Today was the highly anticipated initial visit to the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic. Chantel was joined by her medical and moral support Entourage of myself, Michelle and Justin at every stop in the visit. She was set up in the internal pharmacy, admitted into the unit, and given a lovely commemorative bag full of propaganda that will prove useful once we have the time to read it. We were definitely the youngest people in what was a very busy place, and were probably a little imposing when travelling as a posse.
We got to meet Chantel's new best friends, Dr. Kakumanu and his nurse Jennifer. We've heard great things about this duo, and we were comforted by their explanations and answers to our questions.
Dr. Kk informed us that all tests showed no signs of the cancer spreading into other parts of her system, which is a relief because our minds had wandered into other worries over the past couple of weeks.
At this point, the plan is: 4 sessions of the F-E-C chemo cocktail delivered 3 weeks apart, 4 sessions of docetaxel delivered 3 weeks apart, surgery to remove the cancerous cells, radiation and then possibly hormone therapy. The results on whether the cancer is hormone receptive won't be in for a couple of weeks, which will clarify the course of hormone therapy at the end of it all.
Of course, Dr. Kk had to give us the facts and percentages of success, etc, but he was very comforting and reassuring that they will be aggressively treating this aggressive cancer.
On that note...Chantel's first chemotherapy session is set for tomorrow at 8:30am. This was a bit of a surprise, but a welcome one since Chantel doesn't want to give this disease one more good day in her body. We may not be totally set on the homefront, but its more important to get this thing rolling. Mom has the boys for the weekend, so we can get most everything set in the next couple of days.
We wrapped up the day with a ceremonial little supper at Moxies with M&J to thank them for the unbelievable support they've provided to this point. In a perfect world, no friends...no matter how good...should have to hear what they've heard and deal with what they have with us. This would have been a different experience without them and we'll have a hard time paying them back.
The offers of support from everyone else have been overwhelming. Thank you all. Now the bumpy ride begins and we may call in your offers at some point, who knows. In the meantime hug your family a little tighter and keep putting out the positive vibes...its working so far.
Talk to you tomorrow after session #1.
LK
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