I have started this blog so that I can keep you all better informed as I head into what may be the "home stretch" of my three years+ of cancer (uterine leiomyosarcoma, stage IV).
You have all been patient and loving and I would not be facing this nearly as well without all the support we have received. I know you all want to do what's best for me and my family, and this blog will be a way of letting you know what we need and to give you the latest developments, without exhausting ourselves. I am putting some thought into how best to balance my desire to see everyone, and the need to conserve energy, given that my stamina is weakening. There will be more about this in future postings.
The latest medical info is that I have been dropped from a clinical trial that was being run out of Toronto. My tumour growth has been too agressive, and my liver is in particularly bad shape. My lungs are more or less fine, and I am not in any pain (good drugs for that!). I will be getting a little blast of radiation on a tumour that is bugging me, on May 4, at the Ottawa Hospital, and I have one more visit to Toronto to provide final blood test results on May 15-16. In between these dates I will visit my folks in Edmonton, dates to be determined.
The biggest change at this time is that there is no reasonable treatment available to me, even experimental. I would not qualify for another clinical trial.
What has not changed: I can still walk and read and enjoy visits and dinners that do not run too late. I am really looking forward to our garden and canoeing on the Ottawa River and I am thrilled that Ada and Franck are both home for the summer.
And now, for a complete non-sequitor. Here is a picture of the upstairs orchids that Geoff had blooming for me when I got home from Toronto (pretty sweet , eh?):
20 comments:
Great first post! I will be your faithful follower. Geoff
I agree whole heartedly with Geoff! and I will be your second faithful follower. Carrie
NAVAJO BLESSING FOR BEAUTY
As I walk, as I walk
The universe is walking with me
In beauty it walks before me
In beauty it walks behind me
In beauty it walks below me
In beauty it walks above me
Beauty is on every side
As I walk, I walk with Beauty.
(Bless all of your sweet hearts. Always love, Linda)
Good job Mom. ILYMTTSATM.
Hi Ho from the 'fabulous ' left coast ...will be
sending an email also but am really amazed
at this excellent plan of yours !
Just had to say so .
Best.
Robert.
Hi Robin Both Sylvie and I just wanted to say that we are thinking of you and admire the courage that you have shown over the last 3 difficult years. Thanks for inviting us to participate both here and at your re-marriage last year. We will be following your blog. Clair and Sylvie Hardy
It is such a good idea to have a blog - everyone wants to know how you are doing all the time, so a blog can avoid repeated updates.
Hope the radiation reduces the discomfort, and I hope the trip west goes smoothly.
We will be in touch later in May to arrange a meal when the flowers bloom, although it's unlikely they would outshine those Geoff had for your return.
Sending good vibes your way, Susan C.
Of course you have come up with another wonderful idea. What better way could there be to keep everyone who cares so much about you, up to date...
Another faithful follower,
Leesa
Dear Robin: I love your first blog. It is so Robin-like: upbeat, chirpy, life-affirming, while facing adversity with cool, intelligent lucidity. I think I will forge a new word: "Robin-esque". I am in constant admiration for how you and Geoff are living out this new phase! Bon courage! Will wait to hear more about whether you feel up to joining Réal Bouchard and I for a mid-May lunch in Little Italy.
Guillaume
Dear Robin, what a wonderful idea. I wish you all the strength and love that your family and friends are sending to you. Best, Cathy Tyndale
The blog is a great idea! I'm always wondering how you're doing.
xo
Kathleen
You mention a non-sequitur, but I find rather an explicit turning to beauty and love which is the implicit message of the choice that you are making about how to fill these summers days.
A wave of love is tumbling down the Massawippi, and the St. Francis rivers, and up the St. Lawrence to Ottawa. Joined by many tributaries it is becoming a tsunami of love that should be enveloping all of you very soon!
David and Chris
Yes, what a super idea to have a blog. I totally agree with the words and sentiments of Guillaume's earlier post, so won't say more on that front. You are my hero! Great to read that Geoff and the kids will be close this summer. I hope you'll be able to spend time with friends and family and attend planned events without tiring yourself too much. Do take it easy!
All well here except for the weather. Woke up to over a foot of heavy, wet snow thanks to a nasty snowstorm that pounded us this weekend.(You can hear the crocuses and tulip shoots weeping underneath.) Such is spring in Manitoba...ugh! My summer plans are still up in the air. I'm sure to be laid off from my ESL teaching job at the college in June. I may apply for other jobs or may take the summer off. Would love to squeeze in a visit to Ottawa. We shall see...Keep the posts coming. Love, hugs, sunshine, flowers, strength, courage and kisses to you, Geoff, Ada and Franck
Karen S
Dear Robin,
You are inspirational, with courage that I could never hope to have. I wish we knew each other better as the adults we have become. I think we would have been great friends! My wife Rosemarie and I think of you and your family often, and send our very best wishes to all of you.
Cousin Doug
Hey Robin,
Living life to the fullest with whatever resources you have to hand.....how "Robin-esque". Much love and the good vibes of cold beer coming your way from us here in Australia. xx (Juanita and Jamie currently visiting with Carla and Richard here in wood street, Townsville. NQ) Michael visiting up your way in July/August sometime.
Hi, Robin,
What's a non-sequitor? I'm not sure, but there might be one in my house.
Cousin Don
Hi Robin,
You are my Hero. Keep hope alive and never give up. Looking forward to see you soon.
with love
Azaletch
100 of us took our horses out for the 32 Annual Ride for the Canadian Cancer society. We raised $30,000.00 this year bringing the total to $1,200,000.00 raised so far. Hope every bit helps. If I could figure out how to post some pics, I would. It rained, and I got my truck and trailer stuck. This from Vern
Dear Robin,
What a great first blog and fabulous way to keep in touch with family and friends. I've always admired your strength and determination. I look forward to reading your next blog. You are very inspirational.
Mo (a friend of Carrie)
Hi Robyn, Just wanted to say that I am enjoying your blog, you have a gift; you're able to caputure the spirit of your journey in a way that is poignant and beautiful. I love to hear about your garden and it's progress and I am planning to drop by to see it.
your pal in the hood
Debbie O'Donoghue
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