him. Told him that I had been having some issues with my eyes - seeing funny lines and other things along that line. He took me back to his office and we chatted a bit more - and then he said, I needed to go and have a CT scan of the head immediately. So, off I went down to the CT department and was taken immediately to the set up area - IV's etc. Because my veins play hide and seek, they had to call for an IV technician. She did a great job and got it in the first try, Once they put a bag of saline through you it is into the room where they keep the CT scanner. I lay on the bed - opposite way of normal - head where my feet normally are. I was put into a head brace and given the contract dye immediately. Then told to just relax and lay still! I was so comfy - and then they took a second set of scans - that worried me right off the bat. But once they were done, I lay a bit till I got my bearings an then sat up - and again had to sit for a few minutes as I was a little dizzy. No comments from the peanut gallery!

I went back upstairs, had a little lunch and then waited for Dr. Klimo. He called me into his office and he pulled up the scan - first response - "uh oh not good, bring your chair over to me" - that way I could see the screen and I knew what I saw was not good. Large dark spot the shape of an egg on the right side of my brain and several smaller "tufts" as I call them scattered around. Paul said that I needed to see the neurosurgeon on call immediately. I burst into tears as I knew the cancer had spread. You don't know how to react or think. The call was put out for Dr. Mutut and I waited. Called Brian and cried - but he said 'Roni, we have made it through stuff like this before, we will make it again." Then called the kids - that was hard to do. Shannon and Lindsay left work and came directly to the hospital and was so glad that they did. The nurses were wonderful - lots of comforting hugs and head rubs. Laura brought the social worker to meet with me and I was glad that she did. After waiting a while, I asked when the surgeon would be here. He was in surgery the rest of the day and was booked for Friday as well. The earliest I could get in was 9:45am on Saturday. It would be a hard wait, but we made it through it.

Thursday night, I had all my kids at the house - we had some wine and some munchies and just talked and cried and said we would be ok. I thank my kids for coming over - meant the world to Brian and to me. They are great kids. And they also got me two dozen beautiful pink roses - they look stunning!

Then it was time for phone calls to people who should know - and a few tears were shed - but tears of love and fear. I have contacted my family and most of my immediate friends.

Saturday came - Brian and I met with Dr. Mutut - we both liked him. He explained what he was going to do and what the large lesion had affected - some of my dexterity had been compromised. He is going to talk with Dr. Klimo tomorrow to discuss some items which I won't go into detail here. He thinks I should meet with the guy who puts you to sleep (brain not working to spell it!!) to see if my lungs are going to be able to handle the stress of the surgery. Good idea. He went through some of the things that could happen - bleeding from the brain, infection, seizures and stroke. Scary to hear but necessary. He said that he would take the main tumour and if he could he would try and remove the smaller ones. They don't like to expose the brain for too long and risk infection.

Sounds like surgery will be later this week - 3-5 days in the hospital. I will have my bag packed with my own pj's and such - might as well be comfy in there! Messes up Thanksgiving - but someone can cook the turkey and still have a family dinner. I won't be posting here during my time in the hospital.

Meghan or Shannon will more than likely put information on my Facebook wall as to when I can have visitors, what room I am in etc. I will be in Lions Gate Hospital - which is in North Vancouver for those of you not familiar with the area. I am kinda hoping that they will drain the right lung - will make breathing easier for sure. Two drains - one for the brain and one for the lung - ok that one is a chest tube.

I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed and hope that all goes well. Thank you so far for all of the good wishes and love and hugs. And from Sandy in England, the beautiful flower arrangement which arrived on Friday.

Remember to think of Brian too - some cooked meals would be great for him - subtle aren't I?

That is all for now.

Love
Roni

Slowly But Surely

Ok, so it has taken me a while to sit down and write this. Just had too much going on!

Chemo went as chemo does!! Slow and boring. Val came with me for the first time and as usual we had a good time. It was suggested by me Pain Management Specialist to have an x-ray taken of my lung to ensure that I didn't have a clot in it. Of course this took bit longer than we anticipated – was put on a Stat, but you forget that emergency cases bump Stat cases. So we didn’t get our nice lunch as planned but it tasted good nonetheless. I did get a ct scan taken the following week and will get those results on Sept 30!

Sunday, Sept 19, was the 1^st Annual Terry Fox Run in Coquitlam and I was honoured to have been asked to be one of the two key note speakers. The weather wasn’t the greatest, but as I said in my speech, Terry ran in far worse weather and for greater distances. I managed to deliver the speech with a few sniffles here and there. It was great to have all my kids there plus the few extra. Shannon did a great job and took a video of the speech. It was fun making the front page of the local commuter newspaper as well as the local paper again! The run was amazing - 427 people and over $16.000 raised - wait till next year!!!

Friday, Patrick made a 6 course tasting menu for the family! It was so yummy! And I had a blast shopping with him on Thursday at Lonsdale Quay and Granville Island Market. He is an amazing chef and you can see his passion in his presentation and in the taste. The game hens were the yummiest I have ever had!!!

Saturday was our neighbour's wedding. Donna and Deni – and it was a beautiful day – the sun shone down on the bride and groom. The reception was great – and the food – Mama Mia…. Traditional Italian wedding – lots and lots and lots of food. We even got a little bit of dancing in – though the lungs didn’t like trying to do the twist! But we did have a slow waltz and it was wonderful.

I have a busy week coming up. Going to have coffee with Vera Monday, she used to teach me belly dancing – oh stop laughing, I was pretty good! She was far better. Time to sneak a few things from her closet – seems I did this before!! Wednesday is coffee with Kim at the CBCF and then lunch with Lori – we will have a blast as we always do. Thursday is blood work day and visit with Dr. Klimo – have lots of questions for him and hopefully he will have some answers for me and good results. And then chemo on Friday and Pat is coming with me – time to take a peek at a few hats down on the Quay. I am hoping to get a visit with Samantha, who is in hospice - maybe some sour skittles will make her feel better!

That is all for now.

Love

Roni/Mom

Chemo, Filming and the PNE

Interesting combination isn’t it!

Well, my Friday started normally for my usual chemo day! Colleen came to drive me and to also be my filming partner for the day! Chemo was bright and early – though once there, Gabbie got a bit behind – she had a lot of patients that morning. Went and weighed myself and was down again. On Thursday when I saw Dr. Klimo I was 64.2kg but on Friday was down to 63.7kg. Not much to worry about. My red count was up but still not at the magic number of 110 so had to take the injection once I got home. Chatted with an older fellow, Frank and he was a hoot. Compared constipation solutions – none of which work it seems! Once the chemo got going, we weren’t there long. But agreed to meet up with Frank on my next chemo visit - we are on the same schedule.

Then we jumped on the bus to catch the sea bus and head for our filming session. What a blast that was – though it was long and extremely hot. The first part after they did our makeup, was just Colleen and I and for her to say three words – took us 30 minutes or maybe a bit longer. Not that she wasn’t doing them right – but they wanted a certain tone and then for us to act funny – we had no problem with that. We then got a 30 minute break to go and grab some lunch. And then back to the set - which was Jack Poole Plaza down towards the water – a stunning view for sure. We had to wait a few minutes for Pamela Martin to show and get the rest of the commercial done. This commercial, by the way, is for the CIBC Run for the Cure which is on October 3 this year. The commercial itself will start to run on September 12. The next part took about 2 hours – you would get set up and someone would walk through the set – duh – since when does “filming in progress” mean walk through the people in the shot – including bridal parties and bike riders! And of course, we would get ready and then a plane would land. We had to wait numerous times for the float planes to take off and land – they are rather noisy to say the least. But at about 3:30 it was a wrap and we got to leave!

I wanted to stop by my office to say hi to ever happened to be there on a Friday! Luckily Lori and Heather were there, so had a wee chat with them and the new president, Allen! Then downstairs for a glass of wine – I mean what else do you do on a Friday afternoon at a parking company.

Then we headed back to the sea bus to catch our bus back to the hospital. The two blocks I had to walk were slightly uphill and I had to stop numerous times to be able to catch my breath. The fluid is building again so it does make walking difficult. Into the hospital we went and downstairs to the CT scan area. I had an appointment to get a ct scan done of my lower spine. It was a piece of cake. No contrast dye - just lay down for 5 minutes and it is done!

The next time I see Dr. Klimo, he is going to get asked when he is going to refer me to Dr. Bond to remove the fluid which is building up and to insert the talc which he put in 2 years ago. I am having difficulties walking and even walking up the stairs. Carrying laundry can wind me big time! But that is for the next blog!

Colleen and I called it quits and headed for the highway – and lucky for us, wasn’t too bad a ride home. And when I got there, Brian had made a very nice dinner complete with wine for me. Was a welcome surprise to say the least. And then into the hot tub for a bit to soothe the body.

Saturday, another early morning – but a much welcomed one! We were off to the PNE – the fair with Rod and Colleen. Ran into Colin on the bus and he stayed with us the time we were there. The Naval Tattoo was pretty good though they could have had more of the pipes and drums – as there were three pipe bands there. The United States Marine Corp band from Hawaii was there and they were awesome. As was the Royal Band from the UK. The Naden Band from Esquimalt entertained us prior to the show starting and then during the actual show. This show was part of our admission to the fair, so we got our money’s worth. We wandered down to the barns to check out the animals – there were some beautiful horses and some huge cattle. Zeldo and Zorro – both pure white and I forgot to see what type they were. Not the largest cattle I have seen there, but pretty big none the less. Of course Colin and I are thinking of items we could purchase for a certain little boy – and well, we did!

That was about it for my last two weeks. I am going to visit Samantha this Tuesday after she has radiation. Will be great to see both her and her Mom, Cathy. So, that is all, and look for the commercial (well those of you who can) to air as of the 12^th. And getting ready for the Terry Fox Run on the 19^th. I need to get my speech ready – at least it is short and for that I am grateful! Talk to you all soon and hope to see lots of comments. And hope that you enjoy the pictures!

Hugz

Roni

Two years have flown by, 4th Wedding, a visit with Samantha, Terry Fox Run, and Chemo again

It is hard to believe that it has been two years since we got the horrible news that my cancer had returned with a vengeance. Lots happened – lost my hair – and didn’t really care and still don’t. Tried multiple drugs through my original oncologist but to no avail. In March, was told nothing more they could do for me – well, I wasn’t having any of that. I changed doctors and it has changed my life! One lung is behaving itself and well the other one isn’t – but in time with the drugs this doctor has me on, I believe there will be a change. There is the possibility of another surgery to drain the right chest cavity and to add more of the talc which was put in in 2008, seems the stuff can dry up – how it does that with all the fluid is beyond me! That is fine with me, means Hopefully I will get Dr. James Bond again, and what woman wouldn’t want that! Will have more on this in the next blog. I have my appointment for the CT scan of my lower spine for the 3rd of September. This is just to check that there are no slipped or crushed discs and just the sciatic nerve acting up. It is still bothering me quite a bit but with the meds and the hot tub, it calms down.

Our fourth wedding of the year was held in Harrison Mills on the 14th of August. Leah and Colin had a beautiful wedding on the hottest day of the year. It was 38c! Yikes! But the venue made up for the heat – it was stunning for sure. I managed to get soaked – and not by falling in the pool or going into the river. No – I had a full glass of champagne dumped accidentally by the waiter down my dress – right from the top to the bottom. Poor guy had the look of I am going to be so fired! He stayed away from me the rest of the evening! It was a good thing it was not red wine – that would have just ruined the day and also good thing it was a light coloured dress! But it was sticky. So I wandered down to the pool and got my legs cleaned off – and the water felt so good too. My ex-husband picked on me off and on throughout the evening – asking if I had dried off yet!! Leah was such a beautiful bride and Colin a handsome groom.

Tuesday, Meghan and I went to visit Samantha and her Mom, Cathy! What a lovely home they have and the food was great and the wine was pretty good too. We didn’t know how Ryan would react to Sam only having one leg, but he didn’t care – she actually has three if you count the crutches!!! Cathy brought out some bubbles and that made Ryan such a happy little boy - he had bubbles going everywhere! My directions got me lost but not too badly – I was only a block or two off. Samantha is going through a pretty rough time right now and we were giving her lots of love and support. She is an amazing young lady for sure. We got to meet her brother Jeremy and her Dad, Shawn. We would have stayed longer, but Samantha was winding down and was in need of a nap. Can't wait to have them over for lunch to give Cathy a break and for Samantha to have a visit here - when she is up to it!

Wednesday evening, it was the first meeting of the Coquitlam committee for the Terry Fox Run. Coquitlam is a little behind the rest of the cities that have been having the run. This is actually the 30th year for it. Amazing what that young man did for cancer research. There were 11 members and 5 of us were from the Relay for Life. Time for a change! I will be speaking briefly at the opening of the run on September 19, so looking forward to that. This means I need to get in gear and write my speech. This run will be small this year, with it being the first, but we know that once it gets going, other years will have more participants. Port Coquitlam, which was the home of Terry Fox, has the Home Town run, and thousands come out to that one.

And another chemo day!! Sandy came with me this time – she has come with me several times to the Surrey clinic. First time for Lions Gate. Got my blood work done fairly quickly and then off to lunch we went to White Spot up the street. Both decided to eat healthy – salads and they were both really good! Got back to the clinic and waited and waited for Mandy, my nurse, to come and hook up the drugs I needed. They were so busy this Friday; the nurses were flying all over the place. I went down an entire 4 ounces! But once we got hooked up it went fairly quickly. My red count went up to 113 from 104, so I didn’t have to take the injection of Eprex - long as it is over 110 I am ok. I have to go back this Friday and get my blood taken and numbers checked and if under 110, then I will give myself the injection. I still have the mark from the first injection of the drug!

Our weather for the most part has been great – though we did have a hot spell and our temperatures were in the high 30’s and when you are not used to those numbers, you melt! The poor flowers sure didn’t like it in the least! The province is going through another bad fire season, but thankfully no homes have been lost to date and that is the most important thing!

The PNE has started and it is the 100th Anniversary. I plan on going at least once or twice; gotta get those mini donuts and get in on some of the free shows. Terry Clark is on tonight. Loverboy is coming up soon too. And all part of your admission of $15. A friend of Meghan’s is playing on the 24th so will try and see if I can make it to see him play!

Well, that is about all there is to tell. Looking forward to lots of comments. I really do like getting them. Hope you enjoyed the blog and the pictures!

Love
Roni

Heat, E3 Wedding, EPO + Y&R

HEAT, #3 WEDDING, EOP AND Y&R


Atasha and Brandon were married last weekend and she was such a beautiful bride. Loved watching her walk down the aisle on the arm of her Dad and carrying her little baby Emery – all dressed up in his tux. They even had his soother matching the flowers – was so cute! Patrick as well as Meghan, Corey and Madelynn were there. Ryan got to spend the day and night with Auntie Shannon and Uncle Dwayne!

Doc appts on Thursday went great. Dr. Klimo had me get another lung xray to compare with the one in June. Left lung clear - wahooo!! Right lung - damn pleural fluid is building up again, so it is a wait and see what happens. There is still a good sized mass in the front of the lung. My shortness of breath is getting worse. He will wait and see how I am the next time I see him. He is also putting me on another drug - erythropoietin aka EPO - the drug that Lance Armstrong was accused of using when he was charged with doping during his races. It adds oxygen to the red cells. Also saw the neurologist Dr. Cameron - and he agrees with the emerg doc and Klimo. I have done something to the sciatic nerve. He is sending me for a ct scan of my back and then will see what happens. When he was examining me, I had a back spasm - at least it did it when seeing a doctor! No heavy lifting, no vacuuming, now twisting or turning. Go easy on the back - I can do that :). Should have the scan in the next few weeks and will see Dr. Cameron afterwards to get the results.

Chemo on Friday went fine, though down another kilo in weight. They are getting worried on that - I am happy with it....LOL but I do understand where they are coming from. Colleen came with me, so didn't have to worry about driving. And my chemo has been extended till Oct 29. And it is helping me so that is ok with me. I have been told to drink more fluids - hell, I drink a ton of it now. And eat more - but it is hard to eat when you are not hungry, ya know what I mean. I went to talk to the System Management nurse, Laura, but she had taken her son for x-rays, - so I will phone her on Monday so that we can discuss the drug further. You take it 3 times a week and it is self injection and comes prefilled. Colleen and I then went out to the pub for some libation! It was nice to have some girl time. She doesn't get to drive me often so nice when we can do it.

Saturday I was at a Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Tea with the Stars - some of the cast members from the Young and the Restless. Held at the Marriott Pinnacle in Vancouver. I was down for only working about 90 minutes, the rest I got to smooze, eat and enjoy the show. It was a riot! Kate Linder (who has played Esther, the maid, for 28 years) started coming to Vancouver 12 years ago. Along with her were Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin), Stacey (Patti/Mary Ellen) and Michael (Adam Newman). The live auction was so much fun to watch! Over $25,000 raised I think – so that was awesome. I was one of the few lucky volunteers who got to sit with the guests - nice to have a “reserved” sign as to where to sit! And a great bunch of people at the table. What was even better, was hearing from the president of the CBCF, that there is a joint imitative with the CBCF, BCCA and provincial government to be announced that, by 2020 – Breast Cancer will no longer be a terminal illness, no more deaths from it but rather a
chronic illness that is treatable. That was fantastic news to hear for sure. The room exploded with applause!!!

Our weather has been fantastic!!!!! Today is our first day of rain in weeks! It is much needed for both the lower mainland but more so for the rest of the province where a large number of forest fires are burning. It can rain all day today and then stop! I much prefer the sun and warmth. But guess beggars can’t be choosers!!

Well, that is about all for now. More after my next chemo treatment.

Hope to hear from lots of you - missing your comments and of course your stories.... guess with smummer still hanging round, some folks may be away!
Hugz and love
Roni

BBQ and Firemen!

Well, not a whole lot has gone on these past two weeks. Which is nice at times!

Last Saturday (the 17th), we went to The Grands picnic. This was the casino Brian used to work for for many years. Nice to run into old friends and of course my cousin was there and I hadn't seen her in 2 years. She looks fabulous! Some of the gang hadn't seen me in a few years, so had to explain the story and got some very welcome support.

Last week I was interviewed for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundations for their fundraising letter which thy send out before Christmas. This year, the story will be my story and my picture. I think it is kinda cool. I have gone over a few drafts of it so far. Will be nice to see the final letter once all the powers that be, have a look over it. I am also looking forward to doing some speaking on behalf of the foundation

This Friday was a chemo Friday. Now you know, that I normally take someone with me. Well - this time I didn't - whoops! I had had to fast for 12 hours for a glucose sugar test as my numbers were a wee bit hit. Well, then they give you this horrid stuff to drink - sweet and very carbonated. On an empty stomach. Then they tell you to drink more. So went down to have my chemo, but the nurse suggested holding off as the anti-nausea meds have a lot of sugar in them so that wouldn't help my test. So we waited an extra hour before doing the chemo. Got the chemo done, ate my yogurt and banana and went home. That is when things sort of went down hill. I felt horrid. At one point felt as if I was going to blank out - and there is no real spots to pull over on this particular section of the highway. But made it into Port Moody and pulled into a side street and puked and puked and puked. I phoned Brian to let him know I would be home in a few minutes. Duh- stupid move on my art - should never go to chemo alone - just for reasons like this! I lay down for a couple of hours and just ate some plain noodles for dinner. Even Saturday didn't feel that great, but was ok for Sunday. So, yes, I have my drivers booked for the next two Fridays that I need to go to chemo.

Sunday - our annual bbq - and what a great time we all had. Had a short visit from Samantha and her Mom, Cathy was great to see them both - Samantha is such an amazing young woman and her Mom is keeps the house organized and straight as well as keeping track of where Sam has to be all the time! Including the firemen! How to make your bbq smokin!!!! The little kids loved it, they got to sit in the truck and play with the bells and whistles and horns. Tried on the fireman's uniforms - they were so tiny in the outfits! We didn't have as many people this year which was unfortunate, but there is alawys next year for sure. Think we had, including kids about 55. So down a wee bit but still a lot of fun! And tons of great food - thanks everyone for all the yummy dishes that were brought. And thank you Mike, for the funky bottle of wine from Tunusia - Brian and I can't wait to try it for sure! The kids were in and out of the pool though more just splashing. It will be there for when any of them come over again or when Gammie wants to wiggle her toes in some cool water.

I did have a visit from my home care nurse earlier this week - and she got after me for not managing my pain management. So I did go and see my family doctor she changed some of the meds and it does seem to have helped. I was supposed to have had a visit today from the OT, but so far, she has not appeared. My home Care nurse wants me to have a safety bar put into the bath and she figures she can get it put for free, if there is a recommendation from the OT. And for those of you who hae seen how I have to get into my tub, it could be a a done deal. When I as talking with Jackie my home care nurse, she said that normally you only get put on the palliative care program if you have less than 6 months 0 her comments was, yeah right, you ain't gonna be gone that soon!

My friend Heather had surgery this week, so we are praying that she gets good results and that they can get on with their lives and building a family.

And hoping that Shannon's foot is feeling much better, not a fun place to get a cut - barnacles on a clam shell ripped her foot apart - owie! Sent her home with a bug bag of Epsom salts and hope that made her feel a little bit better!

Well, time to add in some pictures here and then go and have a wee nap!
More in two weeks unless something exciting happens!

It has been an interesting two weeks!

Summer has at long last arrived, a little late, but that is OK, she is here now and almost everyone is happy - I know I am!


Lot of strange flowers coming up in the garden – a huge 6ft free lily – she is beautiful and smells great too. We also have this other HUGE purple flower growing in the back garden. It is large as well – blossom is bigger than my hand and has a think trunk. We are thinking another lily –but who knows and there are a few pictures of her here.



Had a visit with the gals from work two weeks ago - Deb was up from Florida and NJ was about to start her holidays. We had a wonderful visit and lunch at Rogue - which is in Waterfront Station. Beautiful reno for sure!

Sunday, I landed at Lions Gate Emergency department to have my hip checked. Seems I have sciatica. I had been talking with the palliative care nurses over the weekend and they thought I might have a fractured or broken hip. I would think that would be extremely painful. But the pain I had was enough to call Meghan and have her drive me to the hospital. Now in case you are wondering why we drove there and not to my usual Surrey Memorial Hospital, I had a bone scan done on the Wednesday before so figured might as well get it checked there. The young doctor I had wasn’t the friendliest but he got the job done. Sent me for an xray of the right hip and leg. He said it looked good and then I mentioned the bone scan and he took a look at it and said it was OK – meaning no cracks or breaks. He sent me home with an Rx for an anti-inflammatory. The home care nurse came to see me on Tuesday and did a check of me and had a lot of paperwork filled out that hadn’t been done originally. She had a form for me to take to the Red Cross to get crutches and a raised toilet seat. I am slowly figuring out the crutches – sometimes I think they are more of a pain than anything else, but if it helps take the pressure off the hip, then they will have done their job.

Wednesday was my group support day and we had a good day – two new ladies joined us, not sure if they will be around long, as one didn’t have metastatic cancer and the other is 84. But all the power to the two gals!! I then went to a new support facility – Friends for Life. It is a not-for-profit facility – and you can get all sorts of treatments done – i.e. reiki, massage, therapeutic touch, yoga, counseling, hypnotherapy, art therapy and so many other alternative therapies. I will be signing up for a few of them this week. It is in a beautiful heritage home in the West End – a bit of a drive – but worth it I think if I take 2 things in a day. And the view is stunning. They offer brunch two days a week and a family dinner on Sunday.

I saw Dr. Klimo on Thursday after my blood work. He checked me out a little more thoroughly than normal but that is OK. Told him I had been to see emergency on the Sunday. He took me back to his office and together we checked the one scan – there are three spots that have him a little concerned. Not sure if they are breast cancer spots of if they are bone cancer spots. One is on my hip, knee and one on my breast bone which is bothering me a little. When I told him about the sciatica, he said he would refer me to a neurologist and book and MRI. I know I will be seeing Dr. Cameron and should hear from him this week. I feel pretty good for the most part but do have my tired days and I know enough to go and lay down and have a rest.

Friday was my chemo day and nothing exciting happened. Down another couple of pounds which I am happy about and they don't seem to concerned at the clinic, though they are watching it. Got my needles for my injections which I start on Sunday - right, that is today!! And at chemo ran into one of the women I met at the Relay.

I have stepped down from the CCS Relay for Life Steering Committee – time for some new blood in there. I will be doing some volunteer work with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and meet with them on Wednesday afternoon to see where I can fit it. I am looking forward to the new challenge that lies ahead of me – sounds like a lot of fun!

Speaking of the Relay for Life – our total raised according to Division was $685,000 – that is only $25k off of our original total! So thanks to all of those who donated to my team and to all of the other teams. I am still short donations from a couple of people.

We will be having our annual bbq on July 25 and that should be a lot of fun – especially seeing as we are having the Port Coquitlam Fire Department in attendance –wahhhho

Well, that is about it for now – nothing too exciting but not too dull either!

Roni

All good news!

Now how is that to start the blog for a change!

A lot has happened the last two weeks. Went to see Dr. Klimo to get the results of my ct scan, saw him June 21. He asked how I was doing and if in any pain and I said yes, and he said in your right leg! How did he know! 50/50 chance he said. But I also said it was bothering my hip and walking. Patrick and I then went back to his office to actually see the results. He went through my file and asked when I had the last bone scan – February I think it was. He then pulled my x-ray and ct up on the screen. This is the first time I have ever seen them – was never shown them at the cancer clinic. He said there were no malignancies in my abdomen, liver looked good and kidneys were looking ok, as well, the pelvic area looked clean. There were no masses showing in my lungs which there had been previously– what a relief – just lots of “freckles” as he called the small tumours – and from the x-ray, could see that there were a lot of them. But the big ones had gone. He asked how I was tolerating the drugs and said not too bad actually and that I had gotten used to injecting myself. I have a feeling he is going to increase the dosage with doing as well as I am. My bone scan is booked for June 30th and will get the results on the 8th of July.

For Mother’s Day, my three wonderful kids had given me two gift cards to my favourite spa for an hour relaxation massage treatment and for a manicure. What a perfect time for it – just before Matt and Britt’s wedding. Massage was on Wednesday. I had Soo and she was so good. Got a 15 minute steam bath I decided to have mine after the massage – it was awesome! Then off to the waiting room – lemon water as well as cucumber water. The cucumber water was really good today – really fresh and cold. I need I think, to have a massage once a month – sounds like a wonderful plan to me.

My friend Tiberius came for a visit Wednesday – was so great to see him. He was in town only a short while getting his passport updated and lots of other paperwork he needed. He flew off Thursday back to Romania.

Chemo day – went off without a hitch – getting a little boring I think! I lost 3.3 lbs in two week, which they are a little concerned, but I was happy! Gabbie asked if I was trying to drop the weight or if it was because of the chemo and drugs, I said the latter. Other than I had to be there two hours before chemo to get the blood work, the time flew by. I managed to find a purse for the wedding in the hospital gift shop of all places and got it discounted as well. $18 for a stunning evening purse that will get lots of use. Actual time in the chemo chair was about 45 minutes – the chemo itself took 10 minutes to get into my system – they push this one quickly. Getting the pre-meds took longer! Got my needles for my five days of injections. But I was glad to be out and will be back in two weeks.

Then it was time for the rehearsal for Matt and Britt’s wedding. Was short and it will go off so well the day of the wedding. And then the rehearsal dinner, which was held at friend’s of Britt’s family out in Pitt Meadows. It was such a beautiful setting. Great food and friends – was a good evening, though when that sun went down, it was a tad chilly. So the bonfire was lit and it felt so good!

Saturday morning - well, had all the guys here for breakfast at 8am – pancakes and sausages. We sat out on the deck and relaxed and then off the guys went o pick up the vehicles and decorate the hall. I, on the other hand, went for my manicure with Veronica! I went for a totally different look for me on nail colour. I would be wearing a darker blue dress, so I went for a medium blue nail polish with some embellishments on two of the fingers. Looks odd at night time though! Veronica does such a great arm massage – almost as good as her pedicures! So, then it was home again – guys (and gal – Matt had one young lady in his wedding party) back from decorating the hall and the cars. Then it was time to get dressed! Lindsey in the bedroom, the guys in the living room. I ran downstairs and quickly got dressed – and the bathroom time upstairs was a hoot. The guys took more time fixing their hair then Lindsey and I did doing our makeup!!!

Brian left in one of the vehicles to go and get the bride and her maids. Russ drove the other vehicle with the guys. Patrick and I went in my car. Little bit of chaos getting organized at the firs bit, but then things started to roll along smoothly. The bride’s car arrived and they were told to go away that they were about 20 minutes early. So, Brian drove them up to Bunsen Lake and back. And when Britt got out of the vehicle – she looked so beautiful!

Brian and I walked down to the beach – long way in 3.5” heels!!! And of course we landed on the wrong side of the family – we stood with the bride’s family but that was ok, we were in front and got some beautiful pictures. The wee ones were all so cute – they almost stole the show. But once Britt arrived on the arm of her Dad, Ken – all eyes were on her! The ceremony was short and sweet – and the sun shone on them both – it was so beautiful. Then up the hill for family photos and once those were done, they bridal party left to take pictures elsewhere and the rest of us went inside for drinks and appies. Bridal party arrived back and a wonderful meal followed – one of the best I have had at a wedding for sure. It was a long day, but so worth it.

So, told you, it was all good news! This is all for now. Another report in two weeks.