(posted by Greg)
I am writing this early Sunday morning (so no comments on the score in the Super Bowl Game are available) while Monica and Marley are still sleeping.
The past week was pretty good and quite active. Monica's balance seems a tiny bit worse (Marley and I have both noticed this and we are trying to be more and more careful) but she continues to be an uncomplaining trooper. The weather was better this past week so we have had her outside a bit. She walks as much as she can and we use the wheelchair when she gets tired.
Yesterday, Monica and I drove Marley to her UBC Medical School interview. After dropping Marley off, we spent some time in the UBC Bookstore and I used Monica's handicapped parking pass for the first time- it made parking much easier as I was able to get a handicapped parking meter near the front door. We then drove downtown, parked in Stanley park and walked out of the park and along Denman from Beach to Georgia and back. We have always enjoyed this walk and enjoyed it again yesterday. There were lots of people out and about enjoying the weather and we were glad to be among them.
This was the first time that I had used the wheelchair extensively. The trip was a real eye opener for me and I am much more appreciative of what life is like for persons with handicaps. First, Monica and I struggled to put her gloves on because she basically can't use her right hand and her fingers are curling up. Then, on the walk itself, I discovered how uneven the concrete actually is (broken patches, root upheavals etc). I learned (after nearly jarring Monica ouit of the chair at least once) that I have to walk slow and steady in order not to toss Monica about in the wheelchair and, because the sidewalks were busy, I had to be very alert. Also, because I was pushing Monica, I noticed a lot more of the hills and became aware of shops/restaurants that didn't look wheelchair friendly.
[This trip made me appreciate the mobility that Monica still has. I couldn't help but think how much more difficult it would be (or maybe impossible) if she couldn't still move about on her own (even little things like going to the washroom or getting in and out of the car)]
After our walk, Monica and returned to UBC and had a cup of tea and a bite to eat at a Starbucks located not far from the site of my old frat house. We took our time and people-watched. The UBC campus is great and still has a nice feel about it.
We picked Marley up at about 4:00 p.m. She seemed to have really enjoyed the interview process (hope that bodes well) and interacting with everyone. I think she misses college life and being around other students. The three of us then drove to Langley to show Oma how "smart" and professional Marley looked in her interview clothes (and Oma's pearls). [Oma continues to do amazingly well.] We capped off a long and tiring day by meeting Ingo for a late dinner in White Rock.
This past week we again attended a Brain Tumour support group meeting. I don't think that Monica or I felt like going but we went because Marley felt like going. (I think that I was unsure about how beneficial it would be for the group to see that Monica's condition was worse and I had doubts about whether the discussions would be helpful or useful to us.) Social workers and counsellors recommend these support groups to patients and caregivers. On reflection, I think that their advice is good. Despite my misgivings about going, it was once again a useful experience for us all. There is a clear bonding that takes place among the group as they share their experiences and outlook on life with one another. I think that all three of us again felt better afterwards and we were reminded again (as if we should have to be) of what things in life are truly important and the importance of getting a lot out of each moment.
Some of the stories are very sad and touching: This week a caregiver whose 21 year old daughter who had only recently discovered a bad brain tumour and who was not doing too well attended for the first time. Another woman made a comment that suggested she might not be able make next month's meeting because the medicine wasn't working any longer on her tumor.
We have a fairly busy week coming up. Monica gets an MRI on
Wednesday morning followed by a consultation with the Dr. in the afternoon. On Thursday Monica is getting together for lunch with the girls from work and she has her next "Bev" treatment scheduled for the afternoon. On Friday we are going to celebrate Monica's 61st birthday with Oma.
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