Monday, December 12

Finally, after a year of dealing with stomach issues, we finally had an appointment for Michellie with her new doctor.  After a chest X-ray and a blood test, the results were in.  Not at all what we were expecting.  They kept telling us to look at irritable bowel syndrome.  But, on Wednesday they rushed us in.  The swelling on her neck, that we thought was from bug bites of the previous week, was not going away.  Michellie had a cancerous growth and we were to rush to Halifax as soon as possible.  We took one last look at the Christmas tree - our first real one - and a huge one to boot.  The cats were chasing each other in the hall, and Mom and Michellie headed to Halifax.  Dad and Kenzie stayed behind until the testing was completed and we knew more.

Thursday was a blur.  We checked in around 1:30pm to IWK in Halifax.  We dropped our suitcases, and we headed off for an afternoon of tests.  Michellie saw a dentist - no cavities (yah!), she had a CAT scan, and all the vitals were taken.  The Cat Scan confirmed that they were looking at Hodgkins Lymphoma - a very treatable form of cancer.  Friday would be more tests to confirm more.  Friday was a complete day of no food and one appointment after another.  Lung tests, heart tests, and a PET scan of the whole body.  This confirmed that the cancer was focused in the middle of her chest, not attached to any organs, and along the side of her neck.  This was all a good sign.

Saturday, the surgeons determined that they would operate on Michellie on Monday to put in the device they use for chemo, take a biopsy from her neck and take bone marrow from her hips.  The nurse brought in a little doll to show us how everything would work and what things would feel like.  Michellie was scared, but put at ease by the doctors and the surgeon.  (Incidently, the surgeons first name is Lakshmi, for anyone reading who understand special goddesses).

David spent three hard days waiting for news and coping as best he could.  He began the hard job of keeping up with all of the incredible people in our lives who would be there to help blanket us in healing light and energy.  We are soooo thankful for all of you.  Saturday night he drove down with Kenzie, and together we had an overnight pass to stay at our wonderful friends the Krochkos.  Michellie was thrilled to be out of the hospital and away from the food.  Diane served the most delicious stir fry - Michellie even had two helpings!

As we spend our day resting this Sunday, we cannot believe how quickly life has changed in less than a week.  Michellie will be in the hospital over Christmas, and we will celebrate when she gets to go home.  Surgery is tomorrow and we are very optimistic that the incredible staff at the hospital will take great care of all of us.  We know the incredible thoughts and prayers that are being said for us, and we send love and light back to each and every one of you.  Thank you all.  We will try to keep you up to date as best we can.

Michellie is her usual shy self about being the center of attention, and she would prefer to keep everything on the QT, but if you know of someone who has not heard, we ask that you please let people know.  The more we can gather the universe around us, the more that Michellie will have to work with.  If you would like to leave messages here, we will get them, or please leave them on our facebook or email.  We will not be returning all the messages, but will try to reach everyone through this blog.

Please enjoy your Christmas season with love in your hearts and admiration for the incredible opportunities our life has in store for us.  And, as you sit down to Christmas dinner, please remember how dear you are to us and how grateful we are to have you in our lives.