Every Memorial Day weekend as long as I can remember, my Mom attends her alumni banquet. What's always fascinated me is that this is alumni from the entire history of the school. The number of attendees is around 114 this year - yes, a very small & close-knit school. She has been on the committee that does all of the planning, arranging the food, keeping up with addresses, who will attend, etc. So, today, as I type, my Mom is spending time with lifelong friends and her sisters and family: Connecting, renewing the bonds, laughing, & telling stories. I love this about my Mom - her numerous connections with so many special people. Even better is to know she feels well enough to do all that she did in preparation to help make this event a success. In the recent week, her back was aching more than usual... Dr. Soin, her pain specialist, helped her with an injection. Taking her pillow with her makes any seat more comfortable. Anyway, I can't wait to hear all the details of the banquet.
Next up: Petunia's Plane Trip into Dulles International Airport on June 11! We'll be driving to the beach to celebrate her 72nd birthday with family. Lots of west and wewaxation and soaking up the negative oceanic ions and howling at the full moon. Can't wait.
Oh, and the MM labs... we are waiting on one more, the beta-2. All of the others are just a teensy bit higher... but these fluctuations are normal even for those on constant conventional chemo. The other labs that matter are so normal - she has a lipid panel (cholesterol) that many would envy!
(Added later, pics from our trip to the beach to celebrate Mom's 72nd birthday!)
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| Mom and Jane, best friends since high school, June 2011 |
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| Mom celebrating her 72nd birthday on Bethany Beach! June 18, 2011 |
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| Artsy fartsy but cool pic of Mom enjoying the beach. |
We are at the age where these are the concerns that surround us. My remaining mom and dad are my wife's parents. Her mother was diagnosed in the fall with ovarian cancer, which was initially thought to be fairly early, but when the surgery came turned out to be quite advanced. The surgery occurred, she fought through it like a champ (she's in her early 70's), and is presently at towards the end of about six months of chemo. Current condition is good. Love the positive aproach you are taking here. And love the closeness you clearly have with your mom - that's a treasure.
ReplyDeleteHey George... thanks for checking out our blog. I'm very new to this! I remember seeing your posts on FB about your mother-in-law. I'm glad to hear her condition is good - very good news, indeed. She sounds like a special woman and a fighter!
ReplyDeletejealous of the west & wewaxation @ the beach! hope you guys have a blast!! hope the last lab comes back just as good.
ReplyDeleteso glad you mom is able to help with and attend her reunion--gatherings like that are like good medicine in themselves.
Sar, wish you could come hop on a plane and hang out at the beach with us!! Mom had a blast at the reunion, btw.
ReplyDeleteTwi, I'm seeing your blog for the first time and it's great... just like you and your mom! What a terrific way to inform all those who love you both. And those who may not even know you but are eager to know about alternative ways of treatment for MM... or any other illness for that matter. Alternative Medicine doesn't get enough recognition. Kudos to you both!
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