Winter Solstice arrives. We thought we would be celebrating with Jill, our next door neighbor, and throwing our emotional baggage into her big bonfire...ok, with a toss from Halifax, I am sure we can make the aim happen and it should be an easy idea to put into the fire...So, for those celebrating tonight, clear the air and wish big!
Michellie had a tough night recovering from surgery. The pain did not want to back off, and the drugs made her nauseated. At one point, we got to the bathroom and then the drugs kicked in and she lost her legs for the trip back to bed. Today has been much the same. Between her stomache acting up (as we were previously trying to solve), and the pain in her chest, she has been on and off the pain killers all day. We have managed a few bits of food and some juice, but hopefully tomorrow will be easier for this.
The doctors fast tracked all of her results, and this afternoon they confirmed what they had expected: Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 2B. The prognosis is good for recovery, and they are anticipating 4 rounds of chemo and finishing with radiation. They would like to start tomorrow so that Michellie could get an overnight pass for Christmas, but she is a little hesitant.
Some incredible acquaintances from the island, Jay and Bob, have graciously offered their apartment here in Halifax for our use for the holidays. They will be away, and the apartment is only 3 blocks from the hospital. We are so blessed with all of the gifts given to us today. We hope to be able to spend Christmas at their apartment, with rest and relaxation, as Michellie will not be up for much of anything, and for as little contact with germs as possible. We do hope to be able to see our other incredible friends, the Krochko's, but we will see how Michellie is doing by then. So, for those worried about our Christmas celebrations, please know that we are well taken care of, and we will find a home cooked meal for sure.
The hospital has a special Christmas surprise for patients. We got to go "shopping" on the 7th floor today for gifts for Michellie, and we wrapped and delivered them for the start of our celebrations. There were treat bags in the family kitchen this morning, and then a quilt was delivered to Michellie from the Child Link coordinator. Sam continued to do his magic in keeping Michellie's spirits up today, and there were a few smiles and giggles with him here. There is a tree coming for her to decorate, and Kenzie has been busy at home accepting parcels and wrapping the last minute items. He will box everything up and bring it down at the end of the week to celebrate with us. Christmas is definitely here, and you all know how Michelle loves to see how long celebrations can last...this is shaping up fabulously.
We are all a little more tired today with all of the emotions of the plans this afternoon, but we have met with the social worker and the doctors to put everything together. We have some great help coming from the social worker for us, the child link coordinator is hunting for more movies for Michellie, and the nurses are bugging Michellie to get up and moving. The doctors have spent lots of time with us explaining everything and making sure Michellie understands it all. We all do need a flu shot tonight. This one is very tough for us, as you all know how we feel about that. We are trying to let that go though.
We are heading off to bed early tonight, and we hope that the morning sees us all a little fresher and ready for the beginning of treatment and the road to the end of this journey. Thank you all for your wishes, gifts, teddy bears, flowers, cards, thoughts, and energy. Good Night!
Memories flood back as I recall the breast cancer, & the 6 months of trips to Edmonton for chemo.
ReplyDeleteDragging my butt, not wanting to go.
Getting to the the Cross Cancer Hospital changed all that.
All I had to do was sit down, wait my turn, and WATCH, as young mothers wheeled their babies and little kiddies around, all hooked up to chemo.
I was able to shake myself, and realize that if they could do it, I could too.
To this day I thank those strong mothers and even stronger babies as they helped me put everything in perspective.
Michellie honey, I had to do it, and you have to do it too- so get in there and show the world that the Greenwell spirit has been passed down,and is alive and well.
Kick some ass girlie.
Love Grammy.
Sounds like this has been a long day. Good to hear the process has started, and an action plan is in place. What an excellent hospital to be in! Hugs tonight to everyone.
ReplyDeleteHugs, hugs to all...
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear that you are surrounded by love. The hospital sounds wonderful. Love to you all
ReplyDeleteNighty Night! Today is the day of greatest darkness so tomorrow will bring more light. And the eclipse. That was very special. Only once is 400 years. What a convergence. I love Grammy's comments. I also love that you have a place so close by for Christmas-what CONVERGENCE! Thank-you for sharing with us Michelle. You are all very much loved.
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear from you. You're right: with this staging, Michellie's prognosis is excellent. Not to mention that she has age, health and love on her side. But it's a long road and hard for her to be brave when she feels so crappy. Will keep all of you close in my thoughts and hope she feels stronger tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteWe missed you last night. But we said a prayer and burned sweet grass for all of you and especially for Michellie.
ReplyDeleteHang in there Michellie, you can do it!
ReplyDeleteI had a friend I used to work with several years ago whose daughter had the same thing, and at the same age as you. She is fully recovered and graduated from college this year and is doing great.
We are all with you in spirit!
Love Uncle Derek, Aunt Lesley, Jamie, Carly and Devon
Hope you're feeling better today, Michellie, even if it's just a teensy tiny bit.
ReplyDelete