Still Cancer Free

 CANCER FREE!!  Almost 2 months ago I finally had my 1 year colon cancer follow up colonoscopy.  It was put off because of my second knee surgery then because of the COVID shutdowns.  I had to have a COVID test prior to the procedure which was negative.  The colonoscopy went very well.  All is good-the resection, no new polyps.  I am one year cancer free.  I do not need to have the colonoscopy done again for 2 years.  I never saw an oncologist when all this happened a year and a half ago because of all the doctor whirlwind to make sure I could have the surgeries.  Dr. Kopriva felt bad that I fell through the cracks and wanted me to see one now just for the records.  I saw Dr. Dennis Moore, Jr that Mom has seen for 12 years.  He said I was doing great and to return again in a year. 

Rose

More random thoughts

  So much seems to be happening.  It is six months since my last knee surgery.  I have recovered nicely from all three surgeries.  My knees are good if only I would get the rest of me in better shape (wishful thinking for the past 25 years).  My knee surgery was the last day that elective surgeries were done for quit a while.  Since then the world seems to have blown up (so to speak).  COVID-19 Corona Virus hit the world hard. The west coast states are burning up with wildfires.  The east coast & gulf areas have  been hit my hurricanes.  I am glad things are slowing down and I am more able to stay home on the farm.

COVID-19 Corona Virus - Businesses were closed with special precautions were taken by those open.  Schools did not return after spring break and the year was finished through online classes.  Temples were closed, church meetings were canceled for 4 months.  We have begun shortened Sacrament meetings only here but so many places are still not having meetings at church.  Once restrictions for COVID eased up some and schools opened again there has been another outbreak.  Yesterday my sister, Judy, tested positive for the virus.  She is quarantined for two weeks.  My niece, Dana, across the road, has been exposed by a student and is half way through her quarantine.  I am trying to keep myself as safe as possible and to keep my parents safe as well.  We are all taking extra precautions.  Some people take the virus seriously and others think it is all political but I'd rather error on the side of caution.  I was supposed to sub at school the past week and am so grateful that I decided not to do that.  

Wildfires - The west coast states have had many, many wildfires.  We have had such beautiful sunrises, sunsets and the moon as well because of the smoke in the air.  Huge looking red fireballs in the sky.  Last night the half moon looked clear then a couple house later it looked red.  Today the weather channel is giving special weather alerts for smoke and advising people here in Kansas to stay inside because of lower visibilities and poor air quality.  I just went out and you can see the smoke hanging in the low places and the smoke smell is very strong.

Hurricanes - Hurricanes have hit the gulf coast several times in the past month. Usually we get rain in a couple weeks after that happens.  I do not know of any rain expected but we will get some cooler weather again next week.  After earlier storms we did get some rain and a week of cool weather but this week has been in the mid to upper 90's but the nights have been in the upper 50's.  Next week is to be in the 60's and 70's with nights in the 40'sa.  My kind of weather!  I love fall.  Some trees in the creek are beginning to change color.

This week I bought a new pretty for my yard.  I have been trying to spray and pull weeds this summer as well as transplant some of the Bermuda grass to get it to spread.  I have had gofers or moles tearing up the front and finally got them taken care of.  I am working on cleaning out the flower beds and water the yard well.  I decided it was time for something special to look nice even if the yard doesn't at this time.  I bought a jeweled wind spinner and put it in the south flower bed between the two living room windows.  The past three days we have not had enough breeze to make it spin or it needs to be out in the open more.  I like all the bright colors on it.  I most likely will need to bring it in for the winter but it may be protected enough from the north wind that I can leave it out.  

Happy Fall, Y'all!

Rose

Second Knee Replacement

Two weeks ago I had my third surgery in 11 months.  On March 16^th I had a total knee replacement on my left knee.  Once again Karen has allowed me to come to Wichita for the surgery and to stay with her for my recovery time. 

Our world is dealing with COVID-19 Corona virus.  There has been a lot of ‘self-distancing’ and ‘stay at home’ orders, ‘non-essential business’ closures, ‘no gatherings over 10 people and 6 feet apart’ directives, school buildings closed and finishing the school year through online technology.  Kansas is under a ‘lockdown’ order until April 19.

I found out the day of my surgery was the last day of elective surgeries and everything after that had been cancelled because of the virus.  The hospital was quiet and all safety measures were strictly in force.  Karen was stopped at the front door and interviewed about personal health symptoms and recent travel before being allowed to visit me. 

 For this surgery I had a different doctor and it was done at a different facility.  Overall I felt the first knee replacement went well but my doctor moved from the Wichita area.  This time seemed easier than the first time.  I don’t know if it is because the leg bones were not nearly as damaged as the first knee or if it was that I knew what to expect.  I knew what worked to get out of the chair, in and out of bed, and how to get up and down in the bathroom.  I also had an ice cooler ice pack.  I did not cry these first two weeks like I did last time.  I think I am in a better emotional state this time around. 

I am going to physical therapy 3 days a week.  Because of the virus lockdown, when I arrive I call into the office and someone comes out to the car to take my temperature.  I am then taken directly into a sterilized therapy room.  They have patients staggered enough that I never see anyone else.  I was to have a doctor appointment today to have my staples taken out but the office called me yesterday and said the physical therapy office could take them out for me.  Katie took them out and my doctor appointment was rescheduled for another week.  I cannot drive until I see my doctor for release to do so.  I feel that I am doing pretty well.  My measurements are at 7 degrees on the flat and 110 degrees on the bend when I was 10 days post surgery.  I am to be at 0 and 120 after 6 weeks.  I have minimal pain and am mostly using extra strength Tylenol.  I take a pain pill before therapy if I remember and one at bedtime. 

I am grateful to be doing well and am confident that I will recover well and be stronger for it.  I look forward to being able to be home this summer to take care of things around the yard and house and to help Mom & Dad. 

The Corona virus lockdown has not really affected me because of being post operative but it would not really be much different if I were at the farm.  We do not usually go to town but once a month unless we have doctor appointments.  I keep plenty of food and supplies.

Our prophet has prepared us for something like this.  I appreciate the “Home-Centered & Church Supported” way of study and technology to help with that.  We have been counseled about temporal & spiritual preparedness.  I am looking forward to General Conference this coming weekend. 

“If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”  (D&C 38:30)

Rose