Where there's a will...

I have a confession - we don't have a will.  We've spent a lot of this weekend trying to prepare for getting one done.  Asking ourselves all sorts of difficult questions like:

1. Who would look after Charlotte when we're gone?
2. Do we want to be buried or cremated?
3. What are our wishes with respect to medical treatment?
4. Who should we choose as an executor of our estate?

There all sorts of tricky questions - we made good progress - hopefully we can arrange to see a lawyer with the next week or two.

We also phoned our employee assistance providers today to see what kind of things they offered.  Low and behold - Stefan's provides 25% off lawyer fees - talk about good timing!

We also started the sesame street detox program today.  I'm sure I'm not the only mom out there that results to mr. boob tube with a sick child.  Detox involved:

1. A walk to newport village;
2. Baking in the kitchen - I made chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, Superchuck made a lovely concoction of flour, water, toddler puffs - and mushed up chocolate chip oatmeal cookies;
3. Washing up the results of our baking.

We are now just about to sit down to a lovely steak dinner provided by Deb, Donnette, Carmel and Claudine - thanks ladies!

sicky sick

Well - Charlotte's nick name took on new meaning last night - as she showed off her Superior upChucking skills.

The tummy bug hit her at 6 - and there was upchucking every half hour till about 12:30am.  After some slow hydrating - she finally managed to get some sleep around 2:30.  Team lageston pulled through, with me on sick kid duty, and Stefan washing her blankets all night.  We tag teamed again today with catching up on sleep. 

We're now taking it easy - and hoping it won't hit us.  At least we know what to expect - and hopefully we'll continue the teamwork and take it in turns.  Charlotte is feeling much better!

TGIF - ?

So - Stefan had his MRI yesterday - no update for you though since we haven't talked to a doctor.  I imagine there will be a doctor's appointment next week - I'll start calling Monday for that.

Charlotte's pediatrician appointment went well.  Hip x-ray was good - no problems there.  All the things she was looking for with the blood work were good.  There are a couple genetic tests still pending.

So - that was all good news.  She's going to put a referral in for neurology - but that will probably take a couple months.  If Charlotte is walking by then (which we are hopeful she will be) - then that appointment would just get cancelled.  We'll have a follow up with the pediatrician in a couple months.

The infant development consultant came this afternoon too.  I know I hadn't written about her before.  Our public health nurse had put the referral for the infant development center ages ago (when she had put the referral in for physio).  We are now working with someone from the aboriginal infant development center.  So far - I haven't seen any difference between the infant development consultant and the public health nurse - but oh well - the more the merrier on our team.  They do these ages and stages questionnaire which sees where Charlotte is with communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and social skills.  We had been doing these questionnaires every 3 months since Charlotte was born.  I thought this was the norm, but many other parents I talk with don't do this kind of thing.  This was what got the push for physio.  I find them a good resource - not only for these questionnaires - but they provide other info too!
So - no updates there - she said we are doing everything right (good to hear)!

To end this exciting day off - Charlotte seems to have a tummy bug - and started vomiting an hour ago - fun!  Oh - my poor little girl.  Good thing we had planned a low key weekend at home!

busy week

It's been a busy week (at work and with appointments!).

• Opthamologist
  A week before we discovered the brain tumour - Stefan had been to see the optometrist.  It was pretty routine - and Stefan's vision is great - but there was one test that set off red flags.  A beam was sent into each eye, and Stefan was supposed to push a button for each beam.  On his left eye - he got most of the beams, when they did his right eye - he asked "when are we starting" but the test was done - ie. he didn't pick up any.  The optometrist had also said there was some swelling behind the eye.  He referred him to a specialist.  The appointment was the first week of January at St. Pauls - we ended up cancelling it - as we had discovered the reason for the swelling
  
  This Monday - Stefan got a call reminding him of an appointment Tuesday - this was news to us!  An Opthamologist near metrotown.  I guess the optometrist put in the referral to two different spots to see who could see him sooner (kudos to him!).  Well this time, instead of cancelling - Stefan told them his situation - and they said they would still like to see him
  
  Long story short - if the MRI hadn't happened December 17th - the first Opthamologist appointment would have sent him to ER due to the swelling behind his eyes (my lecture of this blog: Go see an optometrist!).  Stefan has a couple follow up appointments with the Opthamologist (I guess they will just monitor his eyes to make sure there is no damage - but I'm guessing!)
• MRI
  We finally got an MRI appointment.  We had originally been told they wanted to get Stefan in by the 27th - and we were losing hope of that - but we got the call today - Stefan goes for his MRI tomorrow at 5pm!
• Charlotte
  We have Charlotte's follow up appointment with the pediatrician Friday morning, and then her follow up with the infant development consultant Friday afternoon.

Whew!  I'm tired just writing this.  It's also been a busy week at work - looking forward to it calming down next week!

great weekend!

We had a fantastic weekend!  We had some friends over Saturday night for a visit.  I had given a time of 4-7 for our visit.  Well - goes to show what great friends I've got - as they were out the door by 7:02pm.  We had a wonderful visit - and appreciate the fact they recognize our need to end our evening's early!

Today was spent celebrating the patriarch of the L family - Stefan's dad's birthday.  We met his parents in Horseshoe bay for lunch.  Now - I took a couple logic classes at University - and by deduction - if you have a superhero for a son, and one for a granddaughter - probably pretty likely that you would also have superpowers!

Superchuck and Grandpa

Just another day...

It was just another day for my family of misfits.  Which of course these days, means another trip to the hospital.

On Thursday afternoon, we got a call from Superchucks pediatrician.  The urine sample that we had done last Friday had showed high white cells - aka. bladder infection.  But Charlotte had no fever and has been feeling fine.  The pediatrician wanted us to come in for a 'sterile' urine sample.

So - Friday morning - we made the trip to Children's ER (the Dr. told us to go there - and she had left instructions with them).  When she had said 'sterile' urine sample - I hadn't thought she had intended to get that with a catheter.  Stefan and I have both had that pleasant experience -and didn't wish it for our daughter.  (Urine samples are typically taken from babies/toddlers by sticking a plastic bag to them - but this can lead to a 'contaminated' sample).  So, we pleaded for another way to get the sample - and opted for the 'catch it midstream'.  So - with the TV on, with our standing naked girl, and a bucket of warm water - we only had to wait for about 10-15 minutes before our girl did her task.  We rejoiced in our success!  The sample was negative (no bladder infection!) and we were free to go!

We decided to pay a quick visit to my little cousin (4th cousin if you want to get technical - but it's all the same in our family).  He's 12, and getting treated for leukemia.  Stefan chatted with him about their treatment - and suggested dinner to celebrate when this is all done - and they can take pictures of their bald heads together!  He is one tough little boy!

Then it was home for me to get some work done.  My brother is in town from Victoria - so he and Stefan made a trip out (my brother got to experience what it's like for me to go shopping with Stefan - running into 5 people he new, and chatting with each one).

Then we had a wonderful dinner (my Mom cooked) with my little family and my Mom and two brothers!  I love my brothers, and it was nice to have them all to myself for a night - as much as I love their families - hanging with your siblings makes you feel young again.  We did our favorite thing -played a game - and I slaughtered them 2 out of the 3 games!

All in all - a great day - and we are getting used to trips to the doctors office/hospital!

Nothing Butt Class

This post is a special thank you to my rugby girls.  These girls are amazing women in any situation - there is a reason why I was proud to be called their team mate.  They have ensured we have a fully stocked freezer (on top of just being their to talk, or watch Charlotte at a moments notice).

On top of all that, a few of them have entered a team into the "Ride to Conquer Cancer".  It's a 200km bike ride from Vancouver to Seattle to raise funds for the BC Cancer foundation.  Their team name is 'Nothing Butt Class' - which is a well used rugby term for anytime we'd do something silly.  Cancer has affected another friend from the Rugby Club as well - he's actually 1 year older than Stefan to the day - and had his fight in 2010.  He's now cancer free (but has regular checkups) - and an inspiration for Stefan.  We are very touched by the support from the rugby club (mens and womens).  They each have to raise $2,500 by participating.  This plug is my way to thank them - if you would like to donate - this is a great way - and it's a great cause!

http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Vancouver2011?pg=team&fr_id=1371&team_id=41680

another appointment

We met with Dr. C today - our follow up appointment with the neuro surgeon.  It was relatively quick.  We reiterated the main points that Dr. M had told us:
1. another MRI to determine if more radiation was needed
2. radiation likely the next step.

Dr. C's reaction was "No - we can't do more surgery, I took all that could be taken out safely." 

His other comment was he was surprised they weren't going to do Chemo along with the Radiation (considering Stefan is young and healthy).

I had read somewhere that chemo is not as effective on slow growing tumours as it is on fast growing ones.  Perhaps this is why Dr. M mentioned chemo as a treatment option down the road.  Still - we're going to ask Dr. M at our next appointment about if double duty of radiation and chemo is an option and if we should be looking into it.

Stefan still isn't allowed to drive.  The original statement that Stefan had had a seizure was in the Burnaby General Hospital report (where Stefan had his MRI) - Stefan said he didn't have one (I believe him).  So - until Dr. M can sort out where the statement came from - Stefan still can't drive.  It may be the case that he can't drive until after radiation is over - and Stefan gets the go ahead.

Stefan is on the wait list for the MRI - they will try to give us as much notice as possible - but heard it can be notice within the day.  Our hope is it gets done by end of next week.

On another note - Charlotte's pediatrician's office called - we have a follow-up appointment on January 28th.  It actually stunned me a bit to be called by a doctors office before I hounded them - I've gotten used to being a pest, calling all these different offices and doctors every day to see when we can get in, forgot how it's usually done!

my blog

I have received some really great feedback on my blog.  Glad to hear people are enjoying it - not only as a source of info on Stefan!  I have found writing this blog to be therapeutic.  Having to whirl my thoughts/feelings around so that I can set them out in words is healing.

As many of you know - Stefan and I are quite different in some aspects (the same in others) - but one of those aspects is that I tend to be very open book, while Stefan is much more private with his personal life (hence why he has no facebook account). 

I'm glad he has been receptive to the blog idea.  Although this may have to do with the fact that I talk about how amazing/good looking/wonderful he is - perhaps he'll change his tune once I start writing about his snoring or trips to the pool in his swimsuit from 20 years ago (Superchuck and I tried to pretend he wasn't with us - but we couldn't ignore the laughter from the lifeguards (love you honey)). 

exhausted

Sorry for the delay between posts.  It has been a long emotional week.  The physical and emotional strain of the last month I think has finally caught up with me - and by Friday afternoon I felt like I had hit a brick wall.

The information from Wednesday's meeting has started to sink in.  We took Superchuck for her bloodwork on Friday morning - what a trooper!  I held in my tears as she screamed getting the blood taken - I knew if I cried it would upset her even more.  It was over quickly though - and she was fine moments afterwards.  By Friday afternoon - I felt like I was going to pass out - and listened to my body and took a well deserved nap. 

We had a low key weekend - doing regular family things like swim lessons and a birthday party.  I feel like I've been a bit of a grumpy bum all weekend.  Thank goodness for Superchucks superpowers - she gives me no choice but to get up in the morning and take care of my family - and she rewards me with big smiles and giggles.  If it weren't for her or Stefan's positivity - I think I would have curled up in a ball in bed all weekend.

**********************************************************
An excerpt from a conversation between Stefan and I Saturday night:
me: "what am I going to do with you?"
Stefan: "well, if I was a horse, you'd shoot me, if I was a cow, you'd butcher me."
**********************************************************

We are so humbled by all the continuous support for Stefan.  His former students started a group on facebook called "Support Mr Lageston" - amazing comments - please check it out if you get a chance - it brought tears to my eyes!  I know what an amazing person Stefan is - but so nice to see it confirmed from so many others!

We feel so lucky to have such an amazing support network.  I know - it's crazy to feel lucky considering our situation - but we think of so many others in similar or worse situations who don't have the support network we do.  It has been so nice to just concentrate on my family - not having to worry about what to have for dinner.  I can't tell you how thankful I am!

Our to do list this week:
1. Follow up appointment with neuro surgeon on Tuesday
2. Hopefully an MRI (will phone Monday to find out if we have an appointment)
3. Hopefully find out if Stefan can drive?
4. A visit from my brother (and some game time with my brothers!)
5. A visit from a friend from south of the border

Charlotte on the bouncy castle at a friends birthday party!

a plan

So - we had the long awaited appointment - and I know people are anxiously awaiting news.

We are a bit overwhelmed and tired - but I will do my best to  reiterate what we heard today.

Our appointment was at 2:30 at the Cancer Agency.  We had lunch beforehand (I tried to give Stefan my best pep talk) - and we arrived nice and early for the appointment.  This gave us a chance to walk over to the Inspire Health Clinic to take a look.  It's a clinic that offers integrated health services with the cancer agency.  They offer items like naturopathy, massage, nutrition service, yoga etc.  They have a doctor on staff and look at the holistic view of treating cancer.  Definitely something we will check out.

Our appointment started a bit after 2:30 - first with a medical student who took all of Stefan's history and did a physical exam.  Then we saw Dr. M - the radiology oncologist - our new 'cancer' doctor.  I guess our eagerness to get in the door had things a bit mixed up - as he was surprised we hadn't heard the pathology report yet (our follow-up with the surgeon is on the 18th).  He took his time with us - and gave us LOTS of information.  Much of it I was familiar with through my readings from the cancer agency website.  After the Dr. - we also met with a nurse and a social worker - all in all - a 3 hour appointment.

Here are the main points:

1. Confirmation that the tumour is primary (that means started in the brain and contained in the brain - didn't develop from elsewhere in the body).
2. Confirmation that it is an Astrocytoma - grade II - this is a slow growing tumour - benign
   (we didn't get into the survival rates, expected life expectancy, etc.  I already know it - if you really want to scare yourself silly - knock yourself out - it's all on the BC Cancer Agency website - I'm not going to post it here - because we are going to make our own statistic!)
3. The cancer Dr. said the pathologist said the specimen (tumour extracted) was small - inconsistent with what the surgeon had said (dr. said he spoke to the surgeon and surgeon sounded surprised at that too).
4. Based on point #3 - we are going to need another MRI (would need anyway one before starting radiation) - to determine if more surgery is needed (can more of the tumour be safely removed?)
5. Options for treating a grade II astrocytoma are a 'wait and see' approach or treat (with radiation) sooner rather than later.  While the radiation (treating sooner) can delay progression of the tumour - the impact to average life expectancy is about the same under both options (um - ok)
6. He recommends radiation sooner due to the 'bulk' of the tumour
7. Radiation is basically x-rays used as treatment - with the x-ray focused on the tumour
8. Next steps:
    - get MRI - look for indication whether further surgery is needed
    - get fitted for mask worn during radiation (guess we don't have to worry about a Halloween costume this year)
    - get a cat scan done (cat scan and MRI are used to target the radiation - images put into a computer and Dr. inputs target areas)
    - start radiation
9. Radiation treatment is once per day, 5 days a week for 5 and a half weeks.  Stefan would be in the building for about 45 minutes
10. Side effects to radiation include:
     - hair loss
     - irritated scalp
     - hearing can decrease
     - loss of appetite
     - nausea
     - fatigue (this is the biggest)
11. Dr. doesn't think Stefan will return to work before the end of spring (probably not this school year) - when he does return to work - may want to do gradual return due to fatigue
12. The brain tumour is NOT curable - since it can't be removed completely with surgery
13. Treatment is to limit the tumour effects
14. Stefan can exercise to his hearts content (of course he asked)
15. I asked "is it possible that I will have Stefan for another 30 or so years" - Dr.'s reply was "yeah" (with a similar tone people give me when I ask "is this the winning ticket").  Still - i'll take it.

I know this is a very hard pill to swallow.  BUT....it's important to remember:
 - we have heard such positive stories of "I was given 6 weeks - that was 10 years ago", "I was given 6 months - that was 30 years ago"
 - we all know Stefan is healthy, fit and determined - and he has promised me he will be around for a very long time (he keeps his promises)
 - we have a great team
 - Stefan is a superhero

So - that is my summary - I already have a number of new questions (I'm sure you do too).  Stefan is taking this all in stride and would like to start treatment asap.  He is determined to beat this thing!

A note on Superchuck - we didn't take her in for her bloodwork today due to the snow - will take her in Friday morning.

The sidekick

I was going to write today's blog about the various questions we would be asking at tomorrow's appointment - but today didn't go quite as planned - and as such - I think this is the appropriate time to reveal the secret identity of Brain Tumour Man's sidekick - SUPERCHUCK!

Why Superchuck you ask?  We could have had a nickname of Lotty, Charlie, Char - anything really.  Well - our girl likes to chuck things - so chuck stuck!

We had a pediatrician appointment for Charlotte today.  She has had some developmental delays - in particular with her walking - she's not doing any - and she is just about 20 months.  She has been seeing a physiotherapist though - and progressing really well - so even though the doctor made the referral to the pediatrician - we didn't really make much of it.  Well - the Dr. said that our family doctor did the right thing making the referral - and we were off to Children's Hospital for an x-ray of her hips and a 'bone-aging' x-ray (that's where they make sure the bones are developing as fast or slow as she is - they are! whew).  We are back to Children's tomorrow for a run of blood tests (you know - squeeze that in before the Cancer Clinic appointment - but dependent on weather).  The Dr. didn't want to give us any possibilities of what it may be - as she doesn't want to worry us - what - me worry?!  Of course at this appointment - I'm thinking "you've got to be frickin sh#*ing me!'.  Like we don't have enough to stress about right now. 

Anyway - I'm hoping the result of all this is just "she's a late bloomer".  Keep fingers crossed and I'll keep you updated.

We also had Superchucks physio today - and she was very reassuring to talk too.  Our physio has had a number of appointments with Charlotte and also has a little one of her own.  We are hoping the Dr. is just being overly cautious - and that's a good thing - as we have recently discovered!

Brain tumour man and Superchuck better not think they are getting out of any chores!

Brain tumour man and Superchuck doing the dishes after another eventful day.

How am I?

I often get asked how I'm doing.  My typical reply is good - I'm good. 

Here's the truth:

When I'm at work (away from Stefan) - I sometimes am a bit of a wreck.  I often cry at random moments - have made a few escapes to the bathroom - and wonder if people notice my eyes well up at random times as I try to choke back tears.  It's hard to not think of the possible outcomes to this. I have good days and bad days - and am thankful for the people I work with as they have been very supportive.

When I'm with Stefan - it's easy to stay positive and bask in his uber-positive "I'll beat this" attitude.  It's always been one of his superpowers - his ability to make anyone feel at ease and 'good'.  He has always been the willful 'take one for the team' guy.  You know you have all teased him at some point - and he does that 'hang dog' look - giving everyone a laugh!  When you are with him - it's hard to remember the fact that he has a brain tumour - as he looks the best he has for the past year.  

Hence - at the end of my work day - I'm in need of my daily Stefan dose - I wish I could bottle it for all of you!

A lovely surprise

We received a basket, dropped off from Stefan's school.  It was such a nice surprise!  It was a movie themed basket - that had movies, popcorn, snacks and some items for Charlotte.  The nicest part though was the cards from the kids in Stefan's school.  Very sweet!  Here is a sample of one poem that was written:
"There once was a "grumpy old man",
Who doesn't drive a van,
When he left school,
All the kids said "that's not cool",
Because he is the man" - Cameron Fletcher

Thanks Minnekhada!

Friday Night Date Night

Not quite the date I had imagined.

While we had planned for a quiet night at home with a visit from some friends - it turned out a bit different.

When I got home from work, Stefan said he was tired and felt 'pressure' in his head.  I knew enough at this point that my husband is a tank - and if something doesn't quite feel right - I better pay attention.  He had also finished his anti-swelling medication on Monday.  So - I said I was taking him to Royal Columbian (he didn't want to go - but I didn't give him a choice).  Royal Columbia staff had told me last time we were there that if there are any issues to go back to RCH.  It was 5:30pm - doctors office was closed - and I didn't want to wait till Saturday.  I had read too much on seizures post operation to take the chance.

So - we got Charlotte ready and dropped her off at my Mom's and settled into the Royal Columbia ER room.  We were prepared for a long wait - but it wasn't too bad all in all.  We got there just before 7pm and were out by 10:30.  They did a cat scan and compared it to the one taken after surgery - there were no significant differences - and Stefan did NOT have blurry vision, problem speaking, etc.  We got a nice look at the cat scan - and the huge 'hole' in Stefan's brain where the tumour was.  Made the obvious joke of "wow honey - obviously you didn't use that much of your brain!" - the doctor had a good laugh!  I'm not a radiologist - but was reassuring NOT to see a large white mass like we saw in the original MRI.  To me, it looked like only a small amount of the tumour remained - I can go into that Wednesday appointment more hopeful.  We were good to go and told to come back in if any other symptoms did appear.  Whew - perhaps a waste of time - but we could both sleep better that night!  So worth it!

Stefan and I hadn't eaten at this point.  So we grabbed a late sushi meal before going to pick up our doodlebug from my mom's.  Perhaps not the best way to get a date night - but we'll take it for what it was!

We have an appointment!

We finally have an appointment with the Cancer Agency - and it's in Vancouver (Yeah!).  After phonetag between our family doctor and the agency - it was actually our neurosurgeon that touched base with the agency and got the ball rolling for moving Stefan to Vancouver - Thank you Dr. C!  The preliminary pathology results are back - and we will find out more at our appointment - which is next Wednesday (January 12th) at 2:30pm with Dr. M.  He's a radiology oncologist - so that adds fuel to the assumption that treatment will include radiation.  We are so happy to have a set date - as you can probably tell from yesterdays post - the waiting was starting to get to me!

still no report....

Still no pathology report.  It's been almost 3 weeks now - which kind of scares me.  I don't know why it's taking so long.  We guessed the holiday season would add to the wait - but this seems excessive.  Typically reports are done in 1 week.  I googled - and found out that more complicated tumours can take up to a month - but they should have initial results before that (ie. type and grade).  While we enjoyed our holiday bubble of not knowing - we are ready to find out exactly what we are fighting and tackle it (and ruck the hell out of it - for the rugby group).

Is it cancer?

Many people have asked me in regards to Stefan’s tumour – “is it cancer?”.  We won’t know for certain what the tumour type is until we get the pathology report.   In the meantime, following are a couple points I have found in my internet research (from either the BC Cancer Agency website or the Canadian Cancer Society websites) (The surgeon who operated on Stefan said it looked like a grade 2 Astrocytoma):

1.  Although grade 1 and 2 brain tumours may be considered “low grade”, grade 2 tumours are infiltrating, meaning they spread cells within the brain that cannot be entirely removed by surgery.  In addition, grade 2 tumours have a significant tendency to become more malignant over time (“malignant transformation”).  In simple terms, no tumour growing inside the brain tissue should ever be considered benign.  Only a small fraction can be removed totally by surgery, and even the slowest growing tumour can be lethal if left to grow unchecked within the closed space of the skull.

2.  Low‑grade diffuse astrocytomas account for approximately 35% of all astrocytomas. They are most often found in young adults, between the ages of 20 and 40 years.

I’ll leave this blog with a quote which was written into a card from a friend who also had a serious health even just over a year ago:

“You never know how strong you are until strong is the only choice you have.” – anonymous

A message from Stefan

Happy New Year Everyone!

I am a very lucky man.  Why do I consider myself lucky?

1.  The tumour was found.

2.  The initial treatment was quick.

3.  I felt so much better after the initial treatment.

4.  Families, both Taleen's and mine, became the organizers, "home base" and people connection sources for Taleen and I.  This ensured that Taleen could stay at the hospital with me and keep track of the info that was being shared on my situation.  Our home stayed strong and stable.

5.  I have had support that was SO STRONG from people I work with in our district, worked with at SFU, played rugby with, went to university with, and family friends. This large number of people was matched by those people who have a similar relationship with Taleen - her work, her family and her SFU connections.  I had visitors who supported Taleen, my family and me - it lightened my spirits at the hospital.  I had phone calls, emails, cards and letters that shared ideas, information, concerns, family experiences and motivating feelings.  Food baskets, frozen meals, flower bouquets and gifts (not to mention the beef jerky supplies!) were brought to the family at home and to me at the hospital - all of them adding strength to fighting the situation I am in.

I want to say thank you for the strong support, the offers, the ideas, and the motivation.  It  will continue to help me and my family with this situation and help me fight off the rest of the tumour.  I am still unclear about the next steps I need to take but with your help I will take them on hard.  My regular day schedule may be altered for a while.  I will know for sure once the Cancer Clinic has passed on information and instruction.  There may be a time or two that I may need some advice and/or help and will certainly be calling on the abundant offers of help we have had, as I'm aware I may have a tough road ahead.

Thank you for the help you are providing me.  I owe you.

Today I am a very happy man.

I wish you all the best for 2011,

Stefan

Happy New Year

Hope everyone had a great New Year's eve - and is enjoying this beautiful new years day!  We had a lovely dinner at the Keg (our daughter enjoyed both her chicken fingers and my filet mignon - much to her father's delight!).

We had made a quick drop in at a family friends New Year's party - and were home for just after 8pm to put our doodlebug to bed.  Someone must have told her it was New Year's though - as she woke us up just before 10 for a 40 minute cry - very unlike her - she would calm down if the tv was on - so I don't know if something was bothering her and tv manged to distract her - or if she was just that insistent on watching tv!  She eventually tired herself out - and fell back asleep.

Stefan and I enjoyed a bit of champagne (small taste for Stefan as he's not supposed to drink due to the risk of seizures) - and made our bucket list (for those who don't know what a bucket list is - a list of all the things you want to do before you die).  Perhaps a bit morbid - but you start to think of things like this after a serious health experience.  Mine was twice as long as Stefans - I'm not going to share them here - but can tell you one mutual item - we both want to do a half marathon.  We will be looking into some cancer runs - these obviously have new meaning to us now.  The Coquitlam Principals and Vice Principals Association (CPVPA) put on a cancer run in the spring - we'll participate in that again.  There is also a Brain Tumour Foundation run in the spring (last year's was around Burnaby Lake).  The half marathon is probably a bit away for us - but we will look into some shorter runs/walks in the mean-time.

We are going to enjoy this beautiful New Year's Day - hope you all do too!