I'm on the home stretch now

Hello there to all my breast friends. It was a beautiful day today and I spent most of my afternoon outside setting up for this summer and feeling ALIVE for the first time in months. It is hard to believe that almost a full year has passed since I had my annual mammogram and a lump was discovered. And what a year it has been!. I had my last chemo 10 days ago and am SO GLAD to have all that behind me. But hey I made it ( even though there were many days over the past 5 months when I thought I wasn’t going to get through it) and on Tuesday I will embark on the second step of this journey- Radiation. I will go to cancer clinic to get my markings for the 25 radiation treatments that will begin on June 11 and end on July 13 ( by the way that’s Friday the13 and a lucky day for me!!!!).

I was so excited on the morning of my last chem and was up bright and early & ready to go. I tell you there was a spring in my step like never before. I had a great day at the hospital and all the nurses who helped me since the start dropped by to see me... it was my graduation day they said and I was touched by their genuine well wishes. My doctor wished me well and I hope I don’t ever have to be his patient on the 6^th floor again!!! I hear people complaining about the health care system all the time but I can honestly say the nurses that are in Carbonear are second to none. They never stopped for the 5-6 hours I was there each time for chemo. There were many days when they would not even stop to have a cup of tea or lunch until well after 2 in the afternoon. I hope that they all realize how much they are appreciated!!!

Well I had quite the surprise when I got home. First I found a lilac bush on my door step compliments of Denise and Yvette. Its name was "Miss Kim" and they bought to help me celebrate my last treatment.... now how sweet is that. Then when I got inside my friend Kellie had been here and dropped off a homemade chocolate cake with her mom’s butter cream and custard icing on it. Now you thinks that wasn’t delicious. Kellie is a nurse as well and has been pretty much on call for me 24-7. Like a lot of my good friends she has laughed and cried with me over the past few months. Next, all the ladies from my card club showed up with a beautiful pink rose potted plant and a pkg of my favourite squares. It was so good to have them here with me and let me tell you I am looking forward to getting back to my regular Tuesday night game of 120's with these girls. They are all grandmothers but are so young at heart and a group that have been so supportive of me & my family not just through these past few months but for the past few years....each one of them are always just a phone call away.

On Saturday Colleen came to give me my last needle that is designed to boost my immune system..... now I got to tell you I’m even more glad to have that over with....and I am pretty sure Colleen was too. Friends are priceless gifts indeed and Colleen will never really know how much it meant tome to know that she was doing this and that I never had to go back to the hospital for that each time.

The remainder of the week was a little rough on times but I kept thinking this is the LAST TIME you have to do this. On Wednesday Glenn took me out for a little drive since it was such a beautiful day. I had the window down and it was so nice to have the sun and wind in my face. For a brief moment it felt like my hair was blowing in the wind but as I put my hand up I was quickly reminded that I was bald..... a shot of reality again. But then I told myself your hair is growing back and before you know you will have a full head of hair again and you’ll be grumbling because you can’t get it to go right. In fact, it is starting to grow back and Luke keeps teasing me that it is going to grow back all grey .... but you know what there are no secrets here... it was grey before I lost it...Shelly just did a good job of covering it up. See I’m not afraid to mention that!!! I’ve also lost my eyebrows. I never ever had them professionally done because I was a wimp but I think when they come back, I’ll have them perfectly done too.
I’ve managed to find a good mastectomy bra and prosthesis ( even though it took stuffing three into one to get the right size) and now have a perky left boob again. Some funny though.... brought back memories of stuffing my bra when I was in grade seven cause I had no boobs then but all my friends did. Now I know some of you are laughing simply because you did that too!!!! Tissues won't work anymore though..You got to have the proper stuffing!!! Just before you get to the end of the pics, there is a video for you to click on. I found this on youtube and it is of a woman singing a song that she wrote for her friend who has breast cancer. It is called my breast friends and I thought it would be nice to include it... it really sums up how I feel tonight..it's a funny song and I thought it would be most appropriate to include in this blog
Anyway it’s getting late I should go to bed , got a busy day tomorrow...so until next time here’s a little laugh for you:     An older lady decided to give herself a big treat for her significant 70th birthday by staying overnight in an expensive hotel. When she checked out next morning, the desk clerk handed her a bill for$250.00. She exploded and demanded to know why the charge was so high. "It's a nice hotel but the rooms certainly aren't worth $250.00 for just an overnight stay! I didn't even have breakfast."The clerk told her that $250.00 is the 'standard rate', so she insisted on speaking to the Manager. The Manager appeared and, forewarned by the desk clerk, announced: "This hotel has an Olympic-sized pool and a huge conference centre which are available for use."But I didn't use them," she said. ''Well, they are here, and you could have," explained the Manager. He went on to explain that she could also have seen one of the
in-hotel shows for which the hotel is famous. "We have the best entertainers from the world over performing here," the Manager said. "But I didn't go to any of those shows," she said. "Well, we have them, and you could have," the Manager replied. No matter what amenity the Manager mentioned, she replied, "But I didn't use it!" and the Manager countered with his standard response.
After several minutes discussion with the Manager unmoved, she decided to pay, wrote a check and gave it to him. The Manager was surprised when he looked at the check. "But madam, this check is for only $50.00." "That's correct. I charged you $200.00 for sleeping with me," she replied.
"But I didn't!" exclaims the very surprised Manager. "Well, too bad, I was here, and you could have."

My beautiful mom & me

Wearing my breast cancer necklace from Carletta
( thanks my friend)

Do I look ready for the last one

Here for the first and there for the last



Arlene & Me ( Cough & Pump your arm...hahahah)

Sisters came to visit me ... Lovely time!!

Cake from Picked out by emily from her and Luke

Me and my two treasures on Mother's Day

My daily prayer

Jaya came to visit since I couldnt make it to the prom

A philosophy we all need to live by

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The ring Luke bought me for Mother's Day... nice pink stone to represent a Breast Cancer Survivor ( now you knows I  never cried wehnI opened this... big surprise for sure)

God is good, good indeed

Hi there to all my breast friends, I have received several emails asking for my blog so I figured I should get to work and write one. Truth is I was very sick after my last treatments and have been back to hospital twice since treatment #4.again I don't wish to share the nitty gritty details but suffice it to say I am thankful the worst is past! I am finishing up another round of antibiotics and my treatment which should have gone ahead over Easter holidays will now go ahead this Friday.

I am happy to report that Glenn is doing better. He is free from pain for the most part but he does have some after each physiotherapy treatment which he goes to twice a week. He is getting antsy now and is eager to go back to work , but I am glad he has been home to get me through some very dark days.

Luke finished his first year of university today and had quite the year. We are so proud of him. Many of you have seen the pics from the Lt. Governors house. He won a provincial scholarship from the Women's institute and Jane Crosbie is the honorary patron of this organization. We had a lovely afternoon with her and it was nice to meet John Crosbie.... I warned Luke before we went not to tell any " international jokes" ... Right Kellie? !!! For those who don't know what I'm talking about research a news story that talks about mr. Crosbie getting in trouble for telling such terrible jokes. Luke also received news this week that he won the provincial command education bursary from the Royal Canadian Legion provincial branch. This is valued at $1000.00 and will help pay for his tuition next September. As well it was a busy week for him since not only did he have final exams, he also had to see a heart surgeon. He ishaving heart ablation this morning at the Health Sciences Centre. This is a day surgery procedure where the will go up through his groin and remove the extra electrical current that makes his heart beat extremely fast at various times. I have been advised again not to go to the hospital as right now my immune system is compromised and the nurse says that they are far too many airborne germs there right now , that even wearing a mask may not prevent me from picking up something. I am in town and am only minutes away from the hospital if he needs me. Glenn will be with him and for all you moms out there , I am sure you can only imagine how I am feeling. This has been quite the year for our family. Hopefully nothing will happen to Emily. I think we have had our share of sickness, medications and hospitals---- gonna change subject right now or else I won't be able to finish.... Suffice it to say I've offered up a few prayers and shed a few tears again this morning, but I know God is good and Luke is in good hands. Wow just got a call from Glenn and Luke is out of surgery....he is doing well and I was able to speak to him! Thank God everything went well and he is alert. He tells me he had the I V queen.I can't put into words how relieved I am right now. Gonna finish writing this and take a little nap before my boy gets home.

Since I last wrote I celebrated another birthday.... 44 years young! Sometimes I look and feel 60 but in my mind I'm still just a spring chick and when this whole ordeal is over, there'll be a new spring in my step! Just imagine after this Friday I will only have one treatment left. Then radiation will begin and in no time I'll be sitting on my deck, soaking up the sun, having a drink and watching my clothes dry on the line! I had a full week celebrating my birthday since I was scheduled for #4 on my real birthday. It started out with lunch at all star eatery ( check it out if you haven't already). Then on Saturday we went to Klondyke steakhouse. We had a lovely evening with Garfield, Jean,Mose and Shelley. On Sunday it was across the bay for cooked dinner and homemade chocolate birthday cake compliments of Paula. On Monday we were invited out to Corinne's for supper. We had a lovely evening and were joined by my long time friend Daphne who came to visit from Trois Rivieres, Quebec. We carpooled back and forth to university 25 years ago and have been friends ever since. She is now a reflexologist and gave me a special treatment for my birthday... Spoiled or what. on Wednesday it was back not the cancer clinic..... Not much to report there ,never even got to see my oncologist or the one who is replacing her. Spent a lovely day with Daphne and went to Swiss Chalet. can't worry about calories for your birthday week!!! On Thursday I went to the hospital and had my fourth treatment. Myra came out from St. Johns to spend the day with me and we had a fine laugh. I know it was a little hard on her seeing me hooked up to the chemo but we made it through and had fun getting pics taken with the iPad! On Friday Luke was home and the four of us along with Corinne had a lovely "real birthday" supper. Shortly after Colleen stopped by to give me my bone marrow booster needle.... Within an hour or so I was out for the count and the rest is history!,, as I said I don't wish to share all the details. If any go you ever heard the skit by buddy wassiname called she's gone by she's gone... Well that describes my week after chemo. By the time I got to the end I was saying now bys she's not too bad, sure when you looks at it , tis pretty good sure!

As I mentioned in my last blog and Fb status, Emily participated in the bust a move with Richard Simmons. With your generosity she raised $1650.00. I am so proud of her. She is getting excited about two trips she is soon taking. One to st.pierre at the end of the month and one to Ottawa in May.

Spring is obviously in the air now and hope springs eternal. I trust you all had a nice Easter. I had a wonderful visit with my little "brother" Eric, his wife Colleen and their 3 1/2 year old daughter Charlotte. She made my day as she ran to me, jumped up in my arms and said oh aunt Kim I've missed you. The last time I saw her in person was a year and a half ago.msge wondered what happended to my hair and I told her he lady ut oo juh off. She wants me to one visit her when my hair grows back! out of the mouth of babes hey.

Well I don't imagine this blog is going to have you laughing or crying this time round. Think of this one more as an update. Keep our family in your prayers, especially Luke. Although this is a" routine" procedure I would still appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

It hasn't got me : Watch the video before reading the blog (For me & Anne)

I know I can overcome the bad days when she cuddles in bed beside me and says I know you'll be ok mom.

A gift from my friend Anne - Please keep her in your prayers as she just finished her second treatment

Emily made a yummy orange flavored cake to help chase away the awful taste that arrives in my mouth a day after chemo

We are blessed by good friends who help us out with even teh heavy stuff!!

My soul mate & hubby ...so happy that he was well enough to spend the day with me for chemo # 3 .. not sure who found the whole process the hardest though



Ruth knows what we like. Thanks Buddy



A gift from Eric's mother in law, marion. A beautiful angel made just for me. Done in memory of a child who died from AIDS and given an African name which means "victorius , which is what I'll be at the end of this journey



Last but not least, my gorgeous nephew Jake in his Easter outfit. Chicks are a sign of Spring & Hope and let me tell you when Leanne sent me this pic I knew hope is just a baby away. Bring on Easter, Bring on Spring!!! Aunt Kimmy will soon be better and boy will we have fun times then. Bring on eric, Colleen & Charlotte. Bring on Blessings

 Hello all my cyber friends. It’s a beautiful afternoon and the blizzard that was supposed to be,  never was!!! But hey the kids got a snow day, even MUN was closed but right now the sun is shining and I am on top of the world!!! Well guess what ? I AM HALFWAY THERE!!!! That’s right I had my third treatment which means I only have three more to go. This past one was a little more intense than the last and left me out of commission for a few days. But hey as my good friend Corinne says "This too shall pass"  and with lots of TLC from my hubby and kids ( Luke and Emily are awesome at massaging away the leg pains)  and some emotional support from my buddy Denise I made it through the worst days ever. It ‘s done, gone,  and forgotten and I do not wish to share the details. Instead I will keep you up to date with all the good stuff! By now I hope you have watched the youtube video. I found this online and thought it summed up my attitude perfectly ( not to mention that it has several school analogies hahah). It used to drive me nuts when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Everyone would say " well my dear you just got to have a positive attitude" perhaps they didn’t know what else to say but in reality, it is true. Although I would rather frame it as having a positive mind set or determined frame of mind. For those of you who have walked in my shoes , you know exactly what I mean by that and for those of you who have not yet experienced this journey... I hope you never know. Ok back to it...... Oh my I’m feeling the pressure now after my last blog. I received countless emails about it.  All  messages made remarks about laughing and crying at the same time. I think that may have had something to do with the fact that most of you could visualize a wig and fake boob on my passenger seat and could not keep from laughing. The tears may have come from the reflections about friends and to tell the truth I don’t know what else to write about anymore other than the support of friends ( old and new) that I have been blessed with. Over the past few months I have been able to reconnect via facebook with many of my high school friends ( Connie Worthman , Carolyn Jerrett , Sherrie Brown, Bonnie Evans, Sherry Sooley- just to name a few ) and it has revived me to say the least. Good to hear how they are doing and to reminisce about the old days. Heartwarming to know that they think of me often and are praying for me. Most of them look exactly the same as they did in high school and it was nice to hear about their children and their new experiences. I had a lovely chat with Connie and would love to see her soon. Carolyn helped me through a restless 1-2 a.m period one night and she probably doesn’t even realize what a help she was all the way in the NWT. Likewise my good friends close by have helped me since my last blog. My card club buddies are just awesome. It was so good to get back to a good game of 120's , even if I didn’t win. Special thanks to Helen for helping out at the house this week when I was too sick to do some things, thanks to Ruth & Wayne for the delicious meal that they dropped off on Wednesday when I was finally able to eat again. Thanks to Linda for the lemon cheesecakes and deserts that she has made and a big Thanks you to Clarence who came and snow blowed our driveway and yard this morning after the 20 cm snowfall... Glenn is till not allowed to do these things but he is improving. He will see surgeon on the 19^th and I will update you all on his progress then. Corinne , as usual, is here on a daily basis. She always seems to arrive with some goodies in hand. Neil stopped by as well with some homemade treats from Colleen . ANd when I was in bed and couldn't get out Jean & Garfield showed up with soup. No worries about losing weight in this house with all the treats that are dropped off. Colleen has been a great help as well since she stops by the day after my treatment to give me the bone marrow booster needle that I must have. As much as I hat this needle, I really appreciate Colleen doing it for me so I don’t have to make a third trip in one week back to the hospital. Well there’s nothing really funny to share this week unless the fact that I was offered a $250.00 gift certificate for a solution to hair loss from a company called "Bosley Hair Loss Solutions" funny...maybe I have no sense of humour cause I did not laugh at this email. However I nearly died laughing at an email that I got from a guy in the States who told me I was like an angel and if angels were to be taxed he would be the highest taxpayer for me... Needless to say I updated my privacy settings on facebook. However my bubble was somewhat burst when Luke informed me that this email was spam and he had sent it to hundreds , maybe even thousands of women. Guess I’m not so angelic after all . But at least me and Glenn’s sister Paula had a good long hard laugh at the whole email. Before I end off I want to let you all know that Emily is participating in the Richard Simmons Bust a Move for Breast Cancer. She is accepting pledges/sponsors for this event which takes place on March 31. Cheques must be made payable to Bust a Move- St. John’s and tax receipts will be issued for donations of $10.00 or more. If you would like to sponsor her please message me on facebook or email me at sooley24@hotmail.com. I am so proud that she is taking the initiative to raise money for breast cancer research. She is an amazing young woman who brightens my day.
And now as tradition dictates here is my joke:
A woman has twins, and gives them up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named 'Amal.' The other goes to a family in Spain, they name him Juan'. Years later; Juan sends a picture of himself to his biological mother.  Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wished she also had a picture of Amal. Her husband responds, ''But they are twins. If you've seen Juan, you've seen Amal.''
I put this one in cause it 's the advice a friend gave me about my aphrehension about seeing a gynecologist ( or should I say aprehension about a gynecologist seeing me!!!)  next week...nothing to be embarassed about ...same thing applies I guess!!! Once you've seen one, you've seen them all!!! ( forgive my lame efforts at trying to make you laugh at this blog)
Your Breast Friend ,KIM

Lean on Me..........For you all , especially Carletta

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's
Always tomorrow
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
If there is a load
You have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me

It's early morning and I am sitting in the passenger seat on my way to Carbonear . Carletta is in the driver's seat and we are laughing our heads off.  We are dressed to the nines and have been up for the past hour or more doing our hair and putting  on makeup for the day ahead. Roy is sitting in the back seat and he has no clue what we are laughing about when we talk about new freedom flowers and the washer on spin cycle. We arrive at Carbonear Collegiate ... "the car pool from up the bay" and  the staff cannot understand why we arrive,  ready to start our day, in such a good mood everyday..... It is Fall 1991.

It's late afternoon and I am still lying in bed , throwing up every time I lift my head off the pillow and Carlettta is kneeling beside the bedside cleaning up my mess and telling me that I am going to be ok and before I know it this nausea will be over and I will be the proud mom  of a healthy baby boy or girl.....It is Winter 1992.

It is early evening and the labor pains are coming fast and furious. Glenn is on the right side and Carletta stands on the left.  I am squeezing her hand this time and am not sure she will ever be able to get her fingers apart. Faces disappear and then I am awake again and there she is standing over my bed. I have just woken up from an emergency C- Section and  after Glenn gives me the wonderful news about our son who "has a fine set of lungs" Carletta looks at me and says "he is a lucky little boy, you're going to be a great mom and now I leave you three to share some family bonding."  It is Spring 1993.

It's mid afternoon and my heart is breaking. I have just lost my youngest brother Tony to cancer and I am not sure how to deal with it. Carletta is holding my hand and telling me that all will be ok and that she is only a call away whenever I need to talk...... It is Winter 1995.

It's late evening. I am home on the couch and Carletta is at home as well. We are on the phone reminscing about my kids. I am little sad today as I have drpped Luke off at Burton's Pond and  he  is about to start his first year of University. Carletta is reassuring me that all will be well, that he is a fine young man and I have rasied him well. He is her Godson and she loves him too and I know that  she is feeling a little nostalgic herself.....It is Fall 2011.

It's early morning and Carletta is driving again. I am back in the passenger seat. There's not as much laughter this time. Instead the conversation is of a more serious nature. We talk of family, children, faith and God. There's no makep appplication this morning ( at least on my part) and my head is now pretty much totally bald so it does not take as long to get ready. We are on our way to Carbonear again , only this time  we are going to the hospital for my second chemo treatment. I  am looking at her , whether she knows it or not,  since she is focused the road ahead , both literally and figuratively, and all the thoughts I have just written here are flashing through my mind and I am realizing that  I have been so blessed by her  friendship. It is Winter 2012.

Over the course of my life I have always appreciated the friendships I have made along the way and each one of you reading this certainly hold a special place in my heart. There are many others who have been there for me and my family in good times and bad times but I thought I'd dedicate this particular blog to Carletta since she has certainly been my friend for such a  long long time, with no time or distance ever seaparating us over the years., and I really don't know how I would have survived the past three weeks without her.  So  I hope I don't offend anyone by not writing about them personally. I am hoping that you all know how much I cherish your friendship too and let me  tell you there are far too many to mention, but thankfully all the rest of you have never seen me NAKED!!! Now see I had to say that because I figure most of you are probably half bawling right now at my sentimentality......Now back to the update...

On Tuesday, Feb. 7th I had to go for my assessment. Thank God everything went well. I left the hospital to go buy some cards at the card shop. I wanted that perfect card for Glenn's birthday ( He is getting out of hospital today and I haven't seen him since I dropped him off) and I quickly found it. He always said every man should have a Shania Twain in his closet. The card I found had a lovely sentimental mushy message and when you open it,  Shania starts singing her famous song "You're still the one". He thought that was pretty funny!!! Anyway I also wanted to get a card for a new friend who has also been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I had received several Blue Mountain Arts card when I was in hospital . They are beautiful cards with very inspirational and uplifting messages. Anyway I started going through  the cards and read several when all of a sudden I started having this wicked HOT FLASH!!! Man oh man I thought I was going to die....in a matter of minutes my turban was soaked and I thought,  I got to grab a card and get out of here and get this turban off my head... so I grabbed a final card. I read the verse on front and it was all about the journey to recovery, just pefect I thought.  I skipped over the middle two and  then I read the last verse (which was about serenity and seeing how good life can really be ) and thought yes this is beautiful. So I ran to the checkout and asked the lady to check me in right away ( she must have thought I was crazy)  and got out into the car as fast as I could. By this time I was sweating bullets and could not wait to get home. I yanked off my turban and put it on the seat. My fake wig was already there since I had been too hot upon leaving the hospital and exchanged it for the turban. Then I whipped out the fake boob Mrs. Welsh made for me and threw that on the seat too . I headed for home. I got a red light  and stopped waiting for it to change. I looked over at the passenger seat and started to roar laughing....how would I explain it , I thought,  if I got pulled over---- a wig and a tit on the seat.... try explaining that to a young cop who may be looking to get his quota for this months speeding tickets !!! So I slowed down , turned on the air condtioning and  headed home.... but wait you havent heard the funny part yet. I get home and Helen is there ( I called her to come stay with Emily who was running  a fever before I left to go to hospital...ok so I had what you would call a stressful morning....sick child , her dad still in hospital and me having an early morning appt. at the chemo unit...suck it up buttercup and call on a friend- make no wonder I was having hot flashes) . Anyway...... I took out the lovely card I bought  and gave it to Helen to read. Nice Card hey I asked. Got it for a new friend who is just starting her chemo. Helen nods and doesn't say much about the card. We have a little chat and she gets ready to go home. I  decide that I am going to do up  the little care package for Anne and I decide to read the card again.... Well after I read it I got on the phone and called Helen right away. " Did you read all that card? " I asked . Yes she says. Oh my gosh I shouts into the phone.... the second verse is all about staying sober... that friggin card is for a recovering alcholoic!!!! I know she said but I did not want to say anything...after all you're a teacher and I figured you must know what you're at. man oh man did we ever laugh. I thought I must be losing it and that was confirmed the next day when I went to visit Helen for her birthday.  I looked for the card I had bought her , and found it only to discover that it said Happy Birthday Sister instead of Friend. .. so I simply crossed out sister and put the word friend in... made for another laugh for my good buddy Helen ( For those who don't know she was Luke and Emily's babysitter for years and is as good as a sister to me... always jsut a phone call away too).


My chemo treatment went fine and I stepped on the elevator and  thouught, gee after the next one I will be halfway through! Carletta came and stayed for a couple more days and we had a great time.  Glenn arrived home on the day before my tratment, which was his birthday as I said , and it was sure good to have him back home. He put in a few rough days for the first little while but thank God he is doing better each day. We both appreicate all the calls, emails and facebook mesages inquiring about his progress. He has to go back to see the surgeon in  mid March but up to this point it seems as if the surgery was a success. Thank God again for answered prayers. We are spending some time  planning a trip to Nashville when we both are back to normal. Who needs Hollywood when you can go to Dollywood right????

I had a few rough days myself but nothing I couldn't handle.  On Tuesday, Valentines Day, I was feeling a little low. Anyone out there who has had a mastectomy and  has lost  all their hair will relate to what I am saying....some days are good and some are not so good. So to lift my spirits and continue our Valentines Day tradition , Glenn took me out to lunch. We went to restaurant 99  and I had what my friend Debbie would call a "God moment". At theh end of lunch I opened my cookie to read what was inside... I found neither fame nor fortune but a simple verse that said " people are inspired by your inner beauty"... made me smile and realize a perky pair of boobs and flowing hair really don't make you beautiful. This  boost in self esteem was reiterated again on Friday by my golden friend Densie Simms who reminded me that a kind caring heart is more important thatn a sexy body!!! Being an English teacher you would think that I would have no trouble finding a synonym for "blessed" but I don't think there is another word that could really accurately describe how I feel about the help that arrives during the week of my treatment when I am either too tired or too nauseated to cook. Thanks to Jennifer, Ramona, Corinne, Colleen , Maureen, Kellie, and Thersea ( hope I never forgot anyone)   for the food that was dropped off this past week and a half. I felt really good one day and managed to cook a really nice supper for us all only to be teased by my buddy Denise who jokingly asked if I  remembered how to cook.  It felt good to get back in the kitchen. However let me tell you when I got home Friday night from a long day in St. John's at the Cancer Clinic and final wig fittings,  I was some pleased when Steve showed up at the door with enough food and dessert to feed a crowd. Kellie was busy all day it seems and I got to reap the rewards. When Paula  and Mike showed up on Saturday afternoon I could have easily served them a four course meal if they were able to stay for supper. I especially enjoyed Saturday because Jake came to see me. He's uur newest great nephew  that I wrote about in my earlier blog. I had a lot of un with him and can't believe how fast he is growing... he's so cute...Hope you think so too ... his picture is below.

So like I just mentioned, Friday was a long day. I went to the Cancer Clinic at 9:30 a.m  ( this time accompanied by Glenn and my sister Myra) to meet with the radiation doctor. He was a very nice man who answered all my questions and explained everything in great detail. I will begin radiation treatments approximately 3 weeks after my last chemo treatment. I will have  to get 25 in total... that will be five days a weeks for five weeks in St. John's. I will no doubt stay in for some of these with Myra or Nellie.

After I finished up there I went to see Lorraine at Salon Fredericks and got my new wig. It is made from real human hair and is much more comfortable than the other one. I have a pic below. I have a wig on in some of the pics but the real one is in the last pic on this page. Thus far everone has given it two thumbs up. I got out for  a walk with Corinne on Saturday and it was sure good to get out in the fresh air. I was so happy to be feeling good.  On Tuesday I felt great too and went back to my card club and had a lovely night with Helen, Ruth, Linda, Sadie and Florence. I even won third place!!! Life seems to be slowly getting back to normal for sure.  I had a couple of down days after that but am on the upswing again. Had a minor setback  but saw the dr and got it taken care of.... looking forward to a productive few days until the end of the month when I go back again.

Anyway I'll sign off here. Emily is going skiing in Clarenville tomorrow and I am heading out to help her get her gear in order. I hope she has the time of her life  but please , please. please  God  ....don't let her fall and break anything...there's no room for sickness in the Welsh house anymore...we've had more than our share thus far this year!!! After you have a look at the pics, scroll all the way to the bottom for my joke!! Take Care until next time... Your Breast Friend Kim

Happy Birthday

Nan & pop came to help celebrate

The best Book ever...Thanks Rick & Cher

Again From Rick & Cher... A journal to record my thoughts

Me and my "oldest& dearest" friend



You can figure out who is who here Carletta



Corinne came and made my day



The cutest baby in Newfoundland



The Love Birds

Maureen, my long time friend and former teacher

Thanks to Joan Wood for the beautiful Prayer Shawl

Words to live by

The new Mrs. Welsh!!!!! They Say Blondes have more fun...I'll let you all know

Now for the joke ( since I am now a blonde I figure I can get away with this one)

A blonde, a brunette, and a redhead are stranded on a desert island with no hope of rescue. They are tired and hungry and decide to look around for food. All of a suuden they find a genie's lamp and agree they'll each get one wish.

The brunette and the redhead  each took a turn and both wish they were at home.

The blonde then says, "Gee, I'm kinda lonely ... I wish  all my friends were here ..."

P>S ... pleae forgive the typos ... too tired to do editing now.

Satin Sheets to lie on..... and you know how the song goes!!

Well hello all . It has been two weeks since I last wrote and an eventful two weeks it was for sure. No need to get into all the nitty gritty details  but suffice it to say I made it through the first round of chemo and it was not as bad as I thought , Had some yucky days ( ok I will never say I am tired again after this journey is over because I never really knew what tired is till this week)  but have been feeling excellent since Friday night.

This past few days have been wonderful as my "little brother" Eric came to visit from Nova Scotia. What fun we had!!!! I haven't laughed so much in a  long time . Mom always said there can't be too much laughing because it will result in tears and of course there were quite a few when  I left him at  the airport tonight. But at any rate it was so good to have him here to help out and just  talk about the good old days ! I used to hate it when I was a teenager and he would answer the phone. He would always yell out " Miss Piggy you're wanted on the telephone"...used to drive me nuts!! But  I used to love it when he would massage the calves of my legs.... and as soon as dinner was over on Sunday I was flaked out on mom's couch and he was at my feet ready to do his duty! I sure enjoyed my Sunday Turkey dinner...man I gave that plate some fright.On Monday I went to Mary Brown's with Helen and the Big Mary never stood a chance either!!! I wasn't able to eat all the previous week ( with the exception of Wednesday when |I ate a slice of toast, a baked potato and a bowl of jello) ---- Damn that red jello - only those who are closest to me will know why I am saying damn that red jello !!!!! but thank you Jean for making it for me .... Glenn and Garfield never saw a woman devour a bowl of jelly so fast before!!!   And Kellie I'm glad it made your day.

On Tuesday of this week reality set in again as my hair began to fall out. Glenn and Eric were there to help me through this as I covered up in Pat's quilt.  On Wednesday I went to St.John's to see Nadene and she was kind enough to shave my head. As my father in law Sterling always says "God only made a few perfect heads, and the rest He put hair on them. " Well I have almost a perfect head.  In case you are wondering I  had a bit of a hard time with that but it only lasted as long as that Big Mary....as  I explained to Emily losing my hair means the chemo is working. My "real hair" is caught up in customs so I have a temporary wig... I'll let you judge for yourselves in the pic below.  Mrs. Welsh has made me satin pillowcases for my bed now that my hair is gone since  Lorraine told me that it would be more comfortable to sleep on satin . Along with the pillowcases she has been busy making me turbans and a scarf. Wait till she sees what I got from Lorraine yesterday----- a pattern from one of the dragon boat ladies for knitted boob prosthesis!!!! gonna need more than one ball of wool for that one....just imagine a knitted boob to slip right into a mastectomy bra..... who would have ever thought that almost 19 years ago when she was helping me with a breast pump  beacuse my right hand was injured ( oh my she nearly tore the boob right off me) that she would be knitting me boobs!!!! NOW LET'S TAKE A BREAK FROM READING AND LOOK AT SOME PICTURES!!!

SOME OF THE ANGELS I HAVE RECEIVED

ENCOURAGEMENT FROM BARB

MY NEICE NADENE ...THE BEST HAIRDRESSER IN TOWN

FROM MY MOM ...WHO IS MY VERY BESTEST FRIEND

SATIN PILLOWCASES FROM MOM WELSH

POEM FROM MICHEALA

I'M NOT LIKE SAMSON...MY STRENGTH IS NOT IN MY LOCKS

FROM MY NEICE CHANTAL IN ALBERTA

A BAG OF SURPRISES FROM ERIC'S DAUGHTER CHARLOTTE

MY BREAST CANCER CHIA PET

ERIC & EMILY

OH LINDA ... YOU MADE MY DAY

ME & "MY LITTLE BROTHER" ERIC

GETTING A MASSAGE

DO BLONDES REALLY HAVE MORE FUN? WE THINK SO

I will be back at the hospital on Feb 7 for my blood work and assessment and if all goes well I will have my next chemo treatment on Feb 8. I am looking forward to seeing some familar faces and am anxious to see if a particular two patients took my "port" advice. I look forward to lifting the spirits of the other patients as it keeps me on top shelf too!!!

As usual I have received lots of support from others and had to tell my colleagues at Ascension Collegiate to stop sending food once I was able to cook again. Would you guys believe that there has not been ONE day since I came home from hospital that I haven't received some act of kindness .... not sure how I will ever repay it all back but rest assured I am resolved to pay it forward. I thank God every day for my family and friends who brighten the days in what could be a dark period .

ME & MY BOY

I was especially Glad to have Luke home for the weekend since he makes me laugh too. He made special treats for me on Saturday and helped  us out with a lot of things that Glenn needed done... Emily was glad to have him home since it gave her  a break !!!! Glenn and I cant believe how fast they have grown up and are quite proud of them....okay so I am going to brag now ...Luke won another scholarship this week  ...totalling $5100.00 now.... I think I have a right to brag !!!! He found out that he won the provincial Newfoundland and Labrador Womens Institue Scholarship and will be formally recognized in the near future. Emily also continues to excel with her studies despite all that is going on at home. Eric could not believe what a beautiful young woman she has become since he saw her almost two years ago.

Tonight I am feeling a little ( well alot) down since I have been instructed by my doctor to stay away from the hospital tomorrow. Glenn is scheduled to have back surgery tomorrow morning at 11:00. I would appreciate it if you could all say a prayer for him and the doctor and nurses at the Health  Sciences. I am hoping that he will be pain free after a couple of days since he has been in agony for almost six weeks now. I will be on pins and needles until I know that he  is alright. Special thanks to Carletta who will be with him when he goes to the O.R. and to his sisters who will go with him later in the day when they get off work. Luke will also be there when Glenn gets out of surgery. I can't,  according to my doctor,  risk the chance of getting an infection in the hospital where all the germs are!! But my heart will be there a million times over. We are planning a second honeymoon as soon as we are all better!!!!

So that's all for now I will post a brief update on Glenn's progress to let you all know how he made out....just keep us in your prayers please.... now as traditon dictates it's time for a joke:

If my body was a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish and my paint job is getting a little dull ...
But that's not the worst of it.
My headlights are out of focus and it's especially hard to see things up close
My traction is not as graceful as it once was.. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather..
My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins.
It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.
But here's the worst of it --Almost every time I sneeze, cough or sputter, either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.

Until next time......your breast friend KIM   XOXO