Cade and Grandad watching Canada play Latvia.
Happy New Year everyone!
I am sitting at the computer uploading some music so Callum can change the songs on his iPod. So, I thought it would be a good time to update the blog.
We had a great Christmas in Medicine Hat with Vanessa, Stuart, Cade, Jamie, my Mom and Earl. We squeezed in a dinner with my nephew and family too. It was a busy few days but wonderful time spent with family.
Callum had his last chemo treatment bumped a week. His neutrophils were too low. They were just fine this past week so he carried on with treatment this past Wed.
Many of you know that there were a couple of suspect spots on his brain. The MRI in November showed some growth so he headed off to Winnipeg for Gamma Knife surgery (see Aug 2008 blogs for more information on this amazing procedure!). The MRI in Winnipeg in mid-December showed a tumour around the same spot as the last one in the right cerebellum, and a new, very very, tiny (3mm) one on the top of the brain. Both spots were treated and we can only assume it will be as effective as the last gamma knife treatment. The spot at the front of the brain that was treated last year no longer shows up on the MRI's! The CT scans of abdomen/chest/pelvis have shown no change to date. Overall, quite remarkable to keep things stable this long! What a guy!
It is a very interesting time. When I think back to a year ago, I know we were all really hoping that Callum would see another Christmas, but I don't know how many of us honestly thought he would - or be doing so well! After such a busy 2008 with new medical issues monthly, we have had an amazing and wonderful 2009! We started the year by taking our kids to Scotland for 2 weeks. After a bit of a lull, Callum picked up his Porsche in Winnipeg in May, we had a baby shower for Vanessa in May, went to Medicine Hat in June for the exciting arrival of our first grandchild, who decided to keep us waiting until July! We were so thrilled to be there on the arrival of our grandson, Cade Scott Bonneville.
In August we helped my Mom and Earl auction many of their belongings on the farm and had a trip to Ireland so that I could attend the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit.
We headed to Vancouver Island in September to celebrate my brother in law's 60th birthday. We had a great time and were able to visit many old friends! September and October were quite busy as we had the launch of Saskatoon Supporting LIVESTRONG (a group I founded) which included The Giant Colon Tour, an educational exhibit of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada. Our group was busy fundraising and had an amazing day!
In November we headed to Ixtapa, Mexico to visit my sister for a week,
and then to Manitoba to celebrate Callum's parents 50th anniversary. What a milestone and it was a great party!
We spent Christmas in Medicine Hat spoiling Cade a few other people there.
Along these many journeys we were able to spend time with many old friends, meet some new ones, and enjoyed the company of our family. Thank you to each of you for helping to create so many wonderful memories!
All in all, it has been a very memorable, exciting and busy year!
Want to keep the spirit of Christmas all year long? Try this:
Recipe for Christmas All Year Long
Take a heap of child-like wonder
That opens up our eyes
To the unexpected gifts in life—
Each day a sweet surprise.
For the people whom we know;
Like festive Christmas candles,
Each one has a special glow.
Add some giggles and some laughter,
A dash of Christmas food,
(Amazing how a piece of pie
Improves our attitude!)
Stir it all with human kindness;
Wrap it up in love and peace,
Decorate with optimism, and
Our joy will never cease.
We know we will remember
To be in the Christmas spirit,
Even when it's not December.
By Joanna Fuchs
TTFN
Lorna
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