Round 3, day 2 in progress

At hospital, needle is in, mum is meditative. We will be here for a couple of hours. Today's nurse is competent, unlike yesterday. Thank God.

Round three, day one just finished

Gang,

Sorry for the late notice, today is a non-phone day. Mum is home, resting, doing well, but very tired. We need to create a restful environment. Everything ran smoothly today, four hours in and out.

Thanks for the love.

The Greenfelds

Slowly recovering

Hey gang,

Mum is doing ok, definitely not anywhere near the clear as of yet. Sleeping through the night is a challenge, and nausea is ever present no matter how many magic pills or special cigarettes she imbibes. Thanks Karina for the stash!

Although phoning is probably not the best idea, it is no longer vorbotten. Dropping by in the evening to pass the time is encouraged. Last night was akin to a good old social club. Even Chloe popped in to say hello. Marni and Alex brought a chocolate cake, which I thought was an odd choice until we all scarfed it down.

Stay cool out there today, it looks like it is going to be another scorcher. I'm in the Philippino Parade today. After announcing this, one friend asked if I could find her a cleaning lady, one aunt asked if I could find her a nanny. Do you think this constitutes racism? I hope not.

Best presents for mum:

1. anything that will make her laugh.

XO Rachel

Day 2 Over

Today went smoothly, only 1.5 hours vs the 6 hour stint yesterday.

Mum is exhausted, but glad there are only 4 months left to go. This morning as she sat down in the room she started to cry. The lady who was sitting in the chair beside her asked her if she could hold off with the theatrics until her drip was over and she could leave. She said, "I can handle the drip but you crying and the drip is too much for me". Mum thought that was hilarious and stopped immediately.

At least the nurse today was competent, which is more than I can say for the gal yesterday. Yesterday was a complete gong show. The woman was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

I think it is safe to say that every one of us in the room, Dad, Gill, Yael and myself, would all prefer to be the ones taking in the chemicals if it meant mum didn't have to. I guess that is what true love is, when you would rather take the bullet. Unfortunately, this is not an option.

Hopefully mum gets some rest this afternoon. So glad that round two is over. She is on her anti-nausea treatment for the next two days and then we have a four week reprieve.

Thanks everyone for sending the love. Please write to her directly at: sandygreenfeld@hotmail.com. She will be checking email.

Much love,
Rachel

Day two, Round two

Heading over to the hospital now. Mum didn't sleep very long, woke up at 3:30am. Darlene phoned the house. Tsk tsk. :)

Mum is in good spirits, she has done her hair in case I take photos for the blog. Apparently people were frightened last round seeing the state of her hair.

Dad is looking forward to getting back to the puzzle in the hospital lobby. Mum is trying to get me to wear a new jacket.

Ciao.

Bendamustyn

Mum should be home by now, I had to duck out to do some door knocking. Please remember NOT to call the house this evening and definitely do not drop by to say hello. I'll let you know what's up tomorrow. Thanks for your understanding. Mum knows she is well loved and that you are thinking of her.

The reaction came back today for awhile. We think it is either the Retuxamab or the Dexa-something. Yael says it could be peanuts. Her gums are bleeding and her face is very red. It comes and goes though.

More later.

RLG

2nd round of treatment, day 1

Hey gang,

we started treatment a couple of hours ago.
Um is doing ok. She has had a skin reaction to the last round and the doctors are concerned we may have to stop treatment if the rash doesn't subside.

I am typing on iPhone so will be brief. Mum only had one mild panic attack today which was a result of me reading her the news about the Pakistan flooding.

We are back tomorrow at 10:30am. Please do not call their house this week.

Love to everyone,
Rachel

Fifth Day after First Round

It seems that by day five the nausea dissipates and that the fatigue wanes a bit. The Big House is open for visitation temporarily. Booking ahead is a good idea: sandygreenfeld@hotmail.com.

Thanks everyone!

Very Tired Today

Mum is extremely tired today gang so please go easy on the phone calls. She isn't sleeping that well and is still quite nauseated. It has been a rough few days. I think this first week is always going to be the roughest as her body adjusts to the chemical intake. Western medicine is much harder on her than the Eastern herbs.

Mikel and Selig are quite tired as well, but for a much happier reason! Photos to come of Baby X.

Call for Humour

Yesterday was decidedly NOT a good day. Mum, dry heaving by the mid-afternoon, ended up hobbling over to the Winestocks and crawling into bed with Earl, who is himself recuperating from a major sinus operation. I called it the village sick-bed, Earl added "for the village idiots". It made for quite the scene. Don't worry, I have photos.

I think that the time for humour is upon us. I am issuing a global challenge for funny cards. Please take a moment today and select the absolute funniest card possible and mail it to:

Sandy Greenfeld
2609 W.49th Ave.
Vancouver, BC
V6N 3S5

Made cards are even better, but most of us don't have the time for that anymore. This is a humour competition so pull out all the stops.

Thanks a million.
Rachel

Love Needed

Mum is having a tough one today team, mostly due to anxiety and fear. All good wishes are welcome. I think she is a little tired from not having slept that well. It is a good time to write her direct emails with lots of positive messages about how healthy and well she is going to feel in November after the treatments have taken effect.

Big positive news today: Mikel and Selig had a baby boy this morning! A HUGE mazel tov to both of them.

Oh, and I neglected to thank the Winestocks for the lovely daisies they sent over, and Parise for the boatload of bagels and cream cheese that are sustaining my father.

Much love,
Rachel

Feeling Nautious

Isn't nausea just the WORST? Well, the leg is the worst. But second to losing one's leg, feeling nautious is it. Thankfully, mum was given some pills to help ease the sick feeling. Darlene is here telling stories about a blue heeler mixed with Daschund, a dog that showed up at her work today, or not, I'm trying to follow and type simultaneously and doing neither well.

Lee is horrified at the lack of mentions of his name. He has, to be honest, called every hour on the hour until I finally wised up and turned my mobile phone off. I'm thinking of disconnecting it permanently.

Dad just arrived home from work. The phones are ringing, and this is not a good thing. Anyone who phones automatically gets blogged to death, just a warning.

Darlene brought over food for about 100 people. Cec arrived with sushi and a bottle of wine, which will keep me in good spirits. :)

Let's all pray for a good night of sleep for Sandelah.

Today's update

Mum says to tell you all that her next treatment is on August 10th and that it is always going to be two days per month, not one day as I had previously written. 2.5 hours the first day, 30 minutes on the second day.

We are currently at The Big House. Mum is feeling well. She eats every couple of hours so she won' t become nautious, only fat and bloated "like a pig" (I am taking dictation here). She is currently rummaging through the fridge and boiling a nice cup of tea.

Spence surprised everyone today by sending over a gorgeous photo album that he made of the weekend the four of us spent in Seattle. If you drop by the house, you MUST have a look at it. Ok, Joelly has sent an orchid, Spencer the photo album, and Judy Zipursky has built a Sandy Greenfeld healing shrine, replete with a life-sized photo of mum, in the back garden. The competition has begun! This is going to be tough. I'm the judge of course. It is hard to beat a shrine in one's honour.

Mum should be feeling 75% by tomorrow. It is due to all of your loving thoughts. Mum is requesting that the loving thoughts continue, even once she is well, because it is "a very nice feeling".

That's all for today gang!

The Drip Has Started

Today our nurse is called "Banana". Not kidding. She has injected the needle effortlessly and the drip has just started as of 30 seconds ago.

Mum is in fine form. Yael cannot get the iPod working so we are listening to the zen tunes here in the room. At least we have the room to ourselves today.

Joelly gave mum a HUGE white orchid this morning which is cheering up the whole room from its perch on the windowsill and all of the nursing staff to boot. It always helps when you are nice to the nurses. The ones in the room right now are quite loud however, nearing the Philippino decibels of yesterday.

Mum slept well last night. Yael slept over. Chris doesn't miss her as he is recovering from a four-day bike race. Who races for four-days? That is simply insane, not to be judgmental or anything.

Thank heavens it is sunny out today. It is making this almost bearable. It is so nice to have time with the family under any circumstances, although I spend most of it on this computer to be honest!

Heading to the Hospital

Good morning. Mum and Yael are at Kits Beach at the moment, on their way to fetch me to return to the Cancer Clinic. They are lapping up some soft sunshine and warm breezes before the chemical injection. It's all about nature here in Vancouver this morning.

Leslie and Alix are going to join in as mum sits for the second round. This is the only month where there is a two day procedure. From now on, it will only be once per month, for a measly 30 minutes. Anyone could do that!

Everyone is in better spirits today after having had some rest. All of your messages are getting through so please keep adding them to the blog! I'll read them to mum as we start the drip at 11:30am.

Rachel

9:15pm feeding the chemo patient

We are back at The Big House and Harley, Leslie and Earl the Squirrel Winestock have just gone home. Mum has requested toast with butter and raspberry jam, which dad so kindly made up. He has been a bit overzealous and has toasted THREE pieces. Cali is salivating. We are all very proud of his kitchen prowess.

Cec and Yael have created a meditation healing room filled with candles and a lit fireplace. Yes, it is 30 degrees but what the heck. Uncle Earl said the healing room worked so well he no longer requires sinus surgery tomorrow.

Yael and Cec cooked an AMAZING ravioli pasta dinner, so don't worry about me, I've eaten. :)

Mum is feeling quite tired and a bit worn out but is ready for the second round with chemo tomorrow at 11:30am PST. Auntie Corinne is feeling relieved after having waited by the telephone all day long. She must be exhausted from having had to call all of Winnipeg to update them, thanks Auntie Corinne!!!!!!!!

Please remember NOT to call the house. Mum is truly tired and is resting up for the battle tomorrow. Thanks everyone for your fabulous emails. Please tell people who are interested to go to: www.sandygreenfeld.blogspot.com.

Much love.
The Greenfelds

DONE!!!!

Ok, the new drug drip just ended. We are getting ready to leave the hospital. Mum is asking if she should make pasta for us for dinner. Cec is insisting that she NOT cook this evening. I"m not opining, just hoping that SOMEONE is going to provide dinner.

Cec is thrilled that mum, Yael and I are all wearing her hand-me-downs, vintage LuLu. Lee has written to tell me he thinks this blog is "gay". I think he means happy. What a great guy.

Mum thinks it sounds like the World Cup in here as her chemo machine reminds her of the vuvuzela. One can never get enough vuvuzela, can one?

Is anyone interested in going to see Van Morrison in August? Mum would like to know. We are currently being annoyed with new Cat Stevens songs.

Almost Done for The Day

We'll be going home soon, within the hour if all goes well. The Reiki session is now over and mum looks great. This evening we will be watching a movie and trying to get mum to eat.

My cat, Koogle, has to have five teeth removed. I just felt you should know. And my toilet overflowed and flooded the basement. And Spencer had to have his tires replaced and was delayed returning to Bellevue until about an hour ago. This all happened this morning on the way to the hospital. It has been a looooooong day.

Yael has been the MVP of the day, by far. I'm only good for blogging, which takes a LOT of work if you must know. Your comments would be much appreciated so please become followers and then send your comments along and I'll show them to mum.

Love to the gang,
Rache, Ray, Gill, Yael, Cec and Cali

Healing Thoughts

Right now, Cec has arrived and is doing a Reiki healing on mum. She brought Indian beads with her and Darlene and Wilf's Dolly Lammy which is reminding all of us to breathe. Yael was given a small reprieve and took the opportunity to run out for a quick coffee. Dad, appreciating that healing a la Buddhism is not his forte, has retreated to the puzzle, something he understands.

Mum says the nurses are going to think we are Indian. Cec asked if that was such a crime.

I can't seem to get enough reception here to send photos.

The Phillipinos have disappeared into the bathroom...ahhhh, a moment of silence. How blissful.

Time to start the next drug now.

Feeling BETTER!!!!!

Ok, the worst bit is now over. The anti-body drug is finally finished. We are on a 30 minute break and then we start the chemo drip. The retuxamab was a one-shot, 5-hour ordeal. Now we go into the new trial drug, Bendamustine, starts soon. Apparently is a very effective drug Europe. We come back again tomorrow for another 30 minutes of Bendamustine (not FDA approved yet in Canada, mum is the first person in BC to receive it).

She is feeling much better, is sitting up, eyes open, and just ate a banana and a few bits of cold pea soup. The nausea has completely subsided.

The bad news is that the nice quiet lady with the wig has gone home and there are a couple of very LOUD Phillipino gentlement who insist on screaming into their mobile phones. It is taking all of our best efforts not to say something.

I"ll try to attach some photos for y'all.

Feeling BETTER!!!!!

Ok, the worst bit is now over. The anti-body drug is finally finished. We are on a 30 minute break and then we start the chemo drip. The retuxamab was a one-shot, 5-hour ordeal. Now we go into the new trial drug, Bendamustine, starts soon. Apparently is a very effective drug Europe. We come back again tomorrow for another 30 minutes of Bendamustine (not FDA approved yet in Canada, mum is the first person in BC to receive it).

She is feeling much better, is sitting up, eyes open, and just ate a banana and a few bits of cold pea soup. The nausea has completely subsided.

The bad news is that the nice quiet lady with the wig has gone home and there are a couple of very LOUD Phillipino gentlement who insist on screaming into their mobile phones. It is taking all of our best efforts not to say something.

I"ll try to attach some photos for y'all.

Feeling BETTER!!!!!

Ok, the worst bit is now over. The anti-body drug is finally finished. We are on a 30 minute break and then we start the chemo drip. The retuxamab was a one-shot, 5-hour ordeal. Now we go into the new trial drug, Bendamustine, starts soon. Apparently is a very effective drug Europe. We come back again tomorrow for another 30 minutes of Bendamustine (not FDA approved yet in Canada, mum is the first person in BC to receive it).

She is feeling much better, is sitting up, eyes open, and just ate a banana and a few bits of cold pea soup. The nausea has completely subsided.

The bad news is that the nice quiet lady with the wig has gone home and there are a couple of very LOUD Phillipino gentlement who insist on screaming into their mobile phones. It is taking all of our best efforts not to say something.

I"ll try to attach some photos for y'all.

Still reading

Yael is reading mum about life and healing and love. Images of embracing a new self. I am still typing on iPhone. My hand is hurting!

Mum feels better, but not great. Back pain now. Still nautious and woozy. She has taken a Tylenol. Dry heaving has not helped. She feels a bit sick. It is not an acid feeling though. The nurse says she will feel better soon.

They had stopped the drip but are starting it up again now.

Hour 4 of day 1

I am typing on my iPhone as Internet connection is down. Mum is not feeling great. She seems to be having a reaction to the drugs now. She is freezing cold even though the room is warm and she is covered with several blankets. Yael is reading her meditation passages. Spence and I are sitting in waiting room reading. Gill brought the film Julia but mum cannot open her eyes at the moment due to nausea.

Dad has gone to run to the office but will be back shortly. I have been telling mum all about your wonderful emails.

Hour 2.5 Sandy

And now there are three....Yael, Rache and me...Sandy is getting a new bag of NaCl (saline for those of you who need to know) and is beginning to feel a little cold...nurse is great and explaining all so that Sandy does not get nervous...she is resting with eyes open.

Rache is leaving to get Spencer who had 2 flat tires this morning...Yael is reading and massaging the feet...I am playing a puzzle in the waiting room...difficult one..in 2 hours I got only 4 pieces...

Sandy is sitting on a nice comfy chair with ear phones from the eye pod. She is listening to music that Yael brought along. I think it is meditation stuff but I cannot hear it. This activity is up Sandy's alley. She likes to sit and rest and this is exactly what she is doing.

So, all is well in the 3rd hour. No reaction to the drug to speak of and Sandy is no longer nervous.

RG

Day 1 of 2 and first installment of 6-month treatment

It is just gone noon and mum is settled into her chair sitting by the large, bright window in the cancer clinic with an intravenous in her arm. We are in hour 2 of the six-hours that this will take on day one. She will come back tomorrow for day two of the first treatment. We will not be back again for four-weeks. Mum will be going home at about 4pm PST.

Yael is giving mum a foot massage at the moment and serving her herbal tea. I brought her Oprah and Vanity Fair magazines. Dad is in the lobby working on a puzzle. Gill and Cec are taking the late afternoon shift. Sandy is listening to yoga music on her iPod and talking about rats (I don't know why). She is talking as though she has smoked some illegal substances but as far as I know she is not high, unless that is a side effect of the chemo, which would be great.

She isn't hungry yet, or at least she doesn't want to eat quite yet. It is sunny in this spacious room and we only have one neighbour, Beverly, who is about 70 years old and has ovarian cancer. She is knitting up a storm and has had chemo 3 times before. She and her husband are quite quiet, relatively speaking. Beverly's wig is great, it looks like her own hair.

A young nurse named Eden sits quietly at the desk in the room, monitoring both of the ladies. She seems competent and professional.

Please e-mail me directly should you have specific questions at: rachelgreenfeld@gmail.com.