Catching Up

Young adults in cancer treatment end up having alot of catching up to do. Whether it's work, school, travel or friends - too much ends up having to slow down during treatment. That's why it's so amazing to read Adrienne's story. Adrienne has had Hodgkins for most of her life and all of her teenage and young adult years. Yet she graduated from college last week! Kudos Adrienne!



Eric's Catching Up

Eric has been trying to schedule his driver's test since he was diagnosed almost 3 years ago. I don't know how many times it was scheduled, but each time, he ended up in the hospital. You can bet that we had all become very leery about even thinking of scheduling that road test again. Anyway, last week he finally got to take his road test and passed it. Check one more 'catch up' item off that list! Getting back to school has been great for Eric - and I know that I am much happier to hear how his criminology test went than how some medical test went.

And finally, thanks to Cor and all the kids for my great birthday present. These scans don't do the family photos justice -- the actual prints are amazing.


All of us ...




Shelley and Dave...




Eric, Shelley and Zach

Have a Party... Donate the Empties.... Feel Good About It!

The Beer Store is proud to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, the charity of choice for our union, UFCW Local 12R24. Their mission is to eliminate leukemia, lymphoma (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin) and myeloma by funding research and promoting public understanding of the these blood cancers.

On the weekend of May 23 and 24, customers will be invited to donate all or a portion of their empty bottle refund to the Society. 100% of the funds they contribute will go directly to the charity.

In 2008, this initiative was proud to raise $650,000 to support the Society in its fight against blood cancers.

Enjoying Life

Moved into new apartment with cute girlfriend, started summer semester, practicing swing at driving range, golfing, camping... That's Eric's life 5 months post transplant. We are amazed and grateful and enjoying life.

Sometimes this past year seems completely surreal. An anonymous donor stepped up and saved Eric's life - twice. A skillful and caring BMT team never stopped trying and never let us down. Over a hundred days in the hospital, countless blood and platelet transfusions (thank you to all those donors too), endless blood draws, chemo, chemo and more chemo.... And we have our miracle.

A great story in today's Ottawa Sun relates how another anonymous group of strangers makes sure that bone marrow transplants work.

Have Marrow, Will Travel

I wonder who made sure that Eric's new marrow arrived safe and sound?

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there. Enjoy every day - make it all count!

Totally Random....

Have been watching this webcam and thought others might like the diversion as well....


Canada Goose nest near Edmonton

Apparently the eggs are expected to hatch this week. Earlier today, she spent some time adjusting and turning the eggs...

Goodbye PICC!!!

There are bits and pieces of this journey that became tolerable only because the alternative was intolerable.

Since January 2008, Eric has had a PICC line in his arm. It was a Godsend for hundreds of blood draws, countless transfusions, endless bags of fluid and many rounds of chemo. It saved his veins and prevented complications.

But, it meant that Eric had to wrap and tape his arm before every shower, he has not been able to swim, lift or exercise. In the summer, long sleeves don't cover it and people stare - Eric stares back.

That PICC got pulled out today and while it truly is miniscule in the context of the last 18 months, it is a huge victory for Eric.

So, we celebrate another milestone. Today, I am grateful again for our donor, our medical team and the Canadian health care system.

I just read this article posted by Duane on his blog and thought, there but for the grace of God go I...... With Son in Remission, Family Looks for Coverage . I realize that universal medical care is a topic that can cause heated debate amongst some of my American friends. But I am grateful that I can look around my office or neighbourhood and know that everyone is able to get the same remarkable medical care that Eric receives.

And because you've asked.... family portraits turned out awesome! But you will have to wait a bit to see them.