tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164193549056617932024-03-17T19:59:40.417-07:00My journey with Alzheimer's Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-87109791069330013332024-01-02T15:48:00.000-08:002024-01-02T20:38:26.693-08:00Catching up!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxusIIlK6l6Ujkwwy7zfvhjoH3IpufOTKS-gqd-8k0Od0-olnIZ5aD28cHy-kJfgBcjMvO3lH4eKHp_HOLpGnUSkldj6F8XnuuSkl8i9yNmHjOrSOghM4wEtK9v2YFEVblZs9GZams4BskT6UQo6-Z9c3ipkTDLKZ_ubJgKAowROOQ9Eyncmsou2a_Mioz/s1378/IMG_0321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1378" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxusIIlK6l6Ujkwwy7zfvhjoH3IpufOTKS-gqd-8k0Od0-olnIZ5aD28cHy-kJfgBcjMvO3lH4eKHp_HOLpGnUSkldj6F8XnuuSkl8i9yNmHjOrSOghM4wEtK9v2YFEVblZs9GZams4BskT6UQo6-Z9c3ipkTDLKZ_ubJgKAowROOQ9Eyncmsou2a_Mioz/s320/IMG_0321.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> It’s been quite a while since I’ve Blogged. I’m still doing ok and spending most of my time with my friends and family. And Rusty too of course! I’m also spending time with the twins at Kristen’s house. They are getting so big and I love every minute with them. They give me so much joy💖<p></p><p>This year we had a smaller team for our Walk2EndAlz but we still raised a lot of money. I was also so happy to see some of my Intel buddies. Many thanks to Gail for driving out to Danville. And of course Scott Harrison who was with us too. The twins loved everyone and I’m so glad we got a lot of pictures. </p><p>Earlier I flew out to New Jersey with my friend Monika. My other friend - who is also named Monica- lives there and we had such a wonderful time swimming in the ocean and having fabulous meals. I’m so thankful for these getaways! I love my home and my family and friends but it’s always nice to do something different! I did miss my kitty Rusty but I survived. </p><p>When I’m at home I spend time reading and resting. I still have headaches and need to lay down most days. I did go through a sleep study and they think I might have sleep apnea 😞 I have another session in a few weeks and I think they will give me a CPAC! I’m not very happy about that and I’m also very claustrophobic, but if it helps me sleep better and might reduce my headaches, I think I should probably do it. What I would really like is to get rid of my headaches! So I will do what the doctor says, and hope things will be better for me. </p><p>We did connect with our doctor at UCSF and he’s trying to get me on the drug Lequmbi. I have an MRI scheduled at UCSF in early February. We’ll see what happens after that! </p><p>Most recently, on December 6 Diablo Magazine and the East Bay Leadership Council, along with presenting sponsors, Contra Costa Oncology, Kaiser Permanente, and Wells Fargo, hosted the 2023 Threads of Hope event at the Lesher Center for the Arts. I was one of the honoraries, and it was wonderful honor and a lovely ceremony. After the event we enjoyed dinner at Skippolini’s pizza in Downtown Walnut Creek with all of our invited guests.</p><p>So I guess that’s my update for now. I’m tired and have a headache (as usual) so I’m going to lay down and rest. My Alzheimer’s is definitely progressing But I just take it one day at a time. I take a rest and if I feel ok I hang out with my friends and my family. And the twins too of course. I love every minute with them. I’m trying to go with the flow if I don’t feel well. </p><p>The good news is tennis is on again, so I’ll be watching Rafa, Carlos Alcaraz, Naomi, Ons, you know all of them! And of course My Favorite❤️ Coco Geoff.</p><p>Thanks to all of you for your support and your donations for the Alzheimer’s walk earlier this year. God bless you all🙏🏼</p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-64934877143317633422023-07-20T13:17:00.001-07:002023-07-20T14:02:12.087-07:00It's a good day!<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #800180;">Happy Thursday everyone! I haven't blogged for a while so I thought today might work for me. One of the reasons I wanted to blog was to share some good news for me/us and our family💜</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #800180;">Yesterday was my annual check up with my neurologist! Her name is Dr Sachdeva and she has been my doctor since my diagnosis in 2016. She also was very instrumental in helping me get involved with the clinical trials at UCSF. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #800180;">Bob and I went together which is very important for someone who has AD. It's never good to go alone because half of the time you won't remember what the doctor said! I tried to remember what the date was and the year and was hoping and praying she wouldn't ask me to start backwards and subtract by 6 and all the way to 50. But she didn't ask me any of that and she didn't give me the MOCA test either which I think is a test to see how people are progressing.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #800180;">It was a wonderful visit and Bob shared that I'm doing well and my biggest issue is I have very short term memory which is pretty normal. She was very happy to hear that I can drive and do all the tasks in our house. Such at cooking, cleaning, buying groceries etc.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #800180;">My next step is a sleep study to see if I'm getting the right amount of sleep! I am tired most days so I'm curious to see what the Sleep Study will tell us.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #800180;">On another note our grandbabies turned one on July 10th! They are both walking but Izzy is definitely not as fast as Tommy. They are so wonderful, and I love every second of my time with them. My shoulder is getting better too and I will give big praise to all the physical therapists out there! I can almost put my arm behind my back now! That's great progress.💪 </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #800180;">Our next adventure is spending time up in Chico with Jonny and the rest of the Linscheids. I love staying with Carol and hanging out with her doggy Ellie 🐕 They have a pool so I'm pretty excited about swimming too.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;">I was hooked to the TV and tennis for several weeks and was happy to see that Carlos Alcarez won the Men's tournament over Djokovich. I watched ever match and in awe of their strength and tenacity! I was hoping Jabeur would win the women's but she still played an awesome game🎾</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;">So I guess that's my update. Many thanks to my friends and family who drive me back and forth to see the twins each week. I am so thankful for your support. I don't mind taking UBER but it's more fun to be with my friends.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQzmCh8mXHKl7mw0DFGAf5HCUvjl1Qt7P1qBcdzsc_VboZSQ8dKqiKHgjMUOmChfL5Ko434pov3ZVyrlzUplMEwgukxf_Erc1i0hXi-vEUCoB5FA5upHsE1GccNHy0rRuaFo-xzWV_Aev4tS1qaQw2c9Qv7Fe4ADJhFOZq5BcFvYYYqOkJVG4L0PfLZeH/s3088/IMG_1781.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQzmCh8mXHKl7mw0DFGAf5HCUvjl1Qt7P1qBcdzsc_VboZSQ8dKqiKHgjMUOmChfL5Ko434pov3ZVyrlzUplMEwgukxf_Erc1i0hXi-vEUCoB5FA5upHsE1GccNHy0rRuaFo-xzWV_Aev4tS1qaQw2c9Qv7Fe4ADJhFOZq5BcFvYYYqOkJVG4L0PfLZeH/w150-h200/IMG_1781.HEIC" width="150" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><br />I hope you all have a great rest of your week and please text, call or whatever if you want to talk 💖</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128);">PS! Bob & I went to the Giants game and had a blast💥 </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128);"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="820" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRrWnrpKtDzC_Q9j4RkhQi7we1JGnjD7Baq1wdeIhMMyS_GQDxuxSivunfdwxXuo-ML4-15geYynEysTFZIeVXFNI8WVhGQpfOaICOVrYZJQR7VDXqN0d_dRvDXoek1U9-RaAprboN5K0zMh8j2DLAwhaTCks-n3k3koqQpdx9bB7qOlMprRhN4ABWCiVt" width="291" /></span></span></div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span></div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-36855198986626189512023-04-21T15:56:00.008-07:002023-07-20T17:29:58.447-07:00Spring has sprung🌸🌺<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxdSUPN-W8q3xosUbAOxfuOXnQ4sRfo7cSzfGcOZxQcsyWVZ-Q4Rq_mReYkpsG-zJn31QT0MTZB2MhtFrpDKPB3Qhw5d5J2j49ekNqf8JdZCiMr0eUX7Ec_s5YjY5oXtFr5BYFoM_Pi2jY0xZMOl2NIiolwAQQSSDCZ-jUBLPX0KqYxG3dZXvotPORsl9/s2915/IMG_0439.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2151" data-original-width="2915" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxdSUPN-W8q3xosUbAOxfuOXnQ4sRfo7cSzfGcOZxQcsyWVZ-Q4Rq_mReYkpsG-zJn31QT0MTZB2MhtFrpDKPB3Qhw5d5J2j49ekNqf8JdZCiMr0eUX7Ec_s5YjY5oXtFr5BYFoM_Pi2jY0xZMOl2NIiolwAQQSSDCZ-jUBLPX0KqYxG3dZXvotPORsl9/w200-h148/IMG_0439.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Happy Friday to all of you! It’s been a while since I’ve blogged but today seemed to be a good day for me to let you know what’s going on with me. <p></p><p>I haven’t been in the mood to blog or to do much of anything. I’m still doing my meditation and Bible plans in the morning with my espresso ☕️ And I like sitting outside! The birds bring me joy when the weather cooperates 🐦 </p><p>I’m still able to help Kristen with the babies and I love every minute of that. Unfortunately I injured my shoulder so I’m in a lot of pain and dealing with physical therapy every week. I can still hold the babies and play with them and feed them which is very gratifying! They are so darn cute and I love them to pieces 🥰</p><p>The big issue for me know is exhaustion and the lack of motivation. The headaches and ringing in my ears are getting worse. Most days I need to lay down and rest. I do have an appointment at UCSF soon and hope to see how my brain is functioning and what’s next. I’m hoping to get in another clinical trial too! I will let you know how that goes. </p><p>Some days I stay home and rest but most days I force myself out for a walk and/or a lunch date with friends. Last week Bob and I were up in Chico and I was able to spend time with two of my dear friends - Michelle & Maria. We had SO much fun together when we were living there and it was the highlight of our trip. </p><p></p><br />I did get to celebrate my birthday in Chico and I was so happy to share it with Carol! We have the same birthdays and enjoyed a lovely meal with Bob & Caitlin & Jonny 🎂 And I got to play with Carols dog Ellie! She likes to wake me up in the morning too 🤣<br /><p></p><p>I’m still listening to audible while I rest and really enjoyed ‘Hello Beautiful’ by Ann Napolitano. ‘Spare’ by Prince Harry was good too! Right now I’m reading ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ by Celeste Ng. I’ve read it before but it was a very long time ago. </p><p>So that’s my update for now! I will try to post some photos too. But sometimes my brain can’t handle that…. We’ll see how it goes today 😄</p><p>I appreciate all your support and I especially loved all the birthday wishes 💕 It’s very hard to believe that I’m 68 years old now. YIKES 😳 </p><p>Love & hugs and blessing to all of you my friends and family❤️</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-7524090662860326462023-01-11T14:00:00.007-08:002023-01-12T21:17:53.221-08:00Slowing down 😒<span style="font-family: verdana;">Greetings to all of you and Happy New Year🥳I haven’t blogged for quite a while so I decided today might be a good day to update everyone. It’s cold & rainy and I think staying home is best for me today. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I’m doing ok - just ok. Not great but not terrible. My short term memory is non existent and I really cannot remember conversations!! It’s so frustrating but I’m trying my best to stay positive. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Any time I talk to someone I write down what we talked about so I can let Bob know or Kristen or my friends what happened or what I needed to do that day. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I tried my best to get gifts for Christmas too but I screwed that up 😢 I’m thankful that everyone in our family understands how losing my short term memory is extremely annoying and I feel bad that I have to ask them the same questions day after day. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">On a happy note the twins are perfect and I love every minute with them. They are six months old now!! Kristen is back at work and has a nanny to help her but I’m still able to spend time with them once a week. And this weekend I’m able to spend the night and get a lot of quality Buni time with the babies 💕💙</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">After Christmas Bob and I went to Chico to see Jonny and the rest of the Linscheid family. I hadn’t been up there for at least three years. It was a wonderful visit and Bob and I went to our favorite church - Bidwell Press🙏🏼</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I know we did a lot of other things since my last blog but I think I’ve already mentioned most of them. As I’m writing this Rusty is sitting on my lap sound asleep🐈 I can’t imagine not having him with me and I always miss him when we’re out of town. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Oh wow I almost forgot the best part of the past few months! Bob and I went to Maui🐬🌊 I flew there alone and a week later Bob came over. I was so happy that I didn’t need any help and spent the first week without any issues or concerns. Other than the horrific wind storms that knocked down some the of palm frongs. I took a ton of beautiful photos and got to spend time with my neice Mindy and her family too. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippKvjerMOV0DdINM0DzsbeJ-9prJemiSCboniGzFlRodB2MhTQH19KgcC4cE8LI_cjcsSgFv2q8l5LDq2bkbhznJ8nd8NdQXK3BsKk-GInjOKlemRThBZiAXM00mvARvAcZvhfswzmXwp42L694hUSd9mm0EwKpx-u2i-MMsp3R7dZkA5xUxcrzB2_w/s4032/IMG_0193.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQwS1gxqJkaDluOptjkBl91L526ftCbtoNBjHP3a8SVW60zKqGOePAPC2k4i8falX49FOdnDsA0g8NPRNxkN78A7N5nL_HSAlPkm8g3VHcW5Gbhl2JmFUq4K6f6Exxs6TcMyot0oU5zoCOjFHIEuqU-ww0CSsptZRK2ohOJpkGRCuZWZcSc1qqfGDYA/s4032/IMG_0804.HEIC" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQwS1gxqJkaDluOptjkBl91L526ftCbtoNBjHP3a8SVW60zKqGOePAPC2k4i8falX49FOdnDsA0g8NPRNxkN78A7N5nL_HSAlPkm8g3VHcW5Gbhl2JmFUq4K6f6Exxs6TcMyot0oU5zoCOjFHIEuqU-ww0CSsptZRK2ohOJpkGRCuZWZcSc1qqfGDYA/s320/IMG_0804.HEIC" width="240" /> </a><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippKvjerMOV0DdINM0DzsbeJ-9prJemiSCboniGzFlRodB2MhTQH19KgcC4cE8LI_cjcsSgFv2q8l5LDq2bkbhznJ8nd8NdQXK3BsKk-GInjOKlemRThBZiAXM00mvARvAcZvhfswzmXwp42L694hUSd9mm0EwKpx-u2i-MMsp3R7dZkA5xUxcrzB2_w/s320/IMG_0193.HEIC" width="240" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzj_87qeb7tT7aaQv0Xusny6y1wntbe2DGcmf3p8fG3xd51z3oso4vTnQ9LcQZae1QYOJAkj8PgY34HO4lb3d_K43ZMsy279gQW6ilsP1nVLE4H9xsBPq9WPp86jyDuZ8lOq8NFwOfLGr8KuDs6RS60X8us5n4Cqt4lSdry-yeK-nEfZ80m-ADGcLyQ/s3024/IMG_0822.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesd8M9hlb5coljuKHLIGboExwxSKlcMnuktrGXXQw_Om9L0JELhpDMOVFLVIeboPRdNznW25tr5wnrp4e4XrfRC0uE-KOZFupgce28x4WhpfXyncsT5rUHiy48sdxOo0zen0wVLgVLA5Qdxs9nugYecGFQy0jNEFqWYpuNYJKbxOCri_UNTx4oqry1A/s604/IMG_0773.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesd8M9hlb5coljuKHLIGboExwxSKlcMnuktrGXXQw_Om9L0JELhpDMOVFLVIeboPRdNznW25tr5wnrp4e4XrfRC0uE-KOZFupgce28x4WhpfXyncsT5rUHiy48sdxOo0zen0wVLgVLA5Qdxs9nugYecGFQy0jNEFqWYpuNYJKbxOCri_UNTx4oqry1A/s320/IMG_0773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />We celebrated our Anniversary on Lani - which is where we got married 💒 It was so wonderful to be back there. The food and the service and the views are worth every penny. We also went to the Cat Sanctuary which is one of my favorite outings. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">So I guess that’s all I can remember. I know I’ve done more fun stuff but my brain can’t remember it right now. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Please keep the texts and calls and lunch dates coming! I miss my friends & family and can’t wait for the next excuse to have a big party 🎉 </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-84416349684951137132022-09-29T13:36:00.000-07:002022-09-29T13:36:11.157-07:00Baby Love💗<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's been a while since I blogged and I'm happy today is a good day to do it! It is a beautiful day here so I won't spend too much time inside today. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The past few weeks have been all about the babies👶💖 We have created a good system so that I can help Kristen twice a week. On Tuesday she comes to our house with them and we turn our living room into a daycare! My dear friends Sylvia and Debbie come over and help too! We have two swings that we found on NextDoor and boy do they come in handy. I love holding the babies but it's also nice to have a safe place for them. Yesterday my buddy Elaine came over too and that was really nice. She also gave us a playpen that we can use when the babies get older. Thank you Lanie 💕</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The following day I normally go over to Kristens house and help her with them there. That's two full days of baby time and I LOVE IT! Don't get me wrong, I am exhausted at the end of these days and I look forward to a good nights sleep too, but I definitely wouldn't change it. I just wish she lived closer but that's not going to happen, so I won't dwell on it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My bestie Monica came to town just to help out with the babies too! Ryan was out of town so the three of us were in charge. It was SO wonderful to have her all week and she's an amazing chef and filled our plates with yummy food. I was sad to see her go but she has lots of friends and I know we will see her again when it works for her schedule. We've been friend's since the kids were 5 years old! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today I'm going to the chiropractor -- holding them and walking up and down the stairs definitely affects my back and my right knee. But it's worth it and I'm not going to stop our routine! They are so darn cute and even when they're crying and fussy I'm ok with it!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The rest of my time has been spent raising money for our Alzheimer's Walk! So far we've raised over $26,000💰 I've been auctioning off some of the scarfs I've knitted and that really helped us this year. Our walk is just a month away and I'm looking forward to walking with all of our friends and family. Afterwards we will host lunch at a local pizza place. We've been doing this since 2016 when I got my diagnosis and started walking and raising money to find a cure!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was able to spend some time with my oldest grandson Ryan too. We went to lunch and to a movie and it had been a while since I'd seen him so it was special. He's getting so tall! He also recently won a big tournament in Florida too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another fun thing Bob and I did was go to a concert with our besties - Tim, Elaine, Monika and Louis! I was a little nervous because I thought it might be too loud for me. We were at Shoreline and Keith Urban was playing. I love him and I love his music so I decided to tough it out. The good news is that the music was perfect! I didn't need the earplugs and I knew a lot of his songs so I was in heaven. I'm so thankful I said yes to this wonderful event! We spent the night with them too and enjoyed a lovely time in their patio before we went home. Thank you Tim & Elaine for your hospitality😘</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I got to see my brother Bobby and Carol too this month. They were on their way home from a visit with family and stopped at our house. I was hoping they would stay for dinner but that didn't work out. I sure do wish they lived closer. We need to figure out how to spend more time together.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had some lunch dates too - Jane come over to watch tennis with me and that was really fun. We've known each other for many years - back in the High School days. Our friend Karen met up with Bob and I too for a wonderful meal in Walnut Creek. She also helped me with one of the paint by number kits that I was working on. My neurologist suggested that I mix things up and not do the same thing every day so I stopped painting. Karen took over and she just finished it! Thank you KYZ! I can't wait to frame it. I'm hoping someone will make a nice big donation and help us raise some more money for our ALZ walk Oct 29th!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So that's what's been happening with me! I still struggle with headaches, exhaustion and ringing in my ears. Thats been going on for a long time so I try not to let it bother me. I still need to rest/nap and thankfully I can do that while listening to my audible books or meditation music. I just finished a great book if you like non fiction - Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. GREAT story about rock and roll and the music industry. I also listened to Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McALllister but I didn't like it that much. Spilled Milk by K.L. Randis was good but sad/uncomfortable at times. At the moment I'm reading Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Give it a try! It's pretty interesting!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuKjV0Jwc4fQWsDR1EbmOvjaIG3rTVj3xW7afk7TpFcJtb0GodlqA9EN1_VK6fRAwdhKPp7WxN7QaaZ-9kZ2qUn7uxgPoXwADQBikOSs_wkV79x2fKCbpPInxZrRP_qhH_zBQx6PtrWcy6Ob2JTWJfKVopKBWziMk-fs7mNgfeRoF64rtCGtfqkFtn4w" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="407" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuKjV0Jwc4fQWsDR1EbmOvjaIG3rTVj3xW7afk7TpFcJtb0GodlqA9EN1_VK6fRAwdhKPp7WxN7QaaZ-9kZ2qUn7uxgPoXwADQBikOSs_wkV79x2fKCbpPInxZrRP_qhH_zBQx6PtrWcy6Ob2JTWJfKVopKBWziMk-fs7mNgfeRoF64rtCGtfqkFtn4w" width="148" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Rusty is still my constant companion, and I can't imagine life without him. He really is a dog in disguise😇 I sure hope he outlives me because I will not do well when he goes to heaven....</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope you're all doing well. Sending love and hugs and blessings your way💜💜</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-13565291670759669412022-08-08T14:32:00.005-07:002022-08-11T15:51:22.339-07:00The Joy of Family 💕<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">BLOG #119! It's been quite a while since I blogged. My last blog was
extremely difficult. Thankfully my dear friend Debbie came over and helped
out! I'm hoping and praying that this one will be easier to navigate.
It's been almost two months since my last blog so i will try to update
you on all my activities❤ </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I am still listening to books and sometimes I can paint at the same time!
This month I've read/listened to six books and I am enjoying most of them.
One of my favorites was 'The Maid' by Nita Prose. My Intel buddy JeanAnn
recommended it. I've had some lunch dates too but they aren't as
frequent than they used to be. I think the summer months and kids home for
school have something to do with that. I did have lunch with Rebecca at True
Food Kitchen and that was wonderful! Oh, and Debbie and I had lunch too
which was a real treat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I had to say goodbye to my Intel buddy Melaine 😶 JeanAnn and I had lunch
with her and a few days later she left for a new adventure in Colorado. We
cried a little but hopefully we can stay in touch via FaceTime/Zoom or by
texting. I'm happy for her and maybe someday I will visit
her! </span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWb0oav-q9HIlN0P_IO3e_8iaPhc7GNclwwGWYrN42YU1UGbo5RNVsHQMhH73DxwLpX1ADwiAnfxrfW2_l1iqEeBleZXl3L_qObX6NSMOdCbmXhwhIGJ0XN0GbENvMr1N4iOprQVas3EQIRUkK5HyHEIP0ZFI1TQpvn4LQiRNb4oV7DijE49TiGZjRZw" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="113" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWb0oav-q9HIlN0P_IO3e_8iaPhc7GNclwwGWYrN42YU1UGbo5RNVsHQMhH73DxwLpX1ADwiAnfxrfW2_l1iqEeBleZXl3L_qObX6NSMOdCbmXhwhIGJ0XN0GbENvMr1N4iOprQVas3EQIRUkK5HyHEIP0ZFI1TQpvn4LQiRNb4oV7DijE49TiGZjRZw" width="226" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Last month! Bob took me to my annual visit at my Neurologists office. Dr.
Sachdeva has been my doctor since my diagnosis in 2016. She was very happy
that I was doing well. I told her all about my routine and my mediation,
bible plans, yoga, walking etc. The only thing she recommended was to mix
things up! Change my routine - walk in the morning vs the afternoon.
She doesn't want me to paint every day so I will figure out what my new
routine will be soon! </span>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So, the best thing that happened this month was my youngest daughter
delivered two beautiful babies! No photos are allowed but I can tell
you those twins are absolutely perfect👶👶 A boy and a girl!!! I can't tell
you how much joy that brought to our family. It also gives me hope and even
more purpose to keep fighting and raising money to find a cure to END
ALZHEIMER'S!!! My goal is to be able to spend time with them and to make
many memories with them!</span>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I was able to be in the hospital when they were born and didn't want to put
them down. I am filled with hope and joy and I'm so happy I'm able to help
them once a week. Changing diapers and feeding them makes me so happy! Celly
loves them too and tries to kiss them when they're getting
changed!</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguYpRXea-IJyae-r-DLW9vwtKsdvt0QYi7X8VuupjfsguCtGjVAHTpdYjoTaboj_33Qax9sEJDWeecOIYr0jF4FfFfJLFPp-QTqQuitzSEry8LPUOHiFlcY40PyYX1yXLrXXvT67hB785lOfmrr_3XvgH4oJflRhOhEE96KPU2huloI8PAcbouhYWlHA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="90" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguYpRXea-IJyae-r-DLW9vwtKsdvt0QYi7X8VuupjfsguCtGjVAHTpdYjoTaboj_33Qax9sEJDWeecOIYr0jF4FfFfJLFPp-QTqQuitzSEry8LPUOHiFlcY40PyYX1yXLrXXvT67hB785lOfmrr_3XvgH4oJflRhOhEE96KPU2huloI8PAcbouhYWlHA" width="180" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I've also started my WALK2ENDALZ fundraising and have raised over $10,000
and our team BUNI's BUDDIES has raised over $17,000! Many thanks to all of
you who have already donated. Every penny counts and I am so thankful for
your support.</span>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The other exciting event took place in San Diego last week. I was part of a
panel speaking at the Alzheimer's Assoc International Conference! There were
four of us on stage talking about ALZ and how Lego's helped one woman
communicate with Lego bricks! I shared my journey of living with ALZ and
also spoke about the importance of using the Lego's to share my frustration
with one of my primary care doctors. For that Lego set I turned all the Lego
people upside down - signifying that my doctor had his head in the sand!
This was the doctor that told me "You don't look like you have
Alzheimer's!" </span>
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<div><br /></div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBLx_C9CgOVtKik6YphrI5qXmyKKQGL2ii3CLr5JVrrgRb5DW8ENMJwDxyyyEPTpmUad3gSk-uSzxZ1n_9vMX-ZPrS42r6q_04-lG6anWqA9glc1BPe0KnO8Y7rD9cLe6FL5ZmQ-fujTDMvBRDtj-yH7jtV5KB-0cf_9hQwG7jiXs3RqOmgSfpCqO5g/s2105/AAIC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2105" data-original-width="1718" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBLx_C9CgOVtKik6YphrI5qXmyKKQGL2ii3CLr5JVrrgRb5DW8ENMJwDxyyyEPTpmUad3gSk-uSzxZ1n_9vMX-ZPrS42r6q_04-lG6anWqA9glc1BPe0KnO8Y7rD9cLe6FL5ZmQ-fujTDMvBRDtj-yH7jtV5KB-0cf_9hQwG7jiXs3RqOmgSfpCqO5g/s320/AAIC3.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">We were there for 3 days and unfortunately, I had horrific nightmares
the morning we were flying home. It stuck with me all day and I was so
shaken that when I came home, I stayed in bed all day trying to erase
the fear. I mentioned it to my colleague, and she mentioned that
sometimes Aricept causes nightmares! When I mentioned it to Bob he said I
had frequent nightmares! WOW - I guess I either forgot that or just didn't
know it was happening that often.</span>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The next day I was fine and Wednesday afternoon I was with my grandchildren
and loved every minute with them. </span>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So that's what's been going on with me😇 I had a fun lunch date with
Rebecca & Julia at Blackhawk Grill. It was really fun and we got to feed
the ducks too. </span>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I read a weird book - 'Things We Do In The Dark' - I definitely do not
recommend it! I did LOVE "The Maid" by Nita Prose. JeanAnn
recommended it to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it!</span>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Rusty has been a good boy too and he likes to lay with me in the afternoon
when I'm resting! Bob has been busy but we've been able to have lunch dates
and make a point to go to church on Sundays and then have a nice meal. I
spent a ton of time watching Wimbledon too and just LOVE that
tournament! </span>
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</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So I guess that's my latest update! I will try to attach some photos
to this but I'm not sure I know how to do that anymore. UGH! I need an
assistant to help me with technology now 😆😆</span>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Many thanks to all of you - I can't tell you how much you lift me up and
keep me smiling💜💓</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">💜 </span>
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</div>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-50877735974697307412022-06-11T14:04:00.004-07:002022-06-12T09:00:29.343-07:00Mini Vacation & my birthday month🎂<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Hello and happy weekend to all of you💜 I'm going to start this by saying I've definitely slowed down but have been able to make the most of it and will continue to fight this crazy disease. I haven't blogged in over two months. Not because I didn't have anything to say but mainly because it takes a lot of time and a lot of brain power to write these days.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So that being said, this blog is dedicated to LOUIS BURNS! Last Saturday several of us went to a celebration of life for our Intel buddy Earl Whetstone. He was well a special man well liked and sometimes feared.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was honored to be able to attend the event at Birks - one of the restaurants near RNB where we all worked. The first person I saw when I walked in was Louis. He gave me a big hug and talked about how my blogs have been helping him and others. I mentioned that they are hard for me to write, take a ton of time and afterwards I'm exhausted. He encouraged me to KEEP GOING! They are important to him and if Louis wants to hear my story I'm sure there are many others that do too. So that's what I'm doing today. It might take me several hours to get this done but I'm going to keep this trend for as long as I can. Thanks for the encouragement</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Louis😍</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So onward to what I've been up to. I'm definitely staying connected and reaching out to friends and family almost every day. I've had several lunch dates, walk dates and plenty of phone calls that help me stay connected. I started another adult Paint By Number kit and enjoying that again. I have read a ton of books but I also am enjoying my naps!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">My birthday was April 15th and we hadn't celebrated with friends and family since COVID. So this year Bob made sure it was a special event! We had a fabulous meal at Postino in Lafayette and I think there were over 30 people in attendance. I was in heaven and it was so nice to see everyone. Not everyone knew each other so I asked everyone to let folks know who they were and how long had they know me!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-vMGKnfMSPI92Djvy1pSEGrG-UuKQ9Sjho22Jjb-1O4DHx2AZxxkYeJgl_szFznxAUZ5B4BZSGYLQBentqwUfblls1iDZOaNLVJrNqaB4VydSxWuT5ADzyuKen8KTViS8J1ResLmKbHt3Vv9uVKBexIg-UCCNcnc0gAyvB0Izim32qFzqLsDrWODnA/s2816/F353B284-144B-4D9F-86FF-DB11546BFD4B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2205" data-original-width="2816" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-vMGKnfMSPI92Djvy1pSEGrG-UuKQ9Sjho22Jjb-1O4DHx2AZxxkYeJgl_szFznxAUZ5B4BZSGYLQBentqwUfblls1iDZOaNLVJrNqaB4VydSxWuT5ADzyuKen8KTViS8J1ResLmKbHt3Vv9uVKBexIg-UCCNcnc0gAyvB0Izim32qFzqLsDrWODnA/s320/F353B284-144B-4D9F-86FF-DB11546BFD4B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was a good way to get the conversations</span><span style="font-size: large;"> starting! Two of my high school best friends were there too - they actually surprised me! They RSVP'd NO but secretly talked to Bob and let him know they were coming. Of course when I saw them walk in I couldn't stop crying. Crying is my thing now BTW - Lots of emotions that are so close to the surface. I'm doing my best to embrace the emotions</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and not stress about it. My brother and sister in law were there too and I'm always thankful to have time with them. My moto is FAMILY FIRST.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So before my lovely birthday dinner I was living the life of luxury with one of my best buddies Monica! She flew out from New Jersey and we went on a road trip to see our other buddy Monika. She and her husband Louis live among the beautiful redwood trees!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Afterwards we stayed at one of my favorite hotels - The Dream Inn in Santa Cruz. Monica hadn't been there before and she was in love with the ocean and the cool sea air! Before we took off for our trip to Half Moon Bay we had breakfast with my nephew - Braden! He and his wife live in Santa Cruz and I'm so glad we could spend some quality time with them. I just love him to pieces💗</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="3202" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgQRcZYBgWujelLbeX1r9UZ93ayAwQr-6GsvCfYWvPG3FsBxivlHoJcX3dxLkmh9-sBgAeMoBQNFbjo3vbHFUjNXgMV5Rhsv1h5_T1Q8mg4XaANUY0tK1Kxndv-bNj1neYtuY8psFbzWmYztADHipQluYU6IW67kWsPkxioRhvpGm0XQYQFWsVD58wA/s320/IMG_8579.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monica & Pam at the lighthouse</td></tr></tbody></table><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8mQlSucdAzes6ykoZGkJMhUvdXSgM7G1Hkvu6Bwy4bZ6YeMTUGq0kvtnxoSphNfygpCZBmxJMiZ6sgo4NcR9SxlsgmnRgeL2qG_A-O-TB2Z7Fux2mvnCQ64miBU3Ncxmdib506qIA62LicsiaX3rkM8Dplte38pysr-LadwnxLp1sy0H4DDPjHQi0Yw" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="266" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8mQlSucdAzes6ykoZGkJMhUvdXSgM7G1Hkvu6Bwy4bZ6YeMTUGq0kvtnxoSphNfygpCZBmxJMiZ6sgo4NcR9SxlsgmnRgeL2qG_A-O-TB2Z7Fux2mvnCQ64miBU3Ncxmdib506qIA62LicsiaX3rkM8Dplte38pysr-LadwnxLp1sy0H4DDPjHQi0Yw=w267-h320" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much needed sweatshirt on the coast</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So onward we went up the coast and took a lot of pictures and enjoyed the lighthouses. Oh - and the sea otters too! The accommodations at the Ritz Carlton were lovely and Monica treated me to a very special birthday dinner. We were in the 'fine dining' area and the chef did a fabulous job.</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosvNnht4HvDSXrK0usQf79QuHCfo1S4J3D7mNk0rINr7rDoj61pQ3CRrdn5j8AiBMKaJIFfX8dH6x2j1wDaEdYcCwH32oCbJ_Mlkl-oic6q59Qp9IolKwmY1MJxosVRLngZ4EYl6O1HWGwYeM9Xta8VwJ6V0OtdBHO_FEhFyaSTcRjrWc3UG9dQ4IMQ/s4032/IMG_9010.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosvNnht4HvDSXrK0usQf79QuHCfo1S4J3D7mNk0rINr7rDoj61pQ3CRrdn5j8AiBMKaJIFfX8dH6x2j1wDaEdYcCwH32oCbJ_Mlkl-oic6q59Qp9IolKwmY1MJxosVRLngZ4EYl6O1HWGwYeM9Xta8VwJ6V0OtdBHO_FEhFyaSTcRjrWc3UG9dQ4IMQ/w200-h150/IMG_9010.HEIC" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset's at Half Moon Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjgCgKxfvoNea7Pgf3g3q9wi8OJuxv7KrE7WmihpjcMaUT9D0A2stDcCKhVU8Gv6S4u-twIpzUgf6G1WUaSxxATEtqbt3fBzDqJZ68MbwqBHnj58UnuoNe0a5I09jcU95cV1xYLkjUrRYfgIKT40FqesnjRZcgaa2xOJRxtwf_xQ-9xZIfeUFHyQiJQ/s4032/IMG_9014.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2884" data-original-width="4032" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjgCgKxfvoNea7Pgf3g3q9wi8OJuxv7KrE7WmihpjcMaUT9D0A2stDcCKhVU8Gv6S4u-twIpzUgf6G1WUaSxxATEtqbt3fBzDqJZ68MbwqBHnj58UnuoNe0a5I09jcU95cV1xYLkjUrRYfgIKT40FqesnjRZcgaa2xOJRxtwf_xQ-9xZIfeUFHyQiJQ/s320/IMG_9014.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre Birthday celebration</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqk9IUzsYySdp9qyBv7p5o8mM-kFOS_h6pCKrHTr7NY6lLyY6UdgcFNNdx78bXrvaQY1I8wqVTPjiGrMiEjSPS7tfm4qHTzVCp-VX6e2PUeNI3aDuHa7DV6w8U8PBjce9Fpk5ZPJVTfHRTFiuZOlaH7vvfhMMTCSK87FObgFY_wCDpl4i39EVDzlhebw/s4032/IMG_9012.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqk9IUzsYySdp9qyBv7p5o8mM-kFOS_h6pCKrHTr7NY6lLyY6UdgcFNNdx78bXrvaQY1I8wqVTPjiGrMiEjSPS7tfm4qHTzVCp-VX6e2PUeNI3aDuHa7DV6w8U8PBjce9Fpk5ZPJVTfHRTFiuZOlaH7vvfhMMTCSK87FObgFY_wCDpl4i39EVDzlhebw/w300-h400/IMG_9012.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>AMAZING lamp chops<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So that's all the good stuff that happened over the past few months. Thanks to Melaine, JeanAnn, Jane, Joy, Rebecca, Carol, Debbie, Buck & Karen and anyone else I forgot. All of these men & ladies took time out of their busy days to spend time with me. Special shout out to Rusty for being by my side and for Bobs love & support❤ For Kristen and Ryan and Celly too! And Much love to all of you too! Your friendahip means the world to me. </span><p></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-76865185396842503472022-04-02T12:27:00.004-07:002022-04-20T15:33:59.931-07:00Happy Spring 😊<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Well, it's been quite a while since I sat down to write another blog! It's hard to believe that we are in the month of April! I've been busy and thankfully COVID is calming down. BTW this is blog #117! I've been sharing my story and my journey living with Alzheimer's for 7 years! Whew -- so much has happened over those years and thankfully I'm still able to write, read, knit, drive, cook, make reservations and share my journey - with the hopes of helping others dealing with this disease.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Most of my days have been pretty good! I enjoy listening to my books, meditating, my bible plans and listening to the 'Pray As You Go' app. I also really enjoy knitting and connecting with my friends and family. The weather is warm now so I'm able to sit outside and hang out with all the birds! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My cognition is ok, actually pretty good. I do struggle with short term memory and have found that I need to write down important details. A few days ago Bob mentioned some events he was going to. I made the mistake of not writing it down! Most days I keep my journal with me and when I get on the phone with my friends & Family I make sure to take notes on what we talked about. It's not that annoying but I'm sure it's not fun for my family and friends.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am staying active and enjoying my Yoga classes and my walks around the Iron Horse Trail. I still enjoy my audible books too. I just finished the Sea of Freedom by Sarah Lark. I also really enjoyed Anatomy by Dana Schwarz and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I'm so thankful for the Audio version of these books. I don't think my cognition works well when I'm reading so I just don't bother with it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had a lovely time connecting with one of my hero's - Eric Dishman last month! All of my Intel buddies will know who he is. When Eric got sick many years ago he shared his journey and wrote about his struggles. He is the one that inspired me to be brave and share my story in order try to help others too! That's why I started blogging after I got my diagnosis. I'm so glad he's doing well and hope to connect with him again soon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In February we lost our dear friend Michael Chernow😭 I was able to fly out with my friends Monika & Louis so we could attend his funeral. Michael's wife is Monica and we've been friends for over 30 years. I told Bob I needed to be there and he helped me get my flights. It was rough but I'm so glad I was there to surround Monica and her kids with love and hugs. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">On a happy note I was able to attend the East Bay Women's Conference in San Ramon. Bob was very involved in this and I was so happy that Brittany came with me. She was my caregiver for the day! The speakers were phenomenal and I'm so glad I was able to attend. I even got dressed up and put makeup on! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zbDCZnW-6IOqdwRARbhh4lHT9ph83CJAYJhd-gw8u0mWbfFEJ8ni1vLWmF4LPNF4I3hjxzu4AGAg_fDdDfmQ5aZbSdeFgw9RPBc1loPg4YqHlwV6fbyof6vrO5acO-hzKYomTEoCwJFQ4LyRQmA70O88AO1ebdPKTcm-IHAqY9rmUMn6e5tdfT6IaA/s3835/IMG_5733.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2702" data-original-width="3835" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zbDCZnW-6IOqdwRARbhh4lHT9ph83CJAYJhd-gw8u0mWbfFEJ8ni1vLWmF4LPNF4I3hjxzu4AGAg_fDdDfmQ5aZbSdeFgw9RPBc1loPg4YqHlwV6fbyof6vrO5acO-hzKYomTEoCwJFQ4LyRQmA70O88AO1ebdPKTcm-IHAqY9rmUMn6e5tdfT6IaA/s320/IMG_5733.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've recently been speaking at a few events over Zoom. I did a FaceBook Live event with Claire Day and earlier that day I spoke to the staff at Genentech! It was so fun to share my story, my journey of living with AD. I'm really hoping that I can do some IN PERSON events soon! I do think that COVID is slowing down so lets hope and pray we can hug each other again💓</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kristen had a birthday this month and it was nice to go to a restaurant! Her bestie Candi and I took her to dinner and a Peruvian restaurant! YUM - it was delicious. The downside was that it was SUPER LOUD!! I thankfully had ear plugs with me. I'm sure I've mentioned how sensitive I am to loud noises now. And I ALWAYS have ringing in my ears so adding loud noises really messes me up!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">A few weeks ago my high school buddy Jane came over. She ordered food for us, picked it up and we ate at the dining room table! It was so much fun. Normally we meet at restaurants but eating at home was really fun. I'm so thankful for her - I know she's still working full time but she still makes time for me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bob's son Phil was in town last week! I hadn't seen him since COVID and it was so wonderful to hang out. We sat outside at one of our favorite spots - CRUMBS. These little moments mean the world to me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHDyCapFI-BzqbQ4JBZ5zabTMf9NuY6uGUKlS16d1-qVMUBcExMnyO0kV2C2fBMhGvgQfrpMF-fctiubyM0r09kRdI2KeTz1TRaizyZ1gYfFOzEBAB1FV_IiGk7h-JLl2Q1An4WiF5ZY-iH9C23gAnEqf1XWUvzlUK2nisxUbAHqtg_QBxBiDsy3oHg/s2293/IMG_6582.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2293" data-original-width="2067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHDyCapFI-BzqbQ4JBZ5zabTMf9NuY6uGUKlS16d1-qVMUBcExMnyO0kV2C2fBMhGvgQfrpMF-fctiubyM0r09kRdI2KeTz1TRaizyZ1gYfFOzEBAB1FV_IiGk7h-JLl2Q1An4WiF5ZY-iH9C23gAnEqf1XWUvzlUK2nisxUbAHqtg_QBxBiDsy3oHg/s320/IMG_6582.jpeg" width="288" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />A week prior I had a WONDERFUL visit with Matt Gunsul and his family. Matt used to work for me at Intel and he promised when he was in town he would make time for me. He was on Spring Break with his wife and kids and we had a wonderful time at breakfast. Thank you Matt & May💜 Oh- and since I paid for lunch he donated to my Alzheimer's Walk! That's the kind of guy Matt is.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjET7URF9cr4FM75PTwmhmJIog71eyHI1kStkDzAJxho4yuFX3FhHaB1bomGtOatbGQXlHGMKWIl9Dk156wpGCrNxDYp9tqIFg2Exb8bqc5ZvxPMfdYedpTCWx2oRPIQXXlb1EQ0V_vwcV5CVBUYZ1BZ1slL-_bp7lEVvsDXW5MY-xK2DMb4xTYkJQzAw" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjET7URF9cr4FM75PTwmhmJIog71eyHI1kStkDzAJxho4yuFX3FhHaB1bomGtOatbGQXlHGMKWIl9Dk156wpGCrNxDYp9tqIFg2Exb8bqc5ZvxPMfdYedpTCWx2oRPIQXXlb1EQ0V_vwcV5CVBUYZ1BZ1slL-_bp7lEVvsDXW5MY-xK2DMb4xTYkJQzAw" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I would be remiss if I didn't talk about Celly and my time with Ryan & Kristen! Celly is always the center of attention and is the sweetest dog EVER. I just love spending time with them and thoroughly enjoy wrestling with my grand doggy🐕</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I also had a lunch date with Rebecca in late March! And a few days later she got married!! She also adopted a new doggy! Her name is Maisy and I can't wait to meet her. After our lunch date we went to a pet store so of course I had to buy Maisy a toy. I bought her a SLOTH!!! And guess what, she LOVES it. Thank you Rebecca for sending the pictures of Maisy playing with her Sloth!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Every day is a gift and I am so thankful for all my friends and family who look out for me! A few days ago Debbie and I connected and talked and talked. Friends are EVERTHING! It wasn't anything special - we just grabbed two chairs, ordered some coffee and talked about anything and everything! That's what I like - no agenda, no drama, just lots of fun and love and support. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So that's what's been going on with me. YES I have constant headaches, YES I have constant ringing in my ears. But the good news is I am fully functional and other than the short term memory stuff I'm doing pretty darn good!!! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Many thanks to all of you for your love, prayers and support🙏 And I look forward to seeing all of my Intel buddies on April 23rd at PEDRO'S!!! I cannot wait to see you and give you a BIG HUG🤗.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-33037650326115471722022-01-23T13:55:00.000-08:002022-01-23T13:55:41.272-08:00Its 2022! YIKES😲<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Well hello to 2022! I'm still not used to saying that. Every time I journal, I struggle with the date. I know we're in January but I can't keep the days straight. I guess that's OK - I use my calendar to keep notes and I'm aware of what I have scheduled. Most of the time I use my phone AND my calendar just to be safe! I do still struggle horribly with short term memory but when I can't remember what I was doing I sit down and wait until the memory comes back! I try VERY hard not to beat myself up for all the mistakes and confusion that I have. I know for a fact that the meditation and breathing and bible plans that I read everyday help with this. And they defiantly help with my mood and my spirt.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Bob and I celebrated our Anniversary and really enjoyed our dinner at Blackhawk Grill and a movie on Dec 12th. We watched West Side Story! I definitely recommend it, especially if you like musicals. I had some wonderful lunch dates again last month too, Carole came over and we had lunch at our house! That was really a nice treat. Our friends Tim & Elaine had a delayed turkey dinner and it was awesome! It was so nice to be with them and to meet some of her family and friends. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGRADZwJO4N6ORexepXm6MFIGnXytT6ZhwWAubDfnGQWAYBqa2qghwcKi5kc4S8kXAqLVHzFXdzJiJkU7cqFdZGKzLCxYvrqbzcR6RjyyAf4OkWGvD3_X4p9jnCE7H3XM_GEDO0cjMBAZ/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="90" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGRADZwJO4N6ORexepXm6MFIGnXytT6ZhwWAubDfnGQWAYBqa2qghwcKi5kc4S8kXAqLVHzFXdzJiJkU7cqFdZGKzLCxYvrqbzcR6RjyyAf4OkWGvD3_X4p9jnCE7H3XM_GEDO0cjMBAZ/" width="180" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The following week I had lunch with one of my high school buddies, Jane! We had a fabulous meal at Bridges and then went for a long walk on the Iron Horse Trail. The following day my bestie Linda and her hubby Doug came over to hang out! They were in town visiting their daughter and all the grandkids. I was so happy they made the time to meet with me too! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The same day Karen drove down from Folsom and we had a lovely lunch at Blackhawk Grill. I hadn't seen her since COVID and it was nice to reconnect 😊Debbie came over too the following day. This is not normal - I don't always have so many appointments or lunch dates but for some reason near the holidays my calendar was full!!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS1dS6TjSFTv06d7ofgrHLWneUPec37igGZa9iPm08E_hW0Djhxeb-Q0xyO5ipVeLzAHKd5R4NZHnsCLfVdEUBaDErfA5y2qvdjTKElyPjLrm21pxexMpRo6ZFP_dQcorGijBL4YT1b3pps3PDKmrqW5zzY5XIgOAcnbfPdHHOJSHASwni__3QRJbNzQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS1dS6TjSFTv06d7ofgrHLWneUPec37igGZa9iPm08E_hW0Djhxeb-Q0xyO5ipVeLzAHKd5R4NZHnsCLfVdEUBaDErfA5y2qvdjTKElyPjLrm21pxexMpRo6ZFP_dQcorGijBL4YT1b3pps3PDKmrqW5zzY5XIgOAcnbfPdHHOJSHASwni__3QRJbNzQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br />The big drama of last month was a little cat bite from my caregiver kitty RUSTY! We were resting in bed and watching TV and I was petting him and he decided he wanted to bite me! I'm not sure if he was over stimulated or what.....ANYWAY, Bob and I went to the movies - no idea what we saw...after the show my hand was swollen so we went straight to the Emergency Room! This was not the first time I've been bitten by a cat. When I was working at ARF in Walnut Creek one of the cats - his name was Petal, bit me. It was many years ago but I remember that the following day ARF called and said I had to go straight to the hospital. Apparently cats mouths and cat bites can cause infection. SO - we go to the ER and he gives me a shot, wraps up my hand and gives me a two week prescription. By this time it was even more swollen but thankfully not too painful. A few days later my hand was so swollen I couldn't bend it or use it. Thankfully the medicine kicked in and all is good now! I do have a nice puncture wound but its all better now. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So - aside from that I had a great month! I listened to a great book - 'My Name Is Anton' by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I also started reading 'Keep Sharp' by Sanjay Gupta! It's filled with data and is all about the brain and Alzheimer's. There are excellent suggestions regarding exercise, memory activities and diet. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I was able to spend the weekend with Kristen and that was really fun. Celly is such a good boy and we had fun walking with him and watching a lot of TV. Ryan was out of town and we had the house to ourselves!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I'm still painting and for Christmas I got a new canvas from Phil & Elizabeth! It's going to be so pretty. Lots of pink flowers and fluffy sky.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So that's my update! Lots of down time. I'm still resting most afternoons and that's when I listen to my books. I'm still doing my yoga and walks, and some days are better than others. I have constant headaches and constant ringing in my ears. It's annoying but it's been going on for a while so I try not to let it bring me down.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Bob's been home most nights and we've really enjoyed having more time together. Yesterday we watched the Packer/ 49er game! Stressful for sure. He's a Packer fan and I'm a 9er fan - LOL! We don't get too dramatic about it thankfully....I'm glad Jonny is doing well and it's nice to have my husband at home.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The highlight this month was attending one of my best friends daughters wedding in Austin, TX! Monica and I have been friends for almost 30 years! Her beautiful daughter Annie got married to the love of her life. We've been to some elegant and beautiful weddings but this one was amazing! We had so much fun and our friends Monika and Louis were with us too. We danced, we drank, we took pictures...it was awesome. Austin is such a cute town and the hotel we stayed in was awesome too! I'm so happy for Annie and Alex and I can't wait to visit them in New Jersey when things calm down. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3_8v6yfQSPeOqfSu2g0RY-eV-mn60_33KYKcmiQik599Vib5UofbJTDavbpRA8gmse33bpWnVNnQTePpacfbQgp9eYmh665WQzs-vuFThq5nlaLpz4PQoSN-urVrTrVERJ_qMPDUSkQHwgqBpEE8J_jxYf_LqeOqSHxIZuF1sXoz--8xx2Z8CsdBo2A=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3_8v6yfQSPeOqfSu2g0RY-eV-mn60_33KYKcmiQik599Vib5UofbJTDavbpRA8gmse33bpWnVNnQTePpacfbQgp9eYmh665WQzs-vuFThq5nlaLpz4PQoSN-urVrTrVERJ_qMPDUSkQHwgqBpEE8J_jxYf_LqeOqSHxIZuF1sXoz--8xx2Z8CsdBo2A=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So I guess that's my update! I look forward to my Alzheimer's support groups every week and I am thankful for all the support, phone calls, texts and in person visits! Please keep them coming 😍 </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Let's hope 2022 is going to be a great year!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Sending love, hugs and prayers to all of you. You lift me up and keep me going💓</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-35631983434667395582021-12-11T12:38:00.004-08:002021-12-11T14:06:10.004-08:00Happy Holidays 2021 🎄<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Happy Holidays to you🎅 It's been quite a while since I posted a blog. I hope you're all doing well and enjoying the holiday season!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I've been following my therapists advice and doing what makes me happy most days. My cognition has been pretty good and I'm definitely staying active and involved with the Alzheimer's Assoc and with all my friends and family. I try to start my day with meditation, prayer and a nice strong espresso. Lately I've been following up with some non-caffeinated passion & mint tea! It's such a lovely change and the warmth is calming to my stomach!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I really enjoy our weekly support groups - it's nice to understand how some of my peers are dealing with their diagnosis. Its fascinating to me how each of us have different symptoms and difficulties. We are still doing it over ZOOM but hopefully we will be back in the office in 2022.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">My last blog was in October, just a few days before our annual #Walk2EndAlz in San Ramon. This year we were able to walk with our friends and family. Last year with COVID we didn't have an official walk event and walked around our neighborhood instead with our immediate family. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Having the walk again - like it used to be was so wonderful. We had perfect weather and a great turnout. I was the top fundraiser (thanks to all of you!) and so I started the walk and held my blue flower high in the sky! It's always an emotional day and this year we hosted lunch afterwards. I want to thank all of you and all of my Intel buddies for helping me raise almost $48,000💸 Ten thousand more than we raised last year!! With your donations, support and the scientists working hard to find a cure, I know that some day we will #ENDALZ!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGVj2Aceo9d4yTHqMKnIQYe2_4H7_k-ztCBbrh0gBWLFCeryu4shhSVfnc0C5yClTuvDlRHrun0_TAHMs8MnGrSpVajVJCF68h2FFDqxP-0Ll03f4zvKVRGG92SOYHTjla1iv7-VFBtkS/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="77" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGVj2Aceo9d4yTHqMKnIQYe2_4H7_k-ztCBbrh0gBWLFCeryu4shhSVfnc0C5yClTuvDlRHrun0_TAHMs8MnGrSpVajVJCF68h2FFDqxP-0Ll03f4zvKVRGG92SOYHTjla1iv7-VFBtkS/" width="154" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I had some fun with my girlfriends and having lunch and hanging out is one of my favorite new pastimes! I'm staying busy at home and knitting, painting and staying in shape with yoga and walking. There's nothing better than being with people I enjoy and who know how important connection is. Thank you all for taking the time to dine with me. Shout out to Vicki, Melaine, Jane, Alice and JeanAnn💓 And anyone else I forgot!</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Bob and I have been going to the movies too! I really enjoyed 'King Richard". Even if you're not a tennis fan it's worth the cost of the ticket. I definitely recommend it! We also watched 'House of Gucci' and it was a little too dark for me - Lady Gaga did a fabulous job though.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A few weeks ago Bob and I were able to attend church in person for the first time! I can't tell you how good it felt to be in the church, versus watching on Zoom. Our pastor, and dear friend Steve was preaching and we got to talk with him afterwards. I miss him and I miss church. With Bob's schedule it doesn't always work for us to go in person but I hope and pray that going forward we can attend again very soon🙏</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I've done a few speaking events over the past month or so. I worked with Maria Shrivers team - WAM - and participated in one of thier events - virtually of course! Last week I also spoke on a Podcast with the support of the National Alzheimer's Association. It was really fun and I enjoyed meeting everyone virtually who's working on research and helping us find a cure to ENDALZ!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">We did lose a dear family member in early November😥 My Aunt Nancy passed away peacefully at her care facility in Fresno. She was the wife of my mothers brother - Uncle Jack Geary. It's always sad to say goodbye but she had a wonderful life and I will never forget all of the events and fun we had at their house. As I get older I realize that time is precious and I'm doing my best of make the most of it!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Weekends at Kristen are always fun and spending time with their doggy Celly is one of my favorite things to do! He's so fun and cute and loving. We had a good weekend and I helped get things organized and watched some quality TV with Kristen. Ryan was out of town so we got to take over the remote and watch all the fun stuff -- The Voice -- Dirty Dancing and a few others that I don't remember.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I was interviewed by the Mercury News in November about a potential blood test for Alzheimer's. I talked with them about my diagnosis and how difficult it was for me to get my primary physician to refer me to a neurologist. He said that I didn't look like I had Alzheimer's! I am always happy to share my story and my journey of getting the diagnosis and how I'm living with Alzheimer's now. I'm thankful for these opportunities and I will continue to use my voice as long as I can.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So I guess that's all that's going on with me! Rusty continues to keep me smiling and keeping me company when I'm home alone. He's a big fan of The Voice, Grey's Anatomy, Law & Order and Heartland😊 He also enjoys Christmas music and likes it when I sing along. This year I decorated with a few items - no tree but the house is festive and that makes me smile🎄</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5bnSbAJSfQa7nW8DM4dxDBWToKAbgcM2ZuiKe3KPpuQJSHGdaDFlyZqQNQkCf7xWKFimp3a_LG4CIRBVgEw_hOcLdZW5-M0DjvLJhieCI_SsFUOmm4uAc46AD0wj0cpCIN7hpiMPTHOWZjuMKt_yaf-Tsxj6I7ukAIIulaaIOmrapYdWIH8a2ziQWwA=s3773" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2829" data-original-width="3773" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5bnSbAJSfQa7nW8DM4dxDBWToKAbgcM2ZuiKe3KPpuQJSHGdaDFlyZqQNQkCf7xWKFimp3a_LG4CIRBVgEw_hOcLdZW5-M0DjvLJhieCI_SsFUOmm4uAc46AD0wj0cpCIN7hpiMPTHOWZjuMKt_yaf-Tsxj6I7ukAIIulaaIOmrapYdWIH8a2ziQWwA=s320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Speaking of Rusty his birthday was just a few days ago! He's 9 years old now and still going strong. He's my comfort kitty and I honestly can't imagine life without him. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgky40zMKemSi-Qy7ztZjomqHVZXopRYosx2TwPiIuSr1yz4wLG7FUk5ZGAIkw7RNwjtiJyTED0mD8R17DLUQ-gFmV4sE4c0JAk_FkMMvw-BzB-C-jF2_QetZO7kmG4jJXlhkrcfEIk0MvEGKbXtTf9h8mxUxblE3KMJ2d-E30F7B3NVFC4bCrUfC7KBw=s3619" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3619" data-original-width="2714" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgky40zMKemSi-Qy7ztZjomqHVZXopRYosx2TwPiIuSr1yz4wLG7FUk5ZGAIkw7RNwjtiJyTED0mD8R17DLUQ-gFmV4sE4c0JAk_FkMMvw-BzB-C-jF2_QetZO7kmG4jJXlhkrcfEIk0MvEGKbXtTf9h8mxUxblE3KMJ2d-E30F7B3NVFC4bCrUfC7KBw=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div></span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Bob and I will be celebrating our Anniversary tomorrow and later in the week we are having dinner with his staff at the Walnut Creek Chamber. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone. He's been working hard and traveling back and forth to Chico so it will be nice to have him home for a few weeks!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguAA6swH4tkEKFf0GLSvpXKHkC99qfZscgwLuSnhg7hAsXQN-xzV8zYAhA3jyY8oWaDba4uxPp5DNVrAu3jhisqnYGa9xHIbCoGYo2eZck_PHqzHbl7EN3ieVKjrSRFRI9KPIAcgfn1x3yTMRerbbSEPexCZp4d83ufvz8maD4BshPICvjHZuCM6kVEw=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1900" data-original-width="4032" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguAA6swH4tkEKFf0GLSvpXKHkC99qfZscgwLuSnhg7hAsXQN-xzV8zYAhA3jyY8oWaDba4uxPp5DNVrAu3jhisqnYGa9xHIbCoGYo2eZck_PHqzHbl7EN3ieVKjrSRFRI9KPIAcgfn1x3yTMRerbbSEPexCZp4d83ufvz8maD4BshPICvjHZuCM6kVEw=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm sending love and blessings to all of you. Your support, phone calls, donations, lunch dates lift me up and keep me smiling! I hope to keep going at this pace for awhile. I'm not sure what happened, or why it happened but I'm in a really good place now and I'm praying that it stays this way for awhile!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy Holidays to all of you -- I so appreciate all your love and support💖</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></div>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-12683650016941244222021-10-21T14:41:00.003-07:002021-10-21T15:02:01.049-07:00LIVING WELL - FEELING WELL😍<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Greetings from cloudy Danville CA. We need rain and we were expecting rain today but so far we've just gotten sprinkles. I mention the weather because this is a good day for me to blog!🙏</span></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It's been a few weeks since I've shared my journey with you so I will do my best to capture all the fun I've had! I've spent most of the days listening to my books, walking, meditating, hanging out with friends & family and doing my yoga. I've also found a new love of painting! </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDILxXWMgs01PfrhBiEwEv8aqBqyV_Nx3GiQWFonAdjK85zyYRhgwNib_XVzu8r89Pgt0IuZSYZV4rIkBDDsLVYz9lJnoKIzuN_7FrlnoBwW1c_SfnB8OnmzUhdHHgogDEh4nwWH8EwNkT/s2048/69AA6BA0-6BE8-4B5F-9984-60E2D379F53C.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDILxXWMgs01PfrhBiEwEv8aqBqyV_Nx3GiQWFonAdjK85zyYRhgwNib_XVzu8r89Pgt0IuZSYZV4rIkBDDsLVYz9lJnoKIzuN_7FrlnoBwW1c_SfnB8OnmzUhdHHgogDEh4nwWH8EwNkT/w150-h200/69AA6BA0-6BE8-4B5F-9984-60E2D379F53C.jpeg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Amazon has adult Paint by Number kits. The first one turned out great and I can't wait to see it after it's matted and framed. The kit cost me $10, the framing cost $200! 🤣 The second one I bought dropped me to my knees. It's very difficult and so intricate & tedious. Some days I can only work on it for an hour. It's looking lovely so far but it sure causes exhaustion and sometimes headaches. I will keep going and can't wait to see the final product. This one will go to Kristen. She picked out the painting and I can't wait to see it in their home.<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm able to drive now so getting out and about is joyful. Bobs still going back and forth to Chico to care for Jonny and a week ago my bestie and ex-neighbor Sylvia came over to visit when he was gone. We had SO much fun! We watched The Voice and re-watched some Grey's Anatomy! We are both HUGE Grey's fans and don't mind watch the episodes, even if we've seen them 10 times. I'm sure Ellen Pompeo has millions of followers who do the same thing....I know I'm not the only one!</span></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35w9sO_W1QWtNc0lR5zaVqe8iLAj76Y0WtM5K0gre17qn9klpgH1EzXVYMsvT1kD4V4KY5qcP09bWlTJRZQn4dGPdR558YX7-avNNFMm_zsfeQH8MmEvePIoI_F5fom3aIF8j5Omp9Qdp/" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35w9sO_W1QWtNc0lR5zaVqe8iLAj76Y0WtM5K0gre17qn9klpgH1EzXVYMsvT1kD4V4KY5qcP09bWlTJRZQn4dGPdR558YX7-avNNFMm_zsfeQH8MmEvePIoI_F5fom3aIF8j5Omp9Qdp/w240-h320/image.png" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Kristen and I attended a three week 'Connected Horse' workshop in Pleasanton last month too. Being with the horses was amazing and I truly did connect with them. I'm not a rider and I had no idea what to expect but very quickly I fell in love with the horses. We aren't allowed to ride them, this is more of a spiritual experience and a way to be fully present. After each session with the horses the staff asked us to say one word that expressed how the session went. Words like strength, love, peaceful, calm were expressed by all of us. The caregivers learned a lot too and it was beautiful to see the smiles and joy of washing a horse, grooming him/her and leading them around. I would definitely do it again when the next session opens up.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I've been reading a lot too, mostly listening while I'm painting or walking. I just finished AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins. It's part of Oprah's Book Club and I definitely recommend it. I also finished THIS TENDER LAND by William Kent Krueger. The non fiction I read this month was THE EYE of the ELEPHANT by Mark Owens. Let me know if you want more info on these books. And please send me your favorites too! Reading/Listening on Audible really helps my brain work and maybe that's why my cognition has been great these past few months💜</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This year for our WALK2ENDALZ we started fundraising early so we could raise as much money as possible to find a cure. My Intel buddy Terry Raymond has always been a huge and generous contributor but this year he wanted to do something special. We are both fans of Mike Yastrzemski so Terry decided that every time Yaz hit a home run he would donate $100 to #ENDALZ! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Bob hopped on the band wagon too and decided to match Terry's donations. Guess how many home runs Yaz hit??? 25! He hit 25 home runs this year! The only Giant who hit more was Brandon Belt - he hit 29. I'm not good at math anymore but Terry - the amazing generous buddy that he is - donated $2500 to our WALK2ENDALZ!! When the news got out that Terry was a fan of Yaz and was helping us find a cure, our local chapter of the Alzheimer's Assoc invited me, my husband and Terry to their event at Oracle Park. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Prior to that one of the Alz Assoc staff and one of our dear friends Ondine had asked us if we were going to the game. We talked about the fundraiser and I told her about Terry's donations and how awesome it would be to meet Yaz and tell him how much we appreciated him. I really wanted to meet him and get a photo. They don't really do stuff like that anymore and nothing else was said and that was OK. Bob and I were going to the game regardless. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0R5Bhyphenhyphena5F1_PWkLwv4c7t1Sd79oBogZ4cqpUp0ehxfAykvIG1n5NyRr4JtvMPjUxxgpG1z7to9rOX055lvM0u90eaig7DyMR53UXBpXaoSPVRo3NgyZlhBbl-1zkC1PLv4dJ8N9OgGkF5/s2048/735AB314-8C33-4131-B5D6-EF7DDB26FBB1.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0R5Bhyphenhyphena5F1_PWkLwv4c7t1Sd79oBogZ4cqpUp0ehxfAykvIG1n5NyRr4JtvMPjUxxgpG1z7to9rOX055lvM0u90eaig7DyMR53UXBpXaoSPVRo3NgyZlhBbl-1zkC1PLv4dJ8N9OgGkF5/s320/735AB314-8C33-4131-B5D6-EF7DDB26FBB1.jpeg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">When we arrived at the ball park Bob bought me a YAZ jersey and I was all set for the game with all of our friends. We were strolling down towards the field talking and the next thing I knew we were watching the players warming up. A few minutes later guess who walked over to talk with us....MIKE YASTRZEMSKI!!! I was so overwhelmed and I actually started crying. We talked and hugged and took photos and he signed my hat!!! It was SO fun and I was so thankful for our local chapter for their support. Living with Alzheimer's totally STINKS but it's times like this that bring me so much joy🙏</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRePLcakXyYVqlE-Riux8wDoG9SSmul1KRPcvJxQwH_1-myV8Za1GdRNY-m_Znt3sk-d2dV_m92wJZbYQxTmcBmkcE5CglfInPYIoGkVhDNmuxd7pglAVDIScRPGy9pv0b_HAJYbib2sa/s2048/05233018-5500-4B98-901F-47E26259E2E4.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRePLcakXyYVqlE-Riux8wDoG9SSmul1KRPcvJxQwH_1-myV8Za1GdRNY-m_Znt3sk-d2dV_m92wJZbYQxTmcBmkcE5CglfInPYIoGkVhDNmuxd7pglAVDIScRPGy9pv0b_HAJYbib2sa/s320/05233018-5500-4B98-901F-47E26259E2E4.jpeg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So if that wasn't enough excitement a few weeks later Bob & I attended a black tie fund raising event - PART THE CLOUD. It was at a private residence in Woodside. A gorgeous venue surrounded by beautiful redwood trees. 100% of all the funds raised through PART THE CLOUD support the Alzheimer's Assoc International Research Program. That night over $2 million was raised! It was our first formal event since COVID. It felt so good to be surrounded by friends and collogues from the Alzheimer's Assoc National Office. I'm so very thankful for this event and give all the thanks to Karen Stevenson who gifted us her tickets! We love your Karen💜</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So as you can see I'm doing pretty well! Feeling good, cognition is good, sprits are high, but my stamina is up and down. I do rest most afternoons and try to close my eyes and regroup so I can enjoy dinner with Bob. Connection with friends and family keep me going!</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKD39a58P8BU1yZFstjPUgGYKdVj249u_CILqoPy-l2jFo9RBtYijw4JjtWNd-Bs68i1ky0zz-2JSvzefw4hZP8TnO3n0WWf5TgceKTBLXdWOKcbAJ9wQdZOYDiZxx40HwWp1mbYWedNP/s3024/7631E6B5-3519-456E-BB82-6FAF3DBF8860.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2607" data-original-width="3024" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKD39a58P8BU1yZFstjPUgGYKdVj249u_CILqoPy-l2jFo9RBtYijw4JjtWNd-Bs68i1ky0zz-2JSvzefw4hZP8TnO3n0WWf5TgceKTBLXdWOKcbAJ9wQdZOYDiZxx40HwWp1mbYWedNP/s320/7631E6B5-3519-456E-BB82-6FAF3DBF8860.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Rusty continues to be by my side every single day. He's definitely the best caregiver kitty I've ever had. Our connection with family and friends is strong and our WALK2ENDALZ is this Saturday!! I'm very excited to see my friends and family in person and to treat them to lunch afterwards. So far I've raised $20,960 and our team, BUNI'S BUDDIES has raised $37,939!!! I'm super happy and so thankful for everyone's support to help us find a cure. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">That's my update for this month - I will keep blogging as long as I can and I hope you are enjoying this crazy journey of mine. Some days good, some days bad, but I always end the day with a smile on my face.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Sending love and blessings to you and your family. I'm here if you want to talk! 💓💜💓</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-6840532575982339872021-09-22T12:57:00.000-07:002021-09-22T12:57:18.786-07:00September Update🌺<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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 :)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TdxOUqmAn19Cvmdf2WkHf4QUQUaoB0UY_tpJqCkJDmXJN5o1YCB7bCP5dHMsV00k2TXMqTJYkWgVv1gSIudRaOSg-mBJfz8E32K3XjrIaEMF3Hj8AMoT2UWai0jOpOecSTHloCEe8Q9L/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="139" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TdxOUqmAn19Cvmdf2WkHf4QUQUaoB0UY_tpJqCkJDmXJN5o1YCB7bCP5dHMsV00k2TXMqTJYkWgVv1gSIudRaOSg-mBJfz8E32K3XjrIaEMF3Hj8AMoT2UWai0jOpOecSTHloCEe8Q9L/" width="278" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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💜</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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 </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">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. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">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. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">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.....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">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🙏💕</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDndxebbvmSveZhNteH-pLN-0IzSf1i-84dKY0itf6XF4VsHE_DZt9Nc1OhgYRCFVq83FCZYLWIGoEmLQG-CqgBJY1HC9sQNgJBbRMb8yb84fWLJPxQhwCQGn0QNU8TfiOhWRNcFyTEIe/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="136" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDndxebbvmSveZhNteH-pLN-0IzSf1i-84dKY0itf6XF4VsHE_DZt9Nc1OhgYRCFVq83FCZYLWIGoEmLQG-CqgBJY1HC9sQNgJBbRMb8yb84fWLJPxQhwCQGn0QNU8TfiOhWRNcFyTEIe/" width="272" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">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!</span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-58378913382986416382021-07-29T13:32:00.004-07:002021-07-29T13:46:57.200-07:00Never give up💓<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Oh my goodness I really don't know where to start. It's been over a month since I shared my story and sadness about losing my drivers license. Little did I know that the DMV gives you a 2nd chance to take the written test! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was so excited when the mail came a few weeks ago with a new appointment time for me to take both the written and the driving test. I wasn't too hopeful but I decided to take the sample tests and this time I wrote down the correct answers on index cards. I studied a few times each day but tried not to stress out about it. I've been OK without driving these past few months and have a lot of friends and family, and UBER who had been getting me out and about.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My appointment was on July 22nd and my dear friend Sylvia was able to come with me again. This time we knew where the DMV was in the Mall and were able to get to my appointment on time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was a quiet day and they took me in right away (last time I had to wait for 30 minutes). They gave me a written test and they let me sit in a chair. Last time they gave me a test online and I had to stand. All of these things made a difference, at least I think they made a difference. I wasn't nervous or concerned and I took my time filling out the answers. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was shocked and super excited when they told me I got 100% on my test! I didn't miss any of the questions! Holy cow, I was so excited and so thankful😀 </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Earlier that day I had a little chat with God and I told him I was OK no matter what the outcome was. I released my stress and knew I would just do the best I could and then move forward with the outcome. When it came time to do the driving test I was feeling pretty good. The hardest part was when he asked me to turn on my blinkers, my headlights, my emergency lights, etc.....Thankfully I knew where they were but it was a little stressful in the moment.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We then went on a nice drive around Stoneridge where thankfully I am very familiar with. As we were talking somehow we went down the religious path. I mentioned that I had been praying and letting God be in charge of my driving situation. Little did I know that his dad is a Preacher! We spent the rest of the time talking about church and faith. I don't think its a coincidence that out of all the DMV instructors I got this one that day!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I passed the driving test with flying colors too and I can now drive anytime and anywhere I want! The first thing I did was to take my filthy dirty car to the car wash!! I was smiling and so happy and so was Bob. Actually I think Bob was happier than I was. That night we already had dinner plans with Kristen so the three of us enjoyed a lovely meal and celebrated my amazing 100% test score💥</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This month has also been filled with lunch dates, swimming with our friends (hi Stella), amazing therapy sessions, and I was accepted for the Consumer Rep position for the California Health & Human Services Agency Advisory Committee!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm so thankful for all of you and for my family, especially my husband and my daughter. They always lift me up and make sure I'm on the right track. I'm thankful for Melaine, JeanAnn, Ruth, Ondine, Brittany, Ginny, Monika, Louis and many others I'm probably forgetting. You all have taken the time away from your busy days to have a meal or a snack to keep me smiling! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzkxB0uQiyBS22IM0AUHowGZQFU-PQ30wyM0jv6ySrd_ZGtZvgTK-sd5e34CtLMG5B-Z4yNyVk5lb32TDhmzmhs5W-mc2DWh5j0Ao3Y1_flqnsG78evI-y3ngx65Jmvjhf_ThMGDQkamZ/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzkxB0uQiyBS22IM0AUHowGZQFU-PQ30wyM0jv6ySrd_ZGtZvgTK-sd5e34CtLMG5B-Z4yNyVk5lb32TDhmzmhs5W-mc2DWh5j0Ao3Y1_flqnsG78evI-y3ngx65Jmvjhf_ThMGDQkamZ/" width="309" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">And lastly I would like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our oldest grandson Ryan, who turned 14 yesterday🍰 We had a lovely celebration with him and his brother and a lot of family and friends we hadn't seen in a while.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thank you all for believing in me, for lifting me up, for texting and for your phone calls, emails and just for supporting me on this crazy journey living with Alzheimer's🙏</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-15809845479340436202021-07-19T15:06:00.002-07:002021-07-19T15:06:25.019-07:00East Bay Times article published - Aduhelm -- 7/17/21 OPINION -East Bay Times July 17, 2021
There has been a lot of controversy around the new Alzheimer’s drug aducanumab. As someone living with early stage Alzheimer’s, I have a lot of feelings around this.
Some background: I worked in technology since I graduated from college. I spent most of my years at Intel Corporation, managing and leading teams, and coaching and leading others to help them find their true purpose in life.
In 2012, I started struggling at work and had a hard time remembering conversations. I started down the long path of getting a diagnosis and in June 2016, after many doctor visits and imaging scans, I was diagnosed with early stage, early onset Alzheimer's.
My family and I were devastated, but I picked myself up and started a new career, one where my sole mission is to help us find a cure for Alzheimer's and to remove the stigma of this disease.
I’ve spent many hours at UCSF Memory and Aging Center and have been involved in two clinical trials. I hope to continue to be part of finding better treatments, and that takes me to the heart of the matter.
Earlier this year, I was able to speak at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s hearing regarding aducanumab, sold under the brand name Aduhelm. My hope was that it would be approved so that I could extend my number of good days. Two of my peers have been on the drug and both are seeing great progress.
Those of us with a terminal illness without a cure need hope. On the day the FDA approved Aduhelm, I woke up in tears (happy tears). I was so excited and so thankful. My family had been praying for something like this for a long time.
I’ve done absolutely everything I can to stay healthy, exercise, read, challenge my brain and eat well. That’s all great, but we need more than that and that’s why Aduhelm is so exciting.
It gives me hope. It gives my family hope. We have seven grandchildren and six adult children. All of them need more time with me, and I need more time with them. I would really like to be there when my oldest grandchild graduates from high school. Aduhelm gives me hope for more time with my husband and my daughters. I’m not ready to sit and wait, I want and need this drug now. Even if it only gives me a few more years, I’m willing to take it.
My neurologist said that I’m a great candidate for Aduhelm. I am aware of the side effects and know that my doctors will monitor me closely. We're aware that there’s great debate about the drug’s effectiveness. Based on the FDA's approval, there was substantial evidence that Aduhelm reduces amyloid plaques in the brain and that the reduction in these plaques might provide important benefits to patients. Amyloid is the protein that clumps into sticky brain plaques that are one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
The FDA last week recommended that the treatment only be used in patients in the Alzheimer’s disease stage studied in the clinical trials — people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. It hasn't been tested yet on people with more advanced cases. But this is the first treatment to be approved since 2003.
I hope to be first in line at UCSF when this drug is available. I hope that someday I can shout from the rooftops and let everyone know that it’s helping me and, most importantly, that it's giving me more time with my family and friends.Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-51819972529287007922021-06-26T12:24:00.002-07:002021-06-26T12:24:54.129-07:00Happy Weekend 👪 <p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Happy Saturday to all my friends and family around the world. It's going to be a beautiful day here in Danville and I can't wait to get outside!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My journey of living well with Alzheimer's continues and these past few weeks have been exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. I spoke about the FDA approval of Aduhelm in my last blog. Since that time I have done three different media presentations and spoken on the Wall Street Journal's podcast! I was so happy to use my voice and get back out there! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some of you may not know that I have been speaking publicly for many years about my diagnosis, the symptoms and how I'm living well with this disease. I loved all the events and the time I spent traveling around the country to share my story of hope- and to raise a lot of money to help us find a cure!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was a little exhausting but I was happy to be part of the media frenzy this month. I have a few more interviews coming up and I will try to post them if I can. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am currently working with a therapist and she has really helped me to slow down! I am constantly thinking about what I should be doing, concerned about how much money I'm raising for our Alzheimer's Walk and wondering how I can make a difference in this fight. I know it's stupid but I can't turn off my brain.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">When I was working at Intel I was busy almost every minute. I loved my job and my staff but I was constantly in motion. Now that I'm home I need to stop that narrative in my head! I DO NOT need to be busy every minute and I do not need to be the top Alzheimer's Assoc Walk fund raiser every year!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My therapist gave me one word to keep saying over and over again when I was starting to 'spin out'. That word is ENOUGH. It's been really helpful and when I'm resting in the afternoon and I find myself berating my laziness I say the word 'ENOUGH' over and over again. I am ENOUGH! No matter how much money I raise I am still ENOUGH. No matter how many blogs I write I am ENOUGH!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whew, what a life changer that has been. It's helped me to calm my brain and to focus on my breathing and if necessary to turn on some meditation. Isn't it funny how the littlest changes can make a huge difference in our lives?</span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchvUpRwet3FsXRcesrVGPy_PP-5sDIk0f6CYmWjvY10tdoXXTzZQYoJ9Wt9_xawU3sIstUVtMGOK9c6P0p36za_4Q5T2oY5YuUqLP5mexAXqC79M-ePpegCVtjEyml7GaoMyOI-fKxahw/s2797/IMG_7583.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2797" data-original-width="2753" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchvUpRwet3FsXRcesrVGPy_PP-5sDIk0f6CYmWjvY10tdoXXTzZQYoJ9Wt9_xawU3sIstUVtMGOK9c6P0p36za_4Q5T2oY5YuUqLP5mexAXqC79M-ePpegCVtjEyml7GaoMyOI-fKxahw/w315-h320/IMG_7583.HEIC" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye Bye Hannah</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;">I just finished my final infusion for the Eli Lilly Tau clinical trial at UCSF too! Infusion #27 was administered on June 14th💊 Next week I will get a PET scan with radioactive dye and on August 16th we will have our exit interview. It was sad to say goodbye to Hannah, one of the research assistants but I'm happy to see her living out her goal of becoming a doctor. We will stay in touch and I can't wait to see where her career will take her! Maybe someday she could be my doctor😉</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had some fun lunch dates too! One of my National Alz Assoc buddies drove out and we finally got to see each other! Thank you Karen! I also got to see two of my high school buddies! Andi & Judy were in town and we had an amazing time together and talked and talked. Thank you so much for driving over to see me and to take the time out of your day girlfriends💗 My local friend who's part of my advocacy team came over too and we ordered Door Dash! Thank you Carol. Yesterday I had a two hour lunch and chat fest with Ondine too! I am so thankful to all of you for making time for me. I definitely NEED connection and you lift me up with your visits😍</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So I guess I should tell you about my driving situation! I spent every day doing the practice tests. I wrote down the correct answers, I tested myself, I took notes and I did this twice a day, sometimes three times a day. I really struggled with it! No matter how many times I took the test I couldn't get all the answers right. My brain DOES NOT hold short term memories. I know that, Bob knows that, my daughter</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Kristen knows that and I'm sure some of my friends/family reading this know that too! It's pretty obvious when I talk to people either in person or on the phone that I don't remember conversations or details.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My workaround for that is to do a lot of texting so that I can read the topics we've talked about. If not, I need to have a pen and paper with me at all times so I can write down the dates and times of our visits, lunch dates, etc... I think it's a pretty good strategy and I am doing well in many other categories so I'm not going to let this bring me down! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">But the bottom line is that a few days later I went to the DMV in Pleasanton and I FAILED the written test! UGH. I knew that would be the outcome and I wasn't that upset but it certainly wasn't what I wanted. I didn't cry, I accepted the outcome and moved forward. You can only miss three questions on the test and I missed 5! That's pretty close but not good enough.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So that means that UBER and LYFT and all the other car services will be my best friends going forward. And I know it means that all my friends that live nearby will also drive me around if they're available! Onward and upward -- I still have so much life left in me that I'm not going to let a little driving test bring me down💪</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bob and I went the the Neurologist this week and she gave me the MoCHA. It's a cognitive screening tool that helps healthcare providers to quickly assess your cognitive health! I did ok. Not great but not horrible. She gave me some cognitive tools to keep my brain sharp, most of them I started doing back in 2016 when I got my diagnosis. I will get back on track with that, and do some more puzzles, Luminosity, etc. She wasn't too concerned about my headaches but did give me an over the counter medicine called MigreLief. I will let you know how it goes. Bob was happy that I was able to share how I'm feeling and that I was clear and concise with my questions and concerns! Yippee...my verbal skills are still intact.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So that's what's been happening at our house! Thank you all for your support and prayers and friendship. If you're up for it I am posting my East Bay Alz Walk fundraising link below. For you local folks please join our team and make a donation -- for all the rest of you, please make a donation to help us #ENDALZ! No amount is too small</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">. Thank you in advance💰</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sending love, hugs and blessings your way🙏 I'm here if you want to talk or FaceTime💜💜</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>WALK LINK: http//act.alz.org/goto/Buni</b></span></p><p><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-46476935354588138202021-06-08T11:39:00.001-07:002021-06-08T12:01:34.271-07:00Update on my driving situation 🚗<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today is June 8th - the day of my DMV hearing! This morning at 8am I waited patiently for the DMV folks to call me. To my delight I had the most wonderful and kind and friendly person on the other end of the phone😊 I'm not sure what I expected but I didn't expect to be speaking to someone who was so happy, friendly and very easy to talk to!<br /><br />We went through the paperwork that was filled out by my neurologist (Dr. Sachdeva) and Ms. Williams reiterated what had been stated earlier when I met with Dr. Sachdeva on April 27th. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dr. Sachdeva noted that I was stable with my diagnosis of early stage AD, that I had cognitive impairment and short term memory issues. She also mentioned in her notes that I was OK to drive as long as the DMV cleared me. She stated that I was very capable! And that my issues/symptoms were mild.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The hearing took about an hour and we continued to talk about my symptoms and the option of getting a provisional license. Ms. Williams was very kind and sweet and she shared with me that her mother is currently living with Alzheimer's. I don't think it's a coincident that she was selected to interview me!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">She agreed that I should be able to take the written test and the driving test, and that the DMV will make a final decision after that is completed. She has already signed me up for an appointment in Pleasanton near Stoneridge Mall. I'm very comfortable with that community and I'm hopeful that I will be able to drive again</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">🚗</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the mean time I will be able to drive after Ms. Williams sends me a provisional license! The only stipulation is I need to have a licensed driver in the car with me. I know my friends that are local will be happy to drive with me, especially as I'm doing trial runs for the DMV behind the wheel test on June 30th. I know my family will help out and will test me daily about the DMV written test and hopefully my brain can hold all the correct answers in my head🙏 </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If I'm not able to pass the written test I will know for sure that my time driving is over. I will be OK with that. I will have done everything I could to continue to drive and I will be thankful that we have so many options for car services, Lyft, Uber and Onward.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So that's my update on the driving situation! I am also very excited about the Biogen announcement that came out yesterday. The last time an Alzheimer's drug was approved by the FDA was in 2003. Aducanumab has been given accelerated approval status. According to Biogen the drug given once a month through an IV begins to dissolve the amyloid beta plaques. I will sit tight and see what's next for me. Maybe I will be able to get the drug, maybe not. There are still so many more hurdles to jump.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is a lot of controversy about this so I will continue to have hope and to speak of the importance of hope for all the caregivers and for those of us living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. When I was interviewed with ABC I talked about hope and the importance of me having more time! I started crying when I talked about our seven grandchildren and how important it is for me to be in their lives. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aHjbGfSA1kxSisORW9m4vYu2Qmdz36loD7_gkMmq0R6j7CiwoBy3PpISMEy_Zhsljr73tzTQc7Tcff6pQ6WvRXC9jxLwy2Fouk6AAorWVhabbfu4pPoASp6UpEddAOSJLthuWmV_YFjB/s3088/IMG_6694.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aHjbGfSA1kxSisORW9m4vYu2Qmdz36loD7_gkMmq0R6j7CiwoBy3PpISMEy_Zhsljr73tzTQc7Tcff6pQ6WvRXC9jxLwy2Fouk6AAorWVhabbfu4pPoASp6UpEddAOSJLthuWmV_YFjB/s320/IMG_6694.HEIC" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thank you all for your support and for your generosity to help us find a cure. I am in awe of your kindness and love. I see it every day either in person, in text or online. My husband and Kristen have been so helpful for me these past few months and are cheering me on! So have my dear friends - THANK YOU💜 I will keep fighting until I can't.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm sending love, hugs, blessings and prayers to all of you🙌</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-72439885752087478292021-05-24T15:57:00.001-07:002021-05-24T19:47:14.981-07:00May Update - One Day At A Time!!! <p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Jq4n30UjZ0JBEFXLlTenduL6jUd468Op46mcawljXrkpKAI3Sca-ati6aQ_VzGyQGOcKbnqOMFDSiMjAAk7GoyyPGCvxVPRaCpWDnkcGd7iTc1F6XwAJEr5Sn5UrG3uER-wwdHw9mKwW/s1440/D0D96C8A-E46C-4A40-A6E6-817799B63305.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Jq4n30UjZ0JBEFXLlTenduL6jUd468Op46mcawljXrkpKAI3Sca-ati6aQ_VzGyQGOcKbnqOMFDSiMjAAk7GoyyPGCvxVPRaCpWDnkcGd7iTc1F6XwAJEr5Sn5UrG3uER-wwdHw9mKwW/w200-h200/D0D96C8A-E46C-4A40-A6E6-817799B63305.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infusion #25</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Happy Monday to all of you! I hope you're having a great day and enjoying your friends and family. It sure is nice to be able to get outside and spend time together with those we love💓 <p></p><p>This month was pretty crazy! I mentioned last month that the Aricept was really bothering me and causing a lot of issues, headaches and more. I decided to go back to the lower dose I had been taking since 2016 and what a life saver that was! I'm still dealing with ringing in my ears, headaches and exhaustion but at least my spirits are high and most days I'm in a pretty good mood and can stay active now.</p><p>I've had two infusions since my last blog - one in April and my final infusion for the Eli Lilly Trial was last week - May 17th. I still have cognitive testing, an MRI and a PET scan in June. With the PET they will put radioactive dye in my veins and then take pictures of my brain. I don't know when/if they'll tell me the outcome of our Lilly trial but I'm extremely thankful for UCSF and all of their staff. We need more people to get involved with clinical trials - so if you're up for it please look up alz.org/trialmatch! They have many types of trials and those of you without any cognitive issues can help by signing up. If you have any questions about it please reach out via email, text or on Facebook. I'm also hoping and praying that there will be another trial for me to participate in later this year🙏</p><p>So the big thing that happened recently- and I may be repeating myself from last month - but my drivers license is suspended! My neurologist filled out the paperwork last month and just a few days later a letter from the DMV came in the mail. The paperwork said 'NO MORE DRIVING'. </p><p>I have an opportunity to a hearing and I have chosen that path. It's a phone call so it should be pretty easy to navigate. My ask is for them to allow me to drive within a 5 to 10 mile radios of our house. I know it's a long shot but I figured I'd give it a try. At this moment I am not allowed to drive and have been taking UBER and asking my friends for rides. It's been almost of full month and I've adjusted to spending more time at home. I do miss my car and the freedom but honestly I'm thankful for all the driving time I've had. Many folks with this diagnosis get their license taken away immediately.</p><p>Kristen and I had a fun mid week getaway in early May at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay. It was a much needed break and the food at the hotel was amazing Our room had a glorious view of the pacific ocean and it was just what we needed. We walked on the beach and went shopping and in the evening we watched some quality 'chick flicks'. I definitely recommend getting away now that things have opened up. I think it was good for Bob to have some downtime too. He's working very hard with his new job as the CEO of the Walnut Creek Chamber and I'm needing a little more help so taking a break from me is essential to his health.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAZxLLmaCM89EGauGJpX2v8lFsXCZLrRnCaqtjeMaHvbR40Z4i63ldp8iXyYiR9UIWRV16uIWHA9wGSipQ1h0rn9-gpjzqN6kjsRzJdWgXtjyY2bpewg-OztJQQh94vB1tCEt8kNvzAs1/s4032/IMG_7343.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAZxLLmaCM89EGauGJpX2v8lFsXCZLrRnCaqtjeMaHvbR40Z4i63ldp8iXyYiR9UIWRV16uIWHA9wGSipQ1h0rn9-gpjzqN6kjsRzJdWgXtjyY2bpewg-OztJQQh94vB1tCEt8kNvzAs1/s320/IMG_7343.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>For Mother's Day I used my mom's Dresden china and sterling silverware and Bob cooked up an amazing feast! It was nice to celebrate the day in style.</p><p>Afterwards we went to a movie! Fried Green Tomatoes. I forgot how sad it was but it sure felt good to sit in the theatre - there were five people watching the show - including us. They have some serious protocols when you're buying the tickets but we made it work for us and we got to sit next to each other. We've all been vaccinated and everyone we've been around has been too. We still wear our masks but thankfully not as often as we used to.</p><p>I had a great time with some of my friends this month too, and I went to Santa Cruz for the day with Buck & Karen! I've known them for almost 30 years and we always enjoy each others company. The ocean is my favorite and I was able to take them down 'memory lane' and showed them the house I lived when I was in 3rd & 4th grade.</p><p>Bob and I had a delicious meal with Tim & Elaine earlier this month too. We sat outside and talked and talked. It was lovely and I'm hoping to do more of that with some of our other nearby buddies. </p><p>Bob and I were also able to have dinner with Kristen last week in downtown Danville. I had to have cataracts surgery on Thursday and Kristen was doing all the driving and staying with me during the procedure. It was/is amazing how much better I can see even though its still healing. </p><p>Later this week they are doing the other eye! I have to wear sunglasses all the time in the house AND outside because of the brightness, but its definitely worth it. I'm sure things will calm down soon. I've struggled with the directions with all the eye drops but I think I have it figured out now. I try not to get frustrated and I have all the directions written down. My bestie Sylvia will be here to help and I can’t wait to hang out with her😊</p><p>Rusty continues to be the best caregiver kitty EVER and I can't imagine not having him by my side day and night. Our fur babies sure do bring us joy 😻</p><p>A few weeks ago I thought I wouldn't be able to write another blog but now that my medicine is back on track I think I have a few more EXCELLENT years ahead of me💜</p><p>I started seeing a therapist and she gave me some good advice last week. She wants me to keep blogging - even if its only a few sentences. She wants me to 'build my tribe' and she wants me to have a mantra that I can say/chant when things are buzzing around and causing pain in my brain.</p><p>That all sounds good to me! I need downtime, I need to quit freaking out about not being the top Alzheimer's Assoc fundraiser and I need to rest and relax and avoid headaches if possible.</p><p>Thank you all for your support and donations and friendship. I know some of you are alone too and not able to drive so please reach out to me so we can stay connected via FaceTime, Zoom or on the phone. I'm happy to be part of your 'tribe' if you need support.</p><p>Love, peace and blessings my friends🙌</p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-7597607535490674932021-04-21T14:36:00.001-07:002021-04-30T19:09:05.921-07:00Birthday Month - 2021🎂<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2U7i35qrW51_1nrE4MVjQt7SH0HM0LXIqpbGsh73kPC0KidnImjSb4hOKbUFo9fJ9Q4U0XZY8ep2ghz20BRW2r7WSrO72JqCKRPgD3WNmqYcfImsjDGkzFQ-Wvp2VuSpybu-HHUrxLxlA/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2U7i35qrW51_1nrE4MVjQt7SH0HM0LXIqpbGsh73kPC0KidnImjSb4hOKbUFo9fJ9Q4U0XZY8ep2ghz20BRW2r7WSrO72JqCKRPgD3WNmqYcfImsjDGkzFQ-Wvp2VuSpybu-HHUrxLxlA/w200-h150/image.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>It’s been a while since I’ve posted / written on my blog and I thought today might be a good day. I’m having some issues with my medication - my neurologist gave me a higher dose of Aricept and my stomach doesn’t like it very much! I haven’t had a lot of energy and there are days that all I want to eat / drink is a smoothie and very bland food. I'm hoping to connect with her soon to see what's next. This cannot continue.....<div><br /></div><div>Thankfully last week my stomach cooperated and I was able to have a nice dinner with Bob on my birthday at The Slanted Door. Earlier that day I had lunch with Kristen and on the weekend we celebrated with Ryan & Kristen at Piatti. It was definitely a great birthday week 🎈 I would also like to send a big thank you to all of my friends who sent me texts, emails, cards and FaceBook notes! Over 200 of my Intel buddies & family/friends reached out and that meant a lot to me!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bob has been swamped and accepted a new job as the CEO of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce. He's been so busy with that and with his interim job at the SVO Chamber that some days I barely see him! I'm sure it will show down when he can focus 100% on Walnut Creek and hopefully he can take some lunch breaks with me.</div><div><br /></div><div>My short term memory loss is annoying but I’m turning it into a positive! I can read the same books I've read before and I don’t remember what happens! I can watch Grey’s Anatomy over and over again - six time to be exact and still enjoy it!! Some of the episodes I don’t remember what happens, but I will never forget that Derek died. I’ve watched it so many times and that episode still brings me to tears. Do I know what I had for dinner yesterday? Probably not - but does that matter ?? The real issues are the headaches and constant ringing in my ears, and my lack of CRS (can't remember sh*t)! I'm hoping this will change soon but either way I will keep going!<br /><div><br /></div><div>Bob & Kristen and the rest of my friends and family are patient with me. I also have a trick - when I’m talking to people I always say “we might have talked about this already but .(fill in the blank)”. I know things will get worse before they get better but that’s ok. We all knew this is what happens when you have Alzheimer’s disease. I am grateful every day for what I can do and try not to focus on the negative issues I'm dealing with.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've made adjustments and try not to schedule too much on my calendar. Any time I have a phone call or ZOOM I have to lay down afterwards, and sometimes I have to take some Tylenol to stop my head from pounding. I can still drive but that may be coming to an end. I have to take my annual DMV written test, and I have to take a driving test behind the wheel this year too! I'm not sure how that's going to go and I'm pretty sure I won't pass the written test because I won't be able to remember the correct answers. Honestly I don't care either way! I would be happy to hire a care partner/buddy to be my driver and to help me out. If I find the right person that could be really fun😊</div><div><br /></div><div>So enough of the sadness and bad stuff that's going one. Let's talk about the good stuff💜 I've had both of my vaccines but won't be out and about until May and that's ok. I have a few lunch dates on the calendar already and am looking forward to seeing some of my friends. I've done a lot of knitting and finished another lap blanket. I will be using that as part of my fundraising for our Walk2EndAlz! I really want to be one of the top fundraisers again so look for my posts on FaceBook soon. Since my last blog we also celebrated my daughters birthday in Sausalito and that was fun. Staying at their house and spending time with Celly was great too. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAG5UR1mtbXGFMdF0HSzDgWUnospOPTip4F5nludb54zRCnOSlZhqm5m2FWkPbe97WCK-0K_obAvJnZy42Zx5QZBwuYKVgO1R9jBo_JINldDzYghfZm_ydsJX7p01JqobKv5op1gKKfPr/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAG5UR1mtbXGFMdF0HSzDgWUnospOPTip4F5nludb54zRCnOSlZhqm5m2FWkPbe97WCK-0K_obAvJnZy42Zx5QZBwuYKVgO1R9jBo_JINldDzYghfZm_ydsJX7p01JqobKv5op1gKKfPr/w150-h200/image.jpeg" width="150" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I had another infusion -- #24 at the end of the month and shared my fancy Kate Spade shoes. The next one is tomorrow and this time Kristen will be with me! I'm very excited about that. It's been a long time since she's been able to take me to UCSF. I'm going home with her too and will spend some quality time at her house. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm still listen to Audible books almost every day and keeping active and engaged. These last few weeks I've read five books on Audible and am rereading ''Something In the Water" now. Listening is good for me even if I have to take notes on the story line and characters. It's calming and I'm pretty sure it's good for my brain and my attitude.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm still walking on the Iron Horse Trail, doing my yoga, meditation and prayers, but I'm also spending time with Rusty on the couch and dealing with my headaches. I've decided down time is essential. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you are all doing well and I hope to connect with some of you in person later this year - or maybe next year! We'll just take it one day at a time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you as always for your thoughts, prayers and notes/emails/Facebook posts! You all keep me smiling and lifted up🙏💓</div><div><br /> <p></p></div></div>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-74340844252848105052021-03-11T17:02:00.003-08:002021-03-12T12:07:43.123-08:00Vaccine time💉 Blog #106<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMihVtTBcfQgAiiBNYPGlUJfBrx4CxQz4Xj8kGHT3ga-vmjnS_uQ_U-RikNgwrokXJCRYV9caZGyuC1257IHPCZYfbPgk5vaYiwCtQbYvZbnlwVwNK29NGRURjfQ9H7IyBtEA23EmcVTq/s3088/IMG_6542.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMihVtTBcfQgAiiBNYPGlUJfBrx4CxQz4Xj8kGHT3ga-vmjnS_uQ_U-RikNgwrokXJCRYV9caZGyuC1257IHPCZYfbPgk5vaYiwCtQbYvZbnlwVwNK29NGRURjfQ9H7IyBtEA23EmcVTq/s320/IMG_6542.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old photo of my beautiful roses!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It’s a sunny day here in NorCal☀️ We’ve had our share of rain too but today it’s beautiful outside but very chilly. I missed writing a blog last month. I’m not sure why, probably exhaustion from all the activities and Zoom calls, or maybe I forgot...<p></p><p>I’m on the couch typing on my cell phone so please excuse all the typos. I’m exhausted and have a splitting headache but I felt like today was the day to share my latest issues. </p><p>I have a nice view of the golf course and am enjoying all the birds. What I’m not enjoying are all the turkeys that keep hoping over our fence to eat the bird food!! They are annoying and make such a mess! Oh well, we will be ok. I can buy some more food next week. </p><p>February was another busy month. I read several books, walked most days, knitted a few items and started another blanket. I’m addicted to tennis and watched all the US Open matches I could! I had another wonderful weekend visit with Kristen & Ryan while Bob got some quality time with his daughter, son and family up in Chico. </p><p>I was busy last week with the Alzheimer’s Assoc State Advocacy Days! It was a little overwhelming and the first time we did it on Zoom. I definitely missed the face to face meetings and hugs from our friends / Senators and staff . But it was a huge success and I was so impressed with our staff and the way they pulled this off! Kudos to all of you 🎉</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNHFNp1zhyP3lqF7haX2PXNqrBRRXD8NNLqoZ03O0MuRRYaEAlsdSTzA0Pk4GaJWFuZAM_kOcqICWy28VkDnhpN13ouBNjytXyvL0wiz0cnvND66vjNTvQEtc1FwxVJS1NCYHO6c_q_u_/s4032/4B203FA9-8D1D-49FE-9F10-452D4949BDFC.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNHFNp1zhyP3lqF7haX2PXNqrBRRXD8NNLqoZ03O0MuRRYaEAlsdSTzA0Pk4GaJWFuZAM_kOcqICWy28VkDnhpN13ouBNjytXyvL0wiz0cnvND66vjNTvQEtc1FwxVJS1NCYHO6c_q_u_/s320/4B203FA9-8D1D-49FE-9F10-452D4949BDFC.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My personal promise garden 💜</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The biggest issue for me was getting online and navigating all the Zoom meetings. At the end of each day I was a mess. I had horrible headaches and was exhausted. I want to thank my team and the staff for helping me and texting me so that I could participate in this! I really want to stay engaged in advocacy, even if it’s difficult. </p><p>Since my last blog I’ve read three books - Fates & Furies, The Four Winds, Magic Hour and I’m almost done with Raven Black. Let me know if you have any good suggestions for my next book please 📚 </p><p>Yesterday I had my annual checkup and will be getting blood work soon. I’m anxious to see how I’m doing. Today I had my annual neurology exam too. I made a list of things I was struggling with so that I would remember. Bob was with me too of course. She increased my medicine (Aricept) to a higher dose and wants to see me in three months. I gave her a list of my recent issues such as: short term memory issues, can’t remember characters in the books I’m reading, lots of headaches, constant ringing in my ears, sensitive to sound/ loud noises, etc... I could go on and on but I won’t. It’s annoying but we all know this disease is progressive and I guess I am progressing. I started having symptoms in 2012 and my diagnosis was in 2016. So I guess this is normal. </p><p>On a happier note I am finally getting my first vaccine on the 17th! The second one is in April so maybe in May I can schedule some lunch dates with my friends and family 😍</p><p>So that's my story! I’m still very happy and active and engaged. I had a great Zoom call with Melaine & JeanAnn today, text with my high school bestie Andi and speak often with Jane & Judy too. I'm active on social media and feel connected. Thank you Linda, Karen, Monica, Arthena, Elizabeth and many others I'm probably forgetting! Kristen checks in on me daily and is awesome (of course). One of my other Intel besties, Debbie is going to be my driver for my vaccines 💜💉 I am definitely feeling the love! Buck & Karen have helped me too! </p><p>Bob is working hard and enjoying it! Rusty is still the best caregiver kitty in the world. He’s always by my side and loves to snuggle. </p><p>I hope you are all doing well too! I miss you so please call, text, FaceTime or whatever😀 I hope in the next few months we can get back to normal🙏</p><p>Much love & blessings for all your support, kindness & donations to help us #ENDALZ 💜💰🤩</p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-41160229758854106672021-02-01T17:27:00.009-08:002021-02-01T17:33:18.071-08:00February Update 2021 - Blog #105 <p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Happy Monday! It's a new month and a new day. Every day is precious for all of us, but especially for those of us living with Alzheimer's and other dementia. I truly have learned to cherish every day and to listen to my body. Some days I need to rest. Some days, like today, I am filled with energy and just came back from a wonderful walk around Danville and the Iron Horse Trail. The sun was out and I was listening to my book and I couldn't have been happier. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">January turned out to be a busy month for us. Bob has been busy working and continues to do most of the shopping and creates delicious dinner items for us. We also take advantage of Door Dash and other take out options when we're in the mood. It's nice to mix it up a bit and his job takes a lot of of him. He's putting his heart and soul into his interim job as the CEO of the Silicon Valley Organization. As many of you know he was the past president and CEO of San Francisco Chamber of Commence. I know he will make a difference for them!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was a busy month, I actually had two infusions in January! That doesn't happen very often but this month I had one on Jan 5th and then again on Jan 27th. The first infusion included all the cognitive testing and I came home wiped out. Infusion #22 was pretty easy! They initially found my vein in my left arm but then something happened and the injection site started swelling! So of course they went into my right vein. Thankfully most of the time it doesn't hurt when they are trying to find my veins. The nurses are amazing and I always look forward to my time at UCSF. We brought them some See's candy this time, and last month my bestie Debbie made them some toffee😀</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've spent a lot of my free time knitting too and am in the process of making my first hat! It's definitely not perfect but I'm sure the next one will be better. I also made a small cowl scarf for my friend Dani who is a super star Alzheimer's fundraiser and a wonderful person! </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">My next project will be another Alice's Embrace blanket. I will send some pictures online when I'm finished! Knitting has turned out to be something I really look forward to. The combination of knitting and listening to books really works for me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This month's book was 'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett. It was WONDERFUL. I will probably read it again in a few months. I would love to know what some of your favorite books are too! Please send me a note on Facebook or text me if you're up for it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My shoulder continues to cause pain and thankfully my chiropractor has helped quite a bit. I have more range of motion and I'm hoping some day for it to heal. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Friends mean the world to me! Connection is so important, especially during these tough times. I'm not able to drive to my daughters house but I was able to spend a few days with her thanks to two of my dear friends Buck & Karen! They had offered to drive me anywhere I wanted to go a few months ago but I hadn't taken them up on their offer. It was perfect timing and I spent two days there, and then they came to get me and took me home. I can't tell you how grateful I am for their kindness and friendship. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the highlights of the month was a meeting I had, along with others who are living with AD, with the FDA. It was a closed session, very private affair. There were several of us who shared our journey and the fear and sadness we have about our future. It was extremely emotional for all of us. Many of us cried and during the Zoom call you could see that many of the participants from the FDA were moved to tears too. After our meeting the FDA decided to extend the review period for Aducanumab, the first new treatment for Alzheimer's in decades and the first that appears to slow progression of AD. These meetings are critical but they definitely wipe me out. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I also wrote a letter to the Editor of the East Bay Times and that was published today. It was definitely a busy busy month for me. Bob and I ended the month with a much needed lunch date at Crumbs in Danville. We are now able to have outdoor dining and it was the first time we'd been out together in a long time. Our daughter Kristen joined us and it was fabulous. Perfect weather, amazing food and definitely good company.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So that was my month - beyond busy for some reason but that's ok! I struggle daily with remembering conversations and events. I have my family and my friends to help me. I'm sure it's annoying at times but it's all quite normal for someone living with this disease. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rusty is still the best kitty ever and follows me around the house. He sleeps with me, snuggles with me when I'm reading and definitely is a very good caregiver kitty.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRKcrpF527gwoFNi5tQqWwE_mR7Tw4h1cQoUV1nAxTl8ygbW2x5CwoEeD31WCTfnCkdcyQJwxC1dtmcR-l8_hFjN1s-AbDN_HfBUlM-OQFVScX__jBovzDI8N2YnPYq290TI9h5QffE4J/s4032/RenderedImage.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRKcrpF527gwoFNi5tQqWwE_mR7Tw4h1cQoUV1nAxTl8ygbW2x5CwoEeD31WCTfnCkdcyQJwxC1dtmcR-l8_hFjN1s-AbDN_HfBUlM-OQFVScX__jBovzDI8N2YnPYq290TI9h5QffE4J/s320/RenderedImage.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope you all had a great month. We are looking forward to 2021, to the vaccine, to friendships and social events and lots of hugging - when the time is right. We all need connection so let's hope we can get back to normal soon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thank you for your support, friendship, emails, text and wonderful phone calls! You all lift me up and keep me smiling. God bless you🙏</span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-84747321693841428932020-12-31T14:07:00.023-08:002020-12-31T14:26:23.254-08:00Good Riddance 2020 😆<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Well here we are at the end of probably the most interesting and the most frustrating year for all of us! I feel like I weathered the storm pretty well. The lockdown and lack of connection wasn't great for an extrovert like me but I made the most of it. The lack of physical contact was difficult too. There were good days and bad days but mostly I was ok and made myself busy and got outside as often as I could. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I know that next year won't be easy but hopefully the vaccine will allow us to get out and about a little more. And to have some social gatherings that don't need to be outside and with our masks on! That would be a big deal for me - touching, hugging and hanging out - that's my wish👫 </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRL6HN_Q8Zm8VL_aOYIaOQAU61lZuJnGSc3QXFu0BkoykRRJNl9EmF84nyQi5hoL1xuKra4nx6g18BfyHX3ehVb5Vr2pISxsVV0LeXX7dgXxOBU2u2qlBTM1BNeRE4DeQ7GsQWObco6fWx/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRL6HN_Q8Zm8VL_aOYIaOQAU61lZuJnGSc3QXFu0BkoykRRJNl9EmF84nyQi5hoL1xuKra4nx6g18BfyHX3ehVb5Vr2pISxsVV0LeXX7dgXxOBU2u2qlBTM1BNeRE4DeQ7GsQWObco6fWx/" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This month kept me busy most days and I started on December 1st with Infusion #20 at UCSF. It went well and I made some cookies for the staff. That always makes me happy and it's definitely something they enjoy! Everyone loved my shoes and that always makes me smile. I have another infusion on Tuesday Jan 5th that will include cognitive testing which really stresses out my brain. One of my besties - Debbie - is making toffee for them! She's pretty darn amazing. Oh - and for Christmas she dropped off a bunch of KETO and gluten free items for us, and a huge bottle of Vodka. Now that's friendship😁</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I tried to keep busy every day and to connect with friends and family. Some days were better than others but that's ok. I was able to get online and share my journey of living with ALZ and to thank some of the ALZ Assoc volunteers for their support as I shared a "mission moment" with them. I always cry when I talk about the difficulties we had getting my diagnosis, and the sadness we felt when we heard the official news that I did indeed have early stage, early onset ALZ. I do know though that my story and sharing it with volunteers motivates them and reminds them why they are working so hard during walk season and all the other months of the year. Thank you Ondine, Brittany and others for the invitations and the opportunity to share my story.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I finished a few knitting projects this month too and was able to give them for Christmas gifts! I'm out of yarn now which is something that's never happened to me before, so as soon as I'm done with this blog I will be going online to get some more😍 I love knitting while I'm listening to my audible books and Rusty especially likes to help me and try to play with the yarn! LOL</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Speaking of reading, I did re-read 'Where The Crawdads Sing' and it was wonderful the 2nd time around. I decided I didn't like our book club selection so I decided to read one of Barack Obama's selections/ recommendations. 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. It was good, interesting but the story kept going back and forth and I had a hard time following it. I starting writing down who was related to whom and that helped a little. It's worth reading and an interesting journey through the life of African Americans who have very light skin - to the point that most people think they are white. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I just started another book that my brother Bob recommended - 'Devil's Teeth' by Susan Casey. It's non fiction and most of the action takes place in San Francisco on the Farallon Islands. I am loving it for a few reasons: 1-I think sharks are fascinating and they are very smart and savvy, and sneaky too. 2-My dad was actually stationed on the Farallon Islands. In 1939 the US Coast Guard took over the lighthouse service and the Navy ran an secret radar station from the Farallon's in WWII. There were only 78 people living there at in 1942. 3-my mom shared pictures with us when I was a little girl, showing us how they transferred her (and the others) from the boat to the island. It is not for the faint of heart. Anyway - it's a great book if you like sharks and want to know more about them!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">On another note - unfortunately my shoulder is not getting any better so I started going to our chiropractor. She is a wonderful woman and we've known her for many many years. I'm going weekly now and she's adjusting my shoulder and giving me some new exercises to help with the pain. Some day I will be pain free and have full range of motion! But honestly the best part is I get to talk to her and hang out with her while she's working on me. It was like old home week and just that one day of connection each week has really helped me. I definitely look forward to our appointments. Thank you Dr. Christine Thompson🙌</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKojgQrbPIuTJ-XPxptnbnTOfkqF4NrZhvMDtHJc0dmxo6kjEfwUZ2Z_WdJ42wd12OyThW1tOFwOXYRlm8r_WOUWfSXseGkB_1g3hjDTPT_wbwbQuv7QFOKups1vEPEGWuny0W3vWH53I/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKojgQrbPIuTJ-XPxptnbnTOfkqF4NrZhvMDtHJc0dmxo6kjEfwUZ2Z_WdJ42wd12OyThW1tOFwOXYRlm8r_WOUWfSXseGkB_1g3hjDTPT_wbwbQuv7QFOKups1vEPEGWuny0W3vWH53I/" width="180" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />My fat cat Rusty turned 8 years old this year too! His birthday was Dec 3rd. I did my best to put an outfit on him but he was not having any of it! I did snap a photo of him with a tie on but I had to take it off immediately. He definitely doesn't like clothes - LOL😀 He's the best kitty ever and I am so thankful for him. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our Christmas was small and safe - similar to our Thanksgiving. We had a great meal with Ryan & Kristen, and Celly too of course. I was able to spend a few days with Kristen after Christmas and help her 'declutter' her house. We also walked a few times with Celly and drove around to look at all the Christmas lights. It was truly a wonderful, safe family experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MngNDfdfU6u-02btF-9CHvzzY_L-VYoQhXjF4xTjnEJ42KWveGRI_AaZVnZVC7bXjy7zSUCph8csJ3ipzhTHzukV1agIX8L1inof_kxJAa0goUSUguGD7FHlNxtaRfrh2OT6nxkqKSFp/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3635" data-original-width="2260" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MngNDfdfU6u-02btF-9CHvzzY_L-VYoQhXjF4xTjnEJ42KWveGRI_AaZVnZVC7bXjy7zSUCph8csJ3ipzhTHzukV1agIX8L1inof_kxJAa0goUSUguGD7FHlNxtaRfrh2OT6nxkqKSFp/" width="149" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">So I guess that's it! Definitely a busy month and some wonderful phone calls and FaceTime chats with my friends and family.<br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wishing all of you a fabulous 2021. I appreciate all your support and friendship and prayers. I am doing OK and when my brain isn't working I just stop and relax and pet my kitty. Christmas gifts / shopping and remembering what I bought was extremely difficult. I did the best I could and that's all any of us can do.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">God bless you and HAPPY NEW YEAR!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-26684699555975448302020-11-30T15:14:00.006-08:002020-11-30T15:27:22.931-08:00Happy Holiday Season 🎄<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Well here we are at the last day of the November. It's hard to believe we are heading into the Christmas/ Hanukkah season. I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving celebration, be it small or large. I know many of you had to change your normal routines and celebrate alone. Thankfully ZOOM and FaceTime help but there's nothing like a big hug from our families and friends. I've talked about hugging before and I am very much looking to the day when I can hug my friends and not have to wear a mask. But in the mean time I will follow the rules and stay safe!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We were able to spend our Thanksgiving this year with Ryan & Kristen, and Celly too of course. We all got tested for COVID so we could spend the day together and thankfully we were all negative! It was a wonderful calm quiet day and the food was fabulous. I'm not good with crowds so having the four of us worked out well. And congratulations to Kristen for making her first turkey dinner! You are Ryan are excellent chefs🦃</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYK9OAQDm-lK15KAZKSZHMcHmV6Gl13CA0rFYyRa1feE4Oz-buIfKa6eXt9pZU9HUKlL0xB8ZC9yIdychek7pDHctnVrbzQgbvAi_jbDgdRlbjecS6v8mi9kUg4mgGcWpQIiHoc0KPkS0D/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1383" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYK9OAQDm-lK15KAZKSZHMcHmV6Gl13CA0rFYyRa1feE4Oz-buIfKa6eXt9pZU9HUKlL0xB8ZC9yIdychek7pDHctnVrbzQgbvAi_jbDgdRlbjecS6v8mi9kUg4mgGcWpQIiHoc0KPkS0D/" width="162" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />This month was pretty busy for me, but only because being busy keeps my mind in tack. I finished three books this month - 'Maybe You Should Talk to Someone', 'Night Road' and 'True Colors'. They were all good so if you want any recommendations let me know. My bestie Monica recommended the first one and it was fascinating. The other two are by Kristin Hannah, my new favorite author. Right now I'm re-reading 'Where the Crawdads Sing' and am thoroughly enjoying it the second time around! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was able to join some of our FOAS friends on a ZOOM call and reconnected with Nick & Jane Mallett. They live in England and we miss them very much! It was fun to see some of my other friends on the call too. I decided to join their book club and will be reading 'Girl, Woman, Other' by Bernadine Eavaristo. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't know much about it but I will give you an update next month.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Most days I am walking 3+ miles around either the Iron Horse Trail or just wandering in Danville. When I'm walking I'm listening to books which is why I have read so many. Sometimes after my walk I continue to listen while I'm knitting. I don't watch TV until after dinner and I like to be busy, so reading, knitting, texting with friends and all that make the days fly by.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had Infusion #19 earlier this month and tomorrow I have Infusion #20! I guess that means I need to figure out what shoes to wear</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">😁</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1D4uzvAiGgHRpj42Fh9QiQLRisFHm5GMd4LzXUSuQ5DpMreUmsM7QEytZQGK-kK7NTpekr8acovFXI2pSFL5rO-dhxFV07cERFXe0VL-AZ0ZdLbZ8ndt4KHf4bEiDtTWyq1PwER4dsGU/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1397" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1D4uzvAiGgHRpj42Fh9QiQLRisFHm5GMd4LzXUSuQ5DpMreUmsM7QEytZQGK-kK7NTpekr8acovFXI2pSFL5rO-dhxFV07cERFXe0VL-AZ0ZdLbZ8ndt4KHf4bEiDtTWyq1PwER4dsGU/" width="164" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and if I can get my act together I might bring them some homemade cookies. Last visit I brought Gluten Free brownies and sugar cookies! They were so happy and since they are so very nice to me, I feel it's only nice to give back to them. I'm extremely grateful for such an amazing staff at UCSF.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The biggest bummer of this month was making a decision to stay home in December and miss our annual Maui excursion. It wasn't a tough decision, it was the right decision, but I was still a little sad. I love the ocean and the warm weather but I can't imagine spending two weeks there under quarantine and not being able to participate in all the fun things we normally do! We are hopeful to return next year🌊</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another cool thing this month was our Zoom call with Gov Gavin Newsome. This was part of our role on Maria Shriver's Alzheimer's Task Force. Bob and I spoke and shared the recommendation for a digital portal - California Cares. Right now there are too many places to seek information. We need one central place, spanning dozens of federal, state & county departments. We really need a one stop shop! Many thanks to Maria and her staff and all of our colleagues who have been working on this all year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGuEA1bL9YjLuVZZ0sZrAUcgJPtjdi_XfTD2ZP-AgIxS7ib7jZnKnmIu97F5YXa4i5K1clf2xHw5LQxyE_DPcK-AeOE4kwGBm_HkKaDaYRu9xq56-QfJQvY5uIBV09p4ik6sZI8-KtrP_/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="488" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGuEA1bL9YjLuVZZ0sZrAUcgJPtjdi_XfTD2ZP-AgIxS7ib7jZnKnmIu97F5YXa4i5K1clf2xHw5LQxyE_DPcK-AeOE4kwGBm_HkKaDaYRu9xq56-QfJQvY5uIBV09p4ik6sZI8-KtrP_/" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So I guess this has been a busier month than I thought. Getting outside helps me feel connected and all the texting/FaceTime/Zoom are wonderful too. My shoulder is still in constant pain but the ice at night helps. I am more anxious than I used to be and I get pretty exhausted in the afternoons. I am sleeping well which is great! My short term memory is horrible but thankfully I'm a good note taker. Every day I write down what I did or want to do and then check it off. I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I'm done. So today I can check off 'write another blog'! That will make me happy💜</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm thankful for your support, your prayers, your texts, cards and phone calls. I'm thankful for the Alzheimer's Assoc virtual support groups every week. I'm extremely grateful that our family got to spend Thanksgiving together. I'm thankful for outdoor events with friends, with the ability to walk and to eat outside. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm also beyond grateful for my amazing husband and caregiver extraordinaire. He's the chef, the grocery shopper, the bartender and has many other amazing talents. He does all of this with a smile on his face and we are making the most of our 'new normal'. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfbeRwv_Qfln5galsVKTz1lPZ5xcJd2rqwLtQORDVYHqgJaVQ9ZO0eMnXJ5kMUWT4lGe4-QiVHME9oh0EPDfzbWc7-m02QvMPZUluNdee-o-txRvP1yXft8OpmtD1z30avF2KO7SOG97X/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfbeRwv_Qfln5galsVKTz1lPZ5xcJd2rqwLtQORDVYHqgJaVQ9ZO0eMnXJ5kMUWT4lGe4-QiVHME9oh0EPDfzbWc7-m02QvMPZUluNdee-o-txRvP1yXft8OpmtD1z30avF2KO7SOG97X/" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />My other amazing caregiver, my daughter Kristen checks on me every single day! She sends me texts, calls me on FaceTime, comes over when she can and I'm extremely grateful for her support. As you know, family is everything! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm wishing you a wonderful holiday season! A month filled with happiness and good friends. I'm sure the holidays will look different this year too, but together we can get through it. God bless you all for your support, donations, friendship and kindness. I can't wait for the day that we can connect in person🙏</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-12330666998347077332020-10-30T12:50:00.002-07:002020-10-30T12:50:52.385-07:00Happy Halloween 💀👻<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This month has flown by and I'm struggling with the fact that Halloween is tomorrow! It's crazy how the days and weeks all mesh together. I'm wondering if that's a new symptom of my Alzheimer's or if everyone is in a fog these days. I honestly never know what day it is but I can normally remember what month we are in. But who cares? Do I need to know the date and the day of the week? Does it matter to me or is it OK for me to go about my business and my activities without being aware of these things?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I know my disease is progressing but I also know that I am doing pretty darn good! I'm happy, I'm active and I have a lot of friends and family that are staying connected with me and making sure I'm ok. Thank you for that! A few months ago I was feeling sad and down and alone but you all helped me get out of my 'funk' and things are much better now💜</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've been keeping busy knitting and I've done a ton of walking and listened to several books this month on Audible. I really enjoyed REBECCA by Daphne du Maurier and read another Kristin Hannah book - THE GREAT ALONE! I would recommend both of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We had a few days of bad weather and smoky sky's but that's gone now. I had my 18th Eli Lilly clinical trial infusion and thankfully that went well without any evacuations😀 I am thankful for trials and truly hope we can find a way to slow down this disease soon! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYPJ4cpuzqqPYBOHxDS-a2zEoiBvgnpG1xKyCmSOb3pg_KdXSbrM63zRC1SUOnt6DAigM1tskeHCuppXGRFiWMzQKSmQkcuoVXA8VHlxUfmoWYjLe3CTAEkP7XKF-x7XF4PRRCU7ffZ-3/s1440/B17B29FB-E914-4C22-B904-1EFFDFD63F47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYPJ4cpuzqqPYBOHxDS-a2zEoiBvgnpG1xKyCmSOb3pg_KdXSbrM63zRC1SUOnt6DAigM1tskeHCuppXGRFiWMzQKSmQkcuoVXA8VHlxUfmoWYjLe3CTAEkP7XKF-x7XF4PRRCU7ffZ-3/s320/B17B29FB-E914-4C22-B904-1EFFDFD63F47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">There's a public hearing soon regarding Biogen, one of the potential drugs the FDA may approve. I will be dialing into the hearing and sharing my opinion on that topic and am hopeful that we can start a Phase 4 open label trial some day. Those of us living with this disease need hope, and so do our families🙏</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">On the 24th we walked in the 'virtual' East Bay #Walk2EndAlz. It was so weird to walk alone with our family and one of my best girlfriends. We couldn't walk with our team because many of them live out of town and no one wanted to take the risk of COVID. We wore our masks, carried our flags and had our purple shirts on. It was fun but definitely not the big celebration we are all use to. I was sad initially but as time went on I knew that there would be no way for us to celebrate the way we have the past four years. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIhbjbs97BmRIQDhJGhMkgIRQxy-NGKHRIAoEinx0po_bUOZDnJIFinOHTpfAO8pHCf8MihtYXxHW0v3Q8xFJUY81t8VSsBZtgonMPbXh6sAi0WxvFMFWyoaysyIw_xsct6HjGaUReEaN/s3088/IMG_6585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIhbjbs97BmRIQDhJGhMkgIRQxy-NGKHRIAoEinx0po_bUOZDnJIFinOHTpfAO8pHCf8MihtYXxHW0v3Q8xFJUY81t8VSsBZtgonMPbXh6sAi0WxvFMFWyoaysyIw_xsct6HjGaUReEaN/s320/IMG_6585.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We did raise a lot of money and I want to thank all of you who are reading my blog for that! All my Intel friends, my family, my neighbors and my buddies on the National Alzheimer's Assoc BOD! All of you! You all came through, were VERY generous and we've raised over $35,000 so far💰 THANK YOU!!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wednesday of this week Bob and I also were part of Maria Shriver's WAM (Women's Alzheimer's Movement) summit. It was great to connect with other families living with this disease and to connect with Deborah Roberts, Al Roker's wife! I was a little nervous because it was streaming live but I shared my story and pulled it off without any tears. Thank you to all of you who listened/watched and for your support. I am thankful I can still be productive and use my voice during these tough times.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So I guess that was my month! I started my end of life plans and filled out The Five Wishes Advanced Directive document that will make it easier for Bob and my family to make decisions. Our dear friend and hospice nurse came over and helped us through the process and gave us some good advice on how to proceed. She's going to help with finding me a 'buddy' too! I won't be able to drive much longer and I currently can't drive at night so I'm excited to have someone to hang out with! We can go on road trips together and she can drive me to Kristen & Ryan's house any time I want! How fun is that?? Oh, and two of my other best buddies offered to drive me anywhere I wanted so we might be going on some short road trips to Napa, Sonoma or somewhere near the ocean. Just a day trip to get out of the house and feel someone normal. And don't be alarmed - we will be wearing our masks the entire time and taking food with us😊</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So that's my monthly update. I'm doing ok. Short term memory is a mess but most days I'm just fine. I'm happy, I've got my Rusty kitty to snuggle with during my nap time and I've got an amazing husband, a fantastic daughter and tons of friends and family to keep me smiling an entertained.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRepdGSJGJrydurJubcFvoRzD7F49Oj5uBzT_dmhMFmAgDngC6Xo_2NnjuHz9QCSLZ4gaIqXrTavCI00CI3fDoghYOUVGMOqSrrZ023hpaz_yUq1Z9W9L854ygWjjobtLFNwntnR0n54b/s4032/IMG_6574.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRepdGSJGJrydurJubcFvoRzD7F49Oj5uBzT_dmhMFmAgDngC6Xo_2NnjuHz9QCSLZ4gaIqXrTavCI00CI3fDoghYOUVGMOqSrrZ023hpaz_yUq1Z9W9L854ygWjjobtLFNwntnR0n54b/s320/IMG_6574.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Have a happy and safe Halloween everyone! Thank you for all your calls, texts, donations, emails, FaceTime and for checking in on me. You all make me smile! God bless you all🙏</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-43883130946651070142020-09-21T14:28:00.032-07:002020-09-21T14:52:36.624-07:00Blog #101 - living the dream😼 <div class="separator"><p style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thankfully we have air conditioning and I can spend most my time inside. Yoga is my friend and I always feel better after I get some stretchin</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">g in. And things are better now - we still have unhealthy air quality but it's not as bad as it was earlier.</span></p></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Happy Monday! The weeks are flying by and it's hard to believe we've been on 'restriction' aka lockdown with limited activities for the past 36 weeks! At least I think I counted th</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">em correctly. Math is not my strong suit these days😏 We have been busy and active and that helps the time go by. I hope you're able to connect and get outside too! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In addition to the extreme heat and the smoke I missed several days of outdoor activities. The fires brought unhealthy air and my eyes were burning even when I was inside the house. Not being able to go outside was a real issue for me - especially in the mornings because that's my quiet time. My time to meditate outside, do my bible plans and listen to my 'Pray as you Go' app. I couldn't take it outside! It was too smoky and it wasn't worth the risk.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXzvf0gJ7tcr6OyvH4ovJmdsHJc-7nyqrPoV2GV1rjLg93POmj7E2bhSlI1CfH2qEcHh4PQRyD1oYtHyVSjfMUmzxgT7kjR92UsfLFH2l_dL54zc5pwEx7PM4W-Ed3eUt6ZPoyEJgtTqZ/s3088/IMG_4339.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXzvf0gJ7tcr6OyvH4ovJmdsHJc-7nyqrPoV2GV1rjLg93POmj7E2bhSlI1CfH2qEcHh4PQRyD1oYtHyVSjfMUmzxgT7kjR92UsfLFH2l_dL54zc5pwEx7PM4W-Ed3eUt6ZPoyEJgtTqZ/s320/IMG_4339.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had a fun call with my Aunt Nancy Geary too! It was her birthday and I called her at her care facility in Fresno and I was shocked that she knew who I was and we actually had a very coh</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">erent conversation. That was a big event for me! At one point she asked how my dad was doing....my dad who passed away a very long time ago... but I think that's to be expected of someone living with memory issues and confusion at the amazing age of </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">94!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We had some family fun with Kristen & Ryan and some extended family. I actually played kickball and had a blast! We were able to eat outside together afterwards and it almost felt like a normal day. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Got some bad news at the eye doctor in early September. I thought something was going on with my distance vision but I had just gotten my glasses prescription changed so I couldn't figure out why things were a little blurry. My last exam was in February of this year and he changed my prescription then. When I went to see him in early September both eyes had changed and gotten worse! I don't know if my Alzheimer's has anything to do with that, but it's frustrating and a little scary. And quite expensive too! He changed prescriptions in both eyes and I am still waiting for my new lenses/glasses. I'm surviving and can still drive but I certainly hope this is not a trend and that six months from now they will be worse. I'm saying some prayers about this and know that no matter what happens I will be ok....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I spent many hours in front of the TV over labor day weekend and was in awe of all the strong female (and male) talent at the US Open. I love watching tennis and even during COVID they were able to pull off a fabulous event in New York. I'm also so thankful for Naomi Osaka's statement there and her support for 'Black Lives Matter'. Every day she wore a different mask with the names of those that have been killed, actually murdered, in the past few months. It's very sobering and I appreciate her activism. YOU GO GIRL!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We had to spend Bob's Birthday (Sept 13th) inside but made the most of it. We ordered take out and he got to watch anything and everything that he wanted to on TV 😉 A few weeks later we were able to celebrate in style in Sausalito. It was a perfect evening and the food was delicious. So glad we could share a meal with our daughter, son in law and to enjoy some quality time with Celly afterwards!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmlQ6BgZK3OT6zTiisUhvLD6hRc0J1FPYmx9NPTDZpLGWdRgfN_T_5KfGHX4CtJj-M6k3r-ckCVGH9gUud3A58KpYQF-BGd2rJ6k7ajMXewe5CNSioBZq-Vj34l4MTcWPvVuVe1hEgg-t/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmlQ6BgZK3OT6zTiisUhvLD6hRc0J1FPYmx9NPTDZpLGWdRgfN_T_5KfGHX4CtJj-M6k3r-ckCVGH9gUud3A58KpYQF-BGd2rJ6k7ajMXewe5CNSioBZq-Vj34l4MTcWPvVuVe1hEgg-t/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob's B'day dinner<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;">We did have an unfortunate event at my infusion this month. September 9th was one of the smokiest days for us, especially in San Francisco. We had a full day of cognitive testing and a drug infusion so we got up early to arrive before 8am. When we were driving over the Bay Bridge I took this photo. The smoke was so dense that you couldn't see the sun and all over the bay area the sky was orange...It was so eerie! Unfortunately it took several days for the smoke to clear and the entire bay area was forced to lockdown again.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MNYYKSIe6ZnPs0TtI0j52dDIVnt40U4_b05vVv6Qv4HXP9wFM4yqhkyp5p1sOWBUWp4lMvsGrnkirKrs6YVtBrNWsG0I_SZDsAGicA6vQRFBAuzUMO42DabsAgduLDbGuYz7cf2b3btt/s4032/IMG_6296.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MNYYKSIe6ZnPs0TtI0j52dDIVnt40U4_b05vVv6Qv4HXP9wFM4yqhkyp5p1sOWBUWp4lMvsGrnkirKrs6YVtBrNWsG0I_SZDsAGicA6vQRFBAuzUMO42DabsAgduLDbGuYz7cf2b3btt/s320/IMG_6296.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bay Bridge 9/9/20<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The infusion went well, the cognitive testing was difficult for me as always but I made the most of it. This was infusion #17 for the Eli Lilly Tau clinical trial. I sure hope we can find a cure soon, or at least another medication that can slow down the effects of this horrible disease. The exciting part of the day was when the Fire Alarm went off! I was transferred to a wheel chair - along with other patients - and we all scurried outside. It was dark, very dark and very earie and cold! Thankfully no one was injured and the fire alarm was due to some smoke in the research lab. I took a picture with my nurse and my care coordinator! This was a day to remember. </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTdbwwHDSkbXEFCYKCjvCFeLd8Ue2PhiHlQmPd2EbPDsHqqtaK7S-JvjbaP7XBRO_2Py6eFy3yQf_XldtmZVoodDzX0HEZIXQRIgjW4VC1RkXju_ZlqdpOVpB_duiqbcMV2uYgNwbkoI1/s3675/IMG_6304.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3675" data-original-width="2756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTdbwwHDSkbXEFCYKCjvCFeLd8Ue2PhiHlQmPd2EbPDsHqqtaK7S-JvjbaP7XBRO_2Py6eFy3yQf_XldtmZVoodDzX0HEZIXQRIgjW4VC1RkXju_ZlqdpOVpB_duiqbcMV2uYgNwbkoI1/s320/IMG_6304.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evacuation UCSF 9/9/20<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I think I mentioned last month that my short term memory is failing badly now. Tasks are harder to complete and my executive function is not so great either....I guess this is all to be expected but I really believe that being at home isolated and away from people and connection has really brought me down. Others in my same condition are feeling it too....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">But I'm a fighter and an optimist and a Christian who believes that everything happens for a reason. I am blessed to have so very many friends and family supporting me and I feel the love from all over the world. All of you keep me going and all the enormous amounts of donations for our Alzheimer's Walk later in October have been extraordinary. THANK YOU for all your support. Every penny counts and helps us to fund research so we can some day find a cure! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm starting my 21st book since the lockdown -- listening via Audible and walking outside or knitting has become an obsession! Kristin Hannah has written some amazing books and I'm going to start another one today. I hope you have some indoor and outdoor activities to keep you happy and healthy too! Call or text if you want some suggestions😊</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thank you for all the love and support you give to me and my family! Rusty continues to keep me safe and follows me wherever I go. Bob is a rock star chef and keeps me well fed and safe during these tough times. Kristen calls and FaceTime's with me almost every day. Her bestie Candi and Kristen and I have a nightly ritual too. Sharing silly photos and TicTok videos. Yes - it's stupid but it makes me smile and laugh and I think we all need more of that today and every day💓 We mourned the loss of RBG together as I'm sure many of you did.....Tough times for sure.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiui5BH-WlIZC3VuvfgN3RvLnKWJiSZy8SRar-DmXVe-YpJYO1qClMiiqtrDnd10cgYNsy4vmCn-dOZGxUeMcrxoYsv8x3QkroJTOoG9eAMKCCqhRAGvkRLONK6aABgCDB18TWQWROQ9flZ/s4032/IMG_6317.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiui5BH-WlIZC3VuvfgN3RvLnKWJiSZy8SRar-DmXVe-YpJYO1qClMiiqtrDnd10cgYNsy4vmCn-dOZGxUeMcrxoYsv8x3QkroJTOoG9eAMKCCqhRAGvkRLONK6aABgCDB18TWQWROQ9flZ/s320/IMG_6317.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rusty the caregiver kitty<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope you all have someone to lean on, to talk to, cry with or all of the above. I'm here if you want to talk, text or whatever. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sending love, hugs and prayers to all of you during this unprecedented time in our life. Stay home - stay safe - wear a mask🙏</span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816419354905661793.post-37187520242410477382020-08-24T13:19:00.000-07:002020-08-24T13:19:13.785-07:00Another month at home😵<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPajXhQZeYX1XG-ibkP8BmvqFV_6qpKSYBIyJek4ZSVsxLrw60GfRH_U7Tbd6BeTtKT3Vpk8BzcPxV2V5B9XEwgVGVCFeWk5Z17q1zm8mAdBoCcU3zwV-Nvl8Zw7HF-AYWIOQFgq5sN2F/s3088/IMG_6011.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPajXhQZeYX1XG-ibkP8BmvqFV_6qpKSYBIyJek4ZSVsxLrw60GfRH_U7Tbd6BeTtKT3Vpk8BzcPxV2V5B9XEwgVGVCFeWk5Z17q1zm8mAdBoCcU3zwV-Nvl8Zw7HF-AYWIOQFgq5sN2F/w308-h410/IMG_6011.HEIC" width="308" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's Monday - another day at home. These past few weeks have been a little easier on me. I'm not sure why but I'm going to say that I'm getting used to the routine now. I don't have any expectations for face to face interactions and the cases of COVID in California continue to rise so I don't think we will be opening up any time soon. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">To top off all the COVID scares, our State is now on fire and the air quality is horrible. They are recommending</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> we 'shelter in place'. Which means that we can't go for walk or hang out on our back patio because the air quality is too dangerous! Unfortunately its too hot to walk, or at least it has been for the past few weeks and I'm not interested in walking when the air is so bad.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am not complaining! We are the lucky ones. We are safe at home, we don't have any fires causing evacuation nearby. We are safe and can tolerate the smoky skies. Some of our friends and family are not that lucky. They have evacuated and are safe. I thank God for that🙏</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So what does that leave us with? These changes are causing us to 'pivot'. To do more FaceTime calls, phone calls and texting. To make sure we are taking care of our bodies and our minds by doing cardio, yoga, stretching in the house. And for me it's a reminder that the meditation an</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">d prayer time I carve out every day is even more important for my sanity!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Earlier this month I had a weird day. I got up and did my normal routine but I wasn't really up for any activities. I decided to lay down and listen to my book. I must have needed that rest because I actually stayed in bed all day long! I did not eat, I did not sleep, I just rested and enjoyed the downtime and snuggles with Rusty. The following day I felt great. I guess the moral of that story is to listen to your body and take care of yourself.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">With all the lockdown I have had plenty of activity and phone calls & Zoom calls with the Alzheimer's Assoc and with my friends. We had a great WALK2ENDALZ kickoff with some new folks who want to form teams this year! That was really fun. I had another Eli Lilly infusion for my clinical trial and thanks to my Intel buddy Amy Hanson I had some super cute "IN N OUT" tennis shoes😎 I try to raise awareness of the necessity of clinical trials when I'm there and even though its exhausting we try to have a good time.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias3He48IahCgzN2V9fcSw0oV9NUPCkFVEgas9PFcYpixk9zHHlLEr3EeogelcYjvCWbqSxaMDo8VsoL2lJBHYCKsA8VTghFLhgD_QughpAGEK3v8aUwJfYxTtReQgZ9LYug7Zn0vapowz/s4032/IMG_6050.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias3He48IahCgzN2V9fcSw0oV9NUPCkFVEgas9PFcYpixk9zHHlLEr3EeogelcYjvCWbqSxaMDo8VsoL2lJBHYCKsA8VTghFLhgD_QughpAGEK3v8aUwJfYxTtReQgZ9LYug7Zn0vapowz/s640/IMG_6050.HEIC" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I also wrote my first 'letter to the editor' and it was published! I talked about how difficult COVID was for me and for others living in care centers. I'm sure I mentioned last time that the lack of contact has caused my short term memory to decline pretty dramatically. I continue to use my calendar and my phone to keep track of all my activities. Otherwise I would not be able to remember what happened... sad but true.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our biggest issue this month was that our air conditioning broke! Of course it was on one of the hottest days of the year. We tried to tough it out but couldn't take it. Thankfully we were able to stay at the hotel nearby. And we went back each day to talk to Rusty and make sure he was ok. We were thankful that on Monday they fixed it and all is good now....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My physical therapy continues and some days are better than other. My shoulder aches most of the time but I'm getting used to it. Some weeks going to the therapist is my only activity. I'm so thankful I can still drive and get some time out and about.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">That was my month! Lots of calls with friends and family and all the texts and photos really keep my spirits high💜 Since I can't go outside today I will find something fun to do. And to continue to 'do what makes me happy'. I hope all of you can do what makes you happy too!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Love and prayers and blessings to all of you. Stay safe, stay home, wear a mask😷</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFmdoEJJ8HyJaWWXwu6rOsjU8j5ISGohyphenhyphenMTHkYnljBieouuKPoKE6by7PRz8F86Lv1DIqYVdHBfyCigfcmk7jE_ymNKwXaa808lcczeGbBegu9j0SO3jPxl8wvkEVswX_SSrwdHuvEWUn/s3088/IMG_6100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFmdoEJJ8HyJaWWXwu6rOsjU8j5ISGohyphenhyphenMTHkYnljBieouuKPoKE6by7PRz8F86Lv1DIqYVdHBfyCigfcmk7jE_ymNKwXaa808lcczeGbBegu9j0SO3jPxl8wvkEVswX_SSrwdHuvEWUn/w308-h410/IMG_6100.JPG" width="308" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Pam Montanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04513548907092448915noreply@blogger.com2