Two weeks ago I took my sister to Edmonton to see the oncologist and get her shcedule for chemo. It would appear that even though you live two hours from the hospital they feel you can be there for 7 a.m. appointments. We went up the night before so that we would not have to worry about traffic delays. There was a junior hockey tournament happening in Edmonton and the only hotel room we could get was $175 for the night. They wouldn't even honor their medical rate as they only had two rooms left.
So we endured and spent a whole day getting her tests done, seeing the oncologist and attending a class on the effects of chemo. Some of them are a little scary but the doctor seems to think she has a very good chance of recovery.
Last week on Thursday we headed back to Edmonton for her first chemo treatment on Friday. Again it was scheduled very early in the morning so we went up the night before. My sister found a place called Compassion House that is for women with breast cancer and the best news was that it is only $35 a night. It is a great facility and the staff are remarkable.
I was really scared for her when they started the chemo. 6 huge syringes that they injected slowly into her vien. It took a total of an hour and she tolerated it very well. We then headed home and she spent the night at my place in case there were any problems. Her next treatment is June 7th. My only wish is that I could go with her every time but unfortunately I can't. The remainder of her appointments will be over 2 days and I can't get away from work.
This past weekend our grandson got married. It was a beautiful wedding and my only regret is this is probably the last one my parents will be attending. They just get way too tired between the ceremony and the reception. They actually had to leave prior to the conclusion of the reception as they were both getting way too tired.
Grandson #2 decided to have a biking accident on Sunday and ended up being taken to emergency by ambulance. I am ever so grateful that he going to be ok, just some bumps and bruises. Thank goodness for a very expensive helmut that probably saved him from serious injury and most likely saved his life.
In between all this I have been trying to fit in all the medical tests to ensure that I have no problems going on. Mammogram is done and ok. Had a physical today (big joke here is the doctor never once touched me); just renewed my prescriptions and gave me some antibiotics for a sinus infection.
Also took a trip to the dentist. Most everything is good have a couple of small things that need to be looked at but they are not urgent.
Hubby and I spent yesterday putting out bedding plants and planting some vegetables in flower pots to see what the outcome is.
I am so relieved to read that the doctor has a told your sister that her chances for recovery are good. I realize just how debilitating the chemo can be, but I am sure she has the strength and all your support to help her through this rough time to go on to lead a healthy, long life.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't regret this being the last wedding your parents may be attending. Try to look at it as a blessing that they were here for some of their grandchildren's weddings at all. That is such a lovely gift that many grandchildren have never experienced. I know it isn't easy to think of the future without them there, but I am sure you and your family have so many wonderful memories to cherish, with still many more to make even if it isn't at the "next" wedding.
Great that Grandson #2 is okay. Whew! And YAY for helmets. They are so important [as you all know now, I am sure. Wish everyone would see that too, right?] It's scary when they have to be whisked away in that fashion, but I bet the relief was great when he was okay. Time for a new helmet tho'. :)
And how on earth do you get a physical without ever being touched? If it wasn't so odd I would probably laugh too. I mean, I don't especially LIKE being touched by a doctor if I don't have to be - but aren't there reflexes to check and lymphnodes to palpitate? I swear I am so tired of being poked and prodded at this point I might welcome a hands free physical. Must be the "new thing" in medicine. heehee
Love the idea of the flowers and vegetables. We are farther [much farther] south than you and we put ours in their planters back in March when we had a warm snap and already we have 5 tomatoes growing on the vines and our watermelon, squash and pepper plants are going nuts. It helps that we are getting a good amount of rain and sun along with the great soil we bought to plant them in. It is our very first time ever planting food and we are very excited that it seems to be going so well up until now. Even if they die off and we get nothing we will have learned something for next year. It's very thrilling tho'. And our first foray into a flower garden [all 5 ft by 6 ft of it!] is going amazingly well thanks to Wallene who planted all of the posies after I weeded the heck out of it. It is so great to drive into our driveway and see the beautiful flowers blooming and spreading out beneath our little read oak at the bottom of our stairs. It really helps keep smiles on our faces. We even bought a pink mini rose bush to hang outside, downstairs and that is even thriving. I think this is God's perk me up for me. :) I have never been able to keep anything alive like this. It really makes me happy.
I hope life continues to look up for you and especially for your sister. We will keep her in our thoughts and prayers and look forward to when you can post and say "Remission" with faith! Give her our best and you take care of you, okay?
I am sure that your sister appreciates the time that you have been able to give to her and that you will do as much as you can. Sometimes, for anything, it is the first time and the anticipation of the unknown that is the worst and you helped her get through that part :)
ReplyDeleteI am glad that your grandson is okay! It's amazing how much our saftey wear, etc. can protect us.
My husband and I went to buy plants for my garden last night...I have to plant them and some seeds this weekend. I'm going to plant tomatoes (for salsa), several kinds of peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, sugar snap peas, onions, radished and I hope I can find my seeds that I bought to grow some sunflowers!
I just wanted to say that I'm thinking of you and wondering how you are doing :)
ReplyDelete