Dec 9 - Culture this week

Had a great visit to Edmonton last week. As usual, feted and feasted by Gerdy and Jacques. Snow on the highway gave way to sun and blue sky which stayed with us the rest of our visit. We enjoyed - as always - Charles and Lorette and their take on life, and gossip on the Edmonton arts scene. A highlight, a visit to the UofA's exhibit Dressed to Rule, Quin dynasty imperial robes and archives, only on view until mid-December. We also enjoyed an interactive presentation by Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi.
A visit to the dessert factory outlet - yup, you heard that right - was timely.
We enjoyed co-hosting lunch at home for departing Consul Lou and daughter Christi. Also welcoming new consul Zhang and his lovely wife Flora. Morag, Don and Anna rounded out the group. Morag cooked dinner, I supplied yule log! Anna created a marvellous collage card for Mme. Lou of the consulate's party for Chinese adopted children, good memory to take home.

Nov 29 - Bad year coming to a close...

It's nearly December and I can't believe the year is over. But I'm glad it is behind me. I am finally regaining my strength and body back. My mouth sores have gone, but eating still has a few trials. I just top up with protein mixes when I think I'm not there some days.
I've started to socalize a bit more but evenings are difficult. By 9pm I am definitely ready to be home and often before that. Everyone has been very understanding but it's been nice to be able to host people again at home.
The sad news that my good friend Sally (who has been a mainstay during my illness) has been diagnosed with BC and goes in Wednesday for a mastectomy also. Hopefully I can be a strong support for her as she has been for me.
My fingernails have not grown back yet so I am still avoiding housework and water. Ted just loves that! I am back into lymph therapy regularly to try to regain my arm strength again, lost during radiation, but that too is coming.
We are looking forward to a few days with our friends in Edmonton next week then Dec 18 to Jan 2 in Puerto Vallarta, a coastal resort in Pacific Mexico, that we haven't been to before. Using he condo of Auntie Nancy (Tikal's bird-sitting companion!) should make for a leisurely stay. Ah tropical Mexico, starting to sound good! Feliz Navidad and all that...

Nov 26 - New co-director of Silly Walks

Welcome to Snoopy or Snoops, my latest co-Director of Silly Walks. Snoopy owns Jackie and Ian who sadly had to say goodbye to almost 14-year-old golden retriever Kelly this summer. She had been a faithful friend to me on my daily walks with Jackie until the end. We miss her a lot but are going to enjoy this lively young pup, rescued from one of the reserves with mother and siblings recently. What a lucky dog to move into the Mills household!

Nov 17 A new era in RV'ing

Saturday we flew to Kelowna, were met by Country RV staff, and picked up our brand new Free Spirit RV. It's a Dodge Sprint van, converted to diesel engine by Mercedez Benz, then fitted out as an RV in Manitoba. The dealer didn't want it on the lot for the winter, and we can't really use it until next May, but that made for good conditions for a deal. We had a couple of nights with Les/Sandy in Vernon, dinner with friends, a night at the symphony, then drove back Monday. It was one of the most beautiful days in the Rockies, clear blue sky, snow on the peaks already and quiet on the roads. Perfect conditions.
We delivered it to the inspection shop 15 minutes before they closed for the day. Whew. An inter-provincial inspection gave it a clean bill of health Tuesday morning, when we licensed and registered it, and are now ready to drive it anywhere we want. I'd like to be leaving in the morning to go south for the winter but I guess that will have to wait until next year. Pretty heady stuff for a couple of aging hippies getting rid of the aging hippie-mobile VW Westy!

Nov 7 BP Progress and Fall

A regular visit to my GP yesterday revealed that my blood pressure has been steadily dropping and is well under control. Therefore I can now drop one of the drugs, a calcium blocker, that I have been taking for some years. I am still on the ace inhibitor, a small dose. Finally there is something good about this ordeal of mine this year. Losing 16lbs has helped!
Dr. Waymouth is a great GP, so supportive. She thinks I should write a book as I've done so well, she credits my positive attitude for this. I agree.
Although we changed from Daylight Saving time last weekend, we are still enjoying lovely fall days. The sun is out, sky is blue, it is about 12 during the day so we are relishing our days before winter arrives. Yesterday we cleaned up the VW van ready to store and sell in the spring. It's in good shape so I'm sure it won't be hard to sell and get a good price for it. It's served us well, we've had a lot of fun, but time to move on.
Of course, we are following Mr. Bush's timetable that was supposed to save energy costs by having more daylight time coincide with normal work hours. That doesn't seem to have materialized, rather like many of Mr. Bush's ideas. The good news - soon he will be a smaller bush, then a shrub, twig, then history.

Nov 5 Building that body one brick at a time

In the past three weeks I've attended three full-day workshops to help me get back on track. The first, Positively Pink, was for breast cancer survivors, very inspiring. Met lots of great women and support/care workers and volunteers. Great progress is being made in this field, especially in pathology and especially here in Calgary.
Then we had a Women's Health Day, organized by the Ismaili society in Calgary. A great public service and many good speakers.
This weekend I went to a women's retreat in Cochrane in the foothills, called Tapestry. Speakers were from a broad spectrum: ex-corporate turned stand-up comedienne/coach, First Nations politician/union leader, and reserve nurse/healer. It was fascinating. I ran into several women I knew from my past and present lives. There's a fascinating native belief that we walk with seven generations behind us to support us, and seven generations ahead of us. Makes for some serious contemplation. If that's true, and seven generations behind me are on my shoulder, I only intend listening to the good ones!
We stayed with Ursula and Dieter in Cochrane for the weekend so I didn't have to do much driving. It was great. Friday she invited 4 other friends for dinner, and Saturday and Sunday she cooked her heart out for us again. I .finally managed to drink some champagne easily, and a smidgeon of Limoncelo. My taste buds are still off so wine is wasted on me. We woke to a beautiful snow cover Sunday so had a lazy time playing Mexican Train, a form of dominoes.
It seem I have a handful of vitamins/minerals/substances to take every day but the leg cramps have gone, the sore mouth is going and I seem to be getting my energy field back.

Remember, remember the 5th of November...

When I was a kid in England we celebrated Guy Fawkes' birthday today.
"Remember, remember the 5th of November,
Gunpower treason and plot,
Remember, remember the 5th of November,
Shall never be forgot."
The grammar was lacking but it's amazing how that date always resonates.
Guy Fawkes tried to blow up Parliament. A few people would still like to emulate that feat.
We lit bonfires, had fireworks and roasted potatoes in the fire. Ah the simple life.
Today was Herceptin treatment #10, with 7 to go. Easy going, no side effects.
Good news! The mouth problems are starting to fade, Nystatin is a horrid medication but it works. I am still using Dr. Akubuku's mouthwash 4 times a day, which also contains Nystatin, and that seems to be doing the trick. I still have no saliva, but a visit to the dentist Thursday confirms that not too much damage has been done from all the mouth problems and bleeding gums. Hurray. (The small things I have to celebrate....)

Oct 22 - Ted off to Jolly Olde...

Ted has gone to England for two weeks to visit with his 87-year-old mum who is still recovering from her two surgeries late last year. After losing 30 lbs, she was down to 6 stones (under 100 lbs) and has been struggling to regain the weight. After a hip replacement, she now walks with a cane but still lives alone in her two-story house at the top of a hill, so is doing well. Since coming here wasn't an option this year, Ted is spending a couple of weeks taking her out on daily jaunts, finding new gastro-pubs, catching up with both families and friends in and around London. A good break for him. He cleaned our whole house the day he left. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful caregiver.
Meantime, I am working hard at my recovery. My mouth is still a problem and eating is a challenge but another series of anti-fungal medication and upping my vitamin and mineral intake, esp. zinc, seems to be helping. I eat a lot of fish and seafood, easy to get down and minimal chewing involved. Soups, stews, oatmeal, smoothies - story of my life. As I don't look like Kate Moss yet, I am obviously winning this battle.
Friends have dropped by, call and send me daily cheery messages so I am well cared for in Ted's absence.
It has been a beautiful fall, today is going to be +21 although only +4 overnight. Our snowshoe hares in residence - a baby one in the back and adult one in our front yard - are beginning to turn white. Just the ear tips staying black now! So cute. Did you know the reason they can run around all winter is because their feet never touch the ground? They grow long hairs on the soles of their feet so they skim over the ground and therefore don't lose body heat. The back legs are enormous. They are putting on weight like crazy getting ready for the cold months. They sense safety in our residential neighborhood, although we hear coyotes in the park some nights, so danger is never far away. They can easily outrun any dogs here.

Oct 14 Positively Pink Outlook

Attended a one-day workshop on BC and learned some amazing facts. A long day, but worth it. Went with friend Morag MacLellan, and Janice Thomson, also traveling a similar BC treatment route, now starting radiation. Peer support is so important to share info. Interesting research is emerging to help survivors plan our future. Alcohol is now shown to be a significant marker for breast cancer, an average of a drink per day doesn't seem to have much effect but three a day average (that's a fair bit of booze...) bumps incidence up to 30%. Also being overweight is another increase factor but exercise definitely improves our odds. Not hard to see what should be in the future plan is it? Desserts are out, more than one drink a day is out and a regular exercise program is in. Not exactly rocket science. Tai Chi and walking, here I come.
Tonight I will attend the Norseman Ski Club sign-up for weekend trips. I plan to ski the first weekend of 2008 at Lake Louise and see how I make out. I have so much support in that group, can't fail to do well.

Run for the Cure - Thanks Elvira! - Message of hope

Calgary had an amazingly successful annual CIBC Run for the Cure for Breast Cancer on Oct 3. My beautiful Peruvian/Canadian friend Elvira Z ran for me and I am very grateful to her. This year they have raised $1.7 million to date. Elvira ran with a team from her employer, the Calgary Herald. We are so fortunate in Calgary to have so many sponsors and community supporters of the cause. Why can't we find a cure for this awful disease? It is coming, but not fast enough for some of us.
I attended an all-day workshop on BC last Sunday. Great progress is being made, especially in the pathology. We have a new auto- miscroscope in our path lab at Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, the only one of its kind in Canada - the HistoRX. It gives precise measures for identifying tumors, and screening for optimal therapy.
As pathologist Tony Magliocco described it - "amazing technology." His last slide showed his two young daughters - he aims to help find the cause of this awful disease to prevent them ever having to worry about it. Great people working in this field. It improves our prognosis no end.
The HER2 cell discovery was made in 1987 and it took 15 years to create the antibody. I am now reaping the benefit of that research as my cancer is HER2 positive, being treated for a year with immunotherapy, an artificial protein. A message of hope for me indeed.

Oct 18 - Feliz Navidad this year

I have booked tickets to Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Mexican coast for Christmas and New Year. I won't have to decorate a thing this year, the boxes can stay in the basement. Our dear friend, Tikal's Auntie Nancy, is giving us the use of her new condo there any time we want to go down. So we have taken up her offer and will leave Dec 18 after my treatment on 17th and return Jan 2. The Mexicans kow how to fiesta and Christmas is special so we will look forward to a new cultural experience this year. My friend Theresa will be there at the same time with Sheldon, so we will look forward to a rendezvous with them.

Oct 13 Giving Thanks in the Okanagan

Had Thanksgiving week in the Okanagan valley in BC, camping one last time in the VW Westfalia. It will be sold in the spring as we bought a new Mercedez Diesel engine RV, which we'll drive to the Okanagan to pick up in November. End of an era and hopefully the beginning of a new one. Arizona/Alaska/Newfoundland - here we come! Maybe we will even get a trip to the west (wet?) coast in spring too.
Spending another week in wine country with Uschi and Dieter (and dog Freddy) was great. Lots of wineries and nice restaurants, including chateau Cosandier on wheels. I slept in the cosy pull-out sofa in their trailer while Ted enjoyed one last stay in his beloved VW van. Mostly nice weather than headed home and holed up in a 3 star hotel in the mountains en route after the weather headed south. It was warmer in Calgary!
I then got back in harness with planning meetings for 2 days in Edmonton on one of my boards - The Alberta Council for Disability Services. A fruitful meeting and good to be able to participate again.
We celebrated the Moon Festival at our Chinese Friendship dinner the day before we left for BC. It was our AGM and I was again elected president as nobody else wants to take it on. Moon Cakes brought in from Hong Kong were great.
My 3-month session with oncologist Dr. Lisa Pickering yesterday was all good results. She is also helping find remedies for my still sore mouth, a vestige of chemo treatment. I have healed well from surgery and radiation but need therapy again as the arm lost some of its range of motion with the heavy radiation schedule.
Ted is off to UK for 2 weeks on Tuesday to visit mainly with his mum and family. My date book is filling up fast but I'm trying to pace myself as I am still quite tired when I try to fill whole days with too many plans. I am certainly not back to normal yet. But I do have some fuzzy wuzzy hair and am braving it without wig or hats now.

Sep 24 - Joining the 21st century..

I've done it! I've bought a cell phone. I have not given anyone (except Ted!) the number. I know how to use it. It's a miracle.
I've also bought an iPod. I was so impressed with Liz's little device, the sound quality from such a tiny implement, it's magic. Liz came without her charger and had to buy one here. So since I inherited a charger, I figured I might as well buy a Nano to go with it. Good timing as the new iPods came out this week (fancy new mothers with 120G of memory) so Apple were selling off the 4G Nanos on line for $140 (instead of $220). Of course mine is hot pink...
I have loaded gazillions of hours of music and it is still only half full. I will enjoy it at my Herceptin treatment at Tom Baker tomorrow.
I figured out how to put my family photos from my Palm Pilot on to my iPod. Now if I could just get my Palm to sync to my laptop - ah techology....I can get it to syn to my desktop but do you think the laptop will oblige? Not.
I now need a power bar to keep my cell phone, Palm Pilot and iPod juiced up. I figured if I put them all on one surge protector I can take it traveling easily without forgetting which cable goes where. Ah technology.

Sep 19 - Rescuing my body back

I am back in intensive therapy with Karen at the Lymphodema Clinic in Calgary. It is a great service to people recovering from invasive treatment. Radiation has aggravated the lymphodema (swollen right arm/armpit/side) which I had before my surgery. Fortunately my surgeon, Dr. Robert Lui, immediately referred me to the Holy Cross clinic, which is not provincially funded, but receives funding through the Alberta Cancer Board. After an evaluation from Byron, I was supplied (my cost, no refunds from health care) with day pressure sleeves (20-30 lbs) and a night pressure sleeve which also has to be pressure bandaged. It's a bit of a hassle but it gets the swelling down.
A friend's sister in Toronto, experienced similar problems, has been told "lymphodema is a myth - it will go away." Some of these doctors need to be swung high.
Karen Van Heyst is an amazing, knowledgeable therapist who has seen everything in her time. Apart from being a gifted therapist, she is a mine of useful info, and unceasing in her desire to bring my arm back to normal, which she is doing gradually. The initial 10 visits are paid for by Alberta Cancer Board, then I'm either up for the $90 per visit personally or we have to convince the system that I still need some care. I will try for the latter until my arm is normal, or nearly normal, again.
After removal of 12 lymph nodes under my arm, my lymph system is sluggish and can't move through the incision across the right side of my body any more. Therefore it has to be trained to go elsewhere, just like with blocked veins and arteries for the blood system. Karen is also massaging and moving the arm/shoulder to get rid of the scar tissue. she also massages my whole body to train the rest of the lymph system to pick up the slack. I'm learning lots here!
In Europe, many people go for regular lymph drainage/massage as a routine health guard. What a concept!

Sep 7 - 40 years and still married...

The first week of September saw us in the Okanagan, valley, staying at the Naramata Heritage Inn. A quaint little place in a sleepy town in wine country. Great time of year for some tasting (for Ted and Liz) and sniffing (Sheila.) We had great lunches at Quail's Gate and Lake Breeze wineries and a sumptuous affair at Burrowing Owl to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Liz was the gooseberry (English) or lightbulb (Chinese) 3rd person along. We really enjoyed her visit, Ted loved having a drinking companion again, and she learned a lot about Canadian wines, something they don't know about in the UK, other than ice wine. A beautiful time of year in the middle of harvest, gorgeous terroir and loaded vines, luscious fruit crop too. Stopped off for a night in Vernon for dinner with Sandy, Les and SuperDave. A rushed trip but worth it.

Sep 4 - If music be the food of love...

Liz and I spent a lovely week in Banff at the international string quartet competition. Met up with people we had met 3 years previously, heard some beautiful and some challenging music. Who knew I could listen to 10 Hayden and 10 Bartok quartets in two days? Answer - I couldn't. I did hang in for all except one!

The great Aussie team, Tin Alley Quartet, were worthy and fun winners. And my favourite Czech group came in second.
We were fed and watered well by the Banff School of Fine Arts, although eating is still a challenge for me, with vestiges of the sore mouth from chemo which is not going away in a hurry, and fingernails all falling off. The burn from radiation is now almost gone, like a sunburn and worst under the arms where the sun don't shine. Keeping away from sun is also important now.
Afternoon tea at the Banff Springs Rundle Room with our pals Heather from California and Kay from Minnesota was a real treat until I came to pay, when I was informed my credit cardhad been refused 3 times. Yerks! Turns out my bank had cancelled it for unspecified blanket "security" reasons. So my big sis had to pay for her own (and our) tea. My bank got an earful when I got back to town. Result two new cards and a lesser limit.

Aug 21 - Radiation is over !

On Jan 2 when my surgeon lowered the boom it all looked so bleak ahead. June 11 I finished chemotherapy, July 13 I started radiation, Aug 20 I finished radiation. What looked like an insurmountable set of huge mountains are now hills in the background. Not without its side effects lingering still, the worst treatment is behind me.
Thanks this week to my merry drivers Mary, Robbie, Jackie, Ann, Ali and Ted.
My big sis Liz arrives from Cambridge Thursday and after a few days of acclimatization and a bit of socializing, we are off to the Banff International String Quartet Festival Monday for a week. As resident audience with some 600 others, we'll hear 10 quartets perform for 6 days in one of the most idyllic music centres in the world. What's not to like.
On Monday we return for my Herceptin shot Tuesday morning, after which Ted joins us for 5 days in the S.Okanagan to drink wine, eat well,visit friends, and celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary at historic Naramata Inn and Spaaaaaah. Quite a milestone and we haven't slain one another yet. A miracle considering the past 8 months.

Aug 16 - Run to the finish 5-4-3-2-1

Approaching the finish tape on this radiation treatment. This week I thank Mary, Robbie, Jackie, Ann and Ali for their limo duties! It has been great to spend time en route to treatments with all my wonderful drivers and has made the time pass quickly.
The radiation is taking a bit of a toll this week, week 5, with itching and what looks like a bad sunburn. The staff have reacted fast by providing a steroid cream for the itch and modifying the treatment pattern to avoid the area of skin which is deteriorating. I am still feeling good and not too tired at all.
This Monday I also had another uneventful Herceptin treatment. If I don't have to wait for a seat in the chemo room, I can be in and out in an hour. Mary bravely accompanied me this time.
With radiation, if I'm early, I am often treated early too. They are improving the turnover in both clinics. Some days, my team has not had lunch at 1:30pm but they are always bright, cheery and compassionate towards the clients.
This week I recognized the young mother who attended the same info session as me, two weeks after my surgery. Like me, her hair is just starting to grow back and she looked well and bright, pushing her 9-month-old baby in the pushchair. This must have been a much tougher 6 months for her. I feel fortunate that this blip in the road hit me at this stage of life.
Sadly our friend Julie's sister was diagnosed with BC and had surgery this week too. She too is doing well. Having been given 24 months to live after contracting Hep C seven years ago, Wendy is beating all the odds.
The odds are l in 9 for BC in Canadian women, a horrible statistic.

Aug 9 - Two thirds done with radiation THANKS!

I am faring well in the radiation schedule. The fatigue that often hits at half way point has not hit yet. The itch and sunburned effect have started.
Thanks to my drivers for their daily drives - Jackie, Elaine, Marie, Ted, Don, Joy and Ann. I am so much enjoying my social visits en route with them all.
Last weekend, Heritage weekend, we spent on our annual outing to Gull Lake. Mostly hot and sunny, with a few rain showers. We got out walking but the boat was sick so no problem keeping out of the sun on the water this time. Nancy and Colin are the ultimate hosts and we enjoyed our time with them, visiting the farmers market at Bentley for fresh produce and BBQing lamb and beef to satisfy my craving for meat. My visit to Calgary Farmers Market Thursday reaped a benefit of freshest veggies and the sweetest local Alberta strawberries, nothing like the imported Californian ones.
We enjoyed several lively rounds of Harry's game which kept me awake each evening. I slept like a babe in the new queen bed and left Ted to sprawl in his beloved VW camper.
Also picked up the new logo for our Chinese association, designed by local Chinese artist Dayu Liu. He sells cards at the market but will custom write names on cards, etc. too.

July 30 - Radiation - half way this week - thanks!

I sent out my radiation schedule Tuesday July 17 and my dance card was full Wednesday! thanks to all my great friends for helping me and Ted with this, as I go every day to Tom Baker Cancer Centre for treatment. Kudos first two weeks to Joy, Sally and Karen. It's great to visit with them all en route.
July 31: Some sad news today. Our friend Gayle Laird, 58, died while hiking in the Rockies last weekend. She roomed with our old pal Anita GilderHenneberry (now in Victoria) in Edmonton when they were both students. She was an exceptional woman, larger than life, amazing hiker and absolutely intrepid X-C skier. Who can forget the tale of her and her friend Nancy holed up at the 'Wolverine Hotel' skiing in to Assiniboine Naisset huts? (They got lost, could not get into the Bryant Creek Hut, spent the night in a tree bole, and a wolverine ate their sandwiches!)
I'll miss her competitive camaraderie at the Scrabble board on cosy Norseman Ski Club weekends.

July 23 - Zapping going well

After getting my zapping schedule last Monday, I circulated it to my pals asking for rides to the hospital, and it was full by Wednesday. Thank so much all of you, and sorry for those who offered to drive me and are on the standby list!
I see Dr. Trotter (my radiation oncologist) for the first time since starting treatment and she is really pleased with my progress, no skin damage and no problems. She shows me my Xrays and explains how the treatment on four sites is working. The actual zaps are anything from about 7 to 24 seconds, three techs check numbers every time, and in more detail once a week. They are all kind and compassionate. A highlight of waiting is listening to the repartee of the volunteer drivers, they are hilarious. I don't wait long, they run very close to schedule. Those 9 radiology machines (worth about $3 million each) are working all the time. July 26 we get a day off while they do maintenance on our Unit 8 system.

July 20 - Chemo behind me

After my radiation treatment, I am scheduled for last chemo blood tests and visit with Dr. Paterson. After several abortive attempts (even with my port!) we give up trying to get blood. My Herceptin shots are not dependent on blood tests so no big deal.
I see Dr. Paterson for my MUGA cardiac test results from last week. I aced it, and in fact my heart performance was better than when I had it done before I started on the drug. That's good news. Also good, I don't see Dr. Paterson again for 3 months as I am doing well 6 weeks after chemo has finished. Unfortunately, I still have side effects from the chemo which will take a few months to dissipate. The mouth sores don't want to go away and I am losing some of my fingernails.

July 13 - heatwave and culture in the mountains

After my first radiation (one down, 24 to go) we leave for Banff in a heatwave. It was +30 all weekend and +40 in our VW camper! We put back the upper bunk which I use to sleep so I can spread out, but it's hot as hell up there! I decide my days of camping in the VW van are over, it was cooler in Mazatlan last April!
We get a nice site at Tunnel Mountain campsite, about 5 minutes drive from the Banff School of Fine Arts, home of he summer festival. Friday we take in the mountain film festival winners, some stunning films shown in the comfortable air conditioned auditorium. Aaaaah
Saturday we spend the day in the shade, reading and snoozing. That evening is an "interesting" chamber music concert followed by stunning cabaret performance by Patricia O'Callaghan - and I hung in until it finishes around 11.
Sunday more lazing then take in the Coffee Concert in the marvellous accoustics of the Ralston hall, replacing the horrible new music from Israel heard Saturday with marvellous horn and wind pieces, albeit some a tad too long, wish I could play the flute like that...
Talking of which, I am playing again, and spent Thursday afternoon with Lila and her harp. We are going to do duets soon.

July 13 - Zapping begins

My first radiation session is long - checking measurements, marking me up like a road map - while my lovely oncology nurse, Linda, takes time out to explain everything, recommend the best way to tackle this treatment, and answer any questions Ted and I have. I feel like I'm in excellent hands now.
Linda and two techs complete the treatment which takes about an hour and a half first time around. I feel nothing and am told simply to get lots of air to the zapping site and apply copious amounts of Johnsons baby powder and nothing else during treatment. Keeping dry is important to baby the skin.
They go in 4 times about 10 second a zap. To make sure penetration is low and exact, Dr. Trotter has recommended placing something like a piece of liver wrapped in Saran on the target site, to fool the laser into thinking it's gone deeper than it has. I'm starting to feel like dinner in the microwave. This is a very precise science these days.

July 12 - 2nd MUGA Test

While on Herceptin I will have a MUGA cardiac test every 3 months to make sure I'm not one of the 4-5% who will get cardiac failure! So far I am acing those tests. Kudos to Didi in the MUGA test section (Nuclear Medicine) at Foothills Hospital.
First time I went to a private clinic and it took the tech 3 tries to get a vein, she blew all three and I had bruises and a painful wrist for a month.
In the test, they remove some blood, add a tracer and replace it 20 minutes later. They then put you under the Xray and video the blood pumping in and out. Mine performed perfectly - for a 60-year-old heart. After last time's problems, Didi decided to insert a needle and do everything through that one entry in my elbow vein. It meant keeping the arm perfectly still for 45 minutes, no problem. Tada - no bruises, no entries in hand or wrist, no after effects.

July 4 - Here comes Stampede!

Saturday we went to Phoebe's pre-Stampede lunch. I found my new red stomping cowgirl boots and Stampede gear, and we spent a nice couple of hours visiting with many old friends. On Monday, we will go Stampeding above the grounds with Roger and Darlene, to watch the chuck wagon races from their super home high above the grounds and, if I feel lively enough, catch the fireworks after the Grandstand show. Stampede Parade is always the first Friday of July and the tourists are massing in Calgary this week. After all the cool weather and rain, it's 28, sunny and going to 30 plus for the next couple of days. The mountains start sounding good at those temperatures.

July 2 - Immunology only sessions begin

Today I had an easy time at the chemo centre with a half hour infusion of Herceptin only, my immunology treatment. No side effects at all. If I hadn't had to wait half an hour for a chair, I would have been out in about an hour. I still have many small side effects from the taxotere chemo drug which may take several months to dissipate. Each day further from my last treatment on June 11 gets better. I even have some fuzzies growing back on my bald head! Hair should begin growing back at normal rate about 6 weeks after my last chemo. It will come first in the fast growing follicles like eyelashes and eyebrows. I'll be happy if my leg hairs never come back!

June 29 - Radiation simulation

Today I went under the simulator and got my four tattoos - none of which were butterflies or say"Mom." It took about an hour lying on a comfortable bed while the simulator twirled around me taking measurements, which were checked and double checked by two techs and my radiation oncology doc, Dr. Trotter. Once they finished marking me in red, grey and black lines and points, I looked like a Miro painting. Most came out in the wash, but the tattoos remain for all time to make sure the geometry works to direct the radiation exactly to the points required. I'm glad they all passed maths! Now I wait for my lucky day - Friday July 13 - to start radiation. It will then be for about 4 minutes every weekday for 5 weeks, taking me to mid-August. I expect fatigue and sunburn-like side effects.

June 15 - My radiation plan

Today I met Dr. Theresa Trotter, my radiation oncologist. She took great pains to explain my cancer stage and situation, prognosis, and the advantage of adding radiation to my 'cure' mix. I have full confidence in her ability to get me the best radiation treatment possible. She has a wonderful warm personality and great experience, credentials and reputation. I am lucky.
So of course, I will start radiation daily from on July 13 for 5 weeks, the maximum recommended. When I was diagnosed, without treatment I would have had a 50% chance of breast cancer recurring. By having surgery, chemo then radiation I have reduced that to 10%. Presumably Herceptin immunology treatment improves those odds too.
This week is side effects week and not fun, but the Taxotere is finished and I have nowhere to go but up. Eating is a challenge but will improve as each day goes by. Scallops go down easily and still taste great. I will plan more social events next week when I feel stronger.

JUNE 11 - Last Chemo - YIPPEE

C-Day for me - and the last. This afternoon I had an uneventful time at the Chemo clinic with my last blast of Taxotere, and third of the immuno drug Herceptin.
In future, I will return every three weeks for a half hour infusion of Herceptin, which has given me no trouble. Reduced from 1.5 hours the first time, to 1 hour the second, the drip only took half an hour today, with no extra time required to observe possible effects. From the Taxotere, I expect the usual side effects for three weeks but after that no more. This is a relief.
After my Jan 8 surgery, it looked so far ahead to this date and now it is here it doesn't seem to have been too bad. This Friday I will meet my radiology oncologist to see what plans she has for my next treatment plan, probably lasting all of July. Meanwhile I plan to enjoy summer with books in the backyard.

May 30 - I'll never see 60 again...

A beautiful day, blue sky and sun, about 23 and calm. Ted took me to an unspecified lunch but we ended up at our favourite Calgary restaurant, La Chaumiere - my parents' favourite too. I had champagne and put away a three-course lunch - smoked salmon, ahi tuna and limoncello soufffle. Begone mouth problems and chemo gremlins! Served by our good friend Raul's beautiful son Sean - a perfect occasion at an inside/outside table and few other people in the restaurant, which we closed. Now to the deck to loll in my new lounger...Ah summer.

May 24 Hannah & Nacho's wedding in Barcelona

Yes, we were really sad today because we were missing out on the nuptials of niece Hannah and Nacho. My sisters sent me flowers to cheer me up that day but it was still a low point. On Tuesday James got back and sent me some photos, then Wednesday IT guru Clive sent me another lot. What a happy family. Hannah, it's been a long time coming but we are sooooo happy for you both, and your two little ones, Jan and Frank.
(left, my sister Mary & husband Ivan with Hannah, Nacho, Frank and Jan)

May 24 - Do blondes have more fun?

I'm about to find out. Now I am blonde with streaks. Now that I have three wigs, my hair will probably start growing in. It's so easy not having to do hair, I may keep them permanently.
Great to look good for my date with Don D last night to hear diva soprano Renee Fleming with CPO and the witty Bramwell Tovey conducting. A stunning evening of marvellous music to lift my spirits. Don kindly left the second seat available for me until the last moment, to see how I felt after chemo Tuesday. Such a wonderful friend.
We woke to a field of white again today - it snowed last night! Yerks! Les and Sandy arrive today from the Okangan and will probably wish they had stayed put. With mud slides closing the TransCanada highway, we are having road fun here. They are here for Kayla's graduation, can't believe that little soul is 18 already! We are looking forward to some social time with them since we didn't make it down the valley this spring.
Sadly, yesterday most of my family left for the wedding of the year in Barcelona and today bride, groom and inlaws arrive but without the Fosters. I hope you all have a wonderful time together and we will raise a glass of bubbly Saturday now that I am finished my steroids for 3 weeks and can afford to drink a little. I had a glass of bubbly last weekend and it went down well.

May 22 - Chemo 5 under my belt...

Friday I had blood tests (good!) and saw my two docs. They were so concerned at my serious side effects on Taxotere (a nasty drug) that today they dropped my chemo dose 25% ,so I am hoping that will avoid repeat of the problems. My feet and hands have returned to nearly normal, delicate finger and toe nails, can't put hands in hot water and have lost the skin off both hands but the rash and itching has gone too. Sore mouth still in the background but under control with Dr. Paterson's magic mouthwash. When blisters even threaten, I go into my act rinsing several times day and it seems to work.
We spent the long weekend with Gerdy & Jacques in Edmonton, a lovely change of pace, despite cold weather, and enjoyed being spoiled rotten. Had a nice trip to the market and found provincial design yellow tablecloths to cheer my days, and home-grown herbs to start my collection. Too cold to leave anything out yet with zero degress forecast for a couple more days this week! Yerks.
Just talked to Mary, my big sis, and sad we are going to miss her big event when her daughter Hannah gets married Saturday in Barcelona. I send them all our love and warmest wishes for their big family get-together. Most are leaving London tomorrow but bride/groom/in-laws leaving Thursday. How lovely that father-in-law Ivan has composed a collection of clarinet music for the wedding and reception! I guess Aunty Liz wasn't available to play it, she will be crying into a tablecloth-sized hanky by then...

May 12 Somebody is happy BBQ season is here

Ted is delighted BBQ season is here again. This week we had Jacques and Don for dinner, and Ted BBQed port ribs both days.
Our little feathered pal is happy it is getting a rib from one of the guys every time one of them little piggies goes on the gas! When we bought Tikal in Guatemala 32 years ago (yup it's older than most of our friends' kids..) they told us they eat fruit, nuts and seeds. Of course, once it roomed with the Aussies, it ate lamb chops and it's been a carnivore ever since. It's favourite food, of course, is male index fingers - doesn't like men.
Isn't it fascinating they like to hold their food to eat it. Occasionally when the rib is a bit big it hits itself on the head...Not good for that nice spring plumage while it thinks it's looking for a mate...fat chance. But it does go into nesting gear and chews its cage paper for a month or so. Never having laid an egg, it is definitely male, even though we taught it to say 'pretty girl' many years ago. It's very vocal, sings and talks, some days it's Pavarotti, others Kiri Te Kanawa.

May 10 - A challenging two weeks

After starting the new chemo regime , I am finding this new drug Taxotere a big challenge. My body is fighting back furiously, something new every day, swollen hands and feet, insomnia, rash, flu like symptoms for a few days, headaches, and still the mouth sores, sore throat and a mouth that feels like I've been raising chickens in it. Food just isn't the same. This too will pass - only two more of those treatments to go. My immune system seems to kick back in well.
I also started on Herceptin, the immunotherapy drug, but don't think any of the side effects are linked to that. Who knows? At least I don't have cardiac failure, which is the downside of that treatment!
I find it extraordinary that I am eating butter, cream, all the things I was trying to avoid before, and still lose weight! When I get off this chemo, I am going to have to change my diet again! So far I've lost 16lbs but still not at the point the dietitians aim for (BMI 25)! Twiggy here I come.
This week I have been eating, sleeping and walking again, and hope the feet will hold up for my daily walks - so far so good.

May 9 Music for the soul...

My friend Lila decided she wants to learn the harp! Earlier this month she flew to Victoria and bought one from a harp maker! She is taking lessons once a week and determined to be harping on soon. On Wednesday she brought Kyla (obviously a female harp) over and played to me. After my wretched week last week, this was a tonic for the soul. I even got out my flute and played with her: My love is like a red, red rose. We will get better. Next year maybe we'll have gigs together. The husbands would like that so they can spend their time at Moti Mahal chowing down on more great curries...
Seriously, after the new chemo regime, I am finding this new drug a big challenge. My body is fighting back furiously, something new every day, swollen hands and feet, insomnia, rash, flu like symptoms for a few days, headaches, and still the mouth sores, sore throat and a mouth that feels like I've been raising chickens in it. This too will pass - only two more of those treatments to go. I also started on Herceptin, the immunotherapy drug, but don't think any of the side effects are linked to that. Who knows? At least I don't have cardiac failure, which is the downside of the immunotherapy treatment!
This week I am eating, sleeping and walking again, although I don't know how the feet will hold up to keep up my daily walks, but so far so good.

May 2 Inspiration!

One of the most beautiful gifts arrived in the mail today. It's from my three-time cancer survivor and our good friend Vivienne Jarvis in Toronto, since 1969. To help recover from her own mastectomy some years ago, she joined a quilting group at Mt. Sinai Hospital and they have remained friends every since. Viv has given me the first quilt she has made alone, and it is looks magnificent on our four-poster pine bed.
When I unwrapped the parcel I first thought she had made me another pillow. But no, this is a gorgeous work of art. But best of all is the message on the card that came with it. If she cannot be here and close to hug us, Viv tells me we are to sleep peacefully under her quilt, knowing she is hugging us both and wishing me a full recovery, as she has experienced. Now that is true and lasting friendship! I will cherish this for ever.

May Day - no marching here

MAC are you listening?
' The first of May, the first of May, outdoor screwing starts today.'
Calgarians may be hard pressed to follow that guideline from one of our buddies at Tricentrol many moons ago. You know who you are!
Last week street cleaning machines were all through the neighborhood removing the gravel from the roads, washing them down from winter debris, clearing the grassy centre and road edges ready for new growth. Trees and hedges are budding - hooray.
In the park across the road from our house, the frogs keep up a loud chorus, the robins are competing for nest space, and a bald eagle has returned with the ubiquitous Canada geese and rare white geese, the latter making brief stops en route north. The cacophony from the Glenmore Reservoir is deafening and mornings we now wake to a loud dawn chorus at 5am.
Water levels are high but will be dropped shortly in anticipation of the mountain spring runoff to prevent floods for residential areas near the river banks. Two years ago our basement was flooded, so we now have sump pump installed which will prevent any recurrences. Many neighbours had to completely redo their basements with far worse flood damage than we had.

Apr 30 Starting the new chemo/immuno therapy

A long session at the Baker Cancer Centre to begin my Taxotere and Herceptin treatments. Slow and sure was the keyword to observe me closely over 5 hours to see if I was to have any instant reactions. Fortunately not.
Taxotere can be given with Herceptin, which I'll now be on every 3 weeks for a year. That should be relatively easy with no side effects. Taxotere is a different kettle of fish, with many possible and difficult side effects but so far none. Only two more treatments of that to go. So far I still have eyebrows and lashes but that may change soon. If they do go completely, hopefully the leg hairs will follow! Smooth legs for summer would be good! And no need for a Rio bikini wax either!
I will take it easy this week, as the doc advises this is when Taxotere side effects would most likely show up. The mouth ulcers have resolved and the rash on my chest has gone too .
Finally the grass is greening, but just as spring peeks out, we have cool wet days forecast with high of +6 and low of 1 by week's end! Today will be +19. Good for walking this afternoon.
It is great to see all our birds back and robins nesting in the garden again.
Unfortunately our own bird Tikal is in spring mood - chewing its cage, paper, wood blocks, anything it thinks is nesting material. For those who know the 30+ year old Yellow Naped Amazon with attitude, this too will pass once it can sit out in the sun again. Now that I have to be more careful with cuts and scratches (especially my right arm with less lymph nodes to clear infections) trimming nails and flight feathers is more challenging.

Apr 21 Words to live by

I am having a tough week. The mouth ulcers have returned with a vengeance and I am hoping Dr. Paterson's magic mouth mix is going to resolve the problem. I've cancelled everything for the foreseeable future so I can concentrate on gargling every 3 hours and getting as many nutrients inside me through a straw!
I have been keeping a journal this year, a beautiful wee Paperblanks Spirit of Womankind book covered in vibrant gold etched graphics entitled Midsummer Night's Dream (from the gift shop at Glenbow Museum.) Today, tucked in the pocket, I found this page from my Zen calendar from Jan 11 - the day I returned home from surgery:
" We know only that our entire existence is forced into new paths and disrupted, that new circumstances, new joys and new sorrows await us, and that the unknown has its uncanny attractions, alluring and at the same time anguishing. " Heinrich Heine
It is good to know that these trying times are all part of the master plan, right? Good thing my angels are tucked in there too...

Apr 18 Something inspiring to look forward to..

I have bitten the bullet and made a decision this week to attend the Banff International String Quartet Competition with my big sis Liz from Cambridge in August/September. This is the event that finally brought my sister from England after being here 38 years! I thought 6 days of 10 quartets a day was going to be cultural overload but somehow every day brought something new, and I was even getting up early to line up for a place at the 9am pre-concert lectures! Yeah, me!
Although I will just be finished my gruelling 4-5 weeks of daily radiation, I think this will give me something inspiring to focus on. After all, these string quartets are playing their guts out around the world, getting ready for the concerts. It will be great to reconnect with all the fine people we met last time.
Thanks to Holly and Rob for urging me on - and Ted too of course, but it IS too much culture for him and he won't be joining us.
Now if we could just convince Liz's husband Clive to fly over here and join us too....
See BISQC details at: http://www.banffcentre.ca/bisqc/

Apr 18 to K Country

Despite the seeming return of winter and hint of possible snow!! again, I am off to Kananaskis Lodge and the ACDS* annual conference. There my spirit will soar mixing with people working with the people living with countless disabilities, but who have hope, joy and love to spare. I am sure mountain air and views will make this week go from blah to great.
Ted will drive me there and stay up with me so I can just veg out, relax, attend whatever sessions I am up for, and enjoy the fun of roasting Gail, our CEO retiring after 25 years at the helm of this amazing organization and its exceptional people.
* Alberta Council for Disability Services

Apr 17 Much Moxie at Moxies

After a rather trying week of post chemo, surgery and mouth ulcers back, it was a joy to get together with my vibrant EA group at Moxie's. We've known one another for over 30 years, through husbands, kids, now grandkids, jobs, bosses, breakups, and sadly the deaths of our first member, Vel, and also a few significant others. We thrive. We survive. We laugh. We cry. We are inexorably joined for ever. You are source of great joy to me. There is a book in there somewhere...

The Port

Apr 12 Port - but not from Portugal

Blown veins are a thing of the past now that I have my port-a-cath inserted just below my collar bone. It was a whole morning affair with one doc teaching another how to do it so hopefully they did a great job between them.
It's quite technical, done by a radiologist cum cutter/sticher/pusher. The catheter has to go into a main vein into the heart so mustn't be too long or short. The new ports are plastic so should not set off airport alarms. This doc made a pocket, tested it with a wet swab, removed the swab (ah, good..) then gently slipped it in. All done under local freezing so I could listen in on the whole procedure.
Afterwards I got to rest in the day unit for a couple of hours, fed and watered and observed closely. Now a couple of easy days at home. Just feels like a small horse kicked my upper chest this time, unlike the major surgery three months ago!
Today I finished my anti-nausea post-chemo drugs, which were not needed again.
Next hurdle will be in 2 weeks starting on a new chemo drug matched with Herceptin, the immunotherapy drug which I'll get every 3 weeks for a year. Hurray for a port!

Apr 9 FEC - No more for me!

Apr 9 marks the last of the 3-chemo drug sessions and apart from blowing another vein, went well. Despite squeezing an exercise ball and dressing as though for the Arctic it didn't plump them skinny veins! Carmen heated my forearm like crazy and struck gold on second try. Post holiday traffic meant they were very busy but staff there stay calm and caring nonetheless. I was through by 6:30pm and hungry for the special dinner Ted had prepared- salmon caviar and smoked black Alaska cod. And more chocolate.
Now I follow the anti-nausea drug routine for 3 days and don't expect any problems. Because I have to drink loads to run these toxic chemicals through the system, I am up every few hours at night but just lie in bed, read the paper and do the crosswords until 10! I can handle this.

Apr 5: Port-a-Cath coming...

Finally my name comes top of the list for surgical insertion of a port-a-cath. This will be implanted under my left collar bone to allow frequent injection of drugs directly into my bloodstream through a single needle through the skin. (see details at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port-a-Cath)
Since the last four entries have resulted in a blown vein, it will be good to have two hands free for any future infusions every three weeks over the next year. Since my chemo drugs can be very damaging to skin, veins or tissue if they escape, this is a practical way to deliver these potent drugs straight into a vein. My date for surgery is next Thursday April 12.

Apr 5 Tests and Oncology day

My third set of blood tests go well despite a week of really painful mouth ulcers (canker sores), a common problem on chemo. Dr. Paterson gives me Rx for his special elixir to hit em hard. Combined with drugstore over-the-counter remedies, progress is being made. Talking and eating with a thick tongue and ulcerated throat are hard but doc is pleased I have not lost weight. Food doesn't look so good after it's been through the blender but it keeps up the nutrition level! We manage to eat with or entertain Trina, Nancy, Justin, Michelle, Roger, Alison, Harry, Mick, Mary & Mark this week despite this setback. Dark chocolate bunnies and eggs from Bernard Callebaut are forced down! Thank god for Weetabix, Ensure and Nancy's Sherpherd's Pie.

April 2 High Tea with Consul General Wu

We enjoyed hosting newly appointed Chinese Consul General Wu, and Consuls Han and Lou for English Tea at our home. Also with past presidents Velma MacFarlane, Sheila Power and VP Hei-Ling Choi. We introduced our Chinese friends to the Easter Bunny as well as 48% milk fat Double Devon Cream on scones with strawberry jam.....Ah chocolate, ah cream.

March 20

To the Wild Women who created my hairless chemo hat, please note me wearing it to Monday's chemoblast with the lovely Carmen!

March 19 Chemo #2

Apart from half an hour looking for a good vein, my second blast of toxic chemicals went well. I look forward to getting a port installed which will mean they can mainline straight into an artery under my collarbone for the next year. The anti-nausea drip beforehand and pills taken for 3 days afterwards have that problem well under control. The 45-year-old getting her Hercedtin shot beside me looked the picture of health, she has finished chemo and now having no problems with immunotherapy, so I plan to follow her lead.

March 18

A visit to Willow Park Hair and I am now brunette again. With a nip and tuck here and snipping away, the wig looks and feels like my own hair. Even Tikal approves.

Bye Bye Hair

My hair starts to fall out so I do a Britney without the rehab – buzzed it off. Looks not half bad. I have a loaner wig from the Cancer Society, and a short dark one which makes me look as I did 20 years ago – yippee!

March 15 – Hello Perfect Boob

Almost fully healed I get fitted for a new right boob which perks up nicely just like it was 30 years younger, putting the other one to shame. At $500 a pop, it should be good. It’s climate controlled with a removable pad next to the skin made of the same material as space suits which stays cool or hot according to my body. You can even put it in the fridge in summer...

Feb 28 – Chemotherapy Begins!

I started chemotherapy (FEC program) Feb 28 and have had no downtime, no problems, and no side effects. What a change from the treatment in the past! I have made contact with several women taking or having taken this treatment and all are faring very well. My support group is huge and strong and giving me the information I need to beat this beast!

Jan 24 - Drains out

The drains and grenades I’ve had for two and a half weeks come out! Unfortunately, a slight infection in one needs antibiotics and after that I develop a nasty throat yeast infection, thrush, which aids my weight loss program but stops me eating for about a week. Nystatin clears it up and I stay it on for a month.

Jan 2 – Not a Happy New Year

My year got off to a bum start when I was diagnosed out of the blue with breast cancer Jan 2. On Jan 8, six days later, I had a mastectomy of my right breast and 12 lymph nodes removed, and was home from hospital in two days. As I had a ski trip organized in those 6 days, I went to Lake Louise with 15 others from my ski club (Ted wasn’t scheduled to come) and skied for three days. This got my body in shape for the big chop and I have bounced back really well from the surgery. My right arm has almost full range of motion and I am having physiotherapy once a week to get it back to normal.
I am also having lymph therapy as my right arm is marginally swollen, hopefully just from surgery, and I wear a pressure sleeve for a while each day to help that along. Hopefully this will resolve on its own with regular exercise.

My Care Team
I have had the most amazing care from my doctors and health professionals and we have one of the most advance breast cancer centres in the world here in Calgary. My oncology doc is a Scotsman, Dr. Sandy Paterson, trained in Edinburgh and Barts in London, who is a world expert on the treatment I am receiving. I feel very fortunate to have hit this hurdle at this point in my life, when we are retired and can spend the time to recover.

New Immunotherapy
I have a fairly unusual form of cancer (20-30% of women) which is HER2 receptive which means I will have immunotherapy to eradicate the cancer and give me another 30 years to live! The immunotherapy drug will be a shot every 3 weeks for a year, with little downtime or side effects expected. A slight risk is heart failure but I aced my cardiac test and they will test every 3 months to monitor me. The cost of this drug is $54,000 so we are fortunate to live in a country and province where it is part of our health system.

Where did it come from?
Like many women, my breast cancer developed without any signs – no lumps and only tracked once it had hit lymph nodes and was more like a muscle swelling than a lump. Regular mammograms since age 40 did not track it, including one in June 2006. In a family with two sisters, 3 aunts one side, 4 the other and 26 first cousins, we know of no breast cancer in the family at all. The diagnosis was made only after ultrasound found messy growths all over the breast, and core biopsies found the rather aggressive cancer itself, already metastasized into the lymph nodes. Fortunately, these tests - started Dec 14 and culminating in surgery Jan 8 - were done very fast before any further spread. I have to credit my GP Paty Waymouth and my surgeon she referred me to for fast work – Dr.Robert Lui.

IttyBittySheila

Welcome to Sheila Foster's IttyBittySheila Blog

Named New Year's Day by great pal Michal Patterson who sent an email to her pal - "for the bright wee bitty who soon will lose a titty." Her forecast was correct, because on Jan 8 I had a right mastectomy and removal of 12 lymph nodes. This blog will record my journey back to perfect health!

Mar 17, 2007
History and Update

Jan 2 – Not a Happy New Year

My year got off to a bum start when I was diagnosed out of the blue with breast cancer Jan 2. On Jan 8, six days later, I had a mastectomy of my right breast and 12 lymph nodes removed, and was home from hospital in two days. As I had a ski trip organized in those 6 days, I went to Lake Louise with 15 others from my ski club (Ted wasn’t scheduled to come) and skied for three days. This got my body in shape for the big chop and I have bounced back really well from the surgery. My right arm has almost full range of motion and I am having physiotherapy once a week to get it back to normal.

I am also having lymph therapy as my right arm is marginally swollen, hopefully just from surgery, and I wear a pressure sleeve for a while each day to help that along. Hopefully this will resolve on its own with regular exercise.

My Care Team

I have had the most amazing care from my doctors and health professionals and we have one of the most advance breast cancer centres in the world here in Calgary. My oncology doc is a Scotsman, Dr. Sandy Paterson, trained in Edinburgh and Barts in London, who is a world expert on the treatment I am receiving. I feel very fortunate to have hit this hurdle at this point in my life, when we are retired and can spend the time to recover.

New Immunotherapy

I have a fairly unusual form of cancer (20-30% of women) which is HER2 receptive which means I will have immunotherapy to eradicate the cancer and give me another 30 years to live! The immunotherapy drug will be a shot every 3 weeks for a year, with little downtime or side effects expected. A slight risk is heart failure but I aced my cardiac test and they will test every 3 months to monitor me. The cost of this drug is $54,000 so we are fortunate to live in a country and province where it is part of our health system.

Where did it come from?

Like many women, my breast cancer developed without any signs – no lumps and only tracked once it had hit lymph nodes and was more like a muscle swelling than a lump. Regular mammograms since age 40 did not track it, including one in June 2006. In a family with two sisters, 3 aunts one side, 4 the other and 26 first cousins, we know of no breast cancer in the family at all. The diagnosis was made only after ultrasound found messy growths all over the breast, and core biopsies found the rather aggressive cancer itself, already metastasized into the lymph nodes. Fortunately, these tests - started Dec 14 and culminating in surgery Jan 8 - were done very fast before any further spread. I have to credit my GP Pat Waymouth and the surgeon Dr. Robert Lui she referred me to for fast work.

Feb 28 – Chemotherapy Begins!

I started chemotherapy (FEC program) Feb 28 and have had no downtime, no problems, and no side effects. What a change from the treatment in the past! I have made contact with several women taking or having taken this treatment and all are faring very well. My support group is huge and strong and giving me the information I need to beat this beast!