HAPPY BIRTHDAY DALLAS!

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the cards, comments and phone calls. It was a fantastic week, beginning with a visit from valley friends Darrell and Cindy. The weather cooperated with us and we spent a great day on the water which was made even better by our own killer whale show! There was a huge pod really close to the boat and they entertained us for quite some time.

This was the week that Dallas started to notice that his hair was coming out (as Darrell says, that means the chemo is working!) so Jordan (our expert stylist) was on hand to clip off his Dad's locks. The Big Guy took it all in stride and is now sporting a new, closely cropped do. Jordan and Dallas have a fishing derby tomorrow so Dallas is hoping to even out the tan line on his head.

Last night we celebrated Dallas's birthday with a family dinner party. I love it because once again he's caught up to my age! The best news of all is that Dallas is feeling very well. We got a very positive email yesterday from his symptom management doctor. When he heard how much the swelling had gone down in Dallas's throat and face he confirmed that the reason for this is because the herceptin is working! We knew it all along but it was great to hear it from an expert.

Dallas is ready to start round two of chemotherapy on Tuesday. We know that he'll feel weaker as the drugs do their work, but we're sure that they are doing what they are supposed to be doing (kicking the cancer in the butt!) so we're ready for it. As the Big Guy keeps saying, "no pain, no gain." More later...

Love, Patty

DAY 7 POST CHEMO

Hi everyone,

As always, my husband continues to amaze me! By Day 7 the typical cancer patient is supposed to be at their physical lowest. We all know Dallas is anything but typical - my guy decides to go fishing - I kid you not! Jordan had a couple of buddies visiting from Drumheller so of course Dallas insisted on "dragging his ass" (his words not mine of course!) out of the lazy boy chair to take the kids out on the water. They had a great time and managed to catch a 14 lb. ling cod as well as a smaller pink salmon - despite the fact that the Captain was catching a few zzzzz's here and there! Dallas wants the boys to come halibut fishing with him next time since they're obviously his good luck charms.

We enjoyed visiting with Calgary friends Ev and Bill this week and are looking forward to more company soon. This weekend we plan to go to Tofino with Steve and Peggy for some R & R - a change of scenery is definitely in order. Jordan and his buddies will be up there camping and surfing so we hope to be able to connect with them . Thanks again for all your support - you guys are getting us through this! More later...

Love, Patty

Day Four Post Chemo

Hi everyone...just a quick update. Four days post chemo and things are going as well as can be expected. I thought I would post this picture of Dallas so that you can see how much the swelling has decreased in his face - it's amazing to me! He's experiencing many of the symptoms that the doctors told us to expect - weakness, nerve and joint pain - but is coping very well. Thanks for your support! More later...

Love, Patty

DALLAS PASSES ROUND 1 WITH FLYING COLOURS!

Hi Everyone,

Today went so much better than yesterday! This time they gave Dallas the allergy medication before they introduced the second drug into his system. Although the day was very long - 7 hours in the chemo chair for the Big Guy - Dallas was more comfortable. Jordan covered off part of the day so that I could take a break (who knew being a chemo partner could be so exhausting?) which was a gift for Dallas and me. Dallas is taking it easy tonight and has even managed to eat some real food - YEAH!

We had my brother's family visiting this week - as always it was wonderful to spend time with them. Our little munchkins, Connor and Emmy, are growing up far too quickly for our liking. Uncle Dallas took them out on the Cinnamon Girl for some fishing and Jordan was in charge of general entertainment - he had a blast! Marcus and Heather were able to join us for an evening too. Life doesn't get much better!

We have a three week break before Dallas's next cycle of treatment. The nurses were telling him that he'll be sporting a new look soon - I've always wanted to see how perfectly shaped his head is and now I'll have that opportunity. A small price to pay for having those blue eyes smiling back at me! More later...

Love, Patty

DAY ONE FINISHED

Well it wasn't the best day but we survived it. Half way through the herceptin the swelling in my neck and face went out of control. They stopped the process until the doctors could get my breathing and swallowing closer to normal. An hour later we were back in business but at a slower speed. We're not sure if it was a reaction to the drug or just the process of adding something else to my system. Round two starts tomorrow. Dallas

So I was the one that needed heart paddles today! Luckily, the doctors were able to get everything under control quickly and Dallas is feeling much better. I know this for sure because the first thing he did when we got in the door was head for the ice cream (I had a glass of wine!). I'm sure things will go more smoothly tomorrow. More later...
Love, Patty

Its Go Time

Back in the chemo room starting today. I get the herceptin today followed by the other chemo drugs tomorrow. If I don't have any reaction to these drugs I will get them the same time in 3 week cycles. I have my game face on for this round of treatment and all your thoughts and well wishes will be with me. Keep praying, posting, calling, emailing, facebooking as we're going into overtime. We are enjoying company this week and Patty will add new pic's soon of our family. Again I will post an update later. Love, Dallas

The next round begins

Hi everyone. Well this week is over with progress made on the paperwork side (a very big thing for the Cancer Agency) as well as a trip to Vancouver to finish off the clinical trial testing. We had a good visit with Dr. Chia. Although he is no longer my oncologist he's still acting as my adviser to Dr. Browman, giving him the advice he needs about the new chemo I start next week. That's right - finally start herceptin as well as a strong chemo called paclitaxel. The swelling in the face area has increased (still trying to get used to the Mick Jagger lips!) but I've started a treatment for that as well. I am glad we have lots of company here in August but I'll still need some rest time in between ( so will Patty!). Although I want to start the treatment next week it's also supposed to be a great week for fishing. I might have to fish right up to the time of the treatment!

Take care, Dallas