Me playing with some beautiful local children.

Hi everyone, Kayla here. Its been about a year since I went to El Salvador on an incredible give-back trip.  I loved it so much, I’m going back again and need your support (donation details at the bottom)

I honestly can’t describe how amazing it was to see the joy on peoples faces as they watch their houses being built with the help of their neighbors and our small group of teens. We built SIX  houses despite the sweltering heat and during the key ceremony (a ceremony in which the family is given the keys to the house) it was touching to see how much a secure and proper house meant to them. Something that has really stayed with me since then was how happy they were with so little and how much a house with a lock on it meant to them. It meant  safety & security, proper shelter from the elements and peace of mind. It was so heartwarming to see what a difference I could make in someone’s life.

I’m going on the trip once again this year and I would ask that you help me get there. I am starting a little late on my fundraising this year so I hope that with your help I can reach my goal and even surpass it.

Last years trip was a bit of a challenge for me as I was 3 months out of my last brain surgery. I became fatigued faster than I would’ve liked but I persevered and it meant so much.  I’m determined to make this trip the best trip ever (it is also the last year I can go so I am determined to make it good!!) :)
Kids Cancer Care (KCC) runs a Teen Leadership Program for kids with cancer & their siblings. This trip is part of our leadership infinitive.  They really supported me throughout my cancer journey. I went to their Camp Kindle the summer after I was diagnosed and it really helped me feel better about the whole situation. I realized that I wasn’t alone in my cancer journey, which wasn’t something that I had felt up until that point.  My goal this summer is to work as a counselor at Camp Kindle to help support kids…I know how much of  a difference it made for me.

They have so many amazing programs to support families dealing with cancer -  I was also a part of their High Hopes Challenge as a kid coach for an executive, I spoke at their Dad & Daughter gala and have done lots of volunteering with them at ACH.  They are the #1 organization that has helped me & my family on my  challenging cancer journey – I am so grateful to them.

One of the amazing gifts of this initiative is how it brings the whole community together. Locals must participate in building the houses for themselves & their neighbors. What little they have, they share – unbelievably heartwarming!

If you want to learn more about the trip I’m doing follow this link to the website of Shelter Canada (the organization we are pairing up with for this trip) and watch the video there. http://sheltercanada.ca/

How can you help?

This trip will be funded by donations. Please donate so that I can once again give back in my own way and help those less fortunate than us in the first world. I need $1,500 minimum to go on the trip – any extra will go towards building supplies.

If you would like to donate please follow this Donation Link: https://secure.csfm.com/kidscancer/mexico_home/home/profile.php?participant_id=459466891380910262

Thank you so much for your support!

Embracing Scrooge…with my dear friend & amazing photographer, Marie Snippa

My dear friend, Cindy, was checking in on me after a particularly challenging week with pain management and radiation side effects.  “Cancer can be such a Scrooge”, she compassionately pointed out.

Every day that I sat at the Tom Baker Cancer Center (TBCC) getting my radiation treatment (RT), I looked around and I saw it there, too.
So many sad faces.
So much pain.
A loss of hope.
No joy during a season that is meant to be so joyful.
Yes, cancer can be a Scrooge!

Yesterday was my 5^th Radiation Graduation. Yes, I’ve done RT FIVE times. With all my appts, tests, chemo, RT etc, it’s no wonder I’m beginning to feel like TBCC is my second home :(

My Radiologist pointed out that my treatments are a bit like Whack-a-Mole…cancer keeps popping up in a new area and they zap it down -  I love that imagery :)

I wanted to celebrate my graduation with the gift of a little joy. Gratefully, I have the best friends and they always play along with all my antics.  After my treatment yesterday, a few of us dressed up in our tackiest, ugliest Christmas wear (yes tree skirts make lovely capes HA) and caroled throughout the halls of TBCC handing out chocolates, a few songs and a little joy.

Yes, Cancer can be Scrooge….but not for me.   Don’t get me wrong – I can get grumpy.  There were moments this week with lots of tears and I had to dig a little (or a lot!) deeper to find strength.   However, I choose not to stay in the dark places and yesterday when we were caroling at TBCC – it brought ME great joy too. To be able to sing thru the halls (albeit hobbling with my cane), accompanied by my amazing friends and really seeing people’s faces change.  That was Christmas to me.

So, have yourself a Carpe Diem Christmas where you focus on what’s important…. you know what that is for you.  I plan to spend quality time with my loved ones and to focus on love, giving and gratitude.

Gratitude….wow, I have so much to be thankful for:

• I can not say enough about the amazing medical team that supports me & my family….thank you to every doctor, nurse & support person at both the TBCC & in my naturopathic world that participates in my crazy game of Whack-a-Mole. You are remarkable.
• Then there are my incredible friends & family, what an unbelievable community I have – with you in my world, I want for nothing! I love you all so much.
• And most importantly my precious munchkins…not a day goes by that I don’t pause to celebrate how truly blessed I am to have you in my world.  The journey that has been put before us is beyond challenging and yet you both traverse the path with such courage, grace and wisdom.  I often laugh inside when I think about how “normal” you are despite all that’s going on – btw that’s a compliment. :-)   I truly couldn’t be more proud of you.
• Lastly, I am grateful for you – all that follow my family and shower us with so much.  I feel truly blessed to have all my needs met on a daily basis and to be loved by so many.  Please keep us in your prayers.

Cheers to all of you!  Clearly we’re doing something right … this is my 15^th year on a terminal diagnosis.  Take that Scrooge – Whack!

Merry Christmas friends and God’s richest blessings for each of you this holiday season.

With Love, Shannon, Kayla & Tyler xox

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night! xo

On another note: We just received the best Christmas present ever….Childrens Wish Foundation is granting Kayla’s wish to go on a fabulous Scuba Diving trip with her family.   So on December 30, Kayla will be taking Tyler and her Dad & I to Jamaica for a week of fun in the sun.   There are no words to describe how happy I am to be able to accompany my beautiful angel on her trip…I know it will be pure magic.  Thank you so much Childrens Wish!

My first “Disabled Placard”

Embracing Winter

Friday morning I was given a “Disabled Placard”….sigh….

My ego has fought this day for a long time – I think deep in my psyche it is a symbol of things I do not wish to accept.  However, as I sat in my oncologist’s office – I knew it was time.   The stack of scans & doctor reports in front of me documented the rapid progression of my disease and quickly put everything in check.

The situation…My lung cancer – the primary invader, is quite stable…good news!  However, the metastatic bone cancer is now in my spine, ribs & sacrum. Very large tumors on my spinal column are creating sharp nerve pain in both my shoulder & hip.  And now a new 8X6X8 cm tumor on my ovary creates a whole new set of potential issues.

As my kind & pragmatic oncologist laid the facts before me, it is clear that I am in the winter season of my life.  A tough metaphor for me as I’ve always despised winter – in Canada it’s mostly cold, dreary & often bleak.

As I sat in my SUV after the appointment allowing this news to sink in, I cried…

-       It just didn’t seem real to me on so many levels

-       I feel so full of life – vibrant, passionate.

-       I have so much to give.  So much I want to do.

-       And my God….my precious children…

But I learned long ago that “denial is not a coping mechanism”.

So I took in a breath.  Just because I don’t like winter, it doesn’t mean it isn’t going to happen.

Instead, I choose to focus on what I can do to embrace winter.

• I will look for gratitude vs grievance.  Right now I am able to do most things and stay relatively comfortable a lot of the time….I truly savor this.  I take nothing for granted and each morning that I am able to get out of bed on my own, I smile and say a quick prayer of gratitude.
• I will strive to make every moment count.  I chose Carpe Diem as my way of being 14 years ago with Cancer#1…I will now simply amp it up a notch.
• I will deepen my commitment to authenticity & connection.  I don’t want to leave my loved ones behind, especially my precious munchkins.  This is such challenging news to bring to your children … they are obviously very sad and trying to process what this means to their lives – both now & in the future.
  I can also say that the paradox & gift of all this, is how beautifully connected we are.  Our talks are so rich and we are planning many wonderful things together.
  There is so much pain that comes with such news & yet I also see so much power in being truly authentic & intentional with whatever time we have left.  Why is death such a taboo topic in our society – we all know it’s going to happen yet people are so afraid to talk about it?  … but that’s another blog.

First….A Plan

1) This week I will start radiation to tumors on my L2 (lower spinal tumor) & 4th left rib which should help mitigate the deep nerve pain that I’m experiencing in my hip & shoulder areas.

2) Next Friday a biopsy to determine the new pelvic tumor source (from the lung cancer or a new ovarian cancer?)

3) Look at a new IV chemo option – Pemetrexed.  My oncologist worked very hard to make a compelling case for going the IV chemo route & surprisingly, there are points I am considering.  To chemo or not to chemo….that is the question….

Second….A Trip

I’m going on a kick-ass trip with my sis & her hubby (Diane & Bill), my love (Barry) & my munchkins Feb 28 – Mar 15.  A fabulous cruise travelling through Italy, Spain, Morocco, the Canary & Madeira Islands.  We decided a cruise would be awesome so if I need to rest, I can simply go back to the cabin and there are still lots of things for everyone else to do.
Can you believe that in all our travels we haven’t done the Cruise Thing?…. seems like the perfect time.   SO excited!…and it’s another check on my ole Bucket List :)

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Friday afternoon my munchkins & I pulled into the Alberta Children’s Hospital where were we to speak in support of their annual Radiothon.  At the parkade was a big sign – FULL.

I sighed…with the pain in my hip, walking long distances on ice can be a challenge…and its -24!  Then I remembered my new ‘Placard’.  I popped it on the mirror and pulled into a front row, heated, underground spot.  I smiled, “What a gift”.  Hey, I was sure singing a different tune than when I picked that handicap sticker up just a few hours before.  Oh that slight shift in perspective can change everything.

I understand the reality of my situation but my perspective will be to look for the gifts in my winter season.  I am not fearful of ‘the end’ but there are points between now and then that I worry about.  I work hard to stay away from future-surfing and for the most part do pretty well.  Thank you for continuing to journey with me on the icy paths ahead.

Your love & support bring such warmth to my family & I on those chilly days.  Please don’t stop contacting me. It means everything to receive your loving emails/texts/notes & love offerings – they are like cozy, hot blankets in the bitter cold.  Please also understand that I am unable to reciprocate most correspondence at this time. My energy is so limited and I am being very intentional about conserving it.

I’m not giving up.  I am committed to living … right to the end.  There is lots of room for Carpe Diem moments in each of my days.    I am at peace.

Carpe Diem! ❤

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the SNOW :). Carpe Diem!

Tyler’s broken wrist :(

Today we spent the morning at Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH)…again.  But today was different in that we were there for Tyler.  After a snowboarding accident on the weekend, we found our very active young man had broken his wrist… this will sure make his busy hockey & basketball schedule challenging :(

Once again we received the utmost in care at ACH and as I sat there I realized I need to update you on some of the things we’re up to.

Our family is very proud to support the following three truly wonderful events:

1. Alberta Children’s Hospital 11th annual Caring for Kids Radiothon

ACH has been our second home over the past year as Kayla underwent 6 brain surgeries, radiation, chemo and IV antibiotic therapy.  We are incredibly grateful for this amazing hospital full of such brilliant & kind heath professionals….I’m convinced there are angel wings tucked away under their surgical scrubs and nurses uniforms. :)

We have been asked to be one of the Feature Families for the Radiothon.   Tune in to Country 105 on February 5, 6 and 7, from 6 am to 7 pm to hear our story being broadcast at different times throughout the day.  We are also looking forward to participating in a live interview to close out this amazing event Friday, Feb. 7th at 5 pm.   Tune in & become a Miracle Maker by making a donation at   http://www.kidsradiothon.com/

2.  ‘It’s a No Brainer’ at Blues Can in support of the Brain Tumor Foundation

This promises to be an amazing afternoon of diverse musical talent and awesome silent auction items.  This incredible event is part of a drive to raise funds for young brain tumour survivors and provide them the option to further their education.  Kayla will be speaking and sharing her story at approximately 2:30.  Poster with deets at bottom of this post.

3. Kayla’s El Salvador trip with Kids Cancer Care Teen Leadership Program

Kayla is working very hard in preparation for her trip to build homes in El Salvador during Spring Break.  See her previous blog for details at El Salvador Trip or donate directly by clicking through to Kayla’s Kids Cancer Care fundraising page

We’re so glad to have you along with any of these initiatives that we are so proud to support.

Carpe Diem!  Shannon, Kayla & Tyler

It’s a No Brainer at BluesCan. Kayla speaks at approximately 2:30

Kayla sharing her story to over 800 people
at the KCC Dad Daughter Gala

Hello everyone, Kayla here….

This March during my Spring Break, I will be traveling with Kids Cancer Care to El Salvador to build homes for those less fortunate. 

I have been very active working with Kids Cancer Care over the past year after I experienced first hand what an incredible organization they are for kids & their families living with cancer.

• From April to June, I was a Kid Coach for the High Hopes Challenge, an event that raises money for Kids Cancer Care by teaming up kids with an executive and showing them what camp is like. Together, my awesome partner Carol Oxtaby & I raised almost $40,000.
• In July I went to Camp Kindle – Kids Cancer Care’s camp for kids with cancer.
• In September, Kids Cancer Care asked me to be the Keynote speaker at their main fundraising event of the year, the Dad/Daughter gala where I shared my story with over 800 attendees.
• Now I am a part of their Teen Leadership Program which is the group I am going to El Salvador with.

As many of you know, I was diagnosed with brain cancer in November of 2012 and subsequently underwent 6 brain surgeries, chemo & radiation. I have been very well taken care of by our community, which I am extremely grateful for. For me this trip is a way to give back & Pay it Forward after all the support my community continues to give to me and my family.

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How can you help?

This trip will be funded by donations. Please donate so that I can give back in my own way and help those less fortunate than us in the first world. I need $2,500 minimum to go on the trip – any extra will go towards building supplies.

If you would like to donate please follow this link: Kayla’s El Salvador Trip

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Thank you for your support.

Carpe Diem!  Kayla

Kayla lookin’ good & leaving only 2 days after surgery #6.
Note: ACH famous Moooovin’ Out Cow cheering us on.

She is doing really well and it’s SO great to be home.  We were discharged shortly after lunch and even though we arrived home early, soon after walking thru the doors we were both nestled all snug in our beds, while visions of Maui danced in our heads.

Aaah yes, that is our Christmas gift….when Kayla’s surgery was set last fall and her surgeon gave a time frame for post-surgical travel, I booked flights for Kayla, Tyler & I to leave December 23 to Maui.  My best friend from high school, Dawn, lives there. (ASIDE: who was the smart one….I moved to Calgary & she moved to Hawaii?….seriously, Shannon, what were you thinking?!!)

We are SO excited to be spending Christmas holidays with Dawn’s beautiful family & as our kids are all close to the same age, it’s super fun for everyone!  My sis & her husband are flying over on Dec 26, as well as a couple other sets of friends so there will be lots of fun to be had on the beaches.  Kayla the adventurer wants to do paragliding, surfing, scuba diving etc – we’ll see what she actually gets approved for next week at our followup appointment. :)

As an act of self-care and a desire to focus on what’s really important, I made this a gift-free Christmas (so for those of you expecting one…don’t. ;)

I talked it over with the children and our trip to Maui is our gift. I believe there is no greater present than the chance to spend quality time together with each other, family & friends, in an incredibly beautiful place.

With other friends we’ll be doing sleepovers, parties & dinners to celebrate our connection vs ‘stuff’.  As I look at all the stressed out faces in the malls, struggling to buy things for people who already have all the things they need….it seems crazy to me.  Our culture is so rife with rampant commercialism that it seems we’ve forgotten what’s important.  <end rant>  For me, removing this obligation has eliminated so much stress….it feels great.

The one thing we are buying for is our 12 Days of Christmas family. What is that you ask?

Last year was an incredibly challenging time for us all as Kayla underwent 3 brain surgeries in December.  One of the highlights during this dark time was the amazing baskets that arrived daily from Secret Santa, based on the 12 Days of Christmas song.  It was pure magic (see a couple of my old blog posts that refer to it 12 Days of Healing,  Surgery#3)  

As I considered our Carpe Diem Christmas this year, I decided the 12 Days baskets were a perfect pay it forward this year. I easily found 11 other families eager to participate, so we each took a day. We then each create a basket based on the theme of our day in the song.  That’s the kind of shopping I love….to know it’s going towards someone that will truly benefit from it.  FYI Our day is 12 Drummers Drumming so we’re trying to find useful things that tie into that theme.   Any ideas are welcomed…

Once again as we go through another Christmas surgery, these baskets are again a major highlight of my day. I am so excited to hear of what went into the daily basket, what the secret delivery was like and the news of joy & excitement from the recipient family as they receive & open the gifts (as fed to us by our ‘insider agent’ ).  This is Christmas magic.

So, as my wonderful friend says “that was a short story long”….the net is Kayla’s home, doing great and life feels really good as we snuggle into our own comfy beds tonite.

Thanks for your love, prayers & support!  Carpe Diem!

I sit here writing from my wee bed in Kayla’s room at ACH, surrounded by the steady click of her vital machines & the night sounds unique to a hospital ward.  Once again, shining softly by our beds is her beautiful little Christmas tree, sparkling with angels that people are sending her (and one star….to further anchor her RockStar status! :).  The nurses often comment when they walk in at how warm & loving her room feels.

I’m thrilled to report that Kayla’s surgery went brilliantly today. After ~ 2.5 hour surgery, some morphine in post-op to combat the pain, she skipped ICU all together and is now resting comfortably in Unit 3 of the ACH.

She has battled nausea/vomiting much of the day but all things considered she is doing so well.  Her new prothetic skull looks amazing and they did such an incredible job on the incision (using the same one as the last 5 times :) that she hardly lost any hair in the procedure.  I’m so happy for her!!!

We have no idea how long she’ll be in here but by the way she’s doing, I’m sure she’ll be busting out of here in the next couple of days.

I want to thank you all for your amazing support for our family….with angels, dinners, emails, flowers, notes, acts of service, gifts & so many contributions of love & support.  As I talk to other families on this unit, I am struck by how many people are in such pain (both physical & emotional) during what should be such a joyous season.  Though our journey is a challenging one, we truly feel surrounded by a heavenly host of earthly angels.  It makes my weary heart sing.

I’m counting my blessings tonite…I hope you are, too.

Love, Gratitude & of course….Carpe Diem!

Family Love! ❤

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as we have TONS of snow & Calgary drops to -40 temperatures (apparently one day we were tied for the coldest place on earth along with some frozen wasteland in Antarctica).  It’s really beautiful….as long as you don’t have to go outside or drive on the roads!  Brrrrr….

As we prepare for the Christmas season, once again we are also preparing for Kayla to go in for another brain surgery…..that’s SIX in one year folks!  The good news is this is a ‘happy surgery’ – one to replace the infected skull that was removed back in May with a beautiful new prosthesis.  It is quite a fascinating process as they do detailed MRIs and thru computer aided design, experts create an exact replica of the other side of her head.

We’re excited about this surgery as it will mean that Kayla can get back to her very active life without worry of injury to her brain.  We’re also cognizant that this IS brain surgery and we are not glib about the whole process, but hey….she IS a mighty veteran to this whole scene!  We’re ready :)

We feel we are in the BEST hands with Dr. Hader and the amazing team at Alberta Childrens Hospital.  We will be up at the crack of dawn to be in for the pre-op MRIs at 6:30.  She’s first on the docket so that means things should be underway 8:00ish MST -  estimating an approximate 2 hour surgery.  I’ll try to keep you updated through this forum.

Thank you for your love, support & prayers, dear friends.

Carpe Diem!

Tattoo goddesses ♥ – Carol (the instigator), me & Carolina with tattoo artist, Steve.

Carpe Diem has long been my mantra and I am continually looking for ways to live that out.  However, I never considered permanently imprinting it on my body until my dear friend Carol told me she wanted to get a Carpe Diem tattoo in honor of our journey.  I couldn’t possibly let her do this alone and immediately jumped on the bandwagon – “I’m in!”.

In true ripple effect, a mini-movement began and Carpe Diem ink is happening from Maui to Phoenix, from Tofino to Toronto.  So fun!

It all started in Ghost Town Tattoos, Okotoks (by Calgary) where my two Carols got CarpeDiem’d just above their ankles & I got mine on my left hip.  As previously mentioned, Carol was the brilliant heart & mind behind this whole fab event.  SideNote: She is also lovingly referred to as my SistahWife,  tho’ we don’t actually share a husband :)

Carolina was Kayla’s executive partner for the Kids Cancer Care – High Hopes Challenge fundraiser & very quickly became a special new friend.  I casually mentioned our plan to her at an event and she stepped up immediately – I had no idea she was petrified of needles until we met at the tattoo studio that morning and she was white as a ghost.  What a trooper…nothing stops her!

Luckily it was far less painful than we were expecting – though I am comparing it to when I got new aureolas tattooed on as a part of my breast reconstruction (hmmm, is this another one of those too-much-information moments?) 

Kayla and my sister, Diane got theirs done while we were in Tofino last weekend for my dad’s 75th Birthday party.

Family Tattoos – ♥ Kayla, Shannon & Diane ♥

Diane‘s (left forearm) has special symbolism. She asked the tattoo artist to create a butterfly that had the initials of all her family members that had been affected by cancer.  Within each of the wings is an initial: S for me, K-Kayla, W-Wanda & C-Connie (our two sisters that died of cancer in their teens) and E-Evelyn (our amazing mom who passed away in ’03).

Kayla‘s (right ribs under arm – YeeOUCH!) has angel wings over the words, which to me are representative of the angel she is :)

My high school & lifelong BFF, Dawn who now lives in Maui, was a virtual team mate with Kayla. She got hers done in the same painful rib location, at the same time as Kayla was having hers done an ocean away.

My beautiful & loving mentor from Scottsdale, Diane got her fabulous script written vertically on her ankle.

My dear friend from Microsoft days, Lisa & her wonderful hubby Mike from Toronto are getting matching CarpeDiem tattoos as a couple.  Can’t wait for your pics.

Kayla with tattoo artist, Shelley Fox

I was so honored when my amazing friends & family offered to do this but I had no idea what a deep impact it would have on me.  To experience this unique connection that comes with such a symbolic, life long imprint of intention & commitment has been really powerful for me.  Thank you, my dear Carpe Diem angels.

And it’s obviously not just me that is touched.  When I got my ink, one of the tattoo artists in the shop was so moved by the story that he decided to get a CarpeDiem tattoo in honor of me that nite.  Pretty cool, Josh.

HEALTH UPDATE:

In the midst of all our ‘Shannon-igans’, we also had MRIs & CTs.  And I’m happy to report that we’re both doing well. 

Kayla’s MRI was clear – YAY!!!  This puts her on track for surgery to insert a titanium plate where her skull was removed last spring.  We meet with her surgeon next week.  At last, a surgery to look forward to :)

As for me, it looks like the painful radiation burn may have been worth it (amazing how the mind can have short memory…otherwise there would be no second children Ha :) The tumor on the rib that was radiated now exhibits signs of necrosis (cell death).  The other tumors (lungs, rib, spine) show no significant growth so I am deemed stable.   Obviously welcome news and I was thrilled when IV chemo was not brought up again….this is not a path I wish to entertain at this time.  We will stay the course with the daily oral chemo and morphine for pain management.

I am also actively involved in alternative naturopathic therapies and am researching a ketogenic diet – intense & even radical by some standards but for me worth a try.  I welcome correspondence/recipes from anyone that may have experience with this type of diet.

Soooo, my road is very hilly right now.  Fabulous highs of powerful moments, deep connection & joyful gratitude.  There are also low valleys of pain, overwhelm & sadness.  Not an easy journey but today I am in FULL celebration after leaving Kayla’s oncology appt with a good report & a wonderful date-nite together.  Oh we do know how to Carpe Diem….I hope you do, too. ♥

Carol ♥

Dawn ♥

Diane ♥

Carolina ♥

What a zoo! Some of my RT drivers surprise me in animal print regalia on my ‘grad’ day. Yes, that is a Chicken Purse :)

My 2 weeks of daily radiation (RT) went well – I loved my team.  In a warped way, I decided to think of it like going to a mini-spa everyday. Why not – I was greeted warmly, wrapped in toasty blankets and sent off for a wee nap in a very intense ‘tanning booth’. :)

Plus I wasn’t allowed to drive so I was able to spend everyday on a date with a different fabulous friend.  We had a lot of fun with it all, sharing laughs, meeting other wonderful patients and carrying on with the weekly dress-up tradition from Kayla’s RT experience.

In fact, my RT team loved seeing us arrive in costume & requested animal print be the theme for my final treatment. Imagine my surprise to walk in and see many of the staff dressed up to celebrate my ‘graduation’ -  yes, the Tom Baker Cancer Centre looked like quite a zoo.  Some of my drive team, also in animal print, surprised me at a coffee shop when we finished (see pic).   Oh how I love my full-spirited friends!

Upon completion of my treatments, I immediately headed off to the lake for some truly magical time with family & friends.  YAY- now THIS was what I had planned for my summer!

As I had experienced such minimal side-effects during my radiation treatment, I was feeling quite cavalier about the whole procedure.   And Kayla had sailed through her six weeks….  Unfortunately, I didn’t get off quite that easy.

Approximately a week after I had completed my last treatment, I started to get what looked like sunburn – a bit odd as I was keeping the area covered but we were living mostly outside in beautiful 30 degree days so I let it go.  But every day it got increasingly worse until by the 3rd week post-radiation, I was experiencing raw, third degree burns on a large section of my back.  It was very painful and when nausea started to accompany it, pain managment became impossible as I was vomiting everything back up.

August was a real roller coaster shifting between wonderful summer days of fun & love and deep lows of pain & feeling awful. Gratefully the weather was spectacular, I was surrounded by such loving friends and being at the lake is always such a healing place for me to be.  My own little paradise.

As we start back into the school year, I’m grateful that things are more stable.  Though I’m very tired, the burn is healing, pain subsiding and vomiting gone.  And my tumor did shrink so that is good news.

Kayla & Tyler are fantastic – it was an amazing summer & they’re now back into full swing in Gr 11 & 8.  Kayla just picked up 4 academic awards at Awards Nite with an 86 average…pretty amazing for someone who went thru 5 brain surgeries last school year.  And Tyler finished off last year with the President’s Award.  Oh, I’m a very proud mama.

K & I both have CT scans in a couple of weeks to see ‘what’s up’.  We pray for the best.  It’s hard to believe it’s almost been one year since I received the news.  What a ride….thx for journeying with us!

Carpe Diem!