September 12, 2012

(posted by Greg)

First, let me apologize to those who follow this blog regularly for not posting an update.

Since the last blog, we had a short visit from Daniel who came from Boise with two friends. Monica was happy to see him. We are hoping that he will be back for another visit in a few weeks.

With Marley happily ensconced in medical school, Monica and I have settled into a bit of a routine. I am spending more time at home and doing the chauffering. (I am able to do some work from home and my staff are very supportive.) Because Monica's condition continues to be stable, our routine is mostly a happy one and is becoming the "new normal".

As I am sure that I have said before, occasionally something prompts me to look at Monica with fresh eyes. Sometimes that can be a bit emotional when I see her struggling to walk or to do something with one hand that most people do with two hands. I often think about how lucky I am that she is not feeling sorry for herself and that she maintains a positive attitude.

Monica had another visit to the physiotherapist at Holy Family Hospital last Friday. The appointment was spent testing her ability to use her right arm and leg so that they can measure whether or not there is any improvement. The physiotherapists are very nice. Monica has another appointment this Friday at which time I think they will have her doing some exercises. Immediately following that session, we will be meeting with an occupational therapist. I think the occupational therapist will be giving us practical advice on how to cope with Monica's problems and how to make moving (and our home ) safer.

Monica also had her regular Bev treatment last Wednesday and all went well.

Monica and I used to do tai chi together for several years. We attended a health recovery class at the tai chi centre last night. In these sessions, they teach people how to adapt the the tai chi "set" to accomodate their disability. Monica knew a number of the people (and the instructor) and was really made to feel welcome. She used the parallel bars that they have at the centre to provide support and was able (with some adaption) to do some of the exercises. Because she can still use both legs, she was able to do more of the leg exercises. I think that they will be beneficial for her strength and balance etc. More importantly, I think that, that at this point, Monica wants to keep going and I think that she will benefit (in no small part because of the kind of people she will be in contact with) from participating and from the social interaction.

Today, Monica had another MRI. We meet the oncologist next week (following more urine tests) to review the results and to confirm that she will be able to do another round of Bev treatments. I am not expecting any surprises because my sense is that the tumour is still stable and not growing at this point.