Wed. Sept. 29, 2021 3:38 PM

   Hello! Today is the Feast of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel & Raphael!

   I've always been excited to celebrate this special day and even more so now, since I had the beautiful encounters with St. Raphael during my radiation therapies.

   This morning we went to Mass. On Wednesdays, the school children from our parish are at the Mass. I was especially moved when a 12 year old girl chanted the psalm "In the sight of the angels, I will sing your praises, Lord." (Usually the psalm is spoken, not sung.) It was very moving to hear her chant words that have been sung for a few thousand years.

   Fr. Larry Lynn very enthusiastically reminded the children that the church was full of angels. He told them to say "Hello Angels!". After they meekly did so, he said it again! It was awesome to see these children waving like mad and screaming "Hello Angels!" What a great way to start the day. Little ones are so sweet, as they pass us by, waving madly & yelling "I know you!"

   Back to how I'm doing physically… I've stayed near the bathroom since the anti-biotics for my UTI have been 'making me better'. I'm gonna stick around home for the next few days. Otherwise, I'm feeling pretty good (minus the weakness). I've been pacing myself & cooking a fair bit, for a rainy day (oh, rainy day? Ha, ha!). Cabbage-role soup… yummmmy. I've got so much, it'll last through October. If you're ever looking for 'sure winner' recipes, you can't go wrong with 'Mennonite Girls Can Cook". Yes, they can. They are so awesome. Always healthy & yummy!

   I had my phone visit with the Gyno Oncologist today. She's pleased I've done so well and very encouraging for the 'home stretch'. Nothing to say really, except that I should choose which oncologist I'd like my every 3 month's follow-ups with. I know exactly who that is, Dr. Gurjal. The one I've told you about, that is so kind, caring and loving! How often do we get to use those words when it comes to our doctors. When the Dr. today asked about how radiation was for me, the first word that pops into my head every time I'm asked that question by anyone is "Delightful!" It's fun to hear/see their response, because it's not a word they expect. "Why?" they ask. I describe the radiation team the way I do Dr. Gurjal, with a great sense of humor thrown into the mix. They really do make the experience absolutely delightful.

  So, yes, I'm in the home stretch! My next (& last) chemotherapy is on Thurs. Oct. 7th, as long as my blood work behaves from my UTI. I have an in-person visit with the oncologist on Monday and have my pre-chemo blood tests done that day as well.

  Now I need a nap. Sharing how I'm doing does that, and I'm more than happy to do so via this blog. I just couldn't do it over & over by phone visits. I used to be able to chat for… well, a long time on the phone. But doing so now, really tuckers me out, then I can't make cabbage-role soup. I'm sure when all the chemo has finished working on me, I may not be the Energizer Bunny (like everyone called my Mom), but it'll be great to be able to do stuff, especially the outdoorzie things.     

  Hope you enjoy the next few rainy days, however you do that. I actually bought a crochet hook & wool. It's only been 40 yrs. I'll start with something simple. "No not a dishrag!"

  God bless you. xoxoxo