More than surviving...

It's been 140 days since treatment began for Mark and I think it's safe to say we are over the hump. It's been almost three weeks since Mark's last appointment so they are getting farther apart which is always a good sign. Mark's hickman line was removed on July 13th (the day before his birthday) and doesn't have to go back until next Thursday. Mark's recovery/treatment plan will be decided and hopefully he'll get the go-ahead to return to work in the fall.

To celebrate this momentous occasion My parents sent us to Whistler for 3 days and 2 nights to relax. A little time away from everything was just what we needed. Thanks to Granny and Grandpa, our first weekend away (ever) from the kids was a success. Audrey and Noah had a wonderful time, asleep by 8pm, slept in till 7am and completely convinced us that we should go away more often. Thanks Mom, thanks Dad!

Now that Mark is a Cancer Survivor instead of a Cancer Patient things seem a little more normal again. Allthough it's only been 3 weeks since his last visit to VGH, it feels like it was a long time ago that I was sitting in traffic and paying a fortune for parking. Unfortunately for someone else, they have Mark's hospital bed and my parking spot. I am thankful every day that it's not us for now and I hope in my heart that it will never be any of you in that spot.

For now, the skies look clear. Mark is in remmission and the next 12 months will be the most important. I like to think of Mark as more than a Cancer Survivor now. He chose strength, not weakness - and that is what has helped our family get this far. We're over the hump and Living Strong.