Sunday, December 22, 2013

Whizzing towards 2014

The past month seems to have been a stream of parties, end of school year activities, choir concerts etc and now Christmas is just round the corner. Before we sit down and tuck into some sumptuous feasts we wanted to take a breath and catch up.

Isabella had another MRI earlier this month. The results showed either - continued stability or further shrinkage (even if very minute) - depending on which doctor you spoke to. The good news is the magic pills are continuing to have a positive effect on the brain tumor. This is great news and just what we needed to take us forward into Christmas and beyond. There will be another MRI at the beginning of March sometime, we will continue with this drug till October assuming Isabella continues to tolerate it well with minimal side effects.

Yesterday her neurologist called to ask if Isabella and we wouldn't mind being mentioned and honoured during the National Brain Tumor Foundation Gala Fundraiser in February. The story of these new mek inhibitor drugs that she is taking is a very positive one and they want to share this with the wider Brain Tumor community to show what new drugs are becoming available and generate further funds for medical research. Both girls are very excited about attending the event, and like any girls, worried about what they are going to wear!

Isabella has been performing with her choir in several beautiful Christmas concerts. Matilde, no longer a ballerina has enjoyed her week-ends free from Nutcracker rehearsals. However, she is going to watch the show (and see some friends perform) this afternoon. As she has never seen the whole show! Both girls passed their respective piano exams and are now ready to start the next Grade. Isabella is determined to take Gregorio up on his offer - if she passes Grade 5, he'll buy a baby grand piano. He had better start saving, she's about to start Grade 4!

Gregorio is continuing to run often and is immensely satisfied, rightly so, of his increased fitness but more importantly he has a new zest for life and this is having a positive effect on us all. He completed the 10 K Turkey Chaser on Thanksgiving morning in freezing conditions and now has his eyes set on greater things. A few muscular setbacks this week will hopefully not sway him from his path towards a half marathon in March.

The Italian grandparents arrived this week and we are now all settling into the Christmas festivities. I think the last few presents have been bought or ordered on-line. Gregorio is knocking up his traditional fish feast on Christmas eve which the girls insist is adhered to each year. Christmas day I am excused from turkey cooking duties (much to Gregorio's relief) as we join a group of dear Italian friends to celebrate.

Looking ahead to 2014 we have lots of skiing planned. We are hoping that the three lots of snow we have already had are a good omen for the winter to come. Though yesterday's 21C is not good news for the local slopes….we shall be skiing most week-ends at the local slopes and have a wonderful trip planned in Jackson Hole in February. Next summer will hopefully be a European one, dates and itinerary still to be worked out but I hope we shall catch up with many of you.

Wishing our friends and family near and far a magical Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Lots of love,
Emma, Gregorio, Isabella & Matilde. xxx