Thank you for visiting my blog. I wanted to create it so that all the people close to me can check in to see what happening in my treatment, and how I'm doing. This doesn't mean that I don't want to hear from you. Please feel free to call, email, text any time. But I apologize if I don't always get back to you. This new cancer journey of mine is a full time job, and I'm doing the best that I can. Please know that your thoughts and prayers mean so much to me...keep them coming! Thank you for all your help and support too...it takes a community, and you have all given us that.
With love and gratitude,
Lynne

Monday, May 31, 2010

I was supposed to have chemo last Friday. Unfortunately, my liver enzymes were way too high, and they wouldn't give it to me. I had a cold while in Florida and took lots of Tylenol Cold...turns out that throws my liver enzymes out of wack! They said it's no big deal since we know the cause. But this also screws up all the planning I've made around my treatments, and puts me one week further into the summer. I just want to be finished with this chemo, so I'm frustrated that this happened. Oh well!!! I'm working with it!!
Kids only have 3 more weeks of school. I can't believe it. My babies are getting so old! It will be a busy few weeks, and then we'll have 2 weeks off before camp starts. Looking forward to the summer.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Florida was nice and relaxing. We really did nothing but sit by the pool and read. I can't say I love Miami, but the weather was perfect, and the resort was beautiful. The ocean was amazingly warm too! I also had a great massage at the spa...heaven!
But as nice as it is to get away, it felt good to come home to my routine, and my people! We missed the kids, and kept thinking how they also would have loved the pool.

I'm getting ready for round 6 tomorrow. I have to say that I'm getting really sick of it!!!! But it looks like I may have a 7 and 8 too...I can still do up buttons!!! Lucky me!!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Round 5 was last Monday...I have to say that this round was not as bad as previous ones. I seem to be managing the side effects better now. I spent one day in bed, and I'm now getting my strength back. It's amazing what it does to my muscles-even brushing my teeth hurts my arm! Today I went for a short walk, and I still tire easily. But I hope to be back to tennis and yoga this week.

I've been experimenting with scarves lately...don't like wearing the wig all the time. This weekend I don't even have it-it's in the shop for service!!! Mark doesn't like the scarves at all, but I don't mind them. I like hats better, but I don't have the right one, especially now that it's getting warmer - yeah!!! I'll try to post a picture sometime.

I have been taking a course called "The Healing Journey". It's all about using the mind to feel better, handle the stress of a cancer diagnosis, take control and hopefully improve healing. I love the course, and meeting so many other people going through similar experiences. I have already been working with relaxation techniques, and find them very helpful. Now we're starting meditation. This is work for me! I believe that I have not handled stress well over the last few years, and that this probably contributed to my recurrence. So I think its going to be very important for me to find ways to slow down, relax, let things go more, and be in the moment. I have already noticed a difference in how I feel, and particularly how I deal with the kids day to day. The challenge will be to find the time to meditate daily, and to remain committed to it.

Mark and I are off to Florida on Friday. Can't wait to just relax, spend time together, and take in the heat!!!

I'm feeling kind of chatty tonight! There's one more thing I wanted to share with you...

Last month there was an article in Chatelaine Magazine that featured 3 women with breast cancer. Unfortunately, Leanne Coppen lost her fight against metastatic disease on April 27. A friend of mine told me about her blog...an incredible expression of her fight, pain and fears, and I had been following her for the last few months. Leanne said, "Every time I put something out there, it’s no longer residing in me alone, building tension and choking me with fear." And I can relate to this. My blog started as a way to keep family and friends informed of what was happening. But it has become a bit more therapy for me too. I find comfort knowing that so many of you are reading it, and supporting me. If you are interested, and have a chance to read her blog, there is a link on Chatelaine.com.

Good night my friends.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Quick update: There's no change on my MRI, meaning that everything is fine...huge relief!
Enjoy Mother's Day this weekend!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

I had a follow up with my oncologist today, and it was great news. The tumours in my liver have shrunk by 50% from where they started. It's all perspective I guess...still a shitty situation, but at least things are improving! But I still left the hospital with something to worry about. I have a bit of pain in my spine, so they're sending me for an MRI tomorrow...they're fast when they want to be. I hope that doesn't mean I should worry more... I did just have an MRI about a month ago.
I've been feeling pretty good lately. I started outdoor tennis, which is so much fun. The spring weather has been perfect!
I'm celebrating my birthday this weekend, and Mark's birthday, and Mother's Day. I had an early birthday lunch with girlfriends today...thank you ladies! Then I go for my next treatment on Monday. When I'm feeling better after this round, Mark and I are going to Miami for a few days...a much needed adult getaway!