Joy and Sorrow

Joy

Starting this post with birthday greetings to an amazing neighbour and friend, Wanda, who turns 92 this Saturday. Wanda has been inspiring me for the past 20 years with her sharp wit, no-nonsense attitude, friendliness, and astonishing energy. Happy Birthday, Wanda. You go, girl :)

92 years young

Other neighbours that need mentioning are Saints Dawn and Tracey, who have faithfully delivered more delicious, hot, 3-course meals to our door than we can count. Thank you, girls. You have been an amazing source of support. 

Sorrow

Our hearts break with Sheila, Jayden and Kennedy at the death of their beloved husband and father, Steve. Steve and I did (chemo) drugs together at the cancer centre after his care was transferred here from Toronto. Even when he was in considerable pain, Steve was good-humoured, upbeat, and kind. Steve fought cancer like a warrior; Sheila and Steve wore bracelets that said (in slightly more colourful language) "screw cancer." A life cannot be summarized in a few sentences, and Steve was many things to many people. To me, he was and remains a champion and an inspiration. Please remember this dear family in your prayers. 

1970-2014

Aug 3, 2014. For Sheila

My treatment schedule encountered a little wrinkle - radiation could not be started because of significant fluid build-up on my left (node-removal) side. They will need to re-do the siting and simulation (does that come with more tats?) which will likely happen in the next couple of days. Once again, radiation will (hopefully) begin shortly after that. Thankfully, the fluid build-up has all but disappeared, and I'm feeling a lot more comfortable. I will keep you posted!