Christmas Day

Christmas has been wonderful this year, as usual.  We have had Judy's brother and his son with us for the past few days.  Judy has been feeling great.  Her energy level has been good and she is feeling very thankful for all the peace and good will she has enjoyed this season.  Judy truly is Mrs. Christmas.  Her gifts have been well-received.  Last night, Judy prepared a marvelous spread for Christmas Eve.  We are heading out to Haley and Dustin's place for the Christmas Day Feast.

For New Year's Eve, we are off to Watrous with four other couples to dance the night away.

Next chemo scheduled for January 3.  Next CT scan is January 28.

December 12

Man, I am falling down on the job.  Judy had chemo number 5 on Monday, December 9.  She had a couple days when she was feeling poor, but for the most part she is feeling well.  Her next chemo is on January 3.  This works well because Judy will be feeling well for Christmas and Judy loves her Christmas.  In fact, she is Mrs. Christmas.  I am not sure whether I mentioned this in a previous blog, but Haley is hosting Christmas Day this year out at South Forks (my affectionate name for their acreage).

December 3

Another delay.  Judy went for blood work yesterday.  Her white cell count was only up to 0.71 so the next date is December 9.  Judy would really like to get this thing going.  She is stuck at 4 treatments out of 12.  Recovering the white cell count is taking over a month each time.  At this rate, chemo will continue into August.  Patience. Patience.  Lord, give us patience.  This isn't a race.

This week's consolation is: we have our ballroom dance Christmas Party/Potluck this Friday.

Haley's birthday weekend was wonderful.  She is truly blessed to have good friends. No surprise there...Haley is an incredible friend.  She makes our whole family proud.

November 28

Chemo delayed until December 2.  Judy had a blood test on Tuesday...white cell count 0.83...blood test yesterday...white cell count 0.39...go figure.  Oh well, this isn't a race.  There will likely be at least three weeks between each chemo.  Judy has had 4 treatments.  The remaining 8 will likely take her into April or May.  The good news is: we can get away between treatments.  Furthermore, we are going to be having a busy weekend with Haley's 30th birthday on Sunday, December 1.

November 23

Judy was unable to have chemo on Thursday because her white cell count was only 0.66.  We are guessing the next scheduled chemo will be on November 28.  The timing isn't great because we are celebrating Haley's 30th birthday next weekend.  Yes, we have a child who is 30.  Judy has been doing well so hopefully she will carry on without issue as she has done over the last two treatments.

Good News

Today, we met with Judy's oncologist, Dr. Ahmed.  He shared the results of the CT scan Judy had on Monday.  There is no growth in either of the lesions within Judy's lungs.  In fact, there is evidence of necrosis (dead tissue within the lesion).  The chemo is working.  Furthermore, the lesion in the pelvic area has not grown. The plan is for Judy to have another CT scan when she has completed four more chemo treatments...likely 3 months from now.

The biggest challenge is keeping Judy on  a regular chemo schedule without delays.  Judy will continue with the injections she is giving herself to boost her white cell count.

The other good news is: Judy's blood work today indicated her white cell count is 1.32; therefore, she will be having chemo number four tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.

Judy continues to look and feel good.  She has had no nausea or cold sensitivity.  She is taking care of herself and resting in the afternoons.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers and encouragement.  God is good.

Change of Plans

Judy received a call from the cancer clinic today.  The new plan is a CT scan on November 4.  On November 6 she will have blood work in the morning followed by an appointment with the oncologist, Dr. Ahmed.  He will share the results of the CT scan and there will be a chemo review.  If the white cell count is good on November 6, then there will be a chemo treatment on November 7.  Judy's sister, Audrey, will be joining Judy and I on November 6 for the oncologist appointment.  The original plan was to have the CT scan after the 4th chemo treatment, but there have been many delays and I guess the time has come to discover how effective chemo has been.  Without a doubt, November 6 will be nail biting time.

October 29

Judy's next blood test will now be on November 5.  If the white cell count is high enough, chemo will be November 6.

October 28

Judy went for her blood test today.  No surprise...white cell counts were down again.  0.66  Next scheduled blood test is next Monday with Chemo to follow on Tuesday, November 5.  A CT had been scheduled for November 4, but I am sure the oncologist will reschedule the CT scan to a date following the next chemo.

October 16

Judy had her third chemo yesterday.  The dosage was reduced this time.  She spent most of yesterday and today resting.  Compared to last treatment, she is doing quite well.  She gets her chemo pump off tomorrow. The next scheduled chemo is October 30 (depending on white cell counts).  We had a wonderful weekend with family and friends.

October 14

Judy's white cell count was 1.23 so tomorrow is chemo # 3. Judy is feeling great. We have had a wonderful weekend with family and friends.

October 7

Judy's chemo is postponed yet again.  White cell count was only 0.84.  Blood work on Friday this week.  Hopefully, chemo on Tuesday, October 15.  That will make the chemo one day short of 4 weeks.

The consolation is:  we have company this weekend with lots of family get togethers.  Judy will not be under a chemo hangover.

October 1

Judy went in for chemo yesterday, but her white cell count was only 0.63.  As reported earlier, her white cell count was only 0.57 last week.  The oncologist prefers to have the white cell count at 1.5, but he has given the green light in the past for just under 1.0.  Normal levels are over 2.0, I think.

The next day they will try for treatment number 3 is on Monday, October 7.

Judy continues to do well physically and mentally.  She exhibits patience and faith and looks marvelous at the same time.  She hasn't lost her ability to shop.  That's for sure.  We started ball room dance lessons last week.  Lesson number 2 is this Friday, so we are looking forward to that experience.

Judy's brother, David, will be back for Thanksgiving along with his son, Justin.  Her Uncle Al, Cousin Gerry, and his wife will also be joining us for Thanksgiving.  Life is good.  We are enjoying every day and counting our blessings.  We are well-loved and countless prayers are being uttered daily for Judy to continue finding diamonds.

September 24

Judy was supposed to have her third chemo tomorrow, but her white cell count was too low.  Chemo is delayed until Monday.  The CT scan that was scheduled for October 7 has been pushed back because the oncologist wants the CT scan after the fourth chemo treatment.  The plan is to reduce the amount of chemo for round 3.

Judy continues to feel good.  She had a fantastic weekend with her family.  Her brother, David, was here from Toronto. We had a family meal on Thursday and Friday.  On Saturday, we went to see the Crooked Trees at Hafford.  While at Hafford, we visited Ed Hudson's Hunting Lodge and had supper at the Sword and Chalice Restaurant.  Fantastic day!  Judy spent Sunday with her friend, Cathy Feld, while I joined Cathy's husband, Dan, for the Rider game.

Second Chemo

Judy had her second chemo yesterday, September 11.  The most obvious side effect following yesterday's treatment was extreme chills.  Once we got her warmed up, she was doing fine.  She had a decent sleep last night and has had a few naps today. In the afternoon, she spent some time enjoying the sunshine in the back yard. Judy is eating well and taking good care of herself.  The chemo pump will be taken off tomorrow.  Judy is thankful that chemo day is switched to Wednesdays for now because Friday chemo means the pump comes off on Sundays which requires home care.  Now she can go to the Cancer Clinic whenever she is ready to have the pump removed.

Chemo Delay

Judy was unable to have chemo on Friday because her white cell count was too low.  Chemo has been rescheduled to Wednesday, September 11.  She continues to feel well.  It is always disappointing when there is a delay, but Judy soldiers on and enjoys the extra days of not feeling a chemo hangover.

September 4

Judy went for blood work today and had the stitches removed from the port incision.  Apparently, the first chemo was a decreased amount because the oncologist wanted to see how Judy would react to the type of chemo she is taking.  I think the next treatment will be a little stronger.  The only side effect Judy is experiencing right now is tingling and cold sensitivity in her finger tips.

We are finished at the lake for the season.  I start visiting my cohort of interns tomorrow.  Judy is going to keep me company as I visit Bruno, Wakaw, Aberdeen, and Riverview Colony.

August 23

The first chemo went off without a hitch.  Judy has a good appetite.  She went for a 20 minute walk and is feeling good so far.  After each chemo, she has a chemo pump that continues to inject for 48 hours.  Home Care nurses come by 2 days after treatment to unhook the chemo pump.  As usual, Judy is on a steroid to lesson the chance of nausea. 



Next treatment should be on September 6.

August 22

Judy had her port installed yesterday.  The port is a device that is inserted below the skin on her arm.  IV needles for taking blood samples and injecting chemo are given through the port.  The port has a long tube that follows the cardiac vein to her heart.  When she got up this morning, there was no pain remaining from the procedure to install the port.

Having a port allows Judy to shower without having to wrap her arm in saran wrap.

Chemo starts tomorrow at 8:15.

August 15

Today, we visited Dr. Ahmed, Judy's oncologist.  Nothing really earth shaking came out of this appointment.  Judy is on the same chemo cocktail that she was on after her first surgery four years ago.  The chemo is called Folfox.  The side effects are cold sensitivity, hypersensitivity in fingers/toes, and irritation to mucous membranes.  The chemo treatments are accompanied by another drug called Avastin.  Avastin starves cancer cells.

Dr. Ahmed will monitor Judy's progress closely.  A CT Scan will be conducted after the fourth chemo treatment to determine whether the tumors are growing or decreasing in size.  There will likely be 12 rounds of chemo spaced two weeks apart.  Of course, the treatments may be delayed by low white cell counts.

Judy is remaining positive and supports the approach her medical team has taken.

Next step: Port installed on August 21 and first chemo on August 23.

August 14

Judy gets her port inserted on August 21 and will begin chemo on August 23.  We met with the surgeon, Dr. Kanthan, today to discuss whether surgery is a good option now to deal with the tumor in Judy's pelvic area.  Dr. Kanthan recommended not pursuing surgery now because chemo would be delayed for at least 6 weeks.  If chemo begins now, the benefit will be: the lesions in the lungs and the tumor in the pelvic area will be attacked at the same time.  Furthermore, chemo may blast any malignant cells that are present in Judy's body. 
Judy continues to feel well.  We are off to the lake this weekend.  Judy has her 58th birthday on Friday, August 16.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and life-giving love. 

How is Judy doing?

Judy is doing well.  She is strong and full of resolve.  She gets her joy from being strong for others.  This is what helps her to cope.

The Diamond Story

July 24:  Judy's PET Scan reveals she may have cancer in her lungs.  July 29:  Haley loses the diamond from her wedding ring.  Let's just say the diamond was a lot of dough.  There was no insurance.  Haley called Judy for some advice and solace.  Why did this have to happen with all the angst we are feeling? July 2: Haley and Dustin decide to look for the diamond on the U of S campus because they have looked everywhere but the campus.  Against significant odds, Haley found the diamond. Miracles happen.  Now Judy is looking for a diamond. 

August 6

We just returned from the thoracic specialist about an hour ago.  This is what we learned:
1. There are two lesions on the lungs that are in all likelihood, malignant.
2. Surgery on the two lesions is not recommended.
3. The lesions are in the lower lobes of both lungs.  They are also deep in the lower lobes near major arteries.  To surgically remove the lesions, the lower lobes of both lungs would have to be removed and there is a strong possibility more lesions could occur.  Treatment will likely involve chemo to control the growth or even shrink the lesion.
4. Judy's next appointment is on August 14 when she will see the surgeon, Dr. Kanthan.  He will be in touch with the oncologist to determine whether the tumor in the pelvic area will be removed.

August 5, 2013

On July 17, Judy had a routine PET Scan at RUH.  On July 24, Judy met with her oncologist, Dr. Ahmed to hear the results of the PET Scan.  There were concerns with three areas where there seemed to be a high rate of metabolic activity, but the results were inconclusive so it seemed.  An appointment was made on July 31 for a biopsy on two areas at the bottom of the lungs; however, the radiologist and oncologist determined the lung biopsy was too risky.  The aforementioned doctors deferred to a thoracic specialist who Judy will meet tomorrow morning.  Another area of concern is behind the vagina, near the bladder and pelvic bone.  Judy was examined on August 1 by a gyno-oncologist.  Although no biopsy has been performed, the gyno-oncologist is quite sure the area of concern is cancer.  Needless to say, this has been a trying time for everyone.

The most positive reports came Friday when Judy met again with the oncologist.  He has been in consultation with the surgeon who completed the successful surgery that Judy had on July 27, 2012.  The surgeon is confident that the suspect growth near the vagina can be removed successfully.

I will keep readers of this blog informed as we find more information.  Right now, I am tired and ready for sleep so I will sign off for now.  Rest assured, I will explain the name of this blog in due time.