1st - MRI 

2nd - Med. Specialist

8th - Last Developmental Follow Up (for Michael)

9th - Oncologist

… Bring it ON!

Tomorrow is my blood work appointment. I have had so much blood work done that you would think that I  wouldn’t mind it by now… YEAH RIGHT!!! 

Today is the 1 month mark from my next MRI! I say bring on the first 4 month follow up. 

I took the challenge to fight now I wanna win the battle. The hair is finally growing and will be a shock for many of my friends and family in Newfoundland to see me with a buzz cut. Since I have always had hair from my shoulders or longer.

I can’t wait to see them. I need a daddy hug :)

Since June of 2012 a lot has happened to me and my world. Tumour Found and removed. Home in 1.5 days, help from my husband and families  Waiting to see if I needed radiation … it started in November and finished December 18th.  The feeling of being fine, then hungry (like i had not eaten in a week). 

New Years Even off came the hair and I have been watching it grow. What wasn’t burnt off has been growing well. As of mid to late February from my incision back to the non burned hair started to grow. Its like duck down it is so soft. 

January’s appointment gave me great hope that nothing was growing so it looks like radiation did its job. Next appointment is April 1st for blood work. Then May 1st for my MRI. I like that they are follow ups.

Planning to get my Relay for Life team together.  

Yesterday was my Doctor’s appointment at the Cancer Centre. My scan looked good, some swelling from the radiation, but its only been 5 weeks. That is pretty typical they told me. I get to start driving again in the day as long as someone is with me. Slow and steady is the key when you have not driven for 8 months.

Follow Up … This is How it Runs!

- Year 1 Every 4 Months
- Year 2 Every 6 Months
- Years 3 to 10 it is once a year

That makes this girl and her family much much better!

Ok Sooooo in one week from today I get to see my Oncologist and my medication specialist to see what the next step in this crazy process is. 

Waiting … I am good and bad at it all at the same time!!

Tick … Tick … Tick …

SO! The MRI process was long as there were two emergencies that got put in front of me which I am totally fine with. My appointment was at 3:30pm and by the time i got in it was just before 5:00pm and got out about 5:45pm or so. Long process and you should she the bruise from my IV site for the dye injections. its big and purple and yellow. God Love Michael he puts a big grin on his face and pokes at it. It hurts the little cutie knows and that is why I get the evil grin first.

Now that I have not hear anything from my Oncologist I am going to assume that it looks good or nothing major was seen so I will get the details on the 31st of the month when I see Dr. McMillian again.

I will keep you posted!!!

So … January 14th is tomorrow! This means that I have to get up at 3:30am to take my first lot of meds, then take another dose at 1:30pm and some Benydrl at 2:30pm. This is all because I am one of the very few that are allergic to the MRI contrast dye that I have to have injected tomorrow. GO FIGURE!!! 

This is the next step and then I go and see my Oncologist and my Med Specialist for my Seizure meds on the 31st of this month as well!

On a BETTER note my Hubbie (who is more then amazing) birthday is on the 18th. 

First - Yesterday we got our new bed and frame. Thank you to everyone that helped and made the Huron Heights Silent Auction such an amazing success. The bed is beautiful and the most comfy mattress we could have ever asked for. I never realized how good a new mattress could feel.

Next - My MRI for follow up is on January 14th. Then I see my Oncologist and my Medication specialist on January 31st. So a little more waiting to do to see what my next steps are.

So it has been a couple weeks without having to make trips to and from Hamilton every day and it is nice to be home with my family. 

On New Years Eve I decided that I was going to be awake to bring it in no matter how tired I was. 2010 going into 2011 I fell asleep before midnight hit and had Michael 14 Weeks early. 2011 going into 2012 having a little one I didn’t make it to see that New Year come in and I started having Seizures, found a brain tumour and then had it removed followed by 28 treatments of radiation.

SO this year I was not missing it no matter how tired I was. I did everything to keep myself awake. at 11:55pm I walked into the bathroom tied the last little bit of hair I had left into a ponytail and braided it and tied it off with another  elastic. Midnight I kissed my husband and passed him a pair of scissors and said “Cut it off.” He looked at me and asked me if I was sure about 5 times. I told him. New Year and new start and no more Bull Shit for us. I made it to see the New Year come in so now the old hair is gone and he shaved his head with me. I have an amazing family and set of friends.

Being back and forth to Hamilton 28 times in 6 weeks is a very long process that went very quick when I think about it. My hair is half or more gone, my head is red and itchy, my heart is happy because I have amazing friend and family. I will miss my Radiation staff in section 10B who have been nothing less then amazing through my treatment. We brought Michael the last two visits and him being himself he charmed them, gave hugs, high fives and kisses. 

I want to make sure everyone know just how amazing the Staff at the Juravinski Cancer Centre is. If you are in the Hamilton Area please knit, sew or crochet hats for the Cancer Patients. Also you can knit square that will go to make afghans to keep them warm and winter is the hardest time as immune systems are not working well. If you want details on what size the squares need to be please e-mail me and just ask.

laura.gouzecky@gmail.com

These please are amazing! Next step in my world is my MRI follow mid January and Oncology and Med follow up end of the month!!!

The thoughts on being almost done is a great feeling that is for sure. But bring on my last day.

I know it has been a while but time is ticking quickly with treatments and I am very ok with this. 

I have been a little more tired but I think it has more to do with our little man getting up at 3 am and wanting to play and being congested with a head cold. So, up I get and let him play till he is barley standing and then is finally ready to cuddle in and sleep.

ONLY 4 more treatments to go! Bring on the balding me and then I will decided on what to do with the little that is remaining!

Already MRI, medication specialist, and Oncology booked for January for myself and a Developmental follow up for our little man!!! Gonna be another busy month!

As my hair falls out and I feel a little more on the tired side over all I still feel amazing. I didn’t have the genetic marker that would make Chemo an option for me and to be honest I am kinda happy as those who I have met doing chemo and radiation seem to be getting sicker and more tired.

I am a girl that is currently experiencing what I would think male patter baldness with a mullet back should look like. You really don’t feel that there is hair missing unless you actually put your hand on your head. Of course you see it when you look in a mirror but last night I went to bed and lid on the pillow where the hair still is. I turned over in my sleep to have a bald head hit a cold pillow it woke me up and frightened that crap clean outta me as I wasn’t expecting the cold shock. I just might have to start wearing an old school night cap to bed.

Just the final thought for today … one more day before we start the last 2 1/2 weeks of my treatment. this means I am more then half over … half way was #14 and monday will be treatment #17 

Tonight myself, Michael, My mom and My In-Laws went to the most amazing heart felt Auction for our Family. We were amazed just how many things were there. From Tickets, Hockey stuff, prize baskets, gift cards, little things you can buy tickets on, earrings to buy and so much more. 

The staff was amazing, the students were well dressed and very polite. I am amazed at these kids and just how thoughtful, considerate and simply AMAZING they are.

Thank you Huron Heights!!