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!
