the adventures of brain tumour man and superchuck: Christmas time, more delays, and back to work

what we've been up to
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. We have been enjoying time at home. Last weekend, Stefan and I both got separate nights out to attend events. I popped into work on Friday to drop off my computer to get updated for my upcoming return to work (more on that later) and then attended my work's Christmas party and a going away for a friend. Stefan had his night out on Saturday. Otherwise we have just been getting ready for Christmas - shopping, gingerbread houses, drives to look at lights - we are all very excited for Christmas!

Charlotte has been delayed again. Her ANC was 0.4 on Friday. That means she is still neutropenic. Despite that, we received special permission to take Charlotte to my work's children's Christmas party on Saturday. I really wanted for her to go as she hasn't been able to do any 'party' like events and it was a chance for her to see Santa. So - despite heart attacks for both Stefan and I anytime anyone coughed, it was so worth it. We dressed the kids up, Charlotte wore her dress and shoes from last Christmas, a sign of her small size. Charlotte had a blast. She had her face painted, did crafts, ate, watched a magic show, and of course, received a gift from Santa! Nathan just loved running around!

Then Saturday evening, we attended a neighbors celebration of life. We had grown close to this neighbor due to her inspirational fight against cancer. Whenever we are out with Charlotte, people don't seem to associate her bald head with cancer. But at this event, people KNEW what a bald head means. The sympathetic looks, along with the reason for the event had me shedding extra tears.

work
So....work. Yep, I'm back to work this week. It will be a gradual return, with just two half days this week, and three half days next week. That unfortunately means I have to work Christmas eve, but at least only the morning. I am resigned to going back to work. I like my job, and I like the people I get to work with, that's not the hard part. As much as it will be tough to leave my little family though, it will be okay.

Stefan has his next meeting in mid-January where they will be talking about his back to work plans, so no ETA on his return yet.

to come
With Charlotte's delay, we had two options. If Charlotte is a go, we can come in Friday (the 21st). Unfortunately, our appointment wouldn't be until the afternoon. That would mean we could try to get Charlotte to eat at 7am, and then she would have to fast until 1:30/2pm. Also, Charlotte would probably be at the peak of her steroids side effects on Christmas. Our other option was to go in Christmas Eve. We would have an early appointment (we had our choice of time) and no raging emotions for Christmas. Can you guess what we chose? So Charlotte will get a lumbar puncture, chemo and steroids for Christmas.

Because I have to work on Christmas Eve, I was actually hesitant to choose that day for Charlotte's treatment . Usually the first day of treatment comes with discussions with the Dr. regarding what to expect. But after a chat with the nurse clinician, I found out I won't be missing anything. We will find someone to watch Nathan and it will be daddy and daughter day at the hospital for Christmas Eve. Granted, this is all dependent on Charlotte's counts, you never know, she could get delayed again. I will be anxious to check on Charlotte's weight again, she has been really hit and miss with eating, and still gets sick a couple times a week. We celebrate with a Swedish style Christmas Eve dinner, but the visit shouldn't hinder our preparations!

I will now leave you with a photo bomb - comes with not posting in a while!