Home again, home again, jiggity jig!

Helllllo! Sarah here, writing to you in my house, in my study, at my computer, with no cat on my lap (I pushed him off...way too demanding for attention while I'm trying to write!)

I came home Saturday afternoon, and enjoyed sitting in a comfortable chair to watch some of the many recorded TV shows I had missed while in the hospital....got to have my Survivor! I'm sure many of you know that joy you have after being away for a long time, of just sitting in your house and looking around with a goofy smile on your face. It was heaven.

Then it was time to go to bed and I realized.....my house has stairs! Drawing on my backpacking memories of tenacity, I climbed my Mt. Whitney one stair at a time, with KC nudging me from behind. After a "quick" shower to wash all the hospital smell off me, that wonderful cloud of a bed never felt so needed. :-)

Each day I feel stronger and can go longer between rests. I continue to tackle the stairs a few times a day, and it felt soooo amazing to wear jeans and a shirt the other day! "Normal" clothes! I'm also loving the fashion of hats...With a long shirt, pants, and a hat, I can pretty much cover up any evidence of chemo. Pretty cool, huh?

One of the things I am most grateful for, is that I get to plan my own days again. I can wake up and make my list (that KC always laughs at) and do the things that I want/need to do on a schedule. (Sigh of comfort) Granted, I don't always get through much of the list, but that's okay. One day at a time. I'm learning to put "sit in chair to rest" and "nap time" on my list more often....that way I get more things checked off!

Friends from the neighborhood have been so supportive in our transition. They think of ways to help before KC and I even have frame of mind to think about them. My friend, Laura, had already coordinated dinners to be coming for us, which relieved KC's responsibilities immensely! He's a great cook, but when he has so many other things on his mind that he is managing....it really has been a blessing for us. "My girls" sent a message of encouragement which touched me deeply, and others have called or briefly stopped by to give a smile and a hug. Great thanks to Donna, who made me a hat to wear to church...I love it! Many thanks also to Brad and his family, who made me some hats which have added greatly to my new sense of style.

Monday I was blessed to see my Hanson nieces, which I've missed so much during this time! Jessie brought her 3 girls over, and we went outside to feel the sunshine! I love the sunshine! We walked around and looked at all the flowers (bulbs) coming up through the ground, talked to the dogs, and played a small version of soccer. I was amazed how they energized me! KC kept quietly asking, "You okay?" I was excited to just smile, and respond, "Yep." It was a wonderful visit.

On Tuesday, KC and I braved my "first" outting. We went up to my parents' house for dinner and a sleepover. It was immensely enjoyable to sit and tell stories and laugh it up family-style. My two other sisters, Amy and Kat (with fiance Cory), also came to share in the fun at dinner. It was very enjoyable! While there, we even got to talk on Skype to KC's parents and on the phone to our Fleming nephews. They kept asking, "When do we get to see you?" KC and I kept thinking, "Oh, if only they knew how much we wanted to see them!" My Uncle Rick called also, and it was great fun talking with him. We are so blessed to have an amazing, loving, and close family.

So, for the next few days I'll be sitting a lot, tackling stairs and other activities that strengthen my muscles again, taking alllllll my medications, reading, writing, and realizing how clumsy I am at wii. KC keeps stifling his laughter as he encourages me......but we'll see. Brennan was right, it sure is helping my muscles and hand-eye coordination improve! (I'm sure a toddler could do better than me at some of these games!) I'm so very grateful for this fun way to improve!

As for the update on my cancer, I go into day-surgery on Wednesday (19th) for my next bone biopsy, and then on Friday (21st) I meet with my oncologist to discuss the next steps in my treatment. They'll also be doing blood-work, etc. In the past, he has indicated that the next 3-4 months are dedicated to treatments and sending me into remission (hopefully permanent), but until then, I don't really know much except to eat well and get strong. I'm trying to get an appetite back still, but small nibbles here and there seem to help. So, just know I'm taking it one day at a time, because I've learned a lot can happen in one day!

Enjoy each moment of this beautiful spring weather, and thank you again for all the jokes, laughter, smiles, and inspiration. May God bless you for all the love and support you share.

Lots of love to ya!

~Sarah