Hello everyone,

     First of all, the Clarks and Karen specifically wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

     Since the last writing, Karen continues to receive her monthly Xgeva shot and has her port cleaned as well as blood withdrawn to monitor her blood levels.  On December 4, 2012, Karen saw her oncologist and he was delighted with her blood results as they have been well within the acceptable limits.  He did advise Karen that her cancer marker went up a few points, but he was not concerned about it.  Additionally, he advised Karen that she would have another PET scan in February 2013.  Karen was not particularly happy about another PET scan but knows that it is necessary. 

    When Karen received her Xgeva shot in November, one of the infusion nurse (K) told Karen that she was retiring at the end of the year.  In fact, this particular nurse, who Karen has labeled as the "troublemaker," last day will be on December 28 and she told Karen that she would make it a point to handle Karen's issues (Xgeva shot, port cleaning, etc) that day.  Karen was concerned that the shot will probably be given in the buttock instead of the usual place, the arm.  As in the previous writings on this blog, this particular nurse (K) was given some socks by Karen, her mom and me.  When Karen went in for her shot in November, this nurse (K) was wearing a different sock on her feet.  Nurse K was so excited that she proudly came over, held her pant legs up and showed them to Karen and her mom.  Karen started laughing and told nurse K that she had an identical pair like them at home.  To say the least, not only were the nurses laughing but so were some of the other patients and their caregivers.  Although Karen kept her laughter somewhat muffled, you guessed it, the head nurse came out and gave her stern look at Karen.  Oh well,  Karen can hardly wait to see what happens at the end of this month when she goes in for her shot.  Maybe the head nurse will be on a Christmas vacation.

     For those of you wanting to know if the nurses keep items that they receive from their patients in the infusion center and the doctors' office, they most certainly do.  The artificial bouquets of flowers crafted by me and Karen in the latter part of June are still proudly displayed in the center and the doctors' office. 

     Everyday Karen is making progress.  Her hair is slowly growing back.  Karen is riding her stationary bike everyday except on Sunday.  She is able to do yard work (cutting the lawn, picking up leaves, etc), washed her vehicles after 10 months, and do some minor woodworking.  In fact, she is making a woodworking project for nurse K for her retirement.  Anyhow, Karen and her Mom are living one day at a time and thank God for their simple lives and most definitely their family and friends. 

Tip of the Blog:  Remember to face each day with certainty and sleep without fear as one of God's angel is standing near you.