The Beginning of a New Challenge

I had my first chemo treatment today at the Cancer Center in Red Deer. Sitting next to me was a man probably about 80 years, Jack Rockwell from Olds. He is a true survivor and a real inspiration. He lost his wife a few years ago. He nearly died in a car accident in 1967. More recently he has had a hip replacement, a pacemaker, cataract surgery and fallen lens sewn into place by Dr. Gimble. He is a diabetic and is undergoing chemo every 2 weeks to try to shrink tumours on his liver before he has surgery. His attitude was basically "you gotta do what you gotta do." As for myself I felt caught between a rock and a hard place. My tumour appeared to be growing and getting harder. Although I have fears re chemo I was more afraid of the tumour spreading if I didn't take radical action. I will do my best to support the treatment with the three pillars: exercise, rest, and nutrition. Once a month "Look Good, Feel Good" comes to the Cancer Center with complementary make-up. They bring wigs for you to try on, as well as various hats. I look forward to learning how to tie on a turban. It is on tomorrow but I am lying low for a few days. Hope to go in October. There are also cancer support groups I can participate in. Yesterday I had a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) inserted just above my elbow. This is like a tap to my vein. This saves being poked frequently in hard-to-find veins. I have to keep this clean and go to Sundre once a week to have it flushed out and re-dressed. The day before my next chem I have blood work done. If my white blood cell count is too low they will postpone the next treatment. My next scheduled treatment is October 8th. If everything goes as planned my third treatment will be on my wedding anniversary, October 29th, and my final treatment on December 31st. I look forward to putting 2008 behind me!!