From Sadness to Happiness

Hi everyone!

Well, the last three weeks have been an emotional roller coaster for me and for my family and friends. There were lots of tears from me to say the least.

I had friends come over to visit with food and wine - I like this! My brother Donnie came down from Clearwater with my oldest niece, Elaine (she is actually older than me - ok, by 20 days!). Had a semi family reunion - my oldest sister Margaret came over with her daughter Margie and her son Tommy and his girlfriend Kim. Patrick made heck of an awesome prime rib roast! We had a great time visiting, laughing and crying.

I got set up with the Tri-Cities Home care folks - and have had two visits from them already! The woman who came on Friday is coming again April 1st - she wants to hear what happened with two doctor visits. I really don't need them yet - I have no intentions of leaving this earth for quite a while, thank you very much!!

But, now we come to my visit with Dr. Klimo this afternoon. Shannon came with me - my extra ears! After checking to make sure there were no extra lumps and bumps on me, we went into his office. He checked my file and asked what the cancer agency had said. Basically, no more they could do and they gave up on me. Well, there is no way this doctor is giving up on me! There were several different treatments he is going to try. From the sounds of two of them, one is oral and the other is a muscular injection - owie! And not sure what else he has up his sleeve. His comment to me was I was too young to be given up on and there are treatments to help. Now the downside to all of this is that some of the drugs are not covered by our medical plan, but he said he had never heard of an insurance company refusing to pay for the drug through extended medical. Not sure which one of two drugs he mentioned today is the one not covered or if these are even the drugs he is going to use! He mentioned Faslodex (Fulvestrant) and Exemestane (Aromasin). My treatments will no longer be at the cancer clinic in Surrey, but will be going to Lions Gate Hospital and using their chemotherapy department - long drive, but worth it. I went to register at the clinic and then they said they would call me about chemo teach - told her I could teach it, that I had been on chemo for over 18 months! So, will wait to hear from the hospital.

I also asked him about genetic testing for Shannon, Meghan and Patrick - he said it is a good idea and guess his office will set it up. With having so many cases of breast cancer so close in the family, it is good to get it checked! So, again will have to wait to hear back from his office.

Then it was time for Shannon and I to have lunch at the Quay in North Van. We picked up some meat, cheeses, olives, bread and a tapenade and sat outside in the sun and just enjoyed the afternoon. Talked lots and lost track of time. We wandered through the Quay and poked into some of the stores - ohhhh there were some good ones! Shall have to do that again, for sure!

I go and see Dr. Pansegrau next week - and will let him know that I have gone with Dr. Klimo. And then say goodbye to the nurses - that will be hard - they have been so good. And so has Gary - not his fault BCCA won't think outside of the box.

My friend Rae, when she was volunteering for the Olympics, knitted a whole bunch of hats for cancer patients to wear when they lose their hair. I am taking some to Surrey and some to Lions Gate for patients there. Thank you so much Rae, this means a great deal to me and especially for patients!

I am looking forward to next week. Two very special friends are coming up from the States to visit me. Carol and Mary Margaret - I can't wait. I have been friends with these two ladies for 8 years and never met them. Well, met MM for about an hour in 2003! We met through and online support group "Belly Dancers with Breast Cancer" and we have been through thick and thin together. Hope they won't change their minds when they read this blog!!!

The Olympics and Paralympics are now done! What an exciting time it was here in Vancouver and in Whistler! The world saw our beautiful city, the weather was beautiful (though at times not too great for some of the events). Canada received the most gold medals ever won - it was fantastic!! The Paralympics were so good - and the city just came alive with them as well. Everyone has their own little memory of the games and these will stay with them forever!

Thank you for all the prayers that were sent my way - I got them all - and well, it worked for now and that is what counts!

And now, I think I will go and have a glass of wine - been a very good day!

Ciao for now!
Roni