Christine Penner

On Friday, January 11, 2019, I met with my cancer doctor at the Health Science Centre here in Winnipeg. A week prior to this meeting I was scheduled for an MRI early in the morning. I was grateful to hear from my doctor that my brain tumour from my second surgery has remained stable. My husband and sister Bev were with me. We continue to celebrate good news. At the end of the meeting I asked once again about being able to drive. This time I was told that I probably will never drive again. I have to admit I felt sad when I heard that answer, but I now continue to be grateful that I am alive and can get around with Winnipeg buses, Winnipeg cabs, and personal rides.        I was prepared to go see my cancer doctor.

Christmas started with much fun and laughter as we met with family members. Our son Ryan, his wife Missy, and their two children Finn and Molly came over to our place December 24 in the afternoon to celebrate Christmas. We had a great time having them over, exchanging gifts, playing with Finn, and talking. We then all went to the Taylor’s (my husband’s family) for dinner. My sister-in-law Michele had dinner made for all of us as Ryan’s family was celebrating Taylor Christmas on this day. It was wonderful spending time with the Taylor family.   On Christmas Day (December 25) my husband and I spent some time together first thing in the morning. We then drove over to Bill’s house (my father-in-law) to play a gift exchange game with the Taylor family. There was lots of laughter as gifts were opened. My husband and I went back home for the afternoon then returned to Bill’s for Christmas dinner. Once again it was fun spending time with the Taylor's. On Boxing Day (December 26) we h...

    Starting on December 7, 2018, I had a one week break from my two week intake of liquid study drugs. On my break I enjoyed eating food like lasagna and pizza. On December 14, 2018, I went back on my two weeks of liquid study drugs. So far, so good.    On Saturday, December 1, I put up our Christmas tree. This started a fun Christmas month. My sister Bev took me to hear Handel’s Messiah at the Winnipeg Concert Hall. She also took me Christmas shopping several times. We had lots of fun. I was thrilled when I was invited to attend the St. John’s grandma Christmas dinner. I really enjoyed having dinner with them and chatting with many grandmothers I miss. Another fun time in December has been taking my grandson Finn swimming. Typically my husband and I have started taking him swimming once a week. Finn is a two year old who enjoys being in the water and going down a water slide. My dad is doing well in the hospital. We have been bringing him home once a week...