feeling good :)

Alan and I over Memorial Day weekend in Northern Minnesota.

So, Alan is here!! :) I'm happier than ever and am so glad to have him here with me while I finish up my treatment! We've been spending a lot of time together over the past week and a half catching up and enjoying each other's company. We went up to Frazee, MN last weekend to visit his mom and relatives for a few days. We ate great food, hung out by the lake (the weather was so beautiful and warm), played games, went on a boat ride, went fishing (he and I both caught a fish!), and just had a lot of fun . It was the most relaxed I've been in a long time. The fresh air and time spent outdoors by the lake really did a lot for my soul. And I feel great! :)

I had my 5th treatment yesterday. I'm on Taxol now. It was a 3 hour infusion and that is probably the worst part. I was pretty tired towards the end of it but I think it's from the Benadryl they give me as part of my pre-meds. Alan sat with me through the whole thing. He held my hand when the nurse was accessing my port and was very attentive the whole time we were at the hospital. I was very grateful he was there with me. :)

Today, I woke up and surprisingly felt pretty normal. Definitely a big difference in how I had been feeling after my treatmens with the Adrimyacin/Cytoxan medicines. No nausea, which was nice. Hot flashes have been happening more frequently and I think it's safe to say I may have entered menopause. I've missed two menstrual cycles, am moody, and have hot flashes pretty much everyday. Not fun but hopefully after chemo, I'll go back to my pre-menopausal ways. Other than that, my appetite is good and I don't feel that sick. And most importantly, I'm happy. :)

My mom will be here in less than two weeks and I'm really looking forward to her being here! I came back from my treatment yesterday and on the table waiting for me was a bouquet of flowers from my mom letting me know she was thinking of me. She's just so thoughtful and I'm very lucky to have her as one of my biggest supporters through all of this! :)

On July 3rd, from 4-6 p.m. (Atlantic time I believe, but I'll find out for sure and let you know), my friend Katelyn is having a fundraiser for me at the Holy Rosary church in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada (it's on 5 Rose Street) for anyone in the area who can make it. I know she's put a lot of effort into putting together the event, so I hope there's a good turnout!

And a big thank you to my mom's friend Pat Sperry who made a very generous donation to my benefit checking account last week!! Every bit helps and I'm so grateful!! And also to the Angel Network for giving me $300 in grocery cards and $200 in gas cards to help me through treatment. And of course, to all my family and friends who show me constant love and support. :) I couldn't do it without you!

My friend Greg Pearce suffered a heart attack today and is at a hospital in Portland, ME. I would just like you to keep him in your prayers. He is truly one of the sweetest men I've ever met and has been such a wonderful support while I've been going through treatment. His wife was diagnosed recently with breast cancer for a second time and I ask that you keep her in your prayers, as well.

Also, I'm staying with my uncle John now. So, for those of you who have been asking about my address, just contact me and I can give you the new address.

Positives:
Alan is here! :)
My mom will be here soon! :)
I only have 3 treatments left!!
I'm happy!!
I've had lots of outdoor time and it's been so relaxing. :)