Hamilton Hops and Grapes

Round 3
June 25th, 2024

The past 3 weeks have been promising, with positive news all around. My CT Scan results showed significant progress in the areas that were of the most concern, after just 4.5 weeks of treatment.

Shane went to a lot of work getting our RV ready, during round 2 we spent almost two weeks camping. It was very therapeutic we walked almost every day in the forest or along the beach, some days twice. I was able to carry my camera occasionally which made me feel stronger. This is what the road to recovery feels like !

The pain I was experiencing is 99% gone, the ascities (swelling of my abdominal area) is 75% down. What remained of my hair has been shaved off replaced with a wig that is very similar to my own hair. Photos from round 1 & 2 was my hair cut to easier manage as it fell out. Photo today is the wig, I’m happy it boosts my self-esteem. I’m don’t want people identifying me as that poor woman with cancer.

My goals now is to get to Baltimore for the CRS HIPEC operation by the incredible Dr Sardi and team as soon as they feel I’m ready. My blood counts are affected by the chemo so it will be at least a few weeks to a month for those levels to recover. I will be in Baltimore’s Mercy Centre of Excellence Hospital for up to two weeks then recovering in a hotel or B&B for another two weeks before we are able to fly home. I will update once I know my dates.

Thank you everyone for your support and very generous donations both have helped us get through this challenging time. We are so blessed to have such supportive and wonderful caring friends and relatives in our lives. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

BC Med will not pay for my out of country care our bill from Mercy will exceed $200,000 CDN We have a gofundme set up for those interested https://gofund.me/d92d3cd5 or for anyone in Canada a direct deposit can be sent to [email protected]
Not password or personal info required.

The past 3 weeks have been promising, with positive news all around. My CT Scan results showed significant progress in the areas that were of the most concern, after just 4.5 weeks of treatment.

Shane went to a lot of work getting our RV ready, during round 2 we spent almost two weeks camping. It was very therapeutic we walked almost every day in the forest or along the beach, some days twice. I was able to carry my camera occasionally which made me feel stronger. This is what the road to recovery feels like !

The pain I was experiencing is 99% gone, the ascities (swelling of my abdominal area) is 75% down. What remained of my hair has been shaved off replaced with a wig that is very similar to my own hair. Photos from round 1 & 2 was my hair cut to easier manage as it fell out. Photo today is the wig, I happy it boost my self-esteem. I’m don’t want people identifying me as that poor woman with cancer.

My goals now is to get to Baltimore for the CRS HIPEC operation by the incredible Dr Sardi and team as soon as they feel I’m ready. My blood counts are affected by the chemo so it will be at least a few weeks to a month for those levels to recover. I will be in Baltimore’s Centre of Excellence hospital for up to two weeks then recovering in a hotel or B&B for another two weeks before we are able to fly home. I will update once I know my dates.

Thank you everyone for your support and very generous donations both have helped us get through this challenging time. We are so blessed to have such supportive and wonderful caring friends and relatives in our lives. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Because of the cost of out of country healthcare and the fact B.C. Healthcare will not assist financially this will cost us $200,000CDN. We have a GoFundMe set up https://gofund.me/d92d3cd5 or you can direct deposit to melanieleesonphotography..com no password or information required. We appreciate every cent !

5 June 2024

Round 2 of chemotherapy

Yesterday was the beginning of round 2. Good riddance to round 1, that didn’t go smoothly. Due to the volume of liquids I needed to stay hydrated plus the multiple bags of intervenous fluids, my abdomen collected a large portion of the fluids and turned it into something called ascities putting pressure on all my abdominal organs. It also made me look like I was 9 months pregnant 😝
On May 7th my oncologist had ordered an urgent drain of my ascities anticipating this would happen. He sent the request to Duncan Hospital. They allowed this urgent care request to sit on someone’s desk for 10 days then on the Friday 17 May of the long weekend the request was rejected. Clearly they couldn’t have anticipated the following chain of events.

After multiple calls the only advice the Cancer Agency’s emergency hot line could give me was go to an emergency room. Finally after way too many opioid pain killers, my condition became worse I broke down and entered the “war zone” of VGH emergency room. Over crowded, people on the floor in pain, like me, all waiting for their turn for treatment. After a couple hours we were shown to a tiny cement room and waited another hour. A young doctor arrived with multiple packages of surgical equipment and sterile operating sheets and dressing. I asked if she was doing the procedure in this tiny closet. She said yes, why not? Well I’m not going to tell her what I’m thinking I’d run the risk of ticking her off.
So imagine an ultrasound machine beside my head a huge sheet of a paper fabric bent in all directions with a circle for a target that is glued to my abdomen. The Doctor is suiting up in a sterile gown with gloves attached. She reached for her sterile equipment and it has been damaged so off she goes in her sterile outfit to find a replacement pack. I’m desperate to get the procedure done but quietly freaking out.
She returns with another Dr and a resident. Both offered to assist but no she’s a DIY type of gal. Getting the drain installed was very painful. The drain produced 4 litres of fluid that gave me instant relief, whew 😥
We went home happy it was now behind us I felt a lot better. Next morning I’m surprised I didn’t feel great but still pleased most of the pain was gone. By that evening my health had deteriorated to the point where I was starting to pass out. Back to VGH by ambulance at least I was laying down for the emergency room wait period. My hemoglobin’s (red blood cells) were dropping fast and my kidneys were not happy. I was bleeding internally from the drain procedure, which I was told that could happen but doesn’t often. A transfusion was organized and a surgeon was on standby but neither was required as the internal bleeding stopped before my levels dropped into the critical zone. I spent 3 days in the emergency area, no beds available in the wards. The last day I was moved to a hallway lined with gurneys and very sick people. I felt like I had won a lottery at 11pm that night! They moved me to a ward.
So other than not completely understanding how and what meds to take I struggled to feel well the first two weeks of round one and lost 15lbs. The third week I spoke to a nutritionist who gave me hints on ways to add more calories to my diet. It worked I was able to gain some energy and got out for walks with Shane every day during that 3rd week.
I’m guessing round 2 will go much better I feel like the chemo is battling the cancer, the ascities seems to be reducing which is part of the process when things are working in my favour.

Although the emergency room looks like the aftermath of Armageddon the doctors and nurses are working under extreme conditions to get quality care to all patients. Please be aware that emergency has up to 12 hours wait times. Do cut the health professionals some slack before they all get burnt out and quit on us. After 3 days in emergency I had the chance to speak to many doctors, nurses and technicians. They all care, they are doing their best. Unfortunately they all admitted our health care system is crashing rapidly. If you are at all worried about your future health care which you should be, you can be blindsided at anytime like I have been. My advice is learn what you can about the shortage and limitations of B.C. Healthcare or healthcare in your province, get involved you can be a powerful voice or an advocate for yourself and others. Don’t leave it up to the sick to fix it, we don’t have the energy or at least I don’t …yet! Remember it took 104 days, 43 days is the max recommended, before I was seen by oncologist with an aggressive disease. 111 days till my first treatment. My doctors in Baltimore stated extended wait times are criminal, BC Health care is breaking World Health Organization protocols for treatments in a reasonable time frame.

If you’re still reading and feeling generous I have a Gofundme set up to finance my operation in Baltimore costing $200,000 cdn offering me a chance at a longer life. In most cases in excess of 5 years which to me looks pretty good right now 😊 or etransfer with no fees or passwords required to melanieleesonphotography@ gmail.com First time Shane and I have ever asked for financial assistance, we appreciate every cent ❤️

Awesome news!! I got my first chemotherapy treatment yesterday and I’m feeling crazy good this morning!
The staff was super nice, very informative, professional and supportive. My first treatment was a mixture of drugs that would prepare my body for the chemo it had Benadryl in it which makes me sleepy so I slept through 90% of the treatments. This morning I woke up to no pain and high energy, crazy good! I ran down the hallway slid into the kitchen with my arms open wide and wrapped them around Shane. Damn this feels so good!!

Allison Ducluzeau my heaven sent friend and cancer sister has given me a lifeline by leading me to Dr Sardi at Mercy Hospital. Allison is now cancer free after she was told by B.C. Cancer Agency to go home and arrange for MAiDs, assisted su***de. An estimated 50% of the population is expected to get cancer during their lifetime. Here is Allison’s story. https://youtu.be/_COPEADzUR4?si=p_D5hK9xwOqoSEdq

b.c.to

Not at all what I had planned going into our 2nd year of retirement. Dr Sardi’s team of skilled surgeons is definitely the best possible solution. I feel extremely positive and look forward to a long future.

HELP MELANIE GET LIFE SAVING SURGERY, organized by Denise Holloway Hello, my name is Denise and I am raising funds to pay for my friend Melanie. Me… Denise Holloway needs your support for HELP MELANIE GET LIFE SAVING SURGERY

Looking for part time help. Call 250-388-4511 to set up an interview or email [email protected] for more info. Ask for Dave.

Sale on equipment
Used carboys 23l glass $15.00
VI Growlers 32oz case of 12 $5.00