Christine Penner

My two weeks of chemotherapy took place January 22 to February 04. I am now off of my chemo drugs because my blood levels are too low. I spoke to my doctor at the end of February regarding my deteriorating mental and physical abilities. I now will be having an MRI at the beginning of March to determine what my next step will be. On a brighter note, my family and I had a great 17 day vacation in the Dominican Republic. We rented a three bedroom condo with my sister Bev and her husband Terry, in a town called Cabarete. The first week our son Ryan, daughter-in-law Missy, and our grandchildren Finn and Molly stayed with us. The second week our niece, Stephanie, her husband Mark and their two month old daughter came to stay. The weather was great! Walks on the beach with my sister every morning were invigorating as was swimming and relaxing in the sun (protected of course). We frequented the many beach restaurants in the evenings, enjoyed a few drinks, and basically just enjoyed family ...

I ended being off chemo drugs for five weeks. I was grateful that my blood platelets increased allowing me to start taking my chemo drugs again. On January 22, I started chemotherapy which I will be taking for two weeks. This month I had several seizures, a total of four.   I am having difficulty with my vision. I met with Dr. Leicht who will hopefully be able to help me. I will be seeing him again at the beginning of March.   I was thrilled when I found out that I would be having my PhD graduation ceremony January 21 at the University of Manitoba. To my surprise, seven university officials attended this event to help me become a University Professor. I was so grateful that I was able to invite 25 families and friends to attend this event for me. It’s hard to believe that I now am Dr. Christine Penner! I feel so grateful that I had the ability to finish this degree. God has been so good to me!    

In the first two weeks of December I took new chemo drugs. After being off the chemo drugs for two weeks, I found out that my blood platelets were quite low. That means that I will now be off of my chemo drugs for another week (January 1- 7). I was surprised this month when I found out that I had experienced two seizures. On December 11, I experienced a seizure for eight hours, then on December 28, I had another seizure. This last seizure caused me some pain. My husband drove me home from our Penner Christmas gathering. I slept for 14 hours. I felt much better the next morning but struggled to remember a few words. I need to continue to exercise and have a good afternoon nap every day. Despite a few health conditions, I enjoyed the Christmas month. Throughout the month of December I spent time with family and friends. Part of my Christmas experiences included going, with my sister Bev, to hear Handel’s Messiah and to watch Nutcracker. That was fun! I am grateful that I have an ama...

On December 3, 2019, I presented my PhD thesis at the University of Manitoba. I was thrilled to welcome my advisor Dr. Wallin. She flew from her work at the University of Saskatchewan to Winnipeg to be part of my presentation. My other two U of M committee members, Dr. Mignone and Dr. Fitznor, were at the university that day to hear my PowerPoint presentation. After my presentation I answered several questions presented by my advisors. I then left the room which gave my advisors the opportunity to discuss my presentation. When they called me back in I was told that I now was a doctor. I was thrilled! It was wonderful to have my sister and two friends join my presentation. Despite my new brain cancer, I was excited that my PhD thesis was accepted. It is hard to believe, but I now am Dr. Christine Penner!  Dr. Wallin was a wonderful advisor.   Dr. Fitznor, Dr.Mignone, and Dr .Wallin were members of my committee.   I called my husband to let him...