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.