The One About Donna

Hi folks! 

We have entered week 2 of dad having no computer.

Not to worry. The computer is fixed and already on its way back home. In the meantime, dad thought he would get a guest-blogger to help him fill the void. 

The blog below is another story of cancer, hope and family.  Thanks for tuning in, and I'll let Donna take it from here.

Robin thinks I may have a story worth sharing. My name is Donna (Shaughnessy) Duggan and Kathy I are first cousins. I also like to assume that I’m Kathy’s favorite cousin!

So, in keeping with Robin’s format:

In my bloodstream:

Heart and cholesterol stuff: Sandoz Valsartan, Metoprolol, ASA, Atorvastatin 

Diabetes 2(new diagnosis thought to be brought on by chemo meds): Metformin

Pre chemo steroids: Granisetron, Dexamethasone

Chemo: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU): Oxaliplatin, Irinotecan, Leucovorin

On the stereo: Whatever Paul is playing. He makes great choices. I love music but wouldn’t know where to start. 

Paul and I live on an island in Lake of the Woods, Ontario from May to October and then head south to Florida for the winter…..how fortunate are we.  One day my life was perfect (relatively speaking) and the next day it was headed to an abrupt end.  I’ve recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic cancer that has spread to my lungs and lymph nodes. My immediate reaction to that news was that I would enjoy each, and every good day available to me and to muddle through the tough days as best I could. So far, I am not accepting the inevitable and enjoying my good days thoroughly.

In late September of 2020 I started to feel nauseous, very itchy and had no energy. By the end of October I was diagnosed. Without treatment my oncologist predicted I had up to 6 months to live.  Not part of my plan!  We were getting ready to go to our home in Timber Pines, Florida for the winter, and every winter thereafter, hopefully, for the next 15-20 years. 

This is my story of family and friends, prayer, love and support. I know how important it is to our kids Patrick, Laurie and Jenn and their families to know what's going on as soon as some news arises. I also know the importance of prayer and time spent with family and friends - one can't waste any time, not even a day. With this in mind, we needed to let loved ones know. Paul and I had taken a day for ourselves to process the diagnosis and prognosis.  Then we did a Zoom session with our kids. No grandkids this time...too much content that kids needn't face just yet. We live in Kenora and our kids are in Toronto, Ontario and Airdrie and Calgary, Alberta; too far for us to be together and, Covid wouldn't allow for it anyway. 

I chose to give the long story vs. the short version. This way everybody would know exactly what events occurred and in the sequence they occurred. And everybody would have the same info at the same time. This news came as a complete shock with no warning. The next day we told our siblings and spouses in person and the day after that, my two best friends, Marilyn and Cathy. Kathy and Robin were the next day, on our regular weekly Facetime cocktail hour together. 

This story is also about hope, generosity of others and pushing forward. My brother, Gary, arrived from Pinawa, Manitoba on our doorstep the day after we told him. Food, friends, prayers, phone calls, more food, Mass cards, texts, cards, offers of help, more and more food arrived, and continues to do so, on a daily basis. And it’s now February! I was diagnosed on Sunday, October 25th in the emergency department of our local hospital and by Nov. 23rd I was taking my first of 6 rounds of 49.5hour chemo every 2 weeks, right into and through what we assumed may be my last Christmas.  

But what a joyous time!! Within three days of hearing our news, Laurie and our son-in-law, Randy and 16 month old grandson, Huxley, arrived from Airdrie. Laurie and Huxley stayed for 5 weeks (Randy came back and forth according to work commitments). The same day Laurie left, Jenn arrived, then Laurie’s family and dog came back and on December 18 Patrick and his family and puppy arrived. As a result, our whole family complete with Bodhi and Oscar, the dogs, was together for Christmas. 

The afternoon of my first chemo session ended with the most wonderful surprise. I was terrified to go to the hospital, by myself, and had no idea what was in store for me. The nurses were welcoming and explained everything. My "cocktail" was a 49.5 hour infusion of the strongest mix possible. Dr. Ibrahim allowed for a slight reduction in the concentration because of my age!!!! (Some might find that insulting.)  The day went off without a hitch and I went home about 3:00pm with my chemo bottle strung over my shoulder to continue the treatment at home for the next two days. This was November 23, 2020. I walked into the house to find Laurie frantically sweeping the floor. She had arranged with Marilyn and Cathy and Paul to decorate for Christmas. We were going to celebrate this year like never before. There was a fully dressed tree, stockings hanging from the mantle, Christmas baking, angels galore above the mantle and fresh pine boughs. You name it, it was done!! Glorious and so heartwarming. Christmas and all its trappings had not even crossed my mind. But now, there was no stopping us.  Everyday, from then until even after Christmas, a new ornament arrived in the mail or at the doorstep from friends far and wide. I truly, have never enjoyed Christmas as much as I did this past year. I felt the warmth and love and support from all our family members and our many dear friends. In a Covid year with no hugging allowed, I felt the hugs of so many all day, every day. It was truly magical. 

Dr. Ibrahim asked me one day, ecstatic after reading my test results, "What are you doing?".  And then two weeks ago he informed me that I have the liver of a twenty year old!!  Ha!  Good for my liver, because he certainly can't say the same for the rest of my body! He also told me that I'm on the highest dose of chemo that he can give and that "You are a very strong woman. You are Superwoman!". Believe me, I'm no Superwoman. The moral of the story is that when one has all the love and unending support of family and friends like I have been receiving, that wicked cancer is going to be met with a huge fight. Every day is a new beginning for us all. Enjoy each one as best you can. You won't be disappointed. Besides, it's only 15 weeks until May long weekend!!

Robin, I hope this has given you a little break. You certainly deserve one. You’ve taught me how to fight this fight and how to live happily with cancer. You are my hero. Much love to you and Kathy.