Terry Fox Run for Tony

The Terry Fox Run was quite a success thanks to all our friends at Enbridge. Your efforts and participation are above and beyond the call of duty and a true demonstration of your affection and regard for "Richard" - as you knew him. I am very touched and am sure Tony would be at a loss for words. Thank you!

Well, as I'm back at work tomorrow... off to bed I go.

Take good care!

Renée

P.S. Congrats Hazel! All the best to you and your hubby...

Enbridge Rafter's Runners

Hello Everyone;

Although this is late notice, I wanted to let you all know that Enbridge, along with myself and some friends and family will be participating in the Terry Fox Run/Walk again this year. If you are interested in participating or donating please see the Terry Fox Run website and look for the Enbridge Rafter Runners (http://www.terryfoxrun.org/english/terry%20fox%20run/run%20site%20listings/qc/default.asp?s=1). We will be at the Pointe-Claire location this coming Sunday, September 14th at 10 am.

Hope to see you all there.

That's it for now.

Take good care!

Renée

Hello Everyone...

I know! ... it's been a while since my last post. Things are moving along. Mathieu is doing much better and getting stronger every day. Richard now towers over me... And both are busy with their sports. We took a short vacation last week with my sister and her family. It was nice to get away. Of course, it would have been much nicer if the rain had stayed away...but we still managed to do some fun stuff.

I had to empty the locker I had rented to store stuff when I staged my old house to put it up for sale. So now, in addition to the few boxes I had yet to unpack from the move... I now have quite a few other boxes to unpack. I just can't seem to find the energy or motivation to get to them... There's always something else that needs to be done. Well, I guess I should do it in baby steps; one box at a time (or a day). The task may not seem quite as daunting that way I guess. (As you can probably detect, I'm not quite convinced yet.) Well, no rush, I guess.

I hope you are all enjoying the summer months.

That's it for now.

Take good care!

Renée

Happy Canada Day!

We were home on a pass Saturday afternoon and got to sleep in our own beds. The surgeon called Sunday morning and discharged Mathieu over the phone. Safe for a few distressing moments on Sunday night, things are going well.

Sunday afternoon, we joined my Mom's family - what was left of the crowd - for an afternoon at the cottage. Everyone from far and wide (Toronto, Winnipeg, Ottawa, etc.) had gathered for dinner the night before and there were a few left to visit with on Sunday. Mathieu was in the water splashing around and I had to hold him back because he too wanted to play football. He has lost a bit of weight, but will no doubt gain some back now that he can eat.

We saw the fireworks this evening - in celebration of Canada Day. Mathieu spent most of the evening at the park and was exhausted when I joined him. Richard had gone to join the festivities in another municipality and I picked him up to join us for the celebrations in our own municipality. We saw many of our friends and enjoyed the fireworks.

Looking forward to a bit of calm and relaxation tomorrow.

Well, that's it for now...

Take good care!

Renée

He's looking better every day!

Good morning everyone. We've started our day here on a positive note. They stopped the suction on Mathieu's NG tube at dinner time yesterday and he got through the night and is still fine. No nausea, no vomitting, no bloating... looks like they'll be taking the tube out at lunch! YEAH!!!! Then we move on to liquids, then semi-solids and gradually, solids. Keep your fingers crossed.

Mathieu is so hoping to make it to our family reunion this weekend. But that might be pushing it. I said we could go visit everyone later on...

Richard came to visit yesterday while I went home to take a shower. Thanks Rich, I love you! While I was out, Mathieu's godfather came by and brightened his day! Thanks for that Sylvain.

I wanted to wish my little sister good luck with her move today. Sorry I can't be there to help - I definitely would be there if I could. You've always been there for me.

Mom, get better soon (she's home with a bad cough).

Well, as Mathieu's gotten bored with the other computer, I will go join him in a game of something. Maybe I'll even get to squeeze in a coffee. That's it for now...

Take good care!

Renée

Brighter days ahead - I'm sure

Well, the NG tube is still in and Mathieu is dreaming of his first bite and the restaurants he'll visit as soon as we get out of here. So far we're going to Jack Astors, La Belle province, McDonalds, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, and we've only just begun. From the visit we had with the doctors this morning, it looks as though the tube will be in at least for another 24 hours. So no drinks (or food) til then.

The night before last, Mathieu's IV had to be changed; it was no longer working properly as it had been in for over 6 days. Well, it took 6 tries before they finally got a good one going. And, that one gave out yesterday morning and they had to put a new one in again. Luckily, they got it the first time around.

He still gets bouts of nausea and diziness every once now and again; but he really hasn't eaten or drank in a week. With the pain medication and everything else, I suppose that is to be expected. They are feeding him electrolytes and lipids via his IV so that he can keep his strength up. He is walking and sitting, playing XBox, channel surfing and watching movies.

Yesterday, we had some nice surprise visits. Our friend Gary came by to see Mathieu. That brought quite a smile to his face. Thanks Gary! Also, one of the football coaches from last year, John and his son Jake can by to see Mathieu. I think it made him feel special. He's getting pretty tired of seeing my old face. Although he doesn't like me to go too far.

I think we're both looking forward to being back in our own bed and catching up on some sleep; or at least having an uninterupted night.

The sun is shining and, am sure, there are brighter days ahead.

That's it for now.

Take good care!

Renée

P.S. Mat & Pat: Mathieu has already asked when he can go to QC.

PP.S. Jean-Daniel et Camille: Mathieu a vraiment hate de pouvoir aller faire du tube...

You've got to laugh... Otherwise you'd cry!

Would you believe that in the midst of everything that is going on, someone came into Mathieu's room while we were walking in the hallway and stole my wallet out of my purse. They didn't take my expensive purse, the digital camera or Blackberry that were inside. Only my wallet. I only had $40 or $50 in it... And my credit card was practically maxed out... But what a pain! Now I've had to cancel my credit cards, my debit card and will have to get new medicare cards, driver's license, etc. I guess that should keep me business...

Mathieu has had his ups and downs again over that last 24 hours. He has been walking and is trying to do his breathing exercises. He coughs which is good - however it is quite painful for him. The NG tube is still extracting quite a bit of fluid, but it is getting clearer. The nutrutionist came by this morning and they will be adding nutrients through his IV has he has only had a few bites in the last week. Mind you, his weight is only down 6 lbs and they took out his whole colon - I figure that must weigh a few pounds.

We've had a few visitors to help keep his spirits up. Of course, last week Linda was with me during the surgery and Luce visited a few days and even made me a lunch that lasted 3 days, and my forner neighbour and a good friend of the family, Mike - who works at the Children's - also came by. Nicole, Greg, Scott (above) and Annie came by for the weekend. The Covenys have been by on a few occasions with their gang. And, Francis and Michael from the soccer team came last week. This morning we had a nice surprise visit from Sdaos. Mathieu was really pleased to play XBox with Robbie (above) and I was very grateful to Jodie for the coffee.

Well, I have to run to the bank now... See if I can get any money out without my bank card!... And, I have to get some food for my other son... who is at home with no bread... Don't worry, there's plenty of other stuff; but they always seem to want something other than what's there, don't they.

I'm off again... I'll rent more movies for our movie marathon - if the bank lets me have any money that is...

That's it for now. Send positive energy our way. Our supply is running low!

Take good care!

Renée