Minor setback but cute pics

Returning home from a birthday dinner for Ainate on Wednesday evening (carrying a chocolate cake, of course!), my mom took a tumble and fractured her elbow and a pelvic bone. She was brought to the ER at Alta Bates and is now ensconced in a room on the 6th floor with a view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

We had a visit from the orthopedist today and she'll have surgery on her elbow on Sunday. Fortunately the fracture in the pelvic bone is small enough it will heal on its own. Assuming all goes smoothly with the surgery, she'll stay in the hospital for another day or two and then be discharged. 

All things considered, the patient is in very good spirits and has been eager to get up and out of the hospital bed when she can. She'll be in quite a bit of pain for the next little while but so far all signs have been positive. Obviously being in the hospital the week of Thanksgiving was not in the original plan, but we are making due and are happy to be in the care of Dr. Cecchi and his, ahem, charm, the orthopedist Dr. Zwahlen, and the rest of the staff at Alta Bates. 

And now... some Úna pics since that always makes everyone feel better and smile. 

The 29th: always a day of reflection

January 29th, 2014 was the day of my transplant so the 29th remains a day that is etched into my brain so to speak. Today marks 14 months post transplant.

The big health news is that I am finally off the " damn steroids". Phew. Mind you they are a miracle drug when you need them but I am immensely relieved--- after 3+ years of almost continual use--- to be steroid free. Eoin commented that my energy was more " Sile energy" as opposed to " steroid energy" so I am assuming that that  is a good thing. ( you never know with your children...!). And my huge cheek bruise has finally faded to an acceptable hue. In other words I don't look like a prize fighter anymore. Despite minor aches and pains I feel very good. Drs Cecchi and Nakamura remain happy with my progress and joke that my counts are so good that I can donate blood!

On the work front, in addition to tutoring, I am also doing a spot of teaching--- 3 hours per week to seniors in Chinatown. It is enormous fun and it is refreshing to be back in front of a group. I have also been doing some Skype tutoring which is magical in a way.  For me to be sitting here in California and teaching someone in France or Pakistan is kind of amazing.

Donor Frank and wife Janet were visiting 2 weeks ago and one of the many fun things we did was visit Pixar for a preview of Eoin's latest movie "Inside Out". We all loved it. Make sure you go to see it when it comes out--- June 19th. And cheer when you see Eoin's name in the credits. His name appears twice no less. 

The famous Úna is talking up a storm. The only problem is that we don't always  understand her. Last week in Carmel she demonstrated that she knows our names--- well a version of them anyway.

O E for Eoin. OG for Gershwin (dog) and both Jim and Ralph are " Raf".

As always I remain incredibly appreciative of all of you and of the many ways you keep me afloat! Thank you. Xxo

Eoin and Ainaté with friends Colin and Steve on their way to the Inside Out wrap party

Eoin and I on Mother's Day ( of course we coordinated our outfits)

Úna taking her job as Jim's helper very seriously 

Nóra and Úna enjoying the beach in Carmel

A series of unfortunate events....sort of

Well that is a bit dramatic but I couldn't resist the urge to use that great phrase.

In fact I have had a number of issues in the last few weeks: a blood clot in my calf. But Jutta pointed out how amazing it was that my blood was actually clotting. And when you think of how long I survived with a mere 5k to 10 k platelets, it is miraculous. ( Platelets were 107k last week). Then I had a 10 siege of a truly debilitating stomach flu necessitating many days and hours of infusions.  And for the dramatic one. A face plant. Apparently it is very difficult to literally fall on your face but since I am so brilliant, I managed it with no problem! The result. A huge bruise on my left cheek. But I was very lucky as I broke nothing. And honestly when you see me, you will realise how amazing that is. ( I tripped on uneven pavement on my morning walk). Finally....And I have decided that this it for medical mishaps, I have joined as a friend says " the cold club". Two weeks of sniffling, coughing and hacking. I have a big box of face masks and they are getting a workout both as cover ups for my bruise and to protect others from my germs. But despite everything, I feel really good. Cecchi and his team have been taking fantastic care of me and he points out that recovery time will always be longer for me than for ordinary mortals who don't have their brother's immune system!  

In other news.  The newish biz English Over Easy is picking up and it is fun to be teaching again.  I would love to build up more clients online and so if you have ideas or referrals, I am all ears. 

 I have also been sewing and below is my latest project. It is perhaps the never ending item as I keep making another little tweak here and there. The latest being a line of Sachiko stitching to prevent the "white" part from fraying. God daughter Bridget has volunteered to give me some coaching on sewing with knits which I look forward to. 

Úna continues to delight and and she is babbling up a storm. Her clearest word is " goodbye". My niece Sheila finished her chemotherapy --- a huge milestone. The next step is surgery. 

As always, my spirits are buoyed by all of you and the continued love, thoughts, and good cheer you send my way.  Thank you.

And now for the only reason you read this.......

My niece Aileen with Aoibh on her right ( Sheila's daughter) and Shona on the left. Shona is the newest member of our extended family)

Examining Gershwin 

Helping Ainaté work out

Waking up

Neighborhood walk

January 29, 2015: one year

 I had my one year visit with Dr Nakamura on Tuesday and he pronounced everything " great". Never mind that I am on blood thinners for a clot in my leg! Details. But I feel really good and extraordinarily grateful and fortunate to be here. I have said it before but honestly it really does take a village. I would not be here were it not for the extraordinary care and love of my family, friends, doctors and various nurses and medical people.  Thank you all. We will have a big celebration in May or June when we can gather around the pool in Forestville. In the meantime, I would like you all to send good healing thoughts to my niece Sheila who,at age 39, is undergoing chemo for breast cancer. Xxo

Dr Nakamura and I on January 27 ( before my bone marrow biopsy!)

Frank and Síle in NYC  Jan 2015

Nóra and Ainaté Dec 2014

The granddads and Úna  Mexico Dec 2014

Úna enjoying  the beach Mexico Dec 2014

Eoin enjoying watching Úna enjoying the beach!

A banner class

This post has nothing to so with my transplant except that it is a testament to how well I feel that I am back in organizing/crafting mode!

Banner class

Yes. A banner class as in making banners but the other meaning would totally work too.

I casually mentioned to Carrie V, who  has really got into paper crafts, that it would be fun to have a paper something class. I kind of thought vaguely sometime in the future but our girl Carrie got right on it and lo and behold the class was created!  Not too far in the future but on December 14. Yea for Carrie!  

Details

Who

Taught by the fantastic Carrie Vermazen. Anyone can join. No prior knowledge needed. 

What

 

A wonderfully whimsical paper banner that you can use year round for all manner of celebrations

When

Sunday, December 14 from 1:30 to 4:30 ( you might be speedy and finish earlier)

Where

TBD depending on how many of you want to join the banner bonanza. ( Of course we will let you know)

Materials

The kit is provided and comes with everything you need to make the banner. It also has all kinds of fun pieces for you to make cards, invitations, goodie bags etc at home.  Carrie has an extensive "library" of ribbons, stamps and other fun stuff which she will bring so you can add some craziness to your creation. Sile will provide shortbread.

Cost

$20. If you let us know by 10pm tonight ( Dec 2nd). I know. Not much time but we only realised that the kit sale ends tonight.

$25 until December 7

Fee will be collected in class. 

RSVP 

Leave a comment below or email knitoneone@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you! Xxo