Lunch with the kids

We had a very special luncheon today.

Nana had come to check in with the oncologist about the results of her most recent tests. She had her last treatments in February of this year, and this was the major checkup to see how things are progressing. Because it was such a major milestone, and because her son, his wife and her two grandchildren were also available, they all came to be with her as she received the news.

• The Northeastern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre is part of the Sudbury Regional Hospital

There was lots of apprehension, but as soon as she came out of the consultation, she was beaming. The news was very good. The test results were well within the range of 'normal' which means that there is no sign that the cancer has persisted. The medical team will continue doing blood tests every three months, but don't want her to return for another consultation for a year, and this indeed is wonderful news.

Once the verdict had been rendered, the whole family made their way here for lunch. We gathered them all in the basement, where there is room for us all to lounge and to enjoy a wonderful lunch. The place was jumping with the energy of a six-year-old and her three-year-old brother, especially when we put a plate of cheese and grapes in front of them.

The soup and sandwiches which followed were added treats but the pièce de résistance had to be the oreo cookies and chocolate-dipped strawberries that the kids got as special deserts, in addition to the cake that we had prepared to celebrate nana's birthday ... and of course the good news she had received earlier in the day.