❄️ January Update — Weary, Hopeful, and Holding On Mood Weary but cautiously optimistic, and deeply hopeful that this will be the year Chloë beats cancer. This Month in Treatment January quickly became busy with outpatient appointments and testing: bloodwork, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, bone scans, liver function testing, and cardiology visits. It has meant many hours in waiting rooms and many moments of holding our breath, but all part of carefully monitoring Chloë as she continues treatment. Last week was especially difficult, as it was time for her chemotherapy that is given in a single day but requires a hospital stay until her body “clears” it. A Monday admission often means not getting home until late Wednesday night or Thursday. After a couple of days at home, she returned again this week for her second longer admission. We also received some very encouraging news from pathology : the chemotherapy Chloë received be...
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🎄 December Update — Reflection, Gratitude & Looking Ahead Mood: Tired, reflective, and grateful — taking things one day at a time while we settle into the rhythm of this phase of treatment. As the year winds down, December has been a month of mixed emotions — appointments, recovery, moments of exhaustion, and also kindness, community, and quiet gratitude. One bright spot was having the second week of the winter school break at home together — all four of us under one roof, which felt meaningful in itself. We’re now in week two of Chloe’s current five-week treatment schedule. This stretch is mostly outpatient — bloodwork, MRIs, CTs, and physio — which still keeps us busy, but allows a little more time at home between visits. Chloe is working hard at learning how to move safely with one foot. She uses a walker when she has the energy, and when she gets tired, she switches to her wheelchair with a special cushion for what she affec...
🗓️ Weekly Update — Traditions, Frost, and Finding Quiet Moments
This week felt like a mix of routine, preparation, and a few moments that made us stop and breathe. With three consecutive weeks of chemo starting soon, we're trying to hold onto normal where we can, and keep as many of our family traditions going as possible. Annual tradition: supporting CHEO and taking in the Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks. One of those traditions is our yearly drive to Kanata for Magic of Lights in support of CHEO — something that feels even more important this year. We wanted to make sure Chloë got to see it before treatment ramps back up, and she lit up at the displays the same way she always has. Morning drop-off surprise — frost that looked like tiny ice crystals growing out of every branch. We also had one of those small nature moments that stays with you. During morning drop-off, the whole neighbourhood was covered in sharp, spiky frost — the kind that grows outward like little crystals. It didn’t last long, but it mad...
🗓️ Weekly Update — New Routines, New Ramps, and Looking Ahead This week brought a very practical but meaningful change at home: our new front entrance ramp is officially installed. It’s sturdy, safe, and designed so Chloë can come and go without wrestling with stairs during treatment. Our new ramp — safe, sturdy, and already part of the daily routine. Even our old girl, Mags — who is almost 14 and generally suspicious of any household change — has decided it’s worth approving. She was nervous at first, but now she’s padding up and down the ramp like it’s always been there. Lucy getting caught mid-dig during the first snowfall. No regrets were had. We also had a moment of unexpected humour with one of Chloë’s foot molds. If you glance at it quickly, it looks like a perfect mold of her left foot… but it was actually her right one that was cast. Little...
Our daughter, Chloë, received a Boost Box from the Fight Like Mason Foundation , and it made a meaningful difference for her. Though we never had the chance to meet Mason, we think of him often — especially when she uses her FLM water bottle with her name spelled correctly, umlaut and all. Chloë has always loved spending time with the little ones on the ward — on the floor, in the Medical Day Unit, and at the Children’s Treatment Centre. Their bravery inspires her deeply, especially those who are far from home for weeks at a time. Before her own diagnosis, she dreamed of becoming an early childhood educator; now she hopes to work with children like her, including amputees or kids with complex medical needs, offering compassion shaped by lived experience. With Christmas being such a magical season for children, our first charity spotlight is dedicated to Mason — his courage, his legacy, and the extraordinary work carried forward in his name. ...
🗓️ Now It Gets Real — November 13 Mood: The past few weeks have brought a mix of anticipation, nerves, and moments of quiet determination. As we face upcoming treatment milestones and adjustments at home, it’s clear that the journey is getting even more real for all of us — Chloë, the girls, Justin, Mom, and me. Yet, through it all, gratitude and resilience continue to carry us forward. 💛 Medical Update: Since Chloë’s discharge following her amputation, it has been a whirlwind of activity. She has now begun outpatient physiotherapy at the Children’s Treatment Centre (part of CHEO), learning to walk with crutches and her walker, and gradually regaining independence. A ramp, which she will need moving forward at home, was installed recently, and she has a new temporary wheelchair until she can be fitted for a more permanent one later this month. This week brought encouraging news: Chloë received the all-clear to resume chemotherapy starting the week of the 17th. ...