2/24/2012

February

Hello, all.  First the biggest news: poor Rembrandt had a UTI!  It took a while for me to realize what was wrong with her because of my preoccupation with surgery recuperation, but she got treatment and a new expensive vet-based food that she and Jack will be eating for a while (or forever), and she is her old Rembrandt self again, thank goodness.


Amazingly, Timothy's emergency family leave from the Marines has evolved into three months of paid leave (of which two months are left) because there is no slot available for him to work at the local recruiting station.  He asked me if I would like to go somewhere before the chemotherapy/radiation begins, so off we went to Gatlinburg for a few days last week-end.  I was delighted that I (slooowly) managed to hike the Laurel Falls Trail, which is 2.6 miles round-trip.  It was rainy and the fog was really moving in on the trail and it was just gorgeous.
  Reaching the Falls:

 We had some tasty meals, at Pancake Pantry, which has been in Gatlinburg since 1960, oh the nostalgia:
and The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe, which has one of those great menus where you want one of everything and the meals are served on their own handmade pottery.  The building used to be a potter's house.  I can remember when the large old mill next to it was literally the only thing in Pigeon Forge; oh, how times change.  We stayed at a different motel each of the two nights; the first motel, Zoder's, was one I had never stayed at but had always intended to try sometime.  It was fabulous, right on the babbling creek of course, with complimentary wine and cheese at 6 and cookies and milk at 8, and the most comfy beds ever. There was a small indoor pool with a waterfall, exercise equipment, and our room had a view of one of the log cabin cottages that looked quite authentic.


It snowed the final night, so here are a few parting pictures of that gorgeous scene.  Brutal reality now looms, with the first chemotherapy scheduled for next Friday.  Appointment yesterday, training session this morning, pet scan / mammogram / port installation TBA, chemotherapy pills, chemotherapy IV, shot to stimulate white blood cell creation, apparently hundreds of visits to the cancer center, and the challenge of maintaining the job through all of this.  You aren't going to believe this next part.  Timothy offered to work as a volunteer (normally parents are volunteers) in my place at such times that I can't be there, something that he can easily do since my job duties at the new school are considerably simpler than my duties have been at the previous schools, since there are two other librarians besides me.  So I am going to show him what to do later today after the training session at the cancer center.  Is this a good boy or what?
 One of these mountain peaks is Mt. le Conte, which you may remember we have hiked a few times and stayed overnight in the cabins on the tippy-top:
 And it's off for home...
  

15 comments:

KC Quilter said...

I have been trying to leave you a comment all morning but I keep getting to a screen about signing up with blogger! AAAACCCCKKKK. Don't know what is going on. Then when I try to email you, my email says it won't do it. So I go to my other email and I have 3 different addys for you. Crazy. Anyhow....just wanted to say I am sending good thoughts your way for your upcoming therapies. I have a good feeling about this. Also, your trip to Gatlinburg looks great--it is one of my very favorite towns. You have a wonderful son. Best wishes.

Taryn said...

Your son is a great guy. I think his mother must have raised him right. ;) My prayers are with you as you tackle the next stage in your treatment.

Tazzie said...

What an amazing son you have Karen, all your years with him have reaped wonderful rewards. I'll have you in my prayers hon, and hope all your treatment does the trick to get you back to health.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Lori said...

It's going to be a long haul, but thankfully you got a beautiful day out to get rejuvenated before starting. Timothy is number #1!!! Prayers and hugs to you, Karen.

Libby said...

What a wonderful trip for the two of you! A perfect way to rejuvinate yourselves for the next chapter. So glad to hear that Timmy is home for a long haul and no surprises that he is volunteering to fill in for you - a testament to your parenting skill *s*
Sending lots of hugs and nothing but good thoughts!!!!

Sue said...

How nice for you to have quality time with you son and what a wonderful son he is. God bless him and I wish you a speedy recoverery.

Heartsdesire said...

What a comfort it must be to have your son with you right now. And yes, he is a good boy! Hope your poor cat does well on the vet food, we have the same problem with one of our cats, so we are off to the vet today. My prayers and good thoughts go with you on your coming journey. Even though it is hard, a positive attitude helps. And, perhaps, a small stitching project.

mereth said...

Yes, Timothy has once again proved what a wonderful son he is, but that makes me think you must have been a wonderful 'mum' to him. I'm sending prayers for this next stage and hope it goes well for you and that Timothy's support will help you through a trying time. God bless you both...

Mary said...

Prayers for a not-horrible ordeal. You really do have a great son.

Barb said...

Looks like a beautiful get away -
lovely photos of the falls.
stay well -
xo

Me and My Stitches said...

What a wonderful time together for you and your son. What an amazing guy you raised! Good luck with your treatment. Sending thoughts, hugs and prayers to you.

Jeanne said...

How amazing that Tim can be there with you! Keeping you in my thoughts ~ Jeanne

Gretchen said...

I am so relieved that Timmy will be with you and can help out. I was worried. Sad to hear about all your upcoming medical treatments. I am sending you strength and healing thoughts. Poor Rembrandt. Gomez went through some major UT problems and after the RX food I switched them all to Wellness Core for awhile & now they are on Wellness Indoor cat. Amazing difference as Wellness has no grains & keeps feline UT in top shape. Pricey but worth it IMO. Bless you all and big hugs all around.

Jeanne said...

This sounds like a wonderful time. Glad you and Timothy enjoyed your visit to Gatlinburg.

Sandra Coleman Clarke said...

Karen, I hope all goes well with your treatments and I will be praying for your recovery. I thought I had replied earlier but do not see it.