Life Since Arkansas Visit

We've been busy since we returned from Arkansas. First, there's the normal duties like unpacking, laundry and bill paying that comes from being gone a week. For Deb, there has been a need for a lot of rest. She's still good for one event per day. When we stretch it to two or more, she pays with fatigue. So, life is about priorities and choices.

Saturday was our much-anticipated family reunion. We knew the drive was too much so we intended on Gracie delivering us to nearby Vidalia, and had arranged for a loaner airport car to go the additional few miles over to the reunion site. Friday turned out to be an iffy day health-wise. Saturday was just not a good travel day, so we missed the reunion. After more rest though, Deb still wanted to get out of the house. So, into the car we went for a short drive around our town admiring the azaleas and trees. Then home for a nap.

I think the two weeks without chemo in prep for Arkansas tests gave us a false sense of wellness and strength that rapidly disappeared when Deb resumed chemo last week. That stuff can sure sap your energy!

Additionally, Deb has a desire to get her pain meds dosage as low as she can so she can have a better quality of life,more alertness, and eventually, drive herself. Not being able to drive has been a real downer for her. There are days she is stranded and lonely. So, we are on a med reduction plan. She has come down a huge amount over the past few months. The Arkansas report showed that the bone lesions are reducing in size, but she still has many lesions as well as the seven spine areas. Some pain meds may be permanent.

Spring has finally arrived as with it Deb's desire...perhaps in her dna...that she must plant half the world. Of course, she has to be satisfied with a few tomato plants and herbs in a bucket. But at least she can put her hands in the warm dirt as many generations before her have done.

Yesterday, being Sunday, Deb finally had the energy for church attendance. After a lifetime of not missing services,it has been a sacrifice to not be able to attend. It has made us identify with those the church calls shut-ins. Well, yesterday Deb was not shut-in! She enjoyed the service and brought many to tears during the sharing time.

So, in this response to spring, with much of her urging, I also responded yesterday by purchasing a small grill. For its premier, I cooked her a gourmet hot dog for supper. From her lofty vantage point in the sun room, she was able to view my antics in lighting a fire and getting those elusive wieners out of the safety packaging which has been designed by a team of scientists to foil ordinary humans from getting into the package.

She said it was a good hot dog. But, she is very kind!

Did I mention that I gave her a spring hair cut? It actually enhances her already cute appearance! Again, she likes it. Anyone else need help with their spring doos?