An Even Bigger C

Today we spent a good part of the day at Sunnybrook around my monthly appointment with the oncologist. First the routine blood tests, and then we had about an hour and a half to spare because we were extra early and the doctor was running a little behind.

So I took that opportunity to show Gerard some of my favourite places, like the little "boutique" run by volunteers where you are allowed to choose one wig, one hat and one head kerchief at no cost at all. And then we went over to the Wellspring (spa) Cancer Support Centre where I enjoyed last Monday so much. Gerard got the full tour, so now he can picture where I go.

Next was our appointment. We got lots of questions answered like which things that I was experiencing could be side effects of either the steroids or the chemo, do I need to take extra precautions in the sun (yes sunscreen and cover up), my dry skin (they'll have me see the dermatologist during my next round of chemo), my loss of weight (my body mass is still the same, so it's not serious and they'll have me meet with a nutritionist during my next chemo round, but I should be keeping up my weight - and it actually has stabilized during the past five days), etc. etc. Very helpful!

We got some forms signed and my name changed on the hospital card - so that's one name change down with a few more to go. We've been having problems with some insurance claims and other things because some of my ID says "Ellie" and others say "Alida". So now we're working on that.

And now I'm happy to report that I'm ready for my next round of chemo already! They've applied for a bed for me for next Tuesday, March 22nd, with chemo to start on Wednesday. Then I'll probably be there for most of the week, just like the first round. During this session I'll get the same intravenus chemo as the first time and they'll add two spinal chemo infusions "because they're better!" the doctor said. This shoots the chemo right up my spine into the brain where it needs to get, to pass the brain's blood barrier, and to go get those cancer cells up there. I'm so excited that they are already going to start this at only the second round of chemo. They couldn't do it during the first round because there was still too much swelling in the brain. Adding more fluid up there would have been too risky. The doctor had thought maybe the spinal chemo shots would start around the third round, but has decided that I'm ready for it now already. I asked whether there might be side effects and he said I'll probably get a headache, but I'm ready. I had lots of headaches before the steroids starting shrinking things, and this is going up there to fight those cancer cells earlier than we had originally expected, so I'm very excited about this!

And then when we got home I found this very special card from my friend Katie. We've been friends since I was in grade 7, have had more or less contact over the years, depending where our lives were at, and now in the last few years have picked up closer conact again. I don't know where she found this amazing card, but just have a look... (click on images to enlarge)

This evening I'm going back, for the first time in a while, to participate in our English Conversation Group at church.

And tomorrow.......(drum roll).....

I'm going to visit my parents in Stratford over lunch at their place, and then visit my brother Jeff... all being driven around in our own car by my personal chauffeur, and nephew, David G.! I can't wait to spend the day and catch up with David and to hit the road for a little road trip together! Might as well make the most of this week of energy before the next chemo round. Stratford, here we come!