STILL PLUGGING AWAY

Melissa and Valerie watching a movie

Things continue to move along with small improvements here and there - and some big improvements.  With all that has been going on, it's sometimes hard to really appreciate some things that happen and improve, because there's always something right behind it to focus on.  But I think it's important to point out that Valerie's nausea has been MUCH less frequent and intense and her desire to eat has almost entered back into the enjoyable range and definitely out of the "daily chore" range.  Those are 2 really huge improvements that are helping her get stronger.  She's eating well and not fighting nausea very much at all recently.

Her daily, or almost daily workouts with Melissa continue.  Melissa, Valerie and Sara went swimming again this Sunday.  Valerie has always loved the water, and even though she was pooped after 2 days of back to back IVs, she went and had a great time.  She actually SWAM.  I make this point, because she's been going to a pool for months since she hurt her back, but the best she could do was walk around and use those floaty noodles to support her while she did a semi tread water move.  This past Sunday she actually SWAM - and I hear there were even some races!

Valerie and Sara at the pool

Monday, Valerie spent almost all day working.  For those that don't know, she's a self employed Clinical Social Worker.  Since we moved to Long Beach, she still had one contract left up in North Hollywood.  She can do a lot of the work at home, but given the past few months, she had gotten quite behind.  So, she got set up with the laptop, after her workout of course, and spent most ALL day catching up on assessments and reports.  That has been one thing recently that she could only tolerate a very little of at one time because she would get really nauseous.  She said that she had moments of slight nausea but NOTHING compared to before.  She generated about 3/4 of an inch of paperwork to turn in.  A LOT!

Valerie and I visiting Michelle in #12 and
doing our best "I'm-a-gangsta-don't-give-
me-the-flu" posturing.

Today, Tuesday, Valerie had a DMV appointment to get her license renewed.  Sara took her to the appointment while Melissa waited on standby for them to return so that she could drop off Valerie's work in NoHo.  BUT, Valerie and Sara went ahead and drove all the way up there (at least an hour from our place) and back.  AND THEN went to a movie!!

One person we have missed seeing is Michelle.  She is still here, but she's secluded herself over in #12 because she's been VERY sick.  She started out with a cough and just feeling run down and in the last couple of days officially learned that she has the flu.  She's actually already feeling much better today, but since this weekend, she has been scarce - sleeping and resting.  We hope she's up and well SOON!

Valerie still does get tired and worn out from things, but it seems not quite so easily.  The blood transfusion may have just done it's job.  She seems to have more energy, whether it's to be somewhat active or even just to interact with people (which takes a LOT out of a person).

We have made arrangements to be in Mexico next week.  We will likely leave Sunday and drive to the border and then get to the Oasis of Hope on Monday morning.  I will blog daily when we are there to keep you up to date on how her treatment goes there.

Valerie and Melissa on the beach after
swimming.... GORGEOUS!!

I'll keep you posted as we get closer to leaving.
Thank you all for reading and keeping up with us.  We really appreciate the love and support.

If there are things that I'm leaving out or just that you would like to know, don't hesitate to ask.  I'll include it if I'm able.

love from both of us.