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.