Cherry Blossoms and Challenges

The cherry blossoms of Washington D.C. were delightful on March 29.
Imagine a sea of lovely white cherry blossom trees, huge kites, some
in shapes of planes and butterflies, "Kite-eating trees" "eating"
some of the kites, and people of all ages walking around on a grassy
field surrounded by the cherry trees on a sunny day. Add to that my
granddaughters, Haley and Maddie, ages 9 and 7, and my son, Andy,
climbing the big old trees. It was like a dreamland. Thankfully, I
was able to keep up with the others as we walked around this
beautiful place, in spite of my post-surgery clumsiness. We were
celebrating my daughter-in-law, Lu's birthday. We also had dinner at
an Ethiopian restaurant where we ate the food with Ethiopian bread
rather than silverware.

Fortunately, it has been working out well to share a large new house
with my son Andy and his family. This is a great family with love,
respect and consideration for others . They have been good to me.
They enjoy life and we have fun times. It is an inspiration to me
to have the children around. Hiking or walking every day are also
helpful to me. Fortunately Andy and Lu found a house near a stream
and woodlands I have enjoyed hiking there and meeting interesting
people. I usually have a caregiver a few hours a day, Monday through
Friday to help me with food preparation, laundry, and transportation.

As for challenges, I did have to have a third brain surgery for
another tumor. I came through that well and was out of the hospital
in two days. However, this tumor was in a different place so the
doctors recommended more chemotherapy and radiation even though I had
had that after my first operation in 2005. They say the side effects
can be greater the second time. I am learning more and more about
trust and expecting the best. The nausea was horrible one day, but
luckily some medicine helped. I expect to be finished with treatment
by May 2nd. The side effects may last longer. I have to take the oral
temodar every morning. I go in for radiation Monday through Friday
and have Weekends off. I am determined to fight on, even though it
can be tough. I am still careful about my diet and I drink pau d'
arco tea. Your positive thoughts and prayers and email are greatly
appreciated and needed.