Round 3, Treatment 1 of 12

Hello everyone!

Well, here we go again! Got to the clinic at 9 for the "training" session with Colleen. Seeing as I have been through 2 other rounds, most of the stuff was just a refresher, but there were a few things I found out. I will have two weeks of treatment and two weeks off and then start again. So, a harder schedule this time and won't have a lot of time to get back to 100% health. Most of the side effects are the same with a few new ones thrown in just for good luck!!!

Had a new chemo nurse today, Whitney, she is new and was really good and funny!

And of course, I just go and have a chemo treatment - noooooo - I have to have an allergic reaction to the Gemcitabine after about 15 minutes. My right eye felt really itchy - and I asked Colleen if it was inflamed (I was thinking the whites of the eyes) - nope - it was the eyelid. Then called over Leslie - one of the nurses I have had before and got her to take a look - The entire eyelid was red and really swollen. She stopped treatment right away and then called Dr. P and explained - he asked her if she could see it five feet away - and she said, yeah no problem with

that...LOL... he said to start me on the hydrocortisone and benedryl and see where it went.....and he would come and see me (hmmm never did make it!!). So put that batch in, which took about 25 minutes and then had to wait about 20 minutes to see if the swelling had gone down - it went down about 80% and Whitney started the first drug and it was ok and then did the other bag of drugs. So what sould have been an hour session landed being over two hours. And will get to do it all again next week.

Got to chat with 5 of the nurses I have had before and that is always fun. They ask - that the hell are you doing back here......lol..... and as the nurse Colleen said, we hate to see you here but we are glad to see you!! Me too!

They have told me that I will get flu-like symptoms within 24 hours and not to worry - yeah right, I have rehearsal for the World Police and Fire Games at 7 today and then rehearsal at 1pm tomorrow and then line up for the parade of athletes at 6pm tomorrow.... along with the heat wave we are having. LOL.

But that is about it - nothing overly interesting. More next week!!!

Roni

May be hard to see, but the right eye is puffy and swollen - though it had gone down considerably by the time this was take. Allergic reations are so much fun - NOT!

Colleen and I

Whitney and I - was a great new nurse

Whitney explaining my medication schedule and one of the nicest patient and I didn't get her name!

Decided that we needed a more fun blog for a change - so here ya go!!

Well, yesterday was our annual backyard bbq! The numbers grow each year and we almost run out of room on the lawn and the deck! But we all had a great time! All 60 of us…and not everyone showed up!

As usual, we wait to the last minute to start clearing off the deck and getting stuff ready. But Patrick, Brian and I had it all done by 1 – chairs on the lawn, tables prepped for food and booze, BBQ moved, area prepped for coffee drinkers and there were a few. Put one mister on the lawn and another on the deck. The kiddie’s pool was filled (and there were adults who wanted to go into it!).

Patrick and Jason were our wonderful chefs to cook everyone’s meat – they did an awesome job – got everyone fed and happy. And the food that everyone brought was so good – managed to sample just about all of it! And not much in the line of leftovers either!!

Was wonderful to have one of my sisters here – Annie, four nieces – Margy, Theresa (who brought me a beautiful bouquet of Stargazer Lilies), Cathy and Kathy, a great- niece – Chelsea and a great-nephew – Quincy (home for the summer from college in the US). Lots of friends from the Relay for Life, some of the Train Gang and from Masons. And so many wonderful and close friends.

And was great to have so many little ones this year – between 7 months and 5 years old – they had a blast – playing in the pool and running through the mister on the lawn. They never slowed down the entire time they were here and not a disagreement at all!

Last guests left at 2am today – we just sat and talked and talked!!

Well, that is it for this year – we will be thinking of the next one soon – the year will fly by.

Will post again on Thursday about the new chemo drugs etc. And I am starting my volunteer work at the World Police and Fire Games tomorrow - so once my time is up (about 30 hours) I will post on here how it was and any pictures if I am able to get any - I am in the opening ceremonies, so hoping to snag some pictures!

My beautiful granddaughter Ayla - 7 months - she is a cutie.

My sister Annie, niece Kathy, niece Theresa (Annie's oldest)

Rick getting a big hug from our grandson Ryan, Colleen and Rod

Well, today sure was not the news we expected – yet again. My tumour markers are up again – from 210 last time I went to 278 this time and there is no shrinkage in the tumours. I was stunned and I think Brian was too. Just not what we had expected to hear.

Dr. P said that with the CT scan – it showed the chest area – and there was no difference – but it did not show the liver or kidney very well. So, will have to have an ultrasound to see if the two spots have changed at all or if they are still cysts. I should hear shortly as to when that would be.

So, we discussed with Dr. P the various treatments that could be done. And he has said that the anti-hormonal treatments won’t work anymore. So, he said that I would start chemo again next week. The type of treatment this time – is two drugs – Gemcitabine and Cisplatin. No red stuff this time! There are numerous side effects – some of which I have had and some new ones. Not liking the ringing in the ear side effect – mine already ring, but this could add to it and could be permanent. We shall have to wait and see.

He has given me three different prescriptions for three anti-nausea drugs – as nausea is one of the side effects.

While we were waiting to get paperwork in the waiting area, the tears started again and once again in the hallway of the hospital. I just want this to go away.

I start the chemo at 10am on July 30. I then go on August 6 for blood work which means from what I understand, that chemo is every week. Will have to do some research on this one.

To say the least, I won’t be going back to work for a while. And this was something that I had been looking forward to. Didn’t think to ask how many rounds I will have of this cocktail!

But I have a strong support system – and am very glad to have them here – will need it – I didn’t think I would have to go through chemo again for a while – but alas, not the cards I was dealt.

But I did have a great day at the Aquarium with Meghan and Ryan – and a free lunch thanks to Patrick’s boss!!

And looking forward to the BBQ on Sunday with so many family and friends coming to it – and it will be a beautiful day!!

And call me if you want – Brian will be going back to work soon and I will be by myself – visitors, meals, phone calls and wine are all welcome.

Hugz

Roni

Tests and Such

Hi everyone

Well, today started out great and ended up messed up!!

I got to the hospital this morning and checked in with Ambulatory Day Care to get my arm bracelet and paperwork. Meandered down to Medical Day Care to get the IV put in, blood work done and then a flush of the port. I told them to leave the IV in as I was going for a CT scan.

So, downstairs I went and everything was going great till I got changed and put in a bed. They go through all the same questions every single time - you would think they would have this stuff in the system somewhere!! Then she saw I had a portacath - well, "we aren't using that, you will have to have a regular IV with the contrast dye". "Ahh no, I don't have any veins, that is why the pic line is in". So it went from one nurse to another - three in total. All very rude and condescending. "We won't do it, we just don't use them, they could blow out and it would be a mess". So, they got the radiologist involved. I tried to phone Dr. P. but he was at an off site meeting and would call me back. Well, This took over an hour and then they finally said they will do the CT but not using the contrast dye. Like what is the point? People have these put in for a reason as they don't have veins or are getting numerous IV's, blood work etc (hmmm just like me). So, I am not sure how the test will turn out if they will be able to see everything as clearly as with the dye. It may have to be redone.

I headed back upstairs to the Medical Day Care and they took out the IV and we chatted a little bit. They don't know why either. I mean blood is thick and they use the portacath for transfusions. And then went back to Ambulatory Day Care to get my next flushing appointment - which will be August 11 @ 2:30pm.


I see Dr. P next week and will ask him what is with this and also will comment to him on the attitude of the three nurses. And we will get the results (which we are thinking very positive) and then go from there. Especially as to when I can go back to work.

That is all for now - weather has been wonderful for so long, a few cooler days and those are much appreciated by everyone for sure. The gardens are blooming and have lots of colour. The veggie garden is looking wonderful - we have had some of the veggies already and the taste is so yummy!

Ciao

Roni

Last Chemo - Wahoooo

Hello Everyone!

Today was a great day! Had my last chemo session! And it went off like clockwork!

Sandy once again came with me - she has to be sick and twisted to want to come and watch toxic chemicals being dripped into me!!! Of course we went out afterwards for a lovely sushi meal and shake of course!!!

I had a new nurse, Trace, and he was great! Good sense of humour and asked me lots of questions and gave lots of answers! Felt very comfortable with him - as I have with almost all of the chemo nurses, one exception. And yes, I will miss them - they are such a wonderful group of people who are so caring and understanding with what a cancer patient is going through.

Nothing over exciting happened - other then when I got my card back. There were appointments I should not have had and ones I should have had weren't there. Like my CT scan, I got called yesterday to say my appointment was for July 13. But I have since found out my CT is on July 14 at 11:50, so have to be there for 11:20 and will have had to have gone to the Medical Day Care to have the IV put in place. And have to phone the oncologist to get the right day for the appointment to see him - will be a week after the CT give or take a day. Also found out that I have a year's worth of flushing booked with the Medical Day Care - the port has to be flushed every 4 weeks to prevent it from clogging. So we know it is there for at least that length of time. Trace said he has heard of the ports being left in for 6 years!



That is about it - told you nothing exciting! I do have to keep an eye on the incision. Lesley who took the IV out, noticed that it hasn't totally sealed, so wants me to keep an eye on it for a bit, any signs of infection or fever, I have to either see my family doctor or go to the hospital. And ya know, I really have had my fill of hospitals for a long time.

And as I left, I said to Trace and Lesley - hope to never see you again (well in the chemo room)!!!

And who knows, maybe back to work - now that would be great!

Roni

Update

Hello Everyone!

Let's try this a second time!!! Went to put in a picture and everything disappeared!!

Just a quick update seeing as it has been a bit since I posted last!

Saw Dr. P this morning - with good news - which is always nice!! My tumour markers are down again and my blood count is good! So, that was good to hear!!! He listened to my heart and lungs and said they sounded good.

He has booked a CT scan for me three weeks after the last chemo - which is this Thursday and then we go back and see him the following week for the results and to get the port flushed. Hopefully start a new drug therapy of anti-hormonal drugs. But we shall wait and see!

Since the last post, have had the Relay for Life and my team The Country Dancing Boobies did fantastic - 16 members and we raised $4,690.19 - way to go team! We are already gearing up for next year with another Hot Dog sale in August.

Brian and I just before the start of the Survivor and Caregiver Lap.

The team - missing two team members in the picture though. Ryan was sleeping in his stroller and Alexus was asleep in her stroller.

Well, all for now, will do a short post Thursday evening!

Roni

Chemo - what a breeze

Hi there

Thought I had a lot to report, but forgot that I already put in the info on getting the pic line in!The staples are actually on top not to the right, but shows you the rigging they use to set up the lines.

This is so much easier to get your chemo - you can move around a lot easier. And I did find out that my oncologist is not one to push the ports - so my nurse was surprised when she remembered who my doctor was. But I do wish it had been in ages ago for sure!

How is everyone like this heat? 34c is just a tad too hot for this gal...... we have had it hot for over a week and this is so early for us to have heat! But we won't complain too loudly - it could be all rain!!!

Saw Dr. P on Tuesday morning. He said the pic line was healing nicely from what he could see. He said he would book a CT scan for three weeks after the next chemo treatment which will be on June 25 - so I think that would be the week of July 13. And then decide where to go from there. He said that my blood work would be done at the Medical Day Care - which I thought was odd, but then it made sense, you want someone specialized in this way of taking blood. So, I was booked for Wednesday, June 3.

Patrick and I headed to the hospital for my 2:30 appt - we were early, so we decided to get the supplies for the Relay for Life this Saturday that I needed for the Survivor Tent and for our tent of course!

Once I was signed in and then got the hospital bracelet, we headed to the Medical Day Care unit to get hooked up. The nurse was really good which I liked! She got out her tray of goodies and the first poke hurt and she didn't get any blood which meant she would have to do it again and she felt so bad. But the second poke worked like a charm and she put in the tubing, took my blood and then taped down the tubing and such to be used for my chemo treatment on Thursday.

Well, it is Thursday and off Brian and I went to the Chemo Room. Sounds like a nightclub - well you do get cocktails, just not the type you drink! I got Donna again, I love her, she is such a blast! She was waiting for me in the waiting room. Into pod 1 I went, pick a comfy chair (yeah right) and she made sure I took my meds including a new one that is about $40 per pill. Then she started the chemo - no IV push this time. First the red devil goes in and then the other drug. And of course, I get the usual headache from the last drug - but it was almost at the end so good. All done - off come the dressings and just a bandaid for where the needle was in.

That is it for another three weeks. See Dr. P. on the 23rd of June and get the blood work the same day but an hour earlier. Then chemo on the 25th - no time yet. Sure hope it is earlier in the day - these 3:45 appts suck - you get stuck with major rush hour traffic!

Relay for Life is this Saturday, June 6!! Weather sounds like it is going to be nice for it, which is what we want. Will have a full report on it Sunday or Monday. And Ryan's birthday party is on Sunday - hard to believe he will be 2 on the 11th!

All for now......

Roni