Hello All,
Such a busy and beautiful summer it was! As always it was difficult to see it end. This summer was somewhat bittersweet for my family since it was the first without our beloved lake home and the first time my parents stayed in Florida all year. I'll talk more about that in a moment, but suffice it to say it was different.
On the health scene things are chugging along...I refuse to complain! I feel so fortunate to be doing as well as I am at the 5 year mark! For so many that's NOT the case. I never ever take this for granted and I thank the Lord above everyday! Currently I have three "hot" spots (lesions/tumors if you will) that we've been dealing with for about 6 months. They have not grown, can't be radiated, so we are watching them closely. They cause me some pain, but that's what pain meds are for. 😊
I've developed some neuropathy in my right foot (pain & numbness) which makes me a bit more clumsy than normal. I continue to see my oncologist monthly, get scans on a minimum of every 3 months, take oral chemo daily...3 weeks on, 1 week off...and receive monthly bone strengthening infusions and anti hormonal injections. (Thank you Jeanie for accompanying me each month to these four hour appointments!). As always the hardest side effect is FATIGUE! I need to explain again, fatigue isn't being tired!!! My analogy is this: when you have extreme fatigue you aren't ever fully awake. You can get 8-9 solid hours of sleep and wake up exhausted. It feels as though someone has unplugged your batteries and you can't recharge. Not at all like being extremely tired!
Ok, enough about that! 😊 Our family (Don, Kathy, Mike, Jenny, Kim, Megan, Barb, Tom, Aimee and Jack ...we were missing Matthew who had final exams 😢) spent a lovely and memorable week at Horseshoe Bay Resort on Leech Lake. The weather was glorious and we were able to see many old and dear friends. We all missed Mom/Dad, Grandma/Grandpa dearly...but knew it was time to start new memories. For Don and me having 5 days with Mike and Jenny was Heaven! I honestly can't recall the last time we had them for that amount of time...such joy! I loved having both of my sisters and their families with us, quite frankly family means everything to me❣️❣️❣️
Last week I spent 7 days in Florida. One day with Kim in Orlando , the remainder with Mother and Daddy. Once again a bittersweet trip. Many highs: always a joy to see my parents! I love them so much! I was able to be there for Daddy's 84th bday, so special. I hadn't helped celebrate his bday in many years. I loved spending time and getting to better know my new friends John and Carol as well as spending time with our beloved friends Mike and Barb! Those four people are truly some of the finest peeps I've EVER had the pleasure of calling my friends!!!
Then of course there were some lows: Daddy is in horrific pain due to bulging discs and arthritis. It absolutely breaks my heart to see him struggle. Surgery is out of the question due to his heart issues, he doesn't want strong pain meds...like mine...as Mom needs him! So his Dr. is starting a new series of injections this Thursday, please pray for my Daddy that they help to alleviate his pain. I know there's a lot on our prayer plates right now, but I'd so appreciate it. Then there's my sweet little Mama. For those that know her you'd be shocked by how tiny she is. She's shrunk in height...I'm guessing she's 5'6" and if she weighs 105 lbs I'd be shocked. I had seen her in May, but she is much more fragile now The saddest and most difficult part is her memory and confusion. My sisters and I believe she has dementia, Daddy WILL NOT DISCUSS IT! If you speak to either of them I beg you not to say anything out of respect for them both! Mom's also having problems with dizziness. Although she eats small amounts she eats very well, plus she's finally drinking water! Yay Mom! I need to keep reminding myself that she's 85 and Daddy's 84. The wonderful thing is they have each other, they love life, they're very positive, they've got many loving friends and so much more. I am hoping that my heath stays as is, because for the first time Mom asked me to come back more often. I'm going to try for every 3 months
For the past 30+ years Mom and I have told each other that we are best friends. I will forever feel that way, I've been so blessed to have her as my Mother and my best friend ❣️❣️
I love each of you! For your prayers, your love, your support and your friendship. Take care of each other please!
With love,
Kathy 💕💕💕
