Wow, it's been a long time since I've shared my journey. My last blog was in July! I have fully embraced my therapists mantra of 'ENOUGH' and have been focusing on fun, family, friends and fundraising.
Bob and I were able to get out of town this past month too. It was the first time we'd been on a plane in quite some time! I wasn't nervous but I definitely did not take my mask off! I got a cold from that trip and freaked out a little bit. I thought I might have COVID. Thankfully I tested negative but still spent a few days on the couch trying to get my energy back!
We loved our time with Doug & Linda in San Diego. It was such a treat to see them and we did a lot of walking and talking and eating amazing food! They have a gorgeous high rise and you can see the ocean and so much of the city. Thank you girlfriend for the invite :)
I had my exit interview and the final blood draw at UCSF in August. It was sad to say goodbye but hopefully I will be back there soon for another clinical trial! A few weeks later I was injected with radioactive dye and spent some time in the PET scan. I'm pretty claustrophobic so I closed my eyes and started counting. I tried to do some math too and basically did everything I could to not freak out! I survived after 30 minutes so now I'm am officially done with that trial. No more PET's, CT, MRI's and needle pokes. Most importantly no more cognitive testing that is SO difficult.
I went on a lovely walk with my buddies Buck & Karen near Point Pinole too. It was chilly and it felt good to get up early and try something new. Afterwards we had an amazing meal at Cielito in Danville and then I went home and took a well deserving nap. Thanks so much for always thinking of me and for all the driving you've done to get me to Kristen's house too!
I've talked about my stamina a few times. I do pretty well but I definitely get wiped out in the afternoons. Especially if I've been in Zoom meetings and have too much on my plate! I am still resting in the afternoons and I've been sleeping really well which makes me happy.
We've had some very serious health issues with Bob's youngest and these past few weeks I've been home alone while Bob is caring for him in Chico. I don't mind being alone and honestly my cognition and capabilities seem to be the best they've ever been! I'm not worried and neither is Bob. We have great friends and neighbors nearby if I need any assistance.
I miss him but I'm so happy he's able to help Jonny and to take some time off at his role as the Walnut Creek Chamber exec! My honey works hard so maybe some down time with the family is what the doctor ordered.
I had the best time talking with Debbie Toth as part of her "Dishing With Debbie" series. She did an interview with me via FaceBook live. She's amazing and we had a huge audience listening. I love that type of back and forth vs me speaking the entire time sharing my story and my journey of living well with Alzheimer's. THANK YOU DEBBIE💜
I didn't realize that Medicare does 'house calls'! I had a lovely health visit and guess what -- I'm pretty darn healthy! No issues with blood pressure, heart rate, heart & lungs are good too! He also checked out my skin to make sure I didn't have any issue with skin cancer.
I had to say farewell to my grammar school bestie Andi Maldonado a few weeks ago😢 She and her husband moved to live near their son, daughter in law and their soon to be grandson! We have been through so much these past years. She lived down the street from me and we had an alley behind our houses so whenever we wanted to hang out we just walked down the alley! They had a pool and we had a lot of fun hanging out there with our high school buddies. We did a pretty good job of staying connected and she was my Maid of Honor at my wedding! I will miss seeing her but thankfully with FaceTime and Zoom I know we will stay connected.
Bob was able to celebrate his birthday after his time helping Jonny. We had a lovely dinner in Danville at Incontro Restorante with our FOAS buddies Tim, Elaine, Monika and Louis! Spending time with family and friends has become so important to my mental health. I need connection and touching/hugging. I'm so thankful for my friends and family that make the time to connect.
I have also had a few calls with my oldest daughter, Danielle, facilitated by our LIFE COACH. It was so nice to hear her voice after three years. She is healthy, happy, working hard and still working her program. After a few calls we met on Zoom so I got to see her! I'm thankful for the connection and we'll see how our relationship progresses.....
Thank you Jane for coming out to spend the day with me yesterday! Thank you Debbie for driving me to Kristen's house and for checking on me when Bob's out of town. Thank you Sylvia for moving so close to me so that we can spend more time together and hang out! I could go on and on. I'm SO blessed with friends, neighbors and family🙏💕
So that's what I've been up to! I've raffled off a few items for the ALZ Walk and so far our team - Buni's Buddies - has raised over $24,000💰 This week I have a few commitments and speech/ presentations on Sunday talking with others living with Alzheimer's. My buddy Teresa also has me connecting with volunteers at the Alzheimer's Assoc in Colorado!
My Rusty kitty continues to bring me so much joy. Especially with Bob gone. He follows me around and most days is sitting right next to me. He does bug me at night some times for food but he's worth it! I LOVE my caregiver kitty so much and can't imagine not being with him. When I'm staying with Ryan & Kristen I miss him but I do get some doggie love from Celly so that helps!
So that's what's been going on the past two months! I'm busy, I'm active, I'm happy, I'm connected and I am blessed by all of you! Thank you for your support and friendship. And don't forget that I'm here if you need someone to talk to!