Needless to say... everyone was left feeling helpless... disconsolate and completely disoriented by the prospect of more chemo... never mind the long term implications for Allison's health and well-being.
At the epicenter of this emotional tsunami was a steadying "Light"... and force; it was Allison in all of her courageous might and glory. Her stoic defiance and Faith in the face of such a relentless enemy gave each of us the necessary strength and courage to reform of family phalanx... based upon that very strength that she had chosen to embrace and follow. To deny that act of courage... would be to dishonor "Her"... and all that we love and cherish about her.
The news has most certainly drawn us all together... but as well it has caused us to revisit and remeasure "what" truly is most important in life. Many of those previously perceived "necessities" no longer have any value in our future.
The greatest gift is quite simply our personal health. As well, each of us possesses a precious handful of close family and friends... always close by; the ones we unfortunately believe will always be at arm's length. We have quickly seen this misconception evaporate before our very eyes... in the very blink of an eye... delivered to us in a somewhat clinical and cold manner... and by a well-meaning stranger to our circle.
In the face of this unsettling news... Allison and Andrew have set course to making plans and investigating strategies for alternate treatment options. We are indeed blessed to have Andrew's good heart... strong background knowledge in genetic and biochemical theory. His contact through his current pharmaceutical link to all major hospitals in the Greater Toronto region have provided us easier and quicker-than-usual access to experts and trial studies.
A 'regular' Christmas is hardly in the cards for any of us really. Deb and I had a plan to escape to the Barbados for a long-awaited holiday and visit with my other daughter Lisa. We felt that we would have to pass on that adventure for now... but Allison is insistent that we proceed with our plans. My heart is torn... but Deb and I have put together a flexible contingency plan which would offer me a hasty return... should that become necessary.
We will leave Rockport from Ottawa Airport on Monday, December 19th... per Allison's wishes and we shall return on February 22nd if fortune smiles upon all of us.
Wishing all of my blogging friends the blessings of Good Cheer!... Good Health and Good Painting in 2017!!
God bless... "one and ALL!
Merry Christmas!
Dear Bruce I have been away from blogger land far too long and your blog is the first I am visiting. I am completely floored though to hear the news of Alison. I want to wish you all the very best and my thoughts will be with you during this difficult time. I dare to say this Bruce but if the Chemo worked the first time could it be used again to cure Alison along with natural therapy? I have heard it being used twice in so short a time space and being effective. I always get a bit nervous about going the natural way. However there is an American lady who overcame cancer through eating powerful green foods, mostly blended. It can halt the disease from progressing too far. However each case is very different. Wishing you all a peaceful and hopeful Christmas Bruce. from Caroline in Scotland.
ReplyDeleteDear Friend Caroline!... So very nice to hear your voice again after so long and to feel your comforting presence as expressed through your thoughtful suggestions and advice.
ReplyDeleteSuch decisions should lie totally with the person afflicted... and as Allison's Dad... I stand by her courageous and well-researched choices. What I add is Faith to the mix and my daily prayers... as well as my presence whenever she wants me close by.
As a family we have rallied around her... and to be truthful Lass... it is her courage and will alone that drives my engine of Faith and Hope. I am SO VERY proud of this young woman... who happens to be my daughter.
Have a wonderful Christmas. Richest blessings and Good health for you and yours!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Very interesting art blog and so beautiful paintings and stories !!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year 2017 !!!
I am struggling for words - there just aren't any. Cancer is a @!*!!! I will be thinking of you all. Stay strong my friend. Hugs to you all.
ReplyDeleteGood evening Bruce,
ReplyDeleteHopefully you will be in warmer climes by now, and you probably won't see this until you get back. My wishes go out to you for a Happy Christmas for you and Deb, and I hope that 2017 brings you only good things.
All the best,
Keith
My heart aches for you, Bruce, and your family who, once again goes through this horrid health "event" - but I admire you all for your courage and faith and consistency in the face of this monster. I wish you all the best and your fair share of laughs and smiles through it all - your love for one another will keep you strong. Sending you waves of healing blue light, the warmth of a kind word when you need it, a virtual hug for you all. Enjoy the time you get away fo Barbados and soak up the sun for a few days.
ReplyDeleteI hesitate to make suggestion about such a sensitive subject but perhaps Allison might be interested in speaking to Dr Ruth who is a long time survivor of breast cancer.
ReplyDeletehttp://ruthheidrich.com/
If you use the link provided, and scroll down, you can ask questions of her and she answers quite quickly. She was featured on Forks over Knives.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for your kind suggestion Wendy! Allison is at present fully engaged... with hope and courage at an alternative treatment program in a clinic in Austria. I will update my followers when I have more time... and a desire to reveal more. Thanks for your kind gesture.
ReplyDeleteGood Painting
Warm regards,
Bruce
I've been reading bloggers who I have followed for a long time who are thinking about - or who have - given up on blogging. They have turned to Facebook or Instagram, instead. And it made me think - where is Bruce and how is he and his family? I am sorry I have not realized you are missing for these months!!! Here it is almost spring and your last post was in December. Time gets away from us. But I just wanted you to know that here, now, today, I am thinking about you all and wishing you the best.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have been thinking about you, Bruce. I have visited several times. I hope all is well...
ReplyDelete