Hard to believe that July is over - the last couple of months are a blur!
We've really enjoyed the last few days and have continued to be amazed by the many ways our friends and family have gathered around us to show their love and support.
It's been so great... I got the chance to chat with Lyle (his wife Marie and I worked together at both Teachers Credit Union and at Central). When she first hired me I was just expecting Jeanine, so she has known us for 19 years - it's crazy to think how time flies.
We were also blessed with gifts of food and visits from two of our 'adopted daughters', Molly and Mel, and from our lifelong friend Gaylene (Mike and I actually met the night of Gaylene's birthday, 25 years ago).
Speaking of Gaylenes, I was so pleased to get a card and note from my cousin, Gaylene, and her family. Her son Dylan shares the same birthday as Thomas.
And let's not forget the 'magic muffin basket' from our neighbours, Eleanor and Henry.
I had better get more active, with all this good food being shared with us! But Mike really appreciates it, it saves him cooking ;-) So I decided to join the Conexus' group Terry Fox Run (see link at right). If I have guesstimated correctly, the day of the run should fall on the off weekend in between chemo rounds.
I stopped in and admired Bev's painting skills and shared a glass of lemonade when I picked up the lovely sheepskin she offered to loan us (Tom loves that, that's for sure!)
I had a coffee and visit with my friend Pat, who I buy Norwex products from. She sent me home with hugs and a gift bag for Thomas, also very much appreciated.
In between all this visiting and eating, we've gotten the bills caught up, and Mike has made a serious dent in the "honey do" list. I'll be taking my mom out this afternoon to get her hair done, and I know she'll be happy for the outing.
Tom's bloodwork on Wednesday and this morning show that his hemoglobin is holding up fairly well, but his platelet counts are countinuing to drop. These are normal side effects to the chemotherapy. They did a cross-match for his blood today, as we think he will quite likely need either a platelet or blood transfusion before the long weekend is out, or maybe even both.
He's feeling pretty tired, and has lingering pain in his heels/ankles from taking a walk with Mike and Neesha - again, all normal side effects of the chemotherapy drugs.
Mike's brother Brian and his wife Jane are on their way up to visit, and we're looking forward to catching up with them. We've sure been thinking of them and their family, as they recently lost a beloved brother-in-law on Jane's side of the family. May God be with them all.
Laura comes home tonight and we are all quite excited. I need to sign off and go clear out some shoes from the front door, or there will never be room to get her, or Brian and Jane, to get in!
What are we grateful for?
ALL OF THE ABOVE!
Thanks again to all of you for your continued prayers and support. Please don't underestimate their power.
Happy and safe travels to all this long weekend,
Thomas' Mom
