April 7, 2015

We have had a busy week, filed with steady progress, love from friends and family, and some milestones.  Marjie, Becky, and Scott are enjoying speech therapy- which is not as much "speech" therapy as cognitive work, or "brain exercise".  This includes reading out loud and work on comprehension, plus logic puzzles and sudoku puzzles.  Scott and Becky may be enjoying the math and logic puzzles more than Marjie (she prefers history), but the mental calisthenics have been good for all of us.    During Occupational Therapy, Marjie continues to work very hard to regain use of her left arm and hand.  She is gaining strength each week and has been working on moving the arm out, and turning her hand over.  During dinner blessing, Marjie was able to grab a hold and squeeze Scott's hand (causing some joyful tears from both).  Physical Therapy sessions continue to work on fine-tuning use of her left leg and bending at the knee.

In addition to scheduled therapy sessions, Marjie has joined the Sugarhouse Therapy "wellness gym", She and Scott are able to practice what we have learned from our therapists.  She has been concentrating on strengthening, walking, and shifting weight to the left side of her body during these extra practice sessions.

We are half way through chemo and radiation.  Unfortunately, Marjie has been losing hair due to radiation, and she is now starting to wear the nice scarfs and hats that have been thoughtfully sent to her. 

We had wonderful visits this week from one of Marjie's students/cross-country runners, Hannah, and her step-mother, Whitney, and from our sister-in-law, Alethia, and niece, Camille.   

Easter Sunday was extra special for our family.  Not only did we celebrate Easter, but it was also Becky's 30th birthday!  Our son, Dave, and granddaughter, Claire made a surprise visit from north Idaho to help Becky celebrate her birthday.  Becky has a fondness for Holstein Cows (she thinks they are cute, and she loves milk), and we had a "cow" theme for the celebration.  Matthew cooked a delicious turkey, and made Becky's favorite dessert (Boston Cream Pie).

We once again want to thank everyone for their continued love, prayers, good wishes, and support.  Becky and Matthew's mail man has never worked so hard.  We end this week's entry with a picture of our family that gathered for Becky's birthday celebration.