Uncommon Type of Breast Cancer

Not sure how readable this will be - recent article from one of the medical columns the newspaper publishes on the type of breast cancer I have, which fortunately is not common. Charming headline!

One of the reasons I've volunteered for the peer support program with the Cancer Society is that they match you with people who have gone through a similar cancer experience, and this inflammatory type is rather rare. I've finished my training, after attending a workshop in Moncton on Saturday, and have forwarded all my information to be included in the national database, so that they can make matches. Something I hadn't realized is that they also provide support for caregivers through this program, which is a great service.

Wendy

Thirst Quenching Rhubarb Punch

Here's the recipe from the Harrowsmith Cookbook, Volume 1

Rhubarb Punch
3 lbs fresh rhubarb
16 cups water
6 cloves
1 1/2 cups honey
Juice and pulp of 3 oranges and 1 1/2 lemons

Combine rhubarb, water and cloves and simmer for 10 minutes
Strain
Add honey, oranges and lemons.
Serve chilled

David Slabotsky
Richmond, PEI

Chemo Update

In checking my notes, discovered that the chemotherapy drug I'm getting this time is the one I would have received if I had met the criteria for the clinical trial last year. Harvey is assessing what effect it has on my appetite and how things taste, and I'm trying to drink 2 litres a day.

Had a couple of not so good days, but now seem to be in the rebuilding phase before the next round. Although my hair looks rather lifeless, it hasn't started to disappear yet. Predictions are that will come next week!

We've enjoyed fiddleheads and fresh rhubarb, and the lawn has been cut for the first time. The rhododendron in front of our kitchen window is in full bloom and the cats enjoy watching the bumblebees it attracts.

Credit: Photo courtesy of roving photographer Jack Hill

Another Bend in the Road

When I went back to see the surgeon this week I was expecting to be scheduled for surgery for the local recurrence he'd biopsied. However, Monday was my regular three month follow-up appointment with my oncologist. Everything seemed ok, but she sent me for a chest xray, as this is something she's been monitoring.

Two days later I got a call to go back to see her. The xray showed that there's cancer in my lungs; as she says "that's another level of seriousness". I don't have shortness of breath, which is the typical symptom, but a dry cough which has persisted since the cold went away a few weeks ago. (I attribute no shortness of breath to all the breath work we do in yoga.)

Anyway, I will be starting a different type of chemotherapy on Monday; yesterday got a pic line put in my arm again so it can be given that way. This chemo is every 3 weeks; after 2 or 3 rounds she will know if it is working and if it is, a total of 6 or 8. Have been reading about possible side effects - what seems most definite is that I will lose my hair again in a couple of weeks. Thought briefly about a wig this time, just for something different, but then remembered the people I've talked to who found them hot and itchy and ended up not wearing them as much as they expected.

I've also seen the radiation oncologist and surgeon this week - they won't treat the local recurrence in the breast area until after the chemo is done. As the surgeon pointed out, it does provide a very visible way to assess if the chemo is working.

Continuing to continue!

Wendy

Singing Along

Last evening I participated in a Sing-Along Sound of Music screening at the Imperial Theatre. No one of my acquaintance shared my enthusiasm for this social outing, so I went on my own - costumed as The Lonely Goatherd. Fortunately no photos extant.

Costumes were varied and included;
several Marias, assorted cute Von Trapp children, a Captain, nuns, Baronnesses, girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, roses (with raindrops), kittens (with whiskers) and a brown paper package tied up with string.

In addition to having various songs stuck in my head, it left me thinking about other costume experiences.
Least successful - wearing my 1980 dress for success gray suit (which still fit after 20+ years) complete with bowed blouse, sensible leather pumps and little pearl earrings - and no one recognizing it as a costume.
Least functional - a girlhood skating costume party which I elected to attend as a Christmas present, attired in a very large gift wrapped cardboard box. Fine until you fall on the ice and can't get up without assistance.

Costume recollections, anyone?

Wendy

More Lemons

When I had my follow-up appointment with the surgeon earlier this month, he was concerned about some reddish splotches which had recently appeared along my scar. He made an appointment for me to come back for a biopsy. I just got the results, which are positive. One might think this is a good thing, but one would be wrong!!
Anyway, this is a local recurrance and likely will be treated with additional surgery. I have an appointment with him next week, so I will know better then what's next.

Damn!

Happy Easter