Enjoying Living Pain & Injury Free

SO sorry that I have not updated the blog since last Tuesday. Last Wednesday, Poppies sister, Carol flew in from Boston. I passed the baton off to her to help out Poppie and Mom until Kimmy and I return to Rochester on December 14th. I had to fly back to San Diego yesterday, Thursday. I need to address my own medical appointments and look forward to another colonoscopy with many biopsy's.

Mom and Poppie are so happy to see Aunt Carol for many reasons. Firstly, she has a fantastic uplifting energy and all around her lights up from simply being with her. I am so jazzed especially for Mom since Aunt Carol has a strong background in counseling, meditation, biofeedback and many other tricks in her bag to assist mom and Poppie through this frightening experience. To add, Aunt Carol is a fabulous cook. Now you know, this alone puts a smile ear to ear on Mom and Poppies face.

OK, for Mom and the medical status. Mom on Wednesday met with her primary doctor, Dr. Campbell. This was an extremely emotional and painful visit. Dr. Campbell, over the many years has become yet another son of Mom and Poppies. He explained he is available for social visits and support but no longer with be Moms doctor. This hit them both very hard. Tight hugs and tears strolled form their cheeks. This was the FIRST time Mom has spoken to anyone outside the oncology team or surrounded by family in her home. Reality hit Mom, like running in to a brick wall.

The beautiful though painful part of Moms awareness to her AML diagnosis is that she and Poppie are now talking freely together about the disease. They spend many special moments privately holding each other, talking about each others fears, anger, and fear of the unknown and much more. Mom is being extremely strong about her future. She encourages and allows herself to cry and shortly after she regroups and bounces up with "I am going to be an anomaly!" I am going to beat this! She and Poppie are presently planning their next cruise to include all whom want to join in 2010. She surely is a fighter! Most of the day she is the little Ruthie we know her to be.

Yesterday, Mom met with her Visiting Nurse and Physical Therapist. Both were very impressed with Moms attitude, alertness, clarity of her treatment, how to flush her own Hickman (though she is not doing this, she is happy she "could.", and her muscle strength overall. She is above average with her muscle testing though she fatigues extremely quickly. Mom was showing off her "GUNS" she still has. It is pretty impressive. Later in the afternoon, Mom had a house cleaner come as a gift from my Aunt Fayga. We all know Mom walked her cleaning lady around the house with Aunt Carol following to take notes for Mom. Actually, this is a wonderful gift. Mom, has always taken great pride in having her home look as a show home. Now since her energy is so limited, she is able to still have a spotless home to uplift her. Thank you Aunt Fayga. :)

Since receiving her first round of Chemo therapy, Mom has had no musculoskeletal pains. This is the first time in many years. Her spirits and outlook maintain strong and she focuses on becoming known as another "Lance Armstrong." She is geared up "no pun intended" to be an anomaly, as Lance has become. She too will be living with and eventually beating her AML as he did with his form of cancer.

Mom and Poppie are so thankful for you checking in, sending love, prayers and healing energy over the past month. They are overwhelmed with the amount of love they are receiving. They are also so grateful for having their children and relatives being such a support on a daily basis. Believe me, all of your love has kept Mom's optimism, belief and hope stronger than ever. Mom is stronger with all of our love together. THANK YOU! xoxoxo

Well more to come.

Have a fantastic weekend. I will post again on Monday.

All My Warmth and Gratefulness for having you in our lives,
Karen