York Christmas Group Photo

Just wanted to share the picture from the York Christmas last Sunday in Greenwood:

Also, blood work was good today, so chemo should happen Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week as planned.  Dr. Rixe pushed it back a little so Mom could enjoy all of her company.  He said it was his Christmas present to her.  A good one at that!

Happy New Year!
jk

Merry Christmas!

 People have been asking, "How's your mom?" and my answer has been, "She is amazing!"  She has been thoroughly enjoying this holiday season, and, with a little help from her merry band of elves, doing everything from sewing homemade purses for her teacher friends, to baking holiday goodies, to making blankets for her grandkids, to shopping downtown, to fixing meals for 12.  She is AMAZING!

Many of you may know, but on December 22, we got the best news: the tumor has again shrunk, which means that her treatments can continue apace.  With the new combination of drugs and the rare nature of her tumor, success was anything but guaranteed, but Dr. Rixe assured her that things were going well.  He even said she could celebrate with a little wine over the holidays, under the following conditions: "One glass a day, and as long as it is French."  I'll drink to that!

Below are a few pictures of the Amazing One on Christmas Day.  Today we are off to Greenwood to celebrate with the Yorks!  Best wishes to all of you and thank you for your continued thoughts, prayers, love and support.

 Mimi Rosie and Jonathon (Jonathon is sporting the blanket she made for him).

 Grandma Rosie helps Esphyr open her new tea set.  It sings "I'm a Little Teapot"-- but only when you tip it over and pour it out, as we discovered.  :)

 Sonny sports his blanket, cape style.  And below, the grand girls have a tea party on Lola's blanket.  Further below is a little video of Sonny trying out his new game with Allie, Rosie, J, and Harlan looking on.  (There is no sound, so don't worry if you don't hear anything!)

Back to Dugan Hollow

The chemo went well.  It seems this outpatient arrangement is really much easier.  Every time I talked to them on the phone, mom sounded relaxed.  She knitted, she napped.  She said she took a two hour nap today and remarked that it was really "zapping" her this time, but I think it's good if she can rest.  It seems like during the summer when she was doing both the chemo and the radiation, she was zapped but couldn't even rest.  So hopefully this resting will be healing.

She sounded happy to be home.  I look forward to seeing her!

Stay warm,
jk

Rockin' the Chemo

Blood work was good Monday, so Mom started her second round of her second course of treatment yesterday.  It's a three day deal, so she has another dose today and a third dose on Thursday.  They decided to stay over in Cincinnati to maximize rest time and minimize time on the road.  Amen to that, I say!

Checking in with the Good Doctors

Mom, Dad, and Ms. Annie went to see Dr. Rixe today.  He said, "You look strong!  You look good!"  He seemed pleased with how she was handling everything.  Her blood work numbers were a little off, probably from the cold she has, but nothing to worry about.  They will do blood work again next Monday (Dec. 6) and if all is well, she will receive her next doses of chemo Tuesday-Thursday (Dec. 7-9).  It will be the same routine as last time: outpatient, same meds, etc.

Another little bit of hopeful news is that Dr. Lisle stopped by this evening to check the pressure in Mom's eyes.  It had dropped from 24 to 19.  Now, I don't know what those numbers mean, but Dr. Lisle was impressed.  "I don't want to give you false hope," he said.  "But those numbers are significant."  Dad said he would take hope in any form.  :)

Happy December!
jk