Well, my friend. You've had quite the time the last few days. I'm so sorry your friend/partner died. Those are difficult times and we've had a bunch of those lately. Sorry you had to deal with that now, but you made it! Of course...I hope you were strong enough by then for the trip and expenditure of precious energy. You know, it's probably a good thing you were forced to share with your friends from those times about your challenges. I understand privacy, but friends, even previous or unseen, are such an important part of our therapy and healing. Welcome home to your sanctuary.

You know, Lauri, we're all in a bit of your situation emotionally about getting into life again, of whatever sort it may be. We've been through some very traumatic times, especially you with your illness and treatment! But, all of us are facing having to go into social situations after over a year of such drastic isolation. I was isolated for a couple of years prior to my hospitalization in Jan 2919 with CHF and severe edema, as I got sicker. Then, I was in rehab for a couple weeks, home with home health for months and it took me over a year to begin to get up and out and reconditioned. That's actually when I began this journey with Mayo and began finding myself.

This living again will be a shock to our entire systems, physically, mentally and emotionally. And, just think what it will be like when folks start taking off the masks. We aren't out of this pandemic yet, as we have the recovery times to face....but, we can and will do it with grace. That's who we are. That's how you are beating that nasty AML! How Sue and John and Becky and Ginger and Fiesty and Jake and all of the folks sharing here trying to work through the yucky mess life can throw at us. We are fighters, winners, lovers and survivors.

Well, enough philosophy for me. I'm off to Mayo...naturally...for a covid test before the endoscopy procedure tomorrow morning. I'm not pleased to do this, but it's necessary for my swallowing. The doctor will stretch the Schatzki Ring that's formed near the Barrett's Esophagus so I can swallow food and liquids better. They get stuck sometimes and I choke or have pain as they try to work on down to the stomach. That's fun. This will hopefully correct that and I won't have any negative consequences from a 2nd procedure just 3 weeks after the 1st. I am concerned and ask for your prayers this little procedure goes well. With my muscle weakness and such and deep sedation so soon, I have concern of a tear or damage and of brain issues w/sedation. Mother had altzheimers for 12 years. One year in her moderate stage she had 3 sedations and came out of each with more dementia. I don't have any dementia, other than normal for my age, but still have the concern.
Thanks to you for you.
Blessings, feel well and enjoy your wonderful, peaceful home.
elizabeth