an update....finally

Sorry for the long delay!  I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years!  We certainly did.  I have enjoyed my little break from the blog and all things brain tumour related! 

I was waiting to write an update until we had confirmation from the the insurance company on the recommendations for Stefan's rehabilitation - and we got that this week.

Stefan had a cognitive assessment done in December which consisted of two days of testing.  We met with the therapist the following week and he summarized what his recommendations were.  His report was submitted to the insurance company for approval.  There was a delay at the insurance company since someone left the company - and we got final confirmation this week.

The recommendations from the report (as per the occupational therapist who did the assessment) were:

• it was recommended Stefan not return to work yet, and to do so would likely end up with a failure in returning to work permanently;
• recommended a 3 month rehabilitation program that would take place a few days a week a couple hours a day - this program would include:
  - an assessment by a speech pathologist (likely to help with his word finding - "expressive aphasia")
  - stress management course
  - a work hardening program with a kinesiologist (to help with sleep)
  - working with an occupational therapist to help with memory skills
  - working with Stefan in his work environment
• After the 3 month program they will do another assessment
• Overall - Stefan's problem solving skills were great, it is communication and 'stress' that are the areas to work on. 

So - now Stefan has his first meeting with the occupational therapist Wednesday to go over the 'plan'.

Meanwhile - we had a chance to go on an actual vacation to Hawaii!  This vacation had been in the plans for a while as we had a wedding to attend.  The initial plan was for Stefan to take paternity leave for January so we could get away - so this worked out just as well.  I feel it was a well deserved vacation for all of us - and did wonders on the stress management!  Hope you are all well - and we will update again soon!

A couple pics from the trip!