All is Well!

Hi All,

This will be our last post for awhile. Things are going well with the chemo and my strength is slowly returning.  I may even attempt to hit a golf ball or two on the range next week!

Lorraine and I are traveling to Saskatoon in a couple of weeks to visit friends and attend a few retirement celebrations for former colleagues.  It will be good to visit our old stomping grounds.  We also look forward to spending a few days on Salt Spring Island in mid July visiting with Lorraine's grandchildren and family.

As far as returning to work - my doctors have recommended that  I wait until after Christmas to begin my gradual return to school.  I am anxious to get back into the swing of things with school, but I also know going back too soon could prove to be problematic.  So, I will take their sage advice.

Thanks again to all of our friends and family for your unending support and love when we needed it the most.  It made an incredible difference to us.

If there are any changes we will start up the blog again, but for now the future looks bright and we look forward to every day - even the rainy ones!

Take care,

Love,
L2

Home 8

Yes indeedy - an update from your recalcitrant blogger!

So this is what has happened in the last 3 weeks (hmm...guess I need to go back a bit further than that). When we returned to Vernon, Linda had a CT scan to review the fistula and the collection in her abdomen. Imagine our surprise when the radiologist who read the scan announced that there was a 3.5 cm lesion (yes the dreaded cancer) on her liver. We didn't believe it and quite forcefully said - no there isn't a lesion there because...(much medical terminology spouted from my mouth - the gist of which was we knew there was something in 1 lobe and it had to do with fatty sparing and blood vessels). Anyway, Dr H decided to be thorough and Linda had 2 different kinds of scans (red cell and sulphur colloid) and both showed that the area in question was typical of hemangioma rather than c. So great relief in our home - even though we were sure there wasn't anything there - goodness, we are frail creatures when it comes to any suggestion of more disease. This living with fear is the pits!

Linda has got herself set up with a speech therapist. The first visit was an assessment and the therapist indicated that her impairment was mild and gave her a whole swack of exercises to do for prosody which she has been doing sporadically. I think the best exercise so far has been Kim's (from Saskatoon) visit. I thought there was a marked improvement in her speech when she and Kim were blethering on and on about  school stuff. This week, her nephew, Chris, has been here from Manitoba - and again, more natural practice is resulting in clearer speech.

She started her 'mop-up' chemo yesterday. It's capecitabine in pill form - she was not impressed with the size of the pills but they have gone down and stayed down. It's a 2 weeks on, 1 week off regime and will continue for 6 months. There's not a whole lot in the medical literature about whether this chemo is really helpful in warding off this particular kind of cancer from recurring but Dr Temple in Calgary (who knows a lot about PMP ) has recommended it and we're going along with his suggestion. We've read about all the possible side effects and have armed ourselves with bag balm and vitamin B and maxeran.

Linda continues to get stronger - fewer afternoon naps, more time spent up and about, more ventures out into the wide world without the wheel chair.

Home 7

Well, I guess I've fallen down on the job...thought I'd be writing a couple of times a week but it just hasn't happened. We've started getting out more and, inevitably, we run into someone Linda knows. Everyone is very surprised at her appearance because of the weight loss and some folks haven't recognized her. An interesting experience. The food is starting to go down easier now with much less nausea, although her beloved beef can be problematic. Much to her chagrin, fish has been easily digested!! We got some new water from Devine Vintners which is alkaline based and supposed to help with digestion - we'll let you know. And we've started some exercise - more walking when we're out, trying not to use the wheel chair at all. I'm still hoping we can walk the pooches together soon. We're still fiddling with her INR which is high but we know it can take a while to balance the amount of coumadin needed for the correct 'score'. She will be very happy when she's not being poked with needles anymore.

Home 6

So we're finally getting our mountain legs! We've been getting out a bit more - Friday to Costco (is it true that a Costco is to built here in Vernon?) and today to the Mall for a look around and a purchase of a beautiful knife (I was sooo envious of Tracy's knives). Linda got some new clothes - cordoroy pants, her favorite material - now if it only came in plaid. We're still working on getting the food/eating right - Linda is still experiencing nausea with some foods so we're trying to figure out how to lessen that without relying too heavily on gravol and other drugs. We'll get it organized! And we're just about ready to start the 'exercise regimen' - hopefully, the weather will cooperate so we can try walking the pooches together - yes, we'll start very slowly.

Lovely to see Kate on Friday - so good to hear that laugh!!

Home 5

A busy day yesterday - we both got haircuts from Sharon - so good to see her again - so now we're looking semi-presentable! Then off to see Dr H in the afternoon. I'm thinking we should be taking photos of people - a series of photos - as they come to an understanding of what Linda has gone through - we'd have quite the series of shock and surprise pics. Anyway, he agreed that she's a miracle! More bloodwork, but at least this time the nurse listened to Linda and went in through her hand instead of trying in the crook of her elbow - makes a huge diff to Linda (I think her veins hide whenever we are near a medical facility). Still not sure when the chemo will start; Dr H is thinking we need to get her a bit better, stabilized, especially in regard to weight maintenance - so probably not for another month. But it will be in pill form (we both silently cheered).

Linda's off with Lucille this morning - doing some shopping and then out for lunch with Deb. Great that's she's out and about!! I am trying to re-organize the ensuite bathroom - wish me luck!

Home 4

We got the results from the CT scan today - no mention from the Doc about the fistula and only minimal info in the report so we're assuming that it is healing. Really great news about the collection - it's shrunk to just 18 mm and it shows as fluid rather than abscess - another plus! Tomorrow is Dr H at the Cancer Clinic here in Vernon - we'll keep you posted.

We had a busy weekend with Christmas at Lucille's on Saturday - yes, we pigged out on turkey! And then we went off to the casino where Linda's luck with the machines continued. And it was great to see Kari and Barb and Yosh there.

Home 3

Goodness - we have been sleeping!! Nothing like dogwarmth (yes, that's one word) to send you into cozy dreamland. And we've been working on getting the eating schedule and menus functional. Yesterday was a great day for food - lots of it (compared to her eating habits in the hospital) and very little nausea. Lizzie was over this am for a wee visit and regaled us with family holiday stories; then, we both went to bed and slept for the afternoon. Tomorrow is the CT scan and next week, we have appointments with Dr F and Dr H, the oncologist, who, we hope, will give us some more info about when the chemo will start.

Thanks to Bentley and McDuff for the gorgeous fleurs and hugs to Stew and Eleanor in Regina.

Home 2

Thanks for all your 'welcomes'! It has indeed been wonderful to poke about own own abode - even doing laundry and dishes have been great - I guess it's that nesting instinct! The whole event that was Friday really took the wind out of Linda's sails and it took all weekend before she was feeling even semi-normal - and that's 'still recovering semi-normal'. She's been mainly eating and sleeping and being in charge of the shooter. We went for the Doc appointment today and she's scheduled for a CT scan on Friday so we'll know next week about the wretched fistula (amazed that there was disagreement about me naming it!! LOL) and the collection. Doc F looked quite surprised when I handed over the 4 inch thick ream of reports. But we're not seeing any signs of infection or problems, just tiredness so we're going to lay low for a few more days. Looking forward to seeing friendly faces soon!!

Home 1

Third time's the charm (we didn't mention the second attempt to return home - just too frustrating!)! Yes, we are happily ensconced in our home with the pooches. Linda is watching the Australian Open (with a fire blazing - thanks, Stew!!) stretched out on our very own couch.

Yesterday was scary and wonderful and weird. Scary because of the two previous attempts - I pestered Linda all day about how she was feeling, I think she was ready to 'bop' me by the time we got on the plane; wonderful to see Lucille and Cath and Lynne at the airport and to climb into our own bed with the girls; and weird to know that the first part of the recovery journey is finally over - it did seem to take forever - 4 1/2 months since we've been here. We were remembering yesterday how we were stunned when Dr Temple told us in last June that Linda would be in the hospital for 4 - 8 weeks and we thought that was really a long time. We are sooo looking forward to new routines.

The Recovery: Part Two starts next week; we still have to get her INR up to the recommended rate and Linda will be having blood tests regularly to monitor that. And she'll also be having another CT scan within the next couple of weeks to check on the 'collection' and the fistula. My job (she said happily rubbing her hands together) is to ensure she doesn't lose any more weight so I'm looking forward to cooking and baking!! And Linda will be starting a chemo regime in about a month once her strength and endurance improves. I'm kind of used to doing the blog so I'm thinking I'll just keep it going - maybe not as often, but will keep you all up to date about Part Two.

We're taking the weekend to regain our 'mountain legs' and we're looking forward to seeing new/old faces sometime next week.

102 2q

The PICC line came out today and we've started on the Tinzaperine so we're hoping her INR (International Normalized Rate - has to do with clotting ability and time - she has to take warfarin forever because they couldn't get that bloody filter [which was supposed to stop emboli from getting to the lungs and heart] out - hmmm...kind of a rambling sentence) ascends to the recommended level.

Back to Tracy's today and I made her favorite 'hash' which she really enjoyed. She's in the enviable position of having to eat every couple of hours. What with stomach shrinkage (from having the feeding tube for many weeks) and the loss of part of her stomach - we're hoping that grazing will ensure she gets the nutrition needed and will keep her weight stable.

102 2p

Great news! The 'collection' has not grown so she is spared the discomfort of another drain. Now we just need to get that INR up to the required rate and then there is NOTHING keeping us here. I can 'see' the mountains of Vernon in the distance!!

102 2o

CT scan today which should tell us how Frederika the Fistula is doing and whether or not the 'collection' has increased in size - both need to be smaller. We're seriously hoping that NO drain needs to be inserted. Good news is that Lin's WBC count has not gone up so the possibility of infection in there is slim!

Out to Market Mall yesterday where our fashionista found some new duds and chowed down on some pizza.

102 2n

We're just getting ready to watch the Golden Globes - snacks are out, Linda is ensconced on the couch with a comforter, and dinner is in the oven. This will be quite the 'entertainment' day - Tracy, Linda and I went to see Barney's Version this afternoon. Quite enjoyed it - Giamatti is wonderful - even makes Barney almost lovable. Before we left the hospital at noon, Dr T popped by to talk about the Plan and it's changed a bit. Now we're waiting for a couple of days to see if the 'collection' changes in size before any attempt at re-insertion is tried. So another holding pattern - if we were airplanes, we would have run out of fuel!!

102 2m

Good morning from not-quite-so-frosty Calgary! (in fact, a chinook is predicted for later this week!!)

Yesterday was a spa-wait day - waiting 'in queue' for Linda to go to have the new drain inserted (a 30-45 minute procedure or so we were told). She was finally whisked off around 3:00 by a member of the Canadian Olympic bobsled team (I kid you not!!!) who's also a porter at the spa - and (silly me) I didn't go with her, but instead went off to find the Globe and some ginger ale (Linda's beverage of choice). Well, she didn't return until almost 6:00 (yes, I started making noises about 5:00) and she came back drainless and very annoyed. Some of you may have experienced a disgruntled Linda - a sight to behold. She didn't get her drain (the radiologist said the drain passage way had started to heal and he needed a new CT scan) and she was left in a dark hallway for an hour, waiting for a porter to bring her back to 102. Someone named Richard may get an earful tomorrow. So, the new plan involves the drain being inserted maybe tomorrow. Sometimes, it seems like every possible obstacle is being hurled up in front of us - when we finally get home, we will either be the strongest women on the planet or a pair of raving lunatics.

102 2l

She was so happy last night with the ham and pots and mustard sauce for the ham - and sitting at the table - eating and talking and laughing with Tracy's folks and Aunt Rose - wonderful to see and be a part of!! Then we went back up to the spa and while she was getting changed into her pj's, her one remaining drain just literally fell out of her body; we were both shocked because 1) we thought it was sewed into her body and 2) the Docs have been talking about her going home with this drain. Much gnashing of teeth today because the consensus is the drain must be replaced but this can't happen until her blood coagulation level is manipulated down to a lower level (probably a couple of days) and then increased again after the drain insertion. And who knows how long all this will take. So this definitely was a 'quelle fromage' day - even with ham and pot leftovers.

102 2k

Busy day yesterday! Out to the mall for a spot of lunch (some wonton soup for LG) and then to Rodger's for a new phone (the old one was drowned in ginger ale). First day out sans the feeding tube and so nice for Linda NOT to be stared at. You know, I get the little kids staring - because it must be a real curiosity for them - this woman with a long tube hanging out of her nose, but the adults who just stare for longer than 6 seconds bug me. And then there are the store clerks who talk to me instead of Linda because she's in a wheelchair and sometimes stumbles over words. And that's really weird in places like the Apple store or Rodger's because I am definitely NOT the techno brains in this family. And so it's been kind of gratifying when Linda makes a cogent comment or asks a geeky question that makes the clerk's head do a pronounced swivel. This whole experience/journey has opened our eyes in so many disparate ways - quite amazing.  Anyway today is Ham and Scalloped Potatoes Day which Linda is sooo looking forward to. The introduction of food has been slow - her stomach has shrunk and is, of course, smaller from the resection - but there's been a minimum of nausea which is very good! And now I'm off to make Saskatoon Berry Pie for dessert - yum!

102 2j

Much yanking out of tubes today - drain #1 this morning (amid great hurrahs because that was the one giving her pain) - and the feeding tube this afternoon (I was very surprised at the length of it). So now we wait (patience is a virtue) to see what Linda can tolerate foodwise and what comes out drain #3 - we're hoping very little. We stayed in today - partly because of the imminent tube yankings and partly because it is so bloody cold here. Maybe out tomorrow to get Liz some preserved lemons at the most excellent Cookbook Cooks Co store.

As our sojourn here begins to wind down, I am seriously contemplating writing a book about elevator etiquette. (Aarrghhhh)

102 2i

Dr Temple returned today and was very pleased with what's going on - evidently he can tell by the CT scans that the fistula has shrunk considerably (from 15 cm down to 2 cm!!). So the Plan is for Linda to start on real food again so he can check if segments of the food come out the drain. Today we went to IKEA and she had 2 meatballs and some fries. So we're still playing the waiting game but at least Linda's getting food. Tracy has planned a scalloped potato and ham dinner for Thursday - Linda's thrilled!!! If she can tolerate food during the next few days, then the next step will be the feeding tube coming out.

102 2h

Wow - it's really cold here but we're still going out. Yesterday to Tracy's for a really relaxing afternoon of watching the tube and today to the movies to see The Tourist which we both enjoyed (I know, I know - it got ugly reviews, but the setting was gorgeous and brought back lovely memories). Tomorrow Dr Temple is back from his vacation and we're hoping that he'll order the removal of Drain #1 which has been  a bit painful for the last week and maybe let us in on The Plan for Escape. Linda continues to get stronger and funnier.

102 2g

So we're girding our loins here in Calgary for snow and vicious winds - meaning wind chills. No more balmy 7+ degrees! Linda and I took advantage of that gorgeous weather on Thursday and hightailed it to the zoo. We managed to snare one of the lightweight wheelchairs from the hospital - so much easier to heft and store in the car trunk!! The signage to the zoo was a bit confusing (harumph) but we got there, along with many, many young moms and their wee ones. We laughed at the antics of the monkeys - especially the males with their butts pressed up against the glass - they know, don't they! And we were both just gobsmacked by the South American Anteater - what a bizarre looking creature!!!!!!!!  Yesterday, we 'stayed in'; Linda had a CT scan in the afternoon to, once again, check on the fistula and also her drain areas. She said it was the easiest one she's endured - even the Telebrix went down okay. Last night, Les and Suzanne (distant cousins who live here in Calgary) popped in for a visit - Linda thoroughly enjoys Les' stories.

Not sure what we'll do today - no doubt, she'll beat me at 31 or Farkle!

102 2f

We feel like we've been in a holding pattern this week. Dr T is away - off visiting in Ontario - and so no major decisions can be made until his return sometime next week. Dr Mack (his associate - a real Doc not a resident) has been popping in to check on Linda and seems pleased with her energy level and progress. He's ordered an ultrasound for this morning - to check on the status of the pockets of the 2 remaining drains (#1 is putting out virtually nothing) and a CT scan for tomorrow so Dr T will have up to date info when he returns. Dr Mack did tell us that fistulas can take 3 months+ to heal - that sure burst our 'goodness, isn't Linda stronger' balloon. But we're determined to stay positive and optimistic about coming home. We have had a few outings this week - mainly to malls and Tracy's - but lovely just to be out.

102 2e

Good Morning! Hope you have all recovered from the New Year festivities and are anticipating marvelous things in 2011. Our major celebration was spending the Eve day with Judi - we're still chuckling about that!! Linda was out and about both days on the weekend. Saturday - to Tracy's for the afternoon when she got to meet the whole Lyons family - what a wonderful crew!!! And Sunday - out for a wee (chauffeur-driven) tour of some of Lorraine's favorite places to eat in Calgary - Eidilweiss, Jimmy's Shawarmas, Lina's Italian Market (where she had some pistachio gelato) - and then on to The King's Speech which we both thoroughly enjoyed - highly recommended.

Medical update - Drain #1 has virtually nothing coming out of it so we're hoping it will be pulled sometime this week. Drain #3 still has stuff coming so it will stay. There will probably be another CT scan this week to assess the healing of the fistula. But Linda just seems to be sooo much better - tons more energy. Her speech is sure becoming much clearer and that right hand tremble is also improving. Still no definitive date for escape and we're trying to be patient. Looking forward to seeing you Vernonites soon!