Round Four of Five

Wren and Paula caught a 7:30 pm flight tonight to Vancouver. Right about now they should be finding a room on the cancer ward, 3B, and trying to settle in for the night. We've heard that the hospital is full, but that they would find room for Wren, so I don't yet know what that really means (Paula just phoned...they've got a room in the isolation section...little more than a cubicle with a sliding glass door, but a room no less).

Chloë and I will remain in Smithers for a few more days before heading to Vancouver. We both find it hard to be separated from Paula and Wren, our spirits seems to sink a little, and I've been finding the past few weeks difficult enough already. Maybe it is the time of year or maybe it's just part of living with childhood cancer. It's something new for me.

This round of treatment is two weeks long, with a short break for the weekend. During the last time through this regime, Wren was set back quite a bit--she couldn't walk by the end due to general weakness. We are hoping that it is a little kinder this time around. Wren finds it difficult to be essentially bed-ridden for such a long time. I suppose I wasn't expecting this antibody trial to be quite so hard on her.

Chloë and Wren have been singing and dancing around the house (they've got a few new songs) and are almost too prolific with the art work. Great heaps of it are gathered nightly. I have to make sure to get up early to light the wood stove (don't worry, we've saved a select few...hundred). Chloë has plans of selling artwork or gift cards with her artwork on them to raise money for Haiti and for childhood cancer. We are trying to find a way of supporting this project, but need to find some energy to help focus the effort. Stay tuned. Maybe she will have a table next to the tortilla and maple syrup vendors at the Smithers Farmers Market.

We remain so grateful for all of your kindness and care. The support we have received has taken on a myriad of beautiful forms: letters, visits from across the country, dinners, treats, incredible quilts and blankets, messages left on mountain tops, financial support and fund raising, house cleaning, firewood, our car driven 1200 km to us, spending time with the girls, gifts and craft supplies, books and clothes, massages, and countless anonymous donations and acts of kindness. We are so fortunate to have you near us. Thank you.

With love,
P2, C and W.