Buffalo Plaid Christmas with Papa and his grandchildren:
Maeve, Forrest and Sebastian
Maeve, Forrest and Sebastian
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.
So good to hear of you, Hal. What a great photo! I echo what you say about hospital noise.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and all my very best. I think of you often when driving my old truck that you drove.
Keith
Dear Dr. Irvine,
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you'll remember me, I am a resident who worked with you in spring 2013. I was trying to email but don't have a current address, so will post here.
I was going to write to catch up on your news, and am shocked, to say the least, to learn of all you have been through since I last saw you. I want you to know how much you mean to me, and, I'm sure, to the many learners who had the good fortune to be taught by you. You are, by far, the best doctor I have ever worked with. Your compassion, humanity, and thoughtfulness continue to inspire me to be the best clinician I can be. I have never seen such devotion from patients as yours are to you. I hope to one day be half the doctor you are. I read that you were awarded Family Physician of the Year - it couldn't have gone to a more deserving person.
What great news that you have some new little additions to the family, congrats on your grandchildren. I recently became a mom and I know how special it is to have sweet little people in your life. I wish you and your family all the best and will be holding you in my thoughts.
With much respect and gratitude,
Naomi Rittberg
Thank you very much for your thoughts and kind words. I'm always surprised and thrilled to hear that I have had a positive impact. I try to do my best every day. Congratulations on becoming a new mom!!
DeleteHal
p.s. My email is hal.irvine@gmail.com
ReplyDelete