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

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Fall is Here



As the kids return to school, I reflect on the summer past. Time flies so quickly. We had a nice summer, with time at the cottage, summer camp, and hanging out at home. I continued having pain in my back, which interfered with working out, and my overall well-being. But I finally started taking a new drug for the achiness, and had one dose of radiation to my lower back and hip. Wow!!! I feel like a new person!! It was immediate relief...I am so thankful. So we settle into a new school year. Zachary is in grade 4, and Zoe in 3. We're back to homework battles, and the business of the school year. I don't remember life being so crazy when we were kids. It's difficult to find time for joy, fun, and family time together when there seems to be so much for everyone to do. It seems silly to put "have fun" on the calendar, but sometimes necessary! This year I've also taken on the role of Treasurer of the school parent council. I'm having fun looking after something other than my family. And although its great to return to life's normal activities, I'm trying to remember my self-care, and life's priorities. When focus strays from blessings and gratitude towards wanting more...things, vacations, time...joy is lost and an uneasiness sets in. So I'm planning to fit in more walks, pilates, and meditation...Om! We're also planning to walk 5km in the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon on October 16th. Please consider joining us, or making a donation to sponsor me. All proceeds raised by my team will go to Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation. See the direct link to my personal page below to make a donation. Happy Fall!
Please support the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Charity Challenge This year I'm hoping to raise $5000 towards Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation...my lifeline during my cancer diagnosis and treatment. Your donations are greatly appreciated!! Thank you for all the incredible support...together we raised over $10,000!!

Saturday, June 25, 2011




It's been so long since I've done a blog update. Life has been busy, and that's a good thing. So here it is in a list...in no particular order.

~ I'm learning to breathe more deeply, and to live with more gratitude each day.
~ I'm working to align my priorities with how I live my life. This is not as easy as it sounds, as I get caught up in to-do lists. But I'm trying to let go of the "should do's", and not feel guilty about doing what gives me joy.
~ I think about moving a lot these days, but I'm not sure where. I'd like to downsize and simplify, but would also like a pool, and something more urban. I'll have to play with this idea some more.
~ I've finally started reading for pleasure again (as opposed to research). I've read Secret Daughter, Cutting for Stone, and next up is The Help.
~ My Sister is moving to North Carolina. I felt an intense sense of loss and sadness when she first told me. She has been my go-to person in my journey with the health care system. I always know she's there for me when I need something, or someone. I also feel so sad for Zoe and Zach, who will no longer have cousins in Toronto. Zoe especially has had a very close relationship with Mikaela, which we'll have to continue to nurture. I'm beginning to accept the move, and see the possibilities...opportunities for travel, and maybe some family vacations together...maybe it will make for better quality time and connections.
~ I'm trying to get back into scrapbooking, and documenting our story, photos, and daily life. This can only happen when I choose to do that which gives me joy.
~ Zachary just turned 9! I still think of him as my baby, and remember so clearly the day he was born. He is smart and creative; loves Lego, Star Wars, Star Trek, and has letely become obsessed with Harry Potter. He has almost finished the first book. We have just introduced him to golf, and he seems to like it, and has a nice shot too.
~ Zach and Zoe have both learned to ride their bikes without training wheels. We are looking forward to some family rides together this summer.
~ I'm still on the same chemo I started last August. My tumors have remained stable. My bloodwork has been excellent, so I convinced my doctor to let me see him less often...now every 4 weeks. What a huge deal to not be at the hospital so often.
~ The kids have finished school and we are looking forward to the summer...camp, Niagara wine tour with friends, 2 weeks at a cottage.
~ As much as I try to exercise, for both my mental and physical health, it always seems to cause more pain. Possibly periformis, but I'm not doing much these days, as I try to figure it out. It seems as though I always have one pain or another, although I'm feeling pretty good most of the time.
~ For my Birthday/Mother's Day gift I got an iPad...I'm loving it.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

I'm so happy to report that I've just seen my new oncologist today (who I really like, by the way), and my last scans showed that my tumours shrank a bit more. I am so encouraged by this news.

I feel like I've been doing so much research this past year, and still don't have many answers. I'm still trying to put my healing plan in place, and settle into a routine given this new knowledge. I have recently discovered a website that has become my main source of information and inspiration ... Crazysexylife.com. Kris Carr was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer 8 years ago, which took her on a journey to discover how to heal herself through diet and lifestyle changes. She has basically done much of the work for me, and put it all in her new book, Crazy Sexy Diet (which I was reading until 1:30am this morning!!-way past my bedtime!). But she is also very inspiring and motivating, which helps me along. She's awesome...check her out if you have a chance.

I like to attribute at least some of my success to the changes I have made to my diet and my complementary therapies. At least it makes me feel like I have some control over my disease. I still have a lot of work to do to incorporate more yoga, visualization and meditation into my life - how do I find the time?! But I see myself healthy and present for a long time to come!!

Namaste.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

It's been so long since I posted! We had a nice holiday, with very little on the agenda. But we went to Blue Mountain for New Years. The kids skiied, and we got to relax a little with friends.

It's hard to believe that 2010 is over. While it has been a rough year, I'm thankful for my family, and the love and support friends have given us. 2011 will be full with busy kids and a focus on health, spirit, finding joy and living in the present.

Best wishes for health and happiness in 2011!