Friday 2 January 2015

Wish trip night one

Well, here we are: In Vancouver. On Dominic's wish trip. In a situation we never wanted, but now that we're here it's one we are grateful for.

The road here wasn't smooth. The days leading up to our departure were full of phone calls and emails, to the point where we didn't actually know what day of the week it was. We may be in our hotel room but aside from a visit to the B.C. Children's Hospital tomorrow we have made no plans for the week.

That's OK, because as Trish pointed out today, the important thing is that we are spending time together, as a family. I don't have to drive back and forth to work, we don't have any major medical decisions to make. Sure, we have to deal with NG tube feeds and now a portable oxygen machine, but that's old hat by now.

Thanks to the North Hill Lions Club in Calgary, we had first class airfare which included breakfast in the airport lounge, lots of space and Dom even had his own seat. A heavy fog and ensuing hour-long wait on the tarmac didn't faze him, as he waved and smiled at everybody he could.

Being in public - especially a germ-heavy airplane - is a scary proposition given his ruined immune system. He wears a mask but let's face it, we're taking a calculated gamble. Knowing he's only got weeks or months left, the experiences are now worth the risk. And besides, he's been on isolation due to a common cold since his leukemia relapsed in August.

Sadly, his blood counts are on the rise. A year ago that was good news, but now we know there's cancer in the stuff that's returning. If anything, we'd like to see the counts stay low. But maybe some of the cells aren't cancerous and his immunity gets a little boost.

We had a little freak-out dealing with the rental car company, then had to spend an extra hour to pick up a back-up supply of oxygen (since you can't exactly bring compressed gas on an airplane).

Once at the hotel, Trish set to work cleaning the room with hospital-grade wipes that you have to use plastic gloves with. He roamed, giggling and exploring his new digs. I unpacked.

And now he's asleep. Here I sit with a drink in my hand and my wife next to me with a glass of wine. Today, life is good.

By the way, here's a photo presentation from the special trip, Steven's Run, that we got to experience last month. Many thanks to Codio Photography who took all the photos and put it together. Just like the trip we are on now it's a great set of memories for us. 

3 comments:

  1. I am so sorry to hear the news that the cancer returned. Like so many others following your blog, I had so much hope for Dominic and my heart breaks for you and your family. I so wish there was something we could all do to undo what is happening to Dominic and your incredible family.
    The fight the three of you have taken against this horrible disease has been an inspiration to anyone following your journey. Although I only know you through reading your blog, it is clear you are a remarkable couple and have fought this battle so courageously for your sweet little Dominic.
    From the photos and videos posted over the last couple of weeks, I can see you have been creating wonderful memories which you will always cherish (the video of your special trip in the limo was beautiful). I'm also so pleased you are able to take the trip to BC through the Lions Club and I sincerely hope the trip can be everything it can possibly be for you and that you may enjoy the precious moments you have with your amazing little boy.
    I continue to wish you strength and will be thinking and wishing the best for the three of you on your special trip.
    Kate

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love, Hugs and Prayers!!..

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dom has the best parents in the world. What a beautiful little boy.
    What an amazing family.
    Our thoughts are with you.

    ReplyDelete