FRIDAY VISITS!

Here I am with my peeps from PGSS! These are the cuties and handsome dudes from my last class of the day. Aren't they cute? They were "working" hard today :)

This is Kinnie Mason and I jackin' around as per usual. He is one of our extraordinaire team members; we laugh all the time. I really realized today how much I miss being at work . . . sniff

As I walked the hallways with a fellow cancer survivor - Al Paciejewski, we ran into several colleagues who have also been effected by cancer. Their spouses, family members, or friends have gone the chemo route and survived. The common thread of advise: listen to your body and get rest as needed. Everyone reacts differently so pay attention.

After PGSS I headed to CLA to drop of some goodies. It is always so great to see the crazy gals and guys there. They had ordered me flowers and a fruit basket while I was still in Vancouver recouping. The long distance ordering did not pan out, and I received not even a fraction of what they had payed for. Shoddy outfit . . . Anyhow they couldn't be compensated unless there was a picture to prove the claim. Unreal. Now here's the touching part, because I didn't get to enjoy the full basket - they gave me "healthy" gift certificates to Tim Hortons and Whitespot. Awwww . . . I had to cry on Connie's shoulder over that. I was really touched . . . thank you CLA!

WHERE AM I?

I feel like the absentee landlord. I have not posted for a few days for a few reasons:
a) The DELAY of the chemo really knocked the wind out of my sails. This timing certainly does NOT fit in with my "get at it" schedule I had layed out in my head. More anxiety.
b) As I am healing on the inside out, I feel completely useless. I can't lift heavy objects, I can't jog, I can't even lift my little nephew, Ethan. He looks at me with his big brown eyes and his little fluffy arms extended up to me and asks for "pu" (up). I just get on my knees and hug him. He climbs on my knees and wraps his little arms around my neck and gives me open mouth slobber kisses, as if to say, "Come on auntie, what happened to our old days?" Of course when he doesn't get picked up, he backs up, looks me up and down, and bolts into his next discovery. Useless
c) I have not been up to much these last few days. My biggest event is using my pill organizer because my memory goes south when it comes to remembering if I took my last pill or not. Ohhh the excitement.
d) Also, I have appointments with Dr. MJ Norman everyday because I am too much of a wimp to massage the outside of my right breast where it has become hard. Sheina has asked for 3 massages a days for approx 5 mins. It grosses me out. No, I can't feel it, but the knowledge of the flap inside has me in a flap. :) Thank God for my parents. They are hear everyday!
e) I got my hair bucked up even shorter yesterday. It's schpikey! schweeeet!
Today I do get a little excitement as I visit my students at PGSS for one last time this year. Now this is fun! I miss these guys so much. And my colleagues . . . well, it doesn't get any better than these folks. I miss the team. sniff sniff
I am hoping for good weather this weekend for some bbq excitement. Fingers crossed!

CHEMO CONSULT

I just got the call from the hospital . . . I have a consultation with Dr. Bishop on Monday, June 2nd @ 4:00pm. I guess from there my first chemo date will be set. Soooooo . . . apparently I have one more weekend of freedom. There is the hurry up and wait syndrome again.

In the meantime I found another great little chemo website: http://www.chemotherapysideeffects.ca/

HOLY MEDS!

I went to fill my prescriptions today before chemo starts. Good God - thank heavens I have good medical coverage. Here's the run down of my starting line up:
* Pms-Ondansetron; prevents nausea: $147.50 (little box on the right)
* Pms- Dexamethasone; decreases the body's natural defensive reponses and reduces the chances of an allergic reaction: $46.14
* Gen-Zopiclone used for sleeping problems. Not addictive: $28.04
* Apo-Metoclop; used for persistent heart burn: $10.47
* Novo-lexin; anti-biotic; $34.50
And batting clean up . . . my regular meds.

After I came back from this costly venture, my sister, Rhonda, mom, and I were talking about what a person would do if they could not afford these "support" meds. Rhonda suggested that perhaps people would feel better about giving money to the Cancer Agency if they could "adopt a patient" in need. That way you would know exactly where the money goes. I think that is a mighty fine idea.

I still have not received the nod for chemo to start. If I do not receive a call tomorrow - I'll call them.

MY LAST WEEKEND

This weekend was my last weekend "free" before chemo begins. Friday night I was unable to attend the birthday gathering at the Shogun for Cherie's birthday. Who gives up the Goma chicken at the Shogun? You KNOW I was hurting and tired.
Saturday, Norm and I headed out to the Adams family cabin on Fraser Lake. We had dinner at Stellako Lodge and then it was back to flannel sheets and a cozy wood stove heated cabin. I slept like a log. My bladder only called once at 6:30 am and then it was back to la-la land until 10:00am. Ahhhhhh . . .
I felt badly for Norm this weekend. It seemed like all I did was cry or sleep. These crying jags just sneak up and take over. I feel so useless right now. I am so out of sync from my normal routine. In addition, I can't lift anything. Chemo is also starting to make me anxious. We had some good talks and he set me straight. I am "allowed" to cry. I hold it together throughout the week for Jordyn and family, and I guess our weekends together are a safe place to unwind. THANK God he is the man he is. Talking, crying, and talking some more helps to get it out and prep for the week ahead. I am so blessed to have a best friend who really gets me. He just holds me and just lets me be me. xoxo

THE TWEENS!

Dr. Sheina Anne Macadams (l) and little Missy Andrea - receptionist extraordinaire!(r)

Okay - here is the 12 year old plastic surgeon - doctor Sheina Macadams (on the left). When I met with her Thursday, we actually covered a lot of ground. Karen Gelmon had examined me the hour before and asked to have Sheina check out possible infection on my right girl. It is hard and red on the outside. I am now on anti-biotics and I have orders to massage the area - even though it grosses me out :( Yuck! Then Sheina took out the mother of all needles to possibly drain a seroma (pocket of fluid). There wasn't one, but I could NOT watch. Good Lord, I don't know how she does it!

THEN - I had to show where I burned my left girl. Yikes! Last week I put Ethan's warming barley bag in the microwave, heated it up, and put it under my left armpit to relieve the pain. Well, with no sensation - I guess the barley was a tad too hot. It will be okay- surface burn the size of a toonie.

I am now able to sleep on my side. I need to be propped up a bit -but it is a little variety from straight backside sleep.

Sheina took some 4 week pictures of the girls and the tummy tuck, answered a few questions and then I was on my way. Before I left, Andrea and Sheina were so kind as to pose for a few pictures. They are so cute!

I get to return in 3 weeks. This needs to be timed with the chemo. I will only fly nearing day 21 of the chemo cycle. Being on the plane and breathing the flakes of skin coming from the canned air above - NOT a germ free environment. No Go Jo.

Chemotherapy School

So here I am with lovely Veronica learning about my chemo regiment. We met yesterday morning at the Cancer Agency in Vancouver. She was very thorough and answered all the questions that Chrissy and I had. An hour quickly flew by and then it was time to visit THE oncology guru - Karen Gelmon :)

My chemo drugs: DC - Docetaxel Cyclophosphamide

These two drugs we will be administered here in PG. The plan consists of 4 cycles. Each cycle is 3 weeks in length. For 3 days, starting the night before chemo, I take anti-nausea drugs. After a 2 hour chemo session, the first 72 hours are the worst. Once I get over that hump, I boost back up my immune system for 2 and 1/2 weeks. Nearing day 21, I have a blood test to make sure the white blood cell count is back up. Then I get zapped again. Usually this treatment is 6 cycles, but Karen is only recommending 4. So by the end of the summer, I should be finished with this.

The side effects are varied and many. The most obvious are nausea and vomiting, hair loss, diarrhea, mouth sores, heart burn, and fatigue. There are many others, but these are the most common to manage. Some people do not experience all of these - but most do.

I am just anxious to get started. When we met with Karen, she gave me several prescriptions and she faxed the PG clinic to begin chemo next week. I am expecting a call today or Monday.

In the meantime, I am going to have a relaxing weekend with Norm. We are going to Cherie Allen's birthday dinner tonight, and then heading out to the cabin tomorrow. R & R. I am very excited!!!!

Vancouver Appointments!

I had two days of Vancouver meetings with various doctors. I was to leave Tuesday afternoon, but the aircraft was hit by lightening in Vancouver and the flight was cancelled. So Wednesday morning I flew out early. Chrissy picked me up, and we headed straight to the Cancer Agency. I had an appointment with the oncologist gynecologist. The resident doctor came in first and did a COMPLETE physical. Man, I thought I was going to get away with just a consultation and zero poking and prodding. No such luck. That was a quick wake up call - yowsah! Then the young blond oncologist came in and gave her opinion based on the gathered information. The bottom line is that I will be having two ultra sounds over the course of my chemo treatments. These ultra sounds will monitor the growth of the tumor on my right ovary. So far it has shrunk from 7cm's to 5cm's. After chemo - we will decide what and when the next steps will be taken. This will be in September some time.

The rest of the day I wanted cancer free. I did not want to look at wigs. I am not going to wear a wig, and so I thought I'd rather look at shoes. Chrissy obliged and off to Freedmans we went. No real luck there or anywhere. We had lunch at the Shaughnessy golf and country club and then it was time for a nap. Dinner last night was at NU and then we layed out and watched The Holiday (with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). Cute chick flick.

Tough night sleeping - the nerves in my arms from armpit to fingertips "buzz" at night. It's an irritating grating feeling. Grrrrr . . .

Lisa's back tomorrow ..

Norm here again. I'm guest blogging tonight from Smithers while Lisa gets in a quick trip to Vancouver to follow up with her Docs and discuss next steps.

On the weekend, Lisa and I spoke about how things 'seem' right now. In many ways, there's a calm. I'm not sure if it's the calm before the storm (chemo) or the the calm after the storm (surgery). Either way, it has an odd feeling to it. Lisa's energy level has started to rebound. The Tim Conway shuffle is gone and now that she is free from the post-surgery drains, she's walking much straighter and taller. She's not pain free but, for moments, it's very easy for me to forget that less than a month ago she was in surgery for 15 hours.

Tom Petty wrote "the waiting is the hardest part". For Lisa, the current wait is nearly over. Tomorrow, she'll meet with Dr. Gelmon and learn more about chemotherapy. More specifically, she'll learn the rationale behind the chemo-cocktail / chemo-regimen that Gelmon will prescribe. Blood samples will be drawn and these will be used to establish a baseline against which future samples will be compared. At the end of the day Lisa should have a clear-path going forward and know what the next few months will look like for her.

Lisa will be back in the writer's chair tomorrow ...

DIEP HELP WANTED!

Hi Lisa
Sheina gave me your blog site on my last visit with her. I will be getting the DIEP soon.There is a problem trying to get VGH to give the OR time. I will have to contact my MLA and complain.We have a good surgeon waiting to do her best work and it's blocked by the fact they will not open the OR for the time needed. Also the surgery is needed within 4-6 weeks after my radiation and they can't get a date yet,it's frustrating and stressful.Anyway the reason I am contacting you is to thank you for your blog, it gave me information I would not have received any where else. Good luck in your recovery.
Colleen Carpenter

Doesn't that just frost your ta-ta's? Colleen has to wait for a date for surgery. This is invasive cancer we are talking about here people! Sheina was sent to learn this new DIEP procedure and now there isn't any OR time to perform it! It prevents numerous surgeries for the patient! If this is about money - one surgery vs 2 or 3 saves time and money for everyone. The recovery is half the time of the traditional TRAM and the results are phenomenal!

Now Collen has to contact her MLA?? Come on! Like she doesn't have enough to worry about! I am furious! Is there anyone who has any ideas to help out this cause? I have asked Colleen for her MLA's address and I think we need to write a few letters folks to assist her (and many others) to get the care they deserve!

BARBEQUE WEATHER FOR THE TIT's

So last night was the barbeque season opener at Becky and Bruce's abode. The TIT's were out in fine form . . . just missing our Vancouver member - Chrissy. Nevertheless, we toasted her and had her in our thoughts. The girls put the spread together; I just rolled out of bed, bought some Tylenol extra-strength and ibuprofen on the way, and then Jordyn and I hit the party. I did, however, contribute one of my favourite bottles of wine from the Desert Hills winery in Oliver. It was the award winning Mirage. The girls liked it better than the Burrowing Owl. Now here is the strange part - I could have barfed watching them drink the red wine. It turns my stomach to even think of putting that to my lips. YIKES! Will I ever be able to enjoy a good bouquet again?

MORE SHOWERS PLEASE!

With the drains gonzo - I had my first shower today since the am of April 25th. I cannot even begin to tell you how great that felt. Words can't describe the exhilaration. I no longer feel like a patient. No drains to slings around, no dressings to hinder me, and warm water raining from above. Ahhhhh! I do have some remaining steri strips over the stitches, but they will fall off as I begin to shower more and more. I must admit that I am a bath girl at heart, but for now . . . bring on the showers!

BYE BYE DRAINS!

This is one drain. It was inserted along the outside of my breast up to the blue stitch (right side of the ruler)

Power to the blog. Last night little doctor Sheina read the plan for yanking the breast drains out and quickly forwarded a wonderful email. It stated that the drains should be gently removed, and if there were any questions to contact her (she left a few numbers to be reached at). Thank you, thank you. Slow and gentle was the order of the day. The right breast drain was a little stuck, but it was slowly taken out. No problem. The left drain came out without incident. So I am free like a little bird!

I was so excited that I stopped by the school and visited my teaching partners and my students at PGSS! It was so fantastic to see my gang again! I will return before chemo begins. They are so much fun. Then I was off to CLA to thank the gang for the "lovely" basket they sent to me while I was in Vancouver. It was great to see the wild and crazy gals! I shall return there too!

Energy Frustration

I feel like such an old lady. If I do too much one day, the next day is a rest day. I need to behave myself so that I can have my drains removed tomorrow. The health nurse came by yesterday and checked out the scene. Everything looks good, but she did finger wag me and tell me to settle down. I see her tomorrow morning. I must admit that I am a bit apprehensive with her approach though. She said she would release the vacuum from the drain, tell me to take a deep breath, and yank it out! Yank! Yank? Sheina and I did not go through 15 hours of surgery for someone to YANK my drains out. When I left Vancouver, Sheina was very explicit in her instruction that the drains are to be gently pulled out. I told the nurse this, but she just said that my tissue may be growing around the drain, and they need to be quickly pulled out. Slow could cause pain. PAIN SCHMAIN - follow the doctor's instructions please. I'll have to go over these instructions once more before the big drain removal. I'm sure things will be fine - I'll let you know.

Chemotherapy

Yesterday I was a little too ambitious; I tried to tackle grocery shopping. I can't reach above the "hands up" stance and I shouldn't lift anything over 5 pds. Limiting. However, I met a cute News Group merchandiser in the book/magazine section who offered to help me with the big stuff. He even came to the house and had lunch with me. xoxo

Then I went to my friends. We had a good visit- but I was quickly fading around dinner time. I came home, had a salad, and went to bed. Rhonda did homework and piano practice with Jordyn. Thank God for sisters!!!!

I slept through until early morning. I was to have an appointment with the home care nurse - but I was 15 minutes late and she had already left the office. My foggy brain had me driving to the wrong place before I clued in to go to the Northern Health Unit. I guess there is no room for error with these ladies. Yikes! I am kind of wondering what she would have done with me if I was on time. 15 minutes of what? My dressings take at least 1/2 hr. Hmmmm . . .

Anyhow -I have to forward a great link re: chemotherapy. It is for patients and loved ones. It is presented in a user friendly manner, answers many questions, and provides interesting facts. As you move through the tutorial, your personalized Chemo ready plan is created. It is fantastic! Give it a look: http://www.chemoready.ca/
Thanks love.

Random Thoughts . . .

It is my usual 5:00 am wake up call. My left armpit has been my alarm clock these days. It burns. It feels like I have shaved my underarm hair and nicked all over. Usually the stinging subsides with a nick, but this sensation just lasts and lasts. Lovely. I think maybe I need to use my arms a wee bit less. No, I am not lifting weights, but my arms are used quite a bit in daily activity - sponge bathing, hair washing, hair styling, preparing meals, and caring for Jordyn. If I lay down with my arm propped on a pillow, the burn subsides over time. To touch the area it is hard and lumpy. I do believe it is the drain.

GOOD NEWS! My prof from the University of Lethbridge is the greatest! I emailed him explaining that my chemo would interfere with my Masters completion. I was in tears. He promptly wrote back, told me to stop crying, and assured me that I will finish in July. His wife Nola, also an Ed. prof will work with our cohort on writing our papers and we'll just do mine from afar. HOW WONDERFUL IS THAT? I am ecstatic!

I finished watching Reservation Road last night. It is a new release with Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, and Jennifer Connell. Good movie. Out of ten - 8.5 , and I'm a harsh critic. Worth seeing folks. I am liking watching a movie to lull me to sleep. I can sit up and relieve my headache. I find on my sleepy days that I get pressure headaches on the back of my head. I still can't lay on my side or front - so this is my only position. Very annoying. I had these same headaches in the hospital. I was told that when I was in surgery, they put my head in a gel donut to help relieve some pressure. 15 hours of surgery - I don't think anyone moved my head around. Several spots were extremely sore to touch. The only relief I could get was when I was sleeping . . . and then they would wake me up every hour to check the girls. Small doses of relief.

I am hanging with a dear friend today. I am going over to see her new home and to lay out in her most comfortable bed. I am also hoping to meet with Wendy - the home care nurse to get my right drain out. Fingers crossed that this is not painful. I have a 50/50 chance. When they took out my abdominal drains, the left one I could not feel, and the right - OUCH! Did you know that when they pulled out the abdominal drains - the drain inside was about a foot long? It is flat like a garden soaker hose. I am anxious to see length of these breast drains. Yikes!

I need to start checking out some information on chemo. As I start this next venture, I'll be journaling all my findings, resource sites, hair loss, barfy day thoughts etc. You will be such experts when we finish this little journey. :) If you have any questions as we move through this next phase - fire away. You know how candid I am, and so nothing will phase me. Unfortunately, I do believe that this blog site requires a gmail account to post. If you don't want to do that - just email me your questions: lisa097@gmail.com. I'll answer anything.

Monday, Monday . . .

How many of you are singing - "Bah da bah da da da" - after reading the title? heehee -gotcha!

So last night at Ric's Grill was a great little bash. Jordyn was taking the photos. However, when I look at them , I realize there is not one of mom and me or Jordyn and me. Hmmm . . . I do have pictures of Norm and me and my nephew, Mike, and me. Mike is Shelley's youngest. Great kid. Dry sense of humor and fast one lines. He doesn't laugh at his own material which makes it that much funnier.

I just returned home from the airport to get Rhonda. She and fellow cohort members, including TIT Becky (lovah), attended their Masters convocation at Gonzaga University. Sounds like it was a lovely celebration and beautiful campus. I am green with envy as my Masters will not be completed in July as chemo will be ongoing at that point. This makes me very sad, and I am blue today. Oh well, all in due time.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Happy Mother's Day! It is so great to be home to celebrate this day!

Yesterday was a long day. Norm, Jordyn, and I attended the 10:00am start of the Cancer walk. We walked and talked for awhile and soon we started to see lots of people that we know and even some who had only read the blog came over to introduce themselves. Very touching.

I chatted a few laps with Kinnie Mason. He is one of my teaching partners at PGSS. We had more laughs together. He was relaying how the students are doing and . . . well, it is time for me to go and visit. I miss those little farts. Mother Norman needs to make sure that my little chicklettes are okay.

We then picked up Griffin from swimming and headed to the breakfast club. Mom fed the clan and we chatted for a bit. Norm and Griffin headed off to Vanderhoof to visit Norm's mom and help out splitting some wood. Jordyn went with her dad, and I headed to see Linda at the hair salon.

Linda bucked my hair right off. This morning when I told Jordyn that I would be losing my hair with chemo, she was very upset. I told her it would be okay, and that if she wanted I would get a real hair wig so she won't be embarrassed. She just looked at me with big crocodile tears and said, "Mom, you could never embarrass me. I just don't like you being sick." Heart breaker - I think with short hair, the complete hair loss will be less traumatic for her.

On the way home, I picked up a few videos in anticipation of a quiet evening. I was bundled up on the couch and really looking forward to a few movies. Who am I kidding? I was snoring and drooling in no time. I feel good, but I guess I still need afternoon naps.

Baby steps . . .

GELMON VISIT!

So, here is the miracle worker - Dr. Karen Gelmon. She is the top oncologist on the planet!
I met with her yesterday afternoon, after my ultra sound to hear the news regarding chemo or hormone therapy. Result: I will begin my chemotherapy at the end of this month.

Now the ultra sound was an interesting experience. The technician was a focused little Asian man - Bin. Chrissy and I had fun with him. He "probed" me in all areas to get a good look at the growth on my right ovary. Very interesting procedures . . . I had never had an internal probe before. For anyone who has, you can imagine my surprise :)

Then it was upstairs to see Karen. On May 20th I head back to Vancouver for consults with the gynecologists. Yes, another operation is in store to prevent any chance of ovarian cancer - hysterectomy later this summer. Then I see Sheina for some boob talk and then back to Karen for a set up for chemo. My first chemo date has yet to be set, but hopefully it will be during this trip. After that, my chemo will be completed here in PG.

My reaction to this news . . . well, like I said to Karen - I'd rather be safe than sorry. I was disappointed that I will not be able to complete my Masters this July, and that I will lose my hair. The reality - health first! Hair grows back and my Masters will get done, just not on my expected timeline. I have wonderful professors in Lethbridge and I know they will work with me on a realistic timeline to complete this goal. I'll just miss my cohort this summer. We have a great group of genuine people. I'll miss the laughs.

It is so nice to be home! I cried when I finally got to hold Jordyn in my arms last night. I just held her as tight as my body would allow and cried. She is such a great kid! I love her so much and I missed her terribly. Mom, dad, Griffin, and Norm were also there to greet me. It was nice to see everyone. Griffin is officially taller than me. Grrrrrr. Ma and Pa bear drove me home, and mom took my laundry. Did I mention I have the best parents?

Jordyn and I cuddled as much as possible and we snored all night. Happy bears.

I hear my nephew romping around upstairs right now. I need to go and attack him with kisses. He is the cutest little fart in the world. Check out some of my previous posts and I'm sure you'll agree.

I am going to attack him, have a bite to eat, get ready, and head down with Jordyn to pick up Norm for the cancer walk. We are going to pace off a few laps and then head to the breakfast club. For those of you who do not know, the breakfast club is held every Saturday at mom and dad's. My siblings and their families all go home and have one of mom's gourmet breakfasts together. It is a great time to catch up and hang for a relaxing morning. familia

"It you don't have family -you don't have anything." hsn

DR. DAVIS VISIT

This is Dr. Noelle Davis and me. She is the surgeon who performed my double mastectomy and removed several nodes. It was fantastic to put a face to the knife. She is a bright, confident woman and, like all the other professionals I have encountered here, she took the time to answer all of my questions and made me feel positive for recovery.

Extra note . . . Noelle's husband and Dr. J. Appleby (surgeon in PG who did my intitial surgery) are good friends. Small world!

Today I have an ultra sound at 1:00 and a meeting with Karen at 2:00pm. This will be the meeting where chemo will be ruled in or out. Then I pack up and come home. :)

FOLLOW UP AT SUITE 1000!

Suite 1000 at 777 W. Broadway should be a mandatory stop on the tour of what receptionists SHOULD be. This is the office of the miracle worker - plastic surgeon Sheina Macadams (btw, she still looks 12 - okay maybe 12 yrs and 3 months). She has receptionist, little miss Andrea, who is the epitome of how and what the front lines should look like. Next to Andrea, on back up keyboards is Ms. Toni Roma (couldn't resist). She is the receptionist for Sheina's partner - Dr. Peter Lennox. Before Andrea arrived, Toni was lead for both doctors and never once was I belittled or made to feel like I was "wasting her time". It is a high end plastic surgeons office, and there is nothing "toni" or stuffy about it!
How does an office get to have such a great feel? Personality, personality, personality . . . this is something that one cannot teach. Either you have it or you don't. Humor is crucial and like any sevice, it is about relationship. I think these were the key to the hiring of these two women. People who possess these qualities, generally have the common sense and the academic ability to quickly learn office drills and programs. I believe these skills are secondary when creating a dynamic team, where all members are honored and their talents add to the total capacity. The flavour of the office comes alive and the moment the elevator doors open, you know you are welcome!

Follow up with Sheina:
a) the other abdominal drain was removed - yeehaw to that!
b) the outer breast dressings were removed.
c) apparently everything looks good.
d) I have an appointment on May 22nd

At this appointment Sheina will take her after photos. At that point I will snap some photos of the 'tween" surgeon heehee . You can see for yourself folks. Also, I'll show the front line gals. It is an amazing team. I am blessed and truly honored to have met and been in care of such wonderful people!

THE POWER OF LOVE

We have just returned from Karen Gelmon's office. She is the top oncologist on the planet! What a wonderful lady.
So here's the deal:
a) The right breast is clear and fine.
b) The left breast had cancer in the sentinel node BUT . . . here's the good part -
NO CANCER IN THE OTHER 14 NODES TAKEN! 1 out of 15:)

What now?
a) Karen is having her pathologist look at my slides from my operation. The pathologist will recommend chemo or hormone therapy. If the cancer in the sentinel node is found to be low grade - hormone therapy only.
b) The cyst on my right ovary will be looked at closely on Friday at 1:40. I have an ultra sound and Karen will see me after that to make a treatment decision and discuss getting on with a hysterectomy.

I am so relieved. Norm, Chrissy, and I are numb. We are also in happy shock. Chrissy is so shocked that she missed the Granville bridge on ramp. :)

So wow! The power of prayer, energy, and love has played out right before us!

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

RECOVERY HEAVEN

So these are the digs where I am recovering. I know, I know . . . just awful accommodations. I hate having to stay in a condo on False Creek, staring across at Granville Island everyday. I hate having the sea wall pass right before the patio and watching people walk, ride, or jog by. I hate eating outside and getting wonderful fresh air without wearing a parka. It is pure torture. :)

Today I will get to visit with three of Chrissy's dear friends. The first visitors will Teresa Clark and her husband Chris the dentist. Teresa just completed her radiation treatment for breast cancer. It will be lovely to hear her stories and observations. From her diagnosis, two significant changes in her life have occurred: she is no longer competitive in her tennis play at the club, and . . . . she is the lead singer in an all female rock band. Isn't that cool? She is a shy little gal and has decided to follow her passion. Rock on girl!

Later today Dick Evans will come by. He is the nicest man. He and his wife, Loretta, are retired Vancouver school administrators. He had quadruple by-pass open heart surgery last December. He and I have decided that there is a book to be written illustrating the parallels between the education and health care systems. The service, care, and delivery mirror one another. I am going to see if I can thread this notion into my Masters presentation in July. Without proper leadership, open communication, and professionals who are willing to deliver their "A" game daily - both professions will continue to be hit-and-miss service models.

STRINGS AND THINGS AND THE NEW GIRLS!

I would like to introduce you to my 4 new friends - the Drain family. I have 2 breast drains and 2 abdomen drains. I empty and measure their output every 12 hours. Once the cirus fluid flow is less than 30 mls/24 hours, I will have that drain removed. I visit the clinic today at 1:45 and I think the left abdomen drain will be removed. Yee-haw! One down, 3 to go.
The length of the drains really limits the wardrobe. If one could come up with a comfortable clothing line to accommodate the drains, wow -a lot of money could be made. hmmmmm . . . .

Here's the new girls folks! I have to live in this bra for the next month. I figure this photo is like looking at a bikini top, and so this is not inappropriate family viewing :) I have had many inquiries - so here you go! The new breast tissue is the tissue from my abdomen. Sheina (the plastic surgeon) did an amazing job! I am still very swollen and sore - but the girls have taken to their new transplant site. There will be a bit of reshaping to take place, but the main part is over :) Not bad eh?

All is quiet this weekend ..

It’s early-afternoon on Sunday. I've had the chance to reflect on the last 10 days. What a difference a week makes! As I write, Lisa is slipping into slumberland.

Last Saturday: Last Saturday, Lisa was in the ‘warm room’. Really, the sign should have read “Hot! Damn hot! Hotter than a snake’s ass in wagon-rut”! (The words play-out better if you conjure up memories of Robin Williams in his “Good Morning Vietnam” portrayal of Adrian Kronauer .) That day, Lisa was so hot and racked with nausea that any pain she was feeling was secondary. The room was 35C for 48 hours before the stifling heat was turned down. Note: It takes a Doc and a team of nurses to conclude that patient comfort DOES play a role in post-op recovery.

This Saturday: Lisa and I went for a short-walk on the seawall on Vancouver’s False Creek. We didn’t break any speed-records. I likened her walk to that of one of Tim Conway's characters. (Her nose scrunched up in response.) Much different than her stride two-weeks ago when we ran together in Kelowna. Actually, that's not true, we didn’t run together that day. She ran ahead of me, wearing blue. The longer we ran, the smaller the blue dot became in front of me. I caught up with her by cutting across the city park. Note: I need to run more.

This weekend: It’s been a quiet weekend. Chris, Lisa and I have slept a great deal. In between we’ve shared our own perspectives on Lisa’s experience at VGH. The conversations mapped out the timeline from check-in early Friday morning to Lisa's discharge on Wednesday. Along the way, Lisa learned that I'm Sudoku challenged. Note: Under protest, I'm not practicing.

I learned, through those conversations, that the ‘B-Team’ nurses took over after I boarded the plane for Toronto. The stories of slip-shod patient care made my blood boil and, honestly I'm tempted to delete all the positive things I've written about VGH patient-care but ... that wouldn’t be fair to Yola or the other nurses who are doing a great job. In the final analysis, it's safe to say that, as with many workplaces, VGH is infested with those who are either unhappy in their roles or are, at least, emotionally severed from from the qualities that drew them to the health care profession. In Lisa's case, patient 'care' was not a priority. Those who did make their 'every four hour' visits were rude or, there's that word again, dismissive. Note: Even in the trauma unit, a five night stay pushes the envelope of good patient care by two days.

The week ahead: Now we look forward to the week ahead and to Wednesday’s meeting with Dr. Gelmon. There, Gelmon will map out the next steps for treatment. Until then, we face the natural tendency to fill in the blanks for ourselves. The mood here is optimistic and, I think, realistic - Lisa is bracing herself for a path that includes chemo, radiation, or both. She's also knows that while preparing is good, hearing the words come from Gelmon will carry a much heavier punch. As Wednesday nears, I’m asking for more white-light and thoughtful prayer to make the next steps as light as possible.

More later .. Norm

PROGNOSIS!

So I guess the question is . . . what now?

After the surgery, the oncologist surgeon, Dr. Davis came out and spoke with Chrissy and Norm.She said, "Everything has gone well. We did check the lymph nodes and we found nothing on the right side. On the left side, where the aggressive cancer was, we did find cancer in the sentinel node, so I removed the sentinel node and several others around it."

Where does this leave us? On Wednesday, May 7th I have an appointment with the best of the best in oncology - Dr. Karen Gelmon at the BC Cancer Agency. She will advise me of the treatment to follow. I am anticipating chemo, radiation, or both. I'll wait and see.

In the meantime, Norm arrived here from Toronto last night. Yippee! Mom and dad just dropped by to say good -bye; they are heading home today. Norm has laced them down with some great reading material for Jordyn and Ethan.

I am feeling much better today. Here is my morning breakfast of goodies. Yummy.

I'll get there yet!

A WEEK IN REVIEW

Hello Gang! We did it! With all of your support, love, prayers, and good energy - I think I am on the the mend. Yippee Skippee.

Last week at this time I was already admitted into VGH, and I was being poked and probed before surgery. I think as today progresses, I will be able to have a true appreciation for my 15 hours of surgery. Because I was the one knocked out, I am having a terrible time slowing down and allowing my body to take the lead for healing. Those of you who know me will laugh in agreeing to that. I have ZERO tolerance for 'sucky-wucks" and I am a HUGE fan of the "Buck up and get at it!" mantra. Soooooo, this lying around stuff is new and bothersome.

I will just give you the day by day highlights from my trip to hell. Yes, this has been a life altering experience on so many levels. I am still detangling the strands and making sense of all of this on a personal and spiritual level. However, I will share the physical. As I look back- geeeeeee I had shitty care. Keep in mind- I am not a whiner. I was just sucking it up and getting through - with an extremely FOGGY mind and slow input - process - output odometer.
Friday: Surgery day. Great day - in at 5:45 and knocked out just after 7:00am. My next memory was nearing midnight.
I do remember thinking it was strange though, as I was wheeled into the OR, that no one seemed to even notice I was there. I was in a huge room alone on a tiny bed in the middle. Several nurses were off to the side preparing instruments and doctors were on phones and writing on charts. The anesthesiologist sauntered over and threw in an intravenous port. Sheina (plastic surgeon who looks like she is 12yrs old) came over and had me sit up to draw her marking from neck to above the pubic line. Soon I was lying back down and off to la la land. The next thing I knew I was groggy awake and I could see I was being wheeled somewhere in a hurry as the ceiling panels flew by overhead. I was asked the names of people who may want to see me and that was that.
Saturday: My day in hell. Boot camp started here. I was put into a heated room. Now - a patient is placed in a hot room OR a hot panel is placed in a normal cool room to help with vasodilationtion of the arteries and veins. Somehow - I was chosen to be the lucky dual winner. Oh yes folks, I had a room at 30'c AND a panel heater over me reading 35'c. I had pillows piled on either side of me and my back and the back of my head were dripping in sweat. ( I had 8 litres of fluid pumped into me - lots to come out)
At that point. I was not using the pain medication because I do not like the drugged out feeling. For those of you who do not know, I am probably one of the few people you will meet who has never even smoked pot. Yes, clear eyed and sensible this one. Anyhow, I was trying to gauge the pain and press the pain medication where needed. I could not have any water for 48 hours - this was just in case I had to be wheeled back into the or. I would have my mouth swabbed and any droplets left over were quickly suctioned away. This was making me nauseated so I avoided the meds.
My legs were wrapped with thigh-high plastic "goalie pads". These fill with air in different patterns, and then deflated to give the legs a massage to prevent blood clots.
The medication guy came in and heard I was nauseated and that I did not like the meds. So he switched me to morphine. Bad move . . .

I woke up with Norm putting a cool cloth on my head BUT - I was sweating and began reacting to the morphine. I was laying just about flat, surrounded by piled-up hot plastic covered pillows, my legs were in hot plastic sweat pads, sweat was pooled up and down my backside -starting at my head, and the bloody heat panel was above me closing me in like a coffin. NOT COOL. I began to get claustrophobic. I freaked out and it was a while before I could talk myself down. I just wanted to get up and run outside. If it wasn't for the window in my room, I don't know where that would have gone. I was switched back to the original med and then I was to be cooled down.

Unfortunately, cooled down for them was different than what I had in mind. I was wanting a sponge bath and the heater panel removed. OH NO - I was layed out flat and they thought WASHING MY HAIR would be a good idea . Keep in mind - not even 12 hours post op and I have a section of left rib removed,my flaps are attempting to relocate in my chest wall,and my tummy tuck is tight - requiring legs bent. My chest was exploding with pain and, well . . . I get teary even thinking about it. As I writhed in VOCAL pain, the nurses rinsed my hair, and promptly conditioned it. They wiped down my body and gave me a hair brush and left. So - no mirror, I can't get up - so what the hell?

On top of this - there is on the hour monitoring of the artery and vein coupling. A mini (hand held) ultra sound machine is brought in to put on the flaps (my new girls) to hear the pulse. Sleep deprivation . . . good Lord. I remember wanting to be 'taken out" that day. Surely there is a drugs that can knock you out until further notice and all gross experiences like this can be avoided.
Sunday: Much better day. I felt like this was my marathon day. I needed to get up and move. No problem. So the physiotherapist and nurse show up to help my "dangle my feet at the edge of the bed" Dangle, smangle - lets stand, walk ? However, these girls were tiny. They could certainly not catch this huge coug. The standing soon ended as I stood up - yes ladies, I started my cycle. Did I not have enough to contend with? grrrrrr
The heat was turned down and I was able to have water!!
I was able to talk with Jordyn on the phone - HUGE highlight. She only wanted to know if I was sitting in a wheelchair. She had some tears and I held steady for her.
Norm left for meetings in Toronto so we said goodbye that night sniff sniff
Monday: No nurse care here. This is where the care became very shoddy. Chrissy was the first one though the door on that morning who could help me clean up from the day before. I was in a pool of disgusting bodily fluids. Unreal ! No one had changed any thing from the afternoon before. The HUGE nurse let us know that the ward was under staffed and that she had an appointment in 15 minutes. Chrissy kicked into high gear and was the best care aid I had BY FAR! She didn't let the nurse off the hook. While Chrissy got me to the washroom to clean up, she had "Helga" (that's what we tagged her) change my bed. The nurse was annoyed and then announced she was late for another appointment.
Soon mom and dad arrived. It was emotional. At the best of times I cry when my mom hugs me and says"Oh dear heart" or "God love you child". whhaaaaa ... she just has this way about her - most of you know what I am talking about. Dad was wiping the tears as well. Both were amazed at how good I was doing and then dad pipes up and says, "Well of course Mary Jo. She's a Norman". Soon the nurse returned and announced that I would be changing rooms. We all packed up and over I went to a double room. I would not get a roommate until the next day.
Tuesday: The grease had piled up enough on the 'ol noggin and so it was hair washing day. One of my fav nurses, Andrea, brought us the equipment and left us to it. She was shocked that I had my hair washed on the first day. She said in her years of nursing she had only washed hair maybe twice - there simply was no time. So I was layed down comfortably: dad was on the bucket. Mom shampooed my hair 3 times before the previous conditioner was out, a Bev (who was there to have her check up at the cancer agency) was on water refill. Chrissy supervised. Quite the production. Ahhhhhh did that feel grrrrrreat! I was a little styling my hair and so I paid the price Wednesday and Thursday.
That night I had the worst nurse. She did nothing but play on the computer all night at the station outside the door. She came in the odd time to poke at my girls, and one time she did this as she at her Chinese crackers. gross.
Wednesday: Release day. I cried for most of this day. Weepy, sleepy day. THIS surprised me.Mom and dad went grocery shopping and prescription shopping for me. Have I mentioned I have the greatest parents? :)
Thursday: Sore and zoned out day. I felt nauseated all day. I layed and vegged out and tried to feel good. I even razored of 10 pounds of hair from my legs :) That felt!
Friday: I go the walk in clinic today. Mom will be over to Chrissy's soon to wash my hair and help me get ready.
I'll add some pictures later. This posting was just to let you know that I am alive and back.