Friday, December 25, 2009

From 0 to 90


Christmas Day brought good food, family fun and a few hours at the hospital waiting for my blood to be drawn and reviewed by the doctor on call. The doctor wanted me to wait at the hospital in case I needed platelets or a blood transfusion. Fortunately, I needed neither. My platelets and white blood count are very low, but not as low as they were after the initial chemo session. I just have to avoid germs and I can’t use sharp objects – like knives! Whitney, Steve and Deborah are doing all the cooking. I’m doing all the sitting.

My 90 year old mother lives at Stratford Court, a senior living community in Boca Raton. She has dementia but was thrilled to know that she was a great-grandmother. My kids thought it very important that we bring her to the house on Christmas Day for dinner. She enjoyed her few hours out of her apartment and the delicious dinner Whitney prepared but mostly she really enjoyed her few hours holding Sophia. The photo included with this blog represents 4 generations of females in my family – my mother Helen Mowbray, 90; me, years younger than my mother; my daughter Whitney, 28; and Sophia, 0 (3 months).

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Constant Reminders

So many good things are happening to make my homecoming and holiday happy.

Because I am now feeling good, I forget I am recovering from Chemotherapy and need constant medical attention. The Oncology Hematologist at the Lynn Cancer Center here in Boca are taking care of me while I’m home – constantly monitoring my blood and condition and treating me when necessary. They fax the blood test results and other info to my medical team at MD Anderson so they know how I’m doing. So, each day I spend 2-3 hours at the clinic in Boca – a constant reminder that my life has changed.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Early Christmas Present


On September 22nd I became the grandmother of little Sophia Madeleine. I held her first in late October (right before my diagnosis) and was hoping upon hope that I would get to see her again over Christmas. Last night I received a letter from Sophia (in her father's handwriting) telling me she was coming to Florida for Christmas! The Letter said. "I hope you are feeling better from being sick. I know it won't be a big Christmas this syear, but I still wanted to give you a small gift - ME!!! I'm coming with Mommy and Daddy on Wednesday. I can't wait to see you! Love, Sophia."
What a great surprise. Isn't she adorable?