Thursday, June 14, 2012
JOYFUL, JOYFUL
Tom has an appointment with Dr. Peter Ferguson, Orthopedic Oncologist, and Dr. Abha Gupta, Oncologist on July 30th at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto.
I don't know the logistics of the trip yet, but am so excited to have news to share! I want to sing and cry and run and shout...so this video is my way of sharing my chaotic emotions with you all! We are keeping our hopes realistic, but still.....just the fact they want to see Tom in person is so encouraging!
Thank you for checking in on us, and for your continued love and support. If you are inclined to prayer, DON'T STOP NOW! (lol)
Seriously though --- I don't know what your particular faith perspective is, but I know that ours has forever been changed by Tom's journey with cancer. We have seen people at their best and at their worst. But thankfully, the vast, vast majority of his journey has involved us experiencing people at their very best.
We are doing our best to live in a way that honours the embarassment of Grace that God has bestowed on us.
I have learned that a crisis like this puts you at a crossroads in your faith life: either you give up on God - or you give it up to God.
And we've done both, sometimes both on the same day - but I am sure it's easy to guess which path gives us more peace, more hope. We pray to have the strength to keep choosing the path of peace and hopefulness, no matter what these docs in Toronto can or cannot do for our boy.
Grateful always,
Thomas' Mom
P.S. Jeanie has a great apartment now in Toronto, right across from Ryerson - couldn't be handier!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
The difference between a CT and an MRI
CT and MRI differ in two basic ways.
CT uses x-rays to detect and record the radiation absorbed by different tissues, and sends the data to a computer to transform into images. MRI does not use x-rays.
Instead, MRI employs a powerful magnetic field to monitor the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in water, the most abundant element in the body. When subjected to the magnetic field of an MRI, the hydrogen protons are knocked out of alignment and emit a radiofrequency signal that is detected by the MRI machine, which then processes the signals into images.
CT scans usually show little differentiation in soft tissues, but highlight solid structures, like calcium deposits or kidney stones.
MRI scans emphasize detailed tissue structures due to differences in water content.
Source: ehealthmd.com
Because Tom has the type of cancer that can move into either soft tissue or bony structures, both MRIs and CT scans have been used at different times. The main benefit for Tom is that a CT scan is usually much quicker and easier - both to get one scheduled, and to actually go through it.
CT uses x-rays to detect and record the radiation absorbed by different tissues, and sends the data to a computer to transform into images. MRI does not use x-rays.
Instead, MRI employs a powerful magnetic field to monitor the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in water, the most abundant element in the body. When subjected to the magnetic field of an MRI, the hydrogen protons are knocked out of alignment and emit a radiofrequency signal that is detected by the MRI machine, which then processes the signals into images.
CT scans usually show little differentiation in soft tissues, but highlight solid structures, like calcium deposits or kidney stones.
MRI scans emphasize detailed tissue structures due to differences in water content.
Source: ehealthmd.com
Because Tom has the type of cancer that can move into either soft tissue or bony structures, both MRIs and CT scans have been used at different times. The main benefit for Tom is that a CT scan is usually much quicker and easier - both to get one scheduled, and to actually go through it.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Beyond Cancer
Now that we've moved forward on the consultation with Toronto - still no word back, by the way - we are starting to look at the other areas of Tom's development that need to be attended to.
I've done some research in the past week or so as to what Tom's requirements are to be able to officially graduate Grade 12.
As you may remember, Tom was diagnosed in June 2009, at the end of Grade 10. He had enrolled again in school in the fall of 2010, but then relapsed and had to withdraw again. So although he participated in the grad banquet with his peers last spring, he had not been able to to meet the requirements for his diploma.
He's been taking one class this semester, and is handling it well.
I talked with the principal of the Regina Board of Education's Summer School, a friend in Admissions at the U of R, and the vice principal for academics at Luther, and we have come up with the following plan:
Because Tom had completed his Grade 10, and will turn 19 (God willing!) in September, he will meet the eligibility requirement for an accelerated Saskatchewan Grade 12 diploma program called "Adult 12". The accelerated program waives the Grade 11 level prequisites - which may make the transition a bit challenging, but Tom is excited to go for it!
The class he is taking this semester counts toward his diploma, and if he enrolls in one Grade 12 level summer school class in July, he will only need 5 more credits - and then he can walk (or roll...) across the stage next spring to receive his diploma!
This accelerated program will not only give him a valid Grade 12 diploma, it also meets entrance requirements for the University of Regina.
The summer school program for a Grade 12 level class is a little more intense - class is in session every day for 3 hours at a stretch for the month of July.
But then he will have August off - which is a good thing because we'll have to get Nancy moved back to Minot and (possibly) move Jeanine to Toronto during August.
This is crazy stuff for us - to be actually planning for something that will take place not just weeks, but months away! For a long time, we just lived day to day. Then gradually, we began to live week to week. And now - we are actually thinking about events that will happen in a YEAR. It feels good, but scary!
Although there is still the specter of what might go wrong hanging over us, we are putting our trust in God and moving forward.
On the medical side of things: Tom has been feeling so good, that he asked the Palliative doctor whether he can begin reducing his baseline pain medication - so we have begun the gradual process of reducing his meds, week by week. We need to be careful not to move too quickly, as the side effects could be quite unpleasant, since he has been on pain medication so long.
We have even moved on to 'normal' medical appointments that don't involve the Cancer Clinic or the Palliative team!! (I know you are thinking: she really has to get out more, if this is exciting to her!) Tom hasn't seen a dentist in over 2 years, so we took him for a checkup and cleaning this week. Although there has been some damage to the enamel on his teeth, thankfully he has no cavities. Next week, he'll go for an eye exam. Pinch me - we are doing normal things!
As for myself, I am trying to get my own health under control and figure out where I go from here. Tom's health affects my health, and vice versa!
Everyone else is doing well - Nancy is stressed with finals at University, but excited to be coming home soon. Jeanine is waiting anxiously for word from Ryerson as to whether or not she's been accepted into their Fashion Communications degree program - she should find out any day now, actually. Laura is working hard, busy as ever - we hardly see her - and hoping to be accepted as a volunteer at Camp Circle of Friends, a summer camp for cancer kids and their sibs.
Mike has signed up for Golf 4 Cancer, a one day tournament on June 22 in support of the Canadian Cancer Society (follow the highlighted link if you are interested in sponsoring him or learning more).
And naturally, we are all signed up for Relay for Life on June 8. We are looking forward to Tom's next Survivor Lap - it sends chills down my spine, just thinking about it.
We are also thinking ahead to how we can support the Coast to Coast ride for Childhood Cancer that comes again in September.
Even though we are trying our best to move beyond cancer, you can surely tell by our activities that cancer has forever changed our lives. And maybe - dare I say - for the better.
Thanks again for checking in on us, we sure appreciate the ongoing support. May all be well with you and yours.
Take care,
Tom's Mom
P.S. Found out later the same week of writing this post that a) Jeanie has been accepted into Ryerson, and b) Nancy has found an apartment in Minot! My head is reeling with all that lies before us to get the two of them settled, but I am also very excited for both of them!
Hmmm...Does anyone have any connections in Toronto that could help us find housing for Jeanine close to Ryerson?? That seems to be our most immediate problem!
I've done some research in the past week or so as to what Tom's requirements are to be able to officially graduate Grade 12.
As you may remember, Tom was diagnosed in June 2009, at the end of Grade 10. He had enrolled again in school in the fall of 2010, but then relapsed and had to withdraw again. So although he participated in the grad banquet with his peers last spring, he had not been able to to meet the requirements for his diploma.
He's been taking one class this semester, and is handling it well.
I talked with the principal of the Regina Board of Education's Summer School, a friend in Admissions at the U of R, and the vice principal for academics at Luther, and we have come up with the following plan:
Because Tom had completed his Grade 10, and will turn 19 (God willing!) in September, he will meet the eligibility requirement for an accelerated Saskatchewan Grade 12 diploma program called "Adult 12". The accelerated program waives the Grade 11 level prequisites - which may make the transition a bit challenging, but Tom is excited to go for it!
The class he is taking this semester counts toward his diploma, and if he enrolls in one Grade 12 level summer school class in July, he will only need 5 more credits - and then he can walk (or roll...) across the stage next spring to receive his diploma!
This accelerated program will not only give him a valid Grade 12 diploma, it also meets entrance requirements for the University of Regina.
The summer school program for a Grade 12 level class is a little more intense - class is in session every day for 3 hours at a stretch for the month of July.
But then he will have August off - which is a good thing because we'll have to get Nancy moved back to Minot and (possibly) move Jeanine to Toronto during August.
This is crazy stuff for us - to be actually planning for something that will take place not just weeks, but months away! For a long time, we just lived day to day. Then gradually, we began to live week to week. And now - we are actually thinking about events that will happen in a YEAR. It feels good, but scary!
Although there is still the specter of what might go wrong hanging over us, we are putting our trust in God and moving forward.
On the medical side of things: Tom has been feeling so good, that he asked the Palliative doctor whether he can begin reducing his baseline pain medication - so we have begun the gradual process of reducing his meds, week by week. We need to be careful not to move too quickly, as the side effects could be quite unpleasant, since he has been on pain medication so long.
We have even moved on to 'normal' medical appointments that don't involve the Cancer Clinic or the Palliative team!! (I know you are thinking: she really has to get out more, if this is exciting to her!) Tom hasn't seen a dentist in over 2 years, so we took him for a checkup and cleaning this week. Although there has been some damage to the enamel on his teeth, thankfully he has no cavities. Next week, he'll go for an eye exam. Pinch me - we are doing normal things!
As for myself, I am trying to get my own health under control and figure out where I go from here. Tom's health affects my health, and vice versa!
Everyone else is doing well - Nancy is stressed with finals at University, but excited to be coming home soon. Jeanine is waiting anxiously for word from Ryerson as to whether or not she's been accepted into their Fashion Communications degree program - she should find out any day now, actually. Laura is working hard, busy as ever - we hardly see her - and hoping to be accepted as a volunteer at Camp Circle of Friends, a summer camp for cancer kids and their sibs.
Mike has signed up for Golf 4 Cancer, a one day tournament on June 22 in support of the Canadian Cancer Society (follow the highlighted link if you are interested in sponsoring him or learning more).
And naturally, we are all signed up for Relay for Life on June 8. We are looking forward to Tom's next Survivor Lap - it sends chills down my spine, just thinking about it.
We are also thinking ahead to how we can support the Coast to Coast ride for Childhood Cancer that comes again in September.
Even though we are trying our best to move beyond cancer, you can surely tell by our activities that cancer has forever changed our lives. And maybe - dare I say - for the better.
Thanks again for checking in on us, we sure appreciate the ongoing support. May all be well with you and yours.
Take care,
Tom's Mom
P.S. Found out later the same week of writing this post that a) Jeanie has been accepted into Ryerson, and b) Nancy has found an apartment in Minot! My head is reeling with all that lies before us to get the two of them settled, but I am also very excited for both of them!
Hmmm...Does anyone have any connections in Toronto that could help us find housing for Jeanine close to Ryerson?? That seems to be our most immediate problem!