I have been home for 1 week now and doing much better. Nothing like sleeping in your own bed. I had the twin bed taken down out of the dining room, and go upstairs to my bedroom to sleep. It took me quite some time in the beginning, but I can do it now with just one foot on each step. It's good the railing is still holding though.
There is nothing like sleeping in your own bed to make you feel better. I do go upstairs to my bedroom everyday, even though it took me several stops on the staircase in the beginning. At least the railing is still holding, thank goodnes.
Dr. Stoeckle (surgeon), gave me the green light to start taking showers again and man, does that feel good. He said I'm doing great and was really impressed with how well my wounds are healing, especially my abdomen.
While preparing for David's wedding is wonderfully occuping my time for the next week, I have been able to get out and run a few errands each day, but those afternoon naps sure feel good.
I have decided to have a 2nd port-au-catheter put in - this one on my left side. When I get back from the wedding, I'll have both abdomen and shoulder wounds cultured, then put on antibiotics for a week.
The surgery is scheduled for the 22nd and I'll have IV antibiotics while I'm in the hospital.
Because I have previously had CHOP chemotherapy and taken a hiatus, Dr. McCoy (oncologist), told me that the mass will not accept it again, so I have to go to the "secondary" level of treatment. This will involve admission to the hospital for 2 days every 3 weeks, and having IV chemo infused at a slower pace. While the "h" word scared me to death, after talking to my "longest best friend" Ann Rhudy, I am convinced that is exactly where I should be.
The biggest "pro" for this treatment is that I will only have to have it 4 times, rather than the 8 or 12 I was looking at with CHOP.
I'm having CTs done again on my abdomen, chest and neck on Monday, which will give Dr. McCoy time to review them and discuss my case with his mentor at UVA (yes, yes, I know - UVA - but they do have some excellent doctors!). I'll probably begin that treatment at the end of April/first of May.
My office has brought food, I'm walking a mile with friends each day, and getting plenty of rest, so feel I am improving a lot. It just goes to show that Dorothy was right, "There's no place like home."

Going Home

David has a German Club BOD meeting Saturday in Blacksburg, so I'm going to ride back to Blacksburg with him. I have REALLY improved during these last 8 days, thanks to Trisha and David, but I need to get home and start learning to take care of myself full-time.
I want to see friends again, so please give me a few days to get used to being home, then call and come by to visit. I would even be up to playing bridge, Bunko or Texas Hold 'Em one afternoon, too!!
I appreciate all of you who have sent cards to my 3 previous living addresses -- they have meant so much. I cannot find the words to express how truly blessed I am to have so many caring friends.
Looking forwards to seeing you soon!

These Boots Were Made For Walkin'

Click on the "play" button to see how good mom's getting at moving around (with groceries in tow)!

Recuperating at Camp Greenville

As you can see, I am making MAJOR progress in walking.  When I first got here, I really appreciated David's offer to take a walk.  Now I hide in the closet when he comes home to avoid going!  Ha Ha!!  It's like all exercising -- I hate the thought of doing it but feel wonderful when we get back to the house.  We extended our "turn-around" spot today and I hope I can get around the block by this time next week.  I haven't used my walker since I've been here and my balance is much better.

The picture on the top is of Leroy and me in our typical afternoon position (H -- I was talking to you when David took this picture).  Leroy loves to have me join him on his afternoon walks, even though I'm not up to throwing the Frisbee for him to catch yet.

My wounds are slowly healing and the Home Health Care nurses are fabulous. I had my FIRST SHOWER yesterday since November, rather than a sponge bath, and it felt so good.  Having a nurse here helping me gave me the confidence to give it a try.

Trisha and David are both wonderful cooks and I've been well fed.  They bought a bag of BBQ Fritos and a tub of onion dip and I have even pigged out on that -- can you imagine me eating junk food when 2 weeks ago I was hardly eating at all?!

As always, thank you so much for the cards, emails and calls -- I am truly blessed with the gift of friendship.

Beth In Greenville, NC

Mom arrived in Greenville, NC this afternoon.  She will be staying with Trisha and I for a few weeks.  The weather is really warm right now, and we are glad she's here.  She's walking well, and I was really excited when she got out of the car on her own.  

Our address down here is: 

218 Sumrell St

Greenville, NC 27858

I'm at Kay and Joe's and being well cared for, but am very tired and extremely weak. The Home Health care nurse told me for everyday I was in the hospital, it will take me 2-3 to recover. I'm looking forward to going to David and Trisha's next week, where the weather will be much warmer, I hope.
Their address is: 218 Sumrell Drive, Greenville, NC 27858.

Beth has left the Building!

After 5 weeks in MRH, mom has left the building. She is very tired, and was looking forward to un-interrupted sleep (very hard to come by in the hospital). We are all very excited. She is at Joe and Kay Hunnnings' house for the time being, and she will likely come down to stay with Trisha and I in Greenville early next week.

While there is still fighting to be done, mom will not receive any more chemotherapy for at least another month. For the time being, we can all be happy that she is getting her strength back.

Continued Improvement

Mom is doing well.  She is out of the bed moving with a walker several times a day, and there is talk of discharging her from the hospital!

She's eating a lot more, thanks in large part to the good cooking and persistence of great friends.  The main line in her neck, through which she has received nutrients and medicine for the last 3 weeks, is to be removed tomorrow.  Her wounds are looking better, and her spirits are higher. 

Here's to continued improvement!