I had all these adventures plotted out with "big arm" for your reading enjoyment. However, I'm on strict orders to never call it that again. My friend Gail (in above pic), who was here visiting last week, has me doing positive visualization exercises about my arm. Such as "my arm is healthy and slim." Hmmmmm.....But, maybe she's right. When I went in today for my measurements the swelling had gone down. It's still there; but, it's definitely getting better. I will continue to wear the arm wrap throughout the radiation since rads are such a high risk factor for the swelling. At least I can see some positive outcome to all of this. The negative is it's reeeeeaaallllly hard to type. But I'll manage somehow....
This week has been crazy with three physical therapy appointments (I had four last week); I started radiation on Monday which will continue five days a week for 6 weeks; And I had my avastin treatment was this week also. Yesterday I went from phys therapy to radiation to avastin. While I was driving all over town trying to get to my appointments on time, I just tried to pretend on was on a whirlwind press junket for a new blockbuster movie.
In the meantime I'm still recovering from my friend Gail & kids being in town. The both of us had five kids in tow for 3 days.....we never stopped. It was a celebration of sorts....a celebration of having the energy to keep up with the kids at every turn. It was also a great distraction from my arm wrap.
Tons of fun was had at the beach. After warning all the kids and requiring them to sign a contract outlining an immediate beach burial upon any errant sand that is thrown, kicked, tossed or flung my way, they grabbed their boogie boards and retreated to the ocean......
Because I didn't trust any one of their promises on the "No Sand Zone" policy, we made them sit far away from us on another blanket, preferably with the family under the blue tent behind us.......
The kids found a prehistoric octopus tentacle on the beach.......Well, that's what I told them anyway.....
Woo Hoo!!! We're riding the coaster.....
Wait...can I still get outta here.....
Sandcastles, dams, and aqueducts were built with fervor......
I believe at this point Unions were being formed in regards to "sand moving restrictions," "height requirements of sand castles" and just plain "let's do it my way" policies.......
With kids and the beach, it's all about moving sand...........
I now have my other sister and niece in town. I'm am never letting her go home....she makes me dinner and breakfast, and, get this, she brings coffee to my bed when I get up.....I'm going to see if my doctor will write a directive that she needs stay here for the next year.....
We are off to the Del Mar Fair tomorrow...wish me luck! Talk to you soon!
Looks like the healing powers of the water work for you too...what a great time.
Take care of yourself as you progress...
as always you in my prayers.
Janet
Posted by: Janet Doherty | July 01, 2009 at 05:31 PM
Karin,
You are such an inspiration to me. The way
you handle all the things you are going
through is amazing.
You are in my prayers.
Diana
Posted by: Diana | July 01, 2009 at 05:48 PM
What a lovely, upbeat post!
Love the beach pix.
You go, girl!
xoxo
Posted by: Vicki | July 01, 2009 at 06:38 PM
You make life fun no matter what!
Posted by: Debra Cripps | July 01, 2009 at 07:43 PM
See if doc will make sister stay with you for the next 20! She sounds fabulous. Looks like the beach was a blast. You are definitely a positive person and I bet that energy is helping you each day!
Karla
Posted by: Karla | July 02, 2009 at 05:39 AM
Karin, I'm so happy to see that you're getting out there and enjoying life! Yes, you ARE an inspiration :)
Posted by: beki | July 02, 2009 at 07:34 AM
You are AMAZING! I am so awed by your courage. Bless you...you are an inspiration to me!
Is that Mission Beach? Belmont Park?
Posted by: Sharon Krosch | July 02, 2009 at 08:02 AM
you look like you are having a blast !!! gosh i soo want to go to the beach soon !!! have a happy 4th !!
xo,
beth
Posted by: beth | July 02, 2009 at 08:15 AM
GIrl your bravery for fun with all those kids in tow - is amazing -- Have fun !!
Kathy - ga
Posted by: kathy lowry | July 02, 2009 at 08:40 AM
It was nice to check in with you, but sorry you are having trouble with your arm. Hopefully it will get better. Your craft room looks great. I'd love to come over and play!
Posted by: Ele | July 02, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Fun times Karin!! Rachaelxo
Posted by: Rachael | July 02, 2009 at 08:37 PM
I'm so glad your energy is returning and you had a great time at the beach.
Any chance your niece can come to my house for a week?
Posted by: Donna | July 03, 2009 at 09:54 AM
God Bless you!
Hang in there!
Think positive thoughts!!!
Posted by: christine | July 03, 2009 at 02:08 PM
I nearly had a horrible accident tripping over all the clutter on the floor of my studio and it made me think of you and that time you fell off the chair or stool trying to get some supply down. So I came here to say HI and I see your arm all wrapped up and as usual, there you are with your light-hearted, upbeat attitude again. Girl, you put me to shame!
I recall my dad having that Lymphedema in his leg. Not fun, especially in the summer. I like Gail's idea though of "positive visualization" for your arm. A friend of mine did that when she was looking for a man after her divorce and it worked! She tried it after having terrible luck on eHarmony and decided to read "The Secret" to find out if there was any "secret" to finding a man. She "visualized" her ideal man and lo and behold he walked into her workplace and they've been dating ever since. So see, Gail knows what she's talking about!
I'm visualizing a nice healthy arm for you...and while I'm at it, an arm without those sagging "Oprah Wings" for me!
Take care,
xo
jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | July 04, 2009 at 08:34 PM
The photos Are so summery and the "little arm looks so " little!!! Really!!!
Posted by: julie haymaker thompson | July 05, 2009 at 11:18 AM
I am jealous!! The beach trip looks so wonderful and the kids are so cute. I hope you had a wonderful time at the fair sweetie! Love, Jamie
Posted by: Jamie | July 06, 2009 at 05:45 AM