Back in Bermuda – 25th November 2011

With a 10 day reprieve before the next lot of treatment, we decided to go back to Bermuda.  Whilst the doctor told Jimmy he will start to feel tired being off his medication, we figured it was better to relax in Bermuda and then, if necessary get a flight back earlier to NY.   The doctor said she wouldn’t usually recommend traveling, but I guess we are not the usual travelers!!

We were back just in time for the Christmas Parade. Charlotte loved seeing all her friends again.

Thanks Giving – 24th November 2011

We went to Manhattan to see the Macy Day Parade (only ever seen on the TV previously).  Despite the crowds we managed to see some of the spectacular balloons – Charlotte had a prime view on Jimmy’s shoulders!

That afternoon we had Thank Giving dinner at Robbie and Milena’s, with Kenny, Steve and Mary.

New York 18-25th November 2011

Back to New York for a visit with the Endocrinologist Doctor – a word we didn’t even know existed a few days ago, let alone a whole medical area devoted to it!!  Jimmy was taken off his new thyroid medicine in preparation for a radioiodine scan in 2 week. 

Washington DC 14-18th November 2011

With a few days off before the next doctor’s visit, we drove down to Washington DC for a long weekend to get away from it all for a while – we had a good time, visiting lots of famous places including, obviously, the White House:

Charlotte and Jimmy got to meet with Obama!





We did our usual – the open top Hop on- Hop off bus – only difference this time was the temperature!! – as we sat up top freezing.

More appointments etc 11,12th November

We were optimistic once we saw the pathology reports from the last lot of surgery, showing the rest of the thyroid was clean, but then felt like a bus had hit us, when we met with the radiation oncologist, who started discussing radiation. Naively, I think we both assumed everything was over, and didn’t realize that there was still lots to come.

Hunter Mountain 11-14th November

With a miraculous recovery, and not wanting to stay still in Brooklyn, Friday night we drove up to Hunter Mountain to stay with Tommy, Lisa and Haley for the weekend in their new ski house.  Jimmy took it easy for the weekend while Charlotte had great fun playing with Haley and all the other girls there.  That night it snowed!

Surgery – Wednesday 9th November 2011

Second time round – Jimmy was a pro by now.  This time the rest of the thyroid and some surrounding muscle was taken out.  Surgery lasted one and a half hours from 4 til 5.30pm and that night he was eating pizza!!! (although a bit slower than normal!!).  The next morning he was discharged from the hospital (charging rates of a penthouse suite at the Plaza Hotel!!)

New York 3rd November

We flew to NY – Jimmy had his pre op for the surgery on the Friday and then we had a few days catching up with family.



Whilst the weather wasn’t exactly what we had planned (we usually stay within warmer climates!) we were actually quite lucky with the temperatures (apparently!!!).  Shopping for boots, hats and gloves and borrowing thick winter coats!!

San Diego 30 October - 3 November 2011

We stayed with Jimmy's FDNY buddy Danny Noonan and Regina in San Diego for 4 days.

On Halloween we went Trick or Treating with Regina and some friends of theirs, who have a 1 year old. Charlotte loved playing big sister, and taking him to each door. She dressed up as a witch this year.

At the end, they counted out all their candies! (and Charlotte sorted some candy to give to the Magic Pumpkin).

Then at the end of the evening, Danny and Jimmy showed Charlotte what they used to do on Halloween ….. and taught her how to throw eggs into the street!! – I think this was the highlight of the evening!




On Tuesday we went to San Diego Zoo, renowned as one of the best Zoos in the world – we spent a nice day there and saw lots of different animals.

 

On Wednesday Charlotte and I drove the 85 miles north to LA to have a day of roller coasters at Knotts Berry Farm. By the end of the day we were soaked from the water rides

 

On Thursday 4th November, we headed up to LAX airport and flew to NY for Jimmy to have his Pre Op on Friday and then surgery next Wednesday