I had a day at the pool today. I just went, just me, and swam, sat in the sun and enjoyed summer. The weather was perfect…low humidity, no clouds, just sun and breeze. Mmmmm. Loved it. I also, while I was there at the pool, Louise came up to visit for a bit. She said … Continue reading Pool Day

I went for a visit with Louise today. She and Ray had a wonderful time at her brother’s house. It was good for them to get away from all the doctors for a few days. They also got to see her cousin, and talk to her other brother from Colorado. She seemed tired from the … Continue reading Return

Yesterday Louise had a couple of appointments, which Ray took her to. But as is usual when they run tests, we did not learn anything new. They did some tests trying to narrow down the back pain. Urine evidently did not show infection or I am sure they would have told Ray. They also did … Continue reading A Visit to N.C.

Today Louise had an appointment with the radiologist to begin to set up her radiation protocol. They put her in a mask, which somehow maps where exactly the laser has to go. It is a very precise procedure. It will take them two weeks to get everything set. If it is not done properly they … Continue reading Radiology

The first indicator it was going to be a tough day was driving up to the front door of a beautiful state of the art Emory Cancer Center and seeing a mom holding her bald, sleeping 4 year old on her hip. My inner voice said, “Brace yourself.” I put my emotional responses to the … Continue reading Back to Cancerland

Lesson 11- Squeeze Did you think I had forgotten my fitness lessons? I have not, in fact, I have continued to loose weight throughout the stress of the end of the school year and Bill’s mom’s brain cancer. This, for me, is a new phenomenon. Usually when the stress in my life increases, so do … Continue reading Lesson 11- Squeeze

Today Hannah and I went to visit with Louise. She had recently had company from her brother in law Ralph and his daughter Marie. She talked a lot about their visit, and seemed to have enjoyed lunching with them. When we arrived, she was doing her homework for her reading therapist with Ray. They do … Continue reading Reading Homework

Today Louise had speech therapy. She will get it two days a week. The focus today was her reading. She liked the therapist, which had been a concern of ours since she really liked the speech therapist at the rehab center. Ray said that they worked on recognizing words and writing words. The therapist explained … Continue reading Therapy

Each appointment to discuss Louise’s treatment brings with it more information that we didn’t know previously. It is the way of Cancerland. Many voices, all with different expertise bring many pieces of a bigger picture. It is like a giant puzzle that comes together one piece at a time. The appointment with the radiologist went … Continue reading Radiologist appointment

Driving through the mountains. Windows down. Wind blowing through my hair. Classic rock playing on the radio. It’s summertime. The road curves in switchbacks; back and forth, rocking me from side to side. The view around me is lush green; light, dark, all shades. I smell sweet honeysuckle, the perfume of the mountains this time … Continue reading In the Cool of the Evening