Thursday, November 28, 2019

Traditional Turkey



I have spent 6 hours trying to write a Thanksgiving missive... and in the end this is all I’ve got!

Thanksgiving has always been a special, traditional holiday for me. Something I had hoped to instill in the boys as a time to gather together and be thankful for the times we have together as a family.  Each year’s memories added to the next - like a fourth dimension of time.  That tradition has continued as every year, one way or another, at least four of us were together,

This year the tradition will be redefined and I honestly have been having a hard time with that.  The exercise of trying to put my feelings into words has helped me deal with the change. Each of us will proceed making unique mosaics of traditional Turkey with intersecting circles of memories.

Love who you and where you are, be grateful for every word, each minute... share positive energy in any way you can

And Please treat yourself to Tom Hanks as Mr Rogers!


Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Rumors of my Recent demise...

ok . I have been a little depressed BUT...I AM feeling better and Although I thought I'd offended everyone,  I have come to learn MY GMAIL was down!  After I can't tell you how many hours of back and forth with Google and Apple about passwords... USERIDS... security....  My brain is taxed but I am getting some news from the outside world.  It was out for about two weeks that random stuff was missed.  I apologize for any rudeness or sorry I missed something.  Please resend ...


Winter approaches

Getting ready for the holidays... trying to organize dates and calendars has been affected by the drugs and the brain leisions ' but we are keeping it simple and looking forward to family time. Angie, Cathy and Me heading back from the Cabin Getting ready for the holidays...  trying to organize dates and calendars has been affected by the drugs and the brain leisions.  Wobbly is still with me so we are keeping it simple.  I am also dealing with a little depression.  I guess I am entitled although I hate to admit it.  Going to check with the good Doctors on Thursday and maybe there is a happy pill for me.


Angie, Cathy and Me heading back from the Cabin

Hope I don’t jinx this...but i am actually feeling almost human!  This is about as good as it’s been since the diagnosis. The new drug seems to be working and adjusting the amounts within accepted limits the trial is great, side effects few. Gaining a little weight, but all in all.  I feel I can make some plans for the next couple of weeks without fear of needing to cancel them.

Getting here wasn’t easy, I have been quiet in the process... lots of processing to be done.  Initially it was the pain in my shoulder that I thought would never go away then it grew and went to my back.  I could hardly walk.  Seriously it took me 30 minutes to get moving in the morning WITH some slow walk up and down the stairs befor i tried walking on my own. 

When I went to Mass General for the first round of new meds the pain had been there but got worse on the new drug.  After a day they decreased the dosage to 3/4s which was muh better on my body.  three weeks into.  It  was then reduced it to 1/2, where it has been since.  This decrease was predictable from other patient findings so I am not concerned.  I still have achy joins, back aches to some extent, as walking crooked when i get tired, but getting stronger.

Exerising has taken on a whole new meaning for me.  It is a necessity to do stretching when i first wake up. Without it, I would be on the floor.  But I have a little routine that is working.  I started with physical therapy 3 times a week (Maybe twice), and have recently added water exercises.  They feel really good,  until I realized I can't swim anymore.  I remember what do to but the strength in my legs is GONE for anything resembling a flutter kick.

Summer ended with some great weekends at the lake, and trips to Boston to adjust the meds and get on the new regime.  We ran away for a weekend in Tampa to visit my college roommate and her husband.  Mostly staying close to home trying to rebuild some strength that depleted horribly about the time of drug change.  Don’t know why.  Any ideas?

 One adjustment that has been difficult for me is realizing that my family is full of adults!  Making their own holiday plans and needing to be in different parts of country. for the holidays.  I have very little idea how the season will play out here, but this year i am just going to let it be.  I will let you know after the fact, or perhaps, in the process.  Whatever, may we all be surrounded by those we love and care for.



Thursday, November 7, 2019

Sorry for the. Delay but I am back!













And actually feeling pretty darn well.  Since the last writing, I have dealt with a couple of disappointments and set backs - but I am pleased to report that my new meds seem to be yet another miracle!

Last July I had another brain MRI that showed significant growth in one of the leisions. NOT good.  Brief discussion about spot radiation to. Zap it.  That idea was replaced  with the option to porticiopate  in a study with new Medicines.  Without going to much into the details,  i moved to a new Doctor. (Alice Shaw) who is conducting the study at Mass General.  After two months of adjusting medicines. I am almost feeling normal!!

I had increased severe pain in my shoulder, back, lack of strength in my legs, periods of deopression,  questioning if this is worth iit.... and a myriad of questions about the universe.  Right now,  I wanted to get the word out to you that I am still around and functioning better that before.

 John and I took an amazing weekend jaunt to Tampa Florida area to visit my college roommate.  More on that when I am not so busy!!

Stay in touch.

Jan

Amaros,amaros Amaros

WE also got an education         about a  AMAROS -          CARDAMARP     AMARO MONTENEGRO     AMARO NONINO and     SFUMATO I'll Get bac...