To Priscilla from Elizabeth

1. I have no idea how they function. But they do. And the clever ones realise that every hour they endure is another hour closer to the rainbow on the other side.
   
   I think you're allowed to feel depressed. If there was ever a time ...to kick & scream & shout & cry, THIS is your moment. And I would think there was something wrong with you if you didn't kick & scream & shout & cry. Go for it.
   
   As long as you remember this one truth... The most beautiful things in life are forged under duress. 

   
   

   

   
   
   
   This ring? It used to be a lump of sterling. Someone, somewhere turned up the heat and kept up the pressure until it *almost* reached its boiling point.
   
   Then it was battered & beaten into shape by things that *seemed* out of control. It became pure & refined.
   
   And finally, when the worst of it had passed, it was polished and smoothed. It became something of breathtaking beauty, something that glitters in the dimmest light.
   
   You're SO much tougher than all this. You might still be figuring that out at the moment, but we've got your back &... trust us... we know you can do it.
   ♥•♥•♥•♥

Wednesday In Hospital

Priscilla's Dr had prescribed MSContin for her pain relief, 15mgs two times a day. Unfortunately Priss had an allergic reaction to this and spent most of Wednesday in hospital, on a drip as she was so dehydrated from the constant vomiting...her message to me is as follows,


What a day!!! Spent the day in hospital today. Had an allergic reaction to the ms contin.... So back to just statex now. Was in hospital from 11 am til 5 pm. On Benadryl, and also was dehydrated from throwing up all night. So now on new anti nausea called maxceran instead of stemetil. It worked well in hospital and I was able to eat and keep it down. :)


(if it seems we are blogging unimportant sounding details please remember our goal is to keep an accurate record of Priscilla's journey, with all the details in case she ever needs them for another doctor or nurse and so when all this is over she can look back and see how far she's travelled!)

• • 
    

Uplifting Results

Today Priscilla has seen Dr Nicholas and been told that she "only" has a primary tumour ie one that has not spread to other organs or areas. As she says, "I feel now that there is light at the end of the tunnel".

There's also been vomiting and nausea caused by her anxiety which is common in cancer patients apparently.

A visit to the wig clinic has Priscilla topped with this beautiful short wig that is so perfect for her. (We need a better photo, Sweetie, please) The wigs are available as a free loan and go back to the clinic to be offered out again once Priss no longer needs it. Wigs cost hundreds of dollars to buy so this is really a wonderful service.

Biopsy testing is on-going in Toronto so we still don't know what stage the tumour is at but please share our relief that it hasn't spread.
Added later...the testing in Toronto is on-going as Priscilla's doctors were 1000% sure it was caused by Gorlin Syndrome which they've decided she doesn't have...they are quite baffled as to where and why this cancer is occurring in this young adult!

Bye bye for now,
Sue
xox

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow!

Sorry about that...pun definitely intended
xx

On Tuesday Priscilla told me her hair had started to fall out, it felt like her head was sunburnt and she was very upset about losing her pretty hair. We had a chat about wigs and scarves etc and had a look at headcovers.com
where Mrs Kelly spotted the Kelly Scarf which she loved. I can't praise them enough...the scarf was delivered 2 days later...from Texas to Ottawa...brilliant.

I've just asked Priscilla if she had received it already, I had an email to say it had been delivered, and this was her reply...

• • Yes I got it and I love it!!!!!!
  • It's absolutely gorgeous.
  • I got my head shaved today.
  • The cancer society sent me to a hairdresser that shaves your head for free
  • They put you in a special room and close the curtain and you can have all your family with you if you want.
  • Mel went with me and we cried while they did it. She asked if I wanted to keep my hair and I said no so they are donating it to make a wig.
  • And they showed me how to tie the scarf and put it on for me. I have an appointment at the wig salon for Monday. I will send pics of the scarf on tomorrow.
  • Busy day on Monday for me coming up. At 820 I have to do blood work, then meet my social worker at 930, then see dr. Nicholas and finally get the stage at 1020. And then the wig salon at noon. At least it's all in the same place. Also need to speak to the doctor about more dental work and when I can do it safely because on the right side where the bottom molar was pulled out, there is a piece of bone protruding and it is really sensitive so dentist will have to cut the gum open, shave down the bone and restitch it up. He said that it's free of charge because it is post op fixing.
    
    Here are a couple of photos Priss took today....love that smile xx
    
    

    

    
    

    

    
    
    It appears that Priscilla is receiving some wonderful care, there are so many really good people out there who are quick to lend a hand.
    Love you
    xox
    
    
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A new week. A bad start.

Woke up to throwing up again today. Thought I ha the nausea under control. But I guess not. Ugh. Threw up 4 times this morning. Will drove me for Bloodwork this morning because doc wants to check my blood counts to make sure they aren't too low after this round of chemo and the poor guy had to pull over twice cuz I was sick. Nurse ended up coming over to give me injection early afternoon and I ended up sleeping the rest of the afternoon. Also picked up my partial during all this and it fits nice :) happy to have front teeth again :).