My Cancer Journey

Last Tuesday (July 7th) I had my final chemotherapy treatment! They are complete. I'm a little weird in that I don't get as excited for completing things as I do for starting them. So, at the end of my treatment I didn't ring the gong. I was feeling really ill at the time so I passed on that tradition. My plan is to ring it when I go back to have my PICC tube removed this coming Tuesday. After that I'm hoping to get some delicious lunch take-out in St. Catharines. Now that my treatments are done, they are going to wait about 4 weeks and then do a C.T. scan to look for tumours. A few weeks after that they will give me a P.E.T. scan for the same reason. So, I'm supposed to be cancer free now, but I can't know for sure for a while yet. My immune system has been offline from the chemo but it should get going in about 3 weeks.  My hair will start growing back too. I wonder how it will grow back. Will it be grey, curly, or just regular? Jen and I are hoping to...

It's been a while since I've posted. That's partly because chemo and recovery have become a bit routine and there's not much new. It's also because I've had a little less energy, and it takes a little longer to recover after each round of chemo. I don't think that my good cells have gotten to be 100% before the next round of chemo happens. However, the treatments are working. The cancer is shrinking. And, the doctor's plan is that after my last treatment, I'll be cancer free. And, my next treatment is the last! Only one more to go! I think I can get excited about doing my last treatment.  After that they'll give me a CT or MRI scan. They'll also do a scan where I drink a chemical laced sugary drink. Then they can see where that drink goes in my body. Apparently, cancer likes sugar. That will tell them if the chemo has been successful. Again, they are expecting it to be successful. I think it's weird that I keep saying that it's ...

Today I'm here at The Walker Clinic getting treatment number 4. They were able to show me the CT pictures. The tumour has shrunk a lot. I really am fortunate that the treatments have been adjusted and improved over the years. The knowledge that is on display in the medical system is pretty impressive. Here in the chemo station everyone has a different treatment that targets their particular type of cancer. So, now that my tumour has shrunk so much, I'm not experiencing any of the issues that alerted me to the cancer. I used to have a lot of stomach pain. It got worse as the tumour grew. I don't think I've taken any pain medication for this in over a month because there isn't any pain. Sure, I feel really sick after chemo, but that's way better than the constant pain. Last time I had chemo I couldn't keep anything down on Wednesday so this time someone will come to my house to give me an I.V. with liquids and with an anti-nausea medication. That will ke...

Tomorrow, Monday May 17, I will be going into the hospital for a CT scan.  I'm excited to find out how things are going inside of me. Since it's picture day I should wear something special. Drop your suggestions in the comments and I'll use the best idea (according to me). The last picture day at school didn't go as planned so I want to be prepared. Update: I decided to get all dressed up for a change from wearing PJ's all day, every day. I'll learn about the results of the CT scan on Tuesday when I go for chemo.

I haven't been updating this blog recently. That's because things have been going well. I've been feeling really good. If you know me you know that I'm not a relaxer. I have 10 ideas for every one I can implement. So, I've been gardening, cooking, and going on biking and running adventures. In fact, I've run 3 times on the treadmill and 3 times on the road since my last chemo treatment. I'm thinking of signing up for the Hamilton Road To Hope race in the fall. That'll give me a goal to help continue. Dr. Maida said that they will take a scan to see how the cancer is responding to treatment now that we're at the halfway point. (Today is my 3rd chemo treatment.). They'll be looking for 50% or more reduction in the size of the tumours.  That should happen in a couple of weeks before treatment 4. I am still so thankful to all the people who have been praying for me.  It is encouraging to know your love.

Recently my mom said to me, "you don't know how to relax."  That's kind of true.  I struggle with that a little.  This week, feeling quite sick and tired, I've been able to lay in one spot for a while doing nothing.  You know what I think about, laying on the couch? I think about how fortunate I am to have so many people support me with prayers, and cards, and presents made of food, and kind words. Behind me here are my get well cards.  Thank you so much.