A Weekend of Visiting

It felt really great to have the energy to get out of the house and visit some friends. Friday night we went over to Curtis and Taryn's for pizza, playing with their kids (Kius and Talissa), sitting in front of the fire, and beating the guys at Canasta. Us girls rarely win at Canasta so it was an extra special night. Talissa has a history of giving me some undesirable glares, but she warmed up to me so much that she let me play with her most prized bear 'Pinky'. Taryn even caught the special moment (see attached picture).

Saturday night we went over to Karen and Ivan's to see their new house and to get some pet therapy from their dogs. You may think they are crazy when I tell you they have 4 Dobermans, but they're not. It is survival of the fittest to see who can get on the couch - look closely at the picture and see how Kharma is all over Carman.

Sunday my sister Jodi and her husband Jay and their son Jacob stopped in. Jacob liked playing with my Fisher Price forks and spoons and was talking a lot of gibberish. After they left we went over to Cory and Teena's for tea and cupcakes. Their two year old twins are always so entertaining!

I'm feeling pretty good these days. I just get tired easily which is pretty frustrating. But I am learning to love my nap time.

Chemo Round #2 & Get Out Your Wallet

A bit of an update, my second round of chemo was delayed a week to allow my white blood cells to come-up some more, and to provide my digestive system time to heal. It is amazing what a week can do. My appetite is good and I have gained 4 pounds!

On Friday I had my second round of chemo and I unfortunately spent an extra 3 hours at the Cross. My permanent IV site (by the way I have named him Fraggle - after the'80s kids show Fraggle Rock - my two headed monster is purple, blue and red - and although we aren't 'friends' we are co-existing just fine these days). Sorry I got off track. My IV site was plugged because it wasn't being serviced properly so it took 3 hours of tests, flushing, and waiting before they could administer the drugs. Yes, Red Deer Home Care will be politely informed to review their protocol.

Last Wednesday while washing my buzzed head my hair fell out. It was really quite something to see hair just wipe off your head. I'm not completely bald, but I would say 90%. So far I am not traumatized by it all. I've got a good collection of hats and toques, and when I am around friends I just Rock the Bald.

Lastly, I would like to encourage you to support our friend Bill Woods in his commitment in The Ride to Conquer Cancer. His team name is Brenda's Bravehearts and Wild Pigs. Wild Pigs is the name of the men's group Carman belongs to. You can donate directly via the website - search by Bill Woods or Brenda's Bravehearts and Wilds Pigs. His goal is $5,000! I believe Bill is also looking for people to ride with him. If you are interested, I would be happy to put you in touch with him.

http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR

Attached picture is from my girls night - from left to right - Kelly, Kami, Jenn, and Me. Let me tell you, there is nothing like having great friends!

Sinead O'connor

Monday night I got out of the hospital, and it felt so good to be back home in my own bed with my hubby. Unfortunately, I lost another 6 pounds in the hospital so I am going to try and pack on some pounds before my next round of chemo.

With the type of chemo I am receiving, my hair should start falling out any day now. I thought it would be quite traumatic to wake up and see my hair on the pillow or have it come out in clumps in the shower, so Carman buzzed my head on Tuesday night to give me time to adjust not having any hair. I have to admit, I like not having to worry about styling or serious bedhead, but it is very, very weird looking in the mirror. I've been trying to perfect my impersonation of the the '90 singer Sinead O'Connor.

I had a great time Saturday night with my 3 girlfriends from high school: Jenn, Kelly, and Kami. It was nice to have some girl talk, eat candy, and watch a chick-flick. We always have such a great time together!

It is hard to believe that 3 weeks have almost passed and that I will be getting my second round on Friday. I pray the second round doesn't put me the hospital again. I also pray that this chemo will works for me to provide me more time.