Catch Up Time...Day 56 - (Tues)

Guess it's about time I update the blog for mom and bring everyone up to speed. My apologies to so many of you who have been faithfully checking for updates...

This past week was a rough one. Mom had numerous struggles - her fever fluctuating up and down, vomiting, weakness, exhaustion - but as always, rarely a complaint.

Today mom, dad and I went to the Juravinski Clinic for the usual bi-weekly blood work and appointment with the oncologist. 2 weeks ago was mom's 4th and final treatment of AC (the 1st chemo cocktail). She is now halfway through her chemo treatments! At this point things appear to be progressing as expected so they will begin a new chemo drug tomorrow - Taxol. It will consist of 4 more treatments, given every other week. This means Feb 27th should be her last and final chemotherapy treatment!

With Taxol comes the possibility of new side effects. The doctors do not know how each person will react and so it's always an "unknown". However, we've been informed of the possibilities which may include an allergic reaction, musculoskeletal pain and sensory nerve damage which could cause permanent numbness/tingling in her hands and feet...not to mention a continued increase of weakness and fatigue. Because of the possibility of an allergic reaction, mom has to begin taking medication the day before chemo and continue it until the day after chemo. They will also give her additional medication the day of her treatment to help prevent a reaction. Tomorrow, being her first day to receive Taxol, they will keep a close eye on her to make sure she does not have a reaction. She has to be at the Juravinski clinic by 9:00AM and once the treatment begins, the process will be a minimum of 5 hours.

Please be praying that there will be no allergic reactions to Taxol and that the extreme side effects (ie pain and nerve damage) will not affect her in any way. Also pray for my dad while he tries to entertain himself at the clinic for 5 hours or more!! (any one who knows dad knows how easy that will be - haha) :-)

Once again, thank you for the wonderful support, prayers and many things so many of you have done for mom/dad and our family! We thank God for all of you and speak His MANY blessings over you and your families!

Andrea

Day 47 & 48

I decided to write an update for mom. She intended on writing a couple of blogs a week but has found it difficult to find the energy. So...you're stuck with me!! :-D

Mom had her 4th chemo treatment last Wednesday (January 2nd). Usually, the 4th day after her treatment is her most difficult day...this was the case yet again on Sunday.

Her stomach pain and exhaustion level has increased with each chemo treatment. Yesterday was probably the worst day of pain she has had so far. But as always, mom was a trooper, never wanting to impose on anyone... so I "forced" my help on her :-) By Sunday evening, the pain was easing off and tiredness was her biggest complaint.

This morning on my way to work, I stopped in to see how mom was feeling. She was being served breakfast made by my dad (he's quite the cook now) and said she was feeling much better.

After work, I came back to the house and helped dad finish off supper (good salad dad...if you don't say so yourself haha)! Mom mentioned that she had a few enjoyable visits today with family/friends, for which she was thankful. She was feeling a little chilled so she decided to take her temperature and found that it was elevated. The cancer clinic has advised her that because her immune system has been compromised by chemo, she must be sure to watch for any sign of a fever which could indicate a virus or infection that her body would be unable to fight off. They have told her to call them whenever she has a fever of 100.5F (38C). By later this evening, her temperature had not come down so she decided to call the Juravinski clinic to find out what she should do. They told her that if it goes any higher or she becomes any worse tonight, she is to call the Brantford General Hospital and head up there immediately. After dad had called me, to let me know, and was about to hang up, I could hear mom in the background saying..."Tell her I'm fine - I'll be ok..." :-)

Mom's faith and courage is such an example to all of us. Many of you have expressed to us how encouraging this blog has been...and yes, she really has been as strong as she sounds in her blogs!!

Mom - I am so proud of you. For always thinking of everyone else and never wanting to impose...for always finding that little extra bit of energy for a smile (especially for your granddaughter)...for always wanting to end things on a "positive note" even when you feel like crap...and most of all for being such an amazing example of unwaivering faith in God even when things don't make sense...

Love you...
Andrea xo

Day 40 and 41 (Dec. 30 & 31)

The weekend was busy and enjoyable. Several friends stopped by for short visits. Some, from out of town, took time, while in the area, to check in on us. As Sunday progressed, so did my energy. It was one of my best days in a while. The 30th was Scott's birthday. We ordered in Chinese food from China King. Mmmm. Whether it was special for him or not, it sure hit the spot for me - a little cheat from the normal diet. :)

Tonight is New Year's Eve. It will be a quiet one for me. 2007 was a very eventful year for us. Many paths were not of my own choosing, but God never failed in any circumstance to make me aware of His presence.

2008 is here. May it be filled with many blessings. . . Watch for them! Some of the best ones are disguised.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Humbled by His favour,
Joy

Day 31 - Day 39

Again, I apologize for a long gap in blogging. Chemo treatment #3 (Dec.19) resulted in several rough days, spent mostly on the sofa. It's hard as a wife and mother to know all the things that need to be done, especially at Christmas, and to be unable to contribute.

Tedra and Jesse came down Saturday afternoon (Dec. 22). We had a wonderful Christmas celebration with them on Sunday evening (Dec. 23) and enjoyed spending time together on Monday (Dec. 24). They headed home Christmas Eve.

Andrea assumed the position of Primary Chef and Hostess for 3 days of cooking. Everyone did what they could to help but she definitely carried the brunt of the load. She did an amazing job - thanks, Andrea, from all of us - REALLY!

Christmas Day, Scott and I spent a quiet morning together - a first for us. Andrea, Mikaela, Joel, Scott and I shared Christmas dinner (#2) with friends Paul and Brandon. Later, we played "The Price Is Right" (one of Scott's gifts) and ended the evening with Paul at the piano, leading us in a precious time of worship. How wonderful to draw near to the Prince of Peace.

As the week goes on, my strength is slowly increasing. Friday, Dec. 28, I returned to the Juravinski Clinic for a check-up. The cancer is continuing to shrink. Dr. Tozer has changed some medications to deal with the stomach pain I have experienced. He also sent me for lab work to check my hemoglobin. All is well.

I am very appreciative of the staff at Juravinski Clinic. They are a thorough, dedicated team. BUT my hope remains in the One who is able to do a complete healing, in a moment of time. He is my Great Expectation!

How do we express our gratitude for the overwhelming support that we have received - in ways great and small - but none insignificant. Thank you for sharing our journey and helping to carry our load. On some days, you may even be carrying it for me. Blessings to each of you!

Chemo #3 - Day 24 - 30

I'm sorry I haven't blogged sooner - I know many of you have been wondering how I am doing. Unfortunately, when my energy drains so does my ability to think through what I'm wanting to say.

Tedra & Jesse came down for the weekend. Mikaela spent some quality time with Auntie Tedra Saturday afternoon and stayed for a sleep-over Saturday night. Sunday - "snow day" - ended up being a wonderful family day which I enjoyed very much. Tedra & Jesse stayed until Monday morning due to the weather. I noticed over the weekend (as did everyone else) that my hair has begun to fall out more quickly.

Tuesday (Day 28) - I returned to Juravinski for lab work and follow up with the doctor. Andrea was planning to come with us but Monday evening Mikaela developed a high fever and was really not feeling well. The doctor filling in for Dr. Tozer said that the tumor has continued to shrink but not as much this time as they might have hoped. The redness of the skin is also continuing to fade.

I was feeling pretty good, so Scott and I did a little shopping in Hamilton. The wind blowing my hair seemed to make even more fall out. I came home and took a nap. This gave me enough energy to attend the church board & staff dinner that evening. I haven't been able to be at church for some time...it felt good to be with church family again!

Wednesday (Day 29) - Early morning, I woke up with diarrhea and nausea. I seemed to have a lot of indigestion, but as I walked it out the nausea passed. My temperature was normal but I was wondering if I was going to have to skip my chemo treatment. I called ahead to the cancer clinic, so they wanted me to see Dr. Tozer prior to chemo. By the time I arrived to Juravinski, I was feeling better other than being tired (the new "norm"). Dr. Tozer confirmed that it wasn't chemo related but either viral or something I had eaten. He left it up to me to decide whether to go ahead with chemo or not. I felt I should continue and he was pleased.

This time, I had a nurse who is from Brantford. She was warm and friendly and we had a good chat. She also shared some helpful information. The treatment proceeded as usual.

On the way home we made a stop and after a couple of hours I left with a new "friend" to wear home. Nothing to worry about in windy weather now! Stay tuned for the new me :-)

Earlier in the morning, Scott had received a phone call from Barrie. A room has opened up in a nursing home in Brantford and they will move his father Thursday morning!!! Christmas miracle #1 has arrived!

Today (Thursday) is a real low energy day but only minor side effects. Scott, Andrea and Mikaela have been over to welcome grandpa to Brantford - please pray that he adjusts well.

Yesterday, when I was feeling rough, I started worrying about what the upcoming days would hold...suddenly I realized where my thoughts were taking me. "Father", I prayed, "forgive me for failing to rest in you today. You have spared me from much. Help me just to trust you, moment by moment." While at the clinic, I talked with a couple of other ladies going through treatments. Their side effects were much more severe than mine. How faithful God is. He carries us through every circumstance and it causes me to say...

How can I keep from singing Your praise

How can I ever say enough

How amazing is Your love

How can I keep from shouting Your name

I know I am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

[Chris Tomlin]

Day 19 - 23

This week has been a little down and a little up. Sunday, I experienced quite a bit of stomach pain and felt "yucky" most of the day.

Monday morning, the pain was still there, but as the day went on, the discomfort diminished.

Tuesday, I was feeling a little stronger and went for lunch with the church staff. It felt good to get out and, whether it was the food or the company, my appetite was good. By the time I got home, I was a little shaky and my stomach started bothering me again. Probably ate too much ! :)

Wednesday started out fairly well. I sorted through some papers and made tuna salad. Apparently this is hard work as my day quickly deteriorated.

Today my stomach is not too bad and I am trying very hard not to work so hard (hehe). Scott has gone out for a ministerial Christmas lunch and I enjoyed a cup of delicious broccoli soup (Thanks, Anna Marie)

On tough days, I am tempted to fear the days that lay ahead. But I am learning to quickly harness my thoughts. God is faithful and merciful - new every morning! I have so much to be thankful for and so little to complain about. By the way, though individual hairs continue to fall out daily, I still have lots on my head. It wasn't supposed to stay this long. So you see, it doesn't matter what tomorrow holds, today, God has shown me favour! Thank you again for your continued support. My journey is yours, too!

Day 17 & 18

Friday

These days feel like someone has pulled the plug in the energy pool. I'm not very useful so I hope I'm decorative! Friday morning was a day off school for Mikaela, so she spent the morning with me. We played together for a little while, but it wasn't long until Grandma tired out. She is very understanding though and it is always a delight to have her around.


Saturday

A number of individual hairs have become " dearly departed". No clumps yet.

Sometimes, I have trouble thinking much. Luckily, Scott was inventive today. He made homemade broccoli soup with some noodles and a little chicken. Though my taste buds aren't 100%, it tasted very good. Thanks, Honey!

Andrea brought some things over for my very dry skin and put a couple of coats of polish on my nails to strengthen them. She also did a little shopping for me.

People continue to be such a blessing to us in so many different ways . . . words of encouragement, offers to help, just "being there", gifts from the heart and hand. Thank you so much for every blessing!

Chemo #2 - Day 15 & 16

Wednesday Treatment #2 - Day 15

I began the day already tired. Scott took me to my Chemo appointment at 1:00pm. We didn't have too long a wait this time. Everything went smoothly. The nurse was surprised that my hair hadn't already begun to fall out!! hehe :-D

After we left the hospital, I felt well enough to make a stop at the mall to return a few things. After supper I began feeling yucky - my stomach began acting up again with a bit of indigestion and heartburn. I thought I might be in for a rough night but actually ended up sleeping quite well - thank you Jesus!

Thursday - Day 16

I woke up feeling a little light headed this morning. Surprisingly today has been a great day. I even forgot to take some anti-nausea medication this morning and still feel better than I did the first time. I've had a bit of redness and swelling in my face but nothing the doctors are concerned about. It will probably just disappear over time.

I'm just getting ready to eat supper now - I'm still enjoying food YEAH!!!

Thank you to everyone who has been praying that I would have few side effects - at this point I've basically had nothing to complain about, except for lack of energy (and I'm sucking that up for all it's worth!) I know God has been sparing me from so much. I am so unworthy, yet He remains so good!

Day 13 & 14

Monday - Day 13

I decided to get a hair cut. The cancer clinic suggests cutting your hair short or even buzzing it before it begins to fall out. I'm told that it will begin right after my second chemo treatment (this Wed) but so far I have not noticed any hair loss. I've opted for a style shorter than I'm used to in the event that this is yet another side effect that I'm spared from :-)

I felt good today - a little tired after the weekend - but overall it was a good day.

Tuesday - Day 14

Today has been my highest energy day - the day before I begin the cycle all over again.

Scott and Andrea went with me to Juravinski in Hamilton. I went for blood work (to check my levels prior to chemo tomorrow) and to meet with my oncologist, Dr. Tozer, for the first time since having chemo. Dr. Tozer has staged my breast cancer as IIIb (on a scale of I - IV). He prescribed a new medication which he said should help keep my stomach pain/queasiness under control. He examined me again and confirmed what I already thought - the redness has decreased, the tumor is smaller and it is not as hard as 2 weeks ago. The chemo is working...but ultimately I'm relying on the Lord.

Tomorrow I will receive my 2nd chemo treatment. Please be praying with us that the side effects will remain minimal to none and that God will continue to strengthen me moment by moment. God is again affirming His goodness and faithfulness and proving Himself to be in control.

Day 11 & 12

This weekend was a good time with family and friends. Between Tedra, Jesse, Andrea and Scott, I was spoiled for two days. Some brief visits from friends added to the pleasure.

Tedra & Jesse went on a shopping spree for me Saturday. They found some warm hats for the days ahead and a couple of skirts that fit better than my current wardrobe (not to mention they were great deals!)

"Papa" set up the Christmas tree Saturday afternoon and Mikaela & Jesse completed the decorating.

I decided to go to church this morning. Although I would have liked to greet everyone, I purposely arrived late and left early. Chemo destroys the immune system which would make me more susceptible to bacteria and viruses. It was good to be out again however I found I was exhausted before the service ended.

This season in my life is a time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Thank you God for a wonderful weekend.