Happy Holidays!

It is hard to believe that it has been 4 weeks since I finished radiation. The burns are finally feeling better and my energy is increasing. I have been working a few hours - trying to get a hang of the new computer system. It is really going to take a lot of work to feel comfortable. The other employees have been working on it for 6 months now, and are still struggling. Ugh! It does feel good to be getting my life back to normal though.

My hair is finally starting to fill out. I even got a little trimmed off this week to even it up. With the cold weather coming I am thankful to have hair!

Next week we are celebrating my 54th birthday and completion of treatment with a vacation in Florida. It will be so much fun to sit back and enjoy life! We have had a rough year - but now are done with the worst of it. I still have Herceptin infusions every 3 weeks and follow ups with my oncologist every 3 months, but am happy to be done with the rough stuff!

I went to an orthopedic doctor on Monday. I have been having a lot of pain in my right knee. In 2001 I was diagnosed with a torn meniscus, but with all our bicycling it hasn't bothered me until now. The surgeon said that I have also developed arthritis in that knee - probably due to the same injury. We have scheduled surgery for December 22 to have the meniscus repaired. I hope that I heal quickly since our daughter is due to have her baby on the 26th and of course we want to enjoy Christmas with the family. Len had the same surgery in February and was virtually pain free after the first day or so. I hope the same holds true for me.

Our granddaughter, Hailey is doing great. She is 5 weeks old and still as cute as ever. I am waiting for her newborn pictures to come in so that I can post some.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hope that you all take time to really enjoy this season. I have learned this year to be very thankful for all God has given me. Serious illnesses can really make you stop, evaluate your life and appreciate what you have.