The Countdown 8, 7, 6, 5......

Only 5 weekly Chemo treatments to go. I think that I can finally see an end in sight.

The side effects from Taxol continued to be mild to moderate. Each week they intensify slightly. The most noticeable are joint/bone pain and fatigue. I have to really push myself to exercise, but I'm still walking up the hill. (Most days)

Weekly chemo meant that I had to miss a couple of events this summer. My 45th High School reunion was this month. Although, I wasn't able to attend, I did reconnect with many friends via Facebook. They kept be updated on the lives of my classmates and promise to share pictures. Thanks everyone!

I missed a family reunion in Leavenworth, also. So cousins, we must find a way to gather again. Either, "at the river" (Icicle) or on the west side. Around the holidays?

This past weekend, we went to Salisbury, NC to join my husband's family in honoring his nephew. Will is in the Marine Corps and his unit will be shipping out this week for the northwestern part of Pakistan. They will be helping with the humanitarian efforts there. Oorah!

I got some "new hair" a couple of weeks ago. Bald is still more comfortable for me but, hair seems to be more "comfortable" for others.

My tomatoes are almost finished producing for the season. I had a good crop and enjoyed them with basil and goat cheese. The living calendar should end about the same time as chemo. Good timing!

Last, but by far, not least: My children and grandchildren will all be here next week. Elizabeth arrives on Thursday and will be here for about a week before she moves to DC. Jennie, Jim, Quinn and Colin arrive on Sunday and will be here for almost a week. Patrick, Karen and Liam live in Asheville and will be dropping by to join us as will Ashley, Chuck are Leigh. As a bonus, Aunt Betty and Uncle John Hembree are planning to drive from Lexington KY to see everyone. It will be a great week and I'm a lucky Mom/Grandma!!

Two days until Chemo Thursday. And then there will be 4....

A Great 2 Weeks

The past couple of weeks have been busy ones. I had a great visit with my sister Judi and did my best to show her our bit of Appalachia. We visited Cataloochee Valley, walked through the old schoolhouse and the Caldwell House, visited the Palmer House museum and of course, enjoyed watching the elk. We drove along the Blue Ridge Parkway and stopped at the Folk Art Center and shopped along Mainstreet Waynesville. Judi went with me to three of my chemo treatments and was pleased to see that Discount Shoes was nearby. Neither of us could believe how quickly time went by. She returned home this past Monday.
Four Taxol treatments down and only eight to go. Number five is tomorrow. So far, the side effects continue to be minimal and managable.
Living Calendar is going strong. I have harvested my first tomatoes and have been enjoying basil for several weeks.
Thanks to all of you who continue to visit (Libby from Raleigh, see above), call, send e-mails, cards and good wishes. Each and everyone of you are very important to me and my continued recovery.
Elizabeth, who is currently visiting Jennie in Tbilisi Georgia, was accepted to George Washington Law School's Master's in Intellectual Property program. Classes start on August 30th.
Jennie, Jim and the the boys (Quinn and Colin) are coming to the States for a visit. They will be be in NC the last weeK of August. Both boys have grown so much. Grandma (AKA Grandmom) is looking forward to having all of her "boys"(Liam, Quinn and Colin) here to play.
Patrick and Karen are busy getting the house ready for "Pumpkin's" arrival. November will be here before we know it.
when it cools down a bit, Chris and I hope to get a couple of camping trips in. Summer with out camping trips just doesn't seem right. We can camp in the area so I will be back for chemo and office visits.
Getting ready for "Chemo Thursday"!