An Anchor in Glory

Hello All,
I've written a quick update to let you know Mama’s appointments went well yesterday… You may remember the immunotherapy drug Herceptin she is still receiving negatively effects the heart to varying degrees. We learned yesterday Mama’s heart is still holding out at an ejection fraction of 62%! It is falling steadily; she was at 70% before treatment, then 65% a few months ago, but they aren't concerned until it drops to 55%. We also learned some side effects, like dizziness, can be a result of this drug and not necessarily a symptom indicating anything else is wrong. They are always careful you know, and order an MRI if anything gets worse, even sometimes just for peace of mind I think, :o) but ultimately we know our times are in God’s hands.
Mama is so thankful and excited the cording in her arm is changing and improving! The pain is less in her arm and more in her hand but overall reduced. Over the last five days, she has developed some lymphedema in her arm and primarily her hand. And I won’t tell you if she did anything in the garden or kitchen to cause it because she has been sufficiently admonished on the subject! :o) It is still quite minimal but we were equipped with all sorts of wraps and gloves and sleeves in the lymphedema clinic yesterday. This morning Mama’s hand was almost normal when she took them off so we’re hoping and praying they work well to correct whatever is wrong. So there's a nuts and bolts update on how Mama is doing. :o)
I am happy to report Grandma, Mama’s mother, is a little better. Her breathing is pretty well stabilized and she is in cheerful spirits. We are praying the doctors have wisdom in knowing how to treat various complications. At home we are all on call to run out and plant onions, potatoes, broccoli and all the other cool-season crops as soon as the rain stops and sun and wind dry out the soil for a few hours! Garrison presented a rousing speech for MCCL on Sunday and we are all working hard this week to finish winter projects before they are set aside for the labor of Summer and tangible productivity. May your week be a blessed harmony of industry and rest.