rvx's blog

My Aunt S was in the hospital this week. She has melanoma cancer and has been battling it for a few years now.

Last week, two large tumors were discovered around her brain. It was very scary, the doctors said there was no hope. After having an MRI done, it was determined that it would be possible to remove the larger tumor at the front but it was unclear if the one in the back of the head could be removed without risking cutting a critical vein or part of the brain. It was surreal - something ridiculous you only see on TV on Grey's Anatomy.

After much anticipation, a second MRI revealed that it would be possible to operate on the tumor in the back of the head. The operation was a couple of days ago and went very well. I'm not religious but ....thank you...who ever...whatever...thank you.

I grew up with my aunt and cousins B and D very closely - B and D are like sisters to me and I know that is must have been extremely difficult for them this week. They stayed at the hospital almost every night and all day.

Anyway, I'm so glad that my Aunt S is o.k. and recovering. She's starting to speak again and regaining use of her right arm. I hope she's able to recover completely.

Good bye old house and thank you.

Well, it's been a long time since I posted to this blog. Last time I posted to it, it was just after my dad had a stroke. Over the last few years, he's been in a slow decline. Hasn't been easy but my mom has had to see it almost every day.

Anyway, a big change happened today. I saw the house that I grew up in for the last time while my parents own it. Over the last 4 months, after my mom sold the house, it's been a huge task to clear it out. 2 garage sales, countless car loads of stuff for me and D to bring home, 5 car loads to Good Will and tonight, we filled a huge dumpster (that's taking up half the drive way) with garbage. I think this move has ingrained a realization in all of us that we just don't "need" to have so much "stuff". Don't buy that souvenir magnet, don't save your notes from Sr. Public, High school, even University. Don't save that coke can that happens to be empty but is sealed from the canning facility. It's all junk that will come back to bite you in the butt one day. And in the end, it doesn't really mean much. It's (and has always been), the memories and great experiences that you take with you. What a waste of time it was to sort through all that junk; but it was so hard to let it go. In the end it was the right thing.

I feel that we're now in much better shape having let go of baggage. It's really now time to move on and live life.

Good bye old house and thank you.

Price Canada - Thought I'd try this.

 

Price Canada Contest Badge

Hmmm, thought I'd try this link to PriceCanada.com.

 

Happy Anniversary PriceCanada.com!

Link to Price Canada

Happy Anniversary PriceCanada.com!

 

Dad's moving to a nursing home soon

Well, Dad's no longer on the 3rd floor at Providence, he's been moved to A519 on the 5th floor since it's for nursing home residence.  His rehab is now finished but hopefully we'll be able to keep him exercising and increasing his strength.  Last saturday, I threw a beach ball around with him; so, he getting his coordination back and he's definitely  happy to be doing something other than just sitting there. 

Mom's getting quite bored; so, I'd like to find something for her to do. Perhaps a gameboy would help her pass the time!  Anyone have a spare one lying around with BlackJack on it?  ;^)

It's been a while

Well, I can't believe it's been over 2 months since I've updated the blog. What's happened over the last 2 months....

- Dad's now eating without the G-tube in the stomach. He's finished with the pureed foods and now is eating diced foods including rice and carrots!  He's been home a couple of times for a few hours each time and he'll be moving into a nursing home pretty soon.

- Me and Taryne went Jamaica - Runaway Bay (near Montego Bay) for a week. It was a really nice time, me and taryne need to get away for a bit; so, we decided last minute to take a vacation.

- Taryne's now living in Peterborough because she got a job working at the forensics lab at Trent University. It's been a lifelong dream of hers to work in forensics; so, she couldn't pass up the chance and great opportunity to gain experience.

- Summer's here and we've setup the patio with some greenery. I've been furiously trying to find the right plants and practiing my yet to be green thumb. Being up there on a beautiful day with a beer makes it all worth while.

Signing out for now,

rvx

Dad eating more pureed food

Wow, more progress. Dad has passed the test for being able to eat solid food. He's now going to be eating pureed tuna, vegetables and other regular food and having less meal supplement (shakes).

He's also taking little steps when in the wheel chair and slowly able to move his legs. We really need to get him on his feet and getting him to walk.

rvx

 

 

Belle's 1 month celebration

Here's a pix of Dave, Viv, Nicholas and Belle.

 

Dave & family

Here's a pix of me and my little niece Belle.

 

Me & Belle

 

Update on my dad

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to my new blog site.

Things have been improving slowly but surely with my dad.  He's now able to eat pureed fruit and cranberry gel. For once, he actually seems to be content and about his situation but you can tell that he still sometimes gets very frustrated with not being able to verbalize things.

The other day, my uncle Steven and I were actually helping him stand and take some steps. Very small steps and only his left leg actually moved but I'm sure that he'll be able to improve within a few weeks.

He's also receiving accupunture session now which I think have really helped to improve his mobility and provide some muscle stimulation.  He's definitely lost lot of muscle over these last few months. Can't believe it's only been 5 months since he was first admitted to the hospital - seems like much longer.

Anyway, I'm going to try to update this blog more often.  Keep in touch.

rvx