Hi readers,

Karen went through her usual tiredness and soreness from the last round of chemo and shots.  By Tuesday (06/19) this week she was feeling pretty good, so she decided to take a small token of her appreciation to the outstanding staff at the doctor's office and chemo infusion center.  Over the past two weeks Karen voiced her visions of a very special thank gift and Marghi put them into reality.  Marghi made two huge bouquets of artificial flower arrangements, and placed hand-made individual thank you cards to each staff member throughout the bouquets.  The staff at both offices were overcome with Karen 's thoughtfulness.  Karen also gave the infusion center Red Vines, Jolly Ranchers, Werthers, and a Hershey's variety packs to refill the jars of candy.  During the chemo sessions "dry mouth" is one of the side effects, and a piece of candy seems to do the trick to get the saliva juices flowing.    

On Thursday (06/21), Karen went to the chemo center for her weekly lab work.  Glad to say all of her blood numbers were where they need to be, so she was able to dodge the shots that keep them in line.  The on-duty staff were still reeling about the delightful gift Karen had given each of them on Tuesday.  They all came over to give hugs to Karen, Mom and Marghi.  They were so appreciative.  The bouquet of flowers was proudly displayed on the counter-top, and the pink thank-you ribbon had been displayed on the wall by the clock.

Karen ventured out this morning (Fri 06/22) and drove her truck to the bank and to the gas station. She did great.  While no long trips are planned for anytime within the year, I can only say "Look out world, little by little she is transforming into her old self."  LOL :o)

Karen is still coping with the neuropathy in her hands and the extreme pain in her fingernails however, the complaints are few and far between. 

Marghi is planning to go home and back to work the first part of July.  Hope to have the NoCal household back to some kind of normalcy before then.  Marghi is willing to stay or return if the situation dictates.

Your support, thoughts, and prayers over the past five months have had remarkable results.  Thank you all!  :o)