Buffalo Plaid Christmas with Papa and his grandchildren: 
 Maeve, Forrest and Sebastian

December 31, 2014

On November 21 our first granddaughter was born.  Maeve Elizabeth Petersen came to visit us from Edmonton at five days old and was a delight for me to hold.  First time parents Bronwyn and Owen were thrilled to introduce us.

I have had a couple of hospital stays this Fall.  One partial complex seizure in October, a short stay.  In November I developed vertigo and nystagmus.  There was some thought that we were underestimating the effects of the tumour, despite the stable MRI report a few days earlier. 

Di had to get the wheelchair lift, hospital bed and Lifeline installed before I could be discharged.  It was a ten day stay and my eyes were opened as to how noisy a hospital is.  I was very happy to be home.  We also have a wonderful homecare aide two days a week for respite for Di.

After some discussion at my next oncologist appointment I told my oncologist that I wished to continue with Avastin.  It seems to help me and seems to be keeping the tumour stable.  We now think I probably had benign positional vertigo, something anyone can get, especially at my age.

We had all ten of us here for Christmas, decked out in buffalo plaid onesies much of the time.  It was a busy, joyful time.

 We have Nana/Papa Tuesdays with Sarah and Forrest.  Home baked meals and goodies continue to be delivered to our door.  Our Sundre friends keep a close eye on us.  We are so fortunate.

Walking and speech continue to be a challenge.  I am declining but am surrounded by friends and family, giving me much to live for.