Dr. Ryan is back

On Tuesday, Mom had her first follow-up visit with Dr. Ryan after his return from vacation.  The appointment was to check the fistula and see how she was doing in general.  She had a nice visit with him.  He was pleased with her progress, despite the minor set back of the leak.

He advised her to be patient for the healing to occur.  Her dosage for the thyroid has been increased again.  Hopefully this will aid in her healing process as well.

She can begin physical therapy when she feels ready.  She will resume with the P.T.'s at Synergy and we will continue to go down to UCSF for bi-weekly check-ups with Dr. Ryan.

Dr. Ryan and Mom, Tuesday 9/13

Today, she is playing bridge at Mrs. Kerr's house here in Napa.  This is the second time this week she has gone "out" for bridge.  Today is her Thursday group.  It's just wonderful that Mom is well enough to do this again!!

Last weekend, she began working on her pins for upcoming holidays.  Halloween is next - so we can expect pumpkin pins!!

Making pumpkin pins and watching Nascar

Another thing Mom is getting good at is talking on the telephone.  She is able to initiate outgoing calls utilizing her computer and a speaker phone.  She is becoming quite adept at using a program called Etriloquist.  It is a text to speech program that translates words she types into the computer - to speech.

So if you get a call ..... the voice may not sound like Mom .... but she will identify herself by saying "Hi, this is Mary!"

Sisters!

Over the holiday weekend, Mom and two of her sisters went out for a relaxing pedicure.

Sr. Anne, Jean and Mom

She had another visit with Dr. Wang on Tuesday to check the fistula.  He observed that it continues to slowly heal.  We go back next Tuesday to see Dr. Ryan.   He is returning from a two months vacation!  She is looking forward to seeing him and having him see how well she has recovered from the surgery.  I know he will be very proud of her!

Enjoying the Labor Day Weekend

Mom has been enjoying the holiday weekend so far.  She took a nice long walk ALL the way around Seneca!  Also, she has been catching up on potting some plants.  She has such a green thumb, she can take a slip from anything and turn it into a thriving plant.  We have all been the fortunate recipients of her talents.

Out for a walk around the block

Potting plants

I am reporting to you remotely from Truckee.  Tim and I are spending some time at the cabin this week for a much needed rest - (thank you Margaret for covering for me!).  We come up here every summer, and each summer Mom joins us on our vacation.  We miss her very, very much!  We expect she will be with us next summer!!  Here are some fun pictures from previous trips

Mending - she always has EVERYTHING we need!

Chillin on the deck

Relaxing and reading

Keeping things neat and tidy

Target practice - is she awesome, or what?

Over the years, we have had so much fun - listening to all her stories, learning the right way to respect the cabin and just how to have a great time and enjoy ourselves - THANK YOU MOM - WE MISS YOU THIS YEAR - BUT NEXT YEAR WILL BE GREAT HAVING YOU BACK WITH US.

Have a safe holiday everyone!

Pattie