Tuesday, September 29

Today I have already had two of the five radiation treatments and so far, I feel just fine. I guess by Friday, I will be somewhat tired, but the ladies who are doing the treatment for me at Mayo said they did not think I would be tired at all. So that's the best news.

Following my last radiation treatment, I will see the doctor on Friday to decide what my newest treatment will be. There is some talk of a new chemotherapy for the brain, which I do want to investigate and learn more about the side effects the new drug will present.

So all is going well, exercises are coming right along - I only wish it would cool down in Phoenix, but I think that time is coming. I hope so. Even my stitches are almost gone!

Thank you to everyone who continues to think about me, and wish me strength and determination to fight this next battle.

Suzy

Saturday, September 26

This evening I had a wonderful dinner with Elizabeth Teitel and Mark Matz. We went to this great new place called Wally's not too far from my house. I wish to thank them so very much for my dinner along with my card and the beautiful candle for my house. Plus, it is always so much fun to be with them. Thank you to Jana and Mark Zinman and little Mason who stopped to say hi today. It was a real treat to see them.

And last night I went for dinner with Sue Hoecker and Dana Smith. We had such a fun time talking about all of our kid's friends and where they all are now. The kids are pretty spread out, but doing very well. Thank you so much for a great evening.

Tomorrow Rebecca comes to town from New York. She will arrive late as she does have MBA school on Sunday in New York and then catches a Jet Blue plane to Phoenix. We will go to the Mayo Clinic early Monday morning for my first radiation therapy treatment. Radiation will continue each day the week of September 28th. I am glad she will be with me. By Friday, the 2nd of October, I do plan to be very tired. But I will keep at it!!!

Lots happening this next week, so I need to be ready. Thank you again for everything. I shall try to keep you all informed of my progress. So far I am doing nicely, but I know there will be a setback following the radiation. So I am ready.

Suzy

Monday, the 21st

Hi everyone,

Today was Monday. I did my walking two times, rode the bicycle for half an hour, and even walked to the Chart House for dinner. I was very hungry and the dinner was perfect and quite good.

It's still hard to stand on one foot with your eyes closed, but it's coming! I am good with my exercises, I think. Well, maybe not comparing me with a 40 year old, but at my age, what can you expect?

This week I have therapy and then next week beings my radiation. I only hope that I don't get too tired from that, but I will take it as it comes. Thank you once again for all of your cards, your notes, your wonderful thoughts and your prayers.

Suzy

Today is Friday, the 18th. My baby, Matthew. turned 30 today, David, my oldest son, turned 39 the 12th of this month, and little Charlie, David and Lolly's son, turned 3 on the 16th. What a big month for birthdays. And tomorrow, the 19th is Paul Covec's birthday and also Joan and Paul's anniversary. (Mark's mom and dad) Congratulations.

My therapy is going along very well. I am happy with my results. The closing of the eyes is still hard for me to do, but it's coming. Our weather has cooled down somewhat. Nice mornings to walk. We have a great clubhouse with a bike in the workout room, thus I am able to ride the bike for exercise also.

Prior to Mark's leaving we planted petunias in my back planter area. It looks very nice and I thank him for helping me with that task. It is nice to be in the kitchen and look out to see the lovely flowers and my hummingbird who comes to visit as well.

Thank you all again for everything. I feel your strength, your thoughts, and your love during my entire day.

Suzy

September 16, 2009

Hi everyone,

Today is Wednesday and much has happened since yesterday. I did go to the Mayo Clinic yesterday to complete the stationary mask for the radiation which will happen on September 28 - October 2. I will begin this each day for about 3 - 4 minutes during the five day treatment. The mask was quite cool, beginning with a warm webbing-like thing which then cooled and hardened to the contour of my face, neck and ears. So I am now ready to begin the process.

Today was my first day alone. I did walk several times outside, and around my house as well. It is hard to stand in the corner with your eyes closed and stand on one foot. You try it! I don't even know if I did it before, but now it is very hard to do. But, of course, I am determined.

Today is my Charlie's birthday - he is three today. (Wisconsin) Tomorrow is his Meeting House, so hopefully he can take his birthday time with him to preschool. Henry, who is attending kindergarden will turn 6 on February 6, 2010. He loves his school and has tons of friends. I can't wait to see the boys. It has been way too long and as all of you know, they do change so very much during this time.

Tomorrow I do hope to have photos - and I want to sincerely thank you for all of your cards, notes, thoughts, love, support and prayers. You are all incredible to me.

Suzy

Today is Monday, September 14th

Hi everyone,

Today was a good day. Mark and I met with Dr. Vora who will begin my radiation on September 28th for a period of 5 days. We were able to see the photos of my tumor prior to its being taken out of my head and the spot where the tumor has been removed from the head. Very interesting. Tomorrow I go to the department to begin the casting of my head so that I cannot move during the upcoming radiation.

We also met with my oncologist today to discuss possible chemotherapy drugs after radiation. Our visit with her was also very worthwhile and informative.

Tonight Mark and I celebrated with a lovely dinner at Bloom - one of our favorite restaurants. And I cleaned my plate - I was very hungry. (which seems to always be the case, these days)

I am doing pretty well - each day gets better and for that I am grateful. Please know that each of you has played a very important part in this recovery and I am working hard not only for me, but for you. Thank you.

Suzy

Matthew in Vienna with Secretary of Energy Steven Chu during the IAEA Conference - wow!!!
To see all of the photos - visit the site below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nnsanews/sets/72157622365902510/show/with/3918701295/

Suzy

Sunday, September 13

Hi everyone,

I am back at home now and it feels really good. Back to work - doing my exercising, walking, physical therapy, etc. We will see the radiation oncologist tomorrow afternoon, so I should know about our plans for radiation for the future.

I do miss all of my friends at school - it seems strange not to be there with all of you. I am happy that Kathy is back and that Mary is helping out so wonderfully on our behalf. Just in case you have missed it, you should check out the College 101 that Sharon and Kathy have done. It is incredible and VERY well done, and on the College and Career website. Now we just have to make sure the kids know how to find it!!

Thank you all again for your love and support. I shall have good news to report for tomorrow, hopefully.

Suzy

Back to Mayo

Suzy went back to the Mayo Hospital Thursday afternoon because she was having a fever. Now that she is there she feels fine and the fever is gone so she wants to come home. However, it is likely she will stay for a few days to follow through on a few test and to get a few antibiotics.

Friday is a busy day as she is supposed to get her staples out which is very exciting. I am sure she will update everyone when she has a chance.

-Mark

Today is Tuesday, September 8, 2009. The days are hurrying by. This morning I had my physical therapy for an hour - it seems to wear me out. But it's good. Today I did walk all around my house and I can get up easier than yesterday. I did my exercises in the corner this afternoon and Anita came with me to walk the complex.

David left this morning - back to his family and his wonderful Henry, Charlie and Lolly. I know they have missed him very much, but it was great that he was here with me. He is such an inspiration to me.

I missed the pool today, but plan to do that tomorrow and also the bicycle in the club house.

Mark comes tomorrow to help me with the exercises as well as the driving. I do not like being told I cannot drive, but I do understand.

We will post a photo tomorrow for sure. Again, thank you for everything, your love, your thoughts, your prayers, your strength; it's so important to me.

Suzy

A very good day, Saturday September 5

Hi everyone,

This morning David and I did my walking, and all of my exercises. Then we headed out for a few errands, but more importantly to the new Phoenix Art Museum. Wow, it is lovely! I have not been there since it has been remodeled and I was extremely awed by not only the building, but the wonderful art, photography, and exceptional paintings. I did enjoy every single minute of it.

This evening another walk working on balance and stepping higher. And tomorrow is another day - exercises, walking, pool and bicycle also.

Life is going along ok for me. Staples will come out later this week.

Thank you all once again for everything.

Suzy

Physical Therapy September 3, 2009

Yesterday morning I had my second time with Brendan, the physical therapist. It's very good for me to get these legs moving again. My hands do not seem to have as much trouble, but the bottom part of me takes some doing.

David is here with me now from Madison. This morning we are heading to the Mayo Clinic to see the surgeon and check how the staples are healing. Hopefully, they will come out.

Early this morning David and I went walking - feels pretty good in the early morning, quiet and less heat beating down. I have a schedule now - exercising... I bike in the clubhouse and then walk and keep up pretty well here at home. It's coming, albeit slowly. But it's coming.

Reading the paper, what a novelty - reading books - listening to NPR, wow. What was I doing prior to this? It's almost too nice. But I do like it for a short time.

Thank you once again for your wonderful thoughts and prayers. I know they are helping me through this and I deeply appreciate each and every one of them. I will not let you down.

Suzy

Physical Therapy Today September 1, 2009

Today was my first morning at physical therapy. I did learn quite a bit about myself and how far I need to progress in my skill sets. I guess I never realized that we are somewhat at a loss when we do not have all of our facilities to get the right side and the left side arranged correctly. It's a rather interesting time for me - and certainly somewhat different.

Rebecca and I then did some errands and came home to a lovely dinner provided by Jennifer and Joe Vasquez and little Sophia. What a delightful treat for all of us.

Tomorrow morning, David VS will come to town and sweet Rebecca leaves to go to the big city of New York to unpack her new Atlantic offices in the downtown area. It have been so wonderful to have her here with me. Now I am determined that the next time they all come, I will be much better to able manage my life and exercises.

Thank you all for your encouragement and support - now I have to get BUSY!