update

It's been a bit since I posted - and some pictures from Stefan's last day were due.  It's been 11 days since Stefan finished radiation.  He's doing well!  Some additional hairloss, plugged ears, and the need for afternoon naps, but otherwise, still active!  I had a bit of a scare on Friday night which had me going to emergency - baby is A-okay, but doctors orders are for me to take the week off work and take it easy (easier said then done when you have a toddler and hubby recovering from radiation -  but am doing my best as I would hate to end up on bedrest!). 

Stefan's radiation day routine always started with starbucks (also validated our parking for the day!).  The staff knew Stefan well!

Last check in!

Cheesy thumbs up shot!

Stefan with the fantastic radiation therapists!

and....our good bye shot to the radiation room.

Happy fathers day!

I thought I could take today to brag about Stefan and get away with it! I am so lucky to have such an amazing man as the father of my child(ren)! Not only do they get to inherit his good looks and kindness, they get an amazing father!  Happy Fathers Day to my very hands on, house cleaning, cooking, wrapped around our little girls finger, tumor kicking handsome hubby!!!!! Love you!

(And to all the other wonderful father's out there - have a fantastic day!)

An old favorite pic from last year's Olympics!

Last Day - Message from Stefan

I finished the third round in tumour treatment today.  It is hard to believe that it has been exactly 6 months -exactly  182 days  -  of experience that has had an unbelievable impact on my family's life. Two surgeries and one 28 day treatment of radiation.  December 17, 2010 to June 16, 2011.

I had my final meetings with the radiation staff that ended in a very positive aura. They provided me with info  on the side effects I am experiencing/could still experience, with info on the protection I need to take from the sun and with encouragement to call the clinic if there is anything that hits me between now and my re-evaluation  on September 21st.  They were a great positive team who showed my treatment to whoever drove me to my appointment.  They reminded me today at how happy they have been with showing people what is done in radiation.  The more people know, the less in the way of radiation rumours, fear and misconceptions are spread.  I have written info on and life - experience in the system that  I would be willing to share if it helped those experiencing the cancer world.

Tomorrow is the start of recovery - a new day.  I believe the tumour has been eradicated.  No tumour could survive two surgeries and being zapped for a month.  I am going to have a swollen side and hearing problem  for a while as well as still needing an afternoon nap.  Seems rather small in comparison to what I was experiencing before the first surgery.

My family and friends have provided me with recovery motivation.  I have had supportive drivers, supportive contacts and supportive prayers from my family, Taleen`s family, friends we have worked with, friends we have across the country and over seas, friends from rugby and friends  from high shchool and university. 
To everyone who has provided me and my family with support - Thank you.  The help was greatly appreciated.  I want to be in touch with you soon.  I will be writing a blog again soon with other reflections.

It is time for me to get ready for the new start.

20 down - 8 to go

Hope everyone is enjoying this sunny weekend!  We had a busy, yet relaxing day!  Stefan got some yard work done while trying to avoid the sun, I got our veggie garden planted, and we managed some afternoon fun at the beach for Charlotte while we kept Daddy in the shade!  We just finished watching the Canucks win - and are now just enjoying milkshakes!  Stefan has completed 20 days of radiation - only 8 to go.

general: Radiation is starting to get to Stefan.  Not being able to do all he typically does is frustrating for him.  It's hard to watch my superhero husband battle being weak.  He truly is amazing in how he's handling this.
fatigue: Stefan is tired.  He would have trouble going without his afternoon nap.  I send him to bed as often as possible - even if it's just to watch tv in bed.  He's doing too much (yard work a prime example) - maybe it's my nagging him to take it easy and not actually the radiation that is causing the fatigue?
hair: It's started to come out in clumps - tough for Stefan.  His scalp is quite sensitive now too - so past the point of shaving.
other: Just one ear that's a bit plugged - but otherwise no other changes!   Although he hasn't complained about having salad three nights in a row, so I suppose that could indicate a change!