Things are Happening!

Wow.  It has been a LONG time since I wrote in here...but here are some updates about what's going on with my life...

FIRST, went for a mammogram on Wednesday last week and Saturday got a letter telling me that there was "no sign of any malignancy"  meaning, NO Cancer!!!   Wooo Hoooo!  To say the least, that made my day.

We had a marvelous summer, in spite of recuperating from two knee replacement surgeries.  As soon as I had the go-ahead to drive from my orthopedic surgeon after my second knee surgery, I took off for Utah to spend some time with my daughter and granddaughters and my son-in-law.  What FUN! 

Stopped to see my brother, Joe in Wyoming on the way back home. 

Went up to a cabin in Wisconsin for a week and went four-wheeling all over the terrain, and swam and sunned, and sat around the fire pit by the lake...great times!  Ben & Amanda came up for two days, and Casie came at the end of the week. 

Our biggest news is, after 32 years in this house, WE ARE MOVING!!!  We are buying Gary's parents' house in Andover, MN.  He helped his Dad to build it back in the early 1980's.  It will be much more roomy for having folks over.  It also has a large second garage for Gary to play in...I call it the "Man Cave".   It also has 2 1/2 acres of wooded land around it, so we get to sit in the three season porch and watch the dear stroll through the yard.  The closing is supposed to take place mid November, so we just might be in there for Thanksgiving! 

We put our house up for sale with Tom & Terry Wilkinson at Keller Williams Realty, and it sold in a week!  (five days to be more precise!)
My head is spinning.  Friday the inspector came out, and we passed, with a few requests to replace some electrical outlets...a snap for Gary to fix.

So now I am going through the aftermath of 32 years of stuffing things in closets to get ready for the move.   We will be having a garage sale this weekend!

Gary's parents have not yet found their new location, so we will be hoping for that to happen in the near future.  (We promised not to kick them out, though, if they can't find a suitable place).   We will have plenty of room!

My knees are doing great, I am walking without a cane now, and have no pain when I walk or stand...love it!  I have lost some weight now, because I am moving, and I feel so much better! 

Things are really looking up for us!  I got pulled through the knot hole, survived, and now I'm rarin' to go!

Love to all!

Mary

Not so much fun...

This surgery has proven to be the straw that broke the camel's back.  I guess, as my friend Sandy pointed out to me yesterday, I am expecting a lot from my body to go through so much so quickly.  Perhaps.  I am just anxious to be up and running again.  I was warned that this surgery might not be like the last one, and now I know they were correct.  I shall have to be a bit more patient with this process of healing. 

The surgeon said everything went well, and so I just have to deal with the extra pain this time around.  Actually, my knee looks better than last time...less bruising, but that has nothing to do with what goes on inside the knee. 

I am sure it will all work itself out, I am just weary of such a long period of my life being tied up in surgeries, medications, pain, fatigue, etc.  I have to fight off depression along with all of this, and some days, I don't fare so well. 

The days get long when I have no energy to do what I want to do, and life seems to be racing by me.  Oh well, it is only one week since surgery, so I need to take it easy, right? 

Love to All,

Mary

Back at Home

I am back home and doing well.  I am very groggy from the pain meds, and so I sleep a LOT. 

I will write more later when I am actually feeling awake!

Love to all,

Mary  =)

Here I go Again!

I am extremely excited to have my second knee surgery tomorrow...not for the immediate inconvenience it will cause, but because I know that down the road, it will bring me a better life. You never realize how much you take walking for granted, until you can't do it. My knee surgery has been a long time coming. I have been through a LOT this past year, and now I am ready to GET ON WITH IT! So here's to yet another "BUMP IN THE ROAD" (Hopefully it will smooth out for a time now). I would appreciate your prayers that all goes smoothly, the surgeon's hands will be guided, and it will turn out as well as my first surgery. (They keep warning me that it is not always the same way the second time around) I will hope for the best outcome, though. I am so grateful that the technology is available to create a new knee joint for people like me. I am already enjoying the lack of pain in my new left knee when I walk or stand. It is encouraging. I can't believe how long I have tolerated this pain. Now that I have something to compare it with, my old knee is really hurting. God Bless My Doctor! YeeeeeeHaaaaaw! A new knee Wednesday, June 6th 2012! Love to All, Mary

Hi All!

I was reminded by my sister, Helen, that my blog has been silent...so Helen, this is mostly for you. Keep an eye on your mail...I sent you a Mother's Day package. Thank YOU, Helen, for the card, and the poppy seeds! Will be planting them on Monday. Thanks so much! Love you! Teri, my oldest sister (I always have to remind her of that), also sent me a card for Mother's Day, and I thank you for that, Sis. I hope we will be able to get around to the gravesites on Memorial Day week to do the yearly cleaning, and leaving flowers in remembrance. It is a wonderful tradition you have begun, Teri, and it is so great that Tess and her daughters have joined in on it, too. It's astonishing how overgrown the stones get, especially the ones that lie flat on the ground. It is a good time to remember our departed loved ones as we do this small service. I have been doing quite well with my new knee. The old one is complaining about the added workload on some days, though. But I will soon remedy that with my next surgery on June 6th. Alergies have been far more bothersome than my knees as of late. Lots of sniffles, etc. I am very pleased that I can get out and about more now, and walk with far less trouble. I am even weaning myself off the cane, but some days the old right knee just can't get along without it. I suspect I will need it for a time after my next surgery, until my muscles get stronger. It is just exciting to imagine that one of these days, the cane will be a thing of the past. It has been a long time coming for this level of independence for me. Very exciting! Well, this is a short one, but I want to wish all of the wonderful women in my life, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Hope it's a day to be honored as Mothers, and a day to honor our own Mothers, living and dead. Love to All, Mary

One knee Done!

I have begun to truly recover from the effects of chemo and radiation. As time goes on, I am regaining my vitality! I feel more and more energy. I am actually feeling very optimistic about my future again. My left knee total replacement surgery went very well. When the surgeon came out to let Gary know that I was in recovery, he told Gary that "From the looks of things in there, she must have been in considerable pain". I also asked him to give me a shot in the right knee to get me through the interim. That has really helped. I got up and walked the day of surgery! The next day, I went to therapy with the walker, and returned with just a cane! I had been doing my therapy exercises for the month before the surgery, to strengthen my very weak leg muscles. A year of laying around fatigued takes a toll on the body. It seems to have made a lot of difference, because, I am recuperating at an amazing rate. In the hospital, I kept telling the nurses, "I'm amazed at how well this is going!" They were amazed, too. On my first visit to the therapist one week after surgery, he told me I could be the "poster child of recovery from knee surgery"! Even my chiropracter said I was an "anomoly". He said he has never seen anyone do so well so soon after a total knee replacement. I am just thrilled about it all! I continue to do my full set of exercises twice a day, and have therapy twice a week. Steve, the therapist, says I have reached the goal for leg extension, which is 0 degrees (straight). I have to get to 120 degrees on the flexion (bent), and so far I am at 116 degrees, so I am close to being done with therapy, too! I walk a bit lop-sided, because my "new left leg" is about one inch longer than my right leg. When I have had the second one done, I will be back to my original height of 5'3". (I should have asked him to throw in a shim or two to give me a little extra height!) I have already scheduled my surgery for the right knee on June 6th. I am very anxious to get on with it. I should be up and walking (without a cane) by August or September, just in time to go back to work. It can't come too soon, because Gary is wore out from working overtime to make up for some of my lost wages. I am so grateful I have had this time to spend taking care of myself, it has truly been a blessing. In the meantime, I will keep doing the exercises on the right side, too, and hopefully, my next surgery & recovery will go as well. Thanks for all the love and support, and especially for your prayers, because I truly believe I have been given a miracle! PRAYER CHANGES THINGS! Love and Hugs to All! Mary

Now the Knees....

Monday, April 2nd, I will be going to a hospital in Stillwater to have my first knee replacement surgery!! Can't believe how fast the time has gone! I will get the left one done first.

Then, pray that I heal well and quickly and physical therapy goes well also, and I will get the right knee done in 6-8 weeks. I should be up and walking by the end of summer and ready to go back to work!

I am SO excited about the prospect of being able to walk again that I can't even dwell on the down side of the surgery...I'm keeping my eye on the prize! Walking without a cane for the first time in several years!!!!

I have been cleared through all of my doctors for this, and got a clean bill of health from my oncologist. I am rarin' to go!

Yesterday my granddaughter, Fiona turned two years old, and we Skyped with her on the phone. She's so cute! It was fun to have Tacy and the girls come and stay with us for over a week. Loved that! Our dog, Kiita, got lots of attention from Fiona. Now she is asking Mom for a dog. (Don't do it, Tacy - you have enough on your plate with the little girls to care for!)

Just want to say THANK YOU! to EVERYONE for your prayers and support.

Love to all,

Mary

Bigger and Better Things

Early this week, Tacy called me to let me know she was planning to come to MN with her two daughters!! (Not counting Skype) I haven't seen Daphnie since she was born last September, or Fiona, either. They are growing up so fast.

They arrived at the airport in Mpls. at midnight, Tuesday. It has been so fun to have them here! How wonderful to hold my "baby dumpling" in my arms and kiss her neck until she giggles. And Fiona is talking in very clear sentences now, even though she will not turn two until the end of March!

Tacy is planning to stay for several weeks, buy a vehicle with the help of Joni, her Mother-in-law, and her Dad, and drive back home to Utah.

Yesterday we all rested up from the day of travel on Tuesday. Today we went to the Public Library and checked-out a few books for Fiona, and a free pass to the MN Zoo! We plan to go on Monday. The pass is good for 7 days, and our library only has two of them, so we felt very fortunate to snab the only one left. We found out we can rent a double stroller there, and I can use a free wheelchair if I need it. We shall see. As long as I'm not on my feet too long, I do OK

My first knee surgery is scheduled for April 2nd...YAY!!! What will it be like to walk again? I can barely remember. There are things we should never take for granted, and I am learning to appreciate all the big and small blessings in my life!
Thank the Lord for talented surgeons! They have literally saved my life!

More later,

Love to all!

Mary

Guess Who I Ran Into?

As I was leaving Radiation Therapy for the last time, I said to the ladies who were my technicians, "Don't take it personal, but I hope I never see you girls here again...unless it's somewhere else, of course!" We all laughed.

Last night when we were at Chili's celebrating, who should walk in and tap me on the shoulder, but one of the techs....we had a good laugh over that!

Love to all,

Mary

THE END...

Not of me, of course, just DONE with radiation!!!!! Now to recuperate from the burnt skin, and get on with my knee replacement surgery.

Tonight I went to dinner at Chili's with Gary and my dear friend, Casie to celebrate this milestone...besides, it is Valentine's Day.

Onward and Upward!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Love to ALL!

Mary :)

Almost Finished!!!

Today, Thursday, I am now only three treatments away from finished with radiation. I have an appointment in a week with my knee surgeon to set up an appointment for my knee replacement surgery...hopefully in March.

Meanwhile, I am having some symptoms from the radiation. The skin on my shoulder and neck and underarm look sunburnt. The skin under my arm is peeling off. Needless to say, it is very sensitive. Am not looking forward to the effects of three more treatments.

I have been on a card-making binge...Valentines to send to my family. It was fun while it lasted, but I've reached my quota. Now I will begin crocheting on a blanket for a new baby in my friendship circle.

I have been feeling a lot better now, not so fatigued. My knees are getting worse again, and that is why I am anxious to get them done. Things are looking up!

Love to All!

Mary

Half Way Now!

I am a little more than half way done with radiation now. That is major for me. I can see the light at the end of this tunnel. I am beginning to have some skin irritation from the radiation treatments, and my doctor says this is what he wants to see, to know that the treatments are doing their job. I already have very sensitive skin, so I am not looking forward to the cumulative effect on my skin...

But I have made an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon to make plans for my first knee replacement surgery. Even though I know this will not be a picnic, I am excited at the prospect of being able to walk once again. The plan is to have both knees done and healed by the end of summer, so I can get back in the driver's seat by fall when school starts up again. I am feeling so much more hopeful again.

Thanks everyone for your prayers and support. It really makes a difference to feel so loved!

Love to All,

Mary

Long Time, No Post

Oh my! I have been away from my computer for the last few weeks. I thought I would take a few lines to update my progress.

I am nearly halfway done with radiation. So far, I am not having any negative effects, other than tiredness.

This colder weather, and the ice is creating a challenge for me to get to the treatments, however. I am having a lot of pain in my knees again, probably due to the cold. So it is tough getting up and down the steps, and climbing in and out of the car. I am looking forward to getting my knees done in the near future.

Meanwhile, I am getting a few things done around the house, and that is a sign that I am improving. Oh, yeh, and my hair is growing back now! I have 1/4 inch long hair and I will try not to complain that it mostly looks gray!

Love to all,

Mary

Every Bit of Good News is a Plus

When I went for my radiation treatment today, I found out that I will only have a total of 28 treatments, not 30 like I thought. So I am two days closer to done with this!!! I have had five treatments now.

I have had appointments at different times, so I have to keep on my toes about when to show up there, but as of Thursday, my time slot will be at 11:00 am and pretty much stay at that time each day. This will make it easier to make plans.

I am doing a bit better now, not SO tired as before, although the Dr. warned me that this might become an issue later, but I am enjoying my days a bit more. Not sleeping them away as before.

Tomorrow after the treatment, my friends will come over for lunch and a rousing game of Sequence again! I am looking forward to the company.

Until next time,

Love to all!

Mary

Two days of Radiation

So, I went to my appointment yesterday, even arriving EARLY (which for me is no small feat!) The first red flag was the number of cars parked along the building. The waiting room was packed. I announced my arrival to the receptionist, sat down, and just as I got into a magazine article, my name was called! Wow! I thought, this was speedy!

Well, that was the end of "speedy". I was ushered into an examination room to see the doctor. Shortly, a nurse came in, asked me if I had any questions, to which I answered, "No, the doctor was quite thorough last week." She then left the room after explaining to me that I would not need to see him, then, and that they were "running behind today".

Then the waiting began. As people rushed back and forth past the open door of the exam room, I regretted not bringing a magazine with me, but was sure that the minute I left my room, they would be calling my name and wondering where I was. Nearly an hour later, as I began to nod off, and after waving someone down and asking if I might have been forgotten, I was called over to begin my first treatment.

They got me set up in my uncomfortable position on the [hard, cold] table, and began taking measurements of the area to be radiated. They kept explaining that the first time would take longer than usual, but I was under the impression that this was what last week's three hour session was about. I wondered why this was not told to me prior to the visit...?

The actual time of the radiation itself was minutes long, and then I was done...almost two hours later. I was glad I didn't have any pressing appointments after that. I nervously asked if this amount of time was unusual, because I DID have an appointment right after radiation on Thursday. They assured me that this day was unusually busy, and that it should rarely happen like this.

Thursday went off without a hitch. I arrived a few minutes early, there were NO other cars along the curb, and the waiting room was empty! I went right in, got the treatment and was out in 20 minutes! WHEW!

I got home in time to greet my friends when they arrived a few minutes later. Georgia and Chrystal brought lunch [wild rice soup, broccoli salad, apple spice bread, rolls, and cookies] It was way more than we could eat, but we had a fun visit, and played Sequence and laughed a lot. Chrystal was the Sequence Champion for the day, but Georgia and I have vowed to have a re-match to have a chance to redeem our broken egos.

I do feel some improvement in my health. My cold is finally going away, and I feel less fatigued. So, there is hope.

Love to all,

Mary :-)

Tomorrow is Another Day...

I will begin my six weeks of radiation tomorrow. It's only supposed to take 20 minutes for the session, and I hope that's accurate. Having to go everyday will seem taxing after months of inactivity. But each day of treatment is one day closer to being DONE!

I have a cold, and this is making me feel extra tired right now. But I am anxious to get this next round of therapy started and ultimately, over with. My Doctor said I can wait about a month after radiation is done and then I can get my knee surgery. (Well, the first knee, anyway). I hope to be done with both of them by the end of summer. My highest hope is that I will be able to return to work next fall.

I want some normal again. Mostly, I would love to be able to walk!

Love to all,

Mary