A Rosie Christmas

Below are some of the pictures taken as Mom celebrated Christmas in Traverse and in Boyne.

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Plans

Mom started her day yesterday getting ready for a trip to Traverse City. Suzy dropped Mom off at Aunt Dorothy's, where they had a nice visit and watched game shows. Tina picked Mom up after work. She'll stay at Tina's until Sunday evening.

We were going to all go up to Boyne City on Sunday afternoon to celebrate Christmas as a family, but instead Suzy's family will come to Traverse after church on Sunday since the majority of the family will be at Tina's. Then Mom will go home with the Wises.

Mom continues to struggle with her short term memory. It's a bit frustrating for her. Funny at times, but she works to remember the simplest things. She has another appointment with her oncologist on December 27, and they'll discuss her memory problems then.

I will try to post over the next few days, but in case I can't, Merry Christmas. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Hearing Again

Mom received her new left hearing aid on Friday, so both ears are hearing better again. The first hearing aid broke into many pieces when she fell two weeks ago. Now her bruising is almost gone and Suzy removed the stitch a few days ago.

Mom has been having some memory trouble, both short and long term. This could be because her steroid dose has been lowered since she was in the hospital over Thanksgiving. She has some appointments this week and the memory loss will be addressed.

All Mom's kids will be together in Boyne City on Sunday, December 23rd. Bill's wife Pattie is bringing deviled eggs and potato salad, Tina is bringing spinach quiche and meatballs, Tami is bringing green bean bake and cookies, and I'm bringing ham and cranberry sauce. I talked to Mom yesterday and she's looking forward to Christmas.

Midland Photo Journal

The pictures here represent only a fraction of the big fun we had during Mom's Midland Adventure last month. Where do we begin?

Ah, yes. Applebees.

We had a late dinner the night before the gamma knife radiosurgery. We feasted on appetizers at 50% off. Did you know know Applebees has a 50% deal on appetizers several days of the week? Why order dinner when you can have variety. Needless to say, we ordered almost everything on the menu.





Our sweet, accommodating waitress even gave Mom extra fudge on her dessert! Even though it looks like Mom forced it out of her, she offered the fudge willingly.

We arrived early the next morning for the procedure. Mom really was happy about it, just a little late on the camera smile.


Jennifer was Mom's nurse for the procedure. After briefing Mom on the stages of the procedure, Mom was sent for her MRI.



After a break, Mom was sedated and was fitted with her head frame. Just four tiny pins is all it took to hold it in place. No sweat.

While she was out, Suzy struck a glamour pose.

Mom rested a lot afterward as the sedative wore off, napping off and on. Meanwhile, Nancy arrived from Shepherd and hung out with us.

The doctor came for Mom and took her to the gamma knife room. We were able to watch her from our waiting room. The gamma knife treatment took about ten minutes.

Afterward, Mom ate a nice lunch. I had finished my afgan project while she was gone and Mom was the first to wear it.

After lunch we packed it up, said our good bys and left. It was a fun trip. Mom said she'd do it again if she could.

On the Mend

I left the Wises' a little before 2:00 p.m. on Monday. Before I left, Mom let me take a couple of pictures of her, one with her new shiner.

If you look closely, you can see the single stitch she received at ER. If you look closer still, you may see tiny black hairs growing in amidst the longer, sparser gray. We're celebrating hair!

Mom is getting stronger every day since she's been home and getting up and around. She's lost a little weight; how much, we don't know yet. But the change is visible in her face. She told me today that she's decided to give up sundaes. Cold turkey. She was eating a small bowl of bread and butter pickles when she gave me the news. A good trade, I think.

Next post I'll have pictures of the Midland Adventure.

Thanks for your prayers and for stopping by.

Another Bump

Mom took spill on Sunday morning on her way to the bathroom. She seemed okay cognitively, but because it was another blow to the head and because she is now on Lovenox, a blood thinner, for the clots in her leg, Suzy took her to ER. During the fall Mom's left hearing aid broke and she received some abrasion near her left temple, on her left hand and her left wrist. She received one stitch where she had a small cut on her head, just to be certain the wound heals well. Her CT scan came back negative for damage and internal bleeding.

All Mom could think about at the hospital is getting home to a spaghetti dinner. We ended up stopping at Mancino's on the way home and had a nice time eating pizza and cheesy cheese bread.

The fall was partly due to her weakness from the recent hospital stay, and partly due to her not asking for assistance to use the restroom. It's hard to ask for help for even the little things, but so very necessary for her.

Suzy told Mom she looks like she was in a prize fight. It does look like someone got her with a right hook. But she walked out of the ring and got her spaghetti dinner, just like she wanted.

Home Again

Mom was discharged today. When I talked to Suzy this evening, Mom was in her recliner snoozing. Suzy said she seemed to be getting stronger as the day wore on once she was home.
No more white sheets.
No more view of the bay.
No more room service.
But she's home, and close to her secret stash of Paydays and Hershey's.

Sunday's Child

The child that's born on the Sabbath Day

is bonny and blithe and good and gay

Little Traverse Bay from Mom's window

Bill and Pattie arrived at about 11:30 a.m. to visit Mom while Suzy's family and I were in church. They stayed a couple of hours and had a very nice visit. Mom said she had a hard time trying to share her lunch with Billy. I don't know what that's all about, but Bill and Pattie do. Later today Tina and Mike arrived. So this weekend Mom got to see all of her kids.

Mom's discharge date may change again. Mom thinks it might be Wednesday; Suzy told me it could be on either side of that day. I'll post the information here when her discharge date becomes more certain.

Below are some pictures from her stay at the hospital over the last few days. I don't know if Bill's and Tina's families have pictures from today. If so, send 'em on!

Wednesday, November 21, Mom thoroughly enjoying her hospital stay under shawl from cousin Roleen

Mom and Suzy, Thursday, November 22

Mom and Pat, Thursday, November 22

Olivia, Mom and Cameron, Saturday, November 24

The Sound of Flowers

Suzy and I went to see Mom at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. By the time we arrived she'd eaten her breakfast sitting up in a chair and had gone to x-ray. She was eating spaghetti and meatballs for lunch. Paul brought her a box of Kilwins truffles, and she had fun sharing it with us.

Mom's oxygen has been very good since Wednesday - close to 100. Her white blood cell count is better. She is thoroughly enjoying herself in the hospital, but she did say yesterday that she'd like to be home where things are familiar.

Dr. Knitter spoke to us in the afternoon. Mom needs to stay in the hospital a few more days on her IV drip. When she comes home she will begin twice-daily injections of Lovenox to prevent clotting and will continue for six months.

Mom is coherent - much better than she was when she was admitted. In the emergency room on Monday, Mom told Suzy she couldn't hear the flowers. Mom doesn't remember it, but we're all smiling about it now.

Hearing the flowers reminds me of Mom's reluctance to receive difficult news. She only wants to hear the good stuff. Suzy and I spent Wednesday evening going over her durable power of attourney forms with her. We tried to complete them with her in May, but discussing end of life plans became overwhelming for her so we set it aside until she was ready to discuss it again. On Tuesday Mom's nurse practitioner, Lori, encouraged her to revisit the forms. Mom still had difficulty thinking it through, but eventually she was able to tell us confidently exactly what she wanted. Now she can concentrate on more pleasant things again. Like coming home.

Snow

Tuesday night on the way home from the hospital the snow came. It began, for Suzy and me, just south of Petoskey with a few flurries and quickly surged to white out conditions. The trip was slow and a little scary since I was driving the Jag which has rear wheel drive, a lot of torque, and consequently not very good on slippery roads. We got a healthy four inches of snow over the night. Thanksgiving plans that had already been altered with Mom's hospital stay changed again. Bill and Pattie planned to drive from Traverse Thursday morning, but had to turn back. I had planned to go up early to spend the day with Mom, but after the drive the night before I decided to wait and go when the Wises went as a family.

I checked in on Mom several times during the day, and most times I woke her up from a nap. She slept most of the day - no doubt because she needed the rest. We didn't arrive at the hospital until around 5:30 p.m. and she was sound asleep. We woke her of course, and served her homemade Thanksgiving dinner complete with pumpkin and pecan pie.

Dr. Knitter has Mom sitting in a chair to take her meals now. She still has to keep her leg elevated, and she cannot have constriction where her leg meets her torso. The doctor will not release her until she can walk on her own, and she is not yet ready. We didn't see the doctor yesterday so we don't know if there is an estimated time of release. I'm sure we'll know more today.

The doctor and nurses are keeping an eye on Mom for changes in behavior. She took a good knock to the head, and although it's not the primary concern at this point it still needs to be watched. In 1996, Dad fell and hit his head while shoveling snow, and even though he had a MRI of his skull after suffering a siezure, he developed a large subdural hemotoma over a few weeks due to a small leak not found in the MRI. So, we're a little concerned about Mom's bump to her head. Mom's night nurse assured Suzy last night that she would keep an eye on her, and Dr. Knitter told me Wednesday that they would do a scan of her head before discharge.

We took more pictures, but as I mentioned before the internet connection here is slow and I can't get the pictures loaded to this website. But I will do my best to give you all updates on her Mom's progress.

Happy Black Friday! Shop safe!

Giving Thanks

Mom is still in the hospital - not complaining though. She's getting five star treatment from her nurses, Bridgette and Butch. Her favorite treatment is the nebulizer - she nearly whines when it's over and can't wait for the next time! This is a big boost for the respiratory therapists, who normally have to encourage their patients to receive the treatment.

Tuesday morning the doctors discovered blood clots in her left leg. This happens sometimes during chemo treatments. Mom had some swelling of the leg when I visited last; now we know the cause. The fall during the night and the bump on her head was a blessing; if she hadn't fallen, we may not have known about the clots, which could have caused her serious troubles on top of those she is already braving. So, Mom is on an IV drip of antibiotics for the infection and Heprin for the clots. Lucky for her she has the convenience of the chemo port.

I was in the room with Mom this morning when Dr. Knitter was with her. During the conversation, Dr. Knitter told Mom she had a very healthy attitude about her cancer. Mom replied that her strength comes from her faith in the Lord, and that if she wasn't a Christian she didn't know how she could do it. Mom shares her hope with everyone she meets.

Mom will be in the hospital over Thanksgiving, possibly longer. She needs to stay until the infection is cleared up and the clots are dealt with. So, Thanksgiving plans with the family have been altered a bit, but we have lots to be thankful for. Lots.

The new hearing aids are working well. She can hear us speak in a normal tone. Sometimes she's still a little confused about what we're saying, but now we know it's just a confusion thing and not a hearing thing.

Suzy and I are at the North Central Michigan College library right now, stopping for a book and to check email. I showed Suzy all the visits to this website from Florida. Suzy wants Aunt Jan and Uncle Matt to know how much she appreciates your diligent tracking of Mom's progress. She loves you and would like to talk to you soon. She doesn't get to check her email too often, so if she doesn't respond right away, hang in there.

I love you too.

I'll try to post again over the next couple days.
Happy Thanksgiving!

A Bump in the Night

Last night - actually early this morning - Mom fell when she got up to use the restroom. She had one of her dizzy spells, which usually occur during the day. She wasn't using her walker. When she fell, she hit the back of her head. She was okay at the time, but when it was time to wake up this morning, Corey and Evan had a hard time getting her up. She was disoriented and not making sense when she spoke.

Suzy took Mom to Northern Michigan Hospital, where they ran tests and a ct scan of her head and her chest. They discovered that she had a urinary tract infection and a fever of 102 degrees. Her white blood cell count was low, about 1200. The low count is a side effect of the chemo.
Mom doesn't have a concussion, but the hospital admitted her because of the fever. She will spend tonight in the hospital, and will go home Tuesday if her white cell count is on the way up. If it continues to decline they will keep her longer.

When I spoke with Suzy this evening she was still at the hospital. Mom is more herself than she was this morning. The disorientation was most likely due to her fever. Neither Mom nor Suzy had eaten since last night. For Mom, not eating for more than a couple of hours is significant as of late, no doubt due to the fever.

Pattie Darrow made calls for Suzy today to keep us informed. Thanks Pattie!

I'll do my best to get updates posted daily. I'm heading to Suzy's tomorrow after work, and the internet connection there is pretty slow. In the mean time, thanks for your prayers for Mom.

New Chemo Today

Today was Mom's first day to receive the new chemo. The new brain and spleen tumors were an indicator that the previous chemotherapy was no longer working. Her new chemo is Alimta, otherwise known as Pemetrexed. Alimta is supposed to be particularly good for treatment of lung cancer.
Typically, Mom's chemo appointments are an all day affair. Today, the actual chemo injection only took about 15 minutes, shortening the visit a bit. Suzy told me tonight that Mom was a little disappointed that she didn't get any Benadryl this visit because she wanted to take a nap. You know, when the morphine isn't available anymore you look forward to the soft core stuff like Benadryl.
Side effects with Alimta were a concern; fatigue and nausea are typical after administration. But so far Mom is feeling great. In fact, as I write this tonight Mom is out with the Wises eating appetizers at Applebee's - her idea.
Suzy reminded me tonight that I have a couple pictures in my cell phone of Mom's visit to Midland. Unfortunately, I have to have drivers to upload the pictures to my computer, and until I figure out how to get them - or find the software in the box my phone came in - I can't share the pictures. Unless you bump into me on the street and think to ask "Hey, how about those gamma knife photos of Rose Mary?" Unlikely. So I'll get the drivers.

Midland Adventure

Mom's gamma knife surgery began with a consultation appointment on Monday, November 5. Suzy took her down to Mid Michigan Medical Center in the morning and they were done around noon. They went to Bob Evans for lunch and shopped at Meijer afterward.

I didn't arrive at the Fairview Inn in Midland until a bit after 8:00 p.m. I took M-20 from Big Rapids, and just as I was leaving Big Rapids the sleet started. Then the snow fell. At times it was a complete white-out. Put an extra hour on the trip but it was worth it once I got there.

We went to Applebee's for dinner and feasted on the appetizers - they were half off. We ate and talked and laughed, and in the end Mom got a chocolate mousse dessert with extra chocolate.

You may be catching the theme by now - it's all about the food. Since Mom has been on steroids, food has risen in status from sustenance to favorite pastime.

pastime
noun
a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly); "sailing is her favorite pastime"; "his main pastime is gambling"; "he counts reading among his interests"; "they criticized the boy for his limited pursuits"
pastime. (n.d.). WordNet® 3.0. Retrieved November 10, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pastime

Mom has gained a lot of weight very quickly on the steroids. She is bigger now than she has ever been in her life. Quite the change from her low weight last summer. She just loves to eat!

We talked and laughed a lot back at the hotel before we went to bed. We got up early for the 7:45 a.m. appointment for the surgery. Everyone at Mid Michigan was wonderful to us. They loved Mom. Her nurse Jennifer told Suzy and me at one point, "You have the sweetest Mom!" She's right, of course.

The appointment began in a very comfortable room with two chairs and a recliner for Mom. Jennifer briefed her on all the steps of the procedure, then took her to have her IV inserted for sedation. Once sedated, they took her to another room to have her frame put on her head. The gamma knife head frame is held to the head with four tiny pins that go through the skin and into the skull. The frame keeps the head still for the MRI and the surgery.

After having the frame placed on her head, Mom came back to the room to rest. The sedation only lasted about half an hour, but she drowsed off a lot afterward. Somewhere in that time, Suzy's friend Nancy Medford came from Shepherd to join us. We talked and I knitted while we waited for the next step.

Mom then went for her MRI. The MRI used prior to gamma knife is more precise than others; if there were any additional tumors found they could then treat those at the same time. The results came back negative for additional tumors, and then Mom went for her surgery.

Mom was laid on the table and her head frame was attached to the head of it. The table was then drawn into the gamma knife equipment. The procedure took only ten minutes or so. We watched from the room via closed circuit television. There wasn't much to watch, only Mom laying still with a halo of machinery around her head.

After the surgery, Mom came back to her room to rest and wait for discharge instructions. Suzy and Nancy brought her a broccoli chicken casserole and a chocolate dessert from the cafeteria, which she ate with great appreciation - especially because she could not have breakfast before the procedure. Another MRI is scheduled for January 8, 2008 to see the results of the surgery, but that appointment will be at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey.

I can't say enough about the marvelous service Mom received at Mid Michigan. The staff were professional and kind, and they seemed to genuinely care about Mom. The office had more of a spa feel to it than a medical treatment center. Before we left, Mom said, "I really enjoyed myself. Do I get to come back?" Jennifer smiled and told her she hoped not.

Suzy took lots of pictures of Mom's Midland adventure. I'll post some of them when we connect again. Mom's next chemo appointment is Tuesday, November 13. Thanks, as always, for your prayers.

Gamma Knife, Steroids and Chemo - Oh My!

Mom's brain tumor will be treated with Gamma Knife, not Cyberknife, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center in Midland, Michigan. Gamma Knife is the treatment her oncologist recommends for her brain tumor and it sounds very similar to Cyberknife. Midland is the closest of three locations in Michigan that have Gamma Knife. Her appointment is scheduled Monday, November 5, and Tuesday, November 6. Suzy will take Mom down on Monday and they'll spend the night in the hospital hotel. I plan to drive over from GR after work on Monday and to stay for the second part of her procedure on Tuesday. God only knows what adventures await us on a Monday night, in a hotel room, in a strange town...

At Mom's chemo appointment on October 16, she was informed that a new tumor was discovered on her spleen. As a result, her chemo formula will change; apparently, the cancer - which is aggressive - has adapted to the chemo she's been receiving since July. She gets her first shot of the new cocktail on November 13.

In the mean time, the steroids have had a great effect on Mom's alertness and on her appetite. She's gained several pounds since she began steroid medication on October 5. Steroids are amazing!

On October 18, Mom went to the ear, nose and throat doctor to discuss her dizziness. She was scheduled for balance therapy at her physical therapy office with the goal of giving her techniques to control her dizziness. The next step, if the balance therapy doesn't help, is to put tubes in her ears.

After the appointment with the doctor, Mom went to the audiologist to be fitted for hearing aids. This is a big step for Mom. She has postponed getting hearing aids for a long time. I know she'll feel they are worth the investment once she gets them.

Saturday, October 20, Bill and Pattie came with Cody, Jessy and Tyler, Tina and Mike came, Tami, Dan, Devon and Makayla came, Aunt Dorothy came, and cousin Roleen and her daughter Connie came. It was a nice visit with lots of conversation and lots of pictures.

Mom and Roleen

Mom with Bill and Pattie's family
Jessy and Jodi

Mom and Tami

Mom with Tina, Mike and Devon

I think she was saying cheese in that one. I could be wrong.

Mom and Dorothy

Friday, Suzy will take a bus load of teens to Lansing for a conference. Paul will hang out with Mom, and I'll get there late in the evening. Mom has been unmotivated in her crocheting, so I'll bring a little inspiration with me. Maybe we'll both get something done.

Cyberknife and Breakfast Tacos

Last Friday Mom received the results of the MRI she had on October 2. She has a new brain tumor, 7mm, near her right temple. There is swelling around the tumor, which may be causing some of her dizziness.

Mom also has mastoiditis. This also may be causing some of her dizziness.

There is a relatively new technology in radiation called Cyberknife surgery. Jan Darrow sent me information on it several months ago. Cyberknife focuses the radiation directly to the tumor without damaging surrounding tissue. There is Cyberknife equipment at St Joseph's Hospital in Ann Arbor, and I believe I read that Sparrow or some other hospital in southern Michigan just got the equipment. I've checked the Lacks Cancer Center website. Lacks is in Grand Rapids. It doesn't appear they have it yet, but I'm checking into it. Grand Rapids would be an ideal location for her treatment because I live within walking distance of two of our hospitals. In the mean time, Mom's oncologist will determine when it is safe for her to have radiation again.

Mom is taking a low dose of steroid for the swelling around the tumor, and she's on an antibiotic. She felt much better this weekend. She feels the steroid medication is really helping her. She's taking the news of the new tumor very well. She's just placing herself in the Lord's hands.

Mom had a good weekend. She slept in on Saturday, spent the early part of the day organizing her receipts and statements, then went with the family to Gaylord to shop. There was gorgeous fall color on the way there and back. We stopped at Walmart where she bought a new watch, a cereal bowl, and a big chocolate bar. She also bought yarn and a pattern book. She's going to try her hand at crocheting again.

On Sunday morning, Suzy made breakfast at the church before service - breakfast tacos. They were soooo good! Here's Mom just after breakfast with Olivia and Jodi.

Notice she's donning the panama hat again, accented by the airy shawl Suzy bought her Saturday night during our shopping pilgrimage to Gaylord.

Perception Is Everything

This post is going to be a little about Mom, a little about me, and a little about you.

Over the last few months I've made a lot of trips up north to spend time with Mom and with Suzy's family. I knew I wasn't pacing myself, but my determination to spend as much time with Mom as possible was stronger than my reasons to stay home. After going so far as to apply for a position in my field in the Boyne City area and not being chosen for the job, I took a long, deep breath and determined to work on balancing my life between Grand Rapids and Boyne.

One of the decisions I made was to get involved with our local Gilda's Club. My dear friend Janet who works for Gilda's Club told me about a class on chemo brain at Gilda's in September. I had never heard of chemo brain until I talked to Janet about my mother's healing process. This class was my first visit to Gilda's. I felt at home immediately.

I went to the class with several questions, and I left the class with two pages of notes and a folder full of information. Mom has always had a sharp, outspoken kind of humor. She's been known to say unusual things in mixed company that sometimes make us laugh and sometimes cause us to wonder...did she just say that? That's my Mom. However, for the last several months there have been times when her memory and concentration have been at a low ebb. I learned at this class that memory loss and lack of concentration are common symptoms of chemo brain. Other symptoms are fatigue, hyperfocus, impaired judgement.

This change in Mom isn't constant. But it does affect Mom, and it presents challenges when interacting with others who may not understand what is happening to her physiologically. The chemo is fighting the cancer, but it is also affecting her cognitive functioning.

Mom isn't very interested at this point in finding out anything about cancer and treatment symptoms. She has taken on the task of keeping a positive attitude which is best managed for her through knowing only what she needs to know - particularly God's power to heal and restore. There's nothing wrong with that. But for those of us who want more information, understanding that Mom's treatment produces side effects that may impact her perception of us and ours of her is important information to have.

There are some good articles online about chemo brain. I've found the articles below to be very helpful.
Seeking Solutions to Chemo Brain
The Fog & Fatigue of Chemo Brain
What is Chemo Brain?

Catch-Up

In the last episode our heroine was about to receive her ct scan results and her chemo. Her ct results were good - no liver damage. Also, her lung tumor shrunk a little more. Very good news. But there was a mix up regarding her chemo - they weren't planning to administer chemo until the 25th, and since it has to be ordered ahead they couldn't take care of it while she was there. So after another week Mom received dose number four.

Since she received the dose she has been very dizzy again. She doesn't like to, but she's been using her walker to get around, just in case she has a dizzy spell. Her concentration was a little off when I talked to her tonight on the phone. But she still has her sense of humor.

Tomorrow Mom is scheduled for another ct scan and an MRI. She gets a ct scan every six weeks, to coincide with every other dose of chemo, which is every three weeks. The last ct was to check the liver - not a routine scan. The MRI is to take a look at her brain again.

When I visited the weekend of 9/22 I hung up Mom's prayer quilt. Linda Darrow's church has a prayer quilt ministry and they made a lovely quilt for Mom last summer. It has been neatly folded in a corner for the last couple of months. We think it looks better on the wall.

On Sunday morning we went to church early for sweet rolls. Mom had a long john, her usual. That's the secret behind the smile, here with Jodi.

A Walk in the Park

Since my last post Mom has been busy.

She went for her fourth dose of chemo on September 5. Before the chemo they always run blood tests. Her blood test results showed she had elevated liver enzymes (AST & ALT). The increased protein in her blood could be an indication of liver damage. However, it could also be indicative of damage to her heart or brain; or, there could be no damage at all. To make certain that the chemo is not damaging her liver, her chemo was postponed and she was scheduled for a ct scan on September 12. Results are due tomorrow, September 19, and if all is well she will receive her chemo.

In other news, Mom had some jaw pain a few weeks ago and went to her dentist, Dr. Kirkby. Turns out she needed a root canal. The root canal could not be done until two weeks after her chemo. So, since her chemo was postponed she had her root canal done on September 7. The appointment went very well, even though they didn't give her morphine - which, as you may remember, she loves. Just kidding, Mom!

The Saturday after her root canal we spent most of the day alone. Paul, Suzy and the kids went to a youth rally in Tower, and Mom and I stayed back and watched old TV game shows. At dinner time we went to BC Pizza in town. We dined on a Patrolman's Deluxe and root beer, then went to cruise downtown. You can cruise Boyne City's downtown in about 47 seconds, except for the perpetual construction on the main drag. It hardly pays to complain; walking adds only another minute or so to the 47 seconds.

We decided to go to the park on Lake Charlevoix and to walk down to the water. There was a playground there so we headed for the merry-go-round. Mom told me to hop on first and she gave me a good push. Then she hopped on and I pushed us both for a while. It was a lot of fun. Mom got a little dizzy, but not too dizzy.

On Sunday morning we went to church, and Mom was surprised to see an old friend from Traverse that had just moved to Boyne. When I was a teenager, Bev used to pray for me and Mom used to pray for Bev's son. Mom was so happy to reconnect with Bev again.

We had so much fun that weekend that I forgot to take pictures. However, I do have a couple from late August. After church Suzy and the kids left for a camping trip up north, and Mom, Paul and I went to Lesters, a restaurant in town that has a caboose attached to it. The waitress took our picture.

She's not a professional photographer. But trust me, the silouette to the left is Mom. Here she is again. The waitress did not take this one.

Notice she sports yet another chic hat. This navy blue beauty has a nice wide brim that keeps her face completely shaded from the sun. It's a little big for her head though and not as comfortable as the straw hat and the panama.

Tomorrow Mom has her appointment to receive her ct scan results and subsequently her chemo. More then.

Home for a Visit

Mom had her third chemo dose on August 14. It went well, like the others, except for more dizziness than usual in the days following. In fact, she collapsed in her bathroom at one point and didn't tell Suzy about it until later. No injuries, but Suzy and Mom had a talk about the importance of asking for help. It's hard to ask for help, especially when we're pretty sure we can handle it. They went to the hospital on Friday the 17th in the late evening and returned home about 2:30 a.m. with a diagnosis of another urinary tract infection. She's cleared up now.

The weekend before Mom was feeling well and we went together to her house, next door to Suzy's. Mom hadn't been there since she moved in with Suzy in mid-April. While we sat in the livingroom, I mentioned that anytime I was up staying at her house she could stay with me if she wanted, just for a change of pace. She said, another first, that she should probably get used to sleeping there again in preparation for when she moves back for good. When.

She also said that she could probably move back now, except she didn't want to because she would be alone. There is always activity at the Wises', and whether she finds it entertaining or irritating it's lively, and that's good for her. So, although she isn't moving back any time soon, maybe we'll have a sleepover at her house every once in a while.

Here's Mom on her livingroom couch after church on Sunday the 12th, wearing yet another super chic hat.

Panama & Prayer

Mom is doing great. Really great. I told her yesterday she seems more like herself than she has since before her diagnosis, except without hair. And even the hair situation is improving.

Saturday she washed dishes. She took a couple of breaks to spare her back, but standing at a sink for a long time is hard on anyone. Saturday evening she folded clothes in the livingroom. Her physical therapist has worked household chores into her exercise homework, and it's working out beautifully. It gives her something productive to do with a visible result, and most importantly she gets to check a box on her homework sheet when she completes the task. Process oriented people like that sort of thing.

On Sunday we went to church. Mom wore a new panama hat. She was reluctant because the other hat had been working quite well for her. But she looked like summertime in it and she received a lot of compliments. Here she is, enjoying a before-service fritter with a friend from church, Margaret.

After song service Paul invited people to go forward for prayer. Normally I ask Mom if she wants to go up. But yesterday she turned to me, took my hand and said "Let's both go up together." Last Thursday I started having some chest pain that makes it very difficult to breathe deeply, cough, sneeze, laugh. So Mom wanted me to receive prayer. It was humbling to have my mom, who is battling cancer, lead me by the hand down the aisle so that I could be prayed for. I can't begin to describe how it made and makes me feel. I have the most amazing mom.

Family & Flowers

Last weekend Mom stayed at Tina's and attended two big events - Makayla's first birthday party (shared with Daddy who turned 28 last week) and the Kratochvil family reunion. Makayla received a lot of great presents from family and friends. Her favorite was a little scooter car that has lots of buttons and knobs and makes all kinds of cool sounds. Of course, it was also Devon's favorite and there were a few confrontational moments.

On Sunday Mom, Tina and I went to Wilma and Paul Alpers' house for the Kratochvil family reunion. They have turned the old family cherry orchard into The Iris Farm. Absolutely amazing place. The iris were spent of course, but the daylilies were glorious. Here's Tina in one of the trails of Wilma's back yard.
Many of the Kratochvil cousins were there, some that Mom hasn't seen in many years.





Mom picked on her brother Howard a few times, comparing their heads.

Wilma was a gracious hostess, sending Mom home with corned beef , pumpkin mousse, and a bouquet of the biggest, loveliest lilies I've ever seen.

We stayed over three hours. Mom was tired but she had a great time. In the evening Bill and Pattie came to Tina's and we played cards. We didn't capture the moments in pictures but it was a fun time. Years ago we played cards every Sunday afternoon after dinner. It was just like old times, except that Tami is now an adult and she won both games.

Monday Mom rested a lot. In the early evening we said goodbye to Tina and left for South Boardman to visit with Grace and Dick. We had a very nice time with them. Suzy picked Mom up around 8:00 p.m. to go home to Boyne. It was a full, fun weekend.

Visit to TC!

I spoke with Suzy a couple hours ago. She dropped Mom off at Tina’s and Mike’s house around noon. Tami, Dan and the kids were there when Suzy left. Mom is spending Friday through Monday at Tina’s. I’ll be there tomorrow morning.
Mom is experiencing a little dizziness again, most likely related to the chemo she received on Tuesday, just like the first time. All in all she’s doing really well.
Saturday there will be a birthday party for Dan and Makayla. Makayla turned one on Thursday – how in the world did that happen? Our little baby! Sunday is the Kratochvil family reunion at Wilma and Paul Alpers’ farm. And Monday Tina has the day off so she can spend time with Mom.
Thanks, as always, for your support and prayers. I’m sure I’ll have some pictures to share next week.

Tuesday's Child is Full of Grace

Another successful round of chemo today. Mom called me about 5:30 p.m. on the way home from the hospital. She feels fine. She was disappointed that the Benadryl administered prior to the chemo injection didn't make her sleepy - she didn't get enough sleep last night. I asked her if she told them she loves morphine. She said she's sure everyone at the hospital knows she loves morphine.

She mentioned to one of her health care workers that she was concerned about her weight, and the person jokingly told her she should stay on steroids all the time. But Mom has a secret weapon that's cheaper and more accessible than steroids.

We're thankful for God's grace, for good reactions to chemo, for your prayers, and for ice cream sundaes.

Monday's Child is Fair of Face

Here's a recent picture of Mom and Suzy together in Mom's room.

I just got off the phone with Suzy, Jodi and Mom on their way home from Traverse. Suzy and Jodi had appointments in Traverse and received good news - very welcome right now in a busy, intense time. Mom spent the day at Bill's and Pattie's house. Mom is getting to spend lots of time with her kids and grandkids now that she's not working, and we like that a lot.

Suzy and Mom spend a lot of time together on the road. Well, collectively they do. Suzy's always on the run of course, and depending on what Mom has going she may be in the car with her several times a week. She has family doc appointments (recently due to the nasty cold thing everyone got), physical therapy appointments, and - less frequently - chemotherapy appointments. Tomorrow is Mom's second chemo appointment. It's an all day affair for Suzy and Mom, leaving the house around 9:00 a.m. and not returning home until around 6:00 p.m. We're encouraged from Mom's response to her first chemo dose that even though the day will be long, the procedure will go well and Mom will feel well too.

Suzy takes all of the running around in stride. She's taken on a lot - we all know it. She doesn't ask for thanks, but I'm very thankful for Suzy. We all are.

More tomorrow.

Knap 'N Knit

Last weekend Mom spent a lot of time in the recliner. Half of Suzy's family was sick with some upper respiratory bug that's been going around. Mom wasn't completely up to par, but when I asked her if she felt okay other than the coughing, she said she did. Just a little tired. So while the Wises were at a wedding, Mom and I napped. And napped. We both had a really nice rest.

When we weren't sleeping, Mom helped me knit. She feeds me my yarn while I work. She unknotted the skein I was using for a scarf and rolled up some chenille yarn I used to crochet a boa. She's great with knots - very patient.



Here she is on Sunday in the recliner, wearing her super chic hat, a lovely black sweater, the throw I made her for her birthday, and the prayer shawl Linda Darrow made her draped over the back of the chair behind her.