Hi Kids

Dad had his fifth chemo treatment today, from 9-3pm. In spite of his good intentions to do some work on his laptop, he slept through most of it because of the drugs they give him.  Tonight is a “stay at home” night, allowing him to rest, and a good excuse to watch Hockey Night in Canada. We have come to notice that his pattern is five good days after the treatment and then he slowly goes downhill in energy and with it, frustrations that he can’t do all that he would like to. This peaks (what’s the opposite: valleys?), five days later and then slowly he begins to get back to his “normal” self, with five days before the chemo, the best. Dad is slowly beginning to resume things he used to do. We are thankful that he is able to increase his hours at work, though not working full time. Last weekend, we bought plants for our flower and vegetable gardens. He putters away with it, putting them in, moving others from last year to another location, and digging out dandelions. I wanted to buy a chemical to get rid of them, but he won’t hear of it. But I did hear that vinegar works wonders on those who have taken root in the patio. And YES! It does work. Later I read that a solution can be made by mixing a gallon of water, ¼ cup dish soap and ½ cup vinegar. Why bother when you can use it full strength? Just be careful you don’t pour it near the plants (grass) you want to keep, as it will kill them too.

Now, how did I get onto that? Yesterday, Dad met with the doctor who wants him to get radiation on the hip, as he still has a noticeable limp, even more so when he is tired. The other day we went for a walk together, and I tried to match my stride to his. He has a long left stride and a shorter right; one that you can’t notice until you walk with him. When next Dad sees the doctor, she will give him a date of when the radiation treatment will occur. I don’t think he is yet convinced that this is the route to take. Dad has been feeling remarkably well with the chemo, but is afraid the radiation will make him very ill, and if this is just for “cosmetic” reasons…… I am trying to convince him that this is also for his bones, muscles and nerves sake, as it is not good to put uneven pressure or stress for a long time on one part of the body. But the decision remains with him.

Good news! We have another grandson. Benjamin Charles was born May 19; 7 lb, 9 oz, 20 in long. Thankfully Charles was able to take the week off work to be with the family, while everyone adjusts to a new one in the family. Thank you to all who have given support and encouragement to them through casseroles, looking after the kids, etc.

Love, Mom

Greetings from St. Boniface Hospital where I am on my fourth chemo journey.  So far it has gone very well, very little nausea and only some fatigue.   A week before treatment, my white blood cell count is low but during the week the count usually increases to healthy levels and I am able to get my treatments on time. 

Fortunately, I am able to continue working at about ¾ of the time.  With sick days and holidays there is no decrease in income.  So, after turning 65 in April, we are still full speed ahead but, with my pension starting this month, I am looking at working fewer hours.

A scan done about and half ago showed that the lymph nodes have decreased in size and there is suggestion that I may need only 6 instead of 8 treatments.  The 80% promise of a good response to treatment is happening.  

On the other side, the doctor told me that there is a 50% chance of the cancer coming back during the first 5 years after treatment.  There is no way that I can call myself cured until those five years are up.  So prayer for a cure is long term endeavour.     

The doctors and nurses are great and always up beat.  The chemo nurses always have stories to share and encourage participants to share their.  The weekend of the Royal wedding, they all wore tiaras and talked about where they were in the early hours of the morning.

Friends too are outstanding.  Hennie took me to hospital each time of get a treatment.  The treatment includes Benydrill and I’m not allowed to drive.  Gerry will pick me up this after.

Dale gave me some deer meat and I cooked it up Thursday night.   It went well with mashed yams, brussels sprouts and a glass of red wine.  According to Dale, deer meat is great for improving the white blood cell count.

So I’m well cared for and take good care of myself.   I know how to spoil myself. 

We can see many answers to prayer.   Please give payers of thanks along with the petitions.