Day four

Today Lizz drove her to radiation therapy so I had a full day at work, wow aren't I the luckiest? There is something to be said about normalcy, and be it fortunate or not, work for me is a normal thing. With spring on the threshold our industry typically gets hectic and this year is even more busy. Focus is often difficult but necessary for me to steer the many projects at hand to completion under a cruel and unusal schedule.

Deb is doing really well, and isn't that great? She has said a few times to me and I overhear her on the phone saying that she knows that the treatment is working. I guess you can just tell as your body works away to heal.

Deb received the nicest note today from a former student; not just a note saying how badly she felt about the diagnosis, but continued on referencing past encouragements that Deb had given, the successes she attributes to Deb's teaching and so on, very touching and heartfelt.
The day went well with nothing to complain about for sure. Deb suggested that she was feeling worse last year with her back and vertigo problems. We will all keep our fingers and everything else crossed for this to continue.

Tomorrow is blood work to ensure that her hemoglobin is at an acceptable level and a couple of other markers. All being good there will be no need to transfuse on Monday before chemo. She also received her next week's appointments for radiation and they are all in the afternoon, a good thing apparently for how Deb feels.

A dear friend of mine has arranged for music therapy to be provided while Deb receives chemo, apparently it will be a harpist. That is so cool, and the others in the ward will also be able to enjoy the music.

All is well, and thanks so much for your thoughtful gifts, kind words, wishes and prayers... they are surely working.

Day three

Day three brought sunshine for the most part of the day. Deb on the other hand had a few clouds. We think that some of the side affects of radiation may be causing her to be tired, and that was anticipated for sure. The radiation treatment at 2pm was uneventful and incredibly fast. Amazing how this department cycles folks through in what appears to be 15 minute increments. The sad observation is that there are so many people that are receiving their services.

Otherwise a regular kind of day, and that is what we are attempting to maintain. I stopped off at the grocery store on the way home from work, which turns out to be a good time to shop.

Lizz participated in a group presentation at school with apparent ease and Christopher worked a regular shift.

Our evening was typical with both of us enjoying our favourite TV shows and chatting. More correspondence from caring folks as well as a package of "miracle cure" from a well meaning employee. We are somewhat taken aback by the amount of "alternative" methods for cancer cures that are purported to really work. Deb and I agree that if her disease was not as advanced perhaps some of these alternative treatments could be an option. Naturally nothing will be considered without consultation with our oncology team.

Early on, I contacted our friend Pa in the Cook Islands, a healer that both Deb and I know from years ago. He responded (through his wife via e-mail) that Sour Sop is the best product to shrink tumours. As a matter of fact there is a tree in our conservatory and the research actually substantiates what Pa had to say. This we will also discuss with the team.

Again, thanks for you kind words, prayers, good energies and all that is sent Deb's way, we know that this works.

Day 2



A bright and sun shiny day today with even a few birds singing.

Deb had a decent night even though she took her leave and went to another bedroom.

Having to get up only a couple of times, once for a munchie of toast, she slept well.

I asked her this morning what it felt like, if she was nauseous (not bloody likely)! She explained that there was definitely something going on inside; she described it as a battle.

Apparently when she wakened in the night it was very abrupt, almost a shock. Methinks that may be the meds as they are steroidal by what I can read.

Our favorite Rarotonga, the Cook Islands

The radiation therapy today took about 15 minutes; I didn't even park, simply circled the hospital, played with my Blackberry and there she was raring to go to "Tim's for a decaf".
We shall see how this evening goes, with any luck as normal as ever. Deb will finish her prescribed meds by this evening with dinner, the rest we will have to wait and see.

Tucker seems very pleased that Mom is home with him all day as he spends most of it lazing on the couch. Deb did interrupt him however for a brisk walk this morning while the puddles were still frozen, not so after lunch when Chris took him.

More cards and calls arived today; thank you for the ongoing support it means so m uch more than you will ever know.

Thanks for all the cards and gifts

Deb at the Fountain of Youth in Langawi, Malaysia.

Deb has received cards, calls, flowers and an abundance of thoughtful gifts from all over the globe. Each and every gift is cherished and finds a spot in her "wellness box". This container is visited on a regular basis and you know Deb well enough that she will have the contents spread out over the floor on a regular basis to enjoy each and every item again and again.



Looking forward to to our next trip. Post treatment!



The temple of 1000 Buddhas atop a very "big" hill in Penang, Malaysia

Day One

Day one, high noon at the OK Coral (Cancer Care Manitoba). 1st off the medication that was especially ordered for us at $111.00 for three little pills ( a neurokinin receptor antagonist - brand name Emend), and yes, we are not covered. Anti nausea (anti-emetics) medication is prescribed with Chemo in a preventative method. We are told many times that prevention of nausea is much easier than to control it. The nurse also provided three additional anti-nausea pills, similar to ones that we bought in preparation for treatment.

Deb sported her new scarf from Jan and Dave to brighten the morning up. We had no idea what to expect really other than the treatment was to take a couple of hours and then off to radiation.

As it turns out the Chemo treatment wasn't too bad. Deb and I were set up in our own wee private room with Deb hooked up to the IV pump. The Chemo that she is taking is Cisplatin and simply hangs on the IV pole and is pumped in for about 60 minutes preceded by yet another anti nausea medication. I tell you if Deb is the least bit sick to her tummy it will be a miracle.Radiation is really pretty slick. Deb's quote is "I simply have to lie on my back and stay still."

The treatment takes only minutes; actually it takes longer to get dressed and prepared. The "eye candy" radiologist told Deb to simply wear comfy clothes for the rest of the treatments (every day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks) so there is no need to get into the hospital gowns. She marked a big black X on her calendar in the almighty countdown to wellness.
Say a good word for Deb, pass on some positive energy and check this blog daily, it's a good way to keep up to date and in touch with our journey to wellness.