One Year

Wow - what a year!

As the 1 year anniversary of Stefan's brain tumour diagnoses drew near, both Stefan and I became quite reflective.  When I think back to what we have been through this year, I can't believe we survived.  There were some really rough days and they would always catch up with me.  And while Stefan monopolized most of our attention - with our now walking, dancing, talking little girl - we sometimes forget that she had her own adventure.

Some numbers from the year:

• 2 brain surgeries
• 5 MRI's and 6 cat scans
• 28 days of radiation
• 45 grey hairs and one box of hair dye
• 126 (give or take) sobbing drives to or from work
• 126 - the number of times it took me to realize I must stop listening to the country station on my way to work!
• countless meetings with every type of health care provider imaginable - neurosurgeons, oncologists, pediatric neurologist, endocrinologist, opthamologists (both for Stefan and Charlotte), pediatricians, physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, obstetrician and of course our family doctor.
• It's been exactly 6 months since Stefan's treatment ended.

Lets not forget some great highlights:

• Our girl learned to walk
• We welcomed our handsome little boy
• We kept our sense of humour through a difficult time
• We got a chance to appreciate all the support we have from amazing family and friends!

When all is said and done, this year has shaped us like no other year.  While it was difficult, it has made us stronger, as individuals, and as a family.  We will be celebrating Stefan surviving 'one year with a brain tumour' tonight with a steak dinner!  Take the chance to enjoy your loved ones!  We are looking forward to a very boring 2012 - and wishing everyone a HEALTHY and happy holiday and new year!

Stefan's Message

Time has flown by.  It has been now one year exactly since the finding of the tumor and my first surgery.  It has been exactly 6 months since my last radiation treatment.  The last 6 months continued to be experiences of my/our family life changes and the start of finding more ways of meeting our lives' needs.  The support we experienced continued to be strong -  thanks again to our family and friends.  We hope that our friends who are experiencing their battle are as lucky and supported as we have been. 
Recently, I went through some cognitive assesement testing.  Now I am waiting to hear the arrangement between the occupational therapists and the insurance company to strengthen full recovery support.  I will probably know a bit more after Christmas.  Regardless of the testing and post surgery assessments, I have been very lucky to spend quality time with my growing family. 

To those of you that have been in contact  with us and provided support to our family over the past year - again thank you.   Our 2011 challenges/successes have strengthened the direction of a great  - hopefully quiet - 2012 year.