L'Shana Tova

I was surprisingly productive today after yesterday’s ordeal. By 1:00 P.M. I had swept up Liylah’s hair, welcomed the fence fellows, arranged to have the MRI CD’s made at Clarke’s and at the Jewish, sent off emails to Nelda and Dr. Sultanen regarding yesterday’s events, swept her hair again, drove Yaron to school so I could pick up a book I mistakenly left on my desk (2 birds with one stone), did a food order (are you tired yet?), swept up more dog hair and accomplished sundry other tasks.

I managed to drift off to sleep by about 11:00 P.M. last night, only to be awakened by a bouncing 18 year old returning home from hockey with good news; they won! I’m so thrilled that he managed to make it on the team of his choice (Junior AA’s). He deserves some pure, unscathed good news, in my books. I managed to return to my slumber a couple of hours later, which allowed me enough Z’s to operate much more normally today; not fueled by adrenaline only.

Dr. Sultanen responded to my email soon after reception, and said he’d be happy to look at both scans. All I have to do now is reverse the procedure and have the MNI make a copy of the MRI (are you still with me?) to bring to the Jewish. He sent a second email as an afterthought; if I get it to him a few days before our appointment (scheduled for this Thursday) he will have ample time to review it in advance. He left off by advising that all tests be done in the same hospital, to make things easier. I agree of course, and explained that it was never my intention to cause such confusion.

Let it go on record that I did not bash Dr. Kavan, but I did present the facts that Dr. Sultanen needed in order to answer my questions: should we meet as scheduled if the MRI results are not available at the Jewish? If so, what might I do to help ensure that the scheduled appointment is not a waste of everyone’s time?

I am duly impressed with his level of professionalism (and I have been from the get go) and his responsiveness; his willingness to communicate with me as a human being. When we see him this coming week (if of course I am able to access the MRI CD from the MNI in good time; yet another trip to the other side of town during my work day!), I will ask him if he can recommend another neuro-oncologist, at the Jewish. I believe in gathering information. I do not have to act on it, but I can certainly add to my medical files, now organized by category and bursting with papers.

Brad from the CSSS was here today. I was home coincidentally (I switched my Thursday fieldwork day to Friday this week), and so I benefited from his visit; venting towards an objective, sympathetic ear is healthy. He asked how things are working out with Jennifer (the pseudonym for the home care worker who visits Gilly twice a week to ensure he eats lunch. He’s covered every other day, for the most part). Gilly reported that he likes her. Brad asked if she could stay a bit longer and help in any other way. I jumped at the offer, and suggested she take a walk with Gilly around the block, and then encourage him to do his exercises. He agrees that it would be a fantastic idea, and promised to ask her to do this from here on in. He said that her initial few visits were on a trial basis. Jennifer reported on the case to the team last week, and they decided to make it a permanent arrangement. If necessary, we can request more coverage.

I am so relieved that the ball is rolling in the right direction in this regard. It is a good example of trust and persistence. I trusted that she made a human error and would be careful not to repeat the mistake. Brad persisted with his request to the CSSS on my behalf to provide this service, even though they shot down the idea at first.

I woke up one day this week to a silent household, as usual. My two men sleep long past my own personal wake up call (6:00 a.m. most days). I always think of my mother-in-law Sema when I use this quiet time to my best advantage; she did this when Gad and Gittit were young. I believe she is actually still in the habit, come to think of it.

I noticed a note scotch taped to the kitchen counter the other day in Yaron’s handwriting, saying: “Can you make apple crisp? Y?” I took a step back and realized how long it had been since anyone has spontaneously requested a particular dish of mine. Needless to say, I managed to put a full course dinner in the oven his afternoon because I was home during the day long enough to make it happen. I prepared a large dish of apple crisp for dessert.

It is so important to have kids around (even though he’s way bigger than I am at this point). They help to remind us of the warm and delightful side of life; the importance of family and tradition. Yaron told me this evening that he often orders apple crisp when he goes out to eat with friends, but it never tastes as good as mine. I needed to hear that tonight from my precious boy.

Tamara was unable to be here for dinner this evening, despite my zealous preparation efforts (a party-like meal; everything is relative. Who has time these days to fuss with family favourites?). It’s tiring for Tamara to hold down a job and attend school. She and Max graced our table last night, though. Actually, they took charge and put a delicious Bar-B-Q together in no time at all. We had some laughs and I thoroughly enjoyed the bubbly, ongoing conversation that ensued. Their purpose was to support me after hearing the news we all thought I would hear yesterday. Who knew that we’d hear no news at all!

The festivities begin tomorrow evening at the Friedman’s, and continue at my mom’s on Saturday night. I’m expecting a visit from Elly et al. from Philly on Saturday. The electronic greeting cards (and even some by snail mail) have been filling up my inbox all week. The phone keeps ringing with warn and friendly voices on the other end, wishing us a sweet and healthy New Year. I extend these same wishes to all of you. L’Shana Tova. Sweet and healthy is in order for us all!