day 473 after transplant

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

OOOPS! Please forgive me for not blogging last Sunday, I just plain forgot. I have been so mixed up on my days.

Last Friday evening it started to snow and it snowed all day Saturday—we ended up with 18 inches of snow. Scott, Beth and the kids came home Friday afternoon instead of Saturday (if they would have waited to come on Saturday they would never have made it home). Grady and Libby was so excited about the snow, they have never seen so much snow. It was beautiful while it was snowing and the kids sure did enjoy being outside, sledding and making an igloo.

I spent a lot of time in the kitchen and I sure enjoyed being able to make some all time favorites.

Saturday night we had “our” Christmas. I got a beautiful pendant for my necklace that had “Mamaw” on it and three charms of my grandkids(1 boy and 2 girls). Audrey made us a cute reindeer ornament using her footprint as the reindeer body. Also a ceramic tile- an angel with foot print wings (we have one of Grady and Libby when they were little). It’s little things like this that means so much.

Sunday we were “snowed in”. Churches closed so we had our own little service. The kids enjoyed playing in the snow and the guys spent the afternoon cleaning off the drive way.

Monday evening it was still very cold but we did get out to go to my Dad’s for Christmas. What a fun evening. The kids acted out the Christmas story, with Libby as Mary and Grady as Joseph. Audrey started out as baby Jesus but ended up being an angel!

Tuesday Scott, Beth and the kids left to go home. Rodney and I wondered what to do! We went to town just to see how busy the stores would be. It was kind of crazy.

Wednesday, Rodney back to work and I spent my day baking rolls, sugar cookies, pumpkin bread and fudge for gifts for several of our neighbors. It was so good to be able to do this again. I didn’t get to do this last year because I was in Richmond. Only got home for four days and then had to go back to Richmond.

Thursday evening Dad and Corinne came up and we rode around looking at the Christmas lights and then we went to 11:00 Christmas Eve Service. Dad and Corinne spent the night and Christmas morning I fixed a big breakfast. We played Dominos and just had a very quiet day. In the evening we went to Ryan and Jennifer’s for dinner. A quiet day but a day that we could think about what Christmas is all about.

Rodney volunteered to work on Saturday. I rode with him and it was a good day for us just to be together.

Today we went to church and then visited Aunt Louise. After that we rode to Skyline Drive to see if we could get some good snow pictures but the drive was closed. We rode on over to Charlottesville to see Rodney’s brother, Richard. It was a very nice day just to ride.

I hope that  all of you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you the best for 2010. Can you believe that 2009 is almost over?

Blog next year,

Love, Gloria

day 458 after transplant

Hello to everyone,

Well we didn’t have any snow this week but we did have cold, windy and rainy weather.

This will probably be short because I need to get to bed so I can get up early tomorrow to go to MCV for a check up. I also have an appointment to see a pulmonary doctor per instructions by Dr. McCarty.

This will be a very busy week for me. Next Saturday Scott, Beth and kids come home for Christmas and I have to have lots of things done and I also will be keeping Audrey three days this week.

We went to NC to see the kids in their Christmas program. They did a wonderful job. We also went to see the Gibsonville parade (Grady was in it with the Boy Scouts). It was a busy weekend but enjoyed spending time with the kids.

That does it for this week. Hope that all of you will have a good week and get ready for the big day.

Love and peace to all of you,

Gloria

day 451 after transplant

                            

       HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!

Last Sunday Rodney and I put up our outside Christmas lights in our shirt sleeves and yesterday we woke up to snow and it snowed ALL day. We ended with 6 inches of snow.This morning it was 17 degrees – welcome winter! I wasn’t quite ready for weather this cold.

I had a busy week with cleaning the house to get ready to put up the inside decorations. Rodney and I finally got all the decorations up and now we can sit and enjoy the season. I did a lot of sewing this week and wrapping presents.Scott, Beth and the kids are coming the weekend before Christmas so I have to have everything done a week before Christmas.

Rodney is off Monday and Tuesday and we are hoping to get a lot done around the house.

Next week my blog may be late- we are planning to go to NC to see the kids Christmas program.  The 14th I go to MCV for a checkup and to see a pulmonary doctor.

Have a  wonderful week but don’t forget to stop during your hustle and bustle to remember the reason for the season.

Love,

Gloria

day 444 of transplant

 

Hey guys,

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is already over?Hope that your Thanksgiving was a good one. I had a really good one.

Monday I kept Audrey. She is starting to reach for things and really trying hard to sit up by herself.

Tuesday I cleaned the house and got some cooking and baking done.

Wednesday Scott, Beth and kids came in – oh yeah, I almost forgot about Levi (the dog). We all got together for dinner.

Thursday Rodney’s side of the family got together for lunch at the church.We have out grown Rodney’s mothers apartment. We all got to sat around the same table and it was so easy to get the food ready with a big kitchen to work in. The youth room was a good place for the kids to play. We all had a good time. That evening Jennifer, Beth and I went to Michael’s big sale. The men stayed home and watched the kids.

Friday Rodney and I got up at 3:45 am and went shopping. It was crazy but fun. We did get some good buys and was back home at 6:30, just in time to start getting breakfast ready for the crew. We went to Riverside Plants for some family pictures. The poinsettias were absolutely beautiful. That evening we went to my side of the family for dinner. Rodney celebrated his 62nd birthday. It was kind of low key.

Saturday Scott, Beth and the kids left to go back to NC.  So glad that they made it back safely. Rodney and I worked around the house. We took down our fall decorations to get ready for the Christmas decorations. Boy, I can’t believe that Christmas will soon be here.

Today we went to church and then to see Aunt Louise. After lunch we started our Christmas decorating. The doctor said that I could not have a real tree again this year but I could have a fake one. Scott got our tree down from that attic and Rodney dumped it out in our drive way to let the wind get the dust off of it! Now we just need to get it up.

This will be a week to get a lot of things done for the holidays. I want to do a lot of crafts and baking for gifts this year.

Have a good week and I’ll write next week.

Love,

Gloria

day 437 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone. Another week has passed and this week is the big TURKEY DAY !

Monday Rodney left for an over night trip to Richmond for meetings. I tried to get some things done around the house. I cleaned the house and even wrapped a few Christmas presents! I had some time to make fancy bows, other years I was doing good just to get them wrapped!

Wednesday and Friday I kept Audrey. I sure enjoy my time with her. I think that she likes spending time with me too. This week she will be four months old. Friday Ryan had his wisdom teeth removed and he has been in some pain. I pray that he will heal soon. I know that having your teeth pulled is no picnic.

Thursday night Rodney and I went to Charlottesville to see Rhonda Vincent in concert. The Paramount theater is a very old restored theater. It was beautiful and it was a good concert. We had really good seats in the balcony and away from the crowd. We didn’t get home until 12:25 am. Short night for Rodney to get up to go to work in the morning but it was worth it.

Saturday we did errands and then some work around the house. In the evening we went to another concert in Harrisonburg to see Doyle Lawson and Quick Silver (bluegrass gospel). Again we had really good seats in the balcony where very few people sat. The concert was very good.

Today we went to church and then to visit Aunt Louise. We then came home and Rodney did some woodworking (first time he has been in his shop for over a year.I know that he was glad to get down there again) and I did some sewing. It was a good day.

This week I will be busy getting ready for the kids to come home for Thanksgiving. It will be good to spend some time together. We have so much to be thankful for and I am so grateful to God for so many blessings.If you are traveling I pray for your safe journey and a blessed Thanksgiving. We sometimes feel that we have it so bad but when you look around you can see so many people worse off than you.

Write next week.

Love, Gloria

day 430 after transplant

 

Hello, to everyone.

Boy what a busy week. The weather was nice and then it was cold and rainy and ended being warm and beautiful. Rodney was off this week and we had a good time just being together.

Monday we went to UVA to get the results back from my CT and MRI. It was all good – the cyst on my pancreas has shrunk!!! The doctor was very pleased with my blood work and my recovery from the transplant. After this appointment on to MCV we went to hand deliver the CDs of the CT and MRI that Dr. Toor requested. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and continued support.

On Wednesday we kept Audrey and Scott and Beth and the kids stopped by on their way to DC. It was good to see them if only just for a little while. We celebrated Veterans Day by going out to dinner with Denny and Pam. It was really rainy and cold.

On Friday we took Rodney’s mother to get some shopping done and then we ate dinner with her. We had Audrey with us and Ryan met us for dinner also.

Saturday was a beautiful and warm day. Rodney got his yard work done. It was nice to be outside after several days of being rainy and cold.

Today we went to early church and the kids stopped by for lunch on their way back home. They had a really good visit in DC despite the rain and cool weather. The kids talked about all the things that they saw in the museums. I know that they will go back to school with lots of stories to tell their classmates.  Rodney and I went to see the Chuck Wagon Gang concert. They were really good and we were so glad that we got to go.

Rodney goes back to work tomorrow and then on to Richmond for a dinner meeting and an all day meeting on Tuesday. I have lots of things planned to get done until he comes home late Tuesday.

I can’t believe that it is almost Thanksgiving- less than two weeks away. Rodney and I have so many things to be thankful for. God has given us so much.

I guess that takes care of my week. I will write more next week.

Take care and love,

Gloria

day 423 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone,

What a beautiful, glorious day the Lord has made.

Had a very good and busy week. I cleaned the house (with mask and gloves on), kept Audrey, did some sewing and made some Friendship bread (if you would like a start please give me a call).

Wednesday, Rodney took me to MCV for my check up (first time in seven weeks). Then he had a luncheon meeting at 12. Dr. Toor said that my blood work looked very good. He said that the results of the biopsy was all donor which is great news. He looked a little concerned about the results of the pulmonary test. He said something about a CT scan and I told him that I was scheduled for one the next day. He wants a CD of it.I just pray for good results.

Thursday afternoon I had to be at UVA. A CT scan at 4 and then an MRI at 6. The CT scan went really fast but the MRI was 2 hours long. When the technician came out to get me, he told Rodney not to think that he was kidnapping me but I would be there a long time. He said that they allowed him 1 hour on the machine but he would probably need it for 80 minutes! He was very good and talked me right through it. We didn’t get home until after 10 pm.

Friday I kept Audrey and she was so good. She is trying to sit up by herself and I have a feeling that she knows when she is at G-daddy’s and Mamaw’s house.

Saturday was a beautiful day and Rodney spent most of it out in the yard doing leaves. I hope that this is just about the end of the leaves for this year. It is a blessing to see him out there and getting on and off the mower with less or no pain. I think that the shot has started to work, thank God for that blessing.

Today we went to church and then to visit Aunt Louise for just a minute—there is flu on another floor. Since it was such a beautiful day we went to the Veterans Parade and then we went for a drive.

That takes care of my week. I have to be at UVA tomorrow at 9:30 to see the doctor and get the results of my CT and MRI. Please say a prayer for me at this time. I always get a little “antsy” waiting for the results. I try not to worry and trust that the good Lord has everything in His control.

Have a wonderful week and until next Sunday – I’m gone!

Love, Gloria

day 416 after transplant

 

Hello everyone!

I know that I am blogging early but I turned on the computer to see if it would “act up” and so far it is doing fine. Thought that I had better blog now before it started having a fit again!

Today we woke up to rain. The last week it has been very nice and Rodney spent two days working on the leaves and today you would never know it.

Rodney has been off all week and we wanted to do something that would be fun instead of staying home and working all week (we do have a lot of things here that needs to be done, but there always is). Monday we took Rodney’s mother back to WV where she grew up. Since her birthday was Friday we thought that would be a good birthday present. We first went to Babcock State Park – where there is a mill that is featured on a lot of calendars and we have often said that we wanted to see it some day, so we did. It was beautiful with all the fall leaves. Then we took her to see the house that she grew up in and where Rodney spent the summers with his grandparents. It had really changed. I think the biggest highlight of the day for her was to see one of her high school friends that she has not seen in 60 years! We all had a very good day.

I kept Audrey on Wednesday and Friday, she changes everyday. I sure like the days that I spend with her. Sometimes you forget how fast they grow and how little you get done!

Thursday morning we went to the Eastern Shore of VA to eat at Driftwood Seafood Restaurant. One of the guys that work with Rodney owns it and that is another place where we have said that we wanted to go – so we did! The fresh seafood was delicious, I had broiled flounder stuffed with crab meat and Rodney had a seafood sampler. I wasn’t sure what me taste buds would do but to my surprise they liked it! My taste buds are still not back to normal yet. Some things that I have always liked just doesn’t make it right now. I don’t know what Thanksgiving will be like. I am to fix the turkey, dressing and gravy but don’t know if I will be able to eat it or not. That really isn’t the important part- it’s the fellowship with family that counts.

Rodney goes back to work tomorrow and I have a busy week coming up – Wednesday to MCV (first time for 7 weeks!) maybe to get some more shots. Then Thursday evening I go to UVA to get my 6 month CT and MRI scans.  I like to get these things done close together to get them over with – that really makes a long day.

Well, I guess that takes care of my week. I know that things will really be busy now that it is already the first of November and the holidays will be here soon.

Hope that everyone has a wonderful week and I will blog next week, Lord willing.

Love,

Gloria

day 409 after transplant

Good evening everyone,

I am going to attempt this, hope that my computer doesn’t mind! It is good to be able to blog but I am very thankful for my two “wonderful” sons that could blog for me and try to get this computer back on line.

This weekend was beautiful and we tried to be out as much as possible. Last weekend was cold and rainy and they even called for a chance of snow! We did have a killing frost so the garden is done for another year. Rodney did manage to pick a mess of green beans before the frost and boy were they yummy.

Life has been very busy but great. I have been sewing and taking care of Audrey- she is three months old today and boy has she grown. She really has a little personality now. Sometime you have to wonder what she is thinking.

Today the group that Rodney and I belong to at church was in charge of 4th Sunday Coffee so we had to be there early and then this evening we were in charge of the meal for the Wild West Fall Fest (like a Halloween party). We were planning on 150 people and only about 60 showed up. Boy did we have a lost of food leftover. Rodney and I are pretty tired now and I don’t think that we will have any trouble sleeping tonight.

Rodney is off all this week and we have a lot of things around the house to do but we do hope to get away for a day or two.

I don’t go to MCV until November 4 for a checkup. I am going down with Rodney because he has a meeting in Richmond that day. I pray for a good report. I will probably find out what shots I need to get.

That is all that I can think of to tell you at this time.

Love,

Gloria

The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention. So do a good deed, no matter how small you think that it is it will mean the world to someone.

Technology Trouble

Thanks for checking-in - other than my computer issues, I'm doing fine! My wonderful sons are on the case - hope to be back in action very soon. I appreciate all of your thoughts and your time in reading my blog each week. 

-Love,

Gloria

Technical Difficulties

Gloria is having some computer problems and hasn't been able to post. She is doing well, she just can't get her computer to work. Stay tuned.

day 388 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone,

Can you believe that another month has begun? The weather here has been perfect glorious fall days, cool at night and very comfortable in the day. Where has the summer gone?

This week started off with Audrey and me going to the doctor to get our shots! I got 2 shots and Audrey got 4 and now I can not be around her for 2 weeks!

Tuesday I went to the dentist for my bi-yearly checkup and I had to go back on Wednesday to get two fillings. I sure appreciated how accommodating everyone at the dentist office was to get me in and to take precautions. Since I was already on strong antibiotic just to get my teeth cleaned they worked me in to get my fillings done. Otherwise I would have had to get more antibiotics. It is nice that they were willing to work with me.

The rest of the week was spent sewing, cleaning the house, laundry and working outside. It was too beautiful to stay inside.

Today we went to church and then we took Aunt Louise for a ride. It was a beautiful day for her to be out.We went to the pumpkin patch and came home and decorated the outside of our house.

That takes care of my week. Next week I take Rodney in for his injection (Wed. at 12) so please say a prayer that the procedure will be quick and painless. I pray that this will help him with his pain.

Hope that everyone will have a good week and remember to be kind to everyone you meet.

Love,

Gloria

day 381 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone,

Well, another week has past and ended with much needed rain. We got 2 1/2 inches of rain. Good to hear from you Dave – we worried about you all because we heard that Atlanta had 20 inches of rain. 

Monday Rodney went to his arthritis doctor and he has scheduled for him to go to the hospital for an injection (needle is very long). Rodney has been putting this off for a good while but he is having a hard time getting around and is in a lot of pain. Please pray that this procedure will be pain free and will bring him some relief. 

Tuesday I got to babysit Audrey and we had a good day. She is growing so fast and is really getting quite a little personality. She loves to go outside for a stroller ride.

Wednesday it was off to MCV again. They still did not have the results back from my bone marrow biopsy or pulmonary tests but I did get a chart with the schedule for my childhood shots. I will be getting about 19 shots over the next 13 months if my body does not have any reactions from the shots. My first shots are scheduled for tomorrow and I will be able to get my shots here in Bridgewater by my family doctor. That is good that I do not have to go to Richmond for them (saves time and gas).

Thursday was a day spent sewing. I have alterations and other projects to do. It was a good feeling to get some of my projects done. I hope to start getting some Christmas gifts done. Christmas will be here before long and I want to be ready for it this year. Last year was in Richmond and only home for 3 days. I am not complaining one bit because I was so blessed with good health.

Friday morning I kept Audrey before Ryan, Jake and Audrey left for the weekend in NC. Audrey’s first time out of state! Audrey gets her first live virus shot tomorrow and that means that I will not be able to be around her for 2 weeks. I will really miss her and I know that she will change in those 2 weeks.

Saturday we woke up to rain and it rained most of the day. There was a lot of outside events planned but we sure needed the rain.

Today we went to church and then to see Rodney’s aunt and ran some errands.

Hope that all of you had a good week and will have a good week this week.

One thing before I close is I learned of a local 10 year old boy that is in need of a bone marrow transplant. He is now in the hospital at UVA and is in hope to go to Duke for his transplant. He has 7 siblings and not one of them is a match but there is a baby due soon and they are in hope that this baby will be a match (umbilical cord cells). Please take a moment and pray that this little boy will get the gift of life.

Love to all,

Gloria

God draws close to you when you draw close to God.

day 374 after transplant

Hello everyone,

Well another week has gone by and I hope that it was a good one for you. It was for me, but then again every day that my feet touches the carpet is a good day for me! Another chance for me to do something to let God know that I am so thankful for His love and care and to be a good servant for Him.

This week was a week to finish up the 5 bridesmaids dresses and to get them out. The wedding was today. The dresses looked really good on all the girls and I think that they were pleased with them. I enjoyed getting to know them.

Wednesday Rodney took me to MCV for my bone marrow biopsy and pulmonary tests. I was a little anxious about the biopsy because the doctor that was really good went back to his home country Israel. I got REALLY anxious when I was told that a resident was going to do the procedure! Dr. Martin (from West Virginia) talked him through and he was really good. As I was being prepared for the biopsy I learned from the Post Coordinator that I would have to wait another year before I can find out anything about my donor because I have an international donor. That is the policy for an international donor. I was disappointed but excited at the same time. Jennifer said that we will all have to save our money and all will go next year to meet my donor, that’s exciting. I also was given a list and schedule for my childhood shots. There is a total of nineteen shots given over 13 months. Some good news is that I can get my shots from my family doctor here in Bridgewater (don’t have to go to MCV for them). My body has retained some of my immunizations so I don’t have to have all my childhood shots.

Friday afternoon I got to babysit Audrey. She slept a lot of the time but we did have a good “talk” when she was awake. She is really changing and getting very alert and starting to get quite a little personality.

Saturday morning we went to a yard sale and then we went to the Farmers Market with Ryan, Jennifer and Audrey. It was good to do something different on a Saturday morning. Then we worked in the flower beds getting them ready for the fall and winter. I had to be very careful what I did but it did feel good to be able to do that much.

Today after church we went to see Aunt Louise and then back home for lunch and to do more in the flower beds, they are calling for a chance of rain on Monday and Tuesday. We visited with Dad and Corinne and took Audrey with us because Ryan and Jennifer were busy. She was really good and she was awake the whole time.

Next week I have to go back to MCV on Wednesday for a meeting. Hopefully I won’t have to go back again until November 4. I get to keep Audrey two days next week and then she will get her first live virus shot and I can not be around her for two weeks!

I pray that you all will have a wonderful week.

Thought for the week: We witness best by being who God created us to be. You may be the only Bible someone reads.

More later.

Love,

Gloria 

day 367 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone,

This has been a BIG and EXCITING week for me! I am one year old! Friday was exactly one year since I received my gift of life (bone marrow transplant). It is so hard to believe that a year has passed by. I am so anxious to meet my donor. Also it is our 38th wedding anniversary and Rodney’s 37th anniversary with Travelers Insurance Co. and it would have been my 20th anniversary with the school system! I told you that it was a BIG day for me. Last year when I was told that my donor picked 9/10 to be harvested and I would be getting my transplant on 9/11 I knew that it was going to be ok.

On Wednesday I got to babysit my new grand daughter, Audrey. We had a really good day. She slept a lot but when she was awake I took her for a stroller ride and she really enjoyed the outdoors.

Thursday I spent the day getting ready for a weekend in North Carolina. Since Scott and Beth were my caregivers while I was in Richmond the doctor gave me permission to go to spend the weekend with them (the first time for over a year). Ryan, Jennifer and Audrey took Rodney and me out for dinner to celebrate our 38th Anniversary and my 1st birthday!

Friday Rodney and I left for NC. We wanted to get there in time to see the kids get off the school bus. Scott fixed blackened chicken on the grill – it was really good. I got a big surprise after dinner – a surprise birthday party! Several couples from Scott and Beth’s small group came over. I got candy,flowers, balloons, two cakes and some really cute cards. I was over whelmed. It amazes me that they thought enough to come help me celebrate my big day.

Saturday I fixed the kids pancakes for breakfast while Scott and Beth ran some errands. They came home with a puppy!!!!! The kids were speechless and Libby said, “God has answered my prayers!” They named him Levi and he is so cute. Grady had a soccer game – he scored the first goal for the season. It was a good game. After the game we went to Scott’s favorite dinner, Blue Ribbon. We went to church in the evening and it was a big day for all of us.

Today we went to Pet Smart to get some supplies for the new puppy. After a delicious lunch we left for VA. It was hard to leave but necessary to get back. I have a big week ahead of me – Wednesday I go to MCV to get a bone marrow biopsy and pulmonary test. Please say a prayer for me that the procedures will be painless and the results will be good. I may get some of my shots if all the test results are back by then. The test that they did on my arm last week did absolutely nothing so I don’t know if that is good or not – guess i will find out this week.

I just want to thank everyone that has kept up with my blog during the year and most of all for all your support and prayers. It would have been a very difficult journey for me without you all. There have been so many blessings along the way.What an awesome God we serve.

Love,

Gloria

Food for thought:  Faith without action is like a submarine with a screen door!  Rodney saw this on a church sign on our way home from NC. Thought that it was very good.

day 360 after transplant

Hello to everyone,

This has been an exciting week. Last year this time I was at MCV going through chemo and waiting for my transplant. Friday will be my first birthday!!! I can hardy believe that a year has gone by. What a journey. God has been so good.

Tried to start every day with a walk in the neighborhood. It was cool and quiet. Beautiful time of year to be walking.

Wednesday was a really busy day. Rodney took me to MCV for my monthly checkup. Had blood work done first then I saw Dr. Chung. After he asked all kinds of questions he said that he was pleased with my progress. He ordered more blood work and another test (like the TB test) on my arm. The results will be back when I go back to MCV for my bone marrow biopsy on the 16th. These tests are to see when to start my childhood shots. Dr. Chung also mentioned that it is time to contact the National Bone Marrow Center about me finding out who my donor is – how exciting!

After my appointment at MCV I had to go to UVA to see my OBGYN Dr. Jazeri. He was glad to see me and he said that everything looked normal. It was a long day but a good one.

Thursday I sewed and called the last two girls to come up for a fitting. I hope to have all five dresses ready this week. Went to see Dad and Corinne – Curt, Christy and Olivia – Ryan, Jake and Audrey. Good to get together with all of them.

Friday was the day to clean and I had some tomatoes to do something with so I made some salsa. I was tired by bedtime.

Saturday Rodney and I got up early and hit it hard and then we had a good evening together.

Today we went to church and ate lunch with Aunt Louise. Went to Costco to order contacts – can’t wait to wear contacts again. We went to the concert in the park.

That just about takes care of my week. Hope that all of you have a fun and safe Labor Day. Last fling for the summer (my goodness where did the summer go?!). I can already see that the days are getting shorter and cooler.

Love,

Gloria

day 353 after transplant

 

HELLO TO EVERYONE,

Hope that you all had a good week – I did. This blog will be short tonight – I am tired and am going to bed.

Monday morning we got our sidewalks poured and they really look nice. Kept me busy all week keeping them watered down.

Wednesday I went to the eye doctor for a yearly checkup and he gave me a good report. Gave me a prescription for contacts but I have to get the ok from the doctors at MCV first.

Thursday Rodney took the day off to take me to AMC to a doctor appointment to get the results back from the bone density test. Not quit the news that I wanted but ok. The predinsone that I took for the graft vs host affected my bones but nothing to worry about. Wants to put me on a new med but again I have to get the ok from MCV. My blood work came back fine. Then I went on to UVA to see the breast cancer doctor and she was so glad to see me and said that she has wondered about me all year. She checked me and said that everything looked very well. That was an answered prayer – not that I thought anything was wrong but still nice to get a good report back from the doctor. I don’t have to go back to her for another year.

Saturday was a usual day for getting things done and today we went to church and then to see Rodney’s aunt and eat lunch with her. In the evening we had our Sunday School Class picnic (I took my own food). Had a really good evening. Jennifer asked me to babysit for a little while tomorrow afternoon. I have a lady coming to wash windows. It will be good to have clean windows again.

That takes care of my week. Hope that you have a good week until I write again. I go to MCV this Wednesday start some of my shots and then back to UVA for another doctor’s appointment. Say a prayer that I get good reports back from these appointments also. Lots of appointments to keep but I just take one at a time and then it is not quite so overwhelming.

Love, Gloria

day 344 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone,

Well, another week has gone by and I hope that your week was good.

Monday a crew came in and tore up our walks and prepared them for new ones. They were scheduled to pour the concrete on Thursday but called it off because of a good chance of rain (well guess what – it didn’t rain). A week later and everything still tore up—now they are scheduled to be here tomorrow morning at 6:15 am. Then I have a lady scheduled to come up and clean windows. It will be nice to have clean windows again.

Tuesday I went to AMC to have blood work and a bone density test done—I won’t know the results until I go to the doctor at AMC this Thursday and then on to UVA to see the breast cancer doctor (for a yearly check up). I also have an appointment with the eye doctor on Wednesday morning. It looks like this is the beginning of all kinds of doctor appointments.

Thursday I got to babysit our new granddaughter, Audrey while Jennifer went to the dentist. It was so good to be able to hold a little one again. She was so good.

Today was a full day – our Sunday School class was responsible for the 4th Sunday Coffee at church today. We stayed for the second service- got to hold Audrey! Then we got a bite to eat and went to a classic car cruise in – we got there in time to see them leave, so we sat in the car and watched them go by. We stopped at the nursing home to see Rodney’s aunt and then we came home. Dad and Corinne stopped by and we ordered pizza and just sat and talked.

That just about takes care of my week except that I have been working on the 5 bridesmaid dresses (I have 3 completely finished and one ready for the girl to try on and the fifth one cut out). I hope to have them all completed by the end of this week (between my doctor appts.)

Have a wonderful and fulfilled week.

“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16.

Love,

Gloria

Day 337 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone!

This has been a hot and dry week until this afternoon – we got a good shower and that cooled things down some. Saw on the news tonight that there are several hurricanes brewing around Florida so maybe we will get some rain from that.

This week has been pretty much uneventful but that is not all bad. I am working on the five bridesmaids dresses(two completely finished and one more almost done). I have two more to cut out – hope to be finished this week. I have a lot of trips to the doctors coming up and things might get a little hectic. I have some blood work and a bone density test at AMC on Tuesday and then I get to babysit Audrey on Thursday while Jennifer goes to the dentist. I am really looking forward to that.

I know that this is short but like I said not much happened this week.

Find out what God made you to do well and do more of it. Don’t worry about what you don’t do well. In fact, try to do as little as possible of what you don’t do well.
Then find out what others do well and help them to be able to do more of it.

Love ya,

Gloria

day 330 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone, another week has gone by!

The weather was very nice all week up until yesterday and then it started to get very warm. Today it got to 96 and tomorrow is suppose to be even warmer, maybe 100! Oh well I guess it is summer. Augusta County (county next to ours) is starting teacher workdays this week and the kids start next week – they are one week ahead of us. Look out everyone it is almost that time again(seems just like yesterday that the kids got out for the summer). Where has it all gone?

I spent a lot of the week sewing on the bridesmaids dresses. It felt good to get back to the machine again. On Wednesday Jennifer Pence(the teacher that I have worked with for 9 years) took me to MCV for my checkup. We had  a really good day. The doctor told me that I was boring – but that is a good thing. He told me to just keep it that way! Jennifer took me to the Candlewood Suites where I stayed while I was in Richmond and I saw Brian and Dana(front desks clerks) and their teeth just about dropped out of their mouths. All they saw when I was there was me in my hat and mask. Brian even asked us to stay for the cookout that evening but I told him that we had to get back. He said that he couldn’t wait to tell Wayne (the other desk clerk) and the maid that always asked about me. My room is being occupied by another bone marrow transplant person.

Thursday Laura (post coordinator at MCV) called to let me know that since I am almost one year out some of the procedures that need to be done in Aug. and Sept. I have to have another bone marrow biopsy, pulmonary test(my “favorite”), bone density scan, dentist, eye doctor, obgyn, breast cancer doctor and lots of blood work. Also I will be starting to get some of my baby shots when I go back on Sept.2. Sounds like a lot but I will take one test at a time.

Today we went to early service at B’water and then went to Mt. Horeb’s (church that I grew up in)Homecoming. It was good to see everyone again. I wanted to thank everyone for all the support for me during my journey. Last year this time I had just been told that a donor had been found and that things were going to happen quickly. It is hard to believe that a year has passed by – where has the time gone?

I want to take this opportunity to say a big THANKS to all of you for you support, cards, phone calls and prayers. This has been a journey but there has been so many blessings along the way.

Have a good week – stay cool!

Love,

Gloria

day 323 after transplant

 

Hello everyone, it’s Sunday night again!

My goodness how the week’s fly by. It is already August and before long the kids will be back in school. Things have been very quiet here this week with not grandkids around- boy I miss them.

Tuesday was my birthday and I had a wonderful day. I want to thank everyone who called or sent me a card. Dad and Corinne took Rod and me to Red Lobster for dinner. Like Ryan said, “It’s not too many people that have 2 birthdays!” I can’t believe that it will soon be a year since my transplant. Last year this time I was full of questions and wondering when and what was going to happen. God has been so good to Rodney and me.

The weather was so nice this week that I tried to get out and walk early in the morning. It was so refreshing.We did get some much needed rain today.

Yesterday we got 5 dozen ears of corn and put in the freezer. I have never seen such nice ears of corn. We weighed one that had been shucked and it weighed one pound! I know that we will enjoy it this winter.

Today after church we visited Rodney’s aunt at the nursing home and then we ran some errands. We went looking for a gas grill (ours died last week when we tried to grill when the kids were home). Instead we got a new burner and installed it this afternoon and now we have heat! I am anxious to do some grilling now.

I did develop a cough the first of the week and I called MCV on Tuesday before it got any worse. They said that they would talk to the doctor and call me back. I didn’t hear anything from them. I never had a temperature, just a cough. I thought that it was really strange that they didn’t call back. Then on Friday evening I was reprogramming my cell phone and there was a message from MCV(left on Tuesday)!!! The doctor wanted me to go to see my local family doctor and then he called in a z-pack for me. By then I was better(thank goodness). I go for my monthly checkup on Wednesday. I hope that they will say that everything is still on schedule.

Well that is about it for my week and I hope that you all have a wonderful and safe week.

Love,

Gloria

day 316 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone,

This has been an exciting week. Got to spend it with Grady and Libby and then on Friday with the new grandbaby – Audrey!

Rodney was off all week and we tried to do some fun things with the kids. Monday we took them to the Safari Park at Natural Bridge. We all had a lot of fun feeding the wild animals. The best  thing that Libby did was pet a kangaroo!

We took them to the park twice and had a picnic. Granddaddy pushed them on the tire swing. Wednesday we took them to the pool at Brad and Valerie’s and they got to play with the dogs and hold Lilly the ferret! Libby really wants a pet.

Friday at 1:23am Audrey was born and all is doing fine. She weighed 8 lbs.3oz and 21 inches long. She has a head full of dark hair. God has truly blessed Rodney and me with 3 beautiful and precious grandchildren to love. Looking forward to making lots of memories with all of them.

Today we all went to church and Scott, Beth and the kids went to see Ryan and Jennifer at the hospital while I got lunch. They left for home and boy is the house quiet! I sure miss them.

Now I have to get serious making 5 bridesmaid dresses for a Sept. wedding. Tomorrow I take Rodney’s aunt to the eye doctor.

Hope that all of you will have a good week.

Love,

Gloria

day 309 after transplant

 

Hello all,

I hope that all of you have had a good week, I know that I sure have. Libby and I have tried to do some crafts and just spend time together. We started making a needlepoint picture frame(consists of 12 squares and she has completed 4 and is working on the 5th square). Her attention span is not very long but I am letting her go at her own pace.

The Bridgewater Lawn Party started on Wednesday. This has to be the coolest(weather wise) lawn party ever – it is usually so hot that you can’t stand it. We took Libby down long enough to ride a couple of rides and get some cotton candy. There was a lot of people and a lot of dust so I wore my mask and stayed away from the biggest crowds.

Scott, Beth and Grady came in late on Thursday. Friday it rained in the morning and in the evening we went to see the Fireman’s parade. It was crowded that we didn’t even try to go to the Lawn Party. Saturday morning the “boys” went to the Antique Car display and the “girls” went shopping. We had Aunt Louise up for the afternoon. I think that she had a good time.

Today we slept in a little and went to the late church service. Scott and Beth left to go home. We took the kids out to eat Mexican and then we took them up on the Skyline Drive. We saw a bear and several deer. They were all excited.

STILL NO NEW GRANDAUGTHER !!!! We all thought that she would be here by now. We just pray that she will be here soon and that all will go well. Next week when I blog I should be able to tell you that Audrey has arrived. 

Well that was it for my week. Rodney is on vacation all this week and we hope to be able to take the kids somewhere fun. We would like to take them to PA to see the Sight and Sound play “In The Beginning” but are not sure that would be the best thing for me. I sure don’t want to have a set back.

Have a wonderful week and do something special for someone else and see how wonderful it makes you feel.

Love,

Gloria

day 302 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone,

Oh no, I forgot to blog last night!!! Am I bad !!! I realized it this morning at 3 a.m. while I got up to go to the bathroom.

This is going to be short because I am having too much fun with my grand daughter!!! We are learning to do some sewing! She was so funny last night when she talked to her dad and mom, she told them that she was getting spoiled – really spoiled!

I just wanted everyone that has been so faithful in following my blog to know that I am doing fine and had a very good week and am really looking forward to the next two weeks when I have my grandkids here with me. I am still waiting on the third one to arrive! I told Jennifer that Audrey is in control of when she wants to make her appearance. If she takes after her dad it will be very quick (the only thing Ryan has done fast in his life!!!).

Have a wonderful week (especially you Beth – all by yourself for a couple of days).

Love,

Gloria

day 295 after transplant

Good evening everyone,

I hope that all of you had a wonderful and safe 4th of July. We ended our holiday weekend with a rainy day today.

Tuesday I went to MCV for a regular clinic visit. My dear friend Connie Harper (she went to Mt. Horeb church when Rodney and I went there) took me. It was really good to spend the day with her and get caught up. I got blood work done and then I saw Dr. Toor and he said that everything looks good and right on schedule. He wanted me to get an ultrasound on my legs when I told him that my ankles have been swelling. He was concerned about blood clots. The tech said that everything looked good. Don’t know the reason for the swelling but it has been better since Tuesday. I don’t go back for clinic until August 5.

Wednesday and Thursday I stayed at home and cleaned the house. Wednesday evening I had Rodney’s aunt for dinner. I think that she had a good evening out (she is in a nursing home).

Friday Rodney worked most of the day and I met Jennifer Pence to celebrate her birthday. In the evening we went to Gypsy Hill to a gospel concert. It was a little scary to be out in a crowd but Rodney and I made sure that we didn’t sit where there was a lot of people. I only wore my mask when I felt uncomfortable.

Saturday we worked around the house and at night we went to Harrisonburg to see the fireworks. It was a beautiful night and a lot of people was there but we found a place that was not crowded.

Today was rainy and we went to church and then to visit Rodney’s aunt. We went to lunch and then to run some errands. Tonight Ryan and Jennifer came by to give Rodney his Father’s Day gift. Ryan had strep throat and could not be around me. This is an exciting time for them (Audrey is due this Friday). I know that Ryan is nervous but he keeps telling me that he has everything under control --- we’ll see!!!

Next Sunday we are going to meet Scott and Beth to pick up Libby to bring her home with us. Libby wants to do some “artsy-fartsy” things with Mamaw! This is the first time that I will have her by herself (Grady will be at camp). The following week Scott, Beth and Grady will be here for the big B’water lawn party. Then we will have both Grady and Libby for a week. I am really looking forward to that. God has blessed us with two beautiful and well behaved grandchildren and soon we will add another granddaughter to love.  

Have a wonderful week and remember to help  others that are less fortunate than you or are going through a difficult time. It will make you feel good. I know that it is always better to give than to receive. Try it and see if you come away being a better person for it.

Love,

Gloria

day 288 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone,

Well, another week has quickly gone by. It has been a dry week and the beans are blooming and hope to soon be able to have some to eat. Rodney did pick several cucumbers. I cleaned then really good and tried them—they were ok but not like I remember them. I did have a couple of strawberries and they tasted like I remember them – delicious! I also tried some green grapes but they didn’t taste that good. I will be glad when my taste buds come back to normal. It has been a long and slow process but I am so thankful for the blessings along the way.

Monday I went to AMC to see the thyroid doctor and she said that she was very pleased with the last blood work that I had done. I don’t have to go back to see her for three months. That was some good news.

Ryan went to the doctor Wednesday because he still had a sore throat. The doctor did a throat culture and Ryan found out the he had strep throat and the doctor told him to stay away from me.

Friday I made posters and name tags for VBS and that was a lot of fun. It made me feel good to be able to help out.

Saturday was a day for Rodney and me to get some things done around the house. Today we went to church and then we went to visit Rodney’s aunt. This afternoon we went to Scottsville (a little town south of Charlottesville) to ride the Hatton Ferry. This is a ferry that was started in 1870 and is powered by two men using poles to move the ferry across the James River. It can carry two vehicles and 12 people at one time and takes about 30 minutes round trip. We didn’t even know that this existed until we read an article in the Friday DNR (our local newspaper). The  Virginia Dept. of Highways has funded it for years but they have decided not to fund it anymore. Today was the last day for the ferry to operate unless they can find funding elsewhere. It was very interesting and glad that we got to ride it before it is no longer in operation. If you are interested in more details go to www.hattonferry.org 

That does it for my week. I go to MCV on Tuesday and hope that I will get a good report and won’t have to go back for another month. One of my friends that went to Mt. Horeb Church when we went there is going to take me and I am looking forward to spending the day with her.

I pray that all of you have a pleasant and safe 4th of July.

Love,

Gloria

DAY 281 AFTER TRANSPLANT

 

Hello to everyone,

Hope all you fathers had a wonderful Father’s Day!

This week has been pretty uneventful but that is good.I am feeling good and I know that I am doing more than I should but I try to be very careful. It is really hard not to do things when I feel so well. I am trying really hard to walk everyday but I still have to be careful when to go (not when someone is mowing or if the wind is blowing or the sun is really bright).

Thursday I went with Rodney to Princeton, WV, he had a car to look at. It was a long day but enjoyable. I sat in the car and read a book while he did his estimate. It was a long way there and back but what beautiful country.

Today after church and Sunday School I took Rodney to a local Mexican restaurant and then we drove on the Skyline Drive. We saw several deer (one buck and two fawns still with the spots and several doe). We took our time and stopped at the overlooks to see the mountain ranges. Tonight we took Rodney’s mother out for ice cream ( I took a container of strawberries).

Tomorrow I go to AMC to see the thyroid doctor and I don’t go to MCV until June 30th.

That pretty well takes care of my week. Here is something that someone sent me this week that I would like to share with you. Some food for thought.

Sometimes we wonder,'What did I do to deserve this?' or 'Why did God have to do this to me?'Here is a wonderful explanation!

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.'

'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers. 'Yuck' says her daughter. 'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!' 'Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?' 'Mom, those are all yucky!'

To which the mother replies:                              

'Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! '

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

Love, Gloria

day 274 after transplant

 

Hello, everyone!

This has been a week of thunderstorms and even hail. This week is suppose to be a repeat of the past week. The garden, flowers and the grass is growing really fast. It is hard to get the yard mowed between the showers.

Monday was a lazy day for me. I was really tired after a very busy weekend (Scott and family was here and went to 2 baby showers). It was busy but a good time.

Tuesday I went with Rodney to AMC—he had a doctor’s appointment and I needed to get blood work done for a doctor’s appointment next week. As the saying goes, “we killed two birds with one stone”!!

Wednesday I was invited to the SPED meeting at school. They had lots of good looking food (which I couldn’t have) and as a gift I received a beautiful bowl by Phil Unger, a local potter. He names his pieces  by what he is feeling at the time he is making it, mine is called “thinking positive”. It was so good to be able to spend some time with the people that I have worked with for 12 years.

Thursday I went to school for the last faculty meeting for the year. They “roasted/toasted” the retirees. I got a beautiful clock and a picture frame and a Cracker Barrel rocking chair. The only way that the doctor would allow me to go was if Rodney(my bouncer) would go with me to keep people from hugging me. It was a very nice afternoon. I appreciated all the nice comments that several of the staff said about me (hope that I will be able to live up to all they said). A sad but good time – I told them that I will be back!!

Saturday was graduation day for our local high schools. We were invited to our next door neighbors party. Rodney worked until 3pm (a lot of hail claims, so he was very busy) and we went to the party for a little while.

Today we went to church and Sunday School and then we surprised Aunt Louise and ate lunch with her at the retirement home. The food was ok but I gave most of mine to Rodney. I think that she was really glad that we had lunch with her. I think that it made her day. She was a little upset because of lady on her floor suddenly passed away and another gentleman fell and broke his hip. She was having a difficult time handling that. The gentleman was really cool, he was always singing and he would go up to all the ladies and ask if he could sing to them—he would sing “You Are My Sunshine or Let Me Call You Sweetheart”. He could really sing too.Let’s say a prayer for his healing and that he will be able to be back to singing to his “ladies” again soon. Rodney mowed the yard this afternoon (they are calling for showers every afternoon this week). He doesn’t like to mow on Sunday but he was afraid that the yard would get a head of him. After he showered we went for a drive, no place in particular, just needed to get out.

That takes care of my week. Hope that all of you have a wonderful and exciting week.

Love,

Gloria

day 267 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone!

I had an awesome week. I hope that you did too.

Monday I did some cleaning and sewing. I had a bride and groom come up to inquire about me making five bridesmaids dresses for their Sept. 20 beach wedding. I got the job! I am so excited.

Tuesday Jennifer Pence (teacher that I worked with) came up for a Mexican meal. She brought me a large basket full of clothes that she can’t wear. How exciting to get some new clothes.

Wednesday was sunny and warm – afternoon thunderstorms. Some near by places had hail and the next county north of us had a tornado touch down and did quite a bit of damage. I made thank you cards for Jennifer (for her shower on Saturday).

Thursday was still rainy and warm. Three of the bridesmaids came up to get measured. They are really sweet girls, I know that I will enjoy working with them. After Rodney got home we went to eat dinner with his mother and then we went to get groceries.

Friday it is still raining. It rained most of the day. I cleaned and baked a cake and made pimento cheese getting ready for the kids to come home.They got here at 9:45 pm—just in time for them to go to bed.

Saturday we got up early and put our things out for a yard sale (Bridgewater’s annual yard sale). The day was beautiful and the neighborhood was crazy with all the people coming for the yard sale. We sold all the big items that we wanted to get rid of. We went to Jennifer’s sisters house for a baby shower for Jennifer. It was set up outside and it was really nice. Jennifer got a lot of really cute things for the baby. After the shower we got dinner ready and had Aunt Louise up for dinner. We didn’t get her back to the home until 9:45(that was really past her bedtime, but I think she enjoyed every minute of it). She got to go down to Ryan and Jennifer’s to see the nursery.

Today we went to early church and then back home for the kids to pack and for me to get lunch ready. We had Rodney’s mother for lunch and then we left for Dad and Corinne’s for another baby shower(for Ryan and Jennifer and for Curt and Christy). Olivia was so cute and she slept the whole time. Scott, Beth and kids left for NC and got back safely. We went straight to the hospital to see my good friend Jane (she fell and broke her shoulder and wrist). We got to the hospital to be told that she was just discharged! We went to her house and had a good visit. She is still in a lot of pain. I would appreciate it if all of you would say a prayer for her. She has been through a lot of medical things these last nine months.

I am really tired and plan to go to bed ASAP and hope to sleep in for a little while tomorrow. I pray that I did not over do this weekend. I really feel good and it is hard not to do all the things that I use to do. I have to remember that I still need to be careful so I don’t get a set back.

Well that is my week.Hope that you all have a wonderful week and I will write next Sunday. Make someone’s day by doing something special for someone who is having a rough day.It doesn’t have to be anything big, just a smile or phone call or send a card or lend a listening ear or shoulder to cry on. You will find that it is far better to give than to receive.

Love,

Gloria 

day 260 after transplant

 

Hello everyone!

Hope that all of you had a wonderful week. The weather has been warm and rainy this week. We had about two inches of rain. Rodney got all the planting done just in time and now they can grow. The grass is very green and it keeps Rodney busy mowing.

Memorial Day was good -- Rodney's brother, Richard and wife Sue, his mother and aunt, my Dad and Corinne, and Ryan and Jennifer came up for a cookout. I knew that I couldn't go to someone else's house so I had them here. It was a good time.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I stayed home and got some things done and read -- nothing exciting.

Friday I went to MCV for a checkup. My sister-in-law Valerie took me. We had a good day. I got some very good news. I saw Dr. Chung, he said that he was very pleased with my progress. He said that I could have fresh vegetables and fruit, if they were washed thoroughly and done at home not in a restaurant. But the best news he gave me was that I could go to church! I had to wear my mask, take hand sanitizer and stay away from people. I was so excited. Valerie and I went up to the 10th floor (where I was in the hospital for a month) and we several of the nurses that took care of me. It sure was good to see them again. They were so excited to see me and they said that they liked to see patients that are doing so well. 

Saturday was beautiful and Rodney mowed and I got some house work done. In the late afternoon we went on a Road Rally in memory of J.J. Smith (a friend of Rodney's who died in a freak accident a year ago). We had never been on a road rally before but it was a lot of fun. We were given an envelope with clues in it that we had to figure out which way to go. When we got to a check point we got another envelope with clues to figure out until we got back to where we started. It took a little over an hour to complete. After everyone completed the rally we were treated with a big cookout (I went home since I couldn't eat the food and there was a large crowd there). Rodney stayed and I know that he had a good time being around a lot of guys that he hadn't seen for a long time. Denny and Pam thanks for all your hard work in making the rally very enjoyable.

Today was a BIG day for me -- after 9 months I got to go to church! It was so good to be there and to see my church family. Rodney did a wonderful job keeping people at a safe distance. After church we went to visit Rodney's aunt and then we came home to eat lunch. We fixed a salad (I was so afraid that it wouldn't taste good anymore). It was so good! This evening I ate an apple and it was ok. I have to go slow to see if my body can tolerate this kind of "new" food. I really feel good but I have remember that I still need to be careful so I don't get an infection.

As I have said before that God puts people in places for a certain reason. Today we went to Wal-Mart and as I was going down an aisle, a lady said to me, "Where did you get your mask? I would like to get some to wear while I mow." I told her the reason for my wearing the mask and she got a surprised look on her face and said that her husband was going to have to have bone marrow transplant in the near future. She wanted to know where I had mine and I told her that I would recommend MCV to anyone. She thanked us for all the information. I pray that I was of help to her.

That about takes care of my week. I pray that each of you will have a good week. I have something to look forward to this week-- Scott, Beth, Grady and Libby are coming up for the weekend. We have two baby showers to go to for Jennifer and Ryan. It won't be long now till the baby is here-- 6 weeks!

Blessings to all,

Love, Gloria 

day 253 after transplant

 

Greetings to all and hope that you have a wonderful Memorial Day tomorrow.

This has been a pretty uneventful week but I am very thankful for everyday that God has given me.

Monday was my first day that I didn't have to take my immune suppressant meds. Dr. McCarty said that I will have to be very careful for the next month or so to see how I do not off of my meds. He said that I have a little G vs H but he said that was good because that means that my donor is working. 

I rode with Rodney to Swoope (in Augusta County - way out in the country). It was a nice ride and the scenery was beautiful.

On Tuesday Ryan came up for dinner and he helped me with baby shower invitations for Jennifer. I had the wording done but he helped me to "kick it up a notch"!

Wednesday and Thursday I worked most of the day getting the invitations done. I enjoyed getting into card making again. Next week I hope to do some sewing-- cushions and curtains and pillows. I like it when I have something to do. It helps to pass the time.

Friday Wilda Long (friend from church) came to visit. It was good to see her again.

Rodney has really been working hard outside in the yard and garden. The beans that he planted a couple of weeks ago are starting to come up. He planted tomatoes, peppers(sweet and hot) and cucumbers. He also planted some flowers and everything looks so pretty. Our peonies, iris,sweet williams and roses are in full bloom. I wish that I could have a vase of the flowers in the house.

Today Dennis and Shirley Hohenstein came to visit. Ryan and Jennifer got back from the lake and they came up and planted the flowers that they gave me for Mother's Day. They really look nice.

Well, that takes care of my week. I go to MCV this Friday -- I am looking for a volunteer to take me, if you are interested just give me a call.

Enjoy your Memorial Day tomorrow. Hope that you are planning something special. Be safe.

Love,

Gloria

day 246 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone,

Here we go again with crazy weather. We have had rain with thunderstorms and yesterday it was 82 degrees and tonight they are calling for frost! If you have any delicate flowers or plants out I hope that you have them covered. Rodney put out our flowers from the basement yesterday and tonight he had to cover them up or bring them in.

Tuesday I went to MCV for a checkup. I got to see Dr. McCarty and he was pleased with all of my blood work. The results from my MRI and CT scans were good-- nothing has changed. That was an answered prayer. He said that May 18th I am to stop my immune suppressant meds and that is tomorrow! I was hoping that I could go to church and have a little more freedom but now I have to be very careful for the next month because I don't want to get sick or get G vs H disease. He did say that I do have a little G vs H in my mouth but not anything that he is concerned with. He said that this shows that my donor is doing her job. I just have to watch that it doesn't get any worse. I don't go back to MCV until May 29th.

Thursday afternoon I went with Rodney to Lexington. It was a cloudy day but it was good to get out. Dad and Corrine came up for soup and we played cards.

Friday morning I got to go with Ryan and Jennifer to see our granddaughter! Jennifer had a sonogram. We could definitely see HER. She was not bashful at all. I saw her smile but she was asleep and would not wake up, even when the technician poked at her. It was amazing and to think that in 8 weeks she will be here (don't mean to scare you Ryan).  After I got home Rodney called and asked if I wanted to go with him again and I said sure, so on the road again! When we got back home Rodney mowed because they were calling for rain Friday night and boy did we get rain. We had a pretty bad storm.

Saturday was work day but we did stop early and rented a movie. We have not done that in a long time.

This morning for a church service we listened to one of Bob Disher's sermons on the computer. Then we went to see Rodney's aunt. Then we went to town and stopped by to see Rodney's mother but she was not at home. I talked to Beth today and she sounds a lot better and she said that she is feeling better. Another answered prayer. Scott said that she still tires quickly.

Well that does it for my week. Hope that everyone has a good week (it is Memorial Day weekend). If you are traveling please be extra careful(watch your speed. We saw 5 police in a 3 mile stretch, 4 of them had someone pulled over!). If it is sunny be sure to wear your sun screen.

God Bless all of you,

Gloria

day 239 after transplant

Happy Mother's Day to all !! I pray that you had a good one. I know that I did. I got cards, calls and two good meals. It was so nice to be remembered by so many.

This has not been a very exciting week for me but I had a very good week. I am feeling fine and ready to do more things than I should do.

It has been a very rainy and cloudy week. Monday I rode with Rodney to Lexington. It was just good to get out for a while. Then Ryan and Jennifer came up to show us their pictures that they took while in California. Sounds like they had a good time, I am so glad that they got back home safely.

Tuesday my Dad had a cataract removed and he seems to be getting along fine, he goes back to the doctor tomorrow (Monday) to see if the doctor thinks it was a success. He says that he can see a lot better out of his eye and now he wants to see about getting the other one done. He is 84 years old and he is just like a timex watch-- takes a licking and keeps on ticking! I think that his daughter is just like him, what do you think?

On Wednesday I became an aunt, my step-brother and his wife had a little girl, I am so happy for them, they had waited so long for this big event and they are so deserving. I rode with Rodney to the Wintergreen area and the weather and the flowers were beautiful.

On Friday I did a little sewing and I started to crochet a doily. I finished reading my third book for the women's group at church. Friday night Scott called and said that he was in the ER again and this time it was Beth-- she has the shingles!!!! They talked about admitting her but then decided to give her oral antibiotics and sent her home. Scott said that he has never seen her in so much pain. She was being treated for a sinus infection and when she broke out in a rash she just thought that it was a reaction from the meds. Friday she was in bed most of the day and she started to get blisters on her forehead in a straight line down to the tip of her nose. They are concerned about her eye so she had to go see an eye doctor on Saturday and then again Sunday and she will go again tomorrow. The doctor asked her what kind of stressful job she had and he was really surprised when she told him that she was a "stay at home mom". She said that her head ache started last Sunday when Libby broke her ankle, so they don't if that triggered it or not. I feel so sorry for her because she is in so much pain. I know that I will not be able to be around her for a while. I don't know how long she will be contagious. I surely do not want to get the small pox or the shingles. Libby said that her cast hurt her and she had to go have another cast put on.

Saturday was a day of work -- Rodney outside and me inside. The flower beds look so nice now and it is very hard for me to just look out the window at them.

That about takes care of my week -- Tuesday I go to MCV for a check up. Pam Cox is taking me and I am looking forward to spending the day with her. I want to ask the doctor a lot of questions about the shingles and about when I can go to church and out to eat. I probably know the answers now but it won't hurt to ask. I stop taking my immune suppressant meds on the 18th and I don't know what will be the next step, maybe some on my childhood shots!!!!

I'll write next week and I pray that everyone will have a wonderful week. Please pray for Beth that she will soon be out of pain. Remember never to take things for granted but remember who gives you all of these blessings. What an awesome God we serve.

Love,

Gloria

add on to day 232 after transplant

 

I am getting forgetful in my old age.

I wanted to add that Scott called this evening and said that Libby was at a birthday party this afternoon and that she was on a trampoline and she got pushed and she fell and broke her ankle! She will be going to the doctor tomorrow. I talked to her and she is "princess of the house", she is laying on the couch eating ice cream and watching TV ! She said that it didn't hurt too bad. Scott and Beth are getting adjusted to kids growing up. I am just thankful that it wasn't worse.

Love,

Gloria

day 232 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone,

I am doing fine - I do not go back to MCV until May 12 for a routine clinic visit. It is good not to have to go back so often. I am almost off my immune suppressant medicine (May 18 is the last day). My appetite is still not back to normal -- the smell of coffee still makes almost sick. I am not losing weight, just maintaining, which the doctor said is very good.

Hope that all of you had a wonderful week, even though most of it was cloudy and rainy. We really needed the rain and we can see how green everything is and the flowers are really starting to take off.

First thing that I wanted to let you know (I forgot to tell you last week) Ryan told me last week that an intern (she goes to Bridgewater College) that works with Ryan walked at the Bridgewater Relay for Life and the people that Ryan works with sponsored her. She did this in honor of me and another lady that is fighting a brain tumor. Also Rodney's Air Force buddy, who is more like a brother, honored me with a gift to the American Cancer Society. I was very humbled and I appreciated this very much. God is so awesome- he puts angels everywhere. This time of year there are many areas that have Relays for Life and if you get a chance to go it is very humbling and worth going to. Our local Relay for Life is this Friday and it depends on the weather but Rodney and I would like to go and at least walk the survivor's lap and maybe the survivor and caregiver lap. I always see many friends there and it is a real eye opener to see how many people have had to deal with cancer.

Monday Rodney got home at a decent time and he planted green beans and started to put up the fence to keep the rabbits out ( the rabbits have eaten our bean plants for the last several years), so we are hoping the the fence will keep them out. He finished the fence on Tuesday. Sue Gilkeson (our neighbor) was walking by and I guess she must have seen that Rodney needed help. She helped him Monday and she even came back Tuesday also-- thanks Sue!

Tuesday Jane Lowery (one of my dear friends) came up to visit with me -- this is the first time that we have seen each other since August. She had a heart by-pass while I was in Richmond and after I got home she had the flu and other sicknesses so we could not be together. It was so good to see her and get caught up on what has happened in our lives.

Friday evening we went to the greenhouse to get our vegetable plants (tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers and cucumbers). Rodney is not planting them now but we wanted to get them before all the plants are gone. It has rained all weekend and they are calling for rain all week. It will be a while before it will be dry enough to get in the garden.  I guess this will be a good week to get some reading done.

Ryan and Jennifer left last Friday for California for little vacation before the baby comes and they got back today. I can't wait to see them and hear how their trip went. I talked to them on Saturday when they got to LA and told them to be aware of the Swine Flu. Ryan said called on Wednesday and said that they were both fine but he couldn't stop "oinking" and when he called Friday he said that he stopped "oinking" but he still had his curly tail!

I guess that takes care of my week. This is a big week coming up --Mothers Day! Happy Mother's Day all. Remember your mother in some way - you wouldn't be here if it wouldn't be for her!  May your day be everything that you want it to be.

Write more next week.

Love to all,

Gloria

day 226 after transplant

 

Greetings to all,

This has been a week with lots of crazy weather. It started out cool, was wondering if it would ever get warm. On Wednesday we had just about every type of weather that you could have: cool, a mix of sleet and freezing rain, thunderstorm with some hail and then by Friday it was 90 degrees! It seems that it has gone straight from winter to summer and no spring in between.

One thing that I forgot to blog about last week. I love fruit, all kinds of fruit. I got a cantaloupe and let it ripen on the counter all week. Last Sunday I told Rodney that I couldn't wait any longer and I thought that it was time to clean and cut it. He did and I asked him to try it first to see if he thought that it was good (my taste buds have been so off). He did and he said that it was a very good cantaloupe. I was so excited and I couldn't wait to try it but when I tried it I had to spit out! I was so disappointed. I am wondering if I will like watermelon and even more home grown tomatoes.

This has been a week for people to visit. Monday evening Denny and Pam Cox and Ryan and Jennifer came up -- nice visit.  Tuesday evening Dad and Corinne came up and it was good to see them. Thursday afternoon Shirley Hohenstein came up and then in the evening Jennifer Pence came to see me. It was really nice to visit with everyone. Several people called during the week just to check in on me. It was nice to be remembered.

Wednesday Rodney and I went to Richmond-- he had a meeting so I dropped him off and then went to the clinic. I was scheduled to have a pulmonary test at 11:30 and then to the clinic for my by-weekly checkup. The pulmonary test was better this time than the first time (I had the 1st one done before the transplant so they would have a base line to work with). This technician was really good and I didn't hardly even feel the needle stick. When I got to the clinic I saw Richard, one of the nurse pract. He looked at the results of the pulmonary test and he said that everything was very good -- he said that I breathed better than he did! He said that all of my blood work looked really good. We talked about when I would be starting to get my childhood shots and he said that it would be soon, depending on how my graft vs host disease does when they take me off of my meds. With an out break of measles and swine flu it can't be too soon. I am not scheduled to go back to Richmond until May 12.

Saturday was in the 90's and it was probably the worst day for me since I came home from Richmond. It was so hard for me to stay here in the house when Rodney was outside doing the yard work. Rodney does the mowing and I always plant the flowers and the vegetables. Rodney does not enjoy working in the dirt like I do. I wanted to be out in the flower beds so bad. Rodney did let me sit in the garage and supervise him planting flowers in pots for the deck. I know that I have to listen to the doctors so I won't get a set back or end up in the hospital. Now the garden is plowed and Rodney is going to plant some beans, tomatoes, cucumbers and hot peppers. Ryan and Jennifer will probably fill the rest of the garden up with pumpkins and gourds.

Today we took Rodney's aunt and mother out for a ride just because it was so pretty today. I think that they both enjoyed getting the chance to get out.

Well, I think that pretty well covers my week.

You all take care and have a wonderful week and I will write again next Sunday. I am hoping that soon I will be given the ok to go to church but not for now.

Love,

Gloria

day 213 after transplant

 

Greetings to all,

Hope all of you had a wonderful week. The weather was a little warmer especially Saturday. I bet it made everyone get spring fever. I know that I would have liked to have been able to be out working in my flower beds and starting to get the garden ready.

Monday I had to go to UVA for a CT scan and an MRI. I was not looking forward to getting stuck in the arm. I told them on the phone when they called to give my instructions that I could not be in the waiting room with all the other people and they were very accommodating. They took me right back and the nurse came to me to put in the IV. She took one look at my arm and said that she could see three good veins. I said, "Good, you only need one so please get it the first time." She did! It took only about 15 minutes for the CT scan but I was in the MRI machine for almost 2 hours! The guy was good at giving instructions during the procedure but he did not have a very good bedside manner. He wouldn't let me take my black bag (that goes EVERYWHERE with me) in the MRI room. He told me I had to put it in a locker that was the only battle that he won! After the MRI he wanted to take out the IV and I told him that I was going to see a doctor and I was sure that he would want to get some blood work. He told me that he would get in trouble if he left it in. I told him that I didn't want him to get in trouble but he was not taking the IV out that every other time they had left it in. He said that he had to go see his supervisor -- he told me not to go anywhere (like where was I going ? ) He came back and said, follow me. I did and he took me to the girl that had put the IV in and she said that was fine, that they do that all the time. When I got to the doctors office, sure enough I had to have blood work. I didn't see the doctor until after 5:30 and I didn't get home until 7pm.  The doctor said that he would call me on Tuesday to let me know the final results (on his preliminary look he said that he didn't see anything suspicious). I questioned him about one of the meds that I was on in the hospital that one of the affects is that it could dissolve gall stones. When he looked at my MRI he said that he only saw 1 stone -- the last MRI I had 4 or 5. I hope that the final results will show the same. The doctor has yet to call but I hope that no news is good news.

Rodney left for Richmond on Monday for a computer programming class and he didn't get home until 8 Wednesday night. I put a light house puzzle together. In the beginning it was like the cardinal puzzle, I was beginning to wonder if I would still like light houses by the time I got it together! But I do.

Friday night I listened to the TA ball game on the radio since I could not be there in person. I wore my TA hat and TA won 7 -2.

Saturday was a beautiful day-- in the 70's. We went to Riverside Plants to get our hanging baskets for the front porch ( I sat in the car while Rodney picked them out). Put them in the trunk because I can't get close to live plants. They are beautiful as I look at them from the picture window. Rodney did a lot of yard work (which we always do together) and the flower beds look so nice now. We also had to do the inside house work. It was a busy day and we were really tired when we went to bed.

Well that was my week. I go to MCV on Wednesday. Rodney has a meeting in Richmond so he is going to take me and drop me off. I have to have another pulmonary test and I am not looking forward to that- another stick in the arm, only this time they are looking for an artery and they really stick! As you can tell, I don't like needles.

I pray that all of you will have a wonderful and safe week. Make a special effort to make someone's day special. Give them a smile or give a compliment. Remember you may be the only Bible someone has ever seen.

Love to all,

Gloria

day 212 after transplant

 

Hello, to everyone!

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL. Hope that you had a good week and that you are looking forward to going back to work or school this week. I know that I am ready for some warm weather -- it was sunny today but the air was cool, it was 27 degrees when we got up at 7 this morning.

I had a very good week. It started out a little slow but it ended very good. Just ordinary things on Monday and Tuesday I was here all day and evening by myself-- Rodney had a class Tuesday evening. I still have a runny nose and Rodney is congested on his chest, we still think that it is allergies. Hope to be able to hold out until Thursday when I have to go to clinic.

Wednesday was very cool and I just stayed in and cleaned out my cardstock closet. Got things ready to go to MCV tomorrow.

Thursday left for MCV at 8:15-- Barbara Hite neighbor up the street took me. We had a good day. I got blood work done and then got to see Dr. McCarty. He was very pleased with the results of my biopsy and blood work. Praise the Lord. He said that he knew I was tired of just staying in the house and that I was probably wanting to get out and do more but he said that now is the time I need to be patient. He is slowly taking me off of my prednisone and tac and that if I did something to bring on G vs H again I would have to go back on the meds again and next time it would take longer to get off of them. One thing about the G vs H it can come back different ways (not just a rash on your back or chest) but it could attack any organ. He wants me to have a pulmonary test the next time I go to the clinic. There will be some new tests that I will have to have now that I am 6 months out. Fun, fun!

Friday I did some sewing for Jennifer-- she had some curtains that she asked me to make. Boy, it sure felt good to get behind the machine again. Rodney even said that he was glad to see me at the machine again. Ryan spent the evening with us, Jennifer had a baby shower for one of her friends and Ryan said that he didn't want to be there with all the "hens"! We enjoyed his company.

Saturday morning Scott, Beth, Grady and Libby came up for the night. It was good to see them. We celebrated Easter on Saturday evening. We watched the movie "Bolt" with the kids-- it was a cute movie.

Today we went to see Rodney's aunt and then Scott left and we felt a little down because things were so quiet. We really had a good time with the kids. Libby loves bugs and she got a bug park for Easter! She was outside all morning looking for bugs to put in her bug park. Grady rode the big wheel down the hill.

Well that was my week. I really wanted to go to church this morning but the doctor said no not yet.

I pray that you all had a good week and that you spent it at church today. The reason for Easter is not the visit from the bunny but that God gave up His only Son for us. To save us from our sins. Now have a wonderful week and I will check in next week.

Love to all,

Gloria

day 205 after transplant

 

Hello to everyone,

Wow, can't believe that it is so late and I am just now blogging. This has been a week of rain, wind and sun. The grass is green and the trees and flowers are in full bloom -- spring is here !  Just in time for Easter.

Not a real exciting week but sometimes that is good. Monday nothing out of the ordinary happened but when I went to bed I noticed that my throat felt a little scratchy but didn't think much about it.

Tuesday morning I woke up to a sore throat but no other symptoms. After showering and eating breakfast and drinking a cup of hot tea it went away but I felt like I should let the clinic know. They have told me how fast something small could turn into something big. I called and they wanted me come down but when I told them that I could not get there before 4 pm they said that since I didn't have a temperature to wait until in the morning and call to let them know how I felt. Not to take anything that would hid a fever, like Tylenol, etc.

Wednesday I felt fine but my nose started running.I called the clinic and told them how I felt and they said to just keep an eye on it. They didn't want me to drive all the way down there just to get a nasal wash and throat culture. I sure appreciated that.

Thursday was a day to get some paper work done and to straighten the house. I felt fine, still a runny nose.

Friday I called the clinic again and they told me to take some Benedryl and that cleared it up right away. I slept like a baby! They seen to think that it may some allergy (since all the trees and flowers are out). I went with Rodney this morning to look at a car and it was way out in the country and it was beautiful. Tall green hills with the flowers and trees in bloom and a river flowing. I ended being out all day with him -- he kept getting another car to look at. We had a good day together. At least when I am with him he can keep me from doing things that I shouldn't be doing!

Saturday was the day for cleaning the house and doing laundry. Rodney mowed the yard for the first time this year.  A lot of outside work to do and it is driving me crazy that I can't get out there and work in the flower beds. I am not suppose to be outside when someone close by is mowing.

Today was Palm Sunday and I was so in hope that I would be able to go to church but since there is still a lot of "bugs" going around I thought it would better if I didn't go. I hope that everyone else got to go and that you will be in church next Sunday to celebrate Easter. What an exciting time of year.

I have to go to the clinic for a scheduled appointment on Thursday -- it will be over two weeks since I have been there. That is the longest I have gone between visits. I know that I have some tests to go through since I am coming up on 6 months after transplant. I hope that Thursday I will get the final results back from my biopsy.

Well that is my week and I pray that you all have a good week. If you are traveling I pray for you safety and remember the real reason for Easter. God sent His only Son who He loved very much to save us from our sins. That is how much He loves us. Please give him some of your time to do something for someone else this week -- everyday for that matter.

Take care. I miss all of you so much.

Love,

Gloria

day 198 after transplant

 

Greetings to all,

This has been a busy week.

I guess the big event was on Tuesday when Rodney took me to MCV for blood work and more important for my bone marrow biopsy.

I had asked for prayers for me at 11:00 (when my biopsy was scheduled) and I could feel all of the prayers. Dr. Ben-Ezra did my biopsy and he was wonderful. He told me step by step how and what he was going to do. It was very painless ! I think that Rodney was very impressed with him. This was the first time that Rodney had been to MCV to see me get this procedure done, he has been with me at UVA to see this procedure. I will not know the results until the next time I go to MCV. We got home at 3:30 and that was a good day. George and Harriet Wilson came up for a visit and it was good to see them. George is a teacher that I worked with and his wife is going through a battle with cancer. We have tried to keep up with each other and give one another support.

I now have to go to MCV every other week and do not have to go to AMC unless I feel it is necessary. The next time I go to MCV is not until April 9th.  

On Wednesday I had an appointment with the endocrinologist about my thyroid level. She said that the last blood work was better than the one before so she said just to keep doing what I have been doing. I don't have to go back for 6 weeks to see her again.

On Thursday afternoon Rodney called and said that he was going to Lexington and wanted to know if I wanted to ride along. Sure thing! I packed our lunches and off we went. We went way back in the country and it was beautiful. Everything was so green and we saw a really neat old mill. It was a good day to ride with him.

On Saturday we took off and went to NC for the day to see the kids and it was a good trip. We left at 6 am and got down there at 9:30. We have a good visit and lunch together. We left NC at 3:30 and got home at 7:30. We drove home in the rain but it was still a nice day. I knew that I could not stay over night yet so it was really good just to be able to spend a couple hours with them. We took Rodney's mother with us, she had never seen their new house and I think that she had a good day.

Today we spent the day doing our Saturday chores -- laundry, etc.

Well that is my week -- hope that you all had a good week and that you will have a good week this coming week. Make it point to give someone a smile to make their day. You never know that might be the only smile they get all day. Go that extra mile. Next Sunday is Palm Sunday and I would really like to be able to go to church but I don't want to do anything that I shouldn't do.

Until next week,

Love,

Gloria

day 191 after transplant

 

This has been an interesting week. I feel good with a lot of energy. I still do everything fast!

Monday morning Rodney left early for work and he worked his way to Richmond to spend the night. He had an early Tuesday morning meeting. This is the first time that I have been by myself all night since I started my journey. I felt a little nervous but I got a long fine. I had an appointment at AMC to see the doctor and get blood work. The doctor is very pleased the way things are going. Ryan and Jennifer had me down for dinner and it was good to be spoiled by my kids. The meal was delicious. Rodney needed some typing done so I stayed up until 12:30am and worked on that.

On Tuesday spent the day going through some things cleaning out and throwing away. Rodney got home safely and the weather was nice so we walked the neighborhood. It was so nice to get out and walk. Mary Glover called to get an update so see how I am doing so she  could tell the UMW (church womens' group) tonight at their meeting. She is such a special lady.

On Wednesday I did more cleaning out and Sharon Buckner stopped by. She is one of my faithful framing customers. I have a list of faithful customers that are patiently waiting until I can get back down to the shop - that will be so good.

Thursday I had to go to the dentist for my cleaning. I had to get permission from Dr. McCarty first and I had to take some very strong antibiotics on Wed, Thurs and Friday. I called the dentist office to let them know that I could not be in the waiting room so they took me through the service entrance. The hygienist wanted to do a probe to check my gums and I told her that no "we weren't going to do that" . "We" were going to do as little probing as possible so as not to stir up a lot of bacteria. Just clean my teeth and see if I have any cavities. She couldn't believe that I can't floss because that stirs up bacteria. She just didn't understand how careful I have to be because my immune system is low. She did clean my teeth very gently and didn't make my gums bleed and I don't have any cavities. Got to walk again this evening when Rodney came home.

Friday Doris Graham stopped by for a visit and brought me some books to read for the UMW reading program. One is about the Amish and the killing at the school -- I can't wait to read that. We had a nice visit. Took Rodney's mother to Wal-Mart.

Saturday is our cleaning day and I got my Easter decorations out and cleaned up down stairs. Gregg and Barbara Kiracofe (friends from church) came up in the evening so Rodney could show Gregg how to use his new GPS. We had a good visit. Evelyn Bland (friend from church) called and said that she was sorry that she hadn't call sooner but that she has been praying for me everyday.

Today was a day that Rodney and I could just spend together. It was a beautiful day and we rode around just to see the blooming flowers and how things are coming alive.

Tuesday I go to MCV and the day that I have my next bone barrow biopsy.  I am not really looking forward to that but it will be ok. Rodney is taking the day off and taking me down. If you will remember to say a a prayer for me about 11am on Tuesday that would be very appreciated. I truly believe that there is power in prayer.

Well that was my week. I hope that you all had a good week and that you will have a good week this week.

Write to you next week,

Love,

Gloria   

day 184 addition

The map didn't work the way I hoped -- it cut off the eastern US. My tech support is already in bed (Scott or Ryan). Will try again next week.

 

 

day 184 after transplant

Well this has been another week of crazy weather. Last Sunday it was 70 degrees and by Friday we woke up to 2 inches of snow. Saturday and today it was cool and rainy.

Monday was a day that I spent on the phone getting a lot of loose ends tied up with work and getting all our tax papers together for our tax man. That is something that I always drag my feet on. Glad that it is done.

Tuesday I had to go to MCV. Dennis and Shirley took me and we had a wonderful day together. Shirley got to go back with me and see how they access my port. Shirley could not believe how caring and friendly all the nurses were. She said on the way home that I could tell her all day about how nice they are but until you see it for yourself you just wouldn't believe it. She said that I truly do have a new family at MCV. A lot of the nurses that took care of me while I was in the hospital was working in the clinic today. It was just like a reunion. They couldn't believe how much weight that I lost. I got to see Dr. McCarty (he is the head of the three doctors) and when he saw my back and chest and saw that they had cleared up but my face was still red and blotchy he suspected something else. He had a dermatologist paged. He said that I had rosacea (like acne under the skin that spreads out under the skin instead of forming pimples) and he wanted to know that he was treating it properly. He ordered me some cream to put on twice a day. He said that it could take up to six weeks to see any difference. I have noticed some difference already.

Scott called this evening and said that he was in the ER with Grady getting stitches. Go to the NC Hildebrand at the right side of my blog and read the entire story, All I can say is that a guardian angel was with him that it wasn't any worst. He is doing fine now.

Wednesday I found out a date for my next bone marrow biopsy -- March 24. Rodney is taking the day off to take me because he said that he wanted to be there to hold my hand. This will be the first time that he has been there at MCV for my biopsy.

Thursday Pastor Peggy came for a visit. I sure enjoyed her visit. The weather was warm enough for me to walk so when Rodney got home we walked our subdivision. They are calling for snow tomorrow!

Friday we woke up to 2 inches of snow. It was not on the roads but the trees and ground was covered. It was beautiful. I went with Rodney most of the day. It was nice to spend the day together. We both packed our lunch and ate in the car. He dropped me off at home and he had other cars to look at. Ryan,Jennifer and Granny came up for the evening. I tell you that these steroids really have me pumped and I do everything fast!

Saturday was rainy and cool. A day for cleaning and doing the laundry. We got a lot done. Went to the grocery store and to pick up my meds.

Sunday it was another rainy day and a day that we spent together. Sure do miss going to church but we listened to a service on the radio. Not the same but will have to do for now.

That is about it for the week. I go to AMC tomorrow afternoon and Rodney is off for Richmond for a meeting on Tuesday. This will be the first that I will be by myself all night since my transplant. Ryan will on on call just incase I need something.

Take care and will write again next week. Have a wonderful week and remember to smile and make someone's day. You may be the only Bible that some one reads.

Love,

Gloria

Scott gave me an update on the # that has checked my blog as of 3/14: 15479! How awesome!  The map shows "hits" I'm getting.