Christmas and New Year's!

What a wonderful Christmas we have had! After my early release from hospital and repair of the damage from the house flood, I have been able to enjoy Christmas at home with the family, eating good food, going for walks, playing ping pong, and singing Christmas carols around the piano.

We even pulled out the old super 8 movies from the 1960's and showed our kids what Christmas was like when we were kids, complete with pulling the cat through the snow and playing with Christmas lights, oblivious to safety.

I stopped by the office and was overwhelmed by the generous outpouring of well wishes and cards and gifts (including blood!) from colleagues, friends and patients. It was nice to see the office staff again and meet with Katie Weiler who is managing my practice in my absence and inspires my every confidence. Martin and Carlynn helped me carry the three boxes full to the car and I have been reading cards ever since. The generosity is amazing and I wish I could reply to every one but it is impossible, so I will send a massive THANK YOU to everyone via this blog. I know that the positive energy, love and prayer has sustained me through the dark parts of my illness and has contributed to my near miraculous recovery.

December 25 marked day 100 post one marrow transplant, an important milestone in getting better. I have received over 50 units of blood and platelets over this time, but need transfusions only rarely now that the donor marrow is getting stronger.

And we are even going to take the family to Whistler for a night for a change of scenery and are working on a last minute booking for December 28. Wont be able to ski this time, but the kids will hit the slopes and we will  enjoy some time in the Village.

The New Year approaches, and it is one full of hope and promise. As we all face our personal challenges, we are reminded of the value of every moment of every day and the many things we have to be grateful for.

Homeward bound for Christmas

After weeks of little change, we got our Christmas Miracle. The new medication has kicked in and I am off TPN and IV meds and am being prepped for discharge next week, with ongoing close followup. I am getting all my medications by mouth and am eating 3 modest meals per day. I had partial day passes all week and attended 2 parties by Skype, and then snuck out for a hospitable open house with the WR/SS Division of Family Practice.

                  Jeff Purkis (lymphoma survivor) Santa Steve, and Charles King, Division co-lead

Flood repairs at the house are mostly done, neighbours have put up our Christmas lights, and the kids arrive from University this week. What more could one want? Time to hug and express gratitude to all those who keep us going.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Day Pass

After a full month in hospital, I had my first day pass yesterday and it was wonderful. Nice walk on Kits Beach with my sister followed by lunch at my parents place in Point Grey. I have gained 2 full kilos now and am able to walk longer distances. The new medication is helping and I although I still require TPN and IV meds, they are now given intermittently which allows for a 5 hour IV-free window. This will mean family visits over Christmas even if I am not discharged yet.

Visits to our S.Surrey home will be on hold for a while as we had a kitchen pipe give way and flood the kitchen and basement. The house is now full of insurance people with large fans and dehumidifiers and will require significant restoration. What a hassle for Caroline especially. Hopefully it will be habitable by the time the kids come home for the holidays.

Recent visit from my friend Steve from Lantzville who continues to sport the lean and hairless look which make us look like brothers.

Grateful for all the positive energy, and hope to see people in real time in the near future.