So here we are...

I must admit that eleven months ago, when Ross and I sat in the chairs in the doctor's office and first heard the word "cancer", I never imagined what would happen from then to this day. As with most journeys in life, you can do all the preparation through reading, talking to others, seeing counsellors, that you like, but nothing prepares you for the real thing. With this journey, that is multiplied tenfold.

I have said from the beginning that nothing was as difficult as I imagined it to be. From the surgery and recovery to the follow up treatment, I was treated with such care and compassion by my family, friends, and the medical professionals. The only blip was when I believed for a short time that I would not have to have chemotherapy. As I look back now, while it was short term pain for me and the ones I love, it was an honest mistake (of interpretation) made by a young doctor, one from which he will learn.

The chemotherapy, while not fun, again was not as horrible as I imagined. I say that still having to go through Days 5 and 6 from this last treatment, so I may take back my words! No... I can't imagine that happening, because now, after having done this 6 times, I think I have the hang of it. Don't try to be a martyr! Take the drugs! Don't worry about sleeping all the time! Don't plan to do anything for at least 10 days (other than go to grandchildren's birthday parties)! Drink lots of water, juice, anything you can stomach! Eat sparingly (not a problem)! As Ross says, if I ever had an excuse for not doing something, this is it! Use it! The three little radiation treatments were not pleasant (think nine minute long sessions in the stirrups) but just humiliating more than anything.

How wonderful it was on Thursday to receive as I always do, my schedule for the coming month, and have it list just two blood tests, and a follow up with the doctors for December 13th. No date for another treatment! So that is the drill from now on. I have checkups every three months for two years, every four months for the next two years, and every six months for another year. People have been asking if I have scans etc. The answer is "no", and the reasoning is (and I did ask that question) that there is no proof that in my case scans would show anything. I did chemotherapy as a precaution, just in case that pesky little papillary serous cell that two of four pathologists think was there is lurking anywhere else in my body. Seeing as it wasn't in any of the organs analyzed after surgery, I am going on the assumption that it is not anywhere else, and if it was, the six chemo sessions did it in. As the doctor explained, the scans would probably do more harm to my body, and wouldn't find anything anyway. They aren't even convinced that the pap tests every three months will find anything either, but because that is a fairly non-invasive procedure (right ladies?) they do it just in case something shows up.

And, think what else we managed to do in the midst of all this! First of all, we were the recipients of so much love and care in the form of food, flowers, books, movies, hats, scarves, scarves and more scarves, bathing caps, cards, emails - it is all so overwhelming. Even now, two more bouquets are on my tables, an orchid sits on the buffet, and I have a fancy shiny goldy- coloured new scarf to wear. I received many pictures and crafts from grandchildren, a song composed in my honour and sung to me over the phone, a celebratory wreath to hang on my door (once I find a door hanger without Christmas bells on it)... the list goes on and on. And, we were able to celebrate our anniversary with all our family at the "happiest place on earth" - Disneyworld. This disease did not stop any of us from enjoying our times together, and I can't imagine that it will do so in the future either. I am the lucky one. The cancer I had showed its sign early (all my friends - watch for post menopausal bleeding, even if faint ), and the prognosis is good. I could talk about all the people I have met and heard about whose stories are not so positive, but I won't. You all have them in your lives too, so please know that our thoughts and prayers are with them as much as yours were with us.

So I think that this is the end of my postings about this journey. I will post a picture of the progression of the return of the hair. I know that Caitlyn is still rooting for purple, Hannah for orange, and Cole for white, but we'll see! I may just choose to get a multi coloured wig for Hallowe'en, and stay in that! Keep reading, and thank you to everyone for all your love and support. Ross and I couldn't have done it without you behind us, every step of the way.

A Pre-Birthday Sleepover

Before we get to the main theme of this entry, I had to post just a couple of pics of our youngest GC enjoying the sprinkler on what turned out to be the last really hot day of the summer. He didn't mind the grass or the water, and even tolerated having water poured on him. The diaper, however, was beyond repair after an hour of this activity! Good bye bare skin and summer sun!
Because the older Grandson's birthday is fast approaching, Grandpa and I decided to ask him to come for a sleepover without his little sister (which meant that she could go out on a "date" with her dad). He quite enjoyed getting HIS room back, even just for a night, and loved the fact that I had found a vintage VHS copy of Peter Pan for his viewing enjoyment. Before the movie and supper, however, we decided to check out the new Children's Museum. I think he would give it two thumbs up!
The water station was a favourite, needing two visits to get maximum enjoyment. It really is quite well done, and the kids get raincoats so they don't get too wet. Note to Grandma - put the child's shoes back on before revisiting this station.
Thank goodness they left the big train in the museum! It comes complete with lights and lots of buttons to push and levers to pull.
The digger - another favourite!
The sound room has a great xylophone, and lots of bird noises if you step in the right places.
This just proves that this boy resembles his uncle from the east in more than one way. Both of them thought it necessary to put their faces in this - what is it called?
Another viewing spot from the train. From this perch, you can see where the train is going.
Back at the water station to make water move in many ways, and also to create smoke.
All in all, it was a fun time. How could you not have fun with pancakes and bacon, a visit to the museum, time to play with Grandpa, homemade macaroni and cheese and meatballs (and no asparagus or broccoli), a favourite movie, popcorn AND chips, a favourite bed, and French toast in the morning after cartoons. Life is good - and we love being able to share it. Happy #4 birthday!

Guess who came to dinner-and stayed the night!

This has been a week of "firsts" for this young man. First birthday, first cake (I think), and...first sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's! Having him here for the night made me realize that he really hasn't been here all that often, and certainly not long enough to explore much. So, after an excellent dinner which all went in his mouth instead of over the edge of the tray, he explored.
First up was a game of "slide the tupperware around the floor". Amazing how long that can entertain someone who is one, (and the older folks too).


Next up was - "just where are the buttons on this dishwasher?" That alternated with "I look really cute in the reflection on the oven", and " how many birds are at the bird feeder?"
On the way to see the birds, he tried valiantly to find the source for the Golden Oldies to which he was forced to listen. Next time - Hendrix (as long as Grandma isn't home).
He was tuckered out after all that exploring, had a great night's sleep, and woke up happy and ready for breakfast. It was a terrific night for one and all! Here's to many more sleepovers with all five little ones, but not all at once please!

Lucky

On the way home from our youngest grandchild's first birthday party last night, both Grandpa and I commented on how lucky we are. We were referring, of course, to the fact that we had been able to take part in a pretty exciting first birthday, and to enjoy all the kids, noise, wonderful food, good company, gifts, and fun, but deep down we were both thinking about all the reasons we have to consider ourselves the luckiest people around.

Lately as part of my coping mechanism I have been beginning each day by writing in my current journal. Part of this writing has been a recording of how I am feeling physically (it's amazing how therapeutic it is to look back at the last month and recognize that exactly the same thing happened then), but my focus this month in particular has been on things for which I am grateful. So in no particular order, here is my list for today.

Today I am grateful:
* for family celebrations
* for caring, loving children and grandchildren
* for each distinct personality and for the opportunity to watch each personality unfold
* for the fact that our children all have terrific friends who support them and will continue to do so when we can't
* that everyone is in good health and is loving life
* for wonderful food - especially at parties!
* for the "old geezer" who stays by my side through thick and thin (and I use that term with love, because I too am an "old geezer")

Funny, I never run out of things to add to my list.

The birthday was a great success. So many different kinds of homemade pizza! So many friends and family! So many little boys (and one little girl!). Without comment, here are some of the snapshots of the event.










Happy first birthday little man!

Happy Pre-Birthday!

On what was one of the cooler days at the lake, this young lady celebrated her birthday 6 months early! While the lake was refreshing on this day in August, it would have been considerably more refreshing in February. Good choice for a surprise party date, mom and dad!
This young man and his mom ventured over from close by to help the unbirthday girl celebrate. Chocolate milk, a crown, a movie, snacks and some time in the hot tub. Probably the best adult birthday party he has ever attended (although he will hate me for this picture at some time in the future!)

And for those of you who keep tabs on what is happening here via this blog, I completed treatment #5 last Thursday, and am really looking forward to the last one, around September 22 depending on bloodwork. So far (today is Day 3) things are o.k. Usually it takes about a week to get back on my feet, so I am hoping to be ready to go on the 1st, which is our younger grandson's first birthday (Hey - a champagne birthday so early in life!). I will keep you all posted on things!
Thank you all again for all your prayers, love, and healing thoughts. They are doing their work.

Letter Home

Dear Mom and Dad,
We were both really glad that you let us stay overnight with Grandma and Grandpa. It seems like a long time since we have had a sleepover (except for Florida, of course). We thought you would like to see some pictures of what we did.
First we did some chores. We filled the bird feeder. Here is a picture of some of the birds who like the seed we put in the feeder. Maybe we should get one for the lake! We also watered the tomatoes. It was a good thing we did, because some of the tomatoes were red! We picked them and some carrots from the garden, and ate them with the potatoes from our garden, and some meatballs, for supper.
We went out for lunch with Grandma and Grandpa. Did you know that there is a restaurant on a bridge? And...it serves pancakes! We had fun looking at the boats while we ate our pancakes. Grandpa had a Club Sandwich (Grandma laughed when he ordered this. Do you know why?) Grandma had a reuben sandwich, but she also had some syrup because she was sitting beside one of us.

After lunch we went home. Look who had a nap on the futon!
Grandpa had a nap while I had a "movie rest". I watched "The Little Engine That Could". It was a good movie.
After naps we went to a different playground. It was really fun. It even had a pirate ship for climbing! There were lots of slides, swings and even mushrooms. Grandpa said that next time we would take our bathing suits so we could go on the splash pad.



We wanted to make a restaurant, so we did downstairs. Grandma found some kitchen furniture that she said you used to use, Mommy. Do you remember it? Grandma said she is going to paint it so it looks fresher. Our restaurant has specials like sushi, but it also has burgers and fries, pancakes, and other stuff. You can eat there next time you come over.
We had lots of fun at Grandma and Grandpa's. Please, please, please can we stay over there again soon?

Love, C. and L.

Things I Learned While on Vacation

Taking a leaf from our daughters' blogs, this one is just thoughts. We enjoyed a wonderful trip and precious family time. Here are some of the things I learned during those two weeks:

1. Going on a trip with few expectations is the perfect way to go. Then everything that happens is a bonus! Seeing lots of smiles was our bonus.
2. It is really hot in Florida in July. We knew this, but memory fades after 23 years.
3. All things are better when you have ice cream, especially Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream.
4. Our daughters are great cooks!
5. A "movie rest" sounds much better than does an "afternoon nap" to three year olds.
6. Hats are essential in Florida. When we were in Australia, we saw signs on every playground an school that read "No hat - no play!". They should be required in Florida, for the adults.
7. Butterbeer is really quite refreshing. Thanks for the tip, Harry, Hermione and Ron.
8. The Westjet connection in Toronto is far too tight to allow for late arrival of luggage, clearing customs, going through security again and getting to the gate. No time even for a potty break, as they were holding the plane for us!
9. My favourite quote - " Get a good idea, and stay with it. Dog it, and work at it until it's done, and done right." from who else? Walt Disney
10. A dream is a wish your heart makes - this trip was our 40th anniversary dream; our hearts made a wish and it came true!