Hi everyone,

Sorry we haven't posted any updates recently, but my mom is doing well and keeping in good spirits. She is currently staying with her sister Sally at an AirBnB in my neighborhood, which has been really helpful. Sally has been taking good care of her, making sure she gets out for walks and cooking her (and us) tasty meals - thank you Sally!

My mom has had some neck pain and stiffness, as expected after major spine surgery, but she is managing it with painkillers. She is still using oxygen at night, but we are hoping to get a consultation with a sleep specialist after she gets out of the neck brace to get her evaluated for sleep apnea. They can't do the evaluation as long as she's in the neck brace, at least for another five weeks or so. Fortunately, she can take the neck brace off when she's sitting, for meals, etc. And she can wear a "soft" collar at night for sleeping, although it's "not soft," she says.

Overall, my mom has been keeping her sense of humor, enjoying the spring weather in Brooklyn and spending time with me, Sally and my husband Jamie (Milo returned to Tacoma last week). She will no doubt have more to say once she's feeling up for writing some updates, but for now, she's in good hands and we appreciate all of the love and support you have all been sending in various ways!

Aloha,
Tanya