Mark Blevis

Andrea begins her chemo regimen, tomorrow. Assuming there are no delays or complications, we’ll finish this phase in April.

It seems surreal that it’s been over two months since her diagnosis. So much has happened since October 6: three surgeries, cardiac and bone scans, x-rays, blood tests, an MRI and an ultrasound and frequent appointments with our surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist. We’ve also had a meeting with a social worker and Andrea’s met with her GP and a counsellor and spoken to a few people conducting cancer-related studies. Yes, it’s been a full two months.

Three very important things need to be noted.

1) We’re extraordinarily lucky to be close with the right family and friends, local and distant. Everyone’s generosity with their time. gifts and concern has been overwhelming. Whether it’s been emails, phone calls or visits, delivery of meals, gifts and hats, or playdates and sleepovers for our daughters, the last two months would have been very different if we had to do this on our own. Special mention also goes to the amazing team I work with for their support. And, by the way, my parents absolutely rock!

2) Social media is really making the world smaller and more meaningful. Many of our closest friends and supporters result from connections we’ve made online through blogs, podcasts and Twitter. We regularly receive messages of support and gifts from our social media friends, people we consider ourselves extremely lucky and privileged to know.

3) Andrea makes the battle worth fighting. It’s difficult being the support system — you often feel helpless. It takes a lot of energy to put on a brave face, be strong and bring some levity to the process our family is going through. However, Andrea’s courage and personality draws this out and makes it seem not only natural but the only rational approach. We actually have fun. And even though we’re scared mindless 30% of the time, we’re undaunted and laughing together the other 70%. If that weren’t true, I’d have collapsed long ago.

I know the next few months will present their challenges and there will be times we’ll get lost in the details. This a road we have to travel to get to our destination. It’s a bumpy road and we’re not the only family traveling it. Like many a road trip we’ll probably feel like asking “are we there yet” all the time — that’s only because there’s a party we’re anxious to get to; the best party in the world.