Medical Update

To date I have 5 chemo treatments under my belt.  My CA125 count is at 18 which is normal from a high of 701 back in June.  The doctor would like to have a CT Scan done after the 6th treatment to ensure treatment is effective and to confirm the findings of the CA125.  Although she has not yet ruled out another 2 treatments, at least not yet.  All good news!

Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope

This past Sunday (September 9th) was the Walk of Hope.  It was a glorious sunny day and it was perfect for the 5 km walk.  The walk began around 10:30 am after some opening ceremonies and was completed in about an hour.  Our team, A Late Summer's Knight Dream, was in fine form.

Our team won the prize for the top fundraising team in the area and I personally won as the top individual fundraiser!  I could not have done this without the help of the many sponsors who contributed to the cause.  I have to thank the many friends, family members, colleagues and clients for their generous support!

Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope

One of the last pictures taken with hair!

As you know I am walking in this fundraiser on September 9th.  So far I have raised over $1500 and hope to raise more! I want to thank everyone who has sponsored me and those who have just taken a look at the Ovarian Cancer Canada website.  It is important to create awareness to this disease and understand its subtle symptoms.  Remember there is no early detection test, as yet!  Hopefully with more research there will be one soon!

Do you have trouble relating to someone who has cancer?  Don't worry it is very common.  Here is a link that might be helpful!

Me with my fightin' do rag....

Sunflower - Symbol of hope for Ovarian Cancer

Not so Deep Thoughts

Remember the segment on Saturday Night Live with Jack Handey - Deep Thoughts?  It consisted of a couple of lines scrolling on the screen while a man (Jack) read them out.  It was usually a comment of a twisted view of the world or our human lives.  You can find some on You Tube.

I was reminded of this while taking my daily walk.  Since registering for Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope I decided I better get down to some serious training if I was going to finish a 5 km walk.  So I have decided that every morning I will get out and walk.  My walks so far are only 1/2 hour to 45 minutes.

Back to Not So Deep Thoughts......  As with most people my mind is racing all the time but instead of the usual work related, errands to run, things to do, type of thoughts, I find myself thinking about life and what is going on in my immediate vicinity.  Nothing too far into the future.  In the here and now..... Thoughts that are not too deep.

For instance, this morning while walking I spotted a police vehicle stopped up ahead at the curb with a mature couple leaning in on the passenger side talking to the cop.  So I think there could be a number of reasons for this display.  Is the cop so lazy that he cannot get out of his car and talk to these people in their house?  Is he just leaving and this couple are very familiar with him and just chatting?  Is there a real problem and the couple remembered something else to say to him and ran out of the house just as he was leaving?  As I got closer, the man stood up and look right at me grinning.  Strange....Does he know me?  Does he think I am someone else?  I am in disguise after all....  scarf, ball cap and my Jackie Onassis sun glasses.  Sweat dripping down my face.  (It's already 25 C or about 80  F and 100% humidity.

He then states "I am trying to convince my son not to arrest me!"  And he is laughing his head off.  I responded (while laughing), "Good luck with that!  You look like trouble to me!"

I didn't even look at the cop as I walked by and this whole thing was over in 5 seconds.  The cop was probably rolling his eyes at his parents.  Probably just came by to say hello while out and about on police business.

So why would this man say anything to a complete stranger walking by.  A.  He wanted me to know this was his son and he is proud.  B.  He wanted me to know he was not in trouble with the police.  C.  He cares about what other people think even if they are strangers.  This man's generation (early baby boomer) cares about things like this.

How would my kids' generation (millennials or generation y)  have acted?  Quite differently I expect.

Pat and Suzanne's Cottage Getaway

Last week right after Chemo on Wednesday we drove to Pat's cottage in the Kawartha's with Franca.  We had decided a quick 2 day getaway while I felt good was in order.  After Chemo I usually feel quite good for several days and then the blahs hit.  Headaches, muscle pain and general malaise.......  

After arriving around 8:00 pm we sat out on the screened in porch overlooking the lake and enjoyed some appetizers and dinner.  That night we enjoyed each other's company and stayed up fairly late catching up with Franca.

Some of us need cat naps to stay up late!

Accessing emails in cottage on porch - very sad

 The next day was overcast and rainy.  The whole summer has been hot and dry and our one full day at the cottage proves to be wet and more cool than usual.  No matter.... the lake water was still a warm 78 to 80 degrees and we did not let that slow us down.

Morning coffee on the porch

You notice that it is raining and David is not in the water......

 One of the best things about Pat and Suzanne's cottage is their home-made pontoon boat.  It is basically a floating deck and sun shelter with a motor attached.  Many a sunset cruise has been enjoyed on that boat!  This time we did not have dinner out on the water due to the poor weather but we did manage to have brunch on Friday morning when the weather was particularly fine.  Naturally..... it was the day we were going home..... :(....

Always time for a quick dip.....

July is sooooo hot....... but I am not complaining!!

How many times have you heard this?  Shouldn't complain but it seems our air con runs most days nonstop.  Wait til that electric bill comes in.....!   In addition we have a watering ban for the lawn etc.  So watering the flower pots and gardens in this heat is a must for everyday and sometimes twice!   This year I have zucchini, beans cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a variety of herbs.  Even trying to grow eggplant.  Not sure how this will do!  How is your garden growing?

In my last post and, I know, it was sooooo long ago..... I had a bone scan. The good news is that there is no cancer in my bones! This is very good news. And just yesterday when I met with my oncologist she tells me that the CA 125 count is at around 450. This is positive as well because it is going in the right direction - down. When we started this whole process it was very high at 701. Normal is thought to be 35 so we have a long way to go. She indicated that we may have to add 2 more chemo treatments to the orignal 6. Also, at some point she will throw in a CT Scan in order to see the progression.

On July 19th David and I went to Toronto to the Art Gallery of  Ontario to view the Picasso exhibit. We were guests of Pat (my brother) and Suzanne. We met up with David's sister, Elaine. It was a fabulous exhibit. This collection was Picasso's personal works that he kept for himself. If you get a chance go and see it. It runs until August.

I don't think I have told you that Franca is visiting from New York.  She arrived this past Saturday (21st)!  We are so glad to see her and to be able to hang out in this great weather.

On Sunday Mom hosted a family gathering and it turned out to be a very hot and humid day.  Many sought refuge in the air con but some remained outdoors in any shade that could be found.  I think it was about 39 C with humidex or 100 fahrenheit for those of you in the U.S.  Franca does not relate to F. at all anymore.  I shake my head at the American influence to her Canadian sensibilities.  It gives me much fodder for teasing!!

Here are some pictures from Sunday.  I changed to a scarf  because I could not stand to have a synthetic wig on my head any longer.  So hot.... did I tell you it was hot....!!!

Dad and I (this chair makes by butt look huge....)

Dad and I

David and Suzanne

Franca and Jen

Franca, Uncle Marty and Michael

Pat and Suzanne in background

Michael and Pat

Hope you are enjoying your summer!

Birthday!

My birthday was July 5th which was the day after chemo.  We decided to celebrate by going out for dinner on Sunday July 2nd when everyone was available.  It was a very warm evening and we enjoyed our dinner at the Barley Works at the Huether Hotel.  They have a great deck on King St. and the breezes up there are usually very good.

Check out my Kung Fu Panda Do Rag

On July 5th my mom and dad came over and brought lunch. This was very nice and enjoyable. Unfortunately, it was much too hot to eat outside which we do all the time. But we are having such a heat wave. Cannot complain about the weather though!

2nd Chemo Treatment

View of front of hospital from my chair

July 4th was the day of my second treatment.  Arrived at hospital @ 8:20 a.m. hoping they would be able to use my brand new Port a Cath.  I was fortunate to obtain a fine location this morning.  I got the corner chair with windows on both sides.  A prime location in the Chemo Lounge!

They did access the Port a Cath and chemo and all my other meds were administered in this manner.  Much better than an IV line.  I cannot feel the device and only a bump is visible right above my right breast.  Usually covered by clothing so no one knows.  When accessing the device I have better mobility and I can use both my hands easily not that I really need them.  As you know I spend most of my time sleeping druing chemo treatment.  I woke up around 12 noon to eat my lunch and forced myself to stay awake until I was finished but I know I dozed off.  Left around 2:00 pm.  It is a great feeling to leave the Chemo Lounge.

Canada Day

Little late but Happy Canada Day!  David and I are all jazzed up with Canada Day headgear courtesy of my pals from work.  One of my colleagues delivered a huge gift basket filled with all kinds of goodies.  I am very grateful for the support and the good cheer that everyone sends my way!

Medical Update

June 27 was a busy day for me at the hospital.  There was a Port-a-Cath installed underneath my skin on my chest.  This device is used to deliver chemo or draw blood.  It will be easier than sticking me with needles all the time.  After my reaction to the first chemo treatment it was decided this device would be helpful.  The device is inserted in a surgical session.  I was given a local anaesthetic so I could feel the pressure of the procedure but it was not painful.  It was painful afterwards when the anaesthetic wore off.

Few days after insertion of Port a Cath

Later on that day I came back to the hospital for an appointment with the oncologist.  My regular doctor was away so I met with Dr. Mary DeCarolis which I have met with before.  Purpose of this meeting was to review the results of my CT Scan the week before.  The scan shows there is no cancer on my major organs. Not on the lungs, liver, colon, kidneys, pancreas, etc. etc.  What a relief!  There is some cancer on the remaining omentum in my abdomen.  Last time they removed much of the omentum but it cannot be totally removed.  There is some cancer in my spleen.  And the scan shows some indication of growth on my lower spine but it is not conclusive.  Therefore, I am now scheduled for a bone scan.  My own doctor called later in the day to review this completely with me.  She is a wonderful doctor.  Everyone at the Grand River Cancer Centre is wonderful.

Dylan's 18th Birthday

This past weekend we celebrated Dylan's 18th birthday.  How can he be 18 when I am only 39.......?

On Saturday night Dylan and his Dad travelled to Toronto to see Roger Waters.  He is currently touring 'The Wall' and by all accounts it was pretty exciting.  This may not be Dylan's usual choice in music but he did enjoy the theatrics and the performance.

The other thing that happened this weekend of any consequence was the soccer game between England and Italy in the UEFA EURO match.   The match was decided after extra time after match play during a penalty shoot out.

I Azzurri

Today the semi-final match is between Germany and Italy.  This should be an exciting match!  Go Italy!

Germany

Sunday night we went out for dinner with the family to celebrate Dylan's birthday.  Naturally after the Italy/England match was over!  We went to Ben Thanh, a Vietnamese / Thai restaurant.  Had a fabulous time with Mom and Dad and Suzanne and Pat.  Corina was missing in action as she was working....  brought her some leftovers though!  

How did we manage to all wear blue?

One chemo treatment is behind me.  Went to the Chemo Lounge for my first chemo cocktail (2nd time around).  Yup.....  the treatment regiment thus far is repeating what we did in Fall 2010 and Winter 2011.  It is the most rational thing to do given it was effective for more than 6 months.  This means I did not have a recurrance within 6 months of my chemo treatment (February 2011).  As mentioned before I have been relatively cancer free for 17 months.

The newest side effect is that my injection arm is a mess.  I don't event want to show you a picture.  It is bruised and red.  It is a reaction to the chemo chemical Taxol which is believed to have leaked out into my arm tissue.  This drug also gave me a fatal reaction the first time it was administered.  This is why before I begin I am given a whole cocktail of stuff to counteract the reaction I experienced September 2010.  Warm damp compresses and some Advil is the recommended treatment.  It will take a while for this to heal and may leave behind scarring that may be visible through the skin.  Anyhow the prognosis is to install a Port-a-cath under the skin on my chest.  They will be able to give me the chemo treatments in this manner and do all the bloodwork as well.  No more IVs.  Sounds good.  Appointment set up for June 27th.

Oh and did I mention that the ascites is still active.  Chemo is supposed to get rid of it but I have only had one treatment.  There was so much build up that I had to go again and get tapped the day after Father's Day.  I was so uncomfortable that Monday morning I called and they had me in by noon.  This time they removed almost 5 litres of fluid.  What a relief!  Since then the build up has has been minimal and I think the chemo is starting to do the job of getting rid of it.

Hey.... I am back online to give you an update on what is happening.  Since my last chemo treatment in February 2011 I have been recovering and living life much like all of you.

In March 2011 we journeyed to Dominican Republic to spend a week at a resort near Puerto Plata.  It was just what the doctored ordered for me.  Plenty of warmth and relaxation.

Dig that wig

I returned to work at a gradual pace and was back full time by end of September.  I was off about 11 months which sounds like a tremendous long time but it went by like a flash.  Even at work it did not seem I was away that long.  Remarkable how quickly you can get back into the swing of things.

As you may know the recurrence rate for ovarian cancer can be high.  Well it's come back.  Things were going along quite well, up to now.  I was working out a couple of times a week at UW Well-FIT, keeping busy with work and even getting some sewing done in my spare time at home.

Right after the long Victoria Day weekend in May (22nd) I started to feel bloated.  I was thinking the amount of fibre in my diet was a little high.  Ha! As time went on my belly started expanding and the slow realization that something was up.  It wasn't a big surprise.  When you've had cancer all you do is think about when it's going to come back.  I was hoping I would get a couple of years under my belt so I could stop thinking about it.....  My doctor sent me for ultrasound (June 5th) and confirmed the swelling was the tell tale ascites.  This is fluid build up in the abdomen caused by the proteins being released by the cancer.

My first appointment with oncologist was June 8th.  She explained that because it had been more than 6 months since my last chemo treatment they recommended the same chemo protocol.  I was actually 17 months cancer free.  But then again this is a misnomer.  If I was indeed cancer free then I wouldn't have it now!  What actually is happening is that the last chemo treatments and surgery didn't get rid of it all.  It lay in wait to resurface.  She also talked about the nature of this disease and how I had now entered the chronic phase.

By June 8th my comfort level due to the fluid build up was dismal.  During my time at the hospital the oncologist performed a paracentesis.  What a relief!  She removed 3.5 litres of fluid from my abdomen.  Gross!  Looked like cloudy beer....

She also added I was scheduled for chemo on June 13th which gave me 2 days at work to get things in order and pass them off.  But before this I was off for a girl's weekend with my pals from work.  So on Friday night we left for fun in the sun!