Tuesday, November 19, 2013

A Time of Thanks

It has been a month since I last updated you. It is also that time of the year when I get philosophical and grateful for many things. This year is no exception!

We had a mega medical appointment week last week with various check ups in the oncology, cardiology, ophthalmology and endocrinology departments coinciding. I am pleased to report that Isabella is doing well. We have started the second year of this trial drug, the tumor continues to shrink and she seems to be tolerating the medication relatively well. It seems like a no-brainer - continue for another year. We and the doctors agree, but at the back of our minds is the unknown with any trial drug - what are the long-term side effects? Nobody knows. So we are taking it from one MRI to the next, if there continues to be shrinkage, even the minute amount (or probably stability) we will continue with the drug. The issue is that once we are off the drug and if there is then regrowth we cannot go back on the drug. However, all is stable/shrinking minutely so there is no need to think about it right now. We take each step at a time. The next MRI will be in early December and an update will follow

Added to all the above medical appointments there were others, the most important for Isabella was seeing the orthopedic specialist and getting her smelly cast off her finger. The finger does now seem to be in one piece but she is being careful so that she can perform her best in her piano exam at the end of the month.

Isabella is blossoming in secondary school and loving all her activities. She is helpful and considerate around the house and even helping her younger sister with homework etc. I am grateful that this the case most of the time! It is amazing to think how far we have come in the past couple of years on many fronts. I was reading an article today about the rhetoric of cancer and dealing with it. Before it was a shameful thing to mention, then it became known as the Big C and in more recent times it is the evil force with which you do battle. I think there are probably phases one goes through and battling or fighting is a good phrase in those early days as you come to terms with what you are dealing with. Over time it is something that you accept and just live or deal with it. We are very much in that stage, there is still a weed in the garden but the other flowers are blooming and will not affect the overall beauty of our lives.

I warned you I was in a philosophical mood….

And as we approach the most wonderful American tradition, the gathering of friends and family to express thanks next Thursday, I wanted to express our continued gratitude to many of you. I am thankful for the supportive family and wonderful friends like you. Recently I have been reminded what a good friend is, they drop everything and come and help at the drop of a hat no questions asked, or cook you supper or take over when you can't, or just know to lend a listening ear. Thank you.

I am grateful every day for the courage and maturity Isabella displays. I am thankful for the joy and happiness that Matilde brings to the household and I count my lucky stars for my wonderful husband. Gregorio has returned from a successful trip - maybe there was something in the water, as he has returned full of energy and a renewed interest in life. He never ceases to surprise and amaze me.

With love and much thanks to you all,
Emma xxx