Orbus Stellar Research Study, May 4 - June 13, 2018
On Friday,
May 4, 2018, I went to the Health Sciences Centre to meet with Dr. Pitz. We
were looking at the possibility of enrolling in a second brain cancer research
study. When we met with the research nurse that afternoon she informed me that
I was accepted to take part in the Orbus Stellar research study. I was thrilled
and grateful that this time round I was part of the group taking the research
study drug. I started taking the liquid drug
Eflornithine on that day. This liquid drug had to be taken every eight hours. I
made a schedule and set my iPhone alarm for 6:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 10:00
p.m. to remind me to take my new medication.
On Friday, May 18, after two weeks of taking Eflornithine, I took a strong chemo drug in the evening before going to bed. To help combat the side effects of the chemo drugs, I took anti-nausea pills for three days which were very effective. Going forward, I will be taking this chemo drug every six weeks. I felt good and was grateful that I was moving forward. A week later I was back on Eflornithine for another two weeks.
Throughout
this time I worked hard to stay as healthy as possible. I had a lot of fun
going out with family and friends! I went to Shania Twain’s concert, had
several breakfast/lunch dates, enjoyed a wedding anniversary date with my
husband, started going to our summer cottage on weekends, and really enjoyed going
to the Cavalia show with my friends. I also had the opportunity to go to the
St. John’s Grandmother Support Group dinner in June. In 2006, when I was the
Vice-Principal at St. John’s High School, I started this support group for
grandmothers raising grandchildren. As I hadn’t seen these grandmothers for
nine months because of my brain cancer, it touched my heart to once again
connect with these dear, loving grandmothers I have known for years. Several
years ago many of these grandmothers had the idea of supporting African grandmothers
who were also raising their grandchildren. This gave us the opportunity to
start a charitable organization called Grannies Gone Global – a charity helping
grandmothers raise their grandchildren both locally and globally.
In the
month of May I was excited to meet many of my education friends. I had the
opportunity to go to the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents (MASS) dinner.
As I will not be going back to work I had the opportunity to give a speech to
many of Manitoba’s superintendents and assistant superintendents. It was
wonderful meeting them and talking to them. A few weeks later I was thrilled to
attend the Interlake School Division (ISD) farewell party for me. It was
wonderful meeting and talking to many ISD staff who attended this event. I was
so surprised when the ISD staff gave me a big cheque for Grannies Gone Global.
It touched my heart. After a few beautiful speeches I had the opportunity to
give a speech to many different employees working within the division. I was so
happy to spend time with these beautiful people I had worked with.
On
Wednesday, June 13, 2018, I went to the Health Sciences Centre to get a blood
test. Unfortunately I was told that my liquid drugs had affected my blood
results. Since my blood platelets were critically low I was taken off my
liquid drugs and told to stop using my daily needles which I used to inject
medication to thin my blood. Since then I have noticed many bruises on my body.
I will continue to go for weekly blood tests as they monitor my progress.
called Grannies Gone Global.
dinner in May. I sat with Ross Metcalfe (ISD's retired superintendent)
and Michelle Polinuk (superintendent at Selkirk School Division).
introduced me prior to my speech.
I met with the St. John's Grandma Group in June.
I had to wear a face mask when visiting a big group.
While I was off due to brain cancer, Iris Pokrant was in charge
of monthly St. John's Grandmother Group meetings.
Leona Boulanger is a member of the
Grannies Gone Global board meetings.
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