August 26 Update

Hi everyone,

This week was eventful.

Tuesday, Kelly and I were off to Winnipeg to meet with doctors about my surgery. I am pleased to say surgery is a go, and will happen on Thursday, September 6^th. We need to be there that morning at 8 AM. We learned that I will be in hospital 3-5 days, and because it is a major surgery, I need to plan to get a lot of rest afterwords. The plan is to start chemo 2-3 weeks after surgery. Because I will need so much rest to get well and ready for chemo, I am asking that people not plan to visit after surgery in Winnipeg. If I am up for visitors, me or someone from my family will get in touch by updating the blog.

On a lighter note, Wednesday brought a wonderful gift! We welcomed a new baby into our family! Fraser Kelvin Myles Van Weert was born at 1:44PM and weighed 7 pounds, one ounce. We are so happy hes here and think hes pretty perfect. His big brother wasn’t so sure of him the first day but has warmed up and gives him lots of love. Amanda is doing well as her and Wes adjust to being a family of four.

This past weekend, Kelly and I attended a wedding with all our old Wheat King billeting friends. It was lots of fun and nice to see everyone. Congrats to Darla and Colin! Kelly had lots of laughs so now feels he doesn’t need an ab workout for a while! Thanks for all the laughs and fun everyoneJ

The days will seem long for me until my surgery, so I am happy to spend my time with Amanda and the kids.  Shes a real planner and I know she is looking forward to getting into a routine and I am sure happy to help.

Next weekend, we are happy that our wonderful friends, the Lowes, are heading to Brandon for a visit.  Shelley has been a huge inspiration to me through this journey, and I am so excited to get a hug and a visit with her and her family.

I will plan to update the blog before my surgery and I know my family will keep you in the loop in the days after.

Life is good!

So great to have round three of chemo behind me! I felt lucky to have my sister Lori spend the day with me. During chemo, my doctor came in to see me. He shared with me that my latest bloodwork was very positive. Everyone at chemo agreed what a great birthday present this news was. That day, Lori and I had chinese food for lunch, and my fortune cookie said: Your biggest dream will come true. That little fortune message now has ahome in my wallet so I can look to it whenever I need.

For my birthday, our family had supper together, and also had many visitors. Thanks to you all for making me feel spoiled! My siblings showed up later in the night on Friday, and couldnt beleive I hadn't had a birthday cake. So, out they went to buy me a cake. I'd love to say it was a delicious treat, however it was the stalest birthday cake ever. We all enjoyed a laugh over how bad it was! However it was served with alot of love, so ya gotta appreciate that.

I continue to feel really good even after chemo. Have been very tired and sleeping alot, but no major complaints, which is great.

With any luck, our 2nd grandbaby will be making his grand entrance very soon! We are expecting him any day and cant wait to meet him.

Next Tuesday, Kelly and I are off to WInnipeg to meet with the doctors regarding my surgery. I am looking forward to hearing the details, knowing a bit of what to expect and having this  plan in place.

Little Sawyer continues to bring sunshine to my days! He has been bringing me "presents" aka rocks which he proudly presents to me at the door each visit. His vocabulary continues to grow.  I am "gaga". Not quite close to gramma, but fine by me! He also never wants to leave Gramma and Pappy's. It might have something to do with the candy dish, which is always placed well within his reach.

All in all, life is good. Feel blessed to have so much support as we  get through this journey. Will keep you in the loop after my next doctors appt!

Always, Donna

chemo round 3

Hope you all enjoyed the long weekend! Kelly, Wes, Amanda, Sawyer and I spent the weekend enjoying the lake. Was good to do some visiting and a bit of shoppin. We have also had some friends in from out of town staying with us the last few days, which has been great.

I had a doctors apt today which went well. I found out my blood was all good so am able to have chemo again tomorrow. I will hear in the next day or 2 about one last blood test but am hopeful it will be positive and encouraging. People often ask if I get nervous or up tight about chemo, but the truth is I am so thankful for it as it is what will get me well. When I think about chemo, I embrace it, and think: “bring it on”.

I plan to spend the day Friday with family celebrating my birthday, then plan to lay low for a few days and get this round of chemo over with and through me.

My surgery date has been set for September 6th in Winnipeg, with the consult being on August 21st. I am trying to think of the surgery the same way I look at chemo; I am embracing it with that “bring it on” attitude, as I know it is necessary to get me healthy and well.

I have been walking everyday, eating blueberry spinach smoothies, spending time with friends and family, and I sure appreciate all the kindness that all of you continue to show us. Thanks again, will keep you in the loop over the next few days as I get through this 3rd round of chemo.