January 8, 2010

Hi Everyone:


Yes, it has been a long time since I updated my blog - mostly because nothing had changed in my treatment or how I was feeling - a three week treatment schedule where I felt OK for two weeks and then had about one week of feeling crummy and not being able to do anything.


For those of you who may not know - I'M FINISHED MY TREATMENT. The last medication was administered December 2, 2009 - exactly 28 months since I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Now what? Well, I go back to Princess Margaret every three months for blood work and to see my oncologist there and just hope that the blood test results are favourable. It will take six months to a year until I am feeling "better" as I need to build up my strength and eliminate all the chemo drugs that have built up in my system. My goal is six months so I can be golfing this summer!! Already it is a relief not to have to feel so unwell every three weeks. Sure does give me more time to do other things. However, I can never get through what I have planned for each day as I still have to rest two or three times a day and I'm ready to head to bed at about 9:00 p.m.


It has been quite an experience to say the least. In spite of all the negative aspects, it wasn't all bad. I did have room service for the three months I was hospitalized. However, the food wasn't exactly up to 4 star hotel standards. Most of my meals were a surprise and some of them were mystery food even after I saw what I was getting. Fortunately some of you brought in some "real food" - like soup, jello, sandwiches, Popsicles, turkey dinner - thank you!!! And, how many of you can say you woke up to a view of downtown Toronto every day for two months?? Not only that, for six of those weeks I had a view of the CN Tower so when I couldn't sleep at night I could watch the multi-coloured light show on the Tower. Also, it's the only time I had a bedroom with an en-suite washroom.

What has meant the most to me through all this is to know how many truly kind, generous and thoughtful friends and family I am fortunate enough to have. All the cards, phone calls, visits, prayers, food, and gifts have been an tremendous help to me over the past couple years and I am so grateful to all of you for your support and encouragement. I couldn't have made this journey without you with me and I am so grateful to you all. I won't name everyone here as it would be a long list and I might forget to mention someone - but you know who you are.

I also want to thank those of you who are blood donors. Early in my treatment I required 12 units of blood to help save my life........words can't describe what a gift that was.

I will make an effort to update this blog every three months to report on my progress.
Now........ on with life!!!!!

Live, Love, Laugh!!!!
Janet