Hello to one and all,

      Well, this past month Karen completed her third cycle of six chemotherapy treatments.  Yippee!!!  As previously written, the hospital transitioning is still experiencing some delays with the patients.  Karen has met a new staff of nurses in the infusion center and the nurses are getting acquainted with Karen's sense of humor.  As an example, when the nurse is ready to infuse the patient with their chemo, the nurse will verify the patient's name and DOB.  Of course this question is asked while you are under the influence of Benadryl.  On the last chemo session Karen had this past Thursday, Karen decided to tell the nurse that the wrist band Karen was wearing did not have her correct name on it.  The name on the wrist band said "NERAK, KRALC." To say the least the nurse stopped and there was dead silence.  Karen started laughing and told the nurse that she was mistaken as Karen was reading the name upside down.  The nurse (Linda) began to laugh also and told Karen that it was unnecessary to verify her name and DOB.  Although the chemo sessions are to last only an hour and a half, the sessions have lasted closer to three hours because one of the medication is taking at least 40 minutes to be dispense through the IV. 
     Karen is delighted that her blood counts are well within the acceptable limits and her cancer markers appear to be decreasing instead of increasing.  Karen saw her oncologist also this month and he advised Karen that he wanted another PET scan done.  So during the month of July Karen will have a PET scan.  Karen is not experiencing any serious side effects with the chemo treatment. 
      During the month of June, Karen and her mom were treated to the services of a personal chef, who came to their home and prepared five meals.   This gift/service was paid by Karen's sister-in-law Joanne, who wanted to surprise Mom and Karen.  Yes, the food was very delicious and the chef, Perry, was a delightful and energetic character.  Additionally, Karen's niece, Lindsay, married her sweetheart, Ryne, on the 15th in San Francisco.   Although Karen and her mom did not attend the wedding, their heartfelt wishes and prayers were sent to the newlyweds via other family members.  Karen and her mom also had some family visits and calls.  Karen and her mom stay busy with yard work and other domestic duties.  Karen is completing some woodworking projects for two of her sisters.  Hopefully, the projects will be completed before the end of July.  Anyhow, Karen and her mom send big hugs and love to all the readers of this blog.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
    
 Tip of the Blog:  Even though your life's journey maybe long, your angelic friends make sure you never travel it alone.  Please love God and your life.