December 24, 2010 1:30 am

It is Christmas Eve and we can hardly believe where we are at.  It is the wee hours of the morning and Michellie is wide awake after sleeping all day - seems like home already?!  She awoke a little chipper from last nights sleep, and as soon as the toast went in, the nausea began.  There was a difference though, the doctors had figured out the formula for pain killers and nausea control - Yah!  The day was a balancing act, and fortunately Michellie had no memory of most of her first day of chemo, and part of the second day as well.  When she awoke this evening, she was groggy, but the Grinch was on TV and soon she was distracted, and so was Mom.  We watched the version Mom and Dad remembered, and then we watched the new version - and Michellie started to giggle.

The drugs are definitely harsh.  So far Michellie has a very keen sense of smell.  She is insisting that the soap is not going into the clothes and washing them.  As well, she had to shower and get rid of the awful smell her body was emitting.  And food, we are not allowed to bring it in the room or breath on her, as our breath is very foul.  She will be happy to see this go back to normal.  As well, Michellie has mood swings that send her crying very easily and for no reason.  She was prepared for PMS, but this is worse.  Hopefully this subsides in a few days as well.  Otherwise, the mood is picking up and the appetite is coming back at 1:45 am.  It is a good thing I napped through part of the movie - my usual tv habit.

David awoke this morning, after only half a night in the tippy chair, and he was ready for action.  He read the big binder we now have for Michellie and he studied on how to give injections.  He definitely loves the science of everything.  Tonight he is over at the apartment getting ready for Christmas and getting a good nights sleep.

Michelle had enough rest to begin her energy work again.  Using her Chi Qong techniques she began bone marrow washing and organ washing.  Hopefully the energy for everyone will continue to grow so that everyone can get back on track again.

MacKenzie was busy at the house preparing to pack and head back to Alberta.  He also was baking (and we hear it turned out well), and cleaning house.  It sure is great to have him close, and we are very excited to have a few days with him in Halifax before he heads to his home.  We hope the Cuckows are ready to have their second son back, and all the fun that goes with that.

The family in the room next to us is preparing for their little 18 month old, his twin sister and his 3 year old sister to be here for Santa.  There are signs and decorations everywhere.  Christmas morning will be very interesting for them, and I wonder how early?!  Since we had to wake up our kids last year, we are prepared that we will all get to sleep in again, and embrace a slow, quiet and peaceful morning together.  We should be at the apartment and considered an outpatient from here on in.

Merry Christmas everyone, and enjoy all the precious moments this season brings for us!  We love you all and thank you for being an incredible part of our lives and this journey.