Hello one and all,

As you know, Marghi, the wonderful caregiver, returned home on July 1, 2012.  Karen and Mom are doing okay and getting out to do grocery shopping and other chores around the house.  They are living one day at a time.  During the first week of July, Marghi had to learn a new computer system at her place of employment (40 hours).  Like she said, it's hard to teach "an old horse" new tricks. However, at the conclusion of the class, she thoroughly enjoyed it.

Ironically, last Thursday, (07/05) Karen was scheduled to renew hew driver's license at the local DMV office.  Karen drove mom and herself to DMV and stood in line to be told she was to early for her scheduled appointment.  The clerk told Karen to come back and stand in line at 9:15 AM.  Karen went back and stood in line at 9:15AM for her 9:20 AM appointment.  Unfortunately, the clerk was dealing with an elderly gentleman for over 20 minutes and the waiting line continue to grow longer.  Eventually, another clerk came up and called out Karen's last name.  When Karen answered up, the people in line of ahead of Karen were upset, but the clerk handling the appointment line nodded that it was okay for Karen to leave the line and proceed to the other clerk's window.  Karen provided the necessary documentation and paid the appropriate fees to the clerk and past the vision test.  Karen was instructed to proceed to another window for her new photo.  Fortunately, Karen was not required to take the written examination even though she had studied the driver's handbook for weeks.  Karen's driver's license photograph shows her wearing her wig.  The clerk would not allow the picture be taken with the hat on.  Karen and mom were delighted that this milestone had been completed. 

Since the last chemo session on Thursday, (June 14), Karen still goes in on a weekly basis to the
infusion lab for either shots and/or labs.  Karen's blood counts continue to improve.  She is scheduled for blood tests this Friday (7/13),  Additionally, the medical staff is working with Karen's insurance provider to acquire approval for another PET scan.  Karen's doctor would like this to be performed before their next scheduled visit (07/18).  Although the nursing staff has told me that that lab tests are important, they really have Karen come in to brighten up their day.  On the last visit (07/06), the nurse, Jill, called Karen in and before the two entered into the infusion room, the laughter had begun.  As Karen sat down in one of the chair with her mom in chair next to her, Jill commented that she is delighted to see Karen and her mom.  Hugs was given.  However, the laughter continued as one of the other nurse, Kathy, chimed in about her new duty of caring for the bouquet of flowers which had been given to them two weeks ago by Karen and other family members.  Karen jokingly said to Kathy that her"green thumb" and watering the "artificial flowers" are doing the trick.  Both Jill and Kathy related that they have received so many compliments from other patients about the flowers.  As the laughter continued on, Karen noticed out of the corner her left eye, the Head Nurse was giving the look, so Karen immediately toned down the laughter.  Karen put her hands over her mouth, but Kathy and Jill kept egging Karen on.  The only good part about the infusion room is there were only four women in there receiving shots and/or infusion.  There were more nurses there than patients.

Karen will keep us updated with regards to her upcoming PET scan.  She is still suffering with neuropathy in both of her hands and she is losing some parts of her fingernails.  This condition makes it hard for her to open simple items like a  plastic bag, buttoning her blouses, etc.  With time it will eventually diminished.  Karen, however, will not be modeling for any well known jewelry companies.  Marghi refers to Karen's right fingers as "snausages."  Ha, ha, ha!!!!  Karen has taken up riding her stationary bike for about 8 to 10 minutes (approx. 3 miles per days) over the last two weeks.  She is slowly getting back to her exercise routine,

For all the readers and family members, Karen and Mom are very appreciative of your thoughts and prayers.  It most certainly has made a portion of this journey easier to travel.   Thank you and love to each and everyone of you.  We will keep you in our prayers also. 

P.S. We stand as tall as angels when we kneel to help a friend