My healing journey

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

April 23, 2012
I am really enjoying being back to work! They're a great group of people and they're always planning fun events. Last weekend I went with 3 co-workers to attend a cancer fundraiser at the new Langley BMW dealership. (Cure is the new black, a black and white attire event, hosted by twinscancerfundraising.com) What an experience!!! We met Trevor Bird, from Top Chef Canada, who was cooking appetizers for us. We were treated to mixed music by 4 different DJ's. Two of them were the top 2 DJ's in Canada (Headspin and Skratch Bastid), as well as the DJ for Jay-Z (I didn't care for the rap as much). I don't think I've ever danced that long, the songs are all blended together, so it's like an hour long song that each DJ plays. There were male dancers too, they were the best, so amazing to watch.

April 20, 2012
It may have taken longer to recover this time, but I feel so good right now, that I can't believe my last chemo was only 3 weeks ago. Maybe it's the chemo brain, but if I don't look in the mirror and see a bald head, I could almost forget that I had chemo, or cancer for that matter.

I went paddling (dragon boating) with my team this week. I did much better than I expected, but what I didn't expect, was to have such a sore butt afterward! Hopefully I'll be paddling again next week, it's so refreshing. It's a physical sport, but it's also great for the mind as well. If you have any stress, you forget it as you're paddling together as a team and enjoying the fresh air. I'm continuing to walk, but I'm trying to get in the occassional sprint now that my energy is back. I'm trying to get my heart stronger for my MUGA scan (heart test) in a couple of weeks. My supplements (vitamins) have changed since the chemo is finished and that may help too. Instead of acupuncture, I'm having regular Reiki massage, it's so relaxing, I almost fall asleep.

April 11, 2012
On my last post, I couldn't sleep because I had stomach pains, I'm glad they weren't as bad as with the first chemo though. The next day I didn't want to eat and that helped, but in the evening I was so hungry, I ate 3 bowls of homemade soup! The next day was better, except for the heartburn, but it went away after I had a couple of glasses of warm water with apple cider vinegar.

I am noticing that I don't remember things very well (chemo brain), so I write everything down, I just wish I would remember to look at the list! lol I remembered I had yoga in the morning, but by the evening I forgot and missed it.

Monday, 9 April 2012

April 8, 2012
I started feeling better Friday (I had a great lunch with the girls from work), but since yesterday, I've been feeling really good!!! Yesterday was a beautiful, warm, sunny day. My brother Gordon and his family came to visit and they brought me beautiful flowers.

It was only a week, but it felt like forever. I really struggled with food this time. Nothing seemed to taste good and when I found something that did, it didn't taste good the next time. I had to eat constantly to make my stomach feel better and for the first time I gained weight after chemo.

No rash this time, so I'm happy about that. My eyebrows are starting to get thinner, I have to colour in the spaces, but I still have some eyelashes, so that's good. I'm no longer reaching for the shampoo to wash my hair, I've broken myself of that habit and I quite enjoy not having to wash, comb, dry or style my hair. I either throw on a tuque, hat or wig and I'm done! The tips of my toes in both feet are tender now (the chemo affects the nerves), but it shouldn't get worse and will eventually go away.

My next heart test is a month from now, but I'm hoping I can postpone it for 2-3 months. It would give me time to get healthy again and then work to improve my heart with diet, exercise and supplements. In my first heart test, the left ventricle was pumping at 40-45% and in the second test, it was at 49%. If I can get it over 50% (not sure how much over), I will be given the drug Herceptin, which targets the type of cancer that I have.

I got a surprise gift... two of the cool, new, hundred dollar bills! Thank you Arlie and Irene for passing on your winnings to me! I'm so spoiled! I'll have to same them for something special!

I feel so fortunate to have such great friends and family! Your continuous support throughout this ordeal is empowering. It helps to keep me in good spirits and that makes it easier to remain positive! I can't thank everyone enough!!!

Saturday, 31 March 2012

March 31, 2012
Yesterday was my last chemo, YAY!!! I am so thankful it was only 4 treatments! The day went well, it was sunny on the way to Nanaimo, rained while I was having treatment, and then sunny again when we got back to Port Alberni. I had a great visit from a friend I used to work with, it was inspiring, she's a cancer survivor and she looked amazing. It was so nice to talk with her and share our experiences, plus she brought me a gorgeous plant, a Helleborus-Pink Frost. It's so pretty, it reminds me of the flowers on the Pacific Dogwood tree, which I love so much!

The taste changes and upset stomach started on day one this time, last night. Hopefully it still only lasts 4 days, I will just have to make sure I eat often and watch what I eat again. I started today well, went for a walk and a bit of a jog this morning (it was a bit cold, but no rain, thankfully), and I feel a bit better already.

The problem I had with dry and watery eyes, is better now. The doctor said it might have been caused by allergies (to the pollen in the air), not the chemo. I was told that my hair should start growing in a few weeks, but a friend told me hers took a few months, so we will see. It would be nice to have a bit of hair for the summer, then I won't have to wear my wig (I think it will be too hot in the sun), although I have a few hats now. It will be interesting to see if it comes back curly or straight and what colour, hopefully not all grey! I guess I'll just have to have fun experimenting with colour then! LOL

In the next 2-3 weeks I will be hearing from the oncologist in Victoria, he will set up an appointment to go over the next step, probably checking the heart to see if it's strong enough for the drug Herceptin and asking if I want radiation. I'm hoping I have some time to start doing sprints or running a bit to strengthen my heart before the next MUGA scan (it's like a CT scan, a series of xrays that show the pumping action of the left ventrical). I'm hoping we have a nice spring (bring on the sun!), it's so much nicer to do my walking, sprinting and running outside! Plus I've got more energy compared to last spring, I'd love to get some outside landscaping done!

Saturday, 24 March 2012

March 24, 2012
I had a nice relaxing acupuncture appointment today, then I went to work for a few hours. I didn't work long though, it was too nice out. Kind of like this part-time work!

Last week I had my first Reiki massage (she did some reflexology with it too) and I really enjoyed that. I'm going for 2 hours next time! Next Tuesday I have my weekly physio (with auricular acupuncture) in the morning and then I'm trying a different yoga class that night. It should be fun, there's a few girls from work going. Now all I have to set up is my next lymphedema drainage massage. (It's a preventative massage to train the body to drain the fluid away from the arm where the lymph nodes were removed)

A couple of the chemo side effects have been more noticeable lately, hopefully it's only temporary and goes away after I'm done! My eyes seem to be watering a bit more. I think they're dry from the chemo, so I keep blinking to moisten them and then they water. It makes it hard to see sometimes. I'll have to look for some "artificial tears" and see if that helps. I'm also getting a slight bit of nerve tenderness on the tips of my toes on my left foot, but only when I bump or touch them. The right foot started first, but it was different, it was more of a numb tingly feeling. Good thing it's not all day long like the watery eyes, that's more annoying! I wear "frozen gloves" during the chemo to keep my hands cool, it helps to prevent nerve damage in my hands, maybe I should wear them on my feet too! LOL

As long as it doesn't get worse, it's not that bad. I am so happy that I feel so well!!!

Monday, 19 March 2012

March 19, 2012
The first 2 days were great, but I had an upset stomach a little sooner this time, it started on the 3rd day. I was able to eat often, so I didn't lose much weight this time and it only lasted 4 days. My energy was pretty good too, I didn't need a nap unless I stayed up too late the night before! LOL

The first chemo I got an itchy rash on my back and the second chemo I got it on my head, but this time I hardly had anything at all, just a few spots on the back of my head... so glad about that!

I had a great time celebrating a friend's birthday after work last Thursday. I was fine, but my tongue suffered a bit from all the "hot wings". It was worth it though, they tasted so good! Then I went out again for the real 50th birthday party on Saturday, she was really surprised! It's so much fun going out and feeling normal!!!

I probably won't post anything for a while, I feel so good and I don't expect that to change until my next chemo on March 30th. My last one!!! YAY!!!

Friday, 9 March 2012

March 9, 2012
Had my 3rd chemo session today, now there's only one left!

Everything went really well, I'm even getting used to the steroids. I have to take them the day before, the day of, and the day after chemo, so I take more melatonin on those days. That makes it easier to sleep! I also try to take it easy, because I have more energy and I don't want to overdo it or I'll "crash" when I'm finished taking them.

Had fun shopping too!!! It's my treat for doing chemo and to make me feel better because I didn't get to go the the awesome Canuck game or convention with my co-workers!!! I bought another bathing suit, size 6!!! Loving that... hehehe, even though it was a big 6! I also bought another top and some more yoga pants and some really cute baby clothes. Can't wait to find out what you're having Melissa!

Hopefully I do as well or better than last time. I expect to be fine for the next 3 days at least so you may not here from me!

Sunday, 4 March 2012

March 4, 2012
I haven't posted anything lately because I've been feeling so great!

The itchy rash on my head is healing well. I tried something from the naturopath for it, but a friend suggested Gold Bond medicated lotion and that worked better, it took the itch away. If I get a rash next time, I'm prepared!

I had a great visit with my sons while they were here; so glad they came. Now I'm a bit bored and hope someone needs me to work!

My next chemo is Friday March 9th at 9:45am.

Review of events before chemo

Here's a review of events (up until I started chemo) for anyone that I've missed and haven't kept up to date. Sorry for that, it's not that I don't care, I just can't remember who I've told what to! Please continue with your phone calls, emails and Facebook messages, they're uplifting and I look forward to them very much! It's easy to return messages!

It all started Sat. July 2, 2011 when I noticed a large lump on my breast. I had a feeling it was cancer, so I went to the doctor first thing Monday morning and he scheduled a mammogram for the following Monday. The next day he called me at work to inform me that I needed a biopsy. I had my biopsy done on July 15th and was told by the radiologist that it was probably malignant. I was so upset, I went straight to my doctor for more information. The worst part was, not that I could die, but I had to tell my kids! They had been through so much loss and I felt bad that I might leave them too. That was my worst weekend!

I was too stressed to work, so I took some time off to gather information, attend appointments and make decisions. I began to look forward to having more time between appointments, as this allowed me to forget about the cancer for a while. I was so glad that Gary and Darcy had already planned their holidays to come home at that time, it was so good to see them!

On July 22nd I saw the local surgeon, Dr. Ferguson. He gave me the options of lumpectomy or mastectomy and I was asked to decide by the following Monday. I decided to ask for a second opinion and on Aug. 2nd I saw Dr. Hayashi in Victoria. We went over the options and I decided to have a lumpectomy and sentinel node dissection first. If the pathology report showed there was cancer in the the first lymph nodes (sentinel nodes), I would need another surgery to remove the next set of lymph nodes (an axillary dissection) anyways. So, if I had to have a mastectomy, it could be done at the same time.

Then I was referred to a herbalist by my cousin's wife. It was perfect timing, I needed more information and she was able to offer it as well as a diet and supplement plan to control the cancer.

Dr. Hayashi performed the surgery on Aug. 12th in Victoria and everything went well. I was happy with the results and glad that I chose him. Two weeks later I went to my doctor for a post op check and again the next week for the pathology results. That's when I found out the sentinel nodes were positive and there was a bit more DCIS (pre-cancerous cells) in the breast. I was dissapointed, I would need a another surgery! My doctor had suggested a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, so I saw the surgeon on Sept. 9th to discuss the options and get a referral to a plastic surgeon, but he said he wanted to wait until he consulted with the Cancer Agency, because sometimes they want to do chemo or radiation first.

So, on Sept. 19th & 20th I saw the radiation and medical oncologists. They decided it was best to have the surgery first, (a mastectomy along with the axillary node dissection) followed by chemo and radiation. To make sure that I didn't already have metastasis, they arranged for a bone scan which was done on Sept. 22nd in Nanaimo. They also wanted an echocardiogram to see if my heart was strong enough for the type of chemo they wanted to use.

On Sept. 29th I saw my herbalist again to go over the surgery results and review my supplements. The following Monday I went to my doctor for my yearly check-up and he suggested a pelvic ultrasound to check the ovaries and uterus as well. That week I was feeling good, so I went back to work for a few days.

On Oct. 6th I had an appointment with the plastic surgeon, Chris Taylor. We discussed reconstruction, but because of the urgency for surgery, we had to delay the reconstruction. At the time I was disappointed, but now I'm happy because I've lost 35 lbs and it's probably better that I'm waiting until after I'm finished with chemo and radiation!

My second surgery was on Oct. 13th for an axillary dissection, mastectomy and placement of a chemo port. I didn't have any pain, but I did need help getting up and down because it was uncomfortable when the drain tube moved. Ches, Chel & Evan spoiled me rotten :) so did (the dog) Rocky! (Thank you Barb, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have him, and he's been such a blessing!!!) On Oct. 25th I saw the surgeon in Vic. and he removed the drain. Everything was healing, but there was still quite a bit of fluid and swelling. This time the pathology report showed there was no more cancer in the breast, but 3 out of the 10 lymph nodes were involved. Later that afternoon I met with the oncologist to get the results of the echocardiogram. He said my heart wasn't strong enough for the type of chemo they wanted to do and I wasn't able to get the Herceptin that would target my cancer. I was disappointed again. The good news was that the bone scan was clear!

On Oct. 27th I reviewed my supplements with the herbalist to help improve the heart and I saw my doctor for a referral to a heart specialist. On Oct. 28th I had a phone conversation with the oncologist, and he ordered more ultrasounds of my internal organs in conjunction with the ones that my doctor had ordered.

On Mon. Oct. 31st I saw the heart specialist, Malcolm Williams, in Victoria. I had a stress test on the treadmill and was 15% above average, I was pretty happy, it was only 2 weeks after my surgery too. At this point he didn't know why my heart was weak and set up a MUGA scan for January, to check it in 3 months. He said it was possible that a virus had attacked my heart, about the same time I developed asthma.

Fri. Nov. 4th was my ultrasounds. The next week I was at the hospital twice to drain some fluid, once to get my chemo port flushed and another time for antibiotics, I had an infection. The infection was limiting my arm movement, so I went back to the doctor for a referral to the physiotherapist. The results came back from my ultrasounds and everything looked good.

By the 3rd physio appointment the tightness in my arm had disappeared and I was regaining full movement.

During my visits to the doctor, surgeon and oncologists, I was trying to push for further testing of my blood and tissue, but it's not easy to get that in Canada, so I signed up for a program in British Columbia called "Inspire Health". They were just opening a branch in Victoria, so I was able to book an appointment with Dr. Puhky there. He reviewed my diet and supplements, and ordered some blood tests. They also offered a 2 day workshop, but it wasn't available in Victoria yet, so Ches and I had to attend the one in Vancouver. They were so informative! They went over the importance of supplements, especially vitamin D and omega 3's and how we need to meditate to control our stress so that our immune system can work. They taught us that excercise boosts our immune system as well and how to cook vegetables with olive oil, a bit of water and low heat to retain the most nutrients. They suggested a diet of mostly organic or fresh vegetables, especially the cancer fighting cruciferous ones, as well as quinoa, sprouted brown rice and fermented foods. They explained how cancer feeds off inflammation and how we should avoid sugar and refined foods that promote it. I look forward to attending more of their programs!

After another trip to the hospital to flush my chemo port, and I was ready to return to work, but my boss sold the practice while I was on medical leave and I was temporarily unemployed. With a 2 week break over Christmas, I was ready to start the appointments again. The first one was on Jan. 5th in Nanaimo for lymphatic drainage (to prevent lymphedema) and later that day in Victoria for the MUGA scan of my heart. On Jan.6th, another chemo port flush in the morning, followed by accupuncture (suggested by Inspire Health) in the afternoon. I get good news from the new bosses at work, I'm going back part-time!

On Jan. 10th I spoke with the herbalist to review the changes in my supplements during chemo. Another accupuncture appointment on the 12th and back to Victoria to see the oncologist on the 13th. The results from my MUGA scan show improvement, but not enough to get Herceptin yet.

This week I was lucky to work 4 days, it sure felt great! On Jan. 20th I went to the Nanaimo Cancer Clinic to meet Dr. Marback. He will be in in charge of my chemo in Nanaimo. The next day I filled my prescriptions and began to read the info I was given. I started to panic, they had given me the info for a different chemo. Thankfully my sister-in-law reminded me to check my medical records and I could see that it was still the same, but now I was thinking they may have made a mistake in Nanaimo and I might be given the wrong chemo on Monday. I quickly emailed my oncologist in Victoria to double check and he responded that day. The chemo didn't change, they just gave me the wrong pamphlet! This brings us to Monday, the first day of chemo. The morning started off well... I went to my aunts house to pick up a beautiful blanket that she was giving me to keep me warm during chemo and let me know that she's thinking about me. Now I'm off to Nanaimo for the next phase of my healing journey...