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
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May - Finally
Hi Everyone:
Well, there probably aren't many of you who have not given up on me and those who still check occasionally will be shocked to see that I have actually updated the blog.
How wonderful to see the daffodils and tulips in bloom and not snow, and nice warm sun - for those of us living around here.....some of you lucky ones get that all the time.
Things are going fairly consistently with me. Still making trips to Princess Margaret Hospital every 3 weeks for blood work, Dr. visit and chemo. Getting weekly chemo shots at home - home care comes in to do that, also taking steroids for 5 days and other chemo drug for 14 days out of every 21. I still have one "sick" week but 2 good ones. I'm still going to yoga on Monday mornings and art classes on Friday mornings and am currenly taking a 3 week course (one morning a week) at the hospice on "Chemo Brain". Thank goodness I have an excuse for my forgettfullness!!!!
My one ankle was quite sore and swollen from the end of January until early March so it was rather disappointing not to be able to "dance the night away" at Brandon (Mike's son) and Lisa's wedding on Feb. 7. It was a beautiful wedding though and everyone had a great time.
Seems that just as my ankle improved, I my knee became very sore knee in mid March. Finally went for physio on Tuesday this week and thanks to Ann Botham, the miracle worker, (York Rehab, 730 Davis Drive)it is feeling quite a bit better already.
Mike is doing well - looking forward to getting out golfing. He was down to Cuba for a week with some friends about a month ago so they got in several warm up rounds of golf to prepare the the season here. Mike and his brothers and boys were up to the cottage this past weekend and put in the docks, got the water connected, and raked up the lot so not it's just up to us women to get up there and clean. Mike has had to help out a little more with the gardening this year (mostly just showveling dirt (which he is very good natured about in spite of the fact that gardening isn't really his thing). I can only garden for about 40 min. tops and then I have to lie down for an hour or so to recouperate. It is very frustrating as there is so much I'd like to do.
My Mom is as busy as ever. Her brother Tom passed away quite suddendy and unexpectedly on January 28 so that was a difficult time. Mom's going to Budapest and Prague for a couple weeks (including a week boat cruise) the end of May with a friend from Regina. Needless to say, she is looking forward to a much needed vacation.
Laura is fine - still in Ottawa and busy with training Trevi (her 2 year old Golden Retriever). I was to Syracuse with Laura dn Trevi Easter Weekend where he earned his Certificate of Conformtion Assessmet. He a also had his Rally Novice and is halfway to his Canadian Chamion on conformation. He's (really it's Lauar is training I think!!) also tarining in agility and obedience.
I was a little late finishing this blog - so it is now after Mother's Day. We had four mothers here for dinner and children to buy them presents sot that was great!!!.
Now our other big news.....Doug and Katie are expecting a baby in November so there will be even more mothers around for Mother's Day next year. We're all very excited for them. Katie isn't feeling too well but that should soon pass.
Hope everyone has a good weekend coming up - much better wether than tha last one for sure.
Take care - stay healy.
Janet
Well, there probably aren't many of you who have not given up on me and those who still check occasionally will be shocked to see that I have actually updated the blog.
How wonderful to see the daffodils and tulips in bloom and not snow, and nice warm sun - for those of us living around here.....some of you lucky ones get that all the time.
Things are going fairly consistently with me. Still making trips to Princess Margaret Hospital every 3 weeks for blood work, Dr. visit and chemo. Getting weekly chemo shots at home - home care comes in to do that, also taking steroids for 5 days and other chemo drug for 14 days out of every 21. I still have one "sick" week but 2 good ones. I'm still going to yoga on Monday mornings and art classes on Friday mornings and am currenly taking a 3 week course (one morning a week) at the hospice on "Chemo Brain". Thank goodness I have an excuse for my forgettfullness!!!!
My one ankle was quite sore and swollen from the end of January until early March so it was rather disappointing not to be able to "dance the night away" at Brandon (Mike's son) and Lisa's wedding on Feb. 7. It was a beautiful wedding though and everyone had a great time.
Seems that just as my ankle improved, I my knee became very sore knee in mid March. Finally went for physio on Tuesday this week and thanks to Ann Botham, the miracle worker, (York Rehab, 730 Davis Drive)it is feeling quite a bit better already.
Mike is doing well - looking forward to getting out golfing. He was down to Cuba for a week with some friends about a month ago so they got in several warm up rounds of golf to prepare the the season here. Mike and his brothers and boys were up to the cottage this past weekend and put in the docks, got the water connected, and raked up the lot so not it's just up to us women to get up there and clean. Mike has had to help out a little more with the gardening this year (mostly just showveling dirt (which he is very good natured about in spite of the fact that gardening isn't really his thing). I can only garden for about 40 min. tops and then I have to lie down for an hour or so to recouperate. It is very frustrating as there is so much I'd like to do.
My Mom is as busy as ever. Her brother Tom passed away quite suddendy and unexpectedly on January 28 so that was a difficult time. Mom's going to Budapest and Prague for a couple weeks (including a week boat cruise) the end of May with a friend from Regina. Needless to say, she is looking forward to a much needed vacation.
Laura is fine - still in Ottawa and busy with training Trevi (her 2 year old Golden Retriever). I was to Syracuse with Laura dn Trevi Easter Weekend where he earned his Certificate of Conformtion Assessmet. He a also had his Rally Novice and is halfway to his Canadian Chamion on conformation. He's (really it's Lauar is training I think!!) also tarining in agility and obedience.
I was a little late finishing this blog - so it is now after Mother's Day. We had four mothers here for dinner and children to buy them presents sot that was great!!!.
Now our other big news.....Doug and Katie are expecting a baby in November so there will be even more mothers around for Mother's Day next year. We're all very excited for them. Katie isn't feeling too well but that should soon pass.
Hope everyone has a good weekend coming up - much better wether than tha last one for sure.
Take care - stay healy.
Janet
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Jan. 1, 2009
Happy New Year to all you blog checkers (due to my lack of blogging, that will probably just be Patty!!)
Hope you all had a happy and safe holiday season.
It was great to hear from so many of you and see some of you over the past few weeks.
We had a good Christmas - saw quite a few of Mike's family at the annual Vivian Forest walk and tailgate party on Dec. 21. Our children and spouses/partners were here Christmas morning and my family got together on the 27th to celebrate. Fortunately I was feeling well for all the feastivities so was glad of that. Crashed on the 28th and am just starting to get back a bit of energy but that was expected. Mike and I are heading up to Casino Rama on the 10th & 11th to watch some of the skin's games (curling) so really looking forward to that (not as much as we would be looking forward to a week or two in the sunny south....but that will be next year).
Hape a happy and healthy 2009.
Janet
Hope you all had a happy and safe holiday season.
It was great to hear from so many of you and see some of you over the past few weeks.
We had a good Christmas - saw quite a few of Mike's family at the annual Vivian Forest walk and tailgate party on Dec. 21. Our children and spouses/partners were here Christmas morning and my family got together on the 27th to celebrate. Fortunately I was feeling well for all the feastivities so was glad of that. Crashed on the 28th and am just starting to get back a bit of energy but that was expected. Mike and I are heading up to Casino Rama on the 10th & 11th to watch some of the skin's games (curling) so really looking forward to that (not as much as we would be looking forward to a week or two in the sunny south....but that will be next year).
Hape a happy and healthy 2009.
Janet
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
November 26/08
Hope you are all enjoying this winter weather we're having - it sure looks beautiful out there (can you tell I don't have to get up and shovel it or drive in it much either???)
We're slowly getting ready for Christmas - have the decorations up (mostly) and actually started some shopping. We found that the best time to go out to the mall is Monday night as everyone must be shopped-out from the weekend so it's pretty quite then. I'm pretty much limited to an hour and a half, then I have to head home to rest, so everything takes me much longer than I think it should. I am grateful to be able to get out most of the time though, so I'm really not complaining. At this time last year I was in the hospital and couldn't even walk so I've come a long way!
Not much else new.
Don't stress out too much during this feastive "holiday season".
Janet
We're slowly getting ready for Christmas - have the decorations up (mostly) and actually started some shopping. We found that the best time to go out to the mall is Monday night as everyone must be shopped-out from the weekend so it's pretty quite then. I'm pretty much limited to an hour and a half, then I have to head home to rest, so everything takes me much longer than I think it should. I am grateful to be able to get out most of the time though, so I'm really not complaining. At this time last year I was in the hospital and couldn't even walk so I've come a long way!
Not much else new.
Don't stress out too much during this feastive "holiday season".
Janet
Monday, October 20, 2008
Oct. 20, 2008
Hi Everyone (who hasn't given up on checking my blog even though I don't update it very often)
All is well. We (18 of us) had a lovely Thankgiving at the cottage - can't believe how perfect the weather was. I came home very tired, but rested up when I could last week. I went to Toronto this past weekend with a few friends - stayed overnight. We managed to get to St. Lawrence Market, Distillery District and then I rested in our hotel room while my friends walked down Yonge St. We met up for dinner and then went to Yuk Yuk's. It was a great show. Too bad it wasn't that good when we went to Barrie (for those of you who went to the staff outing there). The comedians on Sat. night found lots of material that was funny that wasn't vulgar.
I just started going to a yoga class on Mondays at the Doane House Hospice. Fortunately it works on a come-when-you-can basis as I still have one week every three weeks when I am not able to do anything much, but as long as I know that, I can work around it. Only another 58 weeks of treatment to go!!!
Mike's son Brandon and his girlfriend just got engaged and are getting married in Febraury so that's pretty exciting, something to look forward to, and a good reason to buy new clothes.
HOpe all is well with all of you. Give me a call any time.
Janet
All is well. We (18 of us) had a lovely Thankgiving at the cottage - can't believe how perfect the weather was. I came home very tired, but rested up when I could last week. I went to Toronto this past weekend with a few friends - stayed overnight. We managed to get to St. Lawrence Market, Distillery District and then I rested in our hotel room while my friends walked down Yonge St. We met up for dinner and then went to Yuk Yuk's. It was a great show. Too bad it wasn't that good when we went to Barrie (for those of you who went to the staff outing there). The comedians on Sat. night found lots of material that was funny that wasn't vulgar.
I just started going to a yoga class on Mondays at the Doane House Hospice. Fortunately it works on a come-when-you-can basis as I still have one week every three weeks when I am not able to do anything much, but as long as I know that, I can work around it. Only another 58 weeks of treatment to go!!!
Mike's son Brandon and his girlfriend just got engaged and are getting married in Febraury so that's pretty exciting, something to look forward to, and a good reason to buy new clothes.
HOpe all is well with all of you. Give me a call any time.
Janet
Friday, August 22, 2008
August 22, 208
Hi Everyone:
Hope you are enjoying this summer weather we are finally having - sure took long enough getting here.
Things are going well. My son Doug was married (in Kirkfield at the MacKenzie House near our family cottage) on Sat. (Aug. 16) and the weather was perfect for a change. All went according to their plans and we were so lucky that the weather co-operated. The doctor took me off my medications for a couple weeks prior to the wedding so I was feeling really well and had lots of energy...what a treat!!!
I'm back on chemo now...only for another 68 weeks and I think about 2,668 pills and 88 injections!!! I'll just take it one week at a time.
Mike has managed to get out golfing about once a week and dodging most of the rain clouds so that is good. I'm going to Ottawa to visit my daughter next weekend, but other than that we haven't been too busy - just a couple days away locally here and there.
Enjoy the rest of the summer. Give me a call any time.
Janet
Hope you are enjoying this summer weather we are finally having - sure took long enough getting here.
Things are going well. My son Doug was married (in Kirkfield at the MacKenzie House near our family cottage) on Sat. (Aug. 16) and the weather was perfect for a change. All went according to their plans and we were so lucky that the weather co-operated. The doctor took me off my medications for a couple weeks prior to the wedding so I was feeling really well and had lots of energy...what a treat!!!
I'm back on chemo now...only for another 68 weeks and I think about 2,668 pills and 88 injections!!! I'll just take it one week at a time.
Mike has managed to get out golfing about once a week and dodging most of the rain clouds so that is good. I'm going to Ottawa to visit my daughter next weekend, but other than that we haven't been too busy - just a couple days away locally here and there.
Enjoy the rest of the summer. Give me a call any time.
Janet
Friday, July 18, 2008
July 17, 2008
Wow - hard to belive that July is already half over. Seems like we're having one of those summers when it rains every weekend. That's not a real issue for me as I'm home all the time, but I do feel sorry for you folks who are working all week and looking forward to nice weathr on the weekends.
I've had a few people asking why I haven't 'blogged' more often. BAsically there isn't much new. I am feeling much stronger now. That's probably partly because I'm out doing more. I'm able to do some gardening, as well as the grocery shopping and cooking and most cleaning - it just takes me longer as I have to rest in between jobs.
I finished my 30 week intensifiction session about 3 weeks and am now on a maintenance program. It really isn't too much different than what I was taking, but one of my chemo drugs has been dropped. I no longer get the one I had to go to the hospital for each Wednesday, so that frees up half a day for me each week. I am still on a 3 week cycle. I go to Princess Margaret Hospital on Wed. week one where I get a one chemo drug IV an another intra-muscular. I still take a chemo drug at home every day for 14 days as well as antibiotics, calcium and a pill for my bones. Home care comes in every WEdnesday and give me another chemo drug intra-muscularly as well. I also get a lumbar puncture every 18 weeks, where they take out some spinal fluid to check for cancer cells there, and then inject a cancer drug into the spine. This maintenance program will last 72 weeks, so I should be finished in about November 2009. I still feel pretty bad - really exhaused, sore muscles, upset stomach, and painful joints - for about a week after I've had the IV chemo at Princess Margaret, but then I feel pretty good the next couple weeks after that, so one bad week and two good ones are better than the other way around. At least I know what to expect.
My son Doug is getting married on August 16th and I'm able to postpone my next chemo at Princess Margaret until after the wedding so it's good to know I'll feel well for that.
So, that's the progress report for me.
Mike is doing well - managing to get out golfing pretty much once a week. We're planning on taking a little road trip up around the Bruce Penninsula at the end of the month for 2 or 3 days as we really don't have any vacation planned for the summer.
Hope all of you are doing well - those of you who haven't given up on me and still check the blog occasionally. Love to hear from you. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Janet
I've had a few people asking why I haven't 'blogged' more often. BAsically there isn't much new. I am feeling much stronger now. That's probably partly because I'm out doing more. I'm able to do some gardening, as well as the grocery shopping and cooking and most cleaning - it just takes me longer as I have to rest in between jobs.
I finished my 30 week intensifiction session about 3 weeks and am now on a maintenance program. It really isn't too much different than what I was taking, but one of my chemo drugs has been dropped. I no longer get the one I had to go to the hospital for each Wednesday, so that frees up half a day for me each week. I am still on a 3 week cycle. I go to Princess Margaret Hospital on Wed. week one where I get a one chemo drug IV an another intra-muscular. I still take a chemo drug at home every day for 14 days as well as antibiotics, calcium and a pill for my bones. Home care comes in every WEdnesday and give me another chemo drug intra-muscularly as well. I also get a lumbar puncture every 18 weeks, where they take out some spinal fluid to check for cancer cells there, and then inject a cancer drug into the spine. This maintenance program will last 72 weeks, so I should be finished in about November 2009. I still feel pretty bad - really exhaused, sore muscles, upset stomach, and painful joints - for about a week after I've had the IV chemo at Princess Margaret, but then I feel pretty good the next couple weeks after that, so one bad week and two good ones are better than the other way around. At least I know what to expect.
My son Doug is getting married on August 16th and I'm able to postpone my next chemo at Princess Margaret until after the wedding so it's good to know I'll feel well for that.
So, that's the progress report for me.
Mike is doing well - managing to get out golfing pretty much once a week. We're planning on taking a little road trip up around the Bruce Penninsula at the end of the month for 2 or 3 days as we really don't have any vacation planned for the summer.
Hope all of you are doing well - those of you who haven't given up on me and still check the blog occasionally. Love to hear from you. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Janet
Friday, May 2, 2008
Another so soon!!!
Hi Everyone:
See, you are making me feel guilty about not blogging more often! Just so you know, Mike and his sons and a few of his brothers (3 of the other 4 - that's pretty good) have gone up to the cottage for a "boys" weekend. Didn't want you to think that I was having all the fun by going on my "girls" weekend last weekend. Although, we did have wonderful weather, did lots of shopping and eating out - where they seem to be having the cold and wet weather and their main job is to get the water connected this weekend and they have to cook their own meals!!!!
If anyone gets the Toronto Star daily - there was an article in yesterday's Star (Thursday, May 1) about Princess Margaret Hospital's 50th anniversary, with comments from 5 doctors there. The leukemia Doctor in the article, Dr. Aaron Schimmer, is my doctor - well, he is other people's doctor too. Great guy.
Hope you all have a good weekend in spite of the rain - at least it isn't snow.
Janet
See, you are making me feel guilty about not blogging more often! Just so you know, Mike and his sons and a few of his brothers (3 of the other 4 - that's pretty good) have gone up to the cottage for a "boys" weekend. Didn't want you to think that I was having all the fun by going on my "girls" weekend last weekend. Although, we did have wonderful weather, did lots of shopping and eating out - where they seem to be having the cold and wet weather and their main job is to get the water connected this weekend and they have to cook their own meals!!!!
If anyone gets the Toronto Star daily - there was an article in yesterday's Star (Thursday, May 1) about Princess Margaret Hospital's 50th anniversary, with comments from 5 doctors there. The leukemia Doctor in the article, Dr. Aaron Schimmer, is my doctor - well, he is other people's doctor too. Great guy.
Hope you all have a good weekend in spite of the rain - at least it isn't snow.
Janet
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Happy May!!!! At Last a Blog
OK, I really don't have any excuse for not updating this blog site more often - I am busy you know!!! I'll have to start getting up earlier in the morning.
Things are still going pretty much the same as they have been - two fairly good weeks and one bad week.
I'm now on week 22 of my current 30 week treatment plan, so it's good to see the next eight weeks within reach. However, one of the chemo drugs I'm on has been discontinued now (they can only give so much before it reaches toxic levels). So now, instead of getting that drug once every three weeks, I get a different one once a week. I still have to go to the hospital every Wed. for chemo but home care gives me the other drug at home on Thursdays. Then I have others to take as well.
I did manage to get away this past weekend with a few girlfriends - just an overnight trip, but it was my first trip away from home in the past 9 months other than the hospital so we had a great time!!. Just takes a week to recover!!.
So nice to see some warm (well, maybe not today) weather and flowers out and get outside a bit more - it's just frustrating sometimes not having the strength and energy to do much......except make potential lists of things for Mike to do!
Hope all is well with everyone and you have some fun things planned for the summer. Call any time.
Janet
Things are still going pretty much the same as they have been - two fairly good weeks and one bad week.
I'm now on week 22 of my current 30 week treatment plan, so it's good to see the next eight weeks within reach. However, one of the chemo drugs I'm on has been discontinued now (they can only give so much before it reaches toxic levels). So now, instead of getting that drug once every three weeks, I get a different one once a week. I still have to go to the hospital every Wed. for chemo but home care gives me the other drug at home on Thursdays. Then I have others to take as well.
I did manage to get away this past weekend with a few girlfriends - just an overnight trip, but it was my first trip away from home in the past 9 months other than the hospital so we had a great time!!. Just takes a week to recover!!.
So nice to see some warm (well, maybe not today) weather and flowers out and get outside a bit more - it's just frustrating sometimes not having the strength and energy to do much......except make potential lists of things for Mike to do!
Hope all is well with everyone and you have some fun things planned for the summer. Call any time.
Janet
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter
Happy Easter to you All.
Seems way to early for Easter this year though, and definitely too much snow for Easter!!
Mike and I were at the Southlake Regional Hotel (Hosp. for those of you not familiar with Newmarket) from about 9:00 p.m. Friday night until 8:00 a.m. Sat. as I was having severe stomach pain. They don't really know what caused it but finally gave me some pain medication at about 1:00 a.m. and that helped and I seem much better today. I had a new medication on Thursday so perhaps that had something to do with it.
We had a lovely turkey dinner Sat. night with some of our family (my kids and Mom and Bette and Glen). Fortunately we had leftovers so get to do it again tonight - just Mike and I though. Mike's parent's and kids are coming for dinner tomorrow so MORE food!! I'm so glad I haven't lost my appetite.
Hope you all had a good Easter Weekend.
Janet
Seems way to early for Easter this year though, and definitely too much snow for Easter!!
Mike and I were at the Southlake Regional Hotel (Hosp. for those of you not familiar with Newmarket) from about 9:00 p.m. Friday night until 8:00 a.m. Sat. as I was having severe stomach pain. They don't really know what caused it but finally gave me some pain medication at about 1:00 a.m. and that helped and I seem much better today. I had a new medication on Thursday so perhaps that had something to do with it.
We had a lovely turkey dinner Sat. night with some of our family (my kids and Mom and Bette and Glen). Fortunately we had leftovers so get to do it again tonight - just Mike and I though. Mike's parent's and kids are coming for dinner tomorrow so MORE food!! I'm so glad I haven't lost my appetite.
Hope you all had a good Easter Weekend.
Janet
Friday, March 7, 2008
Finally, an Update
Hi Everyone (especially those of you who have been wondering why I haven't updated my blog).
I really don't have an excuse. I didn't realize it has been so long since I last posted anything - time sure flies when you're having a good time.
Really, no news is good news in this case. I am now half way through this session of chemo - just 15 weeks to go if all goes well. (then another 72 weeks after that but they drop a couple of the drugs I'm currently getting). I have about a week to 10 days of not feeling well out of every three weeks so that isn't too bad. My legs are getting stronger and I'm able to head out shopping or running errands for about an hour at a time. I'm able to cook an do some cleaning so that keeps Mike happy.
I just started on the tread-mill again - managed a few minutes at 1.5 mph (didn't even break a sweat!!) Looks like I have a lot of training ahead of me to be able to manage 9 holes of golf this summer.
Laura will be home this weekend, then heads to Guelph next week for work so we'll be looking after Molson. He's pretty much a couch potato now so he and I will get along just fine - hope he'll enjoy watching the Brier all next week with me!!
Looking forward to spring!!!!
Janet
I really don't have an excuse. I didn't realize it has been so long since I last posted anything - time sure flies when you're having a good time.
Really, no news is good news in this case. I am now half way through this session of chemo - just 15 weeks to go if all goes well. (then another 72 weeks after that but they drop a couple of the drugs I'm currently getting). I have about a week to 10 days of not feeling well out of every three weeks so that isn't too bad. My legs are getting stronger and I'm able to head out shopping or running errands for about an hour at a time. I'm able to cook an do some cleaning so that keeps Mike happy.
I just started on the tread-mill again - managed a few minutes at 1.5 mph (didn't even break a sweat!!) Looks like I have a lot of training ahead of me to be able to manage 9 holes of golf this summer.
Laura will be home this weekend, then heads to Guelph next week for work so we'll be looking after Molson. He's pretty much a couch potato now so he and I will get along just fine - hope he'll enjoy watching the Brier all next week with me!!
Looking forward to spring!!!!
Janet
Friday, February 1, 2008
Feb. 1, 2008
Hope those of you who have to drive somewhere today get there and back safely. This is a day I won't be on the road!!
I've been feeling really well the past 10 days. Had the major "chemo cocktail" at Princess Margaret on Wed. and just starting to feel some of the effects. Based on past sessions, I'll probably not be too well next week - but OK after that. If anyone wants to drop by any time, just give me a call and I'll let you know if it's a good day or not.
Hope you are all well - only 3 months to good weather!!!
Janet
I've been feeling really well the past 10 days. Had the major "chemo cocktail" at Princess Margaret on Wed. and just starting to feel some of the effects. Based on past sessions, I'll probably not be too well next week - but OK after that. If anyone wants to drop by any time, just give me a call and I'll let you know if it's a good day or not.
Hope you are all well - only 3 months to good weather!!!
Janet
Friday, January 25, 2008
Fri. Jan. 25
WARNING....WARNING..... I thought it only fair to let you know that I am "on the road again"!!! I managed to take a short drive to the store today to pick up a few things and made it home safely. I've been feeling really well these past few days -which makes up for the 10 days before that when I didn't feel very well and had a lot of stomach pains and sore muscles (from drugs, not from working out!!). Although I do have exercises to do every day, which I'm trying to keep up with as they seem to be helping build some strengh back in my legs. Other than that - nothing much new. Looking forward to some warmer weather so I can get outside for walks.
Janet
Janet
Monday, January 14, 2008
Mon., Jan.14
Hi Everyone:
Not too much new happening. I managed to get through one whole 3 week chemo cycle without ending up in the hospital so that is good news. Started the 2nd (of 10 cycles) last Wed. and other than some stomach problems caused by one (or more, who knows) of the drugs, I'm doing OK. Still tired and the legs aren't back to normal yet but I'm able to eat OK and do a few things around the house. I haven't started driving again yet but think I'm almost ready - Mike isn't so sure!!!
Hope you are all well.
Janet
Not too much new happening. I managed to get through one whole 3 week chemo cycle without ending up in the hospital so that is good news. Started the 2nd (of 10 cycles) last Wed. and other than some stomach problems caused by one (or more, who knows) of the drugs, I'm doing OK. Still tired and the legs aren't back to normal yet but I'm able to eat OK and do a few things around the house. I haven't started driving again yet but think I'm almost ready - Mike isn't so sure!!!
Hope you are all well.
Janet
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Thurs. Jan 3.
Mike and I were down to Princess Maragart Hopsital yesterday for blood work and chemo treatment (for me - although I think others should take turn!!!). There must have been a backlog of people due to the holidays as we had to wait 4 hours between blood work and the chemo - which is just a weekly injection this week. At least it gives us a chance to catch up on our reading.
There also appears to be a shortage of blood so if any of you notice blood doner clinic signs, please consider giving.
I'm feeling well - white blood cell count is down to 0.1 so I have no immunity right now, so am being cautious about where I go.
Janet
There also appears to be a shortage of blood so if any of you notice blood doner clinic signs, please consider giving.
I'm feeling well - white blood cell count is down to 0.1 so I have no immunity right now, so am being cautious about where I go.
Janet
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year
Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy 2008!!
We have been overwhealmed by the number of you who have been in touch with us over the past few months to wish us well and offer help and support.
We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful group of family and friends.
Thank you all.
Mike and Janet
We have been overwhealmed by the number of you who have been in touch with us over the past few months to wish us well and offer help and support.
We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful group of family and friends.
Thank you all.
Mike and Janet
Friday, December 28, 2007
Overdue report from Janet
HI Everyone:
Hope you all had a good holiday season and have some time to unwind after all the festivities and rest up for New Year's Eve!!
We (our kids and partners, my Mom and my brother Neil) had a wonderful Christmas dinner together Christmas day. Mike did all the cooking.....I think he is getting too good at doing everything without my valuable advice and assistance!! Today he installed a hand rail in the bathtub for me and I didn't even see the holes in the bedroom wall on the other side of the bathroom until they were filled again. Not a mistake - that was the plan as the rail needed support behind the tiled wall. (Ron D. - you'll understand).
I'm having a lot of stomach problems with this last round of chemo. Seems there is no consistency in what the side effects the drugs will have each time I get them. I'm just glad to be home and I'm sure I'll fell better in a few days.
Thanks to you all for your Christmas wishes and staying in touch.
I guess my New Year's Resolution better be to blog more regularly.
All the best in 2008.
Janet
Hope you all had a good holiday season and have some time to unwind after all the festivities and rest up for New Year's Eve!!
We (our kids and partners, my Mom and my brother Neil) had a wonderful Christmas dinner together Christmas day. Mike did all the cooking.....I think he is getting too good at doing everything without my valuable advice and assistance!! Today he installed a hand rail in the bathtub for me and I didn't even see the holes in the bedroom wall on the other side of the bathroom until they were filled again. Not a mistake - that was the plan as the rail needed support behind the tiled wall. (Ron D. - you'll understand).
I'm having a lot of stomach problems with this last round of chemo. Seems there is no consistency in what the side effects the drugs will have each time I get them. I'm just glad to be home and I'm sure I'll fell better in a few days.
Thanks to you all for your Christmas wishes and staying in touch.
I guess my New Year's Resolution better be to blog more regularly.
All the best in 2008.
Janet
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Back again
First of many trips to PMH yet to come.Lets hope the traffic is better coming and going.
Today Jan had her Christmas chemo cocktail,a little vinblastine,a dash of doxorubicin,top with some L,asparaginase.You should see this cocktail in your LCBO magazine real soon.
As if that was not enough Santa sent her home with a stocking full of home medications.
We are hopeful that the only hospitals we see for the next week or so are from the outside only.
Jan will go back down to PMH next Thursday,for blood work and some more cocktail,we hope.
Jan and myself wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Again thanks for all your support
Love Jan and Mike
Today Jan had her Christmas chemo cocktail,a little vinblastine,a dash of doxorubicin,top with some L,asparaginase.You should see this cocktail in your LCBO magazine real soon.
As if that was not enough Santa sent her home with a stocking full of home medications.
We are hopeful that the only hospitals we see for the next week or so are from the outside only.
Jan will go back down to PMH next Thursday,for blood work and some more cocktail,we hope.
Jan and myself wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Again thanks for all your support
Love Jan and Mike
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Lots of time left to shop!!
Hello All:
How wonderful to be home from the hospital (got home Friday Night after 4 weeks at Newmarket's finest). I haven't done any Christmas shopping - but that will only effect a few of you!!!
I was at Princess Margaret Hospital today - they decided to start my chemo treatments again next Wed. (19th) That gives me a good week to gain a bit of strength and put on some weight. Never thought I'd want to GAIN weight. Hopefully I won't get hit with another infection - at least I'm pretty sure I'll be OK for Christmas. They plan to add a couple antibiotics to the 5 other drugs I'll get so surely that will do some good.
HOpe you are all taking some time to enjoy the holiday season...when you're not shovelling snow!!
Take care - I'll try to update you again soon.
Thanks for your continued support - sure helps through some of those tough times.
Janet
How wonderful to be home from the hospital (got home Friday Night after 4 weeks at Newmarket's finest). I haven't done any Christmas shopping - but that will only effect a few of you!!!
I was at Princess Margaret Hospital today - they decided to start my chemo treatments again next Wed. (19th) That gives me a good week to gain a bit of strength and put on some weight. Never thought I'd want to GAIN weight. Hopefully I won't get hit with another infection - at least I'm pretty sure I'll be OK for Christmas. They plan to add a couple antibiotics to the 5 other drugs I'll get so surely that will do some good.
HOpe you are all taking some time to enjoy the holiday season...when you're not shovelling snow!!
Take care - I'll try to update you again soon.
Thanks for your continued support - sure helps through some of those tough times.
Janet
Friday, December 7, 2007
Ho ho ho Home
The queen bee has come home ,so this drone will be busy for the next little while.Call or drop bye if you are in the neighbourhood.Jan and I will be going to PMH this Wednesday.Will up date you after our visit.
Merry Christmas.And thank to everyone for there well wishes and support.
Love Mike and Janet
Merry Christmas.And thank to everyone for there well wishes and support.
Love Mike and Janet
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)