Monday, January 10th

With sleet coming sideways from the west, and the wind howling something fierce, we headed to Inverness this morning for another blood test, weight and height measurements, and to take Hunter (our latest cat) in to be fixed.  Michellie's blood count was excellent, so they are fine to get going on Wednesday with Round 2.  Michellie was excited to get to school and spend the day with her buds for "Hat Day for Michellie".  Most of the school supported Michellie's Journey sporting their favorite hat and donations were brought in as well.  We are so honored for the efforts of everyone at Dalbrae Academy, and for the incredible support.  We truly appreciate your help to make the trips to Antigonish and Halifax the best they can be.  Michellie enjoyed her last day for a few weeks, and even is looking forward to working on her projects.

With a stop at the post office this afternoon, there were no less than 3 parcels today.  We have hats, hats and more hats!  Thanks Grammy and MaryAnne.  Michellie is ready to sport some new fashion.  As well, the stubble from Fridays #1 shave was more than she could handle, so tonight Dad and Michellie headed to the bathroom for a shaving lesson.  David muttered something about when he became a young Dad, he had no idea he would be teaching his daughter how to shave closely!  The two of them giggled and joked through the experience, and Michellie's head is now a shining soft crown.  Each time Michellie has shaven her head she has risen higher with more confidence and relaxed smiles.  We would have expected the opposite.  It gives us strength to see her joke and share her experiences with others using giggles and stories. 

Beverly, thank you for sharing all the incredible affirmations you have worked with.  We are attaching the link for others who might find them helpful on their own journeys.  http://www.thecancercrusade.com/ .  Harley and Helen, thank you for your words of inspiration today.  We find it amazing how the more we share with each other, the more that can be passed forward, and the more people who can benefit.  Everyone's contributions to our family has magnified beyond us to help others in so many amazing ways.  We cannot even begin to share all of that with you, but please know that what you are sending forward is being shared with others who are also finding strength from your words, and stories, and love.  

We may not have access to the internet for several days, we are not sure, so if there is no news posted - take that as good news.  We will update for you as often as we can.  Tuesday Michellie will have an inhilation treatment to protect her from a pneumonia that can be very hazardous for cancer patients.  She reacted to the first medicine they tried, so they are going to try this approach.  Wednesday she will begin Round 2 of chemo, and it is an all day process for all of us.  They do plan to keep her overnight to make sure there are no adverse reactions and that we can keep her fluids up.  Thursday is more chemo, but hopefully  with no overnight, and Friday is the last for a few days.  If all goes well, we should be home then. We have four days to rest, and then on day 8 she will have another morning of chemo.  Wednesday will be a hard day for Michellie as she is very apprehensive after her recollections of Round 1, and it is the most amount of chemo of all of the days.  If you are thinking of Michellie on Wednesday, please send stomache calming energy and vitality for a strong finish for her day.  Thank you for all your prayers.

For those following the scalloped potatoe saga for David, there is a follow up.  Michelle made an aweful job of mashed potatoes the other night in place of the scalloped, and then Linda invited us for ham and scalloped potatoes this evening.  David had work to do, so he stayed home and kept an eye on Hunter as well.  In the exchange of plates and bags to get the boots on at the door to Linda and Jude's house, Michelle left the dinner plate for David on their washing machine.  So, arriving home with no plate, David missed out again.  We think it is time to go through Sharon's cookbook and pick a new recipe!