Day 52 and there is an organization I must thank without whom I would not be able to get through this. If ever you are looking for an organization to support, of course Cancer Research, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, StandUp2Cancer, or any other organization are good choices, but in my daily life, the one I am most grateful for and the one that enables me to function is the Freemason Cancer Volunteer Drivers. Without them I would not be able to go to the hospital for free so often every week for as long as I need. They are amazing volunteers that all have a connection to cancer, one way or another and volunteer their time to driving cancer patients to cancer related appointments. They are caring, warm and friendly, and always greet us with a smile and drive us safely to our destination. I am driven to all my hospital and doctor appointments by these amazing volunteers. A great big thank you!

I am doing good and am thankful everyday for my progression to be going so well, even when I want to peel my skin off! The GVHD skin issue seems to be flaring up on my neck, ears, head, face and back and it’s driving me cuckoo. But, this too shall pass as my mom used to say. I just hope it passes quickly, really quickly! There’s nothing more weird than itchy ear lobes. And why is it that the itchiest part of my body is the only one I can’t reach? How cruel is that? The very middle of my back has a little spot that drives me bonkers.

It’s beginning to be sunny out here, finally, and I am looking forward to going for walks. I just need to get sunblock SPF 10,000! Do they make that? Seriously, my doc told me I had to use minimum SPF 45 on every part of exposed skin whenever I go out, every time I went out, no matter how long or short the outing. I can’t stay out too long even with sunscreen as I could easily get a sunburn. Right now it’s still slightly chilly so dressing up is not an issue, but come warmer weather and it will get more challenging.

Some of the drugs I take make me super sensitive to sunlight and a prolonged exposure could change my skin pigmentation along with increasing the risk of skin cancer. I already have many more freckles and that in itself is strange. I look at my face and arms and it all looks different, I look different (in my eyes anyways, perhaps not to the casual observer) but that’s because I know every single freckle on my body. Sigh, it’s all good! It’s all part of the huge change that is my life now, right?

Marie-Chantal