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.

Relay, Birthday Party, CT and Chemo – what a busy two weeks

It has been a very busy two weeks since my last chemo. And it has just flown by. They say as you get older time goes by quicker – dang, they are right!!

19th Annual Coquitlam Relay for Life was held on June 6. $658,000 raised – pretty good! Best relay in Canada again!!!! And my team, the Country Dancing Boobies did such an awesome job – thank you to each and every one of the team – you helped raise $5700 – proud of the effort by all the team members. And what a beautiful day we had weather-wise. At one point it was 25c – perfect weather for relaying! And a very special thank you being sent to my “pink angel” Bonnie for the beautiful and amazing luminary she had sent down from Prince George for me. It brought me to tears! And we did a lap together via phone as she was doing the Kelowna Relay. Next year, she is coming down to do the relay here. Meghan commented that for 4 relays she has either been pregnant or had a baby at the track. This year with a three year old and a 7month old. We had fantastic music – especially the Crayons – it was their 18th appearance and we hope they keep coming back. And I made the front page of our local paper – ok – I made the banner on the top of the page - . I had my hair shaved off – for me and in honour of Samantha! It feels great!

And of course, the next day – as it has for the previous two years – Ryan’s birthday party. Forgot what the noise level can get when you have 6 or so little kids – they all had fun and that was what was important. Ryan was so cute – one of his first gifts was the big book on Thomas the Train – he sat down and just read the book – could have cared less on the other gifts he got. Though think he clued in later in the day. Meghan and Corey decided that next year – birthday party at a kid’s party place – kids can run around and make noise and not bother anyone! Unfortunately his Grandma wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t make it, but Daddy and Ryan went to see her the next day. And Grampa and Nana were on a business trip in Malaysia. Auntie Shannon and Uncle Dwayne got him a noisy toy – as did Uncle Patrick – but all learning toys!!!

Now, last week we got some sad news about my friend Samantha – she is an amazing young lady I met as a roommate when I went in the hospital for my first infection. The doctors at the cancer clinic gave her two months to live. This hit all of us hard. But this gal is not ready to give up and the cancer clinic should not give up on her. She was in the hospital this week for her chemo and we are hoping for some good results from her next scan. I suggested she go and see Dr. Klimo – she has life to gain. Now this gal is battling cancer and is also working hard to raise $30,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation (she has the same cancer that Terry Fox had). I am so honoured to call Samantha my friend! And same goes for her Mom, Cathy – so very glad to have them in my life. Rae and I went to visit Sam in the hospital and let Cathy get a wee break – she is an awesome Mom. By the way, did I mention that she is 19 years old.


Went yesterday (June 10) for my CT scan and met with the other oncologist as Dr. Klimo was out of town. Sasha is young and he is very nice but unfortunately he was running an hour late so my appointment was a little rushed as I had to get to my CT scan. He has ordered the scan from SMH so they can do a comparison. But man, did they ever make me drink water – three 12 oz glasses of water – two of which they didn’t say to sip – I downed them! And then a large bag of saline! I told the one technician that they only had one chance to get the needle in – she went and got an IV tech – told her the same thing – and she did it – thankfully! More pictures were taken than what I normally have had, but, if it shows shrinkage, I don’t mind. And I am thinking positive thoughts! Will do an update if I get the CT results earlier than the 25th.

Today was chemo day. Donna L came with me – what a hoot and what a lot of fun we had. My Neuts are down to 2.37, so will continue the neupogen shots. If they drop again, they may increase the shots to 6 or 7 rather than the 5. Julia was my nurse today – tried to get a picture but she was camera shy. And everything went so smoothly – first time for any of my chemos over the past two years! Wahooooo. Will have to change the time for my next chemo on the 25th and see if I can get it in the morning, as we have a wedding rehearsal to be at, at 4pm. Donna and I were in an out of the chemo room in just over an hour – very impressive. Then we went for a bite to eat at White Spot and just talked and had a good time. Thank you Donna for being my driver and for being a wonderful friend.

Our weather has been wacky – and so hard on the flowers. My lily garden is starting to blossom and the peony plant is bursting into bloom. Hopefully we will get some steady warm weather and then the rest of the flowers will come to life. The rain has been so hard on my roses – they are water logged – poor things! And I want to get out and sit in my garden and soak in the warmth of the sun!

So, that is about all I have to say at the moment! Time to go and have a glass of wine and just relax. Looking forward to your comments. Want to hear how your gardens are doing, your health, your kids, grandkids, pets or just how your life is in general!

Roni