Anniversaries

This past month has been full of anniversaries and, of course, we celebrate the start of a New Year tomorrow. A year ago today we got the formal diagnosis of central nervous system lymphoma, and that anniversary followed the anniversaries of the onset of neurological symptoms, an abnormal MRI, and a brain biopsy. So 2009 began inauspiciously and turned out to be a year we won't be sorry to see in the rear view mirror.

On the other hand, the past year reinforced to us the preciousness of relationships. Jim and I learned that, while we love our comfortable home in the shadow of the mountains, when we just have each other in a hospital room, it's enough. Family members sacrificed again and again to lovingly care for us. And both old and recent friends showed us what friendship really means when times are tough.

One key anniversary a week ago was the date we celebrate as Christmas, when God became a tiny human being so that we can have abundant life, both now in the midst of the ups and downs of this life, and in the eternal life to come. That hope has kept us going.

Finally, a quick update. I'm currently off of all IV meds and growing a little stronger each day as physical and occupational therapists work with me almost daily. My intestinal issues are healing more slowly that I would like, but there's progress there as well. My blood counts are stable if not particularly robust yet so I'm able to get out occasionally for a meal or retail therapy. :-)

So Happy New Year to everyone who has been following my saga! Thanks for your prayers and encouraging comments, and may God bless 2010 for all of us.