Special Guest Posting #2 from Tennis Way

Dear Fods,

Belated Happy Thanksgiving. We are wishing that you all had a great day with your families and friends. I wanted to write on Thankdsgiving Day to tell you all that I am most thankful for, but the day got away from me. I actually cooked a turkey and all the trimmings with a lot of help from Joey and Joe. Jessie, Walid and the kids were here, as well as Laurie, Mike and Pam. While it was quiet, it was just perfect. Izzie is in Disney World with Allison's family. There are twenty one of them there now. We hope to see them in the next several weeks. Apparently, Izzie went from crawling to running and is climbing on everything.

Things for me are coming along, but very, very slowly. Last Monday, I took the dreaded trip to HUP for a pic line replacement and to see Dr. Porter. Joey and Mike were on duty that day and we made the trip in the wheelchair. It was a long day from 9:00 to 4:00 -- as is typical of HUP. Dr. Porter does not have any explanation for my returning from the Dark Side -- but that I am/was very strong physically and it must not have been my time. I will see him again in 2 weeks.

The nurses come to the house 2 times per week. I do manage to come downstairs every day -- but going up stairs is very hard for me. I am eating fairly well and trying to maintain my strength, although my weight is way down so I will have to try harder.

But back to what I am thankful for. I am thankful for my incredible family, who have made it their full time job to take care of me. I don't know where I would have been (St. Mary's Manor??) without them. Most of the last few weeks fell onto Joey, but Jessie set up the protocols and she taught them all well. I am also thankful for all of you, my wonderful friends, for the cards, meals, blogs, etc. and for those who came to keep an eye on me. I wish I could thank you all individually and give you a big hug -- but until I can do that personally please know that I love you all and appreciate more than you will ever know all that you have done for me and my family.

I pray to get stronger so that I can get out and see you all again. Today, I did do Target in a wheechair, pointing and dictating what I thought we needed. I came hone and needed a two hour nap. Oh well, one day at a time.

I love you all.

Debbie

PS: To the HUP nurses on Rhoades 7 and the Chemo clinic. I am so grateful to all of you for the care that you gave me while I was so sick. Luckily, I was not aware of most of the hospital stay, but Jessie told me that you were at my side, so thank you again for all of the care that you always give to me. Bridget, this includes you too.