Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn't know it so it goes on flying anyway. -Mary Kay Ash
It doesn't matter what life sets in your path, what obstacles must be overcome... or plowed through, or trudged around, or what you perceive the world is trying to tell you... JUST FLY ANYWAY.
Late this afternoon, we found out that Fred was benign, and did not graduate past Grade I. This is the best news we could have hoped for. YAAAAY :-) Of course, as you can all imagine, we feel an enormous sense of relief. Even though this is the news we felt very sure we'd receive, knowing that the pathology report verified this was welcome news. Now, we work towards getting on with the business of living. We will be picking the neuro-onc's brain (no pun intended)on Monday. I'm an information junky when it comes to this stuff. For me, knowledge is power and gives me a sense of control in a situation that leaves you feeling you have very little control. In the meantime, all Jon's friends (and cousins ;-) are writing exams this week, and he is taking it easy, busying himself with healing.
Our spirits lifted, we decided to take in a change of scenery this evening, and venture back out into the rest of the world. Of course, we picked the coldest day of the year! But... the Windsor Spitfires did not disappoint :-) We are die hard hockey fans... and to be honest, a Spits game is much preferred over our Red Wings lately. Sad, but true. We've seen some great hockey over the last couple of seasons. Jon wore his new Windsor Spitfires jersey, signed by the whole team! Tonight, they did not disappoint and won 5-1 over Guelph. It was a winning day all around :-) We saw many family and friends at the game, all who were anxious to celebrate our good news with us. Mom was a bit (wellll... maybe a little more than a bit) protective over Jon, but he obliged. We waited until the crowd let out before we ventured to the van and arrived home to enjoy a nice long talk with Clayton. He is very missed. It was a happy phone call. Loved listening to Jon tell Clayton about the game and chatter about our days events.
BTW Louisa... Clayton is hoping the package you sent him comes tomorrow. I told him that perhaps the mail carrier smelled the package and absconded with the goodies I'm sure are packed in there. He laughed as I feared for the mail carrier with visions of a rabid bear closely resembling my son chasing him down. Then he commented that the guy would be recalling... in the afterlife... his last memory was eating something really good, then the lights went out!
I have to tell you, one of my most favourite things in this whole wide world is laughing with my children. It is a sound that is better than anything I can think of. I know Tom feels the same way too. That's the best way to end today's post
:-D
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
One Week Later
It dawned on me yesterday that it had been three weeks since we heard that Jon had a brain tumour. I remember every minute as vividly as it were happening now. I'm sure that this will always be the case. One week ago at this time, Tom and were seeing Jon off to surgery, being wheeled away after emotional hugs and kisses. After a few moments alone, Tom and I joined Carolyn, Yvette and Terri. Time is a funny thing. It flies by and stands still all at the same time.
Jon is recovering very well. He is enjoying all the goodies he's received and up and about more each day. We heard from the after-care clinic yesterday. Jon will be being seen by Dr. David MacDonald for follow up care. He is an adult neuro-oncologist who works out of the London Regional Cancer Centre. We have an appointment Monday Feb. 1. Also, it looks like we're waiting until some time next week for the pathology reports. While the doctor originally told us it might be 5-6 days, it'll likely be 7-10 days. So, we hope for news early next week. By then, Jon will be beginning 2nd semester looking forward to cheering the Riverside Rebels at WECSSAA.
Now, there's a game of Sequence on the table, and a load of laundry to switch over.
:-D
Jon is recovering very well. He is enjoying all the goodies he's received and up and about more each day. We heard from the after-care clinic yesterday. Jon will be being seen by Dr. David MacDonald for follow up care. He is an adult neuro-oncologist who works out of the London Regional Cancer Centre. We have an appointment Monday Feb. 1. Also, it looks like we're waiting until some time next week for the pathology reports. While the doctor originally told us it might be 5-6 days, it'll likely be 7-10 days. So, we hope for news early next week. By then, Jon will be beginning 2nd semester looking forward to cheering the Riverside Rebels at WECSSAA.
Now, there's a game of Sequence on the table, and a load of laundry to switch over.
:-D
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday Monday
A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. ~Irish Proverb
After lunch, Jon rested then Jon woke for a visit from Rebecca and Sunday dinner with Grandma. During which time came a delivery of goodies from Aunt Louisa. Adam, Bryan and Brad brought them by and I was quite impressed that the tray came in without any tampering at all. I don't know if I could have done it. As it stands, after sharing the tray with us last night, we woke to a note written atop the tray, stating that he had been up at 12:30 and counted how many pieces were left... and a warning that he expected to wake today to see that number unchanged. Imagine what might happen if he heard me crinkling the cellophane of his goodies baskets!
There is still some slight swelling and some bruising is appearing along Jon's neck. This is to be expected, as the blood works it's way down (think gravity) and is reabsorbed by the tissues along the way. Jon slept well again last night... well into this afternoon that is ;-) A couple of hours up and about tuckers him right out. He's back resting and will have a short visit with friends today. He hasn't felt the need to take any medication for discomfort today. Jon's goal is to be ready to start 2nd semester on Feb. 3. Which would be 2 weeks out from his surgery. At this point, it looks like it's just a matter of getting his energy back.
Aren't uneventful days wonderful? :-D
After lunch, Jon rested then Jon woke for a visit from Rebecca and Sunday dinner with Grandma. During which time came a delivery of goodies from Aunt Louisa. Adam, Bryan and Brad brought them by and I was quite impressed that the tray came in without any tampering at all. I don't know if I could have done it. As it stands, after sharing the tray with us last night, we woke to a note written atop the tray, stating that he had been up at 12:30 and counted how many pieces were left... and a warning that he expected to wake today to see that number unchanged. Imagine what might happen if he heard me crinkling the cellophane of his goodies baskets!
There is still some slight swelling and some bruising is appearing along Jon's neck. This is to be expected, as the blood works it's way down (think gravity) and is reabsorbed by the tissues along the way. Jon slept well again last night... well into this afternoon that is ;-) A couple of hours up and about tuckers him right out. He's back resting and will have a short visit with friends today. He hasn't felt the need to take any medication for discomfort today. Jon's goal is to be ready to start 2nd semester on Feb. 3. Which would be 2 weeks out from his surgery. At this point, it looks like it's just a matter of getting his energy back.
Aren't uneventful days wonderful? :-D
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sleepy Sunday
Jon had a great night's sleep in his own bed! As a matter of fact, I think he has turned into Rip Van Winkle! It is now 5 pm and he has gotten up only once... to eat cinnamon sugar french toast. Nothing wrong with his appetite, since he managed to pack in 5 of them. Then, back to the comfort of his own bed, and asleep again. This has always been the best way he heals. We'll be in touch with the surgeon's office tomorrow to set up a follow-up appointment for mid-February. Hoping they'll offer us the good news we want from the pathology reports.
:-D
:-D
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Home again, Home again, Jiggety Jig
Back at home. Isn't that the norm? To be home in your own bed 72 hours after having a brain tumor roughly the size of a golf ball removed? Well, apparently it is in Jon Brent land :-) Of course, Mom is monitoring ALL activity. Though, Jon monitors himself quite well. He went to bed the minute he walked into the house. After an hour or so, he was up for a short while, had a visit from his girlfriend Rebecca, then was ready for more rest.
I'll have a whole list of thank you's to acknowledge tomorrow, but, for today, we are happy to be home sweet home and falling asleep counting our blessings.
:-D
I'll have a whole list of thank you's to acknowledge tomorrow, but, for today, we are happy to be home sweet home and falling asleep counting our blessings.
:-D
FRIDAY IN LONDON
Hi Everyone,
Again, thanks for all the notes of encouragement. Jon has done amazingly well. He has been up and on several walks. He was quite happy to be unhooked from all lines today. He did have a pretty strong headache through the night and we're trying to work out pain medication again. Unfortunately, his extensive history has had him run through most narcotic medication. The result is, not only high tolerance, but itch. Itch. Itch. ITCH!!!! So, then it's a balancing act of medicine, benadryl and timing everything so that he's not crawling out of his skin. We are going to switch from Dilaudid to Demerol today and hope that the itch will be alleviated. The surgeon feels that we may only need another day or so of pain management. Then, after that, nothing that Tylenol won't handle.
I napped for a while and Jon watched a couple of movies. Now it's his turn to nap. We've had some visitors from the staff that we've come to know so well over the years. Even the surgeon who did Jon's lungs came by. Melissa (a child life staff) left her calling card yesterday. It was a bucket of snow with a sign that said 'Ready to fight'. Many years ago, Jon was inpatient during the winter. He looked out the window and wanted so much to be outside playing. He decided to take the box of Kleenex and roll all of them up into little balls. The next person that came in was going to get pelted with his 'snowballs' whether they were ready or not! It was Melissa. He began throwing his make believe snowballs at her with a warning of "Snowball Fight!" She immediately ran to the bathroom and used tissue to make her own snowballs. It's a fond memory for both of them. Children always find a way to be children.
Cindy came by and remembered a time when Jon was very young and in patient. She was visiting and a doctor came in. Jon kept looking all around. Finally, Jon spoke up and said "Where's the rest of your family? They can come in too." We are in a teaching hospital and doctors often have a team with them. He was used to seeing everyone together. What a nice feeling that he attributed to the team. A feeling of family. It is certainly how we feel when we are here. So many of the nurses, doctors and support staff illicit such a feeling when we are near them. They are all dear people without whose dedication would make these times quite unbearable.
Jon's MRI is minus 'Fred'! There is still a black area where Fred used to be. Some air and blood pool in this area, (and cause headache) and it takes a few days for that to go away. Another MRI will be done mid-February when we return for follow up. We'll be focussing on the sagital sinus area to determine that there are no remaining cells there. If there are, a decision would be made to either radiate in that specific area, or to leave things alone and see how slowly they grow. Of course, we also await the pathology report, which we believe will be available early next week.
Hoping to be home tomorrow or Sunday. He'll have a good rest at home for a week or so. He's is the best judge of what he can handle. Jon is so knowledgeable about his health and such an articulate advocate for his needs.
We are on the road to recovery and Jon is mending well.... but so many must continue to fight daily, hourly, minute by minute. I humbly ask that you continue your prayers for these children and their families. Most especially our buddy Ryan Patrick. Jon is humbled by Ryans strength and spirit. His very dedicated family help him navigate hurdle after hurdle. Ryan continues to endure very debilitating effects from GVHD. Yet, finds it within himself to keep up an overwhelming schedule of healthcare routine, schooling, hobbies and filling his families lives with wisdom far beyond his years (and the occassional spunky teenager moments :-)
We truly feel the blessings of each day, and know that each day brings a gift to unfold. I used to sign off on my listserv messages with 'Bloom where you're planted.' I believe whole heartedly that this is the best way to unfold each day's gifts. Today we consider all those that help, support and love families like ours the gift in our day.
Blooming in London
:-D
Again, thanks for all the notes of encouragement. Jon has done amazingly well. He has been up and on several walks. He was quite happy to be unhooked from all lines today. He did have a pretty strong headache through the night and we're trying to work out pain medication again. Unfortunately, his extensive history has had him run through most narcotic medication. The result is, not only high tolerance, but itch. Itch. Itch. ITCH!!!! So, then it's a balancing act of medicine, benadryl and timing everything so that he's not crawling out of his skin. We are going to switch from Dilaudid to Demerol today and hope that the itch will be alleviated. The surgeon feels that we may only need another day or so of pain management. Then, after that, nothing that Tylenol won't handle.
I napped for a while and Jon watched a couple of movies. Now it's his turn to nap. We've had some visitors from the staff that we've come to know so well over the years. Even the surgeon who did Jon's lungs came by. Melissa (a child life staff) left her calling card yesterday. It was a bucket of snow with a sign that said 'Ready to fight'. Many years ago, Jon was inpatient during the winter. He looked out the window and wanted so much to be outside playing. He decided to take the box of Kleenex and roll all of them up into little balls. The next person that came in was going to get pelted with his 'snowballs' whether they were ready or not! It was Melissa. He began throwing his make believe snowballs at her with a warning of "Snowball Fight!" She immediately ran to the bathroom and used tissue to make her own snowballs. It's a fond memory for both of them. Children always find a way to be children.
Cindy came by and remembered a time when Jon was very young and in patient. She was visiting and a doctor came in. Jon kept looking all around. Finally, Jon spoke up and said "Where's the rest of your family? They can come in too." We are in a teaching hospital and doctors often have a team with them. He was used to seeing everyone together. What a nice feeling that he attributed to the team. A feeling of family. It is certainly how we feel when we are here. So many of the nurses, doctors and support staff illicit such a feeling when we are near them. They are all dear people without whose dedication would make these times quite unbearable.
Jon's MRI is minus 'Fred'! There is still a black area where Fred used to be. Some air and blood pool in this area, (and cause headache) and it takes a few days for that to go away. Another MRI will be done mid-February when we return for follow up. We'll be focussing on the sagital sinus area to determine that there are no remaining cells there. If there are, a decision would be made to either radiate in that specific area, or to leave things alone and see how slowly they grow. Of course, we also await the pathology report, which we believe will be available early next week.
Hoping to be home tomorrow or Sunday. He'll have a good rest at home for a week or so. He's is the best judge of what he can handle. Jon is so knowledgeable about his health and such an articulate advocate for his needs.
We are on the road to recovery and Jon is mending well.... but so many must continue to fight daily, hourly, minute by minute. I humbly ask that you continue your prayers for these children and their families. Most especially our buddy Ryan Patrick. Jon is humbled by Ryans strength and spirit. His very dedicated family help him navigate hurdle after hurdle. Ryan continues to endure very debilitating effects from GVHD. Yet, finds it within himself to keep up an overwhelming schedule of healthcare routine, schooling, hobbies and filling his families lives with wisdom far beyond his years (and the occassional spunky teenager moments :-)
We truly feel the blessings of each day, and know that each day brings a gift to unfold. I used to sign off on my listserv messages with 'Bloom where you're planted.' I believe whole heartedly that this is the best way to unfold each day's gifts. Today we consider all those that help, support and love families like ours the gift in our day.
Blooming in London
:-D
Thursday, January 21, 2010
HOW TO POST A COMMENT
Hello,
For those of you who want to post a comment to Jon please see the following directions:
1st: you will need to set up a blogger account ...please click on link (or copy and paste it in your browser)
https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount?continue=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Floginz%3Fd%3D%252Fhome%26a%3DADD_SERVICE_FLAG&hl=en&service=blogger&skipvpage=true&naui=8
Fill in all of the info and from there you can create your personal blogger account.
Once you have your blogger account sign in info (email and password) you are ready to leave a post.
Choose which post you want to leave your message under i.e., the most recent blog entry or from a blog entry from the past (see BLOG ARCHIVE LIST on right hand side)
At the end of the post there is a square box where you can 1. POST A COMMENT. Just write your message inside the box. 2. Select the "COMMENT AS" draw down box and choose "Google Account". 3. At this time you can REVIEW or POST COMMENT. You will be prompted to enter your email address and password to proceed. After you review it you can press "POST COMMENT"..... After pressing POST COMMENT your note will be posted to the blog.
Thanks
For those of you who want to post a comment to Jon please see the following directions:
1st: you will need to set up a blogger account ...please click on link (or copy and paste it in your browser)
https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount?continue=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Floginz%3Fd%3D%252Fhome%26a%3DADD_SERVICE_FLAG&hl=en&service=blogger&skipvpage=true&naui=8
Fill in all of the info and from there you can create your personal blogger account.
Once you have your blogger account sign in info (email and password) you are ready to leave a post.
Choose which post you want to leave your message under i.e., the most recent blog entry or from a blog entry from the past (see BLOG ARCHIVE LIST on right hand side)
At the end of the post there is a square box where you can 1. POST A COMMENT. Just write your message inside the box. 2. Select the "COMMENT AS" draw down box and choose "Google Account". 3. At this time you can REVIEW or POST COMMENT. You will be prompted to enter your email address and password to proceed. After you review it you can press "POST COMMENT"..... After pressing POST COMMENT your note will be posted to the blog.
Thanks
NOTE FROM JOCELYNE
What a difference 24 hours makes! We woke yesterday morning, and the mood was anxious. Then, suddenly I hear ... now, this is 6 am and it's still dark outside ... some rousing music coming from the kitchen. I walk to the stairs, and up the stairs comes Jon snapping his fingers, smile on his face. So, there we were, deciding to have a going away party for ... you know what (which I decided to temporarily name Fred) to Rockapella's version of Zoot Suit Riot! Well, how can things not turn out well when that's the start to the day?!!
It was an emotional day yesterday, and we are so blessed that everything has turned out so well. The surgeon ... Dr. Sandrine de Ribaupierre ... was amazing. She made short work of 'Fred' and was pleased to bring us good news. Of course, we await the pathology report, but we continue to feel very positive about everything. Aunt Yvette and Aunt Carolyn accompanied us, and Terri and Marc surprised us with a visit. Aunt Jackie was here first thing this morning. Many phone calls and all tose messages sent to us. Support all around us, and so much love from all our family and friends. If love and caring would show up on a radar screen... imagine what North America would have looked like yesterday! Aglow with the brightest colours!
We had a most special prayer and blessing from Fr. Mike on Tuesday, and we know that all the prayers that were sent found their home. You never know the true weight of the burden you bare until it has been lifted from you. We are most certain that we have not borne this weight alone. We feel lifted in prayer and spirit, and know the true power of a Great Love, and unwavering faith.
Jon woke in good spirits with his humour in tact. When I saw him in recovery, I mentioned "no white water rafting for a while". He immediately replied... "well, if I go in the paddle boat or canoe, maybe it would only be beige water rafting... maybe off white." Doesn't miss a trick, this guy. We were in his room just after 6 pm and he was getting quite settled in. It was a tough night with headache and he has a hoarse throat. We've gotten the headache under control today and can speak above a whisper this afternoon. It's all about getting the right medication. The surgeon came in very early this morning and suggested she'd like to see him up by this evening. So... in true Jon Brent spirit, when we got up, he wanted to get dressed and go for a walk. Not just out in the hallway or anything. Nope... had to go on the trip with Mom to get her tea down the hall, and around the corner! Continues to push every boundary. He's doing so well, we might be home by the weekend... finger's crossed.
We're both off to a good nap this afternoon, since it was a pretty sleepless night. We just have loved all the notes. Hoping to get some pics on at some point. Love and heartfelt thanks to everyone.
:-D
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
THE SURGERY WAS A HUGE SUCCESS
I just got off the phone with Jocelyne and with GREAT relief she advised that the surgery was a huge success.
"This is as great as we could have ever hoped for ..... We are SO GRATEFUL for everyone's prayers, love and support it means so much to Jon and this family" ....
The surgery itself lasted 4 hours as opposed to the 6 hours it was scheduled for. The surgeon was confident that she was able to take out the entire tumour .... the BEST part is that Jon, was clear and talking beautifully following the surgery and had full physical movement.
The first thing Jon did after his surgery was phone his brother Clayton ... Both Jon and Clayton were thrilled to speak to each other... and Jocelyne and Tom are so incredibly proud of there 2 boys!!!!
Love floods us with hope ..... We thank you Tom, Jocelyne, Clayton and Jon FOR ALL OF YOUR LOVE....WE LOVE YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!!!
To our nephew, cousin and friend JON ....You are an incredible human being .. thank you for your strength, courage, resiliency and selflessness .... get well and come home soon!!!
hope you are feeling THE LOVE in London from all of us!!
God Bless
Monday, January 18, 2010
Jon Brent - OUR HERO
My wonderful brother-in-law, Phil has volunteered to set up a blog for Jon over these coming weeks. Thank you Phil! I haven't posted anything yet, but please feel free to fill it up with comments. You all know Jon's sense of humour ;-) And you all know that Jon takes all well wishes to heart. We have been buoyed this past week by the outpouring of kindness from our family and friends and family of friends. Cards, meals, gifts, car repairs, open arms, tight hugs, simple touches, meaningful gazes... so very much has been given to us. While there has been much suffering ... there have been so many more blessings. You are all proof of that. I wish that every one of you could have spent the kind of time with Jon this week, that I have. The conversations that we have had have humbled me. He is an exceptional young man, with insight far beyond his years. But, you all know that about Jon also. We feel very cared for right now. We know that we are traveling to London tomorrow wrapped in a big group hug... and we know it extends all the way to Edmonton, Alberta. Jon received a most special blessing today from Fr. Mike and he is very ready to meet tomorrow's challenge. If love were the cure, Jon would be well enough to wrestle in the WECSA meet in a few weeks :-D
If there is anyone you might want to send this link to, that I don't have in my address book, please send it along. If you might have a picture of Jon that you'd like to add, send it to jocelynebrent@hotmail.com This is the address I use when in hospital. Our wonderful neighbours have loaned us a camera to take with us. We'll get some pics added on throughout the week. I might have to edit them, of course. Who knows what Jon will want to post. I'll have to remind him it isn't his facebook
page ;-) One good thing is his head won't have to be shaved. The neurosurgeon has no problem with longer hair. Yaaaay. We're just keeping our goal set on cheering for Jon's wrestling team at the WECSA meet in a little over 3 weeks. Go Rebels.
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