A New Era

Okay, so it's not really a new era.  But it sort of feels that way.  How about a new chapter.  Does that sound a little less dramatic?

Here's what's new:

Mom (Grammie) went home yesterday.  Many of you were surprised at how quickly that all went down.  Really, there is an explanation.  Originally, Mom was going to come out to help with the boys and the house after my second surgery in December, and then she would stick around to see how my body handled treatment.  Well, she did help with the boys and the house after surgery and around Christmas, and it was fabulous.  But because of the infection I had, paperwork, and additional CT scans, the beginning of my treatment was significantly later than we had imagined.  We were thinking it would have been the beginning of January, when in actuality, I didn't get my first infusion until this past Tuesday, February 1st.  In hindsight, we probably could have sent Mom home for the month of January and had her return for that first treatment in February... 

Anyway, so the plan became that Mom would stay through that first treatment and make sure I handled it okay, and then she would go home.  We were then told that it would be quite unusual for me to have any side effects until after the second or third infusion (Feb 22 and March 15).  Well, she wasn't going to stick around until then!  We all decided it was best for her to head home, and if absolutely necessary (that means if I actually get side effects all and if they are unkind to me) she can return later. 

So that's the scoop.  She flew home yesterday.  Owen was very excited to wave to Grammie's airplane in the sky.  We already miss her.  She did so much for me, for Jon, and for the boys.  I know it will be an adjustment to get back to life with just the four of us.  Guess I'll start talking to myself again.  I definitely need to find some projects to work on - obviously keeping house, but also scrapbooking, exercising, getting rid of this nasty cold/flu that doesn't want to leave our house...

Mom, in case I didn't say it enough while you were here - Thank you for everything you did.  From keeping me company to changing William's stinky diapers to folding our laundry (yes - even underwear), you were a huge help and it was a great blessing to have you live with us for 2.5 months.  I love you.  I know it was a big sacrifice (for both you and Dad) and that a lot of people worked together to make it work on both ends.  My family and friends here embraced having you around, and your family and friends at home did what they could to keep Dad comfortable and well fed.  What a fantastic community we have - Alberta combined with NS to create one large and loving network.  Cool.  Thank you all so much.  Really.

Okay, so that's one part of the new "era".  The second part of that is the fact that I actually started my treatment this past week.  It was quite a reasonable procedure.  I have to go up two days in a row each time - one day will involve bloodwork, paperwork, a physical exam, and a consultation (where I discuss my health in the previous weeks - they want to know how I'm feeling physically and emotionally), and the next day is the infusion.  Each day's visit lasts about 2.5 hours.  The second day I showed up, they started the IV, and I was given the 90 minute infusion.  Once that was done, they needed me to stick around for an hour, just for observation in case I had some sort of reaction to the treatment.  I didn't.  Well, I don't think I did.  I did hit a strange fatigue on the way home in the car.  I haven't felt anything like it before.  I just didn't care to talk or move.  Jon thought I was upset with him for not taking me to lunch afterwards.  Really, I was just too tired to care, think, discuss... anything.  It hit again that afternoon for an hour, and then the next morning as well.  Then the following afternoon it was quite consistent for a few hours, but since then I've been fine.  I try not to over-analyze too much (with not much success).  I did read that some people experience fatigue during or within 24 hours of an ipi treatment.  So... did I get the drug?  Or, maybe it's just that we've been sick and not sleeping well these past few weeks.  Maybe I just hit a wall.  Who knows.  Guess we'll see what happens next time.  I go for my next treatment on Feb 22nd/23rd.  I'll keep you posted.

Well, this has been long enough.  Each time I sit to write, I decide to keep it short.  This is what happens.  I don't know how to shut up.  There is even more I could talk about - visits with the Friesen family, crop club, my fun walk/tea date this morning and maybe a Superbowl date (if we can shake this stupid cold bug), but alas, now there is no time.  I must run.  Cheers.