Busy Weekend and Treatment Start-Up

Hi everyone!

Thought I would give an update as to what has been going on the past few weeks!

On a drug theme - no, not those kind of drugs! I had to find out from my insurance company what percentage they would pay for two of the drugs that Dr. Klimo wants me to go on. I got a call from the drug company that make Faslodex and they are going to co-pay, so I will not have to be out of pocket for that drug - it is expensive. My first dose will arrive here tomorrow and I will take it to my family doctor next week for her to inject it into my poor butt! The other drug, Vinorelbine, again, my insurance company will pay 100% of that drug. So, now just waiting to hear back from the nurse and the pharmacist. Will need to book a time for blood work at the medical day care at Lions Gate Hospital and then a chemo time as well. Things are moving forward and I am so glad about that. If you remember, I tend to be subject to lots of the side effects of any drug I have been given over the last 2 years. With the Faslodex - could be a good chance I could end up in hospital - it causes bladder infections and fevers - just what I need. There are lots of side effects for both of the drugs, but I will just try the power of positive thinking and maybe they will just not appear!!!

On Saturday, the 10th of April, it was the kick off for the Coquitlam Relay for Life and I was at our mall, with some of my family. They had me "lighting" one of the luminaries (was made for me last year by Chelsea!) and then pictures taken. We got about $100 donated and sounds like we may have gotten one team for the relay.

Later that afternoon, I headed down to the Hotel Vancouver to volunteer at the Diamond Ball, which is one of the big fundraising events for the Canadian Cancer Society. It was amazing and so beautiful. I was one of the volunteers for the VIP Champagne Reception! Got to talk to some wonderful patrons and may have talked one couple to coming to the Military Ball in May!! -
I was smart and took my flats - after a couple of hours of just standing in heels, the legs and feet get sore. And once they started yelling at me, I changed from the heels to the flats!! Came home to a beautiful bottle of red wine - it was so good! Thank you Brian!

Starting to gear up for the Relay for Life in June. Need to talk to a few places for items for our Silent Auction. And going to make a few items we can sell at the track and to friends. Should be a lot of fun. And if you want to join the team, just let me know and I will give you instructions and the same goes if you would like to make a donation as well. My goal for the team is $10,000 and my goal is $2,000. I would love to be in the Top 20 Teams, but I need you to help me!

That is about it for now. Will keep you posted about the chemo and hopefully will have pictures of the nurses at the hospital.

Ciao for now!

Roni

Whirlwind Week!

Hi all

Time for an update - just took me a little longer than I had hoped. Last week was a crazy one - and for the most part was a great week!

Saw Dr. P on Tuesday and had my blood work done. Numbers were in the normal range he said - I will need to get a copy of my file again to see what he wrote and to actually see what the numbers were. He asked how I had been feeling since seeing him last and with taking the tamoxifen. Other than tired, not much has changed. But did tell him that I felt I had been dumped by the BCCA. He asked why - and said it was how Brian and I felt and how it was told to us. Also told him that I had been to see Dr. Klimo and Gary asked how that went. Told him that I was more than likely going to go with Paul as he was not going to give up on me and that the had drugs he was willing to try and help me live with more quality not just length. He asked that I try and stay on the Tamoxifen for a month and then see what the CT scan shows.


But on a righter note from the cancer clinic, as I mentioned, Rae had made some caps during her time as a volunteer during the Olympics. I took them into the chemo room - well, wanted to say hello to all of the nurses as I hadn't seen them for a while. They loved the caps. Lisa took them all out of the bag and the women patients got all excited. Two of them were wearing the caps by the time I left. They were very much appreciated!!!

My friends Carol and Mary Margaret arrived from the States on Tuesday and enjoyed their company for a few days. Was first time meeting Carol and we just clicked. Mary Margaret and I had briefly met 7 years ago but only for an hour. Took them to the Vancouver Aquarium and they thoroughly enjoyed it - I did too. Loved the 4D show that they have going on at the moment. And if you live in the city, you should try and get to see it, it is very cool and that is all I am going to say at the moment!!! Carol kindly took Brian and I to dinner and we went to Ozarks in Langley. Some of the best ribs I have had!!! Thanks to Rick and Chantal for the tip!!! They left on Friday and had forgotten it was the start of the long weekend - so took them about 4 hours to cross!

Also on Tuesday (was a busy day) - I spoke at Maple Ridge Secondary School as part of their in-house Relay for Life. The crowd of students was smaller which was a little disappointing, but I got my point across, even if through tears. I had a wonderful support group with me - Meghan/Ryan/Madelynn, Patrick/Lisa, Scott, Carol and Mary Margaret. I will be going to their relay in May for the Survivor Lap. I hope that they surpass what they raised last year - $17,000! Way to go Ramblers! Unfortunately there was only one picture take of just me but oh well, that is ok.

I spoke at length with the pharmacist from Lions Gate Hospital on Thursday regarding the different drugs that Dr. K was thinking of putting me on. Seems strange to have a doctor who really does want to help and not just by the book. From what Marcus said wounds like I will be on a few different drugs at the same time. And possibly an immune system booster and I like the idea of that. So, once I hear back from my insurance company as to what they will cover and what %, then we will go from there and start the new treatment.

Saturday we had our Easter dinner - with family. Shannon and Dwayne were there as were his Mom and Dad - Diane and Ron and his youngest brother, Dustin. Patrick and Lisa. Meghan with Ryan and Madelynn - unfortunately, Corey had to work this year but he was there in spirit! The turkey and ham went over well with everyone! I even had my "midnight" turkey sandwich - though it wasn't quite midnight!

It is Easter today - Happy Easter everyone! And it is nice and quiet today. Sheets out on the line - they will smell wonderful tonight. Got caught up on my emails and my facebook - I was lagging a wee bit, but I am all caught up now!!

Guess that is about it for now! More once I start the drugs and possibly meet new nurses at the chemo room at LGH.

Roni