July 1st to August 17th - Happy News!!!

 

Happy News!!! 

I have many things to celebrate:

1) I'm almost two months post my TAVR procedure to replace my aortic valve due to aortic stenosis. Details in previous posts.

2) I've been fortunate to participate in cardiac rehab post TAVR and feel that I'm getting stronger. I've completed 16 of 36 sessions.

3) I had a visit with my oncologist today who told me that, due to my recent scan results, I will now only be scanned every six months vs. the current three.

4) My brother, Don, and his wife, Frani, have invited us to accompany them on a riverboat cruise on the St. Lawrence River between Canada and the Thousand Islands region in upstate New York. This is a relatively small boat with a capacity of 64 passengers. We are scheduled to leave from Kingston, Canada on October 18th at the end of the peak fall leaf season. Can't wait.

I've struggled over the past month with aging -- not cancer. My daughter, youngest grandson, and I took a trip to Michigan to pick up my middle grandson from camp. He attended a fantastic summer camp, Lake Minnewanca, for two weeks. In my mind, I expected to spend the weekend kayaking and cycling in this beautiful part of the country.

Closing Ceremony

Instead, I found myself staying back at the rental while my daughter and grandsons went kayaking, cycling, and visiting an amusement park. I had difficulty getting off the low toilet with no bars, getting up from the couch and walking any distance to local restaurants. It put me in a "funk", but I'm better now and counting my blessings. As they say, getting old is not for the faint of heart. The good news is that, despite challenges, I had an unforgettable time with my grandsons and daughter. 

It's officially back-to-school time (and I'm so glad I don't have to go back). Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I look forward to cooler days, deep blue skies and fewer doctor appointments. I hope all is well with everyone who reads this.

Kathy