Loving the Holidays!!!

Hello to you all!! Well I best give you all the latest updates. I have been feeling really tough. This darn chemo seems to beat me up pretty bad. I spent most of the past few weeks sleeping. I seen the Dr on Tuesday and my blood counts were really low, so I received a blood transfusion on Wednesday. I could not have chemo on Thursday as I need to get stronger and next Thursday is my week off, so its a great break for me and I'm feeling very thankful for that.  I feel much better and think my energy is coming back. Might try the gym later as I have missed it while I've been sleeping.hahhaha  I think Kelly will be so surprised this Christmas when he sees what santa brings him....he will get to go to the gym too!!! Not sure he will love that or not.hahha
The good news is that the CA 125 was 3000 when I started this new chemo and it was 600 the last report....yahooooo!! Its working again. The plan is to have one more round of chemo and then a CT scan on January 18th.
The family is all well. We are all looking forward to being together for the holidays. The monkies are so excited. Everyday they ask if santa is coming..they have had to be good for a looooong time!!!
So from The Hamm House we wish you all a very merry Christmas and all the best in 2016!!! Much love to you all...keeping you in the loop  Always, Donna and Family  xo

Feeling Realy Good!!

Hello everyone. Just wanted to share that I'm feeling really good. Thankful to have November behind me. We saw the Dr today and blood work was good so chemo is a go for tomorrow. Feeling thankful tonight and so looking forward to the holidays. Kyle and his special lady will be sharing the holidays with us and Manda and the monkies. I couldn't ask for more.
Kelly is fine. Has the outside of our house all decorated...kids call us the Griswold's!!! To funny. I've been busy shopping for Christmas and enjoying Winners as often as I can!!! hhahahaha Think that's all for now. Keeping you in the loop. Always Donna

Feeling The Love!

Hello everyone. Well I got the first round of the new chemo in me last week and seems I did ok with that. I have continued to not feel great so went back to emergency on Sunday and  the phenomena hasn't cleared up yet so they gave me more antibiotics. That should do the trick. The other challenge I have had  is my foot has been so sore and swollen and fairly discoloured ....seems I have gout. All in all ,we all keep smiling. We will climb over this hill and be stronger for it.  My family and I are still feeling the love with lots of our friends and family sharing their kindness with us. We appreciate the food deliveries, cards, texts, emails and continued prayers. Think that's all for now. Keeping you in the loop   Always Donna

Many Ups and Downs !!!

Hello to you all. Well where to start? The holiday with our kids was perfect. We were so lucky to make a 4 day weekend and share some much needed family fun. Our time was fast so we needed a plan.... the girls had plans to shop and we even found Winners there!! The boys wish list included beers and shopping to buy ball jerseys and that's about it. Everyone was buying Blue Jays everything. You could feel the excitement. Then we did a day to Niagara and then to Niagara on the Lake and ended the day at a winery. It was all GOOD!
Since arriving home I have not felt well...seems I have pneumonia. Its kept me very quiet(no shopping) and hardly talking....never thought that would happen.hhahahaha
Well the tele health was a bit of a tough go this time. Seems the chemo that I have been taking for the past 9 months is no longer doing its job. They know this because CT scan and numbers(CA125) show. After a discussion of what we might like to do next, I decided I want to try another chemo drug. My job at the moment is to get well and be strong and ready to go next week....so me and the dog will be on the couch again. I see my Dr on Tuesday with the goal to start the new chemo on Thursday.
I am certain the new drug will be just what we need to beat up this darn cancer and keep me feeling well and enjoying each and everyday. Thanks for all your love and support and prayers. Keeping you in the loop. Always, Donna

Feeling Fine!!

Hello everyone! We have been enjoying the beautiful fall weather. Kelly been busy in our yard getting trees trimmed and plant pots put away etc. Hard to believe summer is over and we look ahead to winter.
Our family is going to have a little get away and we are so excited about it. We will go late October for 4 days and enjoy some family time.
We saw the DR yesterday and chemo is  go for Monday. I continue to tolerate the treatments well so im very grateful for that. We discussed how I continue to crash after I go off the steroids and this is quiet normal. We will attempt to taper off slower and longer and try to avoid this again.
Mandy and the monkies are good and busy as ever. They are back to gymnastics, swimming and playing outside at the park whenever the weather is good. Kyle still busy working with GVC and looking for a career in his field.
Not much else to share. I will keep on keeping on ....one day at a time and enjoying each and every moment. Keeping you in the loop Always, Donna

Holidays so good for the Soul!!!

Hello everyone. Just home from a little getaway with my honey. Kelly and I went out to Saskatoon and spent a few days with my Aunt and many of my cousins. Had a great visit and enjoyed the car ride and different scenery. Always fun to get spoiled and treated like a kid...special thanks to my Aunt. We stopped in Regina on our way home and hugged some more special people. Could feel so much love and support....so blessed we are.
Well I got through the last chemo and felt good till I came off the steroids, then had the same crash hit me. Guess we will see what they think is going on at my next visit Oct 2nd. Chemo is planned for Oct 5th followed by a CT scan on the 19th and Wpg on the 23rd to see whats next. In between all that stuff I will be walking outside enjoying the beautiful fall weather or else at Winners!!!
Keeping you in the loop...always Donna

Here We Go Again!!!

Hello to all our blog readers. Not much new around the Hamm house these days. I've been doing pretty good as of late so enjoying each and everyday. The past few chemo's have been tough for me when I come off the steroids. The Dr suspects that I am sort of crashing so this time they will wean me off them slowly and hopefully that will make the difference. Chemo is a go again for Tuesday so enjoying this long weekend before its back at the grind...hahhahaha!! Things seem stable so its all worth it that's for sure.
Manda and the monkies are good. They have had a great summer and have loved going to the many parks,going swimming,riding their bikes and loved, loved going to the lake. Pappie and I love doing anything we can as long as we are with the boys.
Kyle is great. He has enjoyed his summer at home with family and friends and his job that he has worked at for the past 5 summers. He is trying to find something in his field so we are keeping our fingers crossed for him.
Kelly is doing pretty good. He has had a couple tough weeks as he has nose surgery in Winnipeg and hasn't been a lot of fun. Man between the two of us we keep our kids busy looking after us.
We have enjoyed lots of car rides in the new wheels and really enjoying it. Problem is with car rides comes ice cream and sometimes Winners!!!  hahahha

Hello to all you supporters of ours! Well Friday was a pretty darn good day for our family. It began at 8:15 am with blood work at cancer care and then tele-health at 9 am with WPG. The news was favorable. The CT scan showed that the cancer has not grown....so I cried, then they said the CA 125(cancer tumor markers)continue to be going down....then I cried again.....so in conclusion they said they believe the cancer is stable...so I cried again!!! Hard to believe I was over the moon happy with all those tears. We also have been told the cancer will grow again if I don't have chemo.so the plan is 3 more rounds and then CT scans and WPG again. In the meantime its just good old living everyday.
I'm feeling pretty good and very blessed as I continue learning to live managing cancer. Its no easy feat but with the love and support shown to me and my family,we are able to continue the fight. For some time, perhaps since the 2nd surgery when they told us they couldn't remove the cancer as it was wrapped around the bowel and bladder, I believe a part of me lived to die....but recently in the past 2 months something has sparked me to live to live.....what a gift!! I'm feeling positive and happy and very at peace.
Our family is good and we continue to be very close spending lots of time together both at home and the lake. We found more angels in our lives that share their very beautiful and comfortable summer home with us...just one more of our many blessings. My monkies continue to hug me daily and their love gives me strength. Just had the best birthday cake ever from them...Buzz Light Year!! hahha
I'm going to share a little news...well as you blog readers are aware my husband has been my strength and so I've been wishing to show my appreciation in a real special way...so guess what I did. I cashed in all our beer bottles and rolled up all the loose change and boycotted Winners and bought him a sports car. I surprised him with a BMW hard top convertible. If you ever thought he looked good before, just wait till you see him now!!!
Thanks to you all for letting me brag today about my health, my family and my hubby. Keeping you in the loop as you keep us in your prayers. Till the next time. Much Love  Always, Donna

Chemo #39 Behind Me!!

Hello everyone. Sorry I've been so slow writing on my blog. The last chemo I had laid me down for a couple weeks but so far , so good from the chemo I had on Monday. The numbers keep coming down and generally I am doing ok. Gotta be honest, I am getting real tired but the results are what we are all wishing for so no stopping now. Next step, CT scan on July 30th then meet Winnipeg August 7th for the plan. Keep the prayers and well wishes coming!!!
Mandy sent me the most inspiring text on my way to chemo Monday...thinking of you this morning mom!!Chemo # 39-warrior gramma.#super hero!  Kyle is a little more silent but always telling me to drink lots of water and go rest and worries if I stay up late etc. Sort of funny how the roles reverse. Kelly, well he just keeps me smiling, house clean, yard looking great, groceries in the fridge  and loving me no matter what. And last but not least my little monkeys Sawyer and Frazer sing to me always..four hugs a day not the maximum four hugs a day not the minimum......  and we hug like crazzzy!! Not giving up...life is too good for me and my family. All you beautiful friends of mine keep enjoying everyday and thanks for your support to me and mine. Love you all!  Keeping you in the loop Donna

ONWARD & UPWARD!!

Hello everyone. I was to the DR on Friday and I got good news. The CA 125 has come down again and all seems good. This means chemo is a go again and I will have it tomorrow. The plan is chemo again in July followed by a CT scan and see how things are.
We had family pics taken this week and they turned out so good. Even with my new look I love, love ,love the finished product. I think what I love sooo much is all those in the pictures.
I participated in Relay for Life yesterday and was as proud as can be to complete the survivors lap. Its a very emotional walk as I had my family present cheering for me and many other cancer survivors. Its a journey I couldn't complete without the love and support of all of you. xx oo  The journey is not an easy one but one that has changed me. I look after myself as best as I can, ,i rest lots and pray often and say thanks each and every day.
Keeping you in  the loop   Always Donna

Time of Reflection and Gratitude

Hello everyone! Have been doing lots of reflecting and feeling very blessed. Its been 3 years today since I heard those unforgettable words...." Donna you have Cancer".  Boy oh  boy, so much has happened since that day. I hardly remember life without carrying this sometimes heavy, sometimes not, backpack. With this journey we have  been on, there has been some really tough times but there has been some really happy times...... along with many gifts. I refer to them as my " cancer gifts." Who would have ever thought that I would find goodness in all of this.....certainly not me!! My Mom used to always say to me "honey slow down and smell the roses" cause I was always on the go and usually in a hurry .My response always was "MOM your a long time dead....I can rest when im dead." Well I hear my mom now in a way I never imagined I could have. .I  live very differently tthan I use too..... I embrace each day and give thanks. I share and spend time for the moments not for things. I hug lots and say I love you whenever I feel like I want to. I don't worry about money and stuff....I smell the flowers and I see the beauty in many things and people. Im not in a hurry and I rest lots and take naps... Im so thankful and im so grateful...and im happy and feel blessed.....and all of you have made these gifts possible to me.  I will keep up the fight and enjoy my life. xxooxxoo  Keeping you in the loop Always Donna 

Chemo it is!!!

Hello everyone. I met with Winnipeg yesterday and it was decided that we will continue with chemo. That decision was based on me and that my mind and body are willing to have more chemo and that the CA 125 has come down. Oh dear lord I cant even tell you how scared I was waiting to hear and was overwhelmed with emotion when the Dr shared this news. There seemed to be some confusion with the CT scan so there was no accurate report from it. The  radiologist compared the new CT scan with the one from February of  2014 instead of the one from February 2015, so they will re look at it and share the report asap. For now, im taking the good from this and running with it. Going to enjoy the long weekend with my family and some friends and be ready to kick cancers ass with chemo on Tuesday..... Thanks for all your love, support and prayers.   Keeping you in the loop Always, Donna

FULL OF HOPE!!!

Hello to you all. I had my CT scan and hope and pray that its a good one. The staff in that department are so good to me and even shared a few hugs as they wish me well. So many great people I have met on this journey. On Tuesday I meet with the  Winnipeg team via tela health and get the results of both the scan and my CA 125. They will decide if the chemo is doing what we need it to and if so, continue chemo (this is what im praying for) or make a new plan. We are all going with option number 1
Our family is good. Lots of excitement around here. Kyle has livened up the house and I just love, love, love that hes home. Mandy is great. Happy and smiling and loving her little boys. Our family is so blessed despite the F... EN" C "word....
Kelly continues to feel and look great. So glad hes getting back to his normal self.
Years ago(like 15) we had a international student from Mexico live with our family. His name is Jose and we have always kept in touch with him. He is now 32 and a DR in Mexico and when I was first diagnosed he offered for us to come to his city and he would operate immediately at no charge and care for me. I passed on the offer but it meant the world to us. Monday night we were visiting at  Mandys house and who should open the door and come in but Jose.....wow...what a gift....we are catching up and sharing lots of love and laughter.
Life is good...keeping you in the loop always Donna

TEARS,TEARS & more TEARS.....but all HAPPY ONES!!!

Hello all! Wishing to share some good news. Chemo went well on Monday and ive had a good week. Didn't rest as much as I should have but im going to catch up on some rest this weekend. Since I started the new chemo drug, we had not seen the CA125 tumor markers go down but this time they were down. This would indicate that the chemo is doing its job. yahoooo and thanks be to GOD
This brought on many happy tears. The other part to the tear fest was the arriveal of Kyle home with his degree completed. As many of you know I prayed very hard and made many wishes to be well and welcome my son home with the biggest happiest hug ever....well all this happened at the Hamm House. That's all for now. Keeping you in the loop Always Donna

Chemo a go for Tomorrow!

Hello everyone. I saw the Dr on Friday and chemo is a go for tomorrow. This is the 3rd round with this new drug and I pray its doing the trick. Chemo puts me down for  3-4 days on the couch but somehow I find the strength to get up and keep going. I believe its with the help of my parents and many other angels in heaven and on earth that give me the strength and of course my desire to get back to Winners and see whats on sale..hahahhaahah
Mandy and the monkies are good. They love the outdoors and are on the go to many of the local parks. Grandpa bought them ball gloves and that's become a favorite pastime.
Kyle is very busy with exams and wrapping things up after his 2 years in Kelowna. He will head for home Thursday with lots of memories and his degree in Business with his major in Human Resources. YAHOOOOO  The party begins Friday night after he pulls in with cheering on the Wheat Kings and christening Browns Social House. Cant wait!!
Kelly is feeling great, He reminded me the other day he has been working with Caring Companions for 1 year now. I said to him hard to believe that time has gone so fast. He replied with wondering if he could get a raise....I just laughed.  We really are having fun with the business and am grateful he's doing such a great job running it.
A very special thanks to many of our friends who continue to think of our family with visits, cards, flowers ,hugs, food and   prayers. We are so  blessed to have so much love and support. 
Happy Spring! Keeping you in the loop Always, Donna

Happy Easter

Hello to you all. Not much new around the Hamm house but that's ok. I got through round 2 of chemo with no extra excitement. I'm beginning to feel much better again so that's always nice. I will be returning to WINNERS asap!!!! hahhha   The 3rd chemo will be April 20th so I have lots of time to enjoy before then and work on feeling stronger. After that, its a scan to see if this new treatment is helping.  I spoke of the CA 125 last time and hoped and prayed the number was down. Well because they had taken the blood work 12 days before my first chemo began, they didn't have a true starting point number. Will have a much more accurate reading next time. I'm grateful for so many things and continue to feel so blessed. Tomorrow my daughter  and best friend will be 28!! I still feel 28 sometimes and appreciate her love and friendship soooo much. The presents have been bought and the boys are so excited about their mommies party!!! Hope it turns out better than Grandpas did!!!hahhaha  
Kyle is on the home stretch of his schooling. Oh man im excited to have my son home.....remind me I said that after hes been home partying like crazy for about  week!! hahhaha Im so proud of him for sticking this school commitment out...I know its been so hard for him to be away from us all but soon we are all together again! My hubby is doing good. He is always close by me supporting whatever it is I need. Hard to believe he's been working with our company for a year this month. We are doing pretty good with all that. When things get stressful I remind him im the boss! hahhahha
We are all good. Thanks for your love and support. Happy Easter to you and those you love the most. Keeping you in the loop Always, Donna

Chemo is a go tomorrow!!

Hello to all my friends!! Life is pretty darn good at the Hamm house. Im  feeling really good and excited to get the next chemo in me.  My Fridays Dr appointment went well. I had a big weight loss since last month which may be a very good sign. Cancer often creates fluid and if the chemo is effective it  kills the cancer cells. This would take the fluid down thus bringing your weight down. Lets all keep our fingers and toes and everything else crossed that this is the case. Tomorrow I will get the CA 125 back which will tell the tail. PRAYING so hard its come down.
Our family is all good. Kyle is crazy busy doing his schooling. He is very exciting about graduation around the corner. Our Amanda and boys are happy and well. They are our sunshine everyday. Life couldn't be more complete. My hubby keeps looking after me as we share much of our time together. We are looking forward to spring and getting back to the lake. Think that's all for now. Keeping you in the loop. Always, Donna

Together we can do this!!

Hello Everyone. Well glad to say I got one round of chemo behind me and did pretty good. Get 28 days off before we need to do that again...yahoo!  I think perhaps I had forgotten the whole chemo regimen as needed a little reminder to look after myself. We had all gone out for Kelly's bday and I felt funny...tried to go outside for some fresh air but didn't make it.  I fainted and the ambulance had to come but I was fine. Was a little drastic way to not have to pay for the bill....hahhaha  The grandkids said to their mom Pappas party wasn't fn we didn't even have cake or treat bags....we did just the next day!!

Our family is well and excited about spring like everyone else. Kyle is on the home stretch of school and I just couldn't be more proud. Mandy is good and continues to be on the go always with her little guys.....and im sure proud of her and what a beautiful little mommy she is. Kelly is feeling good and looking forward to the snow melting.

Well think that's all for now just wanted to give a little update. Keeping you in the loop.
                                                                    Always, Donna

Here We Go Again!

Hello everyone. I know there are lots of people thinking of us and wondering how we made out with my appointment. Yesterday I felt sad, scared and angry so I did what I needed to do to battle those feelings. Today is a new day and I am feeling more positive and determined with the task at hand . The CT scan has shown growth in the cancer since I have not been having any chemo for the past 2 months. The oncologist assured us this is normal and what they expect to see when patients take drug holidays.  Also, the CA 125 has increased very high and this is the test that measures the number of cancer cells. We discussed several options that included continuing on with a drug holiday, starting chemo again , or taking a chemo medication  by mouth that is not as aggressive.
I continue feeling really well and am full of determination to be as well as possible.  In saying that, I  have decided I would like to get started on the most aggressive chemo ASAP.
It sounds like the new chemo regime will be once every 28 days and will do 3 rounds then more scans and CA 125 tests to see if the chemo is doing its job.
Cancer Care Brandon hopes to start chemo for me this Thursday or Friday so I will rest up and be ready to work as hard as I can to KILL off all those bad cells.
Thanks again everyone for your love, support and prayers. With my family and all of you rooting me on, there is only one outcome possible!!!  We will win this fight.... Keeping you in the loop,
Always, Donna xxoo

EVERYDAY IS A GIFT!!!

Hello Everyone!! We got away to Victoria and sure did enjoy the beauty of the countryside. It  was a  short but sweet retreat. Went to the Empress Hotel and wow was that something to see. Sort of felt like I was on the titanic or something ...hahahhaa  Im feeling pretty good..... Cant believe I am getting my energy back and can even walk up the stairs without feeling like I have ran a mile. I am for the most part enjoying each and everyday but do have  a little anxiety in the night as I just hope and pray that the cancer cells are not growing. I have blood work on the 3rd and the CT scan on the 5th and then meet Winnipeg to hear how things are. My family is pretty good. Our son Kyle will be home on the 5th for reading week so that will be so great. Mandy is good and our monkey boys are just about perfect!! Much love  Keeping you in the loop always Donna

Bring on the NEW YEAR!!!

Hello to all our friends and supporters. Happy New Year to all of you. Must be honest and say our entire family is happy to say goodbye to 2014 and excited to welcome a new year with new beginnings.
Our holiday season was great complete with our family all around us. Our two little grandsons were lots of fun and loved  the season and of course Santa found them.
I am enjoying my time away from Chemo and feeling a little stronger, healthier and working on confident. We booked a little getaway for later this month to Victoria and are looking forward to this. I will be returning to the world of medical appointments on Feb 5th for a CT scan then for blood work on the 11th, so hope and pray things will be good. We realize we cannot cure this cancer but we can manage it and in saying that our goal is to keep it at bay for a LONG while. While away from all that Cancer stuff, you can probably find me at the healthy living center,out for coffee or at Winners!!! hahahaha   Wherever it might be, you can bet I will be smiling enjoying the moments.
Keeping you in the loop........much love and thanks Always, Donna