Day + 169 Ups and a Down

In general, my own life has continued on an upward spin. I've entered back into the social scene, attending a fantastic surprise birthday party on a Saturday a couple weeks ago for my friend Linda and hanging out with new and old friends. The next day I had brunch with some relatives Art & Marlene, who I hadn't seen post-transplant. Later in the day I was entertained by almost 2-year old Alex while having dinner with good friends Doug and Michelle.

Even my personal trainer has recognized my improved strength and energy, and has kicked my workout up a notch, a sure indication things are looking up.

Things turned a little downward a day or so later, when I talked to Ryan and Tasha following Ryan's appointment to review his recent MRI. His brain tumour showed quite significant growth since the previous one in September and accordingly the plan for treatment had to be revisited by the board of doctors the following day before proceeding. It is incredibly unfair the number of times their family has had to deal with the roller coaster of cancer and I was so disappointed at the latest turn. Ryan has started a blog for his own story - please see his link on the upper right hand side if you'd like to follow it. Of course, Ryan and Tasha have been working non-stop since the MRI to look at all possible options and ways to fight - they are relentless and I continue to be inspired by their attitude to beat the odds and live life fully all at the same time.

In early November, I talked to one my oldest friends (our mothers were friends) Shelley and decided that it was time for a visit to Montreal to see her...I flew in last Wednesday night and stayed until Sunday evening. I love Montreal and was happy to explore downtown and the shops while Shelley worked (she teaches at McGill) and then enjoy bistros, tapas bars, movies and visiting with her friends in the evening and on the weekend. While I didn't think of the Grey Cup when booking the flights, it was interesting to see the various jersey-clad people around town and then watch the last moments of the game from the boarding room at the airport. The Stamps win and the joy of the passengers was consistent with the remainder of the weekend - awesome!

This week I made a couple of key appearances at some PwC events and meetings, to ease my transition plan to return to work in March. I just wanted to show my face to remind people who I was and meet some of the new faces that have arrived since my departure to New York three years ago. It was surprising to me how easy it was to rejoin the group, as well as how many people I still knew. PwC continues to be a good source of positive energy for me, and I am excited to be able to recover some of that soon. You hear right, I'm excited about working!

Just a day ago, I was able to babysit Jack and Davis for an evening with Mom, and was fully entertained by their latest sentences and ideas. "Ready or not, here I come" was followed by me crouching behind the kitchen island while Jack walked around calling "Trish?" until he discovered my hiding spot and laughed his guts out. "Again?" is another favourite. Davis pulled out all the stops with his guitar moves while dancing to the latest Wiggles tunes and had Mom, Jack and I dive under a small table to take cover from unknown "noises" upstairs!

Other than bloodwork and some medication appointments, things have been pleasantly quiet on my health front. The week of December 9th (Day +180) will include a bone density test, pulmonary function test, bloodwork, doctor visit, bone marrow aspirate and the removal of my central line. A fair bit of stuff. However, I plan to offset that by celebrating at the PwC Christmas party sans-CVC and watching the Survivor Gabon finale with my fellow Survivor PowerChicks. Of course, Christmas with family will follow quickly, as well as the excitement of spending a few weeks in Maui starting December 31st.

Are you ready for the holidays? I can't wait.