Communication

We had Parent Teacher conferences last week and once again discussed with the teacher our children's strength and weaknesses. Communication is key and I have to say that I appreciate the Parental Portal that lets us know what our boys grades are and what classes need a little more attention. It has been a great tool this fall.

Tom is trying to visit the Lymphedema specialist for the physical therapy once again. He will be going every Friday and see how that fits into his schedule. I believe that Tom is appreciating his slower schedule this month. Tom was the first of the boys to come down with the flu/cold. He was able to rest about 4 days before going back to work. At one time he told me it felt like he'd been hit by a bus. I know that his immunity continues to be low and that it does not take as much to slow Tom down. I also know that this is frustrating for Tom as he is not one to be down for a long period of time.

I had a conversation with the nurse at the cancer center. We discussed the disconnect at their office. I believe that the conversation went well and I hope that we have cleared up any issues. We will need to make sure that going forward everything is clear with this office. However, time will tell if we are all on the same page. Tom will be getting poked next week to see where all his levels are at. I am hoping that they are stable and there is not another big jump in Calcitonin levels. Tom will need to make an appointment one week from his blood work date to see Dr. Campbell and get the results. Communication is the key in working with the different offices.

I am doing a study and presentation this fall on Hope. It comes from the book called The Anatomy of Hope. It is a great book that a friend gave me to read about 2 years ago. Many of the writings stuck with me throughout these years and I thought it was appropriate for my Holistic Healthy class. It brings to light again the mysterious affect that Hope (and in my opinion faith) has on a person's outlook when encountering a serious disease. It also brings back to mind readings of hope and faith from the Bible. I have read this before and I love what Jeremiah wrote in Lamentations 3:21-23
"Yet there is one ray of hope: his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his loving kindness begins afresh each day."

I continue to communicate with my God daily. He is my Hope. Amen