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Posted 2021-08-25T22:11:53Z

Summer 2021-Another Great Scan

Happy Summer Friends and Family!

Well, it's been about 6 months since my last update, so that means another MRI, just yesterday. No cliffhangers on how my scans went-I had to let the cat out of the bag in the title of this post. I'm just too excited! Sorry folks...

Anyhow, it's been a treat to have switched the frequency from every 3 months to every 6 months. So much less scanxiety! 

This MRI scan had almost no areas that "lit up" or were enhanced. 

#gratitude :)

Besides that, I am still working on my left sided hemiparesis / mobility issues-doing PT at home exercises a few times a week. For my OT, I've also been trying to get my left arm and hand in on the party to get my brain to re-form connections to my left hand and fingers. It's weird that once my left arm and hand stopped working, I just started ignoring it and stopped using it! So my OT gave me a recommendation to put my left hand on the table or in my peripheral view so that my brain knows it's there and doesn't forget about it.  I also try to walk as often as I can, and I'm now walking free range as I described it to my oncologist, down my block and back. Initially, I was falling so often that I didn't feel safe walking alone outside. Now that I feel more proficient with my disco stick (cane) and I'm building up my strength, I have the courage to go on short walks on my own. Independence! Which reminds me... At the end of September, I'm going to be visiting my family in the Chicago suburbs, and I'm flying solo! I have always flown with my own personal air marshal/escort (Dan or one of my sisters). I'm just feeling so hopeful and happy about my health right now!

Other things I've tried or am still trying since my last journal entry:

1. Botox right into my muscle-super painful and I didn't feel it making a difference with relaxing spasms in my left knee and hand.

2. Cranial acupuncture-4 weekly acupuncture sessions maxing out at about 3 needles going into the top of my head plus others in my hands and the cartilagenous parts of my ears. I seriously thought I was going to look like the pinhead guy in the 1980s movie "Hellraiser". No, not like that at all. Not even painful! After 4 sessions, I, unfortunately, didn't notice a difference. So we stopped.

3. E-stim-electrical stimulation to "wake up" muscles that hadn't been used in awhile. Weird feeling to feel an electrical current and then see a part of your body uncontrollably move! We then tried a device that was essentially a brace with an e-stim built into it. It sent an electrical current to specific muscles in my leg on a timed cycle to assist with a smoother walking gait. We tried this device on me with the company rep, but couldn't get it to work. What a cool device! 

In other news, fun things we/I did this past summer:

1. Seattle activities: We went to the Kubota Japanese Garden in the Rainier district-very well-shaded and not too crowded on the trails. We followed that with lunch at "My's Vietnamese Sandwiches and Deli" on Renton Ave S. Kinda a hole in the wall, but delish Bahn Mi sandwiches and outdoor tables. 

2. Light happy read and true story: When Harry met Minnie-This is a bittersweet story about 2 women who live in New York City who both have bull terriers (think Spuds Mackenzie) as pets. You don't have to be a dog lover to appreciate this book. It's about human and canine relationships, friendship and love. 

3.TV/Movies: We binged The White Lotus (HBO Max) - The White Lotus is an exclusive resort in Hawaii. The show starts with us learning that there was a murder at the resort, and Armand, the manager, training a new employee, explains that the hotel's employees should cater to every guests' needs but at the same time "just blend in and be vague". It turns out that the employees are anything but "vague"-getting involved in the guests' stories. And the guests and employees are very quirky, have the strangest conversations and the scenery and music is great! All the while, we're trying to figure out who committed this murder. Awkward situations, cringe-worthy interactions, weird characters. What else do you need? Another fun series we watched was This Way Up" (hulu)-If you liked Catastrophe, you'll love this series also with Sharon Horgan! This one's about Sharon Horgan and her sister living in Ireland and being pretty hilarious. Excellent movie (nominated for an academy award for Best Documentary) was Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (Netflix). This is about a real NY summer camp "Camp Jened" described as a "loose free-spirited camp designed for teens with disabilities". Funny, heartwarming, inspiring. I couldn't believe how people with physical disabilities were treated as recently as the 1960's! If a child had a physical disability, he/she was made fun of publicly and was not allowed to go to public school. Campers from Camp Jened went to Washington and lobbied for the passing of the ADA. The movie was executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama. Now that I'm thinking about this, I want to watch it again!

4. We hired a caregiver who is awesome! 2x3 hour shifts per week to help me with some meals, PT, laundry, running errands, and taking me to some appointments. She has been so incredibly helpful! I don't know why we waited so long! And she even laughs at my jokes

And finally, I watched the olympics 24x7. I hope that atleast some of the Paralymplics are televised!

Thanks for reading this far...

Hugs and kisses xoxoxo

- Eden

 

 

 

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Comments (26)

  • Rachel Plesko
    Rachel Plesko

    Sooooo wonderful to hear from you and such great news!!! Big Hug!

    2 years ago · Reply
    • Eden Zasloff
      Eden Zasloff

      Thanks Rachel! A big hug right back! I hope you're doing well... xoxo

      2 years ago · Reply
  • Penny Natwick
    Penny Natwick

    So happy to share in your great news. Your attitude and drive are to be admired! Onward and upward😀

    2 years ago · Reply
    • Eden Zasloff
      Eden Zasloff

      Thanks Penny! Happy to be able to share great news! I hope you're doing well... xoxo

      2 years ago · Reply
  • Debbie Rootberg
    Debbie Rootberg

    Eden, Such wonderful news for you and your family. Your strength and positive attitude is such an inspiration. Sending love Debbie Rootberg (Dauer)

    2 years ago · Reply
    • Eden Zasloff
      Eden Zasloff

      Mrs Rootberg (Dauer)-thanks for keeping up on my journey! Lets set some time on the calendar to get together when I'm in town! Will DM you on FB. xoxo

      2 years ago · Reply
  • Dan Zasloff
    Dan Zasloff

    That’s my girl

    2 years ago · Reply
  • Natalie Dobson
    Natalie Dobson

    Reading this made my day Eden! So happy to hear you have a fun trip planned. Enjoy! You are a true inspiration!

    2 years ago · Reply
    • Eden Zasloff
      Eden Zasloff

      Hey! I'm so happy to hear that. Thanks for saying that! I hope you're doing well... xoxo. Let's meet up for lunch sometime soon ok?

      2 years ago · Reply
  • Bonnie Rochman
    Bonnie Rochman

    What fantastic news, Eden! So thrilled for you.

    2 years ago · Reply
    • Eden Zasloff
      Eden Zasloff

      Thanks Bonnie! xoxoxo

      2 years ago · Reply
  • Jenny
    Jenny

    Such encouraging news Eden!!! Thanks for sharing!

    2 years ago · Reply
    • Eden Zasloff
      Eden Zasloff

      Awww thanks Jenny! I LOVE sharing happy news! We all need as much happy news as we can get. I hope you're doing well! Let's meet up for coffee or a walk sometime soon! xoxoxo

      2 years ago · Reply
  • Dan Gebler
    Dan Gebler

    Hopeful hopeful news... much love from the Geblers!

    2 years ago · Reply
    • Eden Zasloff
      Eden Zasloff

      Thanks Dan! We're so thrilled! We love keeping up on your adventures! Keep those FB posts coming! Hugs to you and Kate! xoxoxo

      2 years ago · Reply
  • Kerry Eible
    Kerry Eible

    Absolutely wonderful news. I think of you often and love getting your great updates. You are such a strong women! Enjoy your trip seeing your family!

    2 years ago · Reply
    • Eden Zasloff
      Eden Zasloff

      Awww Kerry! So nice to get your message! Thanks for your encouragement-It gives me strength and motivation! I hope you're doing well and staying safe during these crazy times... xoxoxo

      2 years ago · Reply
  • ADAM CAPAGE
    ADAM CAPAGE

    Great to hear from you, Eden. We're thinking about you guys! - Adam and Dana

    2 years ago · Reply
    • Eden Zasloff
      Eden Zasloff

      Hi! We need to catch up! We miss you guys and hope you're all doing well. When Covid surges calm down and the wildfires are put out, maybe we can find a good time for you to come out to the beach house? hugs and kisses to you all...

      2 years ago · Reply
  • Suzanne Corra
    Suzanne Corra

    Eden, it’s so wonderful to hear you are doing well! Can’t believe it’s almost 20 years since I last saw you, Dan and Alina at Eric’s wedding. Hope to get a chance to see you all again(and meet Julia) soon.

    2 years ago · Reply
    • Eden Zasloff
      Eden Zasloff

      Thanks Suzanne! I appreciate you keeping up with my journey. 20 years... crazy! Open invitation to visit anytime! Or we'll plan a trip out to you? xoxo

      2 years ago · Reply
  • Diane Hague
    Diane Hague

    Hi Eden, You can't imagine how happy we are about your great news. Walking by yourself, that is a super accomplishment, plus flying by yourself. You are my inspiration, your sense of humor, your attitude about everything, never giving up. There is so much crummy things going on now in this world, reading about all your great news, just puts a smile on my face. Keep up the fantastic work, and looking forward to more exciting updates. Your South Carolina Cousins, Diane and Bob

    2 years ago · Reply
    • Eden Zasloff
      Eden Zasloff

      Hi! So so nice to see your message! I hope you are enjoying your retirement in SC and that COVID didn’t throw a wrench into your plans! We would love to see you if you have any plans to swing through our neck of the woods! Be well. Xoxoxo

      2 years ago · Reply
  • Dawn Klinghoffer
    Dawn Klinghoffer

    Thanks for sharing the excellent news Eden, and keep up the great work!!

    2 years ago · Reply
  • Julie Laxer
    Julie Laxer

    Such great news Eden! So glad to hear of your phenomenal progress and the fun things you've been doing. Thank you for the movie and book recommendations...I'll definitely check out when Harry met Minnie ;) I hope you have a fantastic trip to Chicago and I'll look forward to hearing about it in your next update. BTW, you're a wonderful writer! I always love reading your posts!

    2 years ago · Reply
    • Eden Zasloff
      Eden Zasloff

      Hi hon! So nice to see your message! OMG thanks for saying that about my writing. I am glad you're enjoying reading my posts! I hope you're doing well and up to fun things! Coming through Seattle anytime soon? I'd love to see you sometime soon. xoxoxo

      2 years ago · Reply