Dearest friends,

Since I first informed you about my latest trip, I have been overwhelmed by the most wonderful responses from you. Thank you! And now a number of you have enquired as to where I am on this journey. So here’s a quick update.

Almost 3 weeks ago, I had another more extensive biopsy, which confirmed that yes indeed, I do have Hodgkin Lymphoma. This past Friday, I met with my oncologist at the Cancer Centre here in Kitchener. She’s a lovely middle-aged? young woman, very professional, kind, and thorough. I had a lot of information thrown at me, and really it was like learning another language, a medical one to be sure. At least it’s not Mandarin, which I never did quite master! But they say learning a new language is good for the brain and staves off dementia! So I’m good for a while! This next week is full of tests, a bone marrow biopsy (not pleasant), a full body CT scan, a Pet test, a Muga test (to be sure my heart is up to the stress to follow), and I’ll have a port or line put into my chest so that I don’t have umpteen needle marks for the next 6 months. I don’t want any of you to think I’m an addict! Some of these procedures will determine what stage I’m at.

The plan is to begin chemo treatment the first week in May. One day of treatment, and then 2 weeks off to recover. Then the same routine over and over again for up to 6 months. And yes, I will lose my hair quite soon after treatments begin. So tomorrow Kris and I are going wig shopping! A whole new adventure! Maybe I’ll reinvent myself and get a whole new look!

In the meantime, I feel really good except for some fatigue. I welcome you all to stop by for a hug! Expect to get one as well as give one!

Love,
Maggie