Better Days...

Dorene had her check up with the Cardio/Thoracic office today and everything looks good!  She doesn't need to return again unless something starts to go wrong with her right lung.  They even said she could go back to work if she wanted and felt up to it, but no Jacuzzis or baths, or swimming until the wound where they removed the stitches today is completely healed.  The right side looked good, just a small amount of fluid.  They said she could stop using the lung expansion device, or as Matt call it the breathing bong. ;-) lol

With that, Dorene has been increasing her daily walks with her friend Pam and they've been walking for about an hour with a very high climb that challenges them both.  The last couple days Dorene has made it through busy days without needing a nap too!  She cleaned house yesterday along with her walk and today had her walk and went to the doctors and went grocery shopping!  Dorene's friend Pam has been a wonderful motivator for Dorene... I think they are motivating each other with these walks.

Dorene has even felt restless enough to wish she still had her job.  Of course, things change from day to day but on these good days Dorene wishes she could return to work and she may speak to her boss about being on call.  We were talking about what great therapy that job is with all the cuddly animals to help and play with.  Plus, getting out of the house and out of your head is always helpful during difficult times.  I'll keep you up to date on where this ends up.  Good days make all things possible again and we are hoping for many more. :-)

There was a period of time where Dorene's appetite was not so great, but she started taking her nausea pills again and that has helped her appetite quite a bit.  Dorene is fully aware of how important it is to keep her body properly fed so she's happy about having a better appetite.  She does have what she calls Pregnant Nose... where she can smell everything and many smells kind of turn her stomach.  We're not sure what that's about but the nausea pills have helped.

Dorene called her Oncologist to make a follow-up appointment for when she returns from her trip to Alaska.  She wants another scan to see where things are at in her body.  I can completely understand wanting to see what's going on especially since every twinge or pain makes you wonder if something has changed.

And speaking of Alaska... Dorene and Matt, along with Candace and Eitai and our Uncle Olin, Aunt Dena and their son Benjamin are all arriving on the 5th!!  Yeah!! :-)  We are all really looking forward to their arrival. :-)

We all continue to be so very grateful for all the people in Dorene's and all of our lives.  Your prayers and assistance from calls, emails, love notes and walks makes a huge difference in all our lives and encourages and brightens Dorene's and Matt's days.  We are truly grateful for you!

Love,
Deborah
Dorene's Sister :-)
xoxoxo