WE ARE DONE!

Okay, so I'm running a little behind, since Mom's last treatment was more than two weeks ago...but we're still just as excited! After a whole summer of treatments, Mom can finally focus solely on getting better--which takes a lot of work! Best part? We don't have an appointment with the doctor until NOVEMBER! We love Dr. Whisenant...we just don't really want to see him so often.

The treatment went off without a hitch. First, we met with Dr. Whisenant. He was very encouraging, but realistic. He said she probably won't start feeling much better for a couple of months, and won't be able to say she feels "back to normal" until next summer. So it's not like we're actually done--but we're getting there. One of the hardest things for Mom during this whole ordeal was making herself go back for a treatment, when she usually felt pretty well by the time another treatment came around. Who goes to the doctor when they're feeling well, just so they can feel crappy for a couple of weeks? It doesn't make sense. So, although we're still in for some hard days, at least we'll be making upward progress, even if it's just a little bit at a time.

There's a "last treatment" bell at the clinic that you get to ring on your way out of your last treatment. (Okay, that was probably self-explanatory...) During treatment #5 (second to last), there were a couple of timid bell ringers. Mom said then that she was going to ring that bell with some enthusiasm when her turn came, and she did! Here's a shot of the occasion. It was a happy one!

This last weekend, Mom, Nick, and I took a little trip up to stay in my grandparent's time share in Island Park, Idaho. We spent a day in Yellowstone, hiked to Mesa Falls, and did a lot of relaxing. It was really great for all of us to have some time to relax and enjoy ourselves after a stressful summer, and before a stressful school year starts! 

 

One last thing, and then I swear, I'm done. :) This morning we REACHED OUR FUNDRAISING GOAL!!! Thank you all so much for your help in achieving the goals we set for ourselves this summer. We are so grateful for all of the love, support, and friendship you've shown. We love you!