It's Birthday Time Again!

Yes, our Pisces friend will be celebrating her 46th on March 9th. I hope Catherine is starting to feel a little perkier by then and will be ready for the festivities!

Ciavarella Wins Semifinals, One Round to Go!

Forgive me, readers, for not posting for a long time. I've been in Vancouver at the Olympics and don't have first-hand knowledge of the progress of Team Ciavarella. Instead of posting, I've been reading to keep up to date, and it seems like our star forward is in the medal rounds now. The revised format is as close as I can get to an Olympian theme, but with the last few days of the Games to be consumed by hockey, it seemed only appropriate. It seems our team captain has been sidelined with some chemo penalities, but we know this power play won't last for long, and she'll be at full strength in no time (yes, I'm mixing metaphors; work with me). I'll be home next week, and will be able to blog more frequently, and am already working on an Oscar theme....until then, GO! CATHY! GO!

Recovering from 3rd Cycle

Thank you for all your nice wishes and thoughts. I finished round 3 on Friday and, this time, I have some bonus side effects adding up, but am hanging in. This week will be a low one I suspect (and not so great physically) and you can never have enough TV and reading :) To distract me, I have a couple of appointments in the hospital this week. I am so sick of not being active and I am mentally bored, so if you have anything interesting to offer, let me know!

Round 3 begins!

Happily, Catherine had a full day of firsts yesterday. She went to a movie for the first time since the film festival in September, ate her first bag of popcorn and went to the grocery store on her own. I am glad Cathy enjoyed herself a little before starting round 3 of chemo today. Lots of waiting today which was very tiring. Round 4 begins on March 11th shortly after Catherine's birthday celebrations. CC is pictured here with one of her doggie friends in one of her favourite places, "The Meadow" in Cobourg.

Happy Birthday Hilary!

I think this blog is as much about my friends/friendship as it is about me, therefore, I wanted to wish my good friend Hilary a very happy (big) birthday! Last night, we had some nice take out and a movie and I beat Hilary to our hockey challenge (long story, but I won, therefore Hil must buy me an iPad). Hilary has been such a good friend to me for many years, but especially since I have been sick- with long visits in the hospital and her anticipating the things I would need to get through all this- or even just to get out of the hospital (crocs). Friends are the people you trust and can count on no matter what. A true friend supports, forgives and understands alot of things. That is what Hilary is and I am lucky to have such a friend. Happy Birthday Hilary! Love, C

Round II Chemo Done

Finished chemo on Friday. I am tired, but ok. Hoping to feel a bit more peppy over the next three weeks until next chemo. Went out for brunch today with friends- my first brunch...am working up to sitting through a movie in the threatre, which I think I can now do. Slow and small steps, but have had nothing but fatigue and weakness, so that is big progress.

Round II Chemo

I started my 2nd round of chemo last Thursday and am heading into a full week of chemo this week. Prior to going into this chemo, I've felt better (less fatigue, etc.) than I've felt since surgery- I've felt a glimmer of hope that I can regain my strength and get back eventually to where I was physically (maybe not emotionally) to some extent in time. It's only been 3.5 months of all this, but I've waited so long for treatment and really need it. Unfortunately I have a big battle and wish more than anything that my family and friends did not also have to go through this- it is very hard on everyone and I have not always made it easy to be cared for.

Again, I have so much to be thankful for- Hilary cleaned out my fridge yesterday and drove me to the hospital last week for a test, Scott brought by groceries today and was with me for my Friday chemo, next week, Rhonda, Shirley, Nada, Scott, etc. will also take me to chemo and Barb may bring my mom over to visit. I hope I can also tolerate this round and come out stronger. I'm frustrated by the baby steps I've had to take (to walk a short distance or to be able to eat solid food), but that is what this is. Thanks again for all your good wishes, thoughts and prayers.