Evening update

Shell has shown continued improvement. She is still in lots of pain but is pushing through with great determination and focus. She did 3 seperate walks around the ward. One for each of her kids. She must be dedicating the big walk out of the hospital to me.
It was so nice to have her sit up in the chair and for us to have a great conversation. We know that the journey is just starting and that there will be good and bad days. This was the first good day that we will enjoy until tomorrow. As each day will pose new challenges.
Shell was given a great compliment by one of the nurses tonight.The nurse couldn't believe Shell had kids that old because her skin was so nice. No wrinkles without make up. I was given no such compliment and by looking at me it was easier for her to believe.
Let us all pray and hope that tomorrow is another step forward.

Good night from Big Bobby Blogger.

Eat,Pray,Walk

Shell had a tough night as she was in lots of pain due to activity. She was in discomfort, as well as very nauseous. They had her sit up again, though with great effort and lots of pain.
Then out of a scene from Grey"s Anatomy, the young 2nd year resident shows up. (He was in the initial surgery). We discussed her situation and he was able to prescribe a different anti-nauseant. This made a big difference and allowed her to walk around the ward. When I commented that she is walking so fast that her hair is standing up,she was not impressed. I did get a good laugh from her nurse though. After her walk she was in lots of pain ,so they gave her something for pain mixed with an anti-nauseant. After sleeping for half hour she was the most coherent since coming out of surgery. She was able to get up and walk to bathroom in order for them to wash up.
When I came back form a little break they had her up in the chair ready for lunch. At this time Dr. Souf came in and examined her. He is not ready to give up on the right flap. Although there are some inconsistencies with a healthy flap, there are also signs that the flap is working. He wants to wait and see. Says it is imperative, that she walks to get the blood flowing. They also want to take the catheter out so that she will have to get up to washroom. She also needs to start eating more to get her strength up. Very hungry though is having trouble eating. Shell commented that she was going to write a book after this entitled "Shit Happens" and she wanted Dr. Souf to write the forward. The Doc and I laughed though Shell only chuckled and smiled.
Shell now has a mantra: EAT,PRAY,WALK.

I would like to apologize for grammar and spelling. Hunting and pecking, as well as trying to formulate my words is hard enough. I should have tried harder and paid more attention in english class. Have they not come up with a computer program that can do that for you? Oh yeah, and punctuation.,;:?

The Blog Doctor

Evening news

After Dr. Souf left, Shell was even more determined to get moving. Sat up twice and walked once to the door of her room. Needless to say, that took a lot out of her and she was in lots of pain tonight. Was given pain medication and was able to settle for night.

I just wanted to share with you something Shell did before her surgery, that shows her love for her family.
I took her to the hospital and stayed with her until she was wheeled into the operating room. When I got home I found a beautiful card to which she had inscriped:

To my beautiful family.
Please take a deep breath and help each other out...even if you are not asked to help.
Please remember to say "I love you" and give a hug...it doesn't cost a thing.
Please remember I love you....have a great lunch today,work out....stay busy,stay together,stay strong!
Thank you-for you,your prayers-your strength!
Can't wait to see you.
Love Mom xoxo

Then you wonder why her children love her so much.

Bob

Patient is close to patience

I have come to realize you have to have patience in order to be a patient or family of a patient with this disease. One day at a time can be reduced to one moment at a time. Baby steps. If that is what it takes then so be it.
Shell had a tough night as she was very uncomfortable due to reduction of pain medication. She is trying so hard to handle the pain as she knows this is her best chance to regain appetiete and get moving.
She sat in chair for half hour but when they tried to get her to move she became very nauseas so had to go back to bed.
Shell's sister Karen and her mom and dad showed up around lunch time so GG proceded to feed Shell, that was until Shell proclaimed her mom to be the popsicle nazi.
We had a visit by Dr. Souf just prior to lunch. We again discussed thye possibility of an alternative surgery if the right flap doesn't respond. We are going to give it another couple days to see if it reponds and also to get Shell up and moving in order to be better prepared for another surgery if needed.

I will blog again tonight for all you "blog stalkers" as Rob and I are going to take Zoe for a walk. She is out of sorts without her mom and has been neglected in the walking department.

Blog Star Bob

tomorrow has come

It has been a late night,early morning and a long day since I last posted. Shell had a tough day. A better nights sleep but still tired,groggy with lots of pain. To top it all off they had to move her to another room which took 2.5 hours to prepare while she was placed in the hallway. That is our health care system. She had to go through that in order to get her own room. It is a long story that needs to be told over a couple of beers at the campfire. After moving into her new digs they had here up for awhile though she was real nauseas. She was unable to eat very much but is drinking lots of fluids.

At 4:30 pm Dr. Souf arrived and did some tests and assessed her. He is still concerned about the right flap. They are having trouble finding a pulse and he is not happy with the color. They have backed off on her pain medication and are trying to bring up her blood pressure which has been a bit low. They also want to get her to eat and become more active. Physio is to come tomorrow. He also said that if we want to bring anything from home then go ahead as they know the food may not appeal to her. She thought she might want a smoothie so Rob made her one with lots of love in it. When I told her mom (GG),she was ready to bring a cooler and a hot plate to the room. For those of you who know Shell's mom,she is the pusher of food. Great cook that has to make sure everyone is fed. She makes a "sick" lemon marange pie.

After Dr Souf was done he explained to me that we have to consider an alternative surgery if the flap doesn't respond. He talked about a surgery using a partial implant with a Latisimus Dorsi Flap that is taken from the muscle in the back. This is less evasive and not as long because he takes the blood vessel with the muscle so it isn't microscopic.

Tonight myself the girls and Shell's mom and dad went up. Alycia printed off some of the comments off of the blog and read them to her. It was very emotional for Alycia but Shell really enjoyed hearing it.
I know that people have been waiting for the news and we appreciate everyones concern,thoughts,prayers and positive vibes.

I am trying to update as quick as I can but have been spending lots of time at the hospital.
I am kind of giving the readers digest version but hope it gives everyone enough to know what is happening.
We all enjoy the comments so feel free to blog.

Big Bobby Blogger, I feel I have earned this title.

Update on Shell's condition

Last night I was able to be in the room when they did the doppler readings and skin color test. The nurse was having trouble finding a strong beat and the blanch test was weak. Having returned this morning I was a bit concerned with same tests as there was really no improvement. When I was there with kids after church Shell had mentioned that Dr. Souf had been in to see her. After talking to the charge nurse she informed me that Dr. Souf is concerned with color and the lack of blood flow. We have to be prepeared for the possibility that the reconstruction didn't work and that he would have to remove the flaps. What the alternatives are and where we go from there, I am not sure but will meet with him tomorrow to find out.

Shell is very tired as they have been waking here up every hour to do tests. They have changed it to once every 6 hours since Dr Souf has been there. They did get her to sit up for 45 minutes but she had trouble focusing due to fatigue and the pain medication. She is resting right now as she was very tired after sitting up.

We continue to pray and hope that we get better news tomorrow.

Life does not seem fair at times but such is life. It is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
The journey has started and it will be a battle but nothing Shell can't conquor as I have never met someone so tough,determined and optomistic.

Bob

First Family Visit

Well this morning Mikayla, Robbie, Dad and myself paid a visit to Mom after church. None of us kids knew what to expect but we were all very excited and anxious to see her. Seeing her was a bit of a shock, but no matter what situation she is in, Mom continues to look as beautiful as ever. Of course she commented on how we were all wearing spring jackets in the winter as a typical Mother would, concerned about us right away. I know I can speak for all of us when I say that I am so very inspired by her strength and her determination during this fight. Through all the pain, she still manages to squeeze out a smile and a faint laugh. Not going to lie, I cannot wait until I hear her famous deep-belly laugh again.

Just like Blogger Bob posted before, keep the comments coming! Not only do they give Mom strength but they give us strength as well knowing that we have an unbelievable support system behind us.

Lots of Love,
Alycia

Evening update

After Cor,Shell's mom took a turn at staying with her. Shell was drinking lots of water and was able to get some broth down. We all came back for home made chinese food by Cor. Awesome. I am going back up to hospital till later tonight to continue the vigil. Tomorrow 9 am church followed by a visit by the kids. They are excited to see there mother but unsure what to expect. I know that this will pick up Shell's spirits and will go a long ways to speed up the heeling.
Thanks to all for following and sending out the positive vibes.

Good night!

Big Blogger Bob

Twisted Sister Visit

We went to hospital just after lunch. Shell is doing better. Lots of pain and still quite groggy. Says she feels like she has been hit by truck. Dr. Souf is still happy with how things are progressing so hopefully the worst is over and we can focus on recovery. We have decided it is now time for someone to stay and sit with her so Cor took the first shift. The kids will go up tomorrrow if all continues to go well. I must say that I am very proud of them. They have been there for each other and me. Shell has done a great job with them.

Keep em coming. We have told Shell about the comments and I know she will enjoy reading them when she gets home.

Intermediate Blogger Bob

11:00 am update from hospital

I was finally able to get through to 4 th floor as they were ducking me for awhile. They said that Dr. Souf had just been there and he is happy with how things look though the next 24 - 48 hours are critical. They continue to check for proper blood flow hourly. Her room is like a sauna and she is under a heating blanket in order to help with blood flow. I am planning to take her twisted sisters up this afternoon for a quick visit.

Keep up the prayers as they seem to be working.

Bob

Posting to the Blog!

Our Auntie Ann Matkowski made mention to mom Loch that she was having trouble posting so we thought that there are likely others who do not know how to do this so here we go!

1. You do not need to sign into the blog. 
2. At the end of each posting (or title)there is the word comment
3. Click on comment and a comment box will pop-up. 
4. This is where you can post a comment and sign your name (if you want).
5. Click on publish. 
6. You will be asked to type two words that are distorted.  If you can't read them they can be read to you by clicking on the megaphone.  Just make sure that your speakers are turned on. Whatever words you hear, type them into the box. 
7. Now click publish.
8. That's it!  No need to create a gmail account or anything else!

Bob

PS:  For those of you who know better, you have figured out that Bob didn't actually post this but assisted in creating it.  (Sister in law Karen ha, ha!)

Post-Op

Little did we know that the second surgery did not really go as well as hoped.  Doctor thought they may have had to do another surgery at 4:00 a.m. this morning but they gave her blood thinner and this seem to have stabilized her for now.  Mom and dad Loch and I just got back from hospital and although she is in relatively good spirits she is extremely tired and of course sore!  They continue to monitor the blood flow on an hourly basis.  Again the next 24 hours will determine if another sugery is required.

We appreciate the flowers that are being sent to the hospital but due to the circumstances, she cannot keep them in her room.  If you feel that flowers are something that you would like to send please have them sent to the house in a few days when she is home and can really enjoy them!206 Hansen Drive Regina  S4X 2Y6

As always,
Bob and kids

Surgery Over....For Now!

Dr. Souf called around 8:00 pm to let me know that Shell's right breast did not respond and that he now had to go back in.  He suspected a blood clot; needless to say our world was rocked once again!  It is now 11:35 pm and the Dr. just finished calling.  He says that he feels confident that she will respond although he needed to thin her blood with drugs as she continued to clot.  She will be under strick observation for the next 24-48 hours.  She is now in recovery.  I will see her early in the morning and then bring the kids with me later.  We can hopefully try to get some rest knowing that Shelley is now safe under the watch of the Doctor and nurses at Pasqua.  Keep us in your prayers.  Bob

Last night and pre-surgery

Lots of anxiety and not much sleep...Up early as we had to be there by 6:30 am. I was able to sit with Shell as they prepared her for surgery. Dr. Souf the plastic surgeon was in there the longest as he has the longest surgery at close to 10 hours. As he knows that Shell has a sense a humor he was joking with her that he was kind of tired and shaky. We both really like him and feel that he will do a great job........as for today it looks like we will not know much till later tonight.
When she comes out of surgery tonight she has to spend time in recovery making sure the blood vessels work properly and there is no clotting. We will not see her till tomorrow and then she has atleast 3 days in hospital according to Dr.Souf.
 We continue to appreciate all the thoughts,prayers and best wishes. Please feel free to post messages as it has been a real source of comfort for Shell and our family knowing who is following us and praying for us.
You have to bare with me as this is my first blog attempt. We need the top blogger to get better so that we can keep this interesting.
Love to all.
Bob

It's in you to give!



Resource

 As I was sitting at the hospital today waiting for Bob I was thinking about blood....yup, good ol' life giving blood!  Since university I have been a donor.  Now that I have cancer, I can no longer donate to this worthy cause.  I am B RH Positive...only 7.6%  of Blood Type Amongst all Canadians are this type. So many people need blood.

Approximately every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood. In fact, according to a recent poll, 52 per cent of Canadians say they, or a family member, have needed blood or blood products for surgery or for medical treatment.
The good news is that one blood donation - in just one hour - can save a life.

Source: Canadian Blood Services

It's never too late to give :)  ...just saying!  Shelley

We are ready!



used with permission

 Today was Nuclear Medicine day at the General Hospital.  All went well...it was uneventful but a long day just the same! We came home with pictures/location of the sentinel nodes to take with us to the hospital tomorrow.  It is truly amazing how much things have advanced with surgery and procedures - for which I am thankful!!

A sentinel lymph node is defined as the first lymph node to which cancer cells are most likely to spread from a primary tumor. Sometimes, there can be more than one sentinel lymph node. Source: National Cancer Institute  The picture today showed there are two nodes to be taken out at a minimum.

The procedure was better than I thought...the thought of four needles of radioactive dye injected under the aereola at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions was really nothing more than a 1-2 sec pinch.  The doctor was fantastic! So was his assistant.

We hope and pray the sentinel node is negative!  This would mean the cancer is contained to the breast only.

Tonight Bob and the kids received their "how to blog" lesson!  I hope they keep you up to date on the events.  Thanks for all your support, prayers, and wishes for a successful surgery tomorrow.  Please pray for our family to remain strong too....(and for a good night sleep ;) !

Much love, Shelley

It's not good-bye but see you later!



Used with permission



Today was a tough day at work.  Finishing up work, passing on "to dos" , cleaning up, making sure things are done the best they can....I took the easy way out and wrote a "delayed email" to all my staff and new found friends at the Ministry then ducked out early. Nope! I could not say good-bye....I could barely think about the end of the day without tearing up! A deep breathe or 5 and I silently dropped off a few cards, grabbed my things and bolted out the door.  A little cry in the van and I am good to go once again. 

Life is funny!  I started working with the Ministry a few 5 months ago... What an awesome crew! We have a few great laughs every day, respect each other and get a "shwack of work done! (I know you are reading this folks...be good while I'm gone ;D ) How great it is to get up every day and go to work looking forward to it!

Although it was hard to leave the comfort of my former job and I miss working with that crew because I love (most of) them dearly ;) you know when it is time to pull a Kenny Rogers.....you know what I mean...the song "you gotta know when to fold them...."

To all my former and new friends....I will see you all when this is over - you can count on that!

Love to all! Shelley

Family Day

used with permission

Family Day was a great day….perhaps the best one yet!  We came to realize or at least have a deeper appreciation through cancer that every day should be family day.  A two hour supper with lots of laughs followed by a good ol’ game of Kaiser! Rob and Bob were lucky with their cards but in the end when it came time to bid out Mikayla, Dustin and I prevailed! Alycia and Kashtin missed out on cards to tend to the “new” dog…Lol! Being told I play and act just like my mom is undoubtedly a complement ;)

Seriously though, the tension and anxiety of the approaching surgery date can silence our laughter in a heartbeat - Family Day or not. There are more “I love yous”, genuine respect and empathy for each other lately…yet the sudden eye contact and locked stares break my heart because I see the fear in everyone’s eyes. We will be strong for each other and we will lean on our friends and family for support. I know, we all know, this is temporary and doable because we just do. ..I truly wish it was Friday.

Our journey



Picture used with permission

 Welcome to our journey...our fight...our will to overcome breast cancer.

Thank you to all our family and friends who expressed an interest in our journey towards cancer-free living. It is truly overwhelming! We really didn't want to miss someone's email or phone call and decided this blog would be a place for our family and friends to see how we are doing. Please drop us a line if you feel up to it.

We look forward to having you share our journey together!

Love, Shelley, Bob, Alycia, Mikayla & Rob

How it all began...

It is a beautiful August summer day! Time for my annual physical....sigh!  My doctor reminds me that I will soon be 46 years old.  Perhaps it's time for a mammogram - my breasts are dense - I am young - I am healthy - there is no breast cancer history - no worries.  This picture will be tucked away until I am 50 years old so we have a baseline to compare too. 

The results of the the mammogram is a "highly nonmalignant" area - monitoring required.  Return in 3 - 6 months.  My doctor decides 3 months.

It is now November.  Again I have a mammogram.  This time it is accompanied by an ultrasound.  There is a slight burning sensation in my upper pectoral muscle.  Results will be returned to my doctor in a week or so. Two days later, I am sitting in the doctor's office listening to her explain that I have a "highly suggestive maligant carcinoma"...I remember hearing "lumpectomy - early stage - biopsy - no worries - young - curable"  Whoa!

It is now December. Bob and I are at the Pasqua Hospital waiting to see the doctor for the lumpectomy...it is a biopsy that is performed.  It is fairly uneventful.  Only three samples were taken because of bleeding.  The doctor explains that I may need an MRI depending on the results.  The results seem to take an eternity to come in.  Three weeks to be exact and with the help of a hospital client representative who helped to track the results for me.  It is New Year's Eve, I am in the doctor's office - BENIGN.  I should be happy but I am not.  There is a burning sensation that continues to get stronger. I ask for an MRI.  I need to know. My family needs to know with 100% certainty this is not cancer.

It is now January. I fell asleep during the MRI.  It is not scarey at all - perhaps a bit noisey....a repetitive sound put me to sleep :) The following day, I receive a call from the Pasqua Breast Assessment asking for me to come in.  Wow!  I have a flight to Flordia booked at 11:30 AM!  They promise to have me out of there by 10:00 AM.  A re-peat biopsy is performed. I am at the airport by 10:00 AM. After a beautiful week in Florida, I am home. The phone rings.  It is the doctor "yes, you have cancer" "referral to a surgeon" "waiting on MRI" "see you soon". Yikes!

It is now February. We meet wtih the surgeon. A lumpectomy is not an option. Diagnosis: Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma. It is low grade. Early stage. The MRI showed other cancerous areas: Ductal Carcinoma Insitu.