Big Family News: From Dad to Roland

http://www.acscan.org/healthcare Click on Heather and Hillary's story or see below.

Hi All
I have been trying to write an update since we got back from our Disney Vacation But have started several and then couldn't finish. Our Vacation was a wonderful fulfilling time but it seemed when I got on Thunder Road it was just another roller coaster like our life has been. Especially because we did it at night and had no idea what was going to happen. Our week away in the warmth of the Florida sun did help our outlook on life. 

Hillary had chemo the monday and Tuesday we got back. It was a planned 2 day chemo to shrink the lymph node near her Kidney. She had also set up to do a video for the American Cancer Society during her tuesday Chemo. She had made most of the arrangements while on vacation! I have attached the link for the video at the top of the page. I was just surprised when I saw it and was Named Heather and Hillary's video. That Heather is not Hillary's twin sister. I do have some videos from years ago that say Heather and Hillary by Vic Video. Now for the rest of the story.
When we got to the Hospital on tuesday we were met by a film crew of 7 people. We had our favorite nurse Karen in the infusion room. Hillary got all made up and looked the best she had in a while. They filmed everything that went into the preparation and ask her questions for 2 hours while she was getting fluids, then the chemo. I was there to watch so she did not overdue. The producer was so overwhelmed with Hillary's story and how she " spoke so eloquently" that he just kept going. Her answers were a complete description they educated the producer. When the director asked how long does it take to get chemo she thoroughly explained that her blood counts are off a little so we have  to do these test and add potassium and other things to get her blood counts steady before they can even start. To look at the director and the producer after she answered was the most amazing feeling in my life. They were just stunned! It just lead to more information. All 7 members told me that they could not believe how strong an interview they had. Just amazing. After about 3 1/2 hours it was time to move out the hot lights and cameras and let Hillary rest while she finished. Within a hour after they left she was in so much pain and on so much morphine that she was hallucinating and couldn't say a complete sentence. She had push herself to the limit.  We went home and she slept for about 20 hours.
Now this is Hillary and Nothing goes easy. Nancy could tell that the Cancer was growing fast while in Florida. It was noticeable. She had pushed back the treatment so she could enjoy a vacation. The node had grow so much that it affected her Kidney. By Thursday the Kidney was not functioning and the toxins were not getting out of system. They quickly schedule a stent and some extra plumbing to by pass and drain the toxins. Then she started with strongest anti-biotics and the strongest pain killers that Dartmouth had. For 3 days she was in very serious condition. She doesn't remember a thing from tuesday afternoon and only a little about the interview. She had told me on Tuesday that she is very lucky. How's that Hillary? I could have had this attack during vacation and wrecked our Florida trip!! How's that for positive thinking?
So Hillary is getting better again. She is home. We are still not sure if the Kidney will work again. She has a nice small pocket book that she carries her bag in so no one will notice. She is making jewelry now to keep her mind moving without expending a lot of energy. She has a couple more weeks before she does it again. The tumor has shrunk, at least visibly. Hopefully spring will get here and we can watch the flowers and lilacs bloom and life turn back to normal. What ever that is!

I have lots more to tell but it will be another time. I just have to say that her will to live and do all she can inspires me. Never let a day go by that you have regrets. She has proven that you may not control your destiny but you can surely manage it!

Please keep her in your prayers and thoughts. It's working

Vic, Nancy, Patrick and Grace, Heather, Allen, Pierce and Preston, Jon, Xander and Hillary

Also Hillary has a cousin in Canada that was chosen Hero of the week in Canada. Check out his web site if you can understand french

Hello Victor,

2011-03-FABRICE HÉRO-2.wma

I was shure that this would be of interest for you and Hillary.

 

Bonjour,

Our grand son let his hair grow for 2 years to give them to the Cancer Society. He did that for Nicole and one of his father'cousin.

He had a hard time, his school mates teased and maltreated him. They told him to use the girls toilets, he was pushed into the toilets.

He never gave up. He was chosen as the Hero of the week by Radio-Canada.

Roland

 

Fabrice Lamontagne is the son of my daughter Elisabeth Plante and grandson of Rachel St-Pierre.

He will be 12 years old on March 21. He is learning piano .In school he is very active, sometimes too much. 

In first grade he could read. To keep him under control, his teacher had him read stories in the kindergarden.

 

His hair was 14 inches long after being cut,

He is dancing with his cousin Élise. On mother's day with his 3 brothers and grand mother.

 

You can use all you want for Hillary's blog, It was broadcasted through all Canada on the web.

 

Roland