Quarantine Update #4
Hi beloved friends and family,
I hope your 2021 is going well so far. Better than 2020? I just had an MRI and I'm beyond thrilled to share the results (Warning: I've completely overused exclamation marks) Many of the lesions that were enhanced in prior scans have either shrunk or are not as enhanced, which is a sign of less metabolic activity. Even my doctor said I was looking stronger. And I haven't received any treatment since March 2020! So this is super excellent! Dr Taylor thought the lesions that were lighting up on prior scans may have been tumor cells and/or "collateral damage" to normal brain cells (postradiation necrosis) from my 2016 proton therapy that are dying off. So basically, these are the best scans I've had in 3 years-I almost can't believe it!
I'm also excited to share the news that I've gotten my first Covid vaccination! In the state of Washington, I qualify because I'm over 50 (hard to believe it I know), and I have a full time caregiver. It only took me hours and hours of searching online for an appointment and then our dear dear friend, Deb, got online and was somehow able to find a few open appointments in a nearby suburb. Smooches Deb.
My PT and OT seem to be going really well. I've noticed alot of improvement in myself. I'm trying new adaptive tools in the kitchen to make life easier. It's amazing what's out there for people who only have the use of one side of their body. And my OT is a genius with workarounds and helping me in adapting to life, until I rebuild and strengthen the motor neurons on the left side of my body.
Before I sign off, I'm going to brag about one thing: I recently asked my naturopathic doctor for any suggestions on how I could improve my mobility. He said that there was some data in stroke patients using cranial acupuncture. Yes, that's in the head. I ran this by Dr Taylor. She didn't find any conclusive data in brain cancer patients that their mobility had improved nor did she have any concerns about my trying it out, so she said if I wanted to try it it's up to me. I gave it a few weeks of thinking and got to "why not? I really have nothing to lose." So last week, I went to my first session. Dan joked that I was going to look like the pinhead from the 1980s movie "Hellraiser". But honestly, it was not terrible. He started with two needles on the upper right side of my head and one in my right hand. I've always been squeamish about acupuncture, like anywhere on the body. So I'm proud of myself. I have 3 more weekly sessions scheduled, and the plan is that we'll build up from 2 needles. That's all the exciting news I've got. Until next time, stay healthy and keep wearing your masks so we can all get back to having each other in our homes, dining in restaurants, hugging each other and traveling on airplanes without fear.
xoxoxo, Eden
Comments (42)
Eden, what fantastic news. It’s so great to hear about your progress amongst all the challenges of the pandemic. And kudos for braving acupuncture! Here’s to hoping it can produce positive results for you!
Hi Eric! I'm so happy to share something positive in this shitstorm of a year! I guess time will tell on the acupuncture. Although I'm kinda feeling like an old pro now, having gone through it once. I hope you're all doing well and staying sane. Hi to Cathy and virtual hugs to all of you! Happy new years! Oh, we loved your card!
So happy to hear this update, Eden. Thanks as always for writing - we think of you guys often.
So happy to be able to share this! We dropped the ball on yours and Dana's visit out here. Can we pick up that conversation for a post pandemic visit? Hugs to the both of you... Stay healthy.
Such great news Eden!! You are a fighter and an inspiration to all of us!!
Thanks sweetie! That's seriously too kind of you to say. Hope you, Rich and the girls are all doing well! xoxo
Eden, That is all such wonderful news. I hope that you continue to gain your strength and that the acupuncture is helpful. Hope your family is doing well and everyone stays healthy. Sending much love ~ Debbie Rootberg (Dauer)
Oh thanks Debbie! Your comment is so sweet. I hope so too. Your putting your hopes out there will get me there. I truly believe in all of this positivity! I hope you're doing well and staying sane :) and staying warm.
YAYYYY! Such great news and awesome to get the update. We think about you often and wish we could visit! We keep ping ponging between Louisiana and Seattle so hope to be here a fair amount over the summer and will get in touch then! <3
Thanks for keeping up on me Cindy! Oy, you're ping ponging between Louisiana and Washington-sounds tiring. Yes, please let me know this summer. We would love to see you! Hugs to all of you... Stay healthy and sane!
Such WONDERFUL news!! Use all the exclamation points you want!!!!!!!Love marci and bob
I am so happy to see your comment! We are missing the Nemhauser mishpacha so much during this pandemic!!! I hope you and Bob are doing well and staying safe and healthy. We're beyond excited... xoxo
Yay for good news, yay for science and vaccinations, and yay for future girl lunches! Wishing you more positive scans and greater improvements in your mobility. Sending you a great big virtual hug, until we can hug in person. xoxo
Lots of yays right? I'm looking forward to our girl lunches! I'm sending a virtual hug right back to you...
What great news!! Thanks for sharing. Sending lots of continued great thoughts.
Thanks Susan! I miss you and I hope you guys are staying sane in your house...
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So happy to hear this, Eden! Smiling mask-loop to mask-loop for ya. xoxoxoxo
mask loop to mask loop! Thanks to you and Deb for holding our family up-like all the time!
Great news + exclamations is frankly awesome news!!! Thanks for sharing this ray of sunshine.
Awwww I'm so happy to see your comment! I hope you're all doing well and staying sane. Sending hugs to you!
This was really wonderful to read, Eden. Keep practicing maximum enthusiasm!!!!!!!!
Thanks Kimberly! SO NICE to hear from you. Maximum enthusiasm-I love that! I hope you're doing well...
This is so wonderful! Love to you all, Eden. 😘
Hey sweetie! We're excited... Thanks for this sweet comment! Love to you all. Stay sane my dear...
Yeah! sooo happy to hear your news. Think of you often-Wishing you the best! Xo Rachel
Awwww hey Rachel! I'm so happy to share some good news. finally! Thanks for your sweet comment. I so miss you all... Chris and I were talking about some sort of Juno clin ops zoom (get the band back together kinda thing) I hope you're doing well. Stay healthy and sane :)
Eden, I read your whole update with tears of love and hope and gratitude. You are amazing and inspiring, and thank you for your update. On another note, I have a significant and impressively positive acupuncture experience under my own belt, and so I always say: If it calls to you, DO It. It's not a solution for everyone, but . . . when it's right, it's right! Sending you the best, always. XOXO
Oh Devon, so so nice to see your comment! Acupuncture visit #2 tomorrow... I hope you are doing well! It’s been way too long my dear ❤️ Let’s catch up by phone or text soon please! Xoxo
Such great news Eden!!!!! Hope to see you soon lady! Xoxo
Hi!!! I would love to get together for a walk sometime soon. Let’s coordinate by text. I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy and sane 😳
This is just wonderful! ❤️ What an incredible journey. Thank you for the great news - sending you virtual hugs and cheers!!
Awesome news Eden! Your mindset is helping heal your body one step at a time. And it was great seeing you! Keep up the amazing recovery =) Lots of love from the Singh family.
You are so inspirational, Eden. I am the biggest member of your fan club. The news is so promising. Love you forever, Mindy
Awww Mindy! The feeling is mutual, believe me. We’re so thrilled! Thanks for sharing in our excitement. Love YOU TOO Sweetheart ❤️
I just wanted to thank you all for your beautiful comments. Your love and support mean so much more than you know!
Wonderful to read Eden! Truly happy to hear the news! I tried acupuncture many moons ago as well- it was a good experience.
Hey!!! I love seeing your comments and your name pop up ❤️ Thanks for keeping up with me and my journey and for your encouragement! I hope you and your clan are all doing well! Xoxoxo
Such fantastic news! So happy to hear the scan results. You are amazing and one tough cookie! I am very impressed with your adventure in acupuncture as well. Again, you are truly an inspiration to all of us!! Xoxoxo to you!!
Hi Eden, What super news, especially with all the bad news on TV and social media. You are an inspiration to everyone. Plus you are one of the strongest, hardest working people I know. Good luck with the Acupuncture and looking forward to your next post. All Our Love, Cousins Diane and Bob XOXOXO
Hi Diane! Awww thanks for your sweet sweet message. I hope you and Bob are doing well and enjoying your retirement! Let us know if you’re planning any visits to Our neck of the woods. Sending hugs back to you... xoxo 😘
Exclamation marks galore especially when they are preceded by fantastically good news! I'm so happy for you Eden! As always, I'm in awe of your strength, resilience and you have the best sense of humor ever! I hope to see you in Seattle again one of these days or maybe a little trip to Portland? 😘
Eden, I am so happy to read such great news! I think of you and Dan often and certainly hope we can get together and catch up once all this COVID craziness is done. Keep your chin up, you are amazing!