This week I realize that baby steps are not always small. When I started another chemo "day one" last Wednesday, I had a tiny bit of news that suggests there may be some momentum building on my next treatment steps. That morning, Dr. Brown had received an email with a draft contract concerning the clinical trial attached to it, a final step in the application process that I had expected would take several more weeks. I also found out that results from an extensive ultrasound I had before Christmas - it indicated the surgery performed last year to remove the tissue infected by the flesh-eating disease did not damage the blood vessels in my neck and chest significantly, so that a central line (this would be my fourth) should be able to be inserted for the next stage of treatment. Just yesterday, I went for an echocardigram, or an ultrasound of the heart, which is just one of many tests that I will undergo prior to the next stage of treatment. While none of these events means that the clinical trial will be approved, it is just a tiny bit of hope that this waiting period may soon be over.
This week included a lot of other small treasures, including another Survivor draft lunch with friends Shannon, Julie and Laura, a "mini-reunion" with some high school friends, a 1st birthday for an adorable little boy named Alex, a day-trip to Fort MacLeod to visit Bob and Heather, and catching 2 awesome movies with Mom.
Last night, we had a Wii bit of fun - I probably laughed the hardest I have in months, as Dad, Mom and I worked up a sweat bowling, golfing and playing tennis right in our living room. It was also the first time in history that Mom has finished a golf game and even better she beat Dad (by 10 strokes). The Nintendo Wii could actually be better than my training and physio for its positive effects both physically and mentally. I'm actually a bit sore today. From laughing and Wiiing....
I witnessed a significant demonstration of the power of a small soul when Tasha, Talyn and I visited the Zoo yesterday morning, after my echocardigram. It was a beautiful warm day so we decided to do something fun, knowing that later this week Tasha's test results on the status of her cancer would be in, and the focus turning to treatment plans would not be so fun. During our visit, we were introduced to Malti, a baby elephant born in the past six months, who looked absolutely tiny under her mother, but pranced about with enormous confidence and strength. In speaking with the zookeeper, tiny Malti actually weighs 490+ pounds although Tasha and I both felt we likely could scoop her up and let her sit on the bed at home! We both agreed despite a fairly smooth week on the health front for both of us (compared to last week), Malti was the highlight of the week!
