Merry Christmas from Catherine

CC and her mom enjoyed a delicious Christmas luncheon today with Dan and Scott, and had some laughs watching the Catherine Tate Show Christmas Special. She is looking forward to seeing her nephews and Nada and Chris when they visit on Sunday.

CC would like to thank everyone for their cards, gifts and warm thoughts and wish everyone a very happy holiday.

Out and About

CC and I had a great little outing yesterday. We went for a drive along the lakeshore, re-visiting CC's bicycle route, and then checked out some of the new architecture sprouting up around the city. CC popped into HMV, but unfortunately came out empty-handed. We had more success at Pusateris, where CC picked up some dinner for her mom and herself. All in all, a great little outing on a beautiful December day!

FINITO

CC finished her first round of chemo yesterday. She has been brave, she has been strong, and we're all very proud of her. CC will see her doctor in early January and then prepare for her second round a few weeks later.

CC is looking forward to seeing her family on Christmas Eve. Here's a photo of La Familia Ciavarella.

Two More To Go!

CC has just two chemo treatments remaining on Thursday and Friday. She has had a good week, more or less, with no major reactions yet from the chemo. Time will tell what next week will bring, but our fingers are crossed that she will continue to react as well as she has. CC has been resting in the meantime, and her mom continues to stay with her.

Pictured is CC's friend and co-worker Carole Labelle, who sent in this photo of the two of them at karaoke. Here, they are performing "Islands in the Stream" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Actually, I made that part up...Carole didn't give me much to go with... :)

Day Two

CC had her second chemo treatment today at PMH. We have decided the "Chemo Daycare" area of the hospital needs a remodel - it does not really meet our style requirements. Different lighting would help. Maybe new paint. But I digress.

CC luckily had no adverse side effects from yesterday's treatment and we are hopeful this continues through the weekend. CC's lovely mother Pauline, pictured above, is once again staying with CC as she responds to the chemo. CC loves having her mother around and last night had one of her best sleeps in weeks.

CC will continue to monitor her reaction to the chemo as the weekend unfolds and has mentioned even possibly checking out the Christmas lights around the city should she be feeling up to it.

Just a reminder that everyone is welcome to leave comments or a message for CC to read. It's very easy: (1) Click the "# Comments" link below; (2) Enter your message; (3) Select NAME/URL and enter your name; (4) Click "Publish Your Comment"

One Down...

I've had my first chemo today- thank you for your thoughts of me- I'm back tomorrow for more, but will be done this round hopefully by next week. Thanks again- I really appreciate all the good wishes, thoughts and prayers- I need it all, c

Kingston Connections

Here's a pic of CC with Hilary, also one of CC's oldest friends. Here they are at the Kingston Market while on a road trip to check out their mutual friend Karin Davie's show at the Agnes Etherington. Hilary used to sell custom-made clothing at the Market back in the day. She still has an eye for design, and has been very helpful in selecting everything from scarves to shoes for CC during her treatment. She's been a loyal visitor at both home and hospital.

Bosom Buddies

In honour of today's visit by CC's dear friend Connie, a quick snap from none other than their old stomping grounds at Chez Piggy in Kingston. CC and CM were roommates for years and have been friends for even longer, having met as students at Queen's. They share many secrets.

CC is feeling much better heading into the weekend after a minor procedure yesterday that allows her to be more comfortable and eat more.

CC will be building her strength over the next week as she prepares for the start of chemotherapy next Thursday. The chemo treatment will occur over seven (work) days, ending Friday, Dec. 18. She will visit the hospital for 3-5 hours at a time. It will be challenging but as well all know CC is a very strong woman. We'll all be holding her hand as she goes through it.

Two Thumbs Up

Recently seen at TIFF, Oscar film pundits, Catherine C. and Donna Owens, attend the premier of "Bad Lieutenant" starring Nick Cage.

NYC Tourists or the Next Euro-Pop Band?

Cathy and her boys at MOMA in 2007.

Did CC mention she needs a new camera?

Here is a photo taken a few years ago after Catherine took her Ministry of Culture friends -- Valerie Holliday, John Ota and me -- to an Art Gallery of Ontario event.

We followed it up with drinks. That resulted in (a) this photo and (b) the dropping and breaking of Catherine's fabulous new digital camera.

Luckily, Catherine has forgiven me but, strangely, she hasn't taken a photo of me since.

We're looking forward to more drinks and electronics-smashing with our friend in the future.

- FROM BILL FRASER

A friend in need is a friend indeed..

I would like to tell you that Rhonda (pictured here with the lovely Judi)
"celebrated" her birthday this Thursday. Instead she spent it with Cathy at the hospital consulting with the latest specialist. A long day of tough news but I know she would not have chosen to be elsewhere when her friend needed her. Cathy would like Rhonda to know how much her support has meant over the last few months. Hopefully, Rhonda and Judi enjoyed a belated birthday toast tonight. Happy Birthday Rhonda!

Calling All FOC (Friends of Catherine)

We'd like to jazz up this blog with some photos of Catherine with her friends and family. Here's a shot from this summer at the cottage with me and CC in her ubiquitous bikini.

It's a great opportunity for the FOC gang to actually get to know one another!

Please send photos and description to me at scott.henderson@rogers.com and I'll post to the blog.

'cause you gotta have friends...

This is me and CC at her 45th bday last March. Some of you may not know that our friend expects just a bit of a big deal for her special day. This week Catherine received a more definitive diagnosis and thankfully, finally, a treatment plan. It looks like it will be a rough course for chemo. If it starts soon, chemo will be done just after Catherine celebrates her 46th birthday. I plan to be there with the cake and champagne.

Mission accomplished

By Barb from CC's laptop: Cathy's mom and I visited today. After a post-lunch nap we strolled along King St in pursuit of a birthday card for a certain someone. CC managed to shop long enough to choose a card and we proceeded to Starbucks where she was able to sit in the uncushioned chair and watch me drink a coffee. Cathy has been out on her on (for medical visits) twice this week and tolerated the cab rides much better. Mama Ciavarella brought more delicious meals for the freezer which Cathy appreciates greatly. Cathy says she is not feeling like talking much lately as it is hard to give the same cancer details over and over. She is looking forward to watching the American Music Awards tonight.

Still Waiting- from me...

I wanted to post something myself on my blog (this is my first time), but don't have the update I've been waiting for e.g. when my chemo is to begin (very soon, however my cancer has become a bit complicated e.g. type and corresponding treatment). Instead, I just wanted to say thank you to all my great friends and family. I am not alone in this and I know that. This is week 6 since my surgery and thought i've needed the time for healing, I have only just begun going through what I have to do. Thank you to my mom, chris, nada, kids, rhonda, scott, hilary, barb and judi- I could not have more support and I need you every day, c

A Milestone

Catherine is not only marking Remembrance Day today, but also her nine-year anniversary working for the Government of Ontario. She remembers showing up at 400 University on November 11, 2000 where she greated John Shipman at 8:45 a.m. and he promptly sent her home (for those poor sots who don't know, members of the Ontario Public Service get a "holiday" on Remembrance Day).

Although her first day of work ended up being a Day Off, Catherine was disappointed as she had wasted her perfect outfit and had nothing to wear on Day 2.

This is also a milestone for Catherine's older friends, as it marks the time that she actually made the decision to leave Kingston.

A breath of fresh air

Cathy's mom and I arrived for a visit today with lots of delicious home cooked meals and a car load of groceries selected by Mrs. C. Cathy agreed to brave the great outdoors of King St for a stroll. We managed a block or two before her energy ran out . Good to be out in the neighbourhood! CC loved receiving (and eating some) of the meals made by her mom, Lara and Sylvia!

Looks good for a bikini this summer....

"This mark would not deter me from wearing a bikini", says Cathy of her scar. She continues to heal from surgery and gets stronger each day. Cathy is still trying to gain weight as she doesn't want to look like a 98 lb weakling on the beach this summer. Her legs are starting to look more familiar. As chemo will not be happening for 2-3 weeks, CC plans to focus her energies on feeling better and enjoying food, friends and activities...

A New Interest

CC went without her expensive new (compression) stockings yesterday so she could get on with other stuff, and despite being on her feet for a good period of time, her legs, ankles and feet seem to be looking slimmer and sexier. Is it possible that the swelling is getting better? All fingers are crossed. The tedium of being limited to about a 720 square feet world is setting in. Thankfully Cathy has discovered a new interest that I'm guessing will surprise most of us...baseball! It is a game of intense strategy, I'm told. As I left last night, Cathy was happily settling in for the third game of the World Series.

New stockings

The doctor prescribe some post-surgical compression stockings to help with her puffy legs. CC attempted to put them on for the first time yesterday. Almost 2 hours of wrestling and struggle later, her legs were looking slim, tightly bound in the stockings. It was a little easier to walk about, hopefully this will help....

Single in the City

CC is slowly regaining strength and seems (to me) to be getting around a bit better now. Although she has a hard time believing it, she seems to have put on a bit of weight and is looking much more like her old self. Being on her own again in her fabulous condo, she’s been able to get things (piles of stuff?) organized a bit, do laundry, etc in spurts of energy. A day of that kind of activity tuckers her out though, leaving her quite exhausted the next day. Now that she’s had her blog training, we may even see a few posts from her here. Oh…and all the delicious food she received in the early days is dwindling…”send more delicious food!” she says in her old saucy manner!

Out for the first time..

Cathy got outside for the first time since coming home. Enjoyed a little of the beautiful day walking on the condo patio . CC said it felt good to get outside but overall makes her feet more painful . Very hard to move and position her legs comfortably. Planning to keep walking and progressing.. Next time, I hope to get her across the street to Starbucks.

Weekend Update

CC reports:" First weekend home after two weekends in the hospital. Am enjoying being home, the Lazy Boy (is it a real LB?), lost of great foods, and the change of scenery. Spending the afternoon with Hilary, giving my mum a bit of a break today to go shopping at the Eaton Centre. Having a few good walks up and down the hallway. It is a long, slow, torturous process! and thinking about ordering up some steaks from The Keg for dinner. Sounds like a ton of eating, but it's not THAT easy!"

Hoping the edema will disappear soon...

Cathy was in (mostly) good spirits today and looking forward to visits with friends this weekend. The leg swelling is so uncomfortable, painful and frustrating. CC is wanting to walk more but her feet are painful. She realizes the edema is temporary but will be glad when it finally goes- doctor says it will take awhile. Thankfully, she is sleeping comfortably and her legs feel better in the morning. Cathy would appreciate tips on good DVDs to rent while she is stuck indoors! Currently, Cathy says food is her only pleasure and is cheered at the thought of her favourite Moroccan chicken on Sunday!

A Good Day

CC had a great trip to the hospital today. Appetite is good. Sleeping is good. All in all, a good day!

Message from Catherine

This is my first full day home. Scott has helped me to review the blog. Thank you for all your kind thoughts about me - it's really appreciated. It's been hard so it means a lot to me. Everyone has been so fantastic. My big adventure today will be going out on my deck for some fresh air. Scott brought me a tray to now I can have a proper meal in my la-z-boy and hopefully I'll be able to get on my laptop too. Thanks again.

Home at Last!

Saint Rhonda got Catherine safely home today, after a bumpy ride (ouch) in the car. Although tender, Catherine is resting comfortably in her new super-cushy La-Z-Boy recliner (thanks Nada!) Her mother will stay with her for the time being.

Catherine is focusing on building her strength, eating lots of protein and managing her liquids. She can eat what she likes (chicken wings are a favourite) but still has difficulty in balancing her digestion as her repaired system continues to heal.

Catherine needs to go back to the hospital (ugh) on Thursday for one quick test and then will see her surgeon again early next week.

Not quite home yet...

CC needed a few more tests today which didnt end up happening. Her normally slim and sexy legs are too puffy with fluid. They need to be on the safe side and do an ultrasound before sending her home. Hopefully, tomorrow is the day! Hang in there, Cath!

Leave a Message

With Catherine leaving the hospital, she will have access to the internet and will be able to read your comments should you care to leave one. Here's how to leave a comment.

1. At the bottom of each posting on the right hand side, there is a "Comments" hyperlink. Click this link.
2. On the Comment page, write your message in the "Leave a Comment" box.
3. Re-type the word found above the "Word Verification" box.
4. Under "Choose an Identity," select "Name/URL".
5. Enter your name in the "Name" box. Ignore the URL box (it's optional).
6. Click "Publish Your Comment".

And that's it...it sounds a lot more difficult than it is. E-mail me if you have any questions: scott.henderson@rogers.com.

Crocs!

Cathy was in good spirits today, enjoying her Sunday dinner of roast beef, mash and gravy. She had a period of low grade generalized abdominal pain mid afternoon, about a 1 or 2 out of 10 on the pain scale. A couple of Tylenols and a couple of chicken wings helped to take away the pain.

Among the highlights of the day, Cathy was excited to be fitted with her first pair of Crocs, which, with a bit of luck Monday morning, she will be able to wear home. For now, she is finding them great for walking, providing welcome support. Who would ever have guessed she'd be so pleased to be wearing Crocs!

Looking forward to going home

Cathy is hoping to be discharged from hospital on Sunday or Monday (probably Monday). Finally got some solid foods yesterday- who knew one could look forward to hospital food so much? Everyone is working to get things comfortable at home for CC. She is looking forward to trying out the new Lazy-Boy recliner selected by Scott! Hoping the Lazy-Boy will look good with her art and high end sofa....

Better Today

Catherine was in good spirits today, even sharing a few laughs. She looked great and is responding well to the anti-nausea medication. Her doctors are being very cautious with her bowels and as a result she has not had any solid food since her operation. Food is a big topic of conversation! She is much more alert and had plans to watch Larry King and read Vanity Fair tonight.

Catherine will be in the hospital at least through the weekend as we wait for her digestive system to get back in order.

Hanging in there

Catherine says she found today hard with too many tests and poking and prodding. Swelling in legs from all the IV fluids, trying to achieve a good fluid balance is difficult. Sounding strong but discouraged.

A little progress each day

Had a shower on her own today and Rhonda reported CC looked more herself with her big hoop earrings and make up on! Focus is on the day to day healing at the moment. No news on next steps in the treatment plan.

Day 2

Recovery from surgery is progressing. Cathy was happy to have some fluids today and is looking forward to solid food.

First day post-surgery

Catherines performance was quite impressive today! She is in relatively good spirits although scared and worried. The nurse had her out of bed and walking short distances today (twice to the pantry to get water). Very painful incision when she moves in or out of bed but in generally good pain control. Enjoying a few sips of water today and looking forward to increasing her menu tomorrow to include clear soup and jello!

Surgery Update

Surgery is now complete and Catherine is in recovery. We are awaiting news from Doctor.

Surgery Today

The surgery is proceeding this morning. It should take 5-6 hours. Catherine's family is with her. Note that Catherine has asked that although she is grateful for everyone's concern, she would appreciate NO visitors at the hospital.

Message from Catherine

"I've got my mom here and she has been a great comfort in the past few days when I could find no comfort. She also spent the day at 3 hospitals with me yesterday- my friends have my recovery planned, so I will have to participate. They have transformed my condo and been shopping for all the things I need. Everyone- including you have been all I could hope for. For someone like me who is independent and always active, this has been really tough, so I appreciate all your thoughts- think of me on Friday and in the days ahead."

Surgery

Catherine will undergo surgery at 9 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2009.