No news is good news

     I know it's been a while since we have updated.   "No news is good news" is why we haven't updated. Everything is going along as it should and my weekly check ups are more of the same.   My blood counts do bounce around a bit, so I don't get too excited if they get really low one week as the next week, they may go up.   All of them are still low-below the normal range, but lately have gone up and that is encouraging that the bone marrow is working.   I know that it will be a while before anything is 'normal', so I don't get too excited.  I had a bone marrow biopsy and CT scan last week and both show that the doner cells are working.  
    I am enjoying going on some outings.  I also try to get out and walk everyday.   I feel that I have a little more energy and stamina.   And my hair is slowly coming back in.    I love seeing my children and grandchildren.(There are only 3 grandchildren that live here.)    I had  a great weekend with Anthony a few weeks ago.   He was a great help and fun to have around.  We're looking forward to Thanksgiving.  We have several coming-all staying at different places-but it will be wonderful to have family around.
    We are still being very careful about 'germs' with the flu season coming.  I know I'm OCD about it, but I have no defenses right now, so I have to be careful.    
    We have a lot to look forward to and I'm so grateful for life.   It's a joy to wake up every morning.
I'll get Katie to post the next blog-she is much more interesting and has a flair for writing.
Thanks for all your support!
Kathy      

56 days out

     Fifty six is the number  of days since I had the donor bone marrow transplant.    It feels good to be this far out.  Although, I'll sigh with a little relief once we hit 100 days out and then the 200 day mark.  
    So far-so good-no illness or infections and just the rhythm of my days go in and out.   I'm enjoying the time home to do whatever my body will let me do-and have a good excuse to rest, read and knit!   Yes,  I am knitting-I don't know what it is I'm making, but the knitting keeps my shaking in check and it's something that I'm  enjoy doing.   I'm going on a few outings to grocery stores and other quick errands, but always with a mask.    It's interesting how I'm not recognized with the mask and a hat on and some people don't know exactly how to react.  It's ok and I feel quite anyomous.  I don't mind at all.   It keeps people from asking too many questions.  
     I'm still so overwhelmed by the outpouring of love we have been shown.  Thank-you, Thank-you for all your heart felt wishes, and prayers in my behalf.
      I feel optimistic and hopeful and so grateful for medical science and the good team that I see once a week who watches over me with eagle eyes.
      Anthony comes in this weekend which I'm looking forward to.  My children have been so attentive as I have mentioned before.  They inspire me!  And Doug is taking great care of me.
      As always-with deep appreciation for everything life has to offer!!!

56 Nights!

Hello, hello world. Katie here- blogging in lieu of my lovely mother. 

She informed me the other day that she spent 56 nights in the hospital this summer; no wonder why she feels like there was no summer this year. That is no small thing. 

She continues to enjoy being home and has her productive spurts of cleaning out shelves, closets, etc, but also finds that such activities leave her wanting to rest immediately afterwards. She is greatly successful at making her own meals each night for her and Doug. Kudos. 

Heading into the sick season makes us all a little anxious and nervous. Anyone who wishes to visit my mom needs to be up to date on their immunizations, including and especially the 2013 FLU VACCINE. Very important. 

The long, slow, and gradual recovery continues, with deepest gratitude for everyone's magnificent care and love for Kathy. We all, really do soooooooooo much appreciate and treasure any prayers, fasts, and good thoughts people do for her. Everything about this long road is taken not in big strides, but in baby steps. She is also still on an IV at home, which she does on her own (Kudos again)--- and many pills that would require the smartest pharmacist to remember when to take them all! That alone is a huge chore, which, again, she does all on her own.

Baby steps, baby steps. She's doing as good as anyone could hope for. Thank you to heaven, for granting so many blessings and tender mercies!