Onward, Ever Onward

On Wednesday, Teresa went to Credit Valley Hospital for her first Herceptin treatment. Like chemotherapy, Herceptin is administered intravenously. Unlike chemotherapy, the Herceptin session lasts only half an hour, and comes with zero side effects. The next Herceptin treatment takes place on April 2.

CT scanner

After mentioning that she was sometimes dizzy and lightheaded, technicians performed a CT scan on Teresa’s head. This only took a few minutes, and found nothing to be concerned about. CT stands for “computed tomography”, and is sometimes called a “CAT scan”. For more information about CT scans, click here .

Other than the hospital visit, Teresa had a quiet week with no outings and no visitors, although there were several phone calls. She even opened the patio doors one afternoon and caught some welcome sunshine! That’s how you tell that winter is on the wane in Southern Ontario – you can start working on your tan while there’s still two feet of snow on the ground.

25 cm fell in Brampton last weekend

At this point, Teresa has finished with chemo, has started Herceptin, and is going to start radiation next week. She sometimes feels impatient, and wonders “will this EVER be over?” Besides the cancer treatment, Teresa has to deal with the upcoming sale of her house and the move to Holland Christian Homes. Hunting up old legal papers, signing new ones, and planning a move are all very unsettling, especially since her husband is no longer there to help out. All this anxiety does result in the odd stomach ache.

Next week will be a full one: on Monday, Teresa’s son Robert is coming to get the paperwork in order for the house sale. Then on Tuesday Teresa is off to Credit Valley Hospital with Hennie Bultjes for a “Look Good, Feel Better” seminar on how cancer patients can use makeup to their advantage. The first radiation treatment is Thursday, and then it’s Easter weekend.

Teresa’s house should be on the market either shortly before or shortly after Easter, so if you know anybody who’s looking for a well-kept and attractive townhouse in south Brampton, spread the word.