Surgery Complete!

Well it has taken something drastic to get me back as Shell has taken over the blog.:)
We were at the hospital at 8 this morning,although the surgery didn't happen until this afternoon. Shell is doing well. Surgery was only an hour and a half. They also had a better handle on her nausea. Because of this she is alert and will likely get out tomorrow. She is on the same floor as before and had Stevo, the same nurse as before.
A debt of gratitude goes out to Dr.Meiers and Dr. Souf who came in on their days off in order to get this done. We found out today that because there is a shortage of OR nurses, it was actually going to be a couple of weeks if Shell was left on the regular schedule.
I would be remiss if I didn't give a big thank you to the Toronto Maple Leafs. They beat Buffalo tonight and because of that they have improved the SENS chances of making the playoffs.
Because of the lack of OR nurses it has made me think that I may apply for the assistance to take the course, after I challenge the LPN.
I also wanted to mention that Shell started knitting this past week. I believe her goal is to knit a dish cloth for every thank you note that she sends.
Three Stars:
1. Dr. Meiers
2. Dr. Souf
3. Maple Leafs
Finally a night alone with Bea.
Back by popular demand!
Big Bobby Blogger

Surgery Saturday

Finally received a call....after many phone calls and a letter to the hospital Client Representative to plead my case of the decaying flaps.  I will have after hour surgery tomorrow morning - flap removal and node dissection will occur simultaneously...For that I am thankful. 

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!

Love to all, Shelley

Definately not a blonde!

This morning my sister Karen and her girls, Melissa and Kate and I went browsing for wigs, hats and scarves.  Oh my! What an adventure of sorts! I have always wondered what I would look like in various styles and colours and now I know.....I am definately not a blonde! In the past I have been told " you should have been blonde" "are you sure you're not blonde?"  LOL! (BTW, I love all my blonde friends :) and would be honoured to join their club...)

However, having their support made this trip easier to take....I now need BBB's and the kids' input on this sort of thing. I have received advice that I should take the dog for her approval too as dogs have been known to protest this type of thing ;) Perhaps I will join the ranks of BBB and proclaim that bald is beautiful - not sure yet! This is just some of the prep work required for chemo....

Eat, pray (for patience) and walk!

Lots of Love, Shelley

No surgery date...yet

We have been holding off blogging in hopes that we would have a surgery date to post....after a few phone calls there is nothing yet!  BBB previously posted about patience for patients....we are praying for patience as we wait for confirmation.

Yesterday I had a great reiki session - very relaxing and puts my mind at ease.  Reiki is something that my brother Trent and I have embraced over the past few years as a supplement to western medicine. Through a good friend, I have found the Reiki touch in Barb, a master here in Regina - very professional and very compassionate. Here is a great link with some very valuable information on Reiki  - what is is and how it works.  My brother Trent is also an Usui and Lightarian Reiki Master in Calgary.  I am thankful for the engery he gives me.

Today the flaps separated and scared the heck out us!  After a few doctors appointments and many phone including a wrong call transfer,a guardian angel named Patti G picked up the call. We were able to get into see a nurse (Jane -- another angel) for a flap clean up.  As difficult as it was to hear that these flaps have failed and require removal, it was also comforting to know that when a surgery date is confirmed there will be no second guessing as to what procedures will take place - axillary node dissection and flap removal. In the  meantime, I have to say it feels amazing to have clean flaps...

So yeah, although we feel a bit beat up emotionally by cancer today in that cancer took breasts and now flaps....at the end of the day we are ahead of the game - we have each other, we have great a great family and we have great friends.  Cancer cannot take that away.

We will post the upcoming surgery date as soon as we receive the date.

Much love to all, Shelley & Bob

Need to be cancer clean

Today we met with both surgeons (cancer and plastics). The verdict is in and I will be scheduled for an axillary node dissection and flap exploration/removal within the next 2 weeks....hopefully next week as I will need at least 4 weeks recovery before I can start chemo. All waivers/permissions were signed.

So why the dissection? There were two factors that played into this: 1) my "young" age and 2) the sentinel node had a 2.4 mm cancer mass on it.  In extracting more nodes, the doctors concluded the course of my treatment would be greatly influenced.  If there is no more cancer on the nodes, then I would not require radiation.  If there is cancer on the nodes then yes, radiation would follow chemo.  Either way, it is important that I am cancer clean for the next round of therapy. There will be considerable discomfort in my right arm as a result of this but it is nothing that physio and hard work can't helped.

As for the flaps, well, it sounds and looks like they will come off.  Although I am not looking forward to all of this, it is what is best for fighting the cancer as cancer has no boundaries.

This surgery in its entirety will take about 2 hours and I will need to stay overnight in the hospital because I am on blood thinners.  After that, well, it will be R & R and exercise to get in shape for chemo.

Keep praying and keep the faith!

Much love,
Shelley & Bob

More Appointments

Today's phone call from the surgeon's office booked us in for a meeting this Friday at 10:00 AM...we are hopefully that a plan will be disclose then.  In the meantime, we continue to pray for strength to deal with the "plan".  Since we haven't heard from the plastics surgeon, we assume that next week will be a joint surgery...but we never know as things haven't really turned out how we assumed they would so far in this journey.

The legs are starting to loosen up a bit making walking easier.  Bob gave me his "best" needle of Fragmin (blood hinner stuff) so far this morning - no bruise and no pain :) My legs are rather colourful as of late - he is really doing a great job! I don't think I would be able to this myself...ok, I know I wouldn't be able to do this myself!

Sleep was actually better last night than the previous week....I think I actually slept 5 hours straight!  So this too is coming along.  The morning/afternoon naps are still the best to keep me going.

Our friend Mike B asked  the other day on the phone about my mental state with all that has been going on....I told him I always had issues and after being married 22 years and hadn't really noticed a changed :)   All things serious, the power of prayer and support from family and friends has kept me and all of us on the positive thinking trail.  However, I am ready to say "uncle" to God and the medical pwers that be.....

Bob is in Melville tonight for a hockey game and I am relaxing with the kids - perhaps a movie as there is no school for them Thursday or at least Grey's Anatomy :)

Will update again on Friday!

Much love,  Shelley

Fighting Cancer #1 Priority

No surgery date is defined yet.....however, we did find out a couple of new things to share with you.

First of all, we met with our plastic surgeon and agreed that fighting cancer is our #1 priority as it should be.  Reconstruction can happen later without the pressure of prolonging chemotherapy should something else go wrong.  Therefore, I will be going under the knife first of all to see if these flaps are surviving or partially dead/dying.  In the event they are dead/dying in part or whole, both flaps will be removed and the wounds will be closed.  This means reconstruction can occur after all chemo/radiation and recovery are complete.  If the flaps are thriving and need more time, then they will remain as is.  However, we are preparing psychologically for the removal of the flaps although we are not quite sure what that means....we will continue to pray for strength to keep moving forward to fight cancer.

Secondly, we learned that this Wednesday, the cancer specialist team consisting of medical and radiology specialists and surgeons will be meeting to discuss challenging cases.  Yup, I am on the list of challenges to be discussed. The decision to proceed with an Axillary Node Dissection (or not) will be finalized.  The benefits and challenges of these procedures versus radiation after chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone will be vetted and decided upon. So what does this mean going forward?

If the team decides it is beneficial to have the Axillary Node Dissection then this procedure will be coordinated with the plastics surgeon - remove more modes and flaps if required.  This procedure would likely occur next week so that I would have one versus two surgeries.

If the team decides that the Axillary Node Dissection is not necessary, then it is highly likely I will have surgery with the plastics surgeon this weekend. Dr Souf will come in after hours to explore and remove as necessary so that I can heal and keep going forward with the cancer treatment plan.

The bottom line is we will know when surgery will be by the end of the week.

So you are probably wondering how we are doing with all this.....actually, we are ok.  Things happen for a reason. The removal of the flaps is temporary - perhaps we will appreciate the craftsmanship of plastic surgeons more so :)  There is a plan or there will be a plan in place to conquer cancer - that is a good thing!!  A plan carefully thought out by specialists - again a good thing.  There is power in number...Teamwork is awesome!  You are all a part of our team - our prayer and support team!  Again, there is power in numbers!  We continue to pray for strength and courage as we move forward!

As always, we will update the blog once we hear from the doctors regarding our plan.

Much love, Shelley & Bob

Walk & Reiki - It's a good day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

What a beautiful day out there today!!  My coach had me out early this morning walking - we made it all the way to West Side Confectionery!!  (Normally I wouldn't type "all the way", but at one point on the way back I was ready to hitch hike home!)  Actually the walk was great and so was the fresh air!

Bob and I are trying not to fall into the everyday is "Ground Hog Day" routine.... (you know the movie :) So planning a daily outing is our first topic of conversation ....after sleep. We are thankful for the great weather so we can get outside!

Tonight I have a Reiki session in hopes that we can get the blood flowing as it should through this body of mine!

Sens play on CBC tonight at 5:00 PM - GO SENS GO ...p.s. Dad, you won't have to watch the game on RDS... LOL!!

Please include all those who are impacted by cancer in your prayers who choose to remain silent

Love you all,

Shelley & Bob

Go Sens Go

I just wanted to say how tremendous the support has been from my employer the Ottawa Senators. Since Shell's diagnosis back in November they have been very thoughtful and compassionate. They have allowed me to be totally focused on helping Shell and the kids. I am so lucky to work for, and with such outstanding people.
If you do not have a favorite team or your team has had a disappointing season. Even if you make us your second favorite team. A few more fans can't hurt in our late season push to make the playoffs.

GO SENS GO

BBB

Surgery Pending

Today we met with the medical oncologist at the Alan Blair Caner Centre. It caught us by surprise when he strongly recommended an axillary node dissection.  This means another surgery for sure regardless of the state of the flaps.  This surgery will determine if cancer has spread to other nodes and whether or not radiation will be required after chemo.  We requested that this surgery be coordinated with plastics so that I have one not two surgeries.  It won't be as long or intrusive as February's and will occur next week. Learning not to assume things are text book or normal anymore and preparing for the worst has been very humbling especially when you have absolutely no control over your body or what is about to happen to it.  Thank God for God, family and friends!!

After a few tears, I asked the Dr for some positives to take away from our meeting.  Again, we were assured that this is early stage, treatable and I will have a long life ahead of me.  I will take those positives! It is going to take some work, courage and a whole lot of faith for the next little bit!

Once I am healed, I will start 6 months of chemotherapy.  The first 3 months will consist of 4 rounds of AC therapy - once every three weeks.  The next three months will consist of Taxol - once a week for 12 weeks. Radiation if necessary will take place after that.  We also learned that I am both estrogen and progesterone positive but HER2 negative.  This means I will need to take Tamoxifen for the next 5 years.  Tamoxifen will block estrogen production.

This little 1.5 cm infiltrating tumor has created quite a ruckus in my body!  Cancer sucks.....but it hasn't seen nothing yet!  I am just getting warmed up to fight this...and I have a great coach and cheer leading team (that's a positive)!

Much love,
Shelley & Bob

Bob's Night Off

Hey fellow Blog Stalkers! :)

I love that title!! It makes me smile every time I think about it!  Bob is at the Pats game tonight so I am blogging :)  He has not been fired or benched....I have been so impressed with his blogging abilities and humour!  Who would have thought that he had this hidden talent? (Love ya BBB)

Well the past couple of days have been a little rocky around here as far as the medical front goes! Today was a much better day!  Although my legs feel rather heavy, I managed to go to the Dollar Store and Sobey's with mom and dad this morning.  It felt great to get outside however, I was exhausted when we returned home.  I had no problem sleeping this afternoon! Then Bob and I walked Zoe albeit only a half block or so before I went for a Reiki treatment.  Overall it was a good day!

Tomorrow we meet the oncologist at the Alan Blair Cancer Centre.  We are seeking advice on next steps and options if the flaps need to be removed.  What is important and foremost in our decision is to keep cancer treatment and recovery the main goal as we do not want to delay or compromise the treatment.

Eat, Pray, Walk ......& Blog continues to be our focus! Thank you, thank you for your continued words of encouragement via email and blog....keep the faith!

Much love,
Shelley

Day at the Hospital

The morning started out with an ultra sound to rule out blood clots. It didn't rule them out. Unfortunately Shell has blood clots in both legs. So the rest of the day was spent at the Pasqua Hospital. Blood thinner by injection was given,followed by a long wait. We met with Dr. Souf who referred us to an Internist/Hematologist. Since these clots were early stage these clots should dissipate with medication.
This is stronger than the aspirin she was prescribed. More blood tests are being done to find out why she is clotting. This is believed to be a reason why there has been difficulty with the flaps, as she has been on some type of blood thinner since surgery.
Shell will require a needle every morning for the next six months. I am just adding that to my LPN portfolio.

On a positive note, the weather has been outstanding, as spring has sprung early.

Take care
BBB & Shell

Tough Day on the Medical Front

Well, today's appointment with Dr. Souf was disappointing to say the least.  He is not happy with the lack of progress in the flaps.  He is willing to give the flaps one more week.  If significant improvement is not there, then Shel will have surgery within the week to remove the flaps. The frustrating part of all of this is Shel is so unique that she has not been in the norm with regards to medication, recovery and progress.

So the surgery will initially look at the flaps to see if there is a blood flow.  If there is blood flow then the surgery will end.  If there is no blood flow, then the flaps will be removed.  The big concern now is the delay in cancer therapy that could result if the latisimus dorsi reconstruction is performed.  So we are waiting to speak with Dr. Meiers regarding advice on this.

Best case scenario would be the flaps respond favorably this week....(keep praying!!!)  Worst case...well, there really isn't a worst case just a delayed case.  This means reconstruction would more than likely take place after chemo therapy is complete.

Tomorrow Shel has an ultrasound to rule out blood clotting in the legs.  Hopefully this will go well for her.

On the positive side of things, the final drain was removed today.  This should help with comfort and hopefully sleeping.

Keep praying folks - we appreciate all your prayers!

Take care,

Bob

Surprise Call from Doctor

Today we received a surprise phone call from the surgeon Dr. Meiers.  She indicated that she had a partial pathology report to share with us.....so here is what we know:

• clear margins on the right
• no cancer on the left
• 4 lymph nodes were removed - 3 nodes had isolated tumor cells but the overall designation was node-negative
• Grade is 2
• Stage is 3
• Treatable and early stage
• Receptor report is pending
• Referral was made to medical and radiological oncologists

We meet with Dr on April 4th for the full report.  In the meantime, we continue to meet with Dr. Souf, the plastics surgeon.

Eat, Pray, Walk continues to be the norm around here...thanks for the advice re: leg tightness and milk/bananas :) Things seems to be working its way out!  Sleep is still premium and napping is the best!

Much love to all,

BBB & Shelley :)

Late Breaking News

I/we have to apologize for not posting yesterday. It was a busy day that flew by, then it was to late to post.
We had our orientation at the cancer clinic. Very informative and reassuring in that it answers lots of questions you have and maybe haven't thought of. We now know how the process works and are just waiting on results from pathology as well as appointment with Dr. Meiers.
After orientation Shell was very hungry so we went out for lunch at Brown's Social House. Excellent food and atmosphere. I better say service as this is where Mik & Al are hostesses. This outing tired Shell out and she slept for most of afternoon. When she got up it was time for treadmill. Same duration (20 minutes)with increased speed. Next thing you know she'll be running.
Last night we got Shell a babysitter. Rob and I attended the Pats game and the girls had plans as well. Big thank you to Lisa Brown, our next door neighbour,who went above and beyond the call of duty. Lisa had supper brought over, then came over when Rob and I left for game. She proceeded to do laundry and clean floors as well as have a visit and take care of Shell's needs. Merci Beacoup Lisa.
Two of the biggest challenges for Shell and her recovery, have been shortness of breath and leg cramps.
If anyone has any exercises or ideas to help we would be appreciate you send it to our email. sblowes@sasktel.net or blog so others can learn.
We anticipate the next few days to be ground hog day. Eat,Pray,Move. Our next appointment is Monday with Dr.Souf. We do not expect to post again until Monday, as posting until then will be redundant, for my creative juices have dried up.
Bea sends her love to all!
Big Bobby Blogger

Getting back to Normal

Shell had her best sleep yet, but is still not sleeping through the night. Very good day. Walked on treadmill for 20 minutes at the lowest speed. That gave her one lap of track. She had no expectations when she started, but then wanted to finish one lap. The goal oriented person took over.
We would like to thank Scott Thomson the manager of Flaman Fitness. He has always been so good to us when we shop for fitness equipment. You should check them out if you are looking for fitness equipment. Great customer service and selection.
Needless to say Shell had a 2 hour nap after lunch. She is starting to get her appetite back and is starting to crave certain foods.
This afternoon Shell had her hair shampooed and styled by Jen at PAI. Jen had offered before surgery ,so Shell took her up on it. I think Shell was getting tired of me calling it, her "dirty flow".
Tomorrow we attend orientation at the Alain Blair Cancer Clinic. Not sure what to expect though I an sure it will be informative and helpful.
Shell sat at computer today. This is a bit concerning for me as she is close to taking over. I don't know if I can quit cold turkey. I may have to attend blogger's anonymous or try laser therapy. Hopefully she will let me make the odd cameo.

Soon to be benched.
Big Bobby Blogger

Doctor,Doctor.....Give Me the News.

Shell had two appointments today. Both were very encouraging. The first was with her GP regarding some questions about therapy,vitamins and medication. Shell will receive physio therapy after she heals from surgery. The second appointment was with Dr. Souf the plastic surgeon. He feels things are progressing and that there are positive signs of blood flow. He prescribed an antibiotic as the last drain will stay in for one more week.
Needless to say, these two appointments took a lot out of Shell. She was exhausted when we returned home. Though tired she was elated with the news and her spirits are good. We both were a bit on edge hoping that things were alright.
As well, Dr. Souf was joking that they may hire me, when I brought out all my recordings with regards to blood pressure and drainage. I'm wondering if they let you challenge the LPN course. Would be something to fall back on.
I would like to thank Jim and Rita for giving us a ride today. The appointment was downtown with parking challenges,so this allowed me to walk Shell in and out with no problems. Jim and Rita are my old billets and have remained very close to our family since I lived there.
Our next big hurdle is getting pathology report. We are hoping for best case scenario.
Shell has been making some suggestions about taking over the blog again. We will make sure she is up for it, because this is not easy. :)

Big Bobby Blogger

To Bea or Not to Bea

Shell may have overdone it on his first day home. She sat up for most of the evening and ended up sick and nauseous before going to bed. After that she was able to settle down and sleep for a couple of hours. We have a set of stairs up to our bedroom which she believes she tried to take to fast. So far, today has been a good day with a bit better appetite and not as much nausea.
Before the surgery we had discussed sleeping arrangements, as we were not sure we would be able to sleep together. Shell felt if I got a body pillow and put it between us it would help. It worked, but it feels like we have another person sleeping with us! I have given the pillow the name of Bea and told Shell that Bea, may get my full attention, one of these nights or mornings. We now make jokes and references about Bea the Body Pillow.
We are back to just our family as of noon today. Uncle Mort flew home to Calgary,as well Shell's mom and dad drove back to PA. Words cannot express how we feel with regards to the help and support provided by Joe and Ione, as well as Karen,Corinne and Trent. WE LOVE YOU.
I have also expanded my home care skills to now include,temperature and blood pressure readings.

Bea's secret admirer,
Big Bobby Blogger

Visitors

I forgot to mention our dog Zoe. When Shell came in the house she was going crazy with excitement. Zoe is the only dog I know that gyrates like a slinky. After about 5 minutes of this we were able to get her to settle down enough so Shell could pet her. Then after Shell went upstairs to bed. Zoe slept on the steps for the longest time waiting for Shell to come down.
Although Shell is home she is not up for visitors. She needs lots of rest and is susceptible to catching something as her immune system is weak. We will let you know when she feels up to it.

Big Bobby Blogger, Home care LPN, Bouncer

Home Sweet Home

Shell was discharged at noon today. As I write this she is resting comfortably in her own bed.

Dr. Souf was in early this morning to look at things. Spent up to an hour with the Doppler machine trying to find pulses and to figure out this unique situation. Unique in that the tissue is alive though the pulse is irregular. He believes there is,or was some clotting that will dissipate as the blood vessels and good tissue continues to grow. We all have a good laugh when he shakes his head,smirks and says "Shelley you are unique"! He will continue to see her as an out patient with our first appointment being Monday, anytime. Being unique has its privileges.

We have been spending all afternoon getting supplies and medication in order to make Shell as comfortable as possible. She is still very sore,tired and doesn't have much of an appetite. I was given a crash course by Stevo the LPN. Shell gave him that name and we have been calling him that for the last few days. I now know how to empty the drain and record fluid color and level. As well as change appropriate bandages on various areas.

I would just like to add that Shell had the same night nurse as before, though she was very good. She obviously had been talked to. As she apologized for situation and her and Shell were able to have a good talk . Shell had a good nights rest which helped in her feeling good enough to come home.

We were also told that Dr. Meier will call us with pathology results within next couple of weeks. We have a scheduled appointment with her on April 11th. I believe this is to be given name of Oncologist who will be handling Shell's treatments. We are hoping that the Sentinel Node was clear so no radiation is needed.

Big Bobby Blogger, Home care  LPN.

Power of Positive Thinking

Shell had a tough night. Not much sleep as she had some negative thoughts keep her mind racing. This was due to the night nurse being a "Chatty Cathy" mixed with a "Negative Nelly". I was there when she first rattled Shell. I discussed with Shell that she should take the opinion of the Doctor and not the nurse.
This long night led to Shell being very tired. When I arrived she had a bad headache with high blood pressure. Because of this they put her back to bed in order for her to sleep and try and get blood pressure to lower. It eventually lowered and she was able to resume sitting up and going for the odd walk.

When Dr. Souf arrived he helped put Shell at ease. Although her healing has been something that he has not seen before. He believes they will heal with time. He removed 2 drains,leaving 2 drains remaining. Has left it up to us when as to when they will discharge her. If she can have a good nights sleep we are thinking possibly tomorrow.

I just want to clarify that the night nurse was nice and very attentive but just didn't have the expertise to being making those statements.

We are on the right track and if anything it shows you the POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING.

Bob

Good Evening

Shell had a great evening. Getting better, as she did 5 laps around the ward. The news from Dr. Souf
 has really encouraged and inspired her to get moving and active. She also had more of an appetite tonight.
Very emotional for me tonight. When I was leaving she said today was dedicated to her loving husband.

I forgot to mention that Shell's brother Trent (Uncle Mort),flew in from Calgary. The kids love Uncle Mort. He brings lots of laughs and energy. He also is a Reiki Master. He performed some reiki on Shell, which I am sure is going to help the healing process as well as help her sleep.

I would like to say hello to all the NHL Scouts who have been asking about Shell and keeping her in their thoughts and prayers. Although we work for other teams it is a very tight community. Safe travels boys.

Bob

Encouraging news

Another good day. Shell is continuing to improve. Able to move a bit better though is still in pain.
We had some good news regarding the flap. Dr. Souf was able to find a mild pulse and was encouraged with color. He believes the clotting could eventually dissipate. She will be discharged when she feels up to it and become an out patient of Dr. Souf's. We expect her to be in for atleast a couple of more days or quite possibly till monday. We do not want to rush her if she is not up to it.
Shell was in great spirits after news and was even able to muster a partial laugh,as she is still to sore for full out cackle.
It will not be to long and she will be back on the blog. Although I am starting to enjoy doing it and the accolades that come with it. We will make sure she is totally healed before she starts up again.

Big Bobby Blogger