January 21st
February 8th
February 9th
Feb 11
The night before was hard. Elaine through up blood at 11pm and felt full from to much food. We were up at 3 with Finlay and up at 4 with Heather. I got up at 630 to arrange food for the day
Elaine got up at the same time but was feeling sick. She did throw up blood again. Her blood pressure was110/70 so we put her back to bed. After all the kids were at school she got up and we drove to calgary the treatment went well and elaine was able to get some sleep
February 12th
A lot better start to the day. We traveled to calgary and received the radiation therapy. The whole thing only took 40 minutes. We then drove back to canmore for a quick cross country ski. We started on a hard route which turned out to be to much for elaine. This was a reality check for the both of us. However we were able to complete the course and the exercise and fresh air wad good for the soul. We put the lack of energy down to diet change,a long with chemo and radiation.
February 13th
Elaine woke up after a restless nights sleep. She was worried that Heather and Finlay would not remember how active and fit she once was. Of course they will remember how good she was as we will tell them. Not to mention that she may make a almost full recovery. After all, she has been very active all the way up to now.
Treatment went well today but elaine is starting to feel the burning sensation on the inside of the chest. Hopefully this will be shrinking the tumor.
February 14th
Elaine is struggling with nausea. Evenings are the most difficult part of the day. The doc has increased the anti nausea tablets so hopefully that will help.
The results from the PET scan came today. Not great news. They show activity in the neck 9mm and 20mm activity in the liver. They will be sending elaine for biopsies next week.
February 15
A good day Elaine was able to tolerate a good verity of food.
We did however plan to get the kid's at a party but discovered that we had the wrong day so we went swimming at elevation place. The pool was way too busy and we felt uncomfortable being in a crowd with elaine on chemo. Elaine also went a walk with Karen up the bench. Karen was struggling to keep up.
February 16th
Elaine was unable to keep fluids down. We had a trip to the emergency while the kids were at a party. She had X ray of the abdomen and found that she was slightly blocked so she took laxatives. This helped a little bit but was still unable to tolerate food.
February 17th
We had arranged to go swimming with sandy and beth at the banff springs. Elaine was still unable to tolerate food. On our return we placed the kids at brian and jackie's,then took elaine down to the emergency room. She was placed on an iv and given dexamepthadone which reduced the swelling enough to be able to take milky consistency drinks in 20ml volume. They then sent her home with an iv to be self administrated in the morning. She as in the emergency for 6 hours.
February 18th
February 15
A good day Elaine was able to tolerate a good verity of food.
We did however plan to get the kid's at a party but discovered that we had the wrong day so we went swimming at elevation place. The pool was way too busy and we felt uncomfortable being in a crowd with elaine on chemo. Elaine also went a walk with Karen up the bench. Karen was struggling to keep up.
February 16th
Elaine was unable to keep fluids down. We had a trip to the emergency while the kids were at a party. She had X ray of the abdomen and found that she was slightly blocked so she took laxatives. This helped a little bit but was still unable to tolerate food.
February 17th
We had arranged to go swimming with sandy and beth at the banff springs. Elaine was still unable to tolerate food. On our return we placed the kids at brian and jackie's,then took elaine down to the emergency room. She was placed on an iv and given dexamepthadone which reduced the swelling enough to be able to take milky consistency drinks in 20ml volume. They then sent her home with an iv to be self administrated in the morning. She as in the emergency for 6 hours.
February 18th
Kids packed up for a full day at sandy and beth's.
Radiation went well. Met with the magical oncologists and decided to go for the NG feeding tube. We had to head back to the foothill and wait for the NG tube to be fitted. Once fitted elaine was sent for an xray to ensure correct placement. We did not leave until 430pm and still no confirmation from the doctor that it was in the right place. Driving home we received a call to ask us to return to the hospital at 8am so they could lower the tube 3 cm.
Having the NG tube knocked elaines confidence and this plus the inconclusive results of the PET scan made elaine very down.
We a ranged for the kids to have a sleep over with maxwell and gavin as we had to be leaving canmore at 630 am.
February 19th
Today was a very busy day. Elaine had to feed her self with a syringe while traveling to the hospital. We arrived at the hospital at 8am for the adjustment to the tube then at 10am we attended a NG teaching session. 12pm elaine started chemo and was in there for 3.5 hours then she received radiation at 3.45. We arrived back at canmore a 6pm and still had to collect the kids.
Collecting the kids was a great achievement by elaine, meeting the kids and friends for the first time with the tube. The kids had lots of questions and were excited to see it work. Elaine is holding up but very scared and emotional right now and thinking the worst.
February 20th
Elaine started the day by going for a cross country ski.
Cathy came to the house to give elaine a ride into calgary. Elaine returned home and after feeding went for a walk. Elaine is still very emotional but knows she has to change her mind set. James and the kids had an afternoon at the ski hill, trying to keep a normal life for the kids as possible. Returning home at 5pm.
February 21st
Elaine is working hard to change her mind set and looks back on every day to find the positive moments and reflect on these. Her nausea has gone Un noticed so far following her chemo on Wednesday and her vomiting has stopped since the insertion of the tube. Also today the doctor told us that the PET scan had been looked at by two other people who believe that the areas of activity are blood vessels and would not do a biopsy. So we have to wait 8 weeks until they redo the scan.
February 22nd,
Elaine went for a 1.5 hour cross country ski. She came back feeling tired but this may be due to the chemo. She followed this by a walk and then a pleasant meal at sandy and beth's with friends. Very enjoyable.
February 23rd
The cold weather changed our plans. We were set to go skiing but with a high of minus 18 we stayed in and did crafts followed by a trip to banff to watch the Lego movie.
Elaine had a good weekend with her food. She was able to supliment the fluid diet with blended food by mouth. Lets hope that this keeps up.
February 24th
The day was very long. Stated with an appointment 1045 followed by blood work after. Then we had to hang out for 4 hours until our last appointment at 4pm. The doctor was running late so we did not get seen until 445pm, after that it was a trip to the airport to collect elaines parents and finally returning home at 715pm.
February 25th
Robbie drove elaine in to calgary for her treatment. Elaine started with chemo and had a reaction to the drug's. A gripping chest pain, this prolonged elaines stay and made for another long day. She was out the house form 830am till 430pm.
She has a strong appetite and continues to supplement her feeding with blended food.
February 26th
A bright blue sky and a good drive into calgary but the radiation department was running late. However elaine is still determined to get out for a cross country ski up on our return to canmore.
February 27
Cathy took elaine into calgary. All went well the whole thing with travel only took 2.5 hours.
February 28th
Elaine started her day at 530am with a feed, Radiation went well. Elaine is able to get food past the tumor and is starting to gain weight. The doctor wants her to try to take all of her medicine and food orally. If she can do this then the tube can be removed , which will reduce the changes of scar tissue
March 1st
The temperature is minus 28 today and Elaine went for a walk as well as a short run.
She was able to eat all of her food orally and therefor able to remove the tube. All we have to work on is a positive attitude.
February 21st
Elaine is working hard to change her mind set and looks back on every day to find the positive moments and reflect on these. Her nausea has gone Un noticed so far following her chemo on Wednesday and her vomiting has stopped since the insertion of the tube. Also today the doctor told us that the PET scan had been looked at by two other people who believe that the areas of activity are blood vessels and would not do a biopsy. So we have to wait 8 weeks until they redo the scan.
February 22nd,
Elaine went for a 1.5 hour cross country ski. She came back feeling tired but this may be due to the chemo. She followed this by a walk and then a pleasant meal at sandy and beth's with friends. Very enjoyable.
February 23rd
The cold weather changed our plans. We were set to go skiing but with a high of minus 18 we stayed in and did crafts followed by a trip to banff to watch the Lego movie.
Elaine had a good weekend with her food. She was able to supliment the fluid diet with blended food by mouth. Lets hope that this keeps up.
February 24th
The day was very long. Stated with an appointment 1045 followed by blood work after. Then we had to hang out for 4 hours until our last appointment at 4pm. The doctor was running late so we did not get seen until 445pm, after that it was a trip to the airport to collect elaines parents and finally returning home at 715pm.
February 25th
Robbie drove elaine in to calgary for her treatment. Elaine started with chemo and had a reaction to the drug's. A gripping chest pain, this prolonged elaines stay and made for another long day. She was out the house form 830am till 430pm.
She has a strong appetite and continues to supplement her feeding with blended food.
February 26th
A bright blue sky and a good drive into calgary but the radiation department was running late. However elaine is still determined to get out for a cross country ski up on our return to canmore.
Cathy took elaine into calgary. All went well the whole thing with travel only took 2.5 hours.
February 28th
Elaine started her day at 530am with a feed, Radiation went well. Elaine is able to get food past the tumor and is starting to gain weight. The doctor wants her to try to take all of her medicine and food orally. If she can do this then the tube can be removed , which will reduce the changes of scar tissue
March 1st
The temperature is minus 28 today and Elaine went for a walk as well as a short run.
She was able to eat all of her food orally and therefor able to remove the tube. All we have to work on is a positive attitude.
March 2nd
The whole family went swimming at the banff springs with friends. Elaine met her running friends afterwards at the summit café. The girls had found a healing stone from the gem store and had a necklace made for all of them to help elaine through this. They also chose a book that reflected elaines persona" born to run" for the book club. It was amazing to see how this has spurred elaine on and raised her spirit.
The whole family went swimming at the banff springs with friends. Elaine met her running friends afterwards at the summit café. The girls had found a healing stone from the gem store and had a necklace made for all of them to help elaine through this. They also chose a book that reflected elaines persona" born to run" for the book club. It was amazing to see how this has spurred elaine on and raised her spirit.
March 4th
Chemo days are long days amd made longer when elaine has a reaction to the paclataxle. Again she felt a crushing pain in the chest followed by lower back pain and hot flashes. They had to administer other drugs to prevent the reaction. The whole process prolonged the day by 2hrs. Total time away from the house was 9hrs.
Elaine had a visit from janie during chemo treatment which helped to boost her wellbeing. Only one week more to go with chemo and apart from the reactions she has coped very well with little side effects
Elaine ended the day with a 45 minute walk with her mum.
Chemo days are long days amd made longer when elaine has a reaction to the paclataxle. Again she felt a crushing pain in the chest followed by lower back pain and hot flashes. They had to administer other drugs to prevent the reaction. The whole process prolonged the day by 2hrs. Total time away from the house was 9hrs.
Elaine had a visit from janie during chemo treatment which helped to boost her wellbeing. Only one week more to go with chemo and apart from the reactions she has coped very well with little side effects
Elaine ended the day with a 45 minute walk with her mum.
March 5th
After treatment elaine and I went for a cross country ski. They had fresh snow so we decided to go classic. It's amazing how hard it is when you have not done it for a while. Elaine did very well as usual. Her ability to take food orally is improving and weight gain is steady
After treatment elaine and I went for a cross country ski. They had fresh snow so we decided to go classic. It's amazing how hard it is when you have not done it for a while. Elaine did very well as usual. Her ability to take food orally is improving and weight gain is steady
March 6th
Cathy took elaine into calgary again and we arranged to go xc skiing on elaines return. It was very cold but still great to see elaine ski she even had the energy to coaching beth who has never been skate skiing before.
That night e met sandy and beth at the iron goat for a beer and left the kids with the grandparents
Cathy took elaine into calgary again and we arranged to go xc skiing on elaines return. It was very cold but still great to see elaine ski she even had the energy to coaching beth who has never been skate skiing before.
That night e met sandy and beth at the iron goat for a beer and left the kids with the grandparents
March 7th
Radiation therapy was quick but had to wait for the follow up appointment with the nurse. All was good and they are happy with her progress.
We met up with friends for coffee at the summit café. It's amazing how little time we seem to have, the last time we met Irene and mike was 7 weeks ago.
We also met with robin and kirsten for a walk up the bench. On the way home elaine received a call from the surgeon, nothing bad but it put elaine into a dark place thinking of the future. This was to last the whole weekend.
Radiation therapy was quick but had to wait for the follow up appointment with the nurse. All was good and they are happy with her progress.
We met up with friends for coffee at the summit café. It's amazing how little time we seem to have, the last time we met Irene and mike was 7 weeks ago.
We also met with robin and kirsten for a walk up the bench. On the way home elaine received a call from the surgeon, nothing bad but it put elaine into a dark place thinking of the future. This was to last the whole weekend.
March 8th
Saturday Mary and Dave took the kids for there swimming lessons while elaine and I went out for a skate ski at the Nordic center.
March 9th
Elaine met with the girls from the book club for coffee followed by a walk up the bench while I built a shelving unit with the help of the kids. They then proceeded to play bobsled with the unit while on the floor. We then drove to the Nordic center for josie's birthday party.
After this we celebrated Daves birthday with a roast beef dinner which elaine was able to eat after blending.
Saturday Mary and Dave took the kids for there swimming lessons while elaine and I went out for a skate ski at the Nordic center.
March 9th
Elaine met with the girls from the book club for coffee followed by a walk up the bench while I built a shelving unit with the help of the kids. They then proceeded to play bobsled with the unit while on the floor. We then drove to the Nordic center for josie's birthday party.
After this we celebrated Daves birthday with a roast beef dinner which elaine was able to eat after blending.
March 10th
Just a normal day of treatment. Started with blood work followed by radiation therapy. We met the nurse in the hallway and had a brief meeting which meant that we didn't have to attend the meeting set up for the afternoon. So we were able to travel home sooner. Elaine went to yoga on our return.
March 11th
Last day of chemo and elaine had another reaction this increased the stay in the hospital by 2.5 hours. We returned home around 5 pm. Elaine went out for a slow run and had to walk a few sections.
Just a normal day of treatment. Started with blood work followed by radiation therapy. We met the nurse in the hallway and had a brief meeting which meant that we didn't have to attend the meeting set up for the afternoon. So we were able to travel home sooner. Elaine went to yoga on our return.
March 11th
Last day of chemo and elaine had another reaction this increased the stay in the hospital by 2.5 hours. We returned home around 5 pm. Elaine went out for a slow run and had to walk a few sections.
March 12th
Karen drove elaine in for treatment. Elaine returned around 1115, this gave her time to get lunch(still soups and smoothies only) before heading up to the Nordic center for a skate ski with sean tosh. A great day with lots of sunshine.
This was followed by a meeting with Finlays teacher, Finlay is doing very well and is progressing well.
We finished the night going round to Jo's to select a winner of a 50/50 charity fund raiser for elaine.
They had organized the fund raising without our knowledge and then surprised elaine by getting her to pick out the winning ticket. The money they raised is for another flight for elaines parents. They have also arranged with Canadian affair discounted tickets.
Elaine was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. 1000 tickets had been sold and the bag of ticket stubs was huge
Karen drove elaine in for treatment. Elaine returned around 1115, this gave her time to get lunch(still soups and smoothies only) before heading up to the Nordic center for a skate ski with sean tosh. A great day with lots of sunshine.
This was followed by a meeting with Finlays teacher, Finlay is doing very well and is progressing well.
We finished the night going round to Jo's to select a winner of a 50/50 charity fund raiser for elaine.
They had organized the fund raising without our knowledge and then surprised elaine by getting her to pick out the winning ticket. The money they raised is for another flight for elaines parents. They have also arranged with Canadian affair discounted tickets.
Elaine was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. 1000 tickets had been sold and the bag of ticket stubs was huge
March 13th
A quick journey into the city to receive treatment then back to canmore to enjoy the sun.
Elaine wanted to get out for a run so I offered to go with her. We ran from our house up lady mac over the creek and down benchlands trail to the lihhts on railway ave, then we continued along the 1A to the RCMP detachment the back along the embankment behond grotto way and up the creek to home. She did was amazing ans I was struggling to keep up with her.
Only one more radiation therapy to go, then we are on to the next phase
A quick journey into the city to receive treatment then back to canmore to enjoy the sun.
Elaine wanted to get out for a run so I offered to go with her. We ran from our house up lady mac over the creek and down benchlands trail to the lihhts on railway ave, then we continued along the 1A to the RCMP detachment the back along the embankment behond grotto way and up the creek to home. She did was amazing ans I was struggling to keep up with her.
Only one more radiation therapy to go, then we are on to the next phase
.
March 17th Monday
a good week. we had no chemo or radiotherapy to attend.
elaine is recovering well and if did not know elaine you would not be able to tell that she had cancer and had just received chemo and radiation therapy.
Tuesday 18th we had a day at the ski hill with sandy after dropping the kids of at school.
Wednesday 19th we helped out at the school for pizza day.
Thursday 20th went swimming.
It certainly helped having elaines mum and dad here and with everybody working together it made life seem very easy in the hou
Friday 21st stayed at the Rimrock hotel very pleasant day Elaine managed to eat well and in the restaurant. We relaxed and had a easy start to Saturday before meeting elaines parents and the children in banff for a short walk. Sunday 22nd we we walked up grassy Lakes with elaines mom and dad and the kid. Elaine was feeling very well and was leaving people behind as she walked up the hill.
Monday 23rd we tried to go swimming at Douglas fir with the kids unfortunately it was closed so we came back to elevation place and swam for 1 and a half.
a good week. we had no chemo or radiotherapy to attend.
elaine is recovering well and if did not know elaine you would not be able to tell that she had cancer and had just received chemo and radiation therapy.
Tuesday 18th we had a day at the ski hill with sandy after dropping the kids of at school.
Wednesday 19th we helped out at the school for pizza day.
Thursday 20th went swimming.
It certainly helped having elaines mum and dad here and with everybody working together it made life seem very easy in the hou
Friday 21st stayed at the Rimrock hotel very pleasant day Elaine managed to eat well and in the restaurant. We relaxed and had a easy start to Saturday before meeting elaines parents and the children in banff for a short walk. Sunday 22nd we we walked up grassy Lakes with elaines mom and dad and the kid. Elaine was feeling very well and was leaving people behind as she walked up the hill.
Monday 23rd we tried to go swimming at Douglas fir with the kids unfortunately it was closed so we came back to elevation place and swam for 1 and a half.
MARCH 27th Elaine took the kids to school today when she drop them off
at the daycare both Heather and finlay turned around and said mommy
don't be sad today don't cry and if you do come and see us and we will
make you happy. James was at the training building today teaching
recruits. This was a good chance for him to focus on other things. so
elaine had a day on our own. she went for meditation and had a
reasonable day.
28th the kida had a birthday party with max while elaine and I went for a ski at the Nordic center. We did one of the longer runs. Elaine said it's great to get out and do the things you love even if you are feeling down.
29th we took the kids out cross country skiing for 2 hours. Again we had a great time before coming home for a movie night.
30th
Elaine went for a Pleasant walk with Natalie when he came home we all had a trip to Douglas fir were we went swimming and played on the slides at the water park. It was a great
28th the kida had a birthday party with max while elaine and I went for a ski at the Nordic center. We did one of the longer runs. Elaine said it's great to get out and do the things you love even if you are feeling down.
29th we took the kids out cross country skiing for 2 hours. Again we had a great time before coming home for a movie night.
30th
Elaine went for a Pleasant walk with Natalie when he came home we all had a trip to Douglas fir were we went swimming and played on the slides at the water park. It was a great
April 1st-4th
We had arranged to get away for a few nights at one of our favorite locations and catch up on a few days skiing with the kids. We had missed this opportunity during elaines first round of treatment and now seemed the best time to catch up. Baker Creek was the perfect place to relax in the evening and the stay was full of surprises. Our friends Chad and Shannon had all ready taken care of the cost and had arranged for a bottle of champagne to be waiting for us. The skiing was amazing with great conditions with no one around. The kids listened and wanted to learn more about skiing. We had a system of meals already made for Elaine so the only thing left to do was make the juice and smoothies in the morning prior to hitting the slopes. We even had a few smiles and laughter from Elaine.
We had arranged to get away for a few nights at one of our favorite locations and catch up on a few days skiing with the kids. We had missed this opportunity during elaines first round of treatment and now seemed the best time to catch up. Baker Creek was the perfect place to relax in the evening and the stay was full of surprises. Our friends Chad and Shannon had all ready taken care of the cost and had arranged for a bottle of champagne to be waiting for us. The skiing was amazing with great conditions with no one around. The kids listened and wanted to learn more about skiing. We had a system of meals already made for Elaine so the only thing left to do was make the juice and smoothies in the morning prior to hitting the slopes. We even had a few smiles and laughter from Elaine.
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