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