We made it through another one! Mom is doing well and she got to spend time enjoying her favorite pastime, visiting with her family. The burns from the radiation are gone and she is experiencing NO symptoms or side effects of the cancer or its treatment. What a great Christmas present!
During the past few weeks Mom has been able to enjoy several Holiday activities. There was a party at Southampton Estates for the residents and their families with live entertainment and desserts. Lori and Mo and I were able to join her for that. There was some shopping with Maureen, a concert with Coleen, another concert with Lori and me, a bus trip with the other residents at Southampton to a huge drive-thru Christmas display on a farm in Bucks County, a couple of Christmas card writing sessions, phone calls from friends and relatives, and a surprise visit last week from Barbara courtesy of Barb's duaghter-in-law, Theresa (a genuine Angel!).
On Christmas eve Mom went to mass at St. Anthony's where Coleen sings in the choir. On Christmas day Mom came over to our house and joined about 15 others for for a wonderful gathering which included all of her kids (except Pat and family), Gene and Jean, and some of Lori's family. A great time was had by all.
We sent about 2 dozen Christmas cards which was about what she could handle in two card-writing sessions. I think she enjoyed doing that. I'm sure she'd love send more greetings to all of you and she certainly has you all in her heart.
We hope you all had a wonderful Holiday and we wish the best in the coming year. Thanks so much for your cards, calls, and visits. They mean an awful lot to Mom and the rest of us.
God Bless!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Radiation Complete
I'm sorry for the lack of posts recently. In this case 'no news is good news' applies. Mom got through her 20 radiation treatments with minimal side effects. She has a burned area on her back about 4" in diameter and a smaller, less severe area on her chest. It itches her quite a bit, but isn't painful. Some hydrocortisone cream and moisturizer should help that heal completely in a couple of weeks.
She has been in good spirits lately and has enjoyed lots of time with her family. Lori and I hosted Lori's family and Mom and Maureen for Thanksgiving and the rest of the Faddens on Saturday. Mom came over the Tuesday before to help bake pies. No one makes a pie crust like hers! She has trouble remembering ingredients and quantities but once she started with the rolling pin, she was right on...like riding a bike.
She seems to be getting along well at Southampton Estates but she often asks about going 'home'. It's tough for all of us but she doesn't dwell on it and she doesn't complain. She's always happy for company or a phone call even though a little while later she'll likely forget it. At this point her deficits all seem to revolve around recall of more recent events. She recognizes faces and voices of her family and friends without a problem.
She's gotten many cards from friends and relatives and they make her happy. Unfortunately, she's not given to responding these days. Perhaps one of us can sit with her some afternoon and we can get a few Christmas cards out.
Thank you all for the calls, cards and emails to Mom and to the rest of us. They are greatly appreciated. Peace and good health to you this Holiday season.
She has been in good spirits lately and has enjoyed lots of time with her family. Lori and I hosted Lori's family and Mom and Maureen for Thanksgiving and the rest of the Faddens on Saturday. Mom came over the Tuesday before to help bake pies. No one makes a pie crust like hers! She has trouble remembering ingredients and quantities but once she started with the rolling pin, she was right on...like riding a bike.
She seems to be getting along well at Southampton Estates but she often asks about going 'home'. It's tough for all of us but she doesn't dwell on it and she doesn't complain. She's always happy for company or a phone call even though a little while later she'll likely forget it. At this point her deficits all seem to revolve around recall of more recent events. She recognizes faces and voices of her family and friends without a problem.
She's gotten many cards from friends and relatives and they make her happy. Unfortunately, she's not given to responding these days. Perhaps one of us can sit with her some afternoon and we can get a few Christmas cards out.
Thank you all for the calls, cards and emails to Mom and to the rest of us. They are greatly appreciated. Peace and good health to you this Holiday season.
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