What a Difference

We're at the infusion center. Docetaxel is flowing into Karen's port. She's already had her steroid so only an hour to go.

Last weeks news was positive but what does that actually mean? A month or so when nothing was working then a pneumonia that meant a week in bed in the hospital left Karen very weak. We're  waiting to see if the remaining pleurisy resolves or will she need another thoracentesis. Karen is still on oxygen but not when sitting or at rest. 
The spirits are high but the body is weak. 
​
Send in the visiting nurses, visiting OT's and PT's. 

---

​The house is already a beehive of activity; we've got workmen on the bathroom remodel. (Another week maybe) and now the home health care invasion. 
I feel like I'm on a tv cop show and have jurisdictional issues....she's my patient damn it!
​ 
But it's all good; they're giving her exercises and self care tips. The overall effect is positive and Karen has some exercise goals and I already see improvement in her leg strength and hip flexibility.

---

​The weather is fantastic for March; Karen and I do a stroll around the yard with her walker and oxygen. The crocuses are up, daffodils starting....life is sweet....the simple and ordinary regeneration of Spring makes me tear up.

We walk to the mailbox and find some magic waiting for us. Buttons have been arriving; Corrine and her friend Nancy send a package of them and a note with the story behind them.  Corrine is just beginning breast cancer treatment herself so we can't believe she found the energy to do this.
Jonathan and Jennifer also sent a care package of buttons...all found buttons...orphans in need of a home.
Forever friends Jim and Mary send three large and elegant buttons. 
​
We take a picture and hope the magic of the dream holds.
    

---