It has been a while since I posted!
David and I have completed 4 weeks of the 6 week program of 'The Healing Journey' at HopeSpring. I must admit that when we started I thought it might a bit too 'new age' for us but it has turned out to be very good and helpful in calming our minds. So much of cancer is about the medical aspects which is absolutely necessary. But is it so much more when we can learn how our emotions and our mental state can affect our bodies. The relaxation exercises are key to the program and I have provided a link to the audio that we are using in the program. They are public and anyone can learn to quiet the mind in times of stress and anxiety.
One of the programs available to cancer patients in our community is the UW Well-Fit. This is a 12 week exercise program to help people with cancer to minimize the aspects of treatment and improve quality of life. On Tuesday I went for my assessment. This assessment determines a baseline of my fitness levels upon which a program is built. During this consultation UW Fitness staff determine cardiovascular fitness by monitoring the heart rate and blood pressure response to progressive exercise on a stationary bike. Shoulder range of motion is assessed during this consultation, as well as height, weight and waist circumference. Since there is a growing interest in the benefits of exercise for cancer patients, participants are asked to complete a quality of life survey as part of on-going research at the University of Waterloo. The initial "12 Week" program runs 2 times per week with each session lasting one hour. The best part is that it is free to participants. The program is funded by UW Fitness, Grand River Regional Cancer Center and charitable donations.
My first exercise session was on Thursday morning. Each participant in the program works with an instructor so it is like having a personal trainer. Each exercise is demonstrated and then they watch that I do it correctly. During that first morning there were only 3 participants and 3 instructors. Most sessions have only 5 or 6 participants at a time for maximum supervision and attention. This is a fabulous program and I have never felt this much attention at a gym. Most of us I'm sure are members of a fitness facility and you are pretty much on your own. If you want individual attention then personal trainers are available but at a hefty cost. The thing I have learned is to insist on a properly trained person. They should have a degree in kinesiology and certified in personal training. This is not stressed enough at most fitness centres, I think.
I am very thankful for these programs that are available to me and other cancer patients. They help me to get out and meet others who are in a similar situation. We support each other and understand what is happening. Some of you that may have experienced cancer in yourself or in someone close to you and may know that people don't always know how to relate to someone with cancer. I know from other cancer patients that this is sometimes the case. It is the lack of understanding on the part of others that do not know what to say or what to do. I am fortunate that most of the people around me are very supportive and understanding. Most people do not hesitate to keep in touch and provide much encouragement and strength. Even just by reading this blog you are there for me! Thank you very much!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
3rd Chemo Session
On Friday November 12th we went to hospital for the last round of chemo before my surgery which is scheduled for December 8th in London. Dylan accompanied us as well so he missed a couple of periods of school that day. He wanted to see what happens in chemotherapy. I am sure it was mostly boring for him but it is now less mysterious.
I am given a cocktail of drugs before the actual chemo and they make me quite drowsy. I will sleep for short periods and then wake up a bit groggy and incoherent. At one point I had been dreaming and woke up laughing about something. Dylan found this quite amusing.
Since chemo I have been feeling the usual flu like symptoms but I also have been prescribed a higher dosage of Gabapentin to relieve the inevitable pain in the leg muscles and joints. It seems to be working. Doctor also suggested Ibuprofen and as a back up a prescription of Tylenol 3 just in case.
On November 16th I went to hospital for a CT Scan. This is in preparation of the surgery. What a zoo. They were backed up due to emergencies so the wait was excruciating. I wasn't feeling well due to chemo and for CT Scan you must drink 2 big glasses of contrasting liquid in one hour. To me it tastes like pool water. They certainly don't dress it up or anything. At least at St. Mary's hospital it was a flavoured smoothie that was at least drinkable. They also inject iodine via an IV during the procedure. While in the apparatus this gives you a metal taste in your mouth (which I already have), makes you feel hot and you feel like you are peeing yourself (which you are not). Eventually it was all over - actual scan procedure takes only 5 minutes. The whole thing was 3 1/2 hours and I was finally out of there. One final comment.... the nurses who were very busy did a great job of getting patients organized and ready for procedure while being very gracious and conscious of the delays. They did they best to hurry things along. It is a difficult job.
I am given a cocktail of drugs before the actual chemo and they make me quite drowsy. I will sleep for short periods and then wake up a bit groggy and incoherent. At one point I had been dreaming and woke up laughing about something. Dylan found this quite amusing.
Since chemo I have been feeling the usual flu like symptoms but I also have been prescribed a higher dosage of Gabapentin to relieve the inevitable pain in the leg muscles and joints. It seems to be working. Doctor also suggested Ibuprofen and as a back up a prescription of Tylenol 3 just in case.
On November 16th I went to hospital for a CT Scan. This is in preparation of the surgery. What a zoo. They were backed up due to emergencies so the wait was excruciating. I wasn't feeling well due to chemo and for CT Scan you must drink 2 big glasses of contrasting liquid in one hour. To me it tastes like pool water. They certainly don't dress it up or anything. At least at St. Mary's hospital it was a flavoured smoothie that was at least drinkable. They also inject iodine via an IV during the procedure. While in the apparatus this gives you a metal taste in your mouth (which I already have), makes you feel hot and you feel like you are peeing yourself (which you are not). Eventually it was all over - actual scan procedure takes only 5 minutes. The whole thing was 3 1/2 hours and I was finally out of there. One final comment.... the nurses who were very busy did a great job of getting patients organized and ready for procedure while being very gracious and conscious of the delays. They did they best to hurry things along. It is a difficult job.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Franca's Visit
It was great to see Franca and John this week. This is a long entry so grab a drink.
Monday was a lounge day for them and David and I went to HopeSpring in the afternoon for our Healing Journey workshop # 2.
On Tuesday Franca, Mom and I did some shopping and visited some stores at a local plaza. Walmart was of interest to Franca because there is not a single one NYC. Did you know that? It's not for lack of trying, I suppose, but it hasn't happened.... yet. Franca believes they might get one in Brooklyn sometime soon. Anyway, she wanted to find a particular jacket for John that they purchased in Canada several years ago. Can you imagine they could not find it? And our local Walmarts do not carry a wide selection of 'big and tall' sizes that would be appropriate for John.
Another shop that they love is the 'Dollarama'. I love it too. There are plenty of 'dollar' stores in Queens where they live but none as clean and organized as 'Dollarama'. Too funny!
Another shopping experience that Franca loves is the 'Bulk Barn'! This is because it is the only place she can find Dino Sours. I didn't know what they were. It's sour candy.
We hit a few other spots but I can't remember.....chemo brain...
That evening we feasted on homemade lasagna at Mom's house. An added bonus was that Pat and Suzanne were there as well. It was great to have the whole family. It doesn't happen often enough. Pat and Suzanne are in their new house living on the top level while renovations are being done on the first floor. They are in a fully contained apartment so they have all the conveniences but have only unpacked what they absolutely require. Renos which were supposed to be completed by October will probably not be finished by Christmas. Home renovations seem to take longer than expected, don't they? Some of you know what I am talking about.....right?
Franca, John and I went to Fairview Mall on Saturday for some more shopping. My main reason for going was to visit the wig shop at The Bay. And for those of you who thought I should get a blond wig.... well this did not happen. I look terrible. Tried on many colours and many styles but nothing was as nice as the one I already have. Very disappointing. I am going to try another shop another time but I won't have Franca's eye. I may have to text her a picture while I am in the shop!
Most important part of the shopping trip for Franca was stopping at a Harvey's for hamburgers. Again, there aren't any in NYC so she could satisfy her craving. This was a success!
On Thursday we visited the St. Jacob's market and John was drooling over all the meat for sale by the various butchers. Unfortunately, they were leaving on Friday morning and couldn't buy any for consumption and they certainly wouldn't be able to take it back to NYC. This place is huge and I hadn't up to now visited the whole thing. For us locals, it's a case of rushing to our favourite vendors, make our purchases and dashing out. It is a zoo, especially on a Saturday in summer/fall. This is the tourist stop for Kitchener/Waterloo.
Besides the food vendors there are loads of vendors that sell all kinds of stuff. There are jewelery artisans, ceramics, leather good, gadgets, kitchen wares, etc. Franca did manage to buy socks for John! I couldn't convince her to buy a leather fringed cowboy jacket or a slab of a tree with a carving of the wolf or something. A lot of interesting/useless do dads for sale. We walked through a corridor to get to a furniture place and happened upon the livestock auctions. We could not actually go inside due to bio-security regulations but you could sure appreciate the aroma. This was a little much for our city boy, John. Ok... I had to put my scarf over my nose. I blame this on my delicate sense of smell these days.....
Dinner was at our house the last evening of their visit. Aunt Ginger and Uncle Marty dropped in for dessert and coffee and we had a nice visit. All too soon it was time to say good bye to Franca and John. They left very early on Friday morning to get back to Goshen, NY where John's son Peter lives so they could visit. Hope we see you soon!
Monday was a lounge day for them and David and I went to HopeSpring in the afternoon for our Healing Journey workshop # 2.
On Tuesday Franca, Mom and I did some shopping and visited some stores at a local plaza. Walmart was of interest to Franca because there is not a single one NYC. Did you know that? It's not for lack of trying, I suppose, but it hasn't happened.... yet. Franca believes they might get one in Brooklyn sometime soon. Anyway, she wanted to find a particular jacket for John that they purchased in Canada several years ago. Can you imagine they could not find it? And our local Walmarts do not carry a wide selection of 'big and tall' sizes that would be appropriate for John.
Another shop that they love is the 'Dollarama'. I love it too. There are plenty of 'dollar' stores in Queens where they live but none as clean and organized as 'Dollarama'. Too funny!
Another shopping experience that Franca loves is the 'Bulk Barn'! This is because it is the only place she can find Dino Sours. I didn't know what they were. It's sour candy.
We hit a few other spots but I can't remember.....chemo brain...
That evening we feasted on homemade lasagna at Mom's house. An added bonus was that Pat and Suzanne were there as well. It was great to have the whole family. It doesn't happen often enough. Pat and Suzanne are in their new house living on the top level while renovations are being done on the first floor. They are in a fully contained apartment so they have all the conveniences but have only unpacked what they absolutely require. Renos which were supposed to be completed by October will probably not be finished by Christmas. Home renovations seem to take longer than expected, don't they? Some of you know what I am talking about.....right?
Franca, John and I went to Fairview Mall on Saturday for some more shopping. My main reason for going was to visit the wig shop at The Bay. And for those of you who thought I should get a blond wig.... well this did not happen. I look terrible. Tried on many colours and many styles but nothing was as nice as the one I already have. Very disappointing. I am going to try another shop another time but I won't have Franca's eye. I may have to text her a picture while I am in the shop!
Most important part of the shopping trip for Franca was stopping at a Harvey's for hamburgers. Again, there aren't any in NYC so she could satisfy her craving. This was a success!
Besides the food vendors there are loads of vendors that sell all kinds of stuff. There are jewelery artisans, ceramics, leather good, gadgets, kitchen wares, etc. Franca did manage to buy socks for John! I couldn't convince her to buy a leather fringed cowboy jacket or a slab of a tree with a carving of the wolf or something. A lot of interesting/useless do dads for sale. We walked through a corridor to get to a furniture place and happened upon the livestock auctions. We could not actually go inside due to bio-security regulations but you could sure appreciate the aroma. This was a little much for our city boy, John. Ok... I had to put my scarf over my nose. I blame this on my delicate sense of smell these days.....
Dinner was at our house the last evening of their visit. Aunt Ginger and Uncle Marty dropped in for dessert and coffee and we had a nice visit. All too soon it was time to say good bye to Franca and John. They left very early on Friday morning to get back to Goshen, NY where John's son Peter lives so they could visit. Hope we see you soon!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Weekend November 6th and 7th
Went to Yoga class on Saturday morning. What a great morning! The sun was shining although it was quite cool. I am enjoying this class and although I have done yoga before, this time it is more meaningful for me somehow. It's a small class of usually 8 to 10 women and our instructor is a gentleman in his late 60's, I would guess. The yoga routine focuses on deep breathing, relaxation and gentle moves/holds for the entire body. Out instructor has made a DVD and I think I might buy a copy for my parents.
David and I had a lovely visit from Elaine, Amanda and Katrina on Saturday afternoon. Elaine brought a few books to help me pass the time. Dylan has already picked one up and started reading it.
Franca and John arrived at Mom's house around 9:30 pm on Saturday night. They had a later start but no matter. They arrived safe and sound and we had dinner waiting for them. It's great to see them and we look forward to the next few days. Unfortunately, they have to go next Friday which is my next chemo appointment. Franca had hoped to come to the Chemo Lounge with me but it looks like they will be on the road. No matter we will have plenty of time to do other things together!
On Sunday we had some visitors from Toronto - Lillian and Pino. Since hearing about my condition and that Franca was in town they made the trip to Waterloo for a visit. It was great to see them - it has been several years. Lillian had breast cancer a few years ago so she can relate to my experiences. Sometimes it is helpful to discuss things with someone who has been there.
David and I had a lovely visit from Elaine, Amanda and Katrina on Saturday afternoon. Elaine brought a few books to help me pass the time. Dylan has already picked one up and started reading it.
Franca and John arrived at Mom's house around 9:30 pm on Saturday night. They had a later start but no matter. They arrived safe and sound and we had dinner waiting for them. It's great to see them and we look forward to the next few days. Unfortunately, they have to go next Friday which is my next chemo appointment. Franca had hoped to come to the Chemo Lounge with me but it looks like they will be on the road. No matter we will have plenty of time to do other things together!
On Sunday we had some visitors from Toronto - Lillian and Pino. Since hearing about my condition and that Franca was in town they made the trip to Waterloo for a visit. It was great to see them - it has been several years. Lillian had breast cancer a few years ago so she can relate to my experiences. Sometimes it is helpful to discuss things with someone who has been there.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Book Club
I belong to a book club that my friend Jill holds at her house every month. I joined earlier this year and the rule is that we only read books written by Canadian authors. This has really expanded my reading experience and I have read books I might not have otherwise. Our meetings are quite casual and we begin in the dining room enjoying the spread of goodies that Jill prepares. We eventually retire to the livingroom to discuss the book and have a great chitchat. It's an enjoyable evening and I have met some great women.
Last night we met and discussed 'Secret Daughter'. It is listed in my book list on my home page. This book was a good read. It is a story about a baby girl who is given up for adoption by a poor family in India in the 80's and is adopted and raised in California by a professional couple. He is an Indian man and she is a white California woman. The story follows the lives of the people who gave her up and the people who raise her. It is a story of contrasts and of similarities and explores the theme of motherhood, family and different cultures.
Last night we met and discussed 'Secret Daughter'. It is listed in my book list on my home page. This book was a good read. It is a story about a baby girl who is given up for adoption by a poor family in India in the 80's and is adopted and raised in California by a professional couple. He is an Indian man and she is a white California woman. The story follows the lives of the people who gave her up and the people who raise her. It is a story of contrasts and of similarities and explores the theme of motherhood, family and different cultures.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Franca's Coming to Town
As you may have surmised from several comments in my past posts, Franca is coming to Waterloo! John and Franca are driving up from Queens this Saturday. We expect to see them sometime around dinner time Saturday night - give or take several hours. Depends how much sight seeing they take in driving through New York State and any border delays...
They will be in town for about a week and staying with Mom and Dad. In that time we'll have several family dinners, visits with friends, some sight seeing, and some shopping. We talk almost everyday so it will be nice to see Franca in person. Kids are also looking forward to seeing their Aunt Franca. It has been a long time!
They will be in town for about a week and staying with Mom and Dad. In that time we'll have several family dinners, visits with friends, some sight seeing, and some shopping. We talk almost everyday so it will be nice to see Franca in person. Kids are also looking forward to seeing their Aunt Franca. It has been a long time!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Appointment in London at Victoria Hospital
Appointment with Dr. Bertrand on Tuesday, November 2nd went very well. She is quite pleased with the results from the first 2 chemo treatments. The tumour is smaller and the ascites is all gone. Did I tell you I can fit into my jeans again? Yay!
We discussed the surgery which is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, December 8th. It will be performed approximately 4 weeks after my 3rd chemo treatment which has, unfortunately, not been scheduled yet. My normal date would have been November 11th but this is Rememberance Day and the Chemo Lounge is closed. So they are rejigging the schedule and I hope to hear that my appointment will be either the 10th or 12th of November.
The surgery consists of a total hysterectomy and removal of the omentum. Sounds extensive and it is.... Here is a link if you are interested in the details.
On the one hand I am very glad to hear that the chemo is doing its job and then on the other hand I am not looking forward to the surgery. But who would be? Best to learn those relaxation techniques and take care of myself to be as strong as physically possible to recover from the surgery.
We discussed the surgery which is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, December 8th. It will be performed approximately 4 weeks after my 3rd chemo treatment which has, unfortunately, not been scheduled yet. My normal date would have been November 11th but this is Rememberance Day and the Chemo Lounge is closed. So they are rejigging the schedule and I hope to hear that my appointment will be either the 10th or 12th of November.
The surgery consists of a total hysterectomy and removal of the omentum. Sounds extensive and it is.... Here is a link if you are interested in the details.
On the one hand I am very glad to hear that the chemo is doing its job and then on the other hand I am not looking forward to the surgery. But who would be? Best to learn those relaxation techniques and take care of myself to be as strong as physically possible to recover from the surgery.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Healing Journey
Today David and I attended the first session of a program offered through Hope Spring. This is a 6 week program for people who want to help themselves as they deal with cancer. The objective is to relieve much of the anxiety and depression, confusion, pain, fatigue and other forms of distress through the use of deep relaxation, using imagery and visualization, goal setting and healthy communication. Healing Journey program was designed by Dr. Alistair Cunningham of Princess Margaret Hospital.
In our sesson today we went through a deep muscle relaxation exercise which takes about 1/2 hour. We were lying on the floor while doing this and David fell asleep. Obviously relaxing for David! Good exercise though and we are supposed to practice every day. I think I can handle that.
Healthwise I am feeling good. The swelling in my abdomen is greatly reduced and so I am more mobile. I have started going out in the evenings with David when walking our dog Cyrus. I haven't been able to do this for several months.
Tomorrow I have an appointment in London with Dr. Bertrand. She is checking me out after 2 chemo treatments to ensure the chemo is doing the job it's supposed to be doing. She will also discuss the surgery which may occur about 4 weeks after the third chemo treatment. The timing for this may be the 2nd week of December or so. We'll know better tomorrow.
In our sesson today we went through a deep muscle relaxation exercise which takes about 1/2 hour. We were lying on the floor while doing this and David fell asleep. Obviously relaxing for David! Good exercise though and we are supposed to practice every day. I think I can handle that.
Healthwise I am feeling good. The swelling in my abdomen is greatly reduced and so I am more mobile. I have started going out in the evenings with David when walking our dog Cyrus. I haven't been able to do this for several months.
Tomorrow I have an appointment in London with Dr. Bertrand. She is checking me out after 2 chemo treatments to ensure the chemo is doing the job it's supposed to be doing. She will also discuss the surgery which may occur about 4 weeks after the third chemo treatment. The timing for this may be the 2nd week of December or so. We'll know better tomorrow.
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