Mark Twain

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do ...
Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain

Monday, October 21, 2024

Last Treatment In The Books

My husband had his last radiation treatment today!  His last chemo treatment was last Friday.  If he wasn’t so tired this morning ...  it might have been “Celebration Time."  

The day started a little low.  He said the fatigue was pretty awful this morning.  Of course, when we got there they were running late because one of their two radiation treatment units was down.  They did resolve whatever the problem was, but when you have patient treatments scheduled every 15 minutes it didn’t take long before patients dressed in gowns were backed up in the waiting areas and hallway.  They offered the option to reschedule to tomorrow, but we weren’t going anywhere since this was his last treatment.  Actually I didn’t notice anyone taking up that offer.  I think once you start down this path - the whole focus is to “just get through it.”  But everyone was patient.  The staff there is exceptional.

After the radiation, we met with the doctor who remarked that my husband handled the treatments better than any other patient in their memory.  And it is true.  Aside from the late onset fatigue today - he had nothing that was listed in their handouts.  He did have a number of small side effects from the chemo but those were very easily handled by medication.

So .... now we wait until December.  Between now and then he needs to heal and rest.  His PET scan is set for mid-December.  There is a lot of “waiting” with this disease.  It does teach you patience.  No popping a pill and you are better.

Anyway, between now and then I have a bunch of pictures, interests and stories to share.  I am so happy to be back blogging again.  I did miss it - and missed the community of blog friends I have made over the years.  Thank you for coming back.  I am a very lucky blogger.

Sunday, October 20, 2024

My Dear Sweet Grand Daughter

As promised - an embarrassing long time ago - Grand daughter pictures.  Brace yourself.  This post is picture heavy.  

So every time she comes for a visit I try to get a decorated cookie for her.  

 
This was from her last visit to our condo before my husband began his treatment
and needed to avoid infections.  And as everyone know, kids in school are little petrie dishes
of germs.  As this writing his last treatment is tomorrow.  Hoping we can return to her 
regular visits soon.  I sure do miss her.

So this looks odd, right??  This was from last summer when she and I did a sleep over
at my daughter’s house.  Esk thought of it as a spa event - hence the sliced 
cucumbers over her eyes.  She is such an animated kid.


This is from her marital arts class.  Her parents keep her very busy.

This is from that same class.  The kids are learning to roll safely.

This is an old picture.  She much younger, but what I loved about
this picture is her drawing.  Silly me!  I didn’t realize that scientists wear crowns!!

I made this picture larger so you could read what she wrote and see her picture.  It is an 
older poster.  She was just learning to write last year (kindergarten) and sounding out words.  What 
what is really interesting is her drawn picture of herself on the flag ... also with a crown.
I am hoping that in first grade they cover the topic that our presidents don’t wear crowns!!  

She was in a drama summer camp that put on a play!  Notice.  Another crown.  What she really wants to be is a princess (thank you Disney.). I have tried to aim her goals higher.  Shoot for Queen!!!! :-)
Nope!  Princess it is.

I love this little person more than words can say.  Check out the art work!
Another crown.

This is how she dressed for picture day in 1st grade this year.  Her mother let
her decide what she would wear.  Esk wanted the full deal - make up and nail polish - and her
mother drew the line on those final details.  But this little girl doesn’t need 
any that to pull off a picture full of attitude!  I think the shoes add a special touch.
And if you missed it - check out the crown!!!!


Dance class from last spring I believe. 




This past summer her parents took her to a local playground.  I think my
son captured this picture that he titled “I am the captain.”
Apparently she arranged to have her playground friends
spin her around and he overheard her saying ... I am the captain.  
🤣
This girl ... she has a way about her.


But of all pictures, this one of my favorites.  
She really is so many wonderful things.  
She has amazing language skills, is very bright, has a wonderful imagination,
 a pretty good sense of what is right and wrong
 (and sometimes I get “schooled” on that),
a way of interacting with her peers that speaks volumes about her future leadership qualities.  She 
is an animated 'mover and shaker' at 6 years old.  She has my son’s beautiful eyes and her mother’s lovely mouth.  Look out world!!!

That is my very wonderful grand daughter.