8/10

Hi everyone, I am pleased to say that I am feeling like a 8/10 these days. I feel well, but still don’t have much stamina. I got my staples out which was great and all looks well. With all this time at home, I decided we should paint. By we, I mean Kelly. He did a great job and earned tons of great husband points. I also treated myself to nice blinds which I am enjoying so much, thanks to Blinds by AnitaJ Now, this great looking living room, got me thinking again about my kitchen. Stay tuned and I’ll share redecorating updates.

I have been concentrating on getting well, as chemo starts again next week. This has meant lots of naps, soap operas and nights in on the couch. I am dreaming of getting back to the gym soon, but need to get a bit better first. Who would have thought I would be excited for the gym! I have made it out on a few outings, and also have enjoyed some visits in the last week. I  want to say thanks to my dinner fairys. We have sure been well fed and appreciate it so much. I also need to say thanks for kind notes, gifts, cards,horn honkers, beautiful flowers and cleaning service. You guy are all so great. All of your kindness makes this journey much easier.

Mandy and Wes and the boys have been visiting lots and I love my time with them. Fraser is getting a real little personality and Sawyer is always smiling, and BUSY! He keeps us all on our toes and makes everything fun.

Kyle is busy back at school. He is in his 2^nd year of Business Admin at ACC. He finds it busy. He will play hockey in Carberry this year and I am looking forward to getting to some games.

This weekend, Kelly and I hope to make it to the lake, even if its just for a quick bit. I will keep you all in the loop as I head into chemo next week!

Always,Donna

Post surgery update

I am heading out of my hibernation cave tomorrow on my first outing, and I cant wait! The last week has sure been a journey .Not sure I could have made it through without all of you! I am thankful to have had a surgery that went so well and also thankful that I had such great care at the hospital.  Kelly continues to be a fantastic wingman. Since surgery, all I have done is sleep. But today I feel like I am getting some energy. I am feeling fairly good but still tired and sore.  I just took Sawyer on a little around the block walk, and sure enjoyed the fresh air. My aunt Eileen has been a godsend, busy cooking, cleaning and looking after me. Nice to have her here visiting and helping. I feel like with her here I have a bit of my mom beside me.

I am off to the doctor on Thursday to get the staples out. After that I am hoping to get more energy feel better each day. I know Amanda mentioned that I would let you all know when I was up to phone calls and visits. I am not yet up to visits but would love to hear from you wonderful friends over the phone to have a visit that way. 

 My main goal is to get feeling strong and well for chemo, which will start within 2 weeks. The plan for chemo is slightly different and a little more aggressive. I will have 6 rounds of exactly what I have been having. It will continue to happen every 21 days. Additionally, I will also receive chemo once a week for the weeks between the original 6 rounds.  With all this going on, I certainly have to stay healthy and positive! I am certain I can do it, especially with the help of all of you. Thanks again everyone.

Keepin you all in the loop, Donna

surgery update

Mom called this morning nervous but ready to head into surgery. Dad was with her and stayed with her until she left for the operating room. Mom came out of surgery within a couple of hours and the doctor went to speak with dad. He said that the surgery went well. They were able to do what they had hoped/planned and had not found any additional areas of concern. He went and told mom the same good news when she woke up. This is great news for mom and our family. Thank you for your prayers, positive thoughts and well wishes today. We appreciate them so much. Today, mom is just sleeping and resting in bed. Tomorrow, the nurses will help her to get sat up in bed, and Saturday they will get her up moving around a bit. With any luck, mom will be home the start of next week. She needs a ton of rest and to focus on recovering as her chemo will resume within 2-3 weeks. Once she is up to visitors she will get in touch and she says thanks again to all of you for being so supportive.
Amanda

Ready to go!

Hi there, 

 As our family sat in the yard this afternoon enjoying the sunshine, we reflected on the last 3 months. None of us can believe that surgery week is here. 3 months ago, it felt very far off. I am thankful the day has come and I know that me, my family and friends will all be relieved  when Thursday is behind  us.  

I have looked at this cancer journey as a mountain and have thought of the surgery as the top. I am proud that on Thursday I will stand on the top! I could not have gotten to his point without the love and support of special people. Kelly, you’re the best. Mandy, Wes, and Kyle, thanks for sticking by me! Sawyer and Fraser, you’re my inspiration to push through tough days! I am also sending love and thanks to our special friends the Lowes, for coming and sharing a wonderful visit this past weekend. Your visit inspired and energized me, and made me feel ready for Thursday. Lastly, I have to send hugs and love to many special people for loving and supporting our whole family. You know who you are:)

 

The plan for surgery is to head to Winnipeg Wednesday AM to meet with the anesetist, then settle in and get rested to be at St. Boniface for 8AM Thursday. My stay and recovery will depend on what is needed in surgery, stay tuned on our blog as my family will be updating it to keep you all in the loop. When I return to Brandon after surgery, my mom’s sister, Aunt Eileen, will be here with me for a week. With her coming to help out at home, I know I will feel motivated to get home fast! 

Tonight, we are heading out to dinner with our family and some friends from Calgary. I plan to spend lots of time with Sawyer and Fraser over the next couple days to get me to Thursday. I will be in touch as I am able and thanks again to all of you for the love and support. 

Donna