Simple Things

It is a Jim Brickman, David Lanz, hot chocolate, Netflix, rainy kind of day in Spokane Valley, WA today after a beautiful autumn Halloween night of kids, costumes, candy, and open fires.

Week to week, day to day there is fluctuation with this cancer journey I am on. Two weeks ago, I met with our ward bishop concerning the suspected brain metastasis, and we decided to release me from my calling as Relief Society 2nd counselor. Bishop advised me not to feel badly or guilty about release.  The Lord is pleased with my effort. Last Sunday, I felt a spiritual infusion of energy, and our RS president asked if I could make it to January when some other reorganizations would be taking place.  I felt really good about that timeline.  

Last week, I took Carol Campbell to a Dr's appointment and helped her arrange her meds and listen to her vent her concerns and fears of aging with dementia, then followed up with her over the weekend to ensure no falls or skipping meds. Monday, I had an echo cardiogram and continued my halter heart monitor (30 days). Tuesday, I attended a RS presidency meeting, and Wednesday, I attended my monthly oncology appointment, feeling better than I had for a while.  However, the computer system was down (Microsoft nationwide) and my Echo cardiogram results from Monday had not yet arrived.  Later that evening a text informed me that my good friend Keelyn Ward unexpectedly had a brain tumor removed and I placed her name on the temple prayer role and made plans to visit her as soon as she was out of ICU. Thursday, I attended an endowment session in the Spokane LDS Temple and then visited with Keelyn and Mark at the hospital.  Afterward I hurried to the church to open the building for the ward activities committee, and I helped set up cones in the parking lot for a ward trunk or treat. Friday, I received a call from the cardiologist office about my Echocardiogram results which indicated a slight indication of possible Chemo Induced Cardiomyopathy (hardening of the heart) and a recommendation to contact oncology for a potential treatment adjustment. We then had a veterinary visit for Finn (tuxedo Persian cat) due to his recent weight loss and coat changes.  We are awaiting the results of his blood test. I also resumed a quilt project I had set aside a few years ago and with Van binge watched a Netflix series set in Canada (hard to pass an opportunity to watch a clean show involving family and horses).

For now, I will try not to think too much about what is changing inside my body.  I will enjoy the higher energy and improved mood days and probably sleep more on headache or low energy days.  It is a definite change in lifestyle, but as I approach my 65th birthday tomorrow, I am just glad to be here living life with my family and friends.