Apologies for neglecting the blog for so long.  It was not due to poor health – although the usual ups and downs – but due to a backlog of legal and financial duties that needed attention.  I’m not sure if it’s the chemo, the cancer or an aging memory that has also caused me to ‘forget’ a few promises as well.
Since I last made a medical entry I had a swallowing difficulty that ‘came and went’ with both liquid and solids but caused me concern around the windpipe/esophagus.  Fortunately, it has gradually become less frequent and the doc is not worried. Last Wednesday I had a pulmonology appointment with the usual spirometry test. A shock to put it mildly. As I was blowing into the device I got the most excruciating pain in my back (lung), and on the third try it happened again. Very painful.  Never had this happen before in all the years I’ve done it. The doctor was not concerned, merely said we don’t need to do it again, but reported that my numbers were better than two weeks ago (up from 44 – 55) and he is not worried. Give it time. I wish I had pursued the issue because since that time I have found myself more and more short of breath when I walk and talk, and also trying to go to sleep.  I huff and puff (!! yes, like the old bad wolf!), panting and wanting longer breaths. I see the surgeon on Tuesday morning and can see if anything pulled loose or if he finds any connection to the surgery.  He had mentioned having a 25% improvement after surgery and 5-10% each day thereafter. That hasn’t happened. If anything, I am gasping more than before.  🙁  I don’t like it.  Following that appointment Tuesday I go for my 3rd chemo infusion. I am doing really well in tolerating the chemo and eating. I sleep lots and wish for more energy but do get some evening spurts (never in the morning!) and have done better this past week which is to be expected. People say that I’m looking and doing well, and that is nice, but I’d trade that for good deep breaths any day!
Yesterday Karen took me to Blue Ridge Summit, PA to the house there since we had an appointment to update the deed and to bring back some needed items.  It was simply glorious weather and we enjoyed it all immensely.  Today was a match…. heavenly.  Both days the man who keeps up the property for me was there trimming the hedge and weeding, etc. A huge amount of work. My next door neighbor had also contributed to some weeding and trimming, showing me my climbing roses my English friends planted for me last summer – and – for the first time ever! – my peonies IN BLOOM!  I always seem to get up there when they are past full bloom.  So here are some samples of the beauty I saw:

 
 
In addition there is a kousa dogwood tree that needs some pruning! and this most exquisite Asian lily that was moved from being in the midst of five sedum to its own space. Karen agrees that the photo doesn’t do it justice; it is that glorious!  You see them in floral arrangements but so many blooms in the garden!!  With many more yet to come.  Since I have the black thumb of death with plants I feel sure that Paul is still out there working his magic!


The setting for the lilies is shown here in early spring.
Hedge is in front of house, garden on left corner.
Here is the front view of “The Summit House” (as the kids call it), built in 1909.  Behind it is the garage and workshop. My aunt and uncle owned it between 1933 and 1997 when we bought it.  Treasured memories for me since my grandparents and three aunts and uncles lived within one square block!  It is a quaint little area on the mountain with a history of huge hotels and notables who came for the summer to escape the heat and humidity of Baltimore and Washington. The old Western Maryland Railroad built “Pen-Mar Park” where there were amusements, a pavilion overlooking the Cumberland Valley, a miniature railroad, a carousel, and formal dining and dancing …. until air-conditioning suddenly brought the demise of the hotels and tourist industry.  Pen-Mar Park has been restored and features a Big Band every Sunday afternoon in the summertime. My cousin Rocky brings his band every summer which is a joy since they are super!  And on June 29 there will again be “July 4th Fireworks” nearby at Ft. Ritchie (now closed as a base). It is spectacular with lake and mountain backdrop.
Now you can see that I am more interested in Blue Ridge Summit than I am in my health!  All that is good, of course, and helps to detract me from obvious discouragement. Hope you’ve enjoyed the little Kulp travelogue!
I would be neglectful not to mention the wonderful caring people who have called, sent cards and notes, and inquired faithfully. My church group of folk who live here at Greenspring meet for dinner periodically and were most welcoming and supportive at our dinner last week. I was included at another dinner which completely slipped my mind, held by a dear friend from Pickleball.  I’d like to blame it on chemo brain, but simply hadn’t coordinated my calendar.  My cousin Tom and his wife from southern Maryland visited this afternoon … and we had occasion to get caught up a bit. Other visits are planned. I am continuing to try to have enough energy to work on the many piles of paper, computer updates and mail, and thank-yous. Very far behind. Please forgive me if you are one of those!  My prayers continue for several dear friends who have gone through deep crises of grief as well as joy … and I send my gratitude to each of you for your continued support as my body is assaulted in assorted ways. Wish me well for chemo #3!  My special thanks to Karen who has been by my side countless days and inquiring regularly. And… I eagerly anticipate David’s visit with me for several days beginning next Thursday! (The ‘whammy’ days from chemo). Love and joy to all….