November

It has been a long time since I posted an update about Bill because for a long time we had settled into a routine of our new normal and did not have a lot to report.  Bill continued to have stable MRIs and slowly but surely worked towards recovery.  We took advantage of his increased energy and general improved health and headed off on a few weekend get aways through the summer enjoying time in Saltspring, Whistler and Parksville.  Bill even managed a trip to the Queen Charlottes with his good friend Graham, a place he had always wanted to visit again since flying there early in his career.  September brought a return to school for the kids, work for me, and fabulous weather for Bill to enjoy!  One of the biggest challenges for Bill through this period of time was ongoing back pain.  A side effect of one of Bill's medications is a loss of bone strength and this resulted in Bill developing multiple compression fractures in his spine.  Just as the inital ones seemed to be improving new fractures occurred causing very severe pain. 
Unfortunately, Bill's most recent MRI in mid October showed new tumour growth.  This, combined with the intense back pain which we have been unable to control at home led to Bill being admitted to the hospital last week.  Throughout the week in hospital Bill's tumour related symptoms have become much more pronounced so the doctors have recommended he remain admitted where they are best able to control his pain and monitor changes. He has just started on a new medication called Avastin and we are cautiously hopeful that we will begin to see some improvement and be able to get him back home.  For now we remain in a waiting game.