We have spent the last month enjoying life as if we were cancer free. In some areas we have been successful and in others we have been reminded that the road to recovery is a slow and windy one. Our visit with Auntie Char, Uncle Adam, Jessica and Carson was a great visit. Michellie spent many hours watching movies and playing games with the cousins. Jessica was enamoured with Michellie and was thrilled when she got to sleep in Michellie's room for several nights. David drove in one of the race cars at the Antigonish track and we were all there to cheer him on. Afterwards we did a quick shopping spree and for the first time Michellie found a dress that she loved in a store window and it fit her perfectly. That was a wonderful day for celebrating as many of you know that Michellie is not a dress person, but she needs one for a wedding in another few weeks. We enjoyed several outings to the beach and one evening at the dances. Michellie joined us for what she could and rested the rest of the time. She is very careful about the sun and continues to make choices on how to stay out of the sun as much as possible.
The month of August has been varied. Michellie has done a lot of sleeping and resting. She has found some Australian dramas that she streams on her computer and enjoys episode after episode. At the beginning of August she was lucky to land a job as the interim office coordinator answering the phones and selling tickets at Strathspey Place Theatre. At first she thought that would be boring, but her opinion changed due to the air conditioning, quiet time and ease of the job. On her second day at the theatre Michellie landed a job at the Red Shoe as a dishwasher. Emma, one of her favorite buddies was working the line and put in a word for her. Michellie was very nervous about this job and if she could handle it. She was anxious for several days in preparation for going to work and had to deal with the headaches, jaw locking and nauseous stomach that ensued as a result. The work was not bad, but Michellie quickly realized that her smell sense does overtime as a result of the chemo and the liquor bucket, composter and the garbage were too much for her stomach to handle. After an agonizing morning of trying to gain control over her stomach cramps and determining if she could do the job, Michellie finally decided it was too much. The manager at the Shoe was very understanding and encouraged Michellie to try again next year. After about three days of sleeping and resting Michellie finally recovered from this experience.
Many of Michellie's friends have jobs for the summer and Sam has been in Fort McMurray all summer, so it has been hard for her to find people to get together with. Emma and Michellie have spent a few afternoons and a shopping trip to Sydney, but for the most part it has been quiet. Her friend Dan invited her to his grandparents 50th Anniversary bash last weekend. It was a semi-formal affair and the new dress was perfect for the occasion. She danced the night away and partied into the wee hours of the morning. She had a great time. And, then, she came home to rest. After three days of sleeping and resting she is still recovering.
One of the highlights of the summer will be the arrival of one of her Besties! Michelle arrived from Cochrane last night and the giggling has started. Michellie counted down the arrival and anticipated all the great fun she will be able to share with someone that knows her well. Last night they began with markers and white t-shirts to design shirts that will show all the things they do together for the next 10 days. We are very excited to have Michelle and to see Michellie enjoy some time laughing and sharing.
Each day is a different one, and David and I continue to encourage Michellie where we can, and then back up and let her withdraw and rest again when she needs it. Depression is close at hand as she copes with all the things going on in her body and tries to adjust and cope. Anxiety is strong and we encourage her to find the tools to cope with each situation.
We hope that the rest and relaxation of the summer will be enough for her to cope with the demands of school in a few weeks. The plus is her sixteenth birthday is a month away and Michellie is counting down to officially get her driver's license again. She has been driving, but her Alberta license has not been recognized here and we are not sure if she will have to redo her learners and then wait the 3 months to get her full license or not. Time will tell, but this milestone is one Michellie has waited patiently for. She loves to drive and she took the work this summer to save money for gas. She is always thinking ahead. Now the question is, how much of the renovations will be done for a birthday party? We have our fingers crossed.
