Tag Archives: breast cancer

Making time

Posted in Bumpboobs, Chemotherapy, Treatment by

This past weekend my parents ran their annual ‘Wake up’ seminar – so that meant they were crazy busy and we didn’t talk on Sunday.  Didn’t talk on Sunday, and it wasn’t till late Monday that we actually met up on Skype.

Somewhere between Sunday morning and Monday night I realize the following: I’m hooked on talking with my parents.

I kept checking skype for that little green bubble to appear beside their names – over and over, compulsively.

It never used to be like this. There was a time that we’d go a week or two between conversations – I was busy, they were busy, no one had time. But then I was diagnosed with breast cancer and that all changed.  We talk every day, either working together on my issues or just chatting. Even though they are in another country I still feel their support. Actually, I depend on it.

Who knows what will happen when the chemo and radiotherapy is over. Chances are we won’t chat every day. I’ll be busy, they’ll be busy, there won’t always be time. But this has been a very good experience. In some ways it brought me closer to my parents, and I’m really thankful for that.

It’s a heavy thing to take care of someone, but it makes a difference. From Zsolt doing the dishes, to friends bringing food, to talking with my parents – it’s all made a difference. I guess I’m hooked on the support, but for now that’s okay. For now I can let myself be supported.

And then, when this is over, I’ll do what I can to show my thanks.

What’s up, doc?

Posted in Bumpboobs, Canada, Chemotherapy, Life, Treatment by

Last Friday, Zsolt and I met with the lead oncologist. We arrived with a list of questions, but before I could even mouth the word  “Christmas”  we had to first cover the basics.

The basics

Doctor: How are you feeling?

Me: Fine.

Doctor: Any mouth sores?

Me: No .

Doctor: How are your fingers and toes?

Me: Good.

Doctor: And your energy?

Me: Still tired.

Doctor: How’s your mood?

Me: Okay.

Doctor: And your bowels?

Me: Fine.

Doctor: What about nausea?

Me: No.

. . . . .

Doctor: Okay, let’s talk about Christmas.

FINALLY! So that ended the basics. Basically, I’m coping with chemo and plugging along. I get tired, I get sore, I get better, I go to work and proceed as normally as possible.

The conversation then shifted to how many doses of paxlitaxol are ‘enough’. Honestly, he gave the same vague answer that all the doctors have given – in that, studies are based on twelve doses, reducing that dose might/could/possibly make a marginal difference in my chances, but he can’t say for certain. It was his opinion, however, that I finish the entire course.

Blah. Okay, fine.

It was also his opinion that finishing chemo in Canada is entirely possible. He would send an email to the hospital in Ottawa, and we’ll see what they say. Nice!

I realize that travelling during chemotherapy will be exhausting. I am aware. But I want to go home, and this is a compromise.  So, if everything works out on the Canadian side of things, I will be able to see my family over the holidays. That means a lot to me.  Zsolt will drive me to the airport, an airline rep will take me through the airport, and then (with thanks a whole lotta air miles) I’ll fly first class home – where I’ll be helped off the plane and delivered to my family. It will be exhausting, but at least I’ll be supported. Plus Air Canada has those pods up in first class, so I’ll be able to lay back and sleep.

Next week we should hear more – hopefully by then the ball will be rolling.

It’s good news that satisfies everyone.  Zsolt is happy, I am happy, and hopefully the journey isn’t too difficult.

Thumbs up for a good meeting! Yay!

I just love food

Posted in Bumpboobs, Chemotherapy, Food, Treatment by

Yesterday morning a large package arrived to my door. “Sign here.” And in comes a very cold box.  This wasn’t a total surprise (I’d been told two days before to expect the delivery), but it was a total pleasure. My cousin Luc and his wife Marie Claude decided to gift Zsolt and I with a substantial delivery of frozen food.

A couple weeks ago, Zsolt and I started to buy premade meals to help reduce the stress of cooking (after I had my little breakdown). Waitrose provides a decent line of frozen food, but you really need to pick and choose – some stuff is okay, other things are dreadful. Honestly, I’m a bit, hmm  . . . . selective in terms of food because I grew up in a household that only cooked from fresh ingredients and didn’t often turn to ready meals.

But yesterday’s delivery was from Cook. Have you heard of them? They’re a company that promotes ‘home cooked’ style meals that are easy to warm up and serve. All these ingredients are fresh and they seem to take care in creating their menu. Zsolt and I had wandered into their shop a long time back and were impressed then, so when the box arrived full of meals I was totally excited.

Opening the package there were curries and pies and lasagnes and desserts and all sorts of goodness.  And, amazingly, they all fit into our tiny freezer!

Today we baked the pork stroganoff, which was creamy and full of flavour (an area where many, many frozen meals fail). Zsolt ate a man’s share, and I ate a lady’s (See picture, it might not look too pretty after being mixed in with the pasta, but it still tasted nice!)

Merci Luc et Marie-Claude pour la bonne nourriture!

Plus, as icing to this happy cake – Denise just stopped by with some freshly baked pumpkin bread, candy, and cream cheese. The bread has a lovely smell and as soon as I’m done this blog I’ll be cutting a slice. I’m on a photo kick, so I’ll take another picture right now. (Pumpkin carved by Zsolt and I!)

I love food – but even better, I love good food.  It seems that without a costume or actually leaving my flat, I’m still managing to rack in the treats. This is one excellent Halloween.

🙂  Thank you so much.