Well 2 months have now gone by since Julies last treatment. Things are progressing well and Julie is doing great! Hair is starting to grow back including eyebrows and eyelashes. There is no more pain and feeling is returning to areas around the mastectomy incision. Julie is starting to workout again and looks great. It has been really nice not having to go to the hospital or see a Doctor every week.
On August 11, Julie, Malcolm and I ran the SeeWheeze half marathon in Vancouver. Thanks for everyone who supported us. Running that type of distance is hard for anyone, let alone someone who finished Chemotherapy 30 days earlier. Julie really is an inspiration and with little to no training she completed the event in 2 hours and 52 mins. It was a lot of fun and it was great to see both Julies and my families out cheering us on - just amazing.
Julie also never missed a step playing in the GALS softball league - play started in April and playoffs start in 3 days. Julie is the captain of Team Artistic which finished second in regular season play (the highest finish since Julie has been a captain) and we are excited for playoffs.
Our next steps will be to start making appointments to see surgeon (for check up and to discuss reconstruction), oncologist and family doctor. They will want to see her at 6 months, then annually for 5 years. We are also looking forward to some lifestyle changes that include eating better and exercising more!
I will continue to keep everyone updated!
Mike
Wednesday 5 September 2012
Thursday 12 July 2012
RING THAT BELL!
Today marked a major and significant milestone in Julies Journey. Today was the last treatment followed by the traditional ringing of the bell at Credit Valley Hospital. It was a very emotional moment for Julie. Julie rang the bell LOUD - surrounded by her Family, Jo, and all the oncology nursing staff. It has been a couple of tear filled days starting yesterday when Malcolm's hockey team all played with Pink Socks, Pink Sticks and a big Pink sign saying "We Skate For Julie". That continued this morning when we met with the Oncology doctor who told us that everything looked good and after treatment today, he did not want to see us until the Winter! Julie does not need radiation or hormone therapy (her tumor was 3% estrogen sensitive - below 10% does not require treatment), so literally it is take the next 2 to 3 weeks to recover, then start growing hair again and start getting things back to normal - it was like a huge weight lifted off her.
The DOCEtaxel has been tough. It causes incredible pain in the joints and bones. As it accumulates, the pain lasts longer and longer. After does 3, Julie really did not feel well until right before the next treatment (today), so we expect a tough next couple of weeks, then gradual improvement.
After 6 months of needles, poking, proding, cutting, pain, aches, and uncertainty, Julies path now is a simple wait and screen for the next 5 years.
Thanks everyone for their support and I will keep updating the blog (albiet less frequently). We will have a little celebration once Julie is up to it!
Mike
The DOCEtaxel has been tough. It causes incredible pain in the joints and bones. As it accumulates, the pain lasts longer and longer. After does 3, Julie really did not feel well until right before the next treatment (today), so we expect a tough next couple of weeks, then gradual improvement.
After 6 months of needles, poking, proding, cutting, pain, aches, and uncertainty, Julies path now is a simple wait and screen for the next 5 years.
Thanks everyone for their support and I will keep updating the blog (albiet less frequently). We will have a little celebration once Julie is up to it!
Mike
Wednesday 13 June 2012
6 Down, 2 to Go
Only 2 more treatments to go - 4 weeks! Julie has now had 2 treatments of DOCEtaxel, which does not make her as nauseas or quite as "Yucky" as previous. It does however make her bones and joints ache and/or be in pain (especially combined with the Neulasta, which stimulates the bone marrow) - which requires her to take relatively strong pain killers, which requires other drugs for those side effects etc (the pain killers make her tired and as she says - "crappy sleeps"). Also the administration of DOCEtaxel takes ALL DAY. We arrive at the hospital usually around 8:30am and yesterday Julie got home at 5:30pm - the drug itself takes 3 hours to administer, but before that, there is bloodwork, seeing the oncologist, waiting for chemo, then taking a number of drugs intravenously (ie, a drug to ensure no allergic reaction, one for nausea, one to help the veins withstand the drug, etc). Then after all that, a trip to the pharmacy to pick up Neulasta, pain killers, and other drugs to help with side effects. Needless to say - Julie is ready to be done!
Other than the treatments, Julie remains in good spirits - continues to play softball and attends all soccer and hockey games. We have to be careful to avoid the sun and this weekend look forward to 3 nights/4 days camping at the Pinery.
We can see the finish line!
Mike
Other than the treatments, Julie remains in good spirits - continues to play softball and attends all soccer and hockey games. We have to be careful to avoid the sun and this weekend look forward to 3 nights/4 days camping at the Pinery.
We can see the finish line!
Mike
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Half way there!
GoodBye DOXOrubicin! Last couple weeks have been tougher as the drug accumulates in Julies body. Nausea has been by far the worst side effect as almost daily Julie has boughts where she feels poor. Julie has also developed Hand-Foot syndrome or Palmer-Planter Erythrodysesthesia. Here is the medical definition of what happens:
"Following administration of chemotherapy, small amounts of drug leak out of very small blood vessels called capillaries in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Exposure of your hands and feet to heat as well as friction on your palms and soles increases the amount of drug in the capillaries and increases the amount of drug leakage. This leakage of drug results in redness, tenderness, and possibly peeling of the palms and soles. The redness, also known as palmar-plantar erythema, looks like sunburn. The areas affected can become dry and peel, with numbness or tingling developing. Hand-foot syndrome can be uncomfortable and can interfere with your ability to carry out normal activities. "
Getting rest is essential to keeping side effects managable. Besides that, Julie continues to do amazing. She continues to play ball and we hosted a a group of friends from work at our house this past Saturday where Julie was up and about, including watching the fireworks show!
The next drug DOCEtaxel is apparently a little easier, but biggest side effects are joint pain and water retension. We are certainly looking forward to when all treatments are done, but are extremely appreciative of all the support and help we have received during this time. Also we are always impressed with the nursing and medical staff. In fact, Julies oncologist nurse won the Nightingale award 2 weeks ago - which is well deserved.
Half way there and remaining positive.
Mike
"Following administration of chemotherapy, small amounts of drug leak out of very small blood vessels called capillaries in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Exposure of your hands and feet to heat as well as friction on your palms and soles increases the amount of drug in the capillaries and increases the amount of drug leakage. This leakage of drug results in redness, tenderness, and possibly peeling of the palms and soles. The redness, also known as palmar-plantar erythema, looks like sunburn. The areas affected can become dry and peel, with numbness or tingling developing. Hand-foot syndrome can be uncomfortable and can interfere with your ability to carry out normal activities. "
Getting rest is essential to keeping side effects managable. Besides that, Julie continues to do amazing. She continues to play ball and we hosted a a group of friends from work at our house this past Saturday where Julie was up and about, including watching the fireworks show!
The next drug DOCEtaxel is apparently a little easier, but biggest side effects are joint pain and water retension. We are certainly looking forward to when all treatments are done, but are extremely appreciative of all the support and help we have received during this time. Also we are always impressed with the nursing and medical staff. In fact, Julies oncologist nurse won the Nightingale award 2 weeks ago - which is well deserved.
Half way there and remaining positive.
Mike
Monday 7 May 2012
3 down, 5 to go
Only one more application of DOXOrubicin or AC (Adriamycin PFS) as the oncologist team calls it. Julie is still doing amazing - still up and about and maintaining her weight. A bit more feeling of nausea this time, but managable - mouth sores were bad after dose 2, so she has switched to using Biotene 4 or 5 times a day and chewing gum seems to help (so far so good as the sores hav stayed away). We are told this drug is the harsher of the two she will be taking, so we are looking forward to the last dose then moving onto DOCEtaxel
Julies oncology nurse won the nightingale aware this week - which is well deserved. Roy is fantastic and makes the 3 hours at Credit Valley Hospital go by quickly. Actually, the whole oncology team is amazing. We have been very impressed with the medical team at Credit Valley.
Julie has lost all hair now and is starting to see her nails crack - common side effects, but still difficult to take. I think she looks amazing! The Nuelasta (drug to stimulate bone marrow) causes pain in bones and chest if she pushes it too hard, so we are very disciplined about getting to bed early and getting lots of rest.
Finally, Softball has started and believe it or not, Julie got a home run in the first game. Very emotional moment - all things considered. Some ladies are suggesting that steroids may have been helping (Julie does take a steriod for appetite) - I think it is just natural ability and some payback!
We continue to remain positive.
Mike
Julies oncology nurse won the nightingale aware this week - which is well deserved. Roy is fantastic and makes the 3 hours at Credit Valley Hospital go by quickly. Actually, the whole oncology team is amazing. We have been very impressed with the medical team at Credit Valley.
Julie has lost all hair now and is starting to see her nails crack - common side effects, but still difficult to take. I think she looks amazing! The Nuelasta (drug to stimulate bone marrow) causes pain in bones and chest if she pushes it too hard, so we are very disciplined about getting to bed early and getting lots of rest.
Finally, Softball has started and believe it or not, Julie got a home run in the first game. Very emotional moment - all things considered. Some ladies are suggesting that steroids may have been helping (Julie does take a steriod for appetite) - I think it is just natural ability and some payback!
We continue to remain positive.
Mike
Friday 20 April 2012
2 down, 6 to go
We are now half way through the 1st round! Julie is doing amazing. For about 3 or 4 days after treatment Julie feels blah and lower energy, but luckly none of the less desirable side effects like nausea. Unfortunately she has lost her hair, which while expected, is still hard to accept. I think she still looks as beautiful as ever! I like to focus on the positives of losing hair, like "hey the Chemo is working" or "Lucky you, summer is coming and bikini or legs will look great (Chemo is indescriminant with where hair is lost)". It is also fun to come home from work and be surprised with redhead, brunette or blonde Julie!
We are also very fortunate to have access to Neulasta, which is a drug that stimulates white blood cell production by the bone marrow. Julies bloodwork was perfect after the first treatment due to the drug (and it is only one shot) and this rapid recovery should allow her to continue on her training for the Half Marathon in August.
All in all, spirits remain high and we remain positive.
Mike
We are also very fortunate to have access to Neulasta, which is a drug that stimulates white blood cell production by the bone marrow. Julies bloodwork was perfect after the first treatment due to the drug (and it is only one shot) and this rapid recovery should allow her to continue on her training for the Half Marathon in August.
All in all, spirits remain high and we remain positive.
Mike
Wednesday 4 April 2012
1 down, 7 to go
First of 4 doses of Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) was administered today. Julies Oncologist changed the plan to now go every other week for 8 sessions. It is called a Dose Dense approach and based on the type of Cancer Julie has and her fitness level, the doctors thought this would be the best method. Bone scan came back clear.
Things have gone well. Day started at 9am meeting with Oncologist and going over the plan and bone scan results. We then moved to the Chemo treatment area where Julie first met our Chemo nurse (named Roy - great guy) who hooked up an iv and started a drip of saline and a steroid to help with nausea and loss of appetite. We then met with the pharmacy and went over the multitude of drugs that Julie has been prescribed mostly to deal with side effects (we have now become our own pharmacy). The chemo drug was administered and we were done by about 1pm. Tomorrow Julie will visit the nurse to have Nuelasta injected which mimics the function of bone marrow and will help with the production of white blood cells.
The expectation is now that for the next couple of days, Julie will feel kinda "blah" - but everyone responds differently. The consensus is that hair will start being lost between day 10 and 14, so we have ordered some wigs - Julie agreed that we should have some fun with this, some I got to pick one and the color - lets see if you recognize her...
I'll keep people updated on how Julie feels over the next couple of days - but so far so good and we remain positive!
Mike
Things have gone well. Day started at 9am meeting with Oncologist and going over the plan and bone scan results. We then moved to the Chemo treatment area where Julie first met our Chemo nurse (named Roy - great guy) who hooked up an iv and started a drip of saline and a steroid to help with nausea and loss of appetite. We then met with the pharmacy and went over the multitude of drugs that Julie has been prescribed mostly to deal with side effects (we have now become our own pharmacy). The chemo drug was administered and we were done by about 1pm. Tomorrow Julie will visit the nurse to have Nuelasta injected which mimics the function of bone marrow and will help with the production of white blood cells.
The expectation is now that for the next couple of days, Julie will feel kinda "blah" - but everyone responds differently. The consensus is that hair will start being lost between day 10 and 14, so we have ordered some wigs - Julie agreed that we should have some fun with this, some I got to pick one and the color - lets see if you recognize her...
I'll keep people updated on how Julie feels over the next couple of days - but so far so good and we remain positive!
Mike
Thursday 29 March 2012
Chemotheropy starts April 4th
Treatment continues
While it was the news we expected yesterday, it was still difficult to hear. We met with oncologist and radiation teams yesterday and discussed next steps for treatments. The medical oncologist told us the tumor was essentially triple negative on the hormone test (slight reaction to estrogen, but essentially negligible) and the recommendation was for 6 treatments of chemotheropy. These treatments will start on April 4th and continue every 3rd week for 6 sessions.
The radiation team told us they don't believe Julie will require radiation due to the successfull surgery and the margins and distance from muscles and bones all being good. As a precaution, they are doing a bone scan next Tuesday to ensure that all bone structures are clear.
We will be attending a class on Chemotheropy on Friday and collecting all the drugs to help with side affects over the next week. Julie will be shopping for wigs as hair loss can be immediately after the first session. I have suggested a nice summer bob cut strawberry blonde...
We really appreciate everyones support and continue to remain positive.
Mike
While it was the news we expected yesterday, it was still difficult to hear. We met with oncologist and radiation teams yesterday and discussed next steps for treatments. The medical oncologist told us the tumor was essentially triple negative on the hormone test (slight reaction to estrogen, but essentially negligible) and the recommendation was for 6 treatments of chemotheropy. These treatments will start on April 4th and continue every 3rd week for 6 sessions.
The radiation team told us they don't believe Julie will require radiation due to the successfull surgery and the margins and distance from muscles and bones all being good. As a precaution, they are doing a bone scan next Tuesday to ensure that all bone structures are clear.
We will be attending a class on Chemotheropy on Friday and collecting all the drugs to help with side affects over the next week. Julie will be shopping for wigs as hair loss can be immediately after the first session. I have suggested a nice summer bob cut strawberry blonde...
We really appreciate everyones support and continue to remain positive.
Mike
Tuesday 13 March 2012
Lymph node and Tumor diagnosis
Results from Pathology after Mastectomy
In summary - as good of news as we could have hoped!
All 4 sentinel lymph nodes tested negative for metastatic carcinoma - meaning the cancerous cells had not spread to the lymphatic system. So negative for lymphovascular invasion.
Margins (normal cells around the tumor) also tested negative for invasive carcinoma (meaning the tumor was contained in at least 7mm of healthy tissue).
Tumor was 4.5cm large, and was poorly differentiated Grade 3 of 3. All information points to a stage IIA breast cancer.
Next steps: We meet with Oncologist team in 2 weeks to plan next phase of treatment. All indications are no additional surgeries are required and most likely no radiation treatment required. Most likely the physicians will recommend some form of Chemotherapy as Julie is young and healthy and this would ensure long term success.
In the meantime, Julie will start preparing to participate in the Seawheeze half marathon in August (in Vancouver) and raising money for IronDames and Wellspring. This will be a great accomplishment and both myself and Malcolm look forward to participating with her.
We continue to remain positive.
In summary - as good of news as we could have hoped!
All 4 sentinel lymph nodes tested negative for metastatic carcinoma - meaning the cancerous cells had not spread to the lymphatic system. So negative for lymphovascular invasion.
Margins (normal cells around the tumor) also tested negative for invasive carcinoma (meaning the tumor was contained in at least 7mm of healthy tissue).
Tumor was 4.5cm large, and was poorly differentiated Grade 3 of 3. All information points to a stage IIA breast cancer.
Next steps: We meet with Oncologist team in 2 weeks to plan next phase of treatment. All indications are no additional surgeries are required and most likely no radiation treatment required. Most likely the physicians will recommend some form of Chemotherapy as Julie is young and healthy and this would ensure long term success.
In the meantime, Julie will start preparing to participate in the Seawheeze half marathon in August (in Vancouver) and raising money for IronDames and Wellspring. This will be a great accomplishment and both myself and Malcolm look forward to participating with her.
We continue to remain positive.
Friday 9 March 2012
Wellspring Oakville
Julie, the IronDame
2 years ago, we travelled to Penticton, BC to watch, cheer and support, JoAnn Daxner complete her first FULL IronMan triathlon in 13 hours, 29 minutes and 37 seconds. Jo trained with the IronDames who are huge supporters of Wellspring - a Cancer support group. Julie was so moved by Jo's experience and the IronDames culture and cause, that she joined last fall and became an IronDame.
Ironically now she will be using Wellspring during her journey to recovery.
Many of you have asked how you can support Julie - one way would be to support the IronDames. Julie has set up a website and a link is posted right below Julies picture at the top of this blog - simply click on the tab and if you want to support that would be very much appreciated.
We remain positive and thank everyone for the wonderful wishes.
Mike
2 years ago, we travelled to Penticton, BC to watch, cheer and support, JoAnn Daxner complete her first FULL IronMan triathlon in 13 hours, 29 minutes and 37 seconds. Jo trained with the IronDames who are huge supporters of Wellspring - a Cancer support group. Julie was so moved by Jo's experience and the IronDames culture and cause, that she joined last fall and became an IronDame.
Ironically now she will be using Wellspring during her journey to recovery.
Many of you have asked how you can support Julie - one way would be to support the IronDames. Julie has set up a website and a link is posted right below Julies picture at the top of this blog - simply click on the tab and if you want to support that would be very much appreciated.
We remain positive and thank everyone for the wonderful wishes.
Mike
Wednesday 7 March 2012
Drainage Tubes Gone!
March 7
Drainage tubes were removed today, which were incredibly uncomfortable. Julie still can't believe that she had about 12 inches of tube inside her body for the last 7 days.
Next step in journey is meeting with Surgeon and reviewing pathology next Tuesday at 4pm.
We look forward to some better sleeps over the next few days.
Drainage tubes were removed today, which were incredibly uncomfortable. Julie still can't believe that she had about 12 inches of tube inside her body for the last 7 days.
Next step in journey is meeting with Surgeon and reviewing pathology next Tuesday at 4pm.
We look forward to some better sleeps over the next few days.
Thursday 1 March 2012
Successful Surgery
Long but successful day
Today started at 7:30am which included more tests, dyeing and filming of lymph nodes, and lots of waiting in different waiting rooms. At 3pm Julie went to the OR and the surgeon came to speak to me at 5pm while Julie was in recovery. Everything went very well and the doctor did not notice anything unusual. A cluster of 4 lymph nodes were removed and will be examined along with all the breast tissue and tumor.
Besides being hungry all day, Julie was in great spirits both before and after surgery. The entire family had a good visit from 6 till 7:30 and left Julie to stay overnight for observation.
Next steps will be to wait for results of the biopsies and examination of tissues. This should take 10 to 14 days at which time we will meet with the surgeon again and set up a plan with the Oncologist for next phase of treatment.
We continue to fight and stay positive.
Today started at 7:30am which included more tests, dyeing and filming of lymph nodes, and lots of waiting in different waiting rooms. At 3pm Julie went to the OR and the surgeon came to speak to me at 5pm while Julie was in recovery. Everything went very well and the doctor did not notice anything unusual. A cluster of 4 lymph nodes were removed and will be examined along with all the breast tissue and tumor.
Besides being hungry all day, Julie was in great spirits both before and after surgery. The entire family had a good visit from 6 till 7:30 and left Julie to stay overnight for observation.
Next steps will be to wait for results of the biopsies and examination of tissues. This should take 10 to 14 days at which time we will meet with the surgeon again and set up a plan with the Oncologist for next phase of treatment.
We continue to fight and stay positive.
Saturday 25 February 2012
Surgery Scheduled
March 1 - Surgery Scheduled
Mastectomy of right breast to be done on March 1 - this will include the dissection of lymph nodes to then accurately determine next phase of treatment.
Julie will be in hospital over night for oberservation then at home resting for at least 5 days after with a visit from a home nurse.
This week has been the continuance of tests and Operation Room (OR) prep. We are both excited and anxious to have this phase of the process completed. Julie remains incredibly positive.
Mastectomy of right breast to be done on March 1 - this will include the dissection of lymph nodes to then accurately determine next phase of treatment.
Julie will be in hospital over night for oberservation then at home resting for at least 5 days after with a visit from a home nurse.
This week has been the continuance of tests and Operation Room (OR) prep. We are both excited and anxious to have this phase of the process completed. Julie remains incredibly positive.
Tuesday 21 February 2012
Results of CT Scan
Week of Feb 21
CT Scan of Chest, Abdonmen and Pelvis all came back clear without any indication cancer is detected somewhere else. Still waiting on complex pathology from specialist at Credit Valley Cancer Center.
Setting up OR time for Mastectomy within 2 to 3 weeks. This will include the removal and dissection of a couple of lymph nodes to determine staging. After that we will make a plan with Credit Valley Cancer Center for remainder of treatment (or additional surgery if more removal of nodes is required)
While still a long Journey ahead, all signs are pointing to Breast Cancer only.
CT Scan of Chest, Abdonmen and Pelvis all came back clear without any indication cancer is detected somewhere else. Still waiting on complex pathology from specialist at Credit Valley Cancer Center.
Setting up OR time for Mastectomy within 2 to 3 weeks. This will include the removal and dissection of a couple of lymph nodes to determine staging. After that we will make a plan with Credit Valley Cancer Center for remainder of treatment (or additional surgery if more removal of nodes is required)
While still a long Journey ahead, all signs are pointing to Breast Cancer only.
Saturday 18 February 2012
Start of Tests
Week of Feb 12 to Feb 18
Met with Dr Miles Kealey, General Surgeon to discuss diagnosis and treatment options. While the needle core biopsies indicated invasive ductal carcinoma, it was "poorly differentiated" - requiring some additional tests to ensure best treatment.
Scheduled for Cat Scan on Friday Feb 17 - will review all results with Dr. Kealey and set OR date on Tuesday Feb 21.
Met with Dr Miles Kealey, General Surgeon to discuss diagnosis and treatment options. While the needle core biopsies indicated invasive ductal carcinoma, it was "poorly differentiated" - requiring some additional tests to ensure best treatment.
Scheduled for Cat Scan on Friday Feb 17 - will review all results with Dr. Kealey and set OR date on Tuesday Feb 21.
Journey Begins
Week of February 5-11: Biopsy has confirmed that Julie "lump" in her right
breast is breast Cancer (a maligment tumer)
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