BAD START TO A NEW YEAR

In January Jim had to go to the hospital as he was confused and having hallucinations. He was there a few days. Neurologist diagnosed him with Lewy Body Dementia. A combination of Parkinsons Disease and Alzheimers.  Progressing the most is his short term memory loss.

This has been devastating and I am having a problem dealing with it. So helpless.

Jackie is staying here and Robbin comes down everyweekend.

I am just existing day to day. Hoping I can stay on my feet with my RA and LGL.

PLAYING CATCH UP

November was not a good month, my RA flared up in my hands.  Also my Neutrophils were 0 last lab.  Get new lab Wed, hoping it is up at least a few numbers.

On the plus side for November Robbin brought all the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner and cooked it.  Marjie, Jackie, and Kati were here.  It was delicious.

Also on Friday, Jessica came down to put up my tree.  The 4 Embrey girls were brought by Bryant and Rachell so they could help her.  It looks great though it does not have anything under it yet.
I have taken a higher dose
of my RA meds for 3 weeks now, and the aches and pain from that are almost gone.  So hopefully December is going to be a good month.

FALL BEGINS

Jim went with Tim and Debbie to WV this week.  The Annual Black Walnut Festival if going on. He seems to be feeling ok and having a good time.

Will be back late Sun night or Monday.  Hope he continues to use his cane to keep him from falling so much.  His sister has made him use it out there.

I have been doing some cleaning this week.  Did not get all done that I wanted to, but feels better in most of the house.

Poor Charlie is really missing Jim. He has followed me everywhere in the house, and layed around where I was working.  Dallas looks for him out the window, but he is dealing with him being gone better than Charlie.  They both stay right with him when he is here.

Going to Cheddars tomorrow for lunch with Jackie, Marjie, Robbin, and Kyle.  I have never been there.  Jim is not much for "wait to be seated" places.  Looking forwarding to endingmy Staycation with a get together with my girls.

Hoping for a good Fall and Winter with good health for both of us.

WANT TO FEEL BETTER.....

Had a few bad weeks with my RA.  Got a cortisone shot and it has helped. Hope it lasts awhile. Dr. said it does. My neutrophils have stayed low, but saw Dr. S today and he says I have enough to fight infections, so I do not have to go back on the chemo pills to suppress immune system.

Am hoping to feel better. Have had no energy, but felt better past few days.

On July 30th we celebrated Jim's 80th birthday with a BBQ.  All the kids and grandkids were here and most of the Great Grankids

In addition we surprised him with his brother Bill and Sandy, Sister Linda and Stu, and Monica from WV

We all had a great time and the WV relatives stayed til Monday

We had tons of food and a water slide for the kids.

A good time was had by all.

LOVING SUMMER SWIM TIME AEROBICS

Began swimming June10 th and have gone every week day but one so far. It goes through the first part of August.  The instructor is really giving us some workouts that you can tell are working.

Have lost another few pounds.  Down to 143 now.  Goal is 137.

When swimming is over, I think I will be motivated to keep up an exercise routine at home.  I really must keep moving to keep my parts working as long as possible.

SUMMERTIME IS HERE

Am not really into the summertime spirit yet, but know I will get there.  Especially when swimming starts in about a week.

Had oncology visit last week. Neutrophils are about into normal range, so do not need to see him for 4 months.  Tomorrow will see RA Dr.  Should not be any changes there.  A couple weeks ago was really achey.  But think it was due to the weather changing.  Seems to be leaving now.

Went to Makena's birthday BBQ Saturday.  She is a cutie.  Is going to have a new sister in a few weeks, so will add another great daughter to our tribe.

Kati also had a birthday this month.  She is now 8. My great grandkids go from 19 down to newborn this year.  

Jim will turn 80 in August.  The kids are planning a BBQ for him, hoping to get all or most of the kids here for it.  He hurts most of the time from his arthritis, but just keeps going.  

Hoping for a great summer.  Not that we will do much, but you can enjoy life in one spot.