Tom had a relaxing time hanging out at the farm with Steph for a few days. I met them at Fillmore and then drove Tom back. Tom had climbed in the back of the van and wanted to rest, but couldn't because his crazy mother was listening to the Rider game and yelling at the radio. Arrgh - we lost a game to Montreal that ought to have been winnable. The Riders have broken my heart yet again. Or maybe it was the referees?
Sunday, Thomas went to a movie with his buddy Nick. Nick's family had a trip to Disney and brought back a souvenir for Tom that he should have had during chemo. It proclaims "THIS IS MY GRUMPY SHIRT" with a picture of Grumpy the dwarf. It was so nice of them to think of him on their trip! Tom went with Nick and his family to a movie on Sunday afternoon, and then Dylan came over later on, and stayed in town overnight at our house.
Mike and I were able to get together with various friends this week, on our own and together, and it's so wonderful to start to catch up with people. We golfed again on Sunday evening, this time with Cathy and Gerry - only this time I karate chopped the ground (accidentally) hard enough that I kind of put my shoulder out of whack. This is what I hate about golf: just when you think you may be catching on, you do something that proves you're hopeless. Oh, well....
We received Tom's class schedule in the mail and it looks really good. He starts at second period, and has 2 spares in the afternoon, and was able to keep Choir in his schedule. He's taking a mix of Grade 11 and 12 classes this year, to knock off his requirements.
Today we had a surprise for Tom: our family all arranged their schedules so that we could all go to the clinic when he had his checkup because it was his 'Chemo Party'. The staff had a cake and a gift for Tom to mark the milestone of reaching the end of treatment. Unfortunately, other members of our clinic family were unable to be there today.
His counts are doing fine, and Dr. Haq remains happy with his progress. He says the fatigue and muscle soreness are very normal at this stage and that in time Tom will feel better and better.
There was a new little gal there today that we hadn't met yet, and we were happy to share our cake with her. We remember all too well what it felt like to watch other patients' celebrations and think we were never going to get there. But time passes, and somehow, you do what you thought you couldn't do. We're so grateful to be here together when only a year ago things were so overwhelming.
I've come to truly appreciate the wisdom of King Solomon: "This too shall pass." It's helpful to remember when your life situation seems bleak or stressful. It's equally helpful to recall when things are sailing along really smoothly, so that you remember to breathe deep and enjoy.
Thanks again for checking in on us - we appreciate your ongoing prayers and support!
Thomas' Mom
