Visitors On Island!

I have three daughters, ages 39 to 45. I am extremely proud of each and love them all dearly. I have been blessed with a visit from my oldest, Becky. She and her husband will be staying here on the island for 9 days. This will be the first time the two of them have ever gone on vacation alone without their children. Their daughter is now almost 22 and is taking care of her brother, age 14.

I’m going to try to give you a quick look into the last 5 years of Becky’s life, so you will understand the importance of this trip.

Becky was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003.

Chemo treatments, mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, radiation.

Tested Lymph nodes had cancer cells; more chemo drugs came and went. She continued working through much of that.

Went back to work, but couldn’t handle the physically challenging job.

Found the perfect job, staying in a house 3 nights a week with 4 mentally challenged ladies. She quickly grew to love this job and her ladies.

2005 brought spots on a rib, radiation and surgery. Only off work for surgery and the recovery.

2006 terrible pain from degenerating disks, requiring neck surgery. Only off work for surgery and recovery.

2008, lesions on her brain, radiation treatments and new chemo drug.
The bad news for her was that she had to give up the job she loved, and was not able to drive anymore because of seizures.

3 months later, horrible pain in a leg. Tests showed two large tumors in the bone and spots on her pelvis. Radiation on both areas.

Through all of that she remained strong, and did not complain. She didn’t really get sick from the treatments, just very tired, until the last round of radiation, which did make her sick and by the end of the treatments had her completely down. She had IV treatments each day for a week to help build her strength up again.

After that she said she was good to go. But, the doctors have said that all of these treatments have taken quite toll on her body. Her spine is in really bad shape now and causes her much pain. She also shakes constantly and that makes it difficult for her to handle dressing herself or eating. A while back, she was diagnosed with Parkinsons, Now they are saying that the trembling could be caused from nerve damage. But, she has a smile on her face as she teases us saying that God let her do this because the rest of us, her sisters and I wouldn’t be able to handle it. :-) Sad thing is, she’s probably right about that. :-) I know that I could never be as brave and non-complaining as she is.

Now for some ‘GOOD’ news.

The tests show that the treatments have taken care of the troubled areas. Another wonderful thing is that she has a husband who is a saint. He has nearly become a pharmacist dispensing all of her meds and keeping up with everything else, as well. He is constantly by her side.

Some of my dear friends offered them the opportunity to stay in one of their condos located on the beach. This is truly a wonderful gift, as they have never seen or met Becky and her husband.

Another kind person happened to have been one of Becky’s nurses. She also did something remarkable. She and her husband bought airline tickets for their travel from Indianapolis to Ft Myers, plus provided them with even more to help with expenses. That was the third time this nurse had given them a gift from her heart. She had never seen Becky before a four day stay in the hospital, where she worked. After that short stay, she kept checking on her by telephone, sending her little surprise gifts in the mail, and by going to see her when she went back to the hospital for the radiation treatments.

I think these folks should have a “Kind Person” award of some kind.

I had a fun time stocking the kitchen with food and goodies before their arrival. I am letting them have their space and have told them to do whatever they want to. I’ll be there when they want company or need something.

This is a much needed getaway for them and they have been enjoying themselves since they arrived Monday morning. They were treated to a nice welcome to the island dinner at the Timbers Restaurant that evening by another special person.

Today was sunny and warm, so they really enjoyed some time on the beach and at the pool. Tonight they were treated to dinner at the Island Cow and we had a fun time there. Becky was laughing at the restrooms labeled as 'Bulls' and 'Heiffers' and said she's never seen any of those before. :-)

I’ll keep you posted on the island fun.