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
6 comments:
Hi, Roni! I'm so glad you enjoyed your visit with the "tea sisters"! Wish I could have bejavascript:void(0)en there, but I was...in spirit :) You are looking really pretty with your hair growing in! I'm so proud of you! Much love, Rain
Happy Easter Roni and Brian, sounds like you have had another busy week with lots happening! Enjoy your relaxing day today!! i do not know how you keep up with everything that you need to do in your battle.... There always seems to be so many extra things you have to keep on top of, pharmacist, blood work, doctor visits, hospital visits, insurance and then keeping yourself informed of what the treatment options are and keeping your medication straight. You are an amazing woman, keeping all of the plates in the air and enjoying all of the regular day to day stuff that you do including all of your volunteer work!! So glad you got to spend some time with your cross border friends!! And with the better weather coming you will find some gardening days ahead.Crossing my fingers for you that your insurance comes through with good coverage for your treatments. I would be interested in which hats were the hot items as I plan on making some more.... also if anyone wants the pattern it is super easy and a free download on the Bernat website (chemo hat) . We are having our dinner tonight and tomorrow is Ben's bottle drive... I will be working downtown for the next year ( I got the job I applied for) so would love you to come in for lunch (my treat) anytime... Thanks for the tip on the Dressco store... I can walk there on my lunch hour and have bought some great wool there. wishing you and your family all of the blessings of Easter.... Love to all Rae
Hi, Roni...you are a very busy lady, I'm glad you are exploring your other options, best luck with that! Those hats are awesome,i bet they were a big hit. Was it hard to stand up there and do a speech? I think you are very brave! Nice that you met friends. The grandchildren are sure growing, looks like a fun easter. take care Sandra E
Hello my friend!
Glad your talk to the students went well,very brave lady!
Lovely to have visitors too,always a boost for ones morale,especially with the wine!
How you keep your energy levels up,beats me,I think you do a lot better than some of us supposed "well People"!!
Prayers to you and yours,
Hugs galore,Sandy in Portsmouth,England.xxxxx
good for you for going to Klimo and asking quesions of the pharmacists and good for you for telling Gary how you felt about the clinic's rules and for checking your file to see what he wrote and what your numbers are.
You are a strong patient and those are the ones who survive. I know. My #'s were up a little at the clinic so she said they were fine and wouldn't give me a requisition til next visit so I will go to my family doc and ask for one. we should be in charge.
hey don't know whether I told you but Lisa is having another baby so we will be grandparents x3 at the end of the summer plus Josh is coming to visit with baby in July.
my heart goes out to you. I am so proud of you and know a number of patients who have gone to Klimo after their doc gave up on them and they met with success.
Margie
Hope more of Roni's friends read her blogs. They are a statement to her strength, spirit, and determination.
Roni, you are one awesome lady! Meeting you once again just reinforced this opinion. Wish we could have stayed longer.
The dinner was great at the restaurant and the service was excellent too (Thank you Carol). If I lived closer I'd eat there again.
Coming back into the US took 5 hrs & 20+ minutes. Yeach! It was worth every minute though to have been able to spend time with Roni.
To Roni's friends in the Vancouver area: I too recommend the 4D show at the Aquarium.
Mary Margaret
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