So Much Up In the Air...

Dear Family & Friends,

Last week started with the wonderful report from the biopsy and was followed by so many hours of more pain in my knees, legs & feet, enough to confuse anyone, especially me. Still trying to keep up with my walking, which is the last thing, so I thought, left to do to keep me moving. Then came the Tricycle idea. My doctor hasn't permitted me to ride my bicycle for fear of me falling and without platelets, bleeding out of control. Also, it becomes quite painful to stand or walk for any length of time. Long story short, I sit on the tricycle, peddle for good circulation (have had swelling in my legs, feet and ankles, and this helps reduce that as well)and can handle that amount of pressure since I'm sitting. I have been constantly reduced from one activity to the next, but just can't stop moving or we'll all be in trouble.

With the wonderful arrival of my cousin Freddie, from Cape Cod, my mental medicine was again given a boost I very much needed, first fitting in an hour at the beach under an umbrella with the beautiful Gulf breezes we've been having. Second day she bicycled alongside my Tricycle and I. I know this all sounds so trivial to most of you, but to me every second is such a gift! Friday the 13th brought another beautiful day, early Tricycle ride with my Dad bicycling alongside me. We had a wonderful dinner and change of scenery that evening at Cathy & Gary's, any time I have the energy to get out of my usual surroundings, ends up being a special moment.

My afternoons are usually full with pain and trying to control it with meds that have been difficult to remember to take or worse, not remembering if I had taken them twice. Either way, it has all been too many drugs for my mind and body to deal with, mostly without enough relief. This was alleviated somewhat on Monday when Dr. Tomblyn prescribed a pain patch which delivers an even amount of meds and I don't have to worry when or if I took it.

The biopsy took place Monday morning and I also needed 2 units of blood and 1 of platelets. A very long tiring day is an understatement. As difficult as it was, that's how beautiful Tuesday was! My tricycle ride with my Dad and topped off with a fun visit from our cousins, Frankie & Sandy, now living in Boca, came to visit for a few hours again lifting spirits I had almost forgotten were there. Sandy topped it off with a much needed hair cut to help control my new doo of curls. Given & received with so much love.

As mentioned in the title, up in the air, I expect some preliminary results next monday, again looking forward to them, as long as they're good.

Thank you all for your sweet comments, emails, cards, phone calls, visits, good wishes and vibes I can feel even through the rippling water I so very much miss. If I haven't returned a call or comment, I still appeciate every thought and word and hope you will stick with me until we meet again.

Love To You All,
Carol