I sure didn't realize I hadn't updated the blog since before Callum's surgery! Ikes! So many things have happened since then - I will try and make it short....but don't count on it!
On January 14th Callum turned 50. What a great party he had! We had over 70 people attend the party -a testament to show he is a very popular and respected man. Desert Blume Golf Course did an awesome job of the tea and dinner - if you need conference, meeting or banquet space in Medicine Hat, check them out!
With the recent news of the disease progression it was quite an emotional day. We kept it upbeat and positive - it was truly to be a celebration! Callum had an idea that there would be some family travel to have a birthday dinner, but he was surprised about the afternoon party. We are both so lucky to have so many family and friends who took time out of their busy lives to help us party!
Sorry I don't have pictures yet. We had a photographer taking pictures so I could enjoy the party. I will post some as soon as we get them!
The weekend after the birthday we headed to Calgary to see Vanessa get recognized at the graduation for the new Chartered Accountants in southern Alberta. We are so proud of her and Callum was more than thrilled that he was able to attend. Callum's parents also joined us and that was very special for all of us.
January was certainly a busy month! After New Year's, birthday party and the CA Ball we went home and prepared for the upcoming surgery. It was so nice to have a lot of celebrating to keep our minds off such a serious matter.
The surgery went really well. Callum had his scheduled surgery to remove the tumour in the right cellebullum at just after 8 am and about 3 hours later Dr. Fourney came and told us that the surgery went quite well. Unexpectedly, at least to us, the tumour was not as big as they had thought. Some of the tissue that enhanced on the CT scan was scar tissue from the radiation treatments. The tumour was about the size of a golf ball - considered to be large according to the surgeon. They were able to get all of it and that as far as the Dr was concerned at this time, the disease is stable in the brain. The battle with the disease will now be systemic – which means the danger now lies in the lungs and bones. Dr. Fourney said there would likely be no more than a 10% chance that there will be recurrence in the same area, and unlikely, although not impossible, that there will be new lesions develop in the brain.
He did have a platelet transfusion as there was some concern with him not clotting and this could cause problems. But, like all other things he has encountered, he took it like man (wouldn’t he just love me saying that! Ha ha) and has had no problem with it.
There are few words to describe the great feelings we had when we heard how well the surgery went. Both of us have a great sense of relief. We know the ups and downs of this disease and treatment. And more than the surgery itself, we both feared there was something worse they would find, and we would have a far different outcome. Again, one of those weird times when we are ecstatic about the outcome – weird to happy for a regular old brain tumour!
Callum was released from hospital about 48 hours after he was out of surgery! He had a pretty speedy recovery and had the 23 staples removed 2 weeks later. He started chemo on Feb. 9 - 2 weeks after surgery! He had a chance to delay it but wants to keep at this thing as aggressively as possible. We hope at the very least that it will at least help slow the progression of the disease.
He has been handling the chemo side effects pretty well. He has few days where he is quite tired and seems to have increased pain the leg - but meds seem to help him get through it. He will have a CT scan of head, chest, abdomen and pelvis on March 23. We should know shortly after that if the chemo is still effective or if there is disease progression.
I on currently on sick leave until at least April 15. I am so lucky to have such an understanding board of directors and doctor. We are spending most of our time in Medicine Hat so we can be closer to family and enjoy time with Cade more often. Callum and Cade have a very special relationship - it is a joy to watch.
I am sure I have missed a few things here and there....but basically we are at status quo for now. Chemo until it doesn't work or the side effects are too hard on Callum. The March 23 CT scan should give us some information.
I will endeavour to update more often!!
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. ~Epictetus
TTFN
Lorna
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